KILGOROUND

The call came. A call that has thrown this town into shock and disbelief and a call that threw emergency teams into action far beyond the call of duty. Today, that news continues to spread across the nation of four of our beloved firefighters injured in a tragic accident, two of whom, lost their lives during a training that had been done repeatedly prior to this fateful day.

Silently, we watched from the sidelines as the area was secured. Respect for fallen comrades and professionalism took over, but the look on their faces told far more than we wanted to know. Two of the "firsts" to arrive at the scene were Officer Robert Wilkinson of the Kilgore College Police Department and Officer Dee Ann Brown of the Kilgore Police Department. They were among the firsts and among the last to leave the scene and in almost mechanical movements they continued to put their

best foot forward in gathering evidence, information and even taking a brief moment to raise a hand in acknowledgement of knowing you too, were there.

Inside, the police department, staff automatically arrived and went to their prospective places. It was there, that KPD Business Manager, Martie Monk, had to step to the door and announce an official press release would be released as soon as possible and it was there that those of the press gathered awaiting the official news.

And again, we watched as a close knit family became a well oiled machine giving the best they could to their fallen co-workers. With every movement up and down the hallway, with every phone call that came in, with pastors arriving to comfort, seasoned members of the media would glance at each other and began to dread the press release as much as those having to give it. Because then, that press release took over a far different meaning than just another story to tell…

In the meantime, firefighters, their families and friends filled the fire stations and many began to arrive from the surrounding towns to help in any capacity possible. The distraught was clearly shown upon all of their faces, but their willingness to carry on in an official capacity for their loved ones was and continues to be of utmost capacity with each and everyone.

As the days have followed since the announcement of 45- year-old Kyle Perkins of Kilgore and 28-year-old Cory Galloway of Grand Saline died in that accident, the love and the respect of their giving to our community continues. Wreaths have been placed in front of each door of the three fire stations, the city hall, and the police department by a convoy of police cars and fire trucks, respectfully. And official escorts have taken place and stand ready to continue for the last call of these two beloved firemen.

The townspeople speak of how often they saw these two in the weeks prior to the accident. May it be a comfort to his family to know of the many hearts, they have touched in their short span of life, all the while etching memories for a lifetime.

As spoken by one firefighter, "You become more than just a crew; you eat together and you sleep together and when the alarms go off the training kicks in and you become far better at what you do." It costs nothing to offer a hug or handshake to those left to carry on.

For Kyle Perkins and Cory Galloway, their job is done; the last call has been made. May they rest in peace.

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Celebrating a birthday today is Jeremy Caddell, Mary Ruth Huey, Maxine Spinks, J.B. Moody III, Julia Adams, Ann Lowrey, Georgia Manning, Mark Hickerson, Katy Cline, Mrs. Don Bone, Michelle Fette, Eddy Holley, Betty Brown, Iran Flynn, Ernie Williams, Eddie London, Michelle Garza, Kristie Parrott, Dakota Watson, Tyler Brennon Smalley, Trevieon Tinney.