Photo of accident scene
MARYLAND FIRE CHIEF KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY WHILE RESPONDING ON A RUN
We regret to advise you that it has been reported that Chief Charles Clough Jr. the Fire Chief of the Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 6 in Queen Annes County (Maryland) was tragically killed in the Line of Duty earlier this evening while responding on a fire call. The crash reportedly occurred approximately 8 miles northeast of Church Hill on Route 300 around 2000 Hours. We will have more details in the morning. Our sincere condolences to all affected, especially the members of SVFD and the family of Chief Clough.
Here is the company website:
111 comments:
It is very dangerous to use a light weight pick up truck as an emergency vehicle responding at a high rate of speed. I hope other departments learn from this. R.I.P. brother.
MARYLAND FIRE CHIEF KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY WHILE RESPONDING ON A RUN
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
We regret to advise you that it has been reported that Chief Charles Clough Jr. the Fire Chief of the Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 6 in Queen Annes County (Maryland) was tragically killed in the Line of Duty earlier this evening while responding on a fire call. The crash reportedly occurred approximately 8 miles northeast of Church Hill on Route 300 around 2000 Hours. We will have more details in the morning. Our sincere condolences to all affected, especially the members of SVFD and the family of Chief Clough.
Here is the company website: http://www.svfc6.com/
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends
God be with them in this time
R.I.P Brother You Will Be Missed
probably doing 100 miles an hour with his hazard lights on
our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and his fellow dept brothers who are equally affected by this loss
R.I.P Chief Charles Clough Jr. My prayers for the family, friends and co-volunteer peers. My GOD be with u all.
although I certainly do feel bad for this guy and his family as he lost his life trying to save another, I can't help but to say that you're only a hero if you actually show up to the scene. All too often I see emergency vehicles traveling in an unsafe mannor that puts themselves and others in danger while on the way to an emergency.
Anon. 8:24, your an ass. I bet if your house was on fire and kids and your loved ones were in there, you would want help! ppl like you need to just crawl in a cave and die!
#1 rule of an emergency responder: Arrive at the scene. You do no one any good by crashing while enroute.
I suppose the chief didn't read your earlier post about there being water on the roadways?
Anon 824 - That was an ignorant and fairly stupid response. You have ZERO info on what happened. Swerving to avoid child in road? Equipment failure? Hey, maybe he was in fact going 100 with his hazards on, but until you KNOW, you are a dishonorable mutt for shitting on the memory of Chief Clough's 26 years of service before his body is cold.
Anon 8:53 - Your reasoning to defend Chief Clough from Anon 8:24 by citing the old 'if your loved ones need help' line and suggesting he crawl into a cave and die wasn't any more useful than his original ignorant assumption.
Anon 8:37 - Let's wait until we get the facts before we lay blame.
Rest in peace Chief Clough, we've got it from here.
- F4
www.fithp.com has good info and photos of the chief.
I don't understand why people have to put nasty comments up on this particular post. How do you think the family would feel if they read this crap at this very difficult time? Accidents happen. People are human. You don't have all the facts. The only thing that you know for sure is that there was a man killed in the line of duty doing his job. Pray for the family and the fire department. This is a devasting loss for them. Have you ever heard the old saying "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".
anon 9:38 you go crawl in a cave and die
8:24 you have no heart!!! I personally know the family and they are going through a rough time. He has young children and they are the ones who suffer the most. Grow up and get a heart you ASS!!!!!!
"I don't understand why people have to put nasty comments up on this particular post."
Nasty comments are ALWAYS posted... but usually never accepted!
Any response Joe?
annymous 11:52 & others,
Everyone has the right to their opinion. Trust me, many comments haven't made it up on this Post.
I have received calls from Volunteers from the Fire Department asking me to take down the picture, I will not do so. I have been told their family will be upset to see it. I know if it happened to a family member of mine, I'd like to see it, I'm not removing it. There's no dead bodies lying around and I cannot nor will not censor this Site simply because a Volunteer demanded I do so. In fact, Mike stated "I hope you never need us one day." He then hung up the phone, so I called him back and he then stated I was being an ass.
