Fallen But Not Forgotten

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How many times have you cursed someone out while driving in the past month? Gotten mad at a co-worker for leaving the lid up on the copy machine? I’ve done it. And I recently put a hard stop to that behavior.

Exactly three weeks ago today, my close friend's little brother was shot and killed in the line of duty. I am sure most of you saw the coverage on the news, as he was the first firefighter in the United States to ever be killed by a sniper. Ryan Hummert, just 22 years old and a few months shy of his first anniversary with the Maplewood Fire Department, was just trying to put out his very first official fire.

I watched a near picture-perfect family collapse in mourning. I watched Ryan's friends grieve and long for him like something I've never seen. The support from firefighters (some came from thousands of miles away) was overwhelming, yet beautiful. Being the great person he was, he had earned the respect of firefighters as far as New York.

Ryan was an amazing young man. Always cool, calm and collected, he was the apple in the eye of many and lived his life to the fullest. He was someone that would have never lost his cool over a paper jam.

The local support for the Hummert family has been nothing short of extraordinary. Friends, family, businesses and even strangers have been unrelenting to show their support in Ryan’s memory.

In just the past few weeks, Stone Spiral, Double D Lounge and Helen Fitzgerald’s are just some of the businesses that have held special events to help raise money for Backstoppers (an organization who helps the families of police officers and firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice) in honor of Ryan. 

Fundraisers and benefits are continuing throughout the month of August to benefit Backstoppers in memory of Ryan. 

Friends of Ryan have also set up a scholarship in his name. 100% of the donations will be used for a scholarship and memorial. To date, they raised over $10,000 for the fund.

As a personal friend of the Hummert family, I know they appreciate every thought, contribution and sign of support. It is a great comfort to the family and friends knowing that his life and career are being celebrated and preserved through these events and memorials.

Talking the past few weeks over with my friend Ashley (Ryan's sister) has brought a sense of clarity from such a senseless situation. Ryan was balls-to-the-walls when it came to life. He worked hard and partied even harder. Even though he only had 22 years, it is absolutely incredible what he accomplished in that time.

Everyday since the shooting I hear Ashley's voice in my mind and think about what she told me the day he passed away.

 "I tell you what. I'm going to live my life differently now. No more sweating the small stuff."

She's on the money with that one.

I think the best way to close this chapter and start a new in honor of Ryan is to follow a great Chinese proverb: Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think.

To learn more about who Ryan Hummert was and visit a site dedicated to his life, click here.