Firefighter John Russell drowned during an attempt to rescue two occupants of a capsized raft at the Rockbottom dam on the Susquehanna River. Two other firefighters were rescued after the fire rescue boat flipped over. Chief John Cox and Captain John McGeever drowned the next day.
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DAD
I stood there days away from turning 3
I heard the words spoken …:my Dad was taken from me
I didn’t have a chance to know him
I would never have memories of my own
He died a hero…I guess that’s all I really need to know
He gave his life to save two others
He left behind me, my sister, and brother
A proud firefighter who faced real fear
Because of him so many more are still here
From his death change was created
Birthing new ways to save lives…maybe this was fated
I carry in me so much pride
But also pain because he died
Life for me was turned upside down
When this hero, my father, tragically drowned
This loss still echos deep inside
I still haven’t recovered even though I’ve tried
Again let me say…I’m so proud of you
And in case I never said it…I love you
Matthew C. Russell
– Matthew C. Russell