410-758-8460 Don't believe me, call the Fire Department and ask for Mike yourself.
Mike & others need to realize we now live in REAL TIME NEWS. He demanded I give him my source to the picture and I explained how I do not reveal my sources.
Mike, we so appreciate what you guys do. We are sorry for your loss. However, if you want censorship, go to the Main Stream Media where they'll do exactly what you want. The reason the Blogs are beating out the MSM is because we deliver facts and truth, not 10 second sound bites and or whatever our advertisers demand we put out there.
Some local news companies are now doing stories whereas their advertisers get first shot at any news story. In other words, if it's about gas prices going up, they use their advertiser ONLY to market the story.
We don't play that game here at Slisbury News. We tell it like it is and we show respectable photos, (with exception of Barrie Tilghman's wardrobe mishap) to complete the story.
Again, we're sorry for your loss but you cannot control the media. Sadly, we'll probably never really know what truly happened because Fire Departments are very good about protecting their own and covering up the truth. It was an accident Mike.
Joe, that picture is floating all over the wireless world via the internet and text messaging. Some of the comments that I am reading and I am sure you are rejecting show how unprofessional and childish the volunteer fire service is. I am sure there are just as many paid guys just as bad. Mikey, get a life you moron.
I agree - another "hero" gets himself killed who cares. And what is Queen Annes doing in Church Hill do you realize how far away they are?
I see it this way.
God bless him and his family.
But what is more dangerous,the fire or the fireman.
I drive a truck and i almost had one of those delaware firemen with his blue light and pickup running a hundred at least almost strike me in the ass.
But im lucky i guess and so was he , It wouldnt have been much more than a bump in the road if he had a hit me.
But for some innocent family in a toyota it would have killed them.
And dont give me that shit about him rushing to save someone.
What good does it do if you kill someone along the way.
12:17 PM I agree with you 100%. We had the same situation with that freeloading cowboy from Hebron a while back that killed an innocent woman. What ever happened to that. We all know that Hebron tried their best to defend him and cover up the situation. Please be safe out there.
It is always sad to report that a firefighter has died in the line of duty.
These deaths happen in a number of ways. One of the top catagories is vehicle accidents during the response phase of the call.
All who are commenting should be aware that all of the facts are not in, so all persons should stop placing blame until that time.
Rest in peace Chief. We will be there to honor your service to our community.
i live in st michaels maryland and the volunteers actually have pagers and they leave highschool whenever there is a fire.
that's a fact jack you can call someone and ask if you dont believe me
and it is always a big race to get to the fire, and YES there are numerous accidents from the rednecks driving too fast and crashing their trucks on their way to the "emergency".
this is the same mentality the adults have. Drop everything and race red neck trucks to the scene.
IT IS REALLY SAD THAT ALL OF YOU INCONSIDERATE PEOPLE ARE ARGUING ON THIS SITE WHEN A FAMILY LOST A HUSBAND AND A FATHER.YOU BOTH NEED TO GET A LIFE AND GROW THE HELL UP!!!
Just leave a comment that is nice for this Fireman. Make a new subject for the rest.
If my son was hurt or killed in his line of duty I would want to hear only the POSITIVE and HEART FELT Comments.
My Prayers go out to the family and the Brothers and Sisters of the Chief.
Joe - Will you allow both sides post when it is your family member or friend???
Joe is garbage for even allowing these!
12:31 I agree with you!!
R.I.P Chief
It is always sad to lose someone who serves the public. However, it is news worthy and just because you had it up first doesn't give them the right to attack you. Your article is very respectful and many of us have seen local firefighters racing to the fire department or a scene going too fast. If no one says something and it isn't exposed, this is what you'll get as your legacy.
I'm sure the family would have rather seen this gentleman in a photo at the scene helping save a live and not having his own life taken because of per haps bad judgment. I support you putting up this picture and I also support your allowing 8:24's comment. I'm sure the Sheriff's Department didn't like your recent article about one of their own getting arrested but you don't see any of their deputies coming on her complaining about it.
