July 9th, 2014
Today in the news, tensions escalated along the Gaza strip in the aftermath of the tragic deaths of four teenagers, Brazil was still in shock after losing to Germany 7-1 in the World Cup semi-finals, former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was sentenced to 10 years in prison for corruption, and Citigroup is expected to pay $7,000,000,000 (yes, billion) to settle allegations that it sold substandard mortgages before the 2008 crisis.
Amid all those big world issues, one man from a small town in America made his own mark in history. Maybe not newsworthy enough to make the evening news but historic nonetheless. Today, Roselle Park resident Bobby Brennan got the results back from his Entry-Level Firefighter’s Exam. He passed. Officially, today Bobby realized the dream he has had all his life – to become what he was already in his heart.
A firefighter.
Fireman Bobby Brennan.
The final stage to get to today was a four-month process from February 25th to June 25th at the Middlesex County Fire Academy. Through all the hard work and hours of studying, Bobby held on to his motto – Never give up on your dream.
Today his dream became a reality and one of Roselle Park’s own will step into the future of his life and, literally, the lives of others with the foundation of his family and hometown beating in his heart. Knowing full well that more than one of his tomorrows will have him entering the darkness of unbearable heat to salvage property and save lives, Bobby will be ready for it. He recalls a quote from legendary NYFD Fire Chief Edward F. Crocker that he now fully understands:
“When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work.”
So, ladies and gentleman, without further ado, a round of congratulations to firefighter Bobby Brennan. Bestowed on this day . . .
July 9th, 2014