STORM2K

My dearest friends, it's with a heavy heart and a tear in my eye that I post this, my friend, a Hero to all in the White Mountains was called home just a few short hours ago. Rick Lupe passed away at 0915 this morning from complications from 2nd and 3rd degree burns suffered while on a control burn. Pretty ironic.......this, the second day of the first anniversary of Rodeo Chediski Complex Fire, he was called home. His heroic efforts and hard work saved my home and the homes of 50,000+ residents of the White Mountains. Rick, like myself, had a true, deep passion for his homeland, the mountains.......I remeber growing up that's all he could talk about, being the BEST wildland firefighter that the White Mountain Apache Tribe had ever seen........he reached that goal, he WAS the elite of the elite Fort Apache Hot Shots. He worked 28 days straight, 20 hour days during the entire Rodeo Chediski Fire. He was the FMO (Fire Managment Officer) for the WMAT Foresty Division.

Rick....your job here on earth is done Sir, you saved my home with never ending dedication to God and your homeland, it's time to stand down, lay down your tools, lay down your chainsaw, rest......rest in the arms of our Heavenly Father, sit under that pine tree and gaze at the Glory of Heaven, your just reward for putting yourself below others and making the ultimate sacrifice, putting us before yourself.......Stand Down Wild Land Fire Fighter, rest in Peace my Brother, rest in peace.

Dennis

How sad for you and all who knew him. I remember when you posted about him getting burned. Looks like God decided he needed a firefighter in heaven.! Rest in peace Rick!

I remember you talking about him. At least know that he is no longer suffering. He has truly passed through God's gates for he was a true hero!! He was an angel among us.

I'm so sorry Dennis. God has a special place in His Heavenly Kingdom for Rick and other heroes who put their lives on the line serving their community and country. "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." 1 John 3:16

I'm sorry for the loss Dennis. His heroic name was called...and served the public like he was told to do.

Dennis, I'm also very sorry to hear about the loss. He indeed served the public well.

Dennis... I too am sorry to hear about your loss. Rest in comfort at the fact that he is in place where there is no pain and suffering. Also, take comfort in your memories of him and what he loved to do.

Oh Dennis, my heart is heavy with your grief. God has called and Rick has answered. Walk in faith and know that your friend his with God. There are very few words of comfort in times like this but your words are so eloquent and love-filled. We are with you my friend!

Your friend in Christ,
Sandi

Dennis - so sorry for your loss. I'll keep him in my prayers. How very sad.

Thank you so very much, these kinds words.....you have no idea how much they help! Yes indeed, he wore his uniform with pride and honor, he was a man of tremendous courage, he would stare into a fire with a fire in his eyes and say, "This is MY fire and it's done with!"

Isobar.......I have no words in response to yours, Thank You!

Dennis

I am so sorry to hear about your friend Rick, Dennis! What a lovely prayer that you offered on his behalf. He's not suffering anymore and I'm sure that he'll be watching over you and his beloved White Mountains!

Sorry to hear the news Dennis.

Losing someone in the line of duty, though, is a tribute to a life well spent...however short.

Over the last couple of years, people have become not only more aware of police and fire fighters in our cities, but also those whose challenge is not only the wildfire, but also the elements around them.

You can stand taller, sir, for having known of his commitment to his craft.

Amen and may God bless his soul and family.

I'm sorry you lost your friend Dennis but have faith and know that he is in a better place now. I have so much respect and admiration for people who put their lives on the line for others. Unlike athletes, etc. Rick is a true hero.

The passing of Rick, the destruction of SummerHaven near Tucson by fire, forecast winds in excess of 40 MPH tomorrow, my God.......such a tragic day all around.

Dennis

God never sends us more than we can handle. Hang in there bro.

Here's a link to a story in the Az. Republic about Rick, sorry, I posted the wrong time on his untimely death, he left us at 0850 MST.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/ ... bit20.html

Dennis

God bless you and may your faith remain as strong as ever. You are blessed to have known a man of honor and worhty of his fellow man's admiration and respect.

I wasn't around much yesterday afternoon and evening as you probably noticed, we had the 1st anniversary party to attend.

What should have been a celebration of renewal, hope turned into a VERY moving, a VERY fitting Memorial Service for Mr. Rick Lupe. A total of 1200 people in attendance to celebrate the life and give thanks to heros in Blue. It started at 1000 hrs and lasted well past 1700 hrs, the Gov of Az was the keynote speaker, praising Rick for his heroic actions that saved the White Mountains, Gov Jannet Napalatono (sp....I can never spell her name right!) made a proclamation that the day of 19 June will be held up with honor from this day forward in memory of Rick Lupe, she presented his widow and children with the U.S. Flag that had been flown at half mast over the state capital building. This celebration of his life is JUST what this mountain needed, it has eased the racial tensions between the White Mountain Apache Tribe and the white people of the White Mountains, God is wonderful is he not???? The Larrry Humphreys Incident Command, the crew in charge of the Aspen Fire in Tucson will carry Rick on their roster for the remainder of the fire season.

A memorial service is scheduled for Weds 25 June in Whiteriver, Az with the burial to proceed. Once again.........Stand down Wildland Fire fighter, rest in peace my dear Brother.

Dennis

Dennis I am very sorry to here of your friend. He sounds like a man I wish I would have met. Because of you and your kind words he will live in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you sharing with Me and the S2K family. Is memory will live on, I believe, in all our hearts because of you.