Firefighters need to grow up and learn to accept death. They are some of the most emotional people I have ever seen. God needed this Fire Chief to help put out some of his own fires and this was his time.
Wow... what a crew you have on here!
I hope when all you haters are in need of life saving support... that they take roller skates to get there!
Annon 12:27 - the accident you are referring to had nothing to do with Hebron. It occurred outside of Town and the Town has no role in or control over the volunteer fire department. The Town is not involved and I do not think they have even made a statement about the accident or the volnteer involved.
Anon 12:16 - The reference was to QA County, not the Town of QA, which is actually in Talbot. The volunteer was from Suddlersville.
RIP Chief. Peace and blessings to the family.
Wow. A man is killed and all you can do is throw stones. Right or wrong, on his part, a family mourns. He was killed in the line of duty. For those of you who say, "you to have to make it to the scene to be considered a hero...," you have no idea what you're talking about. May God protect you and help open your hearts to kindness and understanding. Show a little compassion as humans. Refrain from commenting if you're going to be nasty.
And to Joe -- I never understood why so many fire fighters (across many counties) hate you so much. Guess it's things like this.
To the family of Buck Clough I would like to take this time to send my condolences to his wife Sandy, their two boys, his parents and sister and to the SVFD..I grew up in the same area as Buck and Sandy and they are good people. It is sad that such a tragic thing had to happen. My prayers are with them and may God be with them and help them through this sad time. I would also like to take the time to ask that some of you please think before you comment on hear, I know everyone is entitled to their opinion, but this is a tragedy, this was a man who volunteered his free time to help save lives of others, show him and his family some respect at this time. Some of these comments were really childish and uncalled for. Buck was a good guy, he deserves to be remembered as so. If you don't know him, the family or the situation please don't leave negative comments, that is just hurtful to the family, he wasn't just a person he was a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a friend....show him the respect he deserves. And for the one comment of him being in Church Hill, that was wrong information, he was on a back road between his home and the fire house.....pleae people just be kind. God Bless the Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Anytime a person decides to serve his/her country in being a soilder, fireman, police officer, or and other public servant, they are a hero. They have given thier time and effort to learn and do what needs to be done to help others. Back off and give this County time to grieve. May all of you negative people remember this when you are in need of one of these hero's.
Such a class act Joe!
anonymous 1:53, You are kidding, right?
I mean, IF YOU'RE NOT, YOU need a bit of a wake up call here.
A Marine/Soldier puts his life out there to protect you in conditions that far outweigh ANY COP or FIREMAN.
I refuse to look at this photo on this Post and think, this man is a hero. Sorry, not happening!
This is a man who chose his career and something unfortunate happened. Or are you one of those assholes that believes that each and every Soldier who signs up to serve our Country gets the EXACT position they're interested in?
However, Police Officers and Firefighters know exactly what line of business they have chosen to get into. Police Officers are protected by bullet proof vests, Soldiers, (in most cases) even though they're lives are unexpectedly on the line do not receive that same luxury. Some country we live in, eh?
Firefighters get the best equipment to make damn sure they are protected, yet we don't afford the same for our Soldiers on the front line.
A HERO is someone who doesn't NEED to be recognized for their work. There are times, (like this) when some Firefighters make me sick to my stomach. A HERO! If YOU can't take the heat, IF YOU need recognition, IF YOU do this to be a HERO or expect to one day be recognized as one, You're an asshole. Our Son graduates from Boot Camp in one week with the Marines. He will risk his life for assholes like you who don't have the balls to be man enough to risk your life so we can have the freedom of CHOOSING what line of work you and everyone else in the United States CHOOSE to do. Because he's taking that ultimate risk to PROVIDE YOU with a choice, don't you ever compare yourself to a SOLDIER. They're your heros. Firefighting is a JOB!
NOTE: This comment has nothing to do with the sad loss of this Chief. It's intended to pinpoint the anonymous comment by 1:53. Clearly, I will not stand for this BS!
