Civic Duty and the Omidi Brothers Honor Fallen Firefighters
Beverly Hils, California (PRWEB) July 11, 2013 -- Civic Duty, a non profit charity co-founded by Dr. Michael Omidi and his brother Julian Omidi, is moved to honor the 19 firefighters who were tragically lost on Sunday, June 30, 2013 in the Yarnell Hill wildfire. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the fallen heroes were members of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshots, an elite crew of specially trained firefighters who had been tasked with saving homes in the Glen Ilah subdivision southwest of the town of Yarnell.
“These men made a commitment to put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities,” says Dr. Michael Omidi. “Civic Duty believes that such a heartbreaking loss inspires our deepest sympathy and a need to help.” Authorities believe lightning ignited the fire which grew rapidly due to hot weather and high wind conditions. While attempting to create a fuel break between the endangered homes and the advancing fire, a sudden wind shift caused the flames to swiftly overrun the Granite Mountain crew. Despite deployment of emergency fire retardant blanket shelters, the 19 firefighters were killed.
According to CNN, the Yarnell Hill fire was the deadliest day for firefighters since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. It is also the deadliest wildland fire since 1933, when 25 firefighters died near Griffith Park, California. A tribute to the firefighters outside Fire Station Number 7 in Prescott, Arizona includes flowers, flags and a copy of “The Firefighter's Prayer.” The prayer ends: "And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life, please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife." To honor the Granite Mountain 19, Civic Duty will make a donation to the Prescott Firefighter’s Charities organization to benefit the survivors and their families. Civic Duty encourages anyone who can help to also make a contribution or support your local fire department.
MORE ABOUT THE GRANITE MOUNTAIN HOTSHOTS
Granite Mountain IHC (http://www.cityofprescott.net/services/fire/hotshots/) consists of dedicated people of varying age and diverse backgrounds. Our common bond is our love of hard work and arduous adventure. We believe in rigorous physical and mental training, which allows us to perform at the optimum level in any location and under any circumstances. We are routinely exposed to extreme environmental conditions, long work hours, long travel hours and the most demanding of fireline tasks. Comforts such as beds, showers and hot meals are not always common. Problem solving, teamwork, ability to make decisions in a stressful environment and being nice are the attributes of our crew members. We are grateful for our opportunities to excel and proud to represent the citizens of the City of Prescott and the Prescott Fire Department.
MORE ABOUT PRESCOTT FIREFIGHTER’S CHARITIES
We are the official charity and community service branch of the Prescott Fire Department (http://www.prescottffcharities.org). Fire fighters are in a very unique position in that they have the ability to reach out to the people of this community in their time of need. Fire fighters naturally want to help. It’s why they chose the profession that they are in. In December of 2007, a family lost their home due to a fire. Not only did this family have to deal with the destruction of their home, but the fire occurred shortly before Christmas and all of their presents went up in flames as well. Feeling compelled to help make the best out of this devastating situation, Prescott fire fighters took donations from the public as well as donated a great deal of money and items themselves. So much was collected by Prescott fire fighters that it took four truck loads to take it all. After these experiences, it was recognized that there needed to be a group or an organization that could better provide for the needs of our community by raising funds and coordinating charitable events. Therefore in May of 2008, the Prescott Firefighters’ Charities was formed.
MORE ABOUT CIVIC DUTY
Civic Duty (http://www.civicduty.org) is dedicated to mankind’s search for meaning and promotes the values of its founders, philanthropists Julian Omidi and his brother Dr. Michael Omidi. The charity’s mission is to inspire creative outreach, community service, and volunteerism through the stories of every-day people who are making an extraordinary difference in the world. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow men.” To get involved and help make a difference, send us a message using the website’s Contact Us function. More information about Civic Duty can be found on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Twitter.
Media Relations, Civic Duty, http://www.civicduty.org, 855-330-5600, [email protected]
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