An ironic clarification - In reference to an article in the Dec. 13 issue of the Times-Union, by staff writer Mr. Daniel Riordan.
First, to the Drake family, I am truly sorry and deeply saddened about the loss of your home to fire. I am thankful that our community bands together to help those in need, as quickly as I have seen this weekend.
For their help, I would like to thank the Claypool, Burket and Sidney Volunteer Fire Dept, the Warsaw Fire Dept., the SLPD, Claypool P.D, Multi-township EMS, the Kosciusko County Dispatch, the American Red Cross and especially the first county officer on scene. I am sorry I don't know your name.
However, to Mr. Daniel Riordan, staff writer of the Times-Union, ironically we are not at the station 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Just for the record, the first emergency responder was on scene in approximately 90 seconds. I was the second responder on scene in approximately 2-1/2 - 3 minutes. Ironically, a very respectable response time nationwide, be it paid or volunteer staff.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, such as how long the fire had been burning when we were summoned, the wind and other factors, the house was a total loss. As I was there firsthand (ironically arriving on scene within 2-1/2-3 minutes, as stated before) and kicking the front door in, I can tell you that the house was already heavily engulfed in fire and smoke. I thank our good Lord that Mrs. Drake was pulled to safety through a window by Silver Lake and Claypool police department officers.
Ironically, with 17 years of being a volunteer fire fighter, it offends me when we are trying to help our fellow man, protecting and serving to save lives and property, to turn around and get a kick in the teeth - especially by the media. If you think I'm the only one of the Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Dept. that is a little irked, to put it mildly, you are sorely mistaken. Ironically, many people have inspired this letter. Now with all this being said, Mr. Daniel Riordan, I don't want an apology, but what I want is for you to be careful and choose your words wisely regarding stories involving emergency responders. Whether a paid or volunteer staff, be it police, fire or EMS, we bust our butts to help people in need and ironically don't take kindly to getting kicked in the teeth.
If you have any questions or comments about this letter, Mr. Riordan, please feel free to contact me at 574-551-8688 and, ironically, I'll be glad to discuss this with you personally.
Rob Clark
17-year member
Captain-Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Dept.Editor's Note: Staff Writer Dan Riordan and the Times-Union certainly meant no disrespect to firefighters when pointing out the irony of a house next door to a fire station catching fire. If offense was taken, please accept our apology.