Joe - The BS is in your thought process. Which is the EXACT reason you allowed those other opinions... bc they are the same as YOURS. Just like with political topics.
I can't believe you even took the time to explain the difference between people THAT SAVE LIVES! Regardless of the position!
I stopped reading when I saw "Our Son graduates from Boot Camp in one week with the Marines"
Guess if your son was a fire chief then you would care! Grow up Joe!
12:06 I will almost guarantee the accident reconstructionist will determine the primary cause of this accident was speed too great for existing conditions, or as they say in the business: speed greater than reasonable and prudent.
12:31 If you came looking for nothing but understanding and sympathy, you're obviously unfamiliar with this blog.
Joe, your comment belies the fact you called that female deputy sheriff a hero even though there's nothing about any of her actions that suggest she did anything above and beyond. Let's be honest. Being a pregnant black female, she was a great photo op for the sheriff's department that took a major PR hit the day before when one of the deputies was arrested for domestic assualt.
Please be consistent.
This is a very sad, tragic loss. But just making a point about the pictures... I don't see how the fire dept can say they are offended by posting pictures of the accident scene. Visit any dept website and you can see pictures of house fires, accidents, etc. If they truly believe it would offend victims and/or their loved ones WITHIN the dept, why wouldn't it offend us citizens whose burning houses have been posted online. The worst pics I've seen personally have been from Balt. County fire personnel who have sent images via cellphone of horrific scenes, including deceased persons. Very poor taste indeed.
People tell it like it is.
And when i need someone to come to my house for a fire I hope they make it ,but they wont if they kill themselves on the way.
Firemen , police, ambulance and other public safety personnel, God bless eash and everyone of you for the service you do.
BUT PLEASE SLOW THE F--- DOWN AND SAVE YOURSELF AND POSSIBLY SOMEONE ELSE.
Here's a curve for you, Mr. Fireman.
That Officer is NOT a Firefighter. We had been told she had rescued that elderly woman and we were only recently told that the Sheriff was being interviewed by one of the TV Stations and stated the same thing he had told us. The Reporter had their hands on a Press Release where it stated a different situation than the Sheriff had been informed and read the Press Release and stood corrected.
The funny part about it was, Chief See & Deputy Chief Gordy were SO PISSED OFF that they called ChiefBaker and Sheriff Lewis to a meeting at the Fire Departmnent, in which they chose to go. They knew what they wanted but they wanted to hear these pansies say it to their face, and they did. I'll not get into any further details other than to say, ROTFLMAO! The Chief wanted to know why his people weren't respected as hero's. Hey Chief, you're an Idiot! This was a pregnant woman doing her very best to save a life. Clearly you don't give a sh!t about her being pregnant and inhaling all that smoke while waiting for your people to show up.
I have absolutely no respect for that little dwarf of a Chief. Any decent MAN would have kept his fat mouth shut. Not Chief See. What a tough guy he is, picking on a pregnant woman.
I agree with Joe on this one. Any firefighter in it for a hero badge has a death wish and is dangerous.
The accident in Hebron is a fine example of how dangerous firefighters can be. Heck, the ground was even dry that day. With all due respect, this chief should have been far more careful. If this had happened to the chief in Hebron we would have all known it would have been drinking and driving releated. I'm not suggesting that's the case here. Sorry for your loss.
A lot people seem to know what caused the wreck. A lot of ASSuMErs out there.
Joe I dont know who you are but I can tell you right now you have me really pissed off.For starters Firefighters do not do what they do for hero's badges.My father is a chief in D.C as well as my brother is a fire fighter in P.G and they do what they do to protect and help people.God forbid your house ever burns down I am sure your sorry ass will be crying for a fire fighter then to come and help you.A fire fighter is right up there with our military men and women. They put there lives on the line every day for people like YOU AND ASK NOTHING IN RETURN.MY BROTHERS PARTNER JUST GOT RELEASED FROM THE BURN CENTER IN P.G COUNTY SAVING PEOPLES LIVES AND ALMOST DIED DOING HIS JOB.YOU REALLY NEED TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU GO POSTING SOME OF THESE ASSININE COMMENTS ON HERE.
