I am grateful to you for taking the time to allow me to share with you this story…Ben’s story. 

On October 2, 1981, Benjamin Matthew Lang was born into this world.  Those of you reading this who are already parents know the joy and pride one feels at the birth of their child.  God had allowed me a little piece of heaven and I was thrilled.  I watched my son grow from that tiny helpless infant to a strong confident young man it seems like over night. 

I remember the day Ben and I talked about his interest in firefighting.  I could see in his eyes the excitement and hear the determination in his voice as we discussed his plans to pursue the path he had chosen for himself.  When he finished high school he went right into training to become what he wanted to be most of all…a Firefighter.  Again, I watched with pride as he followed that path.  I listened as he told me stories of his adventures, about the friends he made and the people he met. He had obtained his EMT certification and was going back to school to become a paramedic. He bought a home and settled into his new found life…one he had created himself.   He was on his way and I knew he was doing what he wanted.

They came to tell me about the accident.  They said my son had been killed.  Words cannot express how quickly, how in an instant my life was changed forever.  I went to the crash site.  I was numb with grief and fear.  My heart was breaking and I could barely speak.  They let me see him.  I remember thinking, screaming in my mind he is only sleeping...oh God let him just be sleeping.  How beautiful…how peaceful…I took his hand and reality came crashing down on me so suddenly it took my breath away.  I knew at that terrible moment my son…my strong, innocent, wonderful son was gone.

Please read the attached article from the Firehouse Magazine.  Ben’s death has been the most difficult experience I have ever had to face.  My journey to pick up the pieces has been long and painful.

This article was written to raise awareness. If one life can be saved, one mother spared the horror of losing a child, well then; at least all of this...  would have some kind of meaning.  Please share this story with others.  Ask them for me to share it as well. And so on and so on... 

Like so many of you, Ben chose to put his life on the line for another.  I had accepted that.  What I cannot accept are the circumstances that led to his death. Vehicle maintenance and safety should always be top priority in every department no matter how big or small. I am in hopes that where necessary; policies and procedures might be changed, lives could be saved. I may never know but the possibility gives me comfort.

I have learned throughout my life that we all are connected.  We each affect one another, some in very profound ways and others like small whispers leading us and guiding us along our way.  As long as this story is told and re-told, as long as we learn from it… then I know Ben’s memory will carry on.  I can think of no better way to honor him.

We must be diligent and never forget that lives are on the line.  These tragedies will happen!  Perhaps, this LODD could have been prevented?  I cannot change yesterday, tomorrow however, is in all of our hands. This story did not end August 23, 2004. This story will never end as long as we remember....

"I did not know Ben but I know many young men like him who are polite, good looking, happy, probably had or wanted a pickup truck, played some sports, was willing to help any body, loved his family (especially his Mom), loved God but did not show it very often, liked to keep his vehicle washed and clean, opened the door for his girl friend, said yes sir or no sir and was a really good kid. He loved the fire service, loved the fun and the people and really did not consider it a job. I will bet he had a great attitude, had  great values, and was a good Christian.

You see I was Ben and so are so many of the people I have worked with over the years. I see it in the young people I hire today. In fact, the main attribute I want in our people today are that I want good values, good attitude, willing to help the people in our community and overall be good people. I am sure Ben was " Good People"  -  JJ McElfish,  Fire Chief

If you have anything to add to this any comment at all, please feel free to contact me.  We must pull together, share information, and persistently strive for excellence.  I am convinced all of us together can and will make a difference!