Wednesday evening, August 29, fire claimed the lives of two Boston firefighters: Jim Cahill 55, and Warren Payne 53. Payne, a 25 year veteran of the force, also happens to be black, a fact that will become relevant shortly. As is most appropriate, the loss of both men is being mourned by their peers and the community at large, at least MOST of the community. Curiously and ironically, as of the time of this post (Saturday, September 1, 2007, 9:55 am Eastern Time), The Boston Society of Vulcans website contained not a picture, a statement, or a mention (http://www.bostonvulcans.org/) of the losses. Among other objectives, the group aims to advocate on behalf of Black and Hispanic Professional Firefighters. We all know that firefighters selflessly risk their lives to save others, regardless of who the “others” are. The profession is color blind in this regard. It is therefore questionable why there should be separate advocacy groups dividing firefighters along demographic lines in the first place. Call me naive on this if you wish. However, if such an organization is to in fact exist, then the least it should do is recognize the ultimate sacrifice of one of its members. We trust this oversight will receive immediate rectification.