Karen, go sell someone else on your Firefighter Hero BS.
My Cousin died IN the World Trade Center on 9-11 Karen, was he a HERO or were the Firefighters HERO's?
Oh, that's right, ALL of the Firefighters got in line to join the Armed Forces to protect us from any more of those terrorists, RIGHT? WRONG!
Nah, instead they stay at home out of harms way but claim to be hero's because they protect PROPERTY, all of which we pay INSURANCE to replace.
If it looks to dangerous Karen, it probably is too dangerous. So what do you do at that point Karen? Do you play the FOOL and go in anyway, or do you let it burn to the ground because it's covered by INSURANCE anyway?
Accidents are a different story. I can see a Firefighter saving a child's life while a bus hangs over a cliff and someone goes in to save them. Or saving a person from the Patomac River after a plane went down on the 14th street bridge. Oh, that's right, civilians jumped into the freezing river to save lives while firefighters stood in boats in gear and helped pull the survivors out of the water as well as the CIVILIANS who jumped in after them.
Let's go back to the Hebron scene where that Firefighter had absolutely no reason to be racing to a call already covered by others and 10 minutes after the accident had happened. While this situation is sad, clearly someone lost control of the vehicle. Are YOU suggesting this Chief is now a hero too?
Now Karen, IF my home burns to the ground, I will collect my check from the Insurance Company and rebuild. Sure, it will be a hummer that it happened but its life. Don't race to get here and don't soak the crap out of everything here once you do get here so we have to deal with mold for the next 30 years. Bring some marsh mellows and enjoy the bon fire because nothing is worth risking a life over, unlkess it's another HUMAN BEING!
3:44 You guessed wrong, I'm not a fireman, but a retired police officer. And not from one of these Mayberry departments on de Shore.
Nothing that deputy did was heroic. In fact, her actions may have ultimately cost that woman her life if the fired department hadn't arrived when they did. A fire needs three things to burn: fire, fuel and oxygen. By breaking that window in the bedroom where the lady was, with no intention of immediately crawling in and removing her from the threat, she created an oxygen source for the fire to move towards. A fire will burn slow or completely out without oxygen. Provide it with an oxygen source and it will go crazy and move fast towards that source. Ever hear of a flashback when a door is opened and an oxygen starved fire rushes for this fresh source? Gee, and I'm not even a trained firefighter and I know this. While smoke may have been filling that bedroom where the lady was, introducing an oxygen source encouraged the fire to move faster into the bedroom and towards that broken window. Since that deputy never entered the house, I can only guess the source of her smoke inhalation was from her standing too close, on the outside, to the window she broke. Other than telling this woman to lay low to floor, which she could have done from the other side of an unbroken window, the deputy did nothing remarkable. That's one of the major reasons I retired when I did. I got tired of seeing departments hold out select groups of officers as heroes for actions that weren't heroic. Since you wrote you believe cops and firemen aren't heroes, I'll expect you'll agree with everything I wrote.
I disagree with somethings both Karen and Joe wrote.
Karen, saying firefighters put their lives on the line every day is great verbage during budget time or contract talks. The reality is, while most firefighters would be willing to do something courageous if called upon to do so, the majority of every firefighter's day is spent around the firehouse cleaning, cooking, working out, running their second business, watching television or sleeping. Putting their lives on the line every day sounds nice, but it's far from being accurate.
Joe, the difference between your cousin dying at the World Trade Center and the firemen, under the circumstances, your cousin really didn't have a choice. If he could have, he would have ran down the stairs and away from harm's way as quickly as possible. The firefighters on the other hand chose to run into the same dangerous environment your cousin would have ran away from if he could. In the case of the WTC, those firefighters were indeed heroes on any level, even on the level with any service member that died in Iraq.
