Editor's note: Firefighter Lee's selfless act, and willingness to sacrifice his own property to mitigate the hazards posed by a burning car at the gas pumps, was certainly in keeping with the proudest traditions of the U.S. fire service.
I couldn't agree more with his statement in the news article, Trucks are replaceable, lives aren't. That includes the lives of our brother and sister firefighters...
Remember that whether you are on-duty: with the benefits of full personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus , and a properly-equipped and staffed engine company; or off-duty — with nothing more than your training, experience, and critical thinking skills — your personal safety must always come first! (I hope Mike is successful in getting his truck replaced...)
Chief Adam K. Thiel, FireRescue1 Editorial Advisor
JACKSON, Miss. — A Mississippi volunteer firefighter lost his personal vehicle while saving a gas station.
Star Firefighter Mike Lee used his truck to push a burning car away from gas pumps on Saturday, according to WLBT.
His truck was destroyed when it stalled and caught fire in the process of pushing the car.
Firefighter Lee told the local news station that he has no regrets and would do it all again.
"I didn't want the station to blow up. We would have had a big problem then," he said. "Trucks are replaceable, lives aren't."
Firefighter Lee and his wife have been volunteer firefighters for almost two years.
Members of the Star Fire Department are asking for donations to help Firefighter Lee get a new truck.
Donations can be sent to the Star Fire Department, in care of Mike Lee, P.O. Box 70, Star, Mississippi 39167.
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