Submitted by: Wayne Burke

Hey Dave… Here’s a story with a different twist for you… Firstly, I’ve never considered myself a hero, and all I did as an RCMP officer for 26 1/2 years across this great country of ours, was my job, and what I was trained to do… However, I still thought you might enjoy this “read”, as it means a lot to me…

As a policeman, fireman, etc., in most cases, we really never know if or how we may have positively affected the lives of those we encounter during our careers… As a “First Responder”, it’s almost like the “Hit & Run” syndrome, where you do what you have to do, and then there’s a good chance you may never see that person(s) again in your life… Well, just the opposite happen to me one day, and it touched me like I had never been touched in my career…

I spent 10 years posted in Newfoundland (1988 – 1998…), and in 1998, was transferred to St. George, NB… From 1988 to 1991, I was posted in the small town of Springdale, about an hour west of Grand Falls, NF…

Shortly after moving to St. George, NB, one day I was working and found myself in the local bank, dressed in uniform… All of a sudden I felt a tap on my shoulder… I turned and looked, and there was a young man standing there… He was in his mid 20’s, and I KNEW the face was familiar to me…

Hello Cst. Burke he said… I quickly replied, “I know your face, but can’t put a name to it right now”… My name is ****** and I’m from Kingspoint, NF… Kingspoint being a small village near Springdale… Yes, I said, now I remember you, although it was vague in my mind at the time… “What brings you to St. George” I asked… “Well, you’re partially responsible” he answered… Of course I was perplexed by his answer… “How so” I asked… He went on to explain, and I think I began to “well up” as he reached the end of his story…

“Do you recall the time you charged me with assault in Springdale??? I was at a high school dance, had gotten into a fight, and hung a pretty good licken on the guy” he said in his Newfoundland accent… “And up to that point, you had also charged me a few times for driving recklessly around the area”… “Well, the night of the assault, you took me to your office, and gave me the best fatherly lecture I’d ever received… You told me that it was time for me to grow up, and start to realize that if I didn’t change, I wasn’t going to amount to anything in life”… And he went on to explain that in great detail…

He added; “You drove me home later that night, and for the next few weeks, I started to think and realize that you were absolutely right… That if I didn’t make some drastic changes in my lifestyle, stop all the partying and foolishness, I was going to amount to nothing and be a nobody… So I made a decision that it was time to change… Today, I’m a licensed commercial diver, I work on a large Salmon compound just outside of St. George, and I’m married to a great gal and have one child… And as far as I’m concerned, I owe a good portion of my success to you, and that talk you gave me that night”…

Like I said, I began to tear up, and could hardly speak… We chatted a little longer, each did our banking business, shook hands and went on our way… I continued to encounter the young man in my travels and duties in the St. George area, and saw that he is in fact a fine young man with a great career and a great family…

This may be one of the few or only incidents or times in my career, when I actually got to witness that I had in fact had a positive influence on another human being, and maybe helped make their life a little bit better… I don’t get the opportunity to share this story very often, or with many folks, so I guess I’m taking advantage of your contest to do just that, ha!!!

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Like I said, I don’t consider myself a hero for this, or any other of the countless endeavors I took on during my long career, but I thought you might enjoy my story… That aside, and having been there once before, I’d also LOVE to win the trip to Punta Cana, ha!!! And as per the chat we had back stage in Charlottetown this summer Dave, good luck with the Caribbean shows, and your career… All your ongoing success is the fruit of your hard work over the years, and couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy… Cheers…

Wayne…

Submitted by: Matthew Landry

I have been in the service for over eight and half years. I, like all first responders should hear this excellent song and video.

Submitted by: Donna Noble

On April 9, 2008 my life was changed forever when my only child, my daughter Jennifer (Jenny), was killed in a school bus/gravel truck accident at the age of 17 (2 months short of graduation).

Upon arrival to work that morning at the Fire Department (Secretary, Fire Prevention Coordinator and as required, Firefighter) I learned of the accident. Call it mother’s intuition, but right away I knew it was her bus and that she was gone from me (us) forever. Jenny was like a daughter to most of the members. She was actively involved in the fire department including community functions and fire practices. She looked forwarding to spending time at the hall whether it was just at my desk or sitting in on discussions.  The purpose/impact that emergency services do to the community became more in perspective.

Just over a month after Jenny’s accident I went back as an active member on the fire trucks believing that I couldn’t help her but maybe I can help someone else.  As the Fire Prevention Coordinator I speak to between 600 – 800 students in any given year. In my heart I believe something good will come out of this tragedy – it just may take time. If I can help someone through my work, her death was not in vain. She will live on in everyone who knew her or hear her story.

The days since have been challenging, however, it is because of the support of this and surrounding volunteer fire departments (as well as RCMP and Ambulance Service), I am able to continue doing what I love and I know she was proud of. Your video definitely has done it justice. It touches my hear every time I watch it. Thank you for all you have done and to the members of Emergency Services everywhere, people just like you and I, who are there for those who need help, including their own.

Submitted by: Nevin Coulstring

Everyday Heroes is such a true statement, and I have a best friend that is the president of the Enfield Volunteer fire dept. The stories he shared with me and acts of heroism of his fellow first responders lead me to ask one question. Why? Why would you want to put your self in harms way, or experience the sight and sounds of others suffering. His reply was to give hope and make a difference. And as I was about to ask what he gets out of it he says. ” No drug or substance in the world can give you the spiritual warmth in side your heart when you accomplish the task of saving lives. Not always successful but with training and the ability we do make a difference. I salute you John Mettam, if my health had been different I would likely stand along side with you.

I am proud of you all, and I salute you all.

Nevin Coulstring