Jumpline magazine January 2024 - Flipbook - Page 12
12
1403 Of昀椀cers
Claudine Buzzo
Bene昀椀ts Of昀椀cer
My experience at this
year’s Fallen Fire昀椀ghter
Memorial
The 2023
Fallen Fire Fighter
Memorial Observance
Program Booklet
This past September, I had the honor of attending the IAFF
Fallen Fire昀椀ghter Memorial in Colorado Springs, along with
Captain Michelle Steele, to represent the family of Captain Art
Alonso. The journey began when President Billy McAllister, 2nd
Vice President Lisa Bullard, Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava, Fire
Chief Raied Jadallah and Chief of Staff Erika Benitez met with
Art’s family at Miami International Airport before they took off
for Colorado. I was told by Art’s son, and I quote “That was the
most amazing thing that all of them took the time to meet us to
send us off.” There was no media present. It was nothing but
good intentions in honoring an amazing human being.
I asked the department if MDFR’s Honor Guard could attend
and without hesitation four honor guard members were approved. The union sponsored an additional member as well.
A special thanks to FF Rob Ortega, FF Jorge “Gunny” Gonzalez, FF Bryant Conto, FF Steven Colon and Chief Robin Duren
for volunteering to come to Colorado Springs and represent
through the honor guard.
I’m writing this article so that members are aware of this special day. Anyone can, and is always encouraged, to attend,
especially when one of our own is going up on the wall. I would
also like to thank Captain Jose Alfaro for presenting the family
with the 昀氀ag. MDFR retired Chief Danny Whu, who is the current IAFF Chief Medical Of昀椀cer, was also there to present the
medal to Art’s son. There was not a dry eye to be had.
January 2024 | JUMPLINE Magazine