Last week’s news regarding a Morton volunteer firefighter’s arrest for arson was certainly a surprise to many in the community.
Undoubtedly, the story brought the Morton Fire Department to the forefront on a day the rest of the nation was honoring members of public safety for their sacrifices in memory of the Sept. 11 attacks.
The news was particularly shocking to members of the volunteer Morton Fire Department. They may be more curious about their fellow firefighter than the general public is about Timothy Perry.
But, these firefighters have worked alongside Perry for the past year and a half.
Fire chief Joe Kelley maintains there were no warning signs prior to Perry’s alleged actions. And, for the volunteer firefighters, they might be asking themselves a number of questions.
The unfortunate thing is, however, such news could inadvertently create a negative image of the Morton Fire Department.
Should anybody be thinking anything poorly of the men and women who volunteer their time and lives to protect our own? Absolutely not, and here is why.
The four blazes were allegedly started by a man holding the hose behind them. It was Perry’s fellow firefighters who had to risk injury to extinguish the fires that he reportedly set. Should there be any criticism of the department, it should not fall on volunteers’ shoulders.
Shortly after the story of the arrest was published on mortontimesnews.com, a reader named “mortoncitizen” left this comment:
“As a long-time Morton resident, I am surprised to hear of this news. I know a few of the individuals from the Morton Fire Department and I have much respect for them and what they do. I am glad to see that nobody was hurt amidst these incidents. I would encourage the people of the fire department, whom take many risks on a regular basis, to stay strong in this discouraging time. We love you men and women of the Morton Fire Department.”
Undoubtedly, some members of the department might feel guilt. There was no better time for such sentiment to be displayed. This comment was more than an anonymous reader’s message — it was a necessary plea to the firefighters not to blame themselves.
Hopefully, they will carry this message with them as this incident unfolds.