The reality is, anytime a police office or firefighter dies in the line of duty it's usually because something unanticipated and unexpected occurs. It also occurs sometimes because the individual(s) deviates from their training protocol. The biggest differences between a cop and firefighter is, everyone loves a firemen because they only come when they're called, and they're only called when someone's having a problem. Cops are paid and evaluated on going out and looking for trouble. And unlike the easily recognizeable fire that's the firefighters' nemisis, a police officer never knows for sure who his nemisis is - who's out to get him. The bad guys simply refuse to identify themselves as being bad guys. Just ask the two Oakland police officers that were killed by simply making a "routine" traffic stop. Oh that's right, you can't, they're dead. As dead as any Marine killed in Iraq is.
anonymous 5:01,
I certainly hope you don't think I was trying to make my Cousin out to be a hero, I was not. I was simply asking, who does Karen think is the hero and why would this Chief be labeled as on while wrecking his vehicle.
As for your comment, excellent points, thank you. However, I will say, the Police Officers should have been more careful, with all due respect. They are certainly in a sh!ttly line of business but there is no routine traffic stop, obviously.
I lived in Calisfornia for 4 years. Even back in the early 1970's, if you were pulled over by a cop you were immediately expected to place BOTH hands on the dash or steering wheel. Why that never cought on around here is beyond me.
Our Soldiers around the world probably did not choose their ultimate line of work, yet no one is going there, as I mentioned much earlier. They are challenged in more ways than anyone can imagine. The element of surprise for them is far worse, I don't care what anyone says.
Firefighters need to get over their HERO crap. EVERY single Firefighter I am friends with would never want that kind of recognition because they do their job for two reasons. ONE, it was their calling and they are true professionals. TWO, because they're good at it. You do NOT see them driving at crazy high rates of speed. You do NOT see them making choices that do not consider every one and every thing in front of them. Thank God there are quite a few of them at each Department but there are those few, like Karen, who believe it's all about being hero's and saving lives. Sadly there's a cost far too often for doing so and they never seem to learn.
Now, if you want to talk about 9-11 and the HERO Firefighters that are in fact HERO'S, I'm good with that. My Wife took off soon after the levy's broke in New orleans for 10 days. Is she a hero? Nah, she's Jennifer and she'd do the same for any one of you and never ever expect a thank you.
Hero's are very rare and very special people, thank God. NONE of them made those choices because they one day wanted to be called a hero. A guy who wrecks a pickup truck on the way to a scene and dies, well, I'm sad he lost his life that way but to be 100% honest, if it was my own Son and we lost him tragically because he was a Chief with all that special training to know better, well, it too would be a tragidy but he wouldn't be considered a hero, just like my Cousin who died in the Trade Center wouldn't be considered a hero. It's a tragic loss. Hopefully the life of this Fire Chief will not be forgotten the next time any one of you Firefighters get in a vehicle and try to get to a scene too quickly. Sadly we're hearing about this all too often and these people are a part of the Fire Related Deaths in what you want to call in the Line Of Duty. It was an accident, period.
I think this topic can be summed up in a simple phrase...
Joe you can burn in hell!
Post it clown... that's an opinion!
Joe - I bet you wished the fire dept showed up when you cried about the deer gift that was left for you!
Wow! Mixed feelings on this but first and foremost my empathy for the family of Mr. Clough. It is very difficult to lose a family member. As far as Joe taking the photo off, why should he? The fire departments and many others take pictures of accidents and post those on many different websites and some fire fighters even keep pictures as a remembrance of a particular incident. Not every person is subjected to exposure with the exception of fire fighters or police. We are all fair game in that manner.
In the town I live in I was almost rear ended by our wonderful (sarcasm implied) fire chief when he was leaving an already cleared accident scene. There was no reason in the world for him to be speeding because the emergency was long over. My house may catch fire and with the track record of this fire department it will burn to the ground even if they do make it here so just do us all a favor and slow down!
It is a sad day for the family but just like every family he may have helped life goes on for everyone else. That is life, people die every day. People die in car accidents on their way to work or picking their children up from daycare. It is sad for every family that loses a child, father, mother, brother, or sister but the reality is we all say "damn" as we pass the scene and life goes on.
Could things Joe.
You said...
"Our Soldiers around the world probably did not choose their ultimate line of work, yet no one is going there, as I mentioned much earlier. They are challenged in more ways than anyone can imagine."
How exactly do YOU really know what soldiers or firemen, or police officers are challenged with? Ever gone through ANY of them?
You also said (speaking about firefighters)...
"Thank God there are quite a few of them at each Department but there are those few, like Karen, who believe it's all about being hero's and saving lives."
Well, technically 9 of out 10 fires could have a human life involved, so naturally their instincts are to save lives.
Not really sure what you mean by your opinions? I think you just confuse yourself.
Joe... if... "Now, if you want to talk about 9-11 and the HERO Firefighters that are in fact HERO'S, I'm good with that."
Then how can... "I certainly hope you don't think I was trying to make my Cousin out to be a hero, I was not."
First you say the 9-11 aren't heros, then you say they are! Think things out and then post!
Joe said -
"Oh, that's right, ALL of the Firefighters got in line to join the Armed Forces to protect us from any more of those terrorists, RIGHT? WRONG!"
Just bc your son is in the marines doesn't mean you can bash on the other protective services.
It's not all about the terrorists, and it's certainly not all about you and your son.
Put your thinking cap on for this one Joe, and let me know what you think!
Let's say... your son goes overseas and while out walking around (we'll say he is out fishing on a shift break) he steps on a land mine... then gone!
Would you post on this site and say he was NOT a hero? Since at the time he wasn't actually in combat and on leisure time.
Thoughts?
"As for your comment, excellent points, thank you. However, I will say, the Police Officers should have been more careful, with all due respect. They are certainly in a sh!ttly line of business but there is no routine traffic stop, obviously."
You're right, there really is no such thing as a routine traffic stop. The minute an officer thinks there is such a thing, that's the moment he/she should retire or find a new line of work.
Short of an officer performing a felony stop on each and every traffic stop, besides not pulling that particular vehicle over on that particular day at that particular time with that particular person operating it, those motorcycle officers that were killed in Oakland couldn't have done anything differently. When you pull over a vehicle and the operator exits shooting at you with a semi-automatic rifle and you don't even have a patrol car to use as cover, you're pretty much shit-out-of-luck. Most cops adopt what's called a fatalist attitude, meaning most believe and accept if it's their time to go, it's time to go. If they dwelled about the potential risks associated with each and every traffic stop, or the potential harm every person they talk to may bring, they'd be too frightened to ever exit their police vehicle.
Law enforcement is the only occupation, except the military during a time of war or by order and authorization of the President, such as the recent killing of the three pirates, that has the authority and power to take a human life. While never in combat, I would say the danger level and stress of a soldier in a battle zone is much higher than that of a cop. But over a career of 25-30 years, the long-term exposure to stress takes it toll. Heart disease is recognized as a job related illness in law enforcement, and on average, cops die within five years of retiring.
You didn't mentioned why your wife went to New Orleans. If it was to assist, like the Red Cross, I wouldn't say she was a hero, rather a caring, thoughtful human that looked beyond her own comfort to comfort others.
i sure hope god for bid your house does burn down you can get out because if not it will be A FIRE FIGHTER WHO WILL BE SAVING YOUR LIFE.HE WONT BE IN YOUR FRONT YARD ROASTING MARSHMELLOWS.YOU HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES AND REALLY SHOULD GO TALK TO SOMEONE!!!!MY DAD NEVER WOULD TAKE THE LABEL A HERO HE DOES HIS JOB AS HIS JOB.SO DOES MY BROTHER BUT I CAN TELL YOU THEY ARE BOTH MY HERO.MY DAD LOST MANY FRIENDS IN 9-11...WHAT ARE YOU A REPORTER.AND I CAN SAY A REPORTER WHO SHOULD REALLY GET HIS FACTS STRAIGHT.CHIEF CLOUGH WIOULD NOT HAVE DIED LAST NIGHT IF HE WAS NOT RUSHING TO THE SCENE TO SAVE SOMEONES LIFE!!!!!
