|
Sheriff Jim Ruth's weekly column. Tough times have beset Bradley Countians in the last couple weeks. First, the tragic murders of the Phillip’s couple in north Bradley County. Then, while family and friends are still mourning the loss, we are hit by 5 or 6 tornadoes that took the lives of 9 others and injured numerous others, as well. Many homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed, and 1000’s of people are without modern conveniences. Our deputies and many other emergency responders have acted heroically as they set about ministering to the many needs of hurting people. They were out doing their work even when their own families and property were in peril. Then, second wave responders turned out in droves, clearing roadways, yards, roofs and other debris laden areas. They have, also, been helping victims fix or remodel their homes. Churches and other groups have reached out lovingly to our storm victims, as well. The response has been great. Many private companies, like the Wright Brothers Construction Co., have been outstanding in their response to this disaster. The Wright Bros. brought out heavy equipment and cleared roads of large trees and other debris. As the big machines arrived, a deputy would take them to places that needed to be cleared. Then on top of that, they set up and cooked many meals for emergency workers and others. Many other companies both large and small have worked hard and long in the process to restore services or clean up. I mentioned the Wright Bros., because of the efficient manner in which they employed equipment and personnel to get the job done. Their supervisors and workers set a good example of how to move in an emergency. Other companies are appreciated for their gallant efforts, as well. During one of the tornadoes, one of our deputies was driving down the road responding to the disaster at hand. A very large tree was blown over, and it fell on the deputies’ car and destroyed it. Almost miraculously, he was not injured. Other deputies had their cars blown around while they were responding, also. I have heard a number of stories of close calls and how people escaped injury or death. These stories are no less miraculous. This series of storms last Wednesday may go down in history as the second worse in relation to damage done and lives lost. This tragic day will be talked about in the many years to come. Old timers refer back to the snow storm of 93’ or the tornadoes of 74’, and what they were doing at those times. We often use these events to mark time or to reference and era. Old Testament prophets referred to earthquakes and disasters this same way. When I worked as a detective in 1974, I remember responding to the Dockery area after the first tornado came through there and heavily damaged or destroyed many homes. While in the area I observed the second tornado come through, following Blue Springs Road and Ocoee Street as it tracked northward through town. The funnel during this time was not on the ground. When it got to the area of Bradley Memorial Hospital it touched down damaging a corner of the hospital. It proceeded to the Bowman Hills area where it damaged and destroyed many homes. Over the years I have worked a number of these disasters to include other tornadoes, along with snow and ice storms. They were all horrific, but this disaster by far has been the worst. A good many of our people are heart broken in the loss of loved ones. There are, also, homes and cherished heirlooms lost and gone forever. All of us are trying to make sense of these tragic losses. We discuss these hurts with family and friends, trying to give comfort and get it, as well. Some say that time heals all, but I don’t know about that. Maybe it will dull the sharp pain that many Bradley Countians are feeling these days. Any words spoken from the heart bring comfort I am sure. But, in times like these it seems that words, however sincere, don’t always touch the pain. I can’t say enough about our deputies, and all the other emergency responders, such as fire and rescue personnel, EMT’S, police officers, utility workers, other medical people, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and all the volunteers that have helped. They have worked around the clock trying to get to people in need, and the trees and debris in their way made the work very difficult, at least for the first few days. The response by many with chain saws, along with the churches and private companies made the work of these emergency responders easier each passing day. Their help has been much needed and appreciated. As I mentioned earlier, words are not always adequate in expressing yourself. I can’t say it with enough meaning, but I sincerely thank all of our people, along with many others that came from afar, such as utility companies, for all that you have done. --- Thank you! It is a tough time for us and for others right now. A television news clip the other night showed a house that was destroyed by a tornado in Alabama. Everything was flattened except the front door, on which someone had spray painted, "This too will pass." So it is with us. Our people will be like the mythical bird the "Phoenix." We will rise from the dust and ashes of death, destruction, loss and hopelessness and soar again. Our faith, our friendships and our ambitions will cause these dry bones of despair to catch a new vision and take on new life. It is in our DNA as human beings and as Americans. --- This native son of Bradley County, your Sheriff, will be out there with you. – I also know how to pray! Finally, I want to say it is comforting to see how this whole community has come together to get things done. This is just one more thing about Bradley County that makes it the best place in the country to live.
|
