My job with the Forest Service starts on Monday. I'm a Forestry Technician and Wildland Firefighter on a helicopter module of 8 people. This is my second year on helitack and I'm glad to be back.

If you've missed in the news, there have been two Forest Service helicopter crashes with fatalities in the last month. One occurred in Texas and the other in Mississippi.

As a part of a helicopter crew, these tragedies lend a solemn beginning to fire season. Not just for me, but for all fire personnel.

We know the risks.

We provide for safety at every level, but risk will never be eliminated.

We are well trained.

We are proficient in our field.

We know that the worst could happen, yet we keep going and keep serving.

Please pray for the men and women in the fire service to have a safe season as we mourn the loss of the fallen.