Fire, Fire, Fire... (Everyone please evacuate in an orderly manner).
A hero is someone who does a heroic act such as the office worker who carried the hadicap man down the stairs at the World Trade Center. The fact is police, fireman, and soldiers ALL chose to do that job for many different reasons; excitement, adventure etc.. You want to see a hero that is a soldier pick one that was DRAFTED and saved the life of a fellow soldier. It seem like today everyone is a hero. Lets not use the word for just anybody it detracts from the meaning. I served in Iraq and was a volunteer fireman for 5 years and I am NOT repeat NOT a hero. I chose it!!
Where do I start. Karen, let me guess. 300+ lbs and no life whatsoever? Oh, you're exactly right. If he wasn't RACING to the scene he wouldn't have died last night. Instead, he only took his own life, rather than someone else's while RACING to the scene, like Hebron.
anonymous 7:42, my Wife was the Vet Tech at our local Zoo for 18 years, she went to New Orleans to help save animals. She did much of the grunt work no one would have ever dreamed of traveling all the way down there to do. There's no need to try and rate what she did. I already said she needs no recognition. My point is, we also give back in many ways ourselves.
anonymous 7:29 said...
"Let's say... your son goes overseas and while out walking around (we'll say he is out fishing on a shift break) he steps on a land mine... then gone!
Would you post on this site and say he was NOT a hero?"
No, he would not be a hero. Now if his brother in arms stepped on one and he jumped on top of him to save other lives, yes, he would. Stop the childish games here, will ya. Or do you really NEED to be educated on what the real meaning of HERO is? You must be a Firefighter because you think ANYHING qualifies.
anonymous 7:25, you're just an Idiot. I'm not wasting my time on you.
anonymous 7:24, you must be Jonathan because you clearly didn't read my comment.
anonymous 7:21 said....
"Well, technically 9 of out 10 fires could have a human life involved, so naturally their instincts are to save lives."
9 out of 10 fires could have a human life involved. Holy Crap, do you guys just go around making this crap up as you go along. Or was this on a recent Dee, Dee Deeee Test you recently took while applying for the Poster Child position for the MDA as one of Jerry's Kids?
I'll bet 9 out of 10 people have INSURANCE too! If i've said it once i've said it a thousand times. Firefighters don't save lives, they save properties. Police Officers, (first responders) save lives. Oh sure, go ahead with the 2, 3, 4 or 5 stories about how Firefighters saved lives SOMEWHERE ELSE but i all the years you've been serving each community you should have thousands of stories, yet you don't. You talk about how you need this and that because you go on 10,000 calls a year. We need HAZMAT equipment because we get 2,000 HAZMAT emergency calls, yet none of them arer truly HAZMAT conditions.
You see Folks, Firefighters can't handle me because NO ONE has ever challeged them before. They're not used to a real man telling them the TRUTH.
These are people that sit around and pat one and other on the back 24/7 in their own unique little clubhouses. Then God Forbid some politician comes along and says, we're NOT going to fund this or that. Then they ALL go nuts, HOW DARE YOU!
Well, I dare ALL of you because you know what, sendikng out 3 or more Fire Stations to one small call is CRAP! Send ONE Fire Department, I'm sure they can handle things once you get to the scene and IF you need a second or third, call them in after you get there. In the mean time everyone is getting in each others way anyway and clearly that's NOT what you're going to do because you have the Federal Government so screwed into believing you need all this crap, you screw the taxpayers into giving you things you really don't need. All this National Standards Crap, ALL BS!
Boys and their Toys. Well I'm one guy that's willing to stand up for Joe Citizen because I think 40 to 50% of you are so full of sh!t it isn't funny.
For me personally, I'm glad they have Fire Stations where they can get the majority of those nutjobs off the streets and make you feel important. Man, if there weren't fire