Finish The Shift
Incident: Canyon Complex Wildfire
Released: 8/6/2008
Finish the Shift
In the last seven years, 109 firefighters in the wildland fire community died in the line of duty. Each was a special person, important to others. Yesterday, in remembrance of these fallen brothers and sisters, the firefighters working the Canyon Complex set out to "finish the shift." On a list of the names posted at the morning briefing, firefighters signed their names beside those of the fallen, dedicating their day's work to the memory of that firefighter. In some cases, it was personal, the deceased firefighter being a friend or crew member. In others, the deceased was unknown. It didn't matter. They were all family. It is easy to wear a remembrance ribbon. Giving a name to the memory makes it personal. The firefighters of the Canyon Complex went out to finish the last shift of those who went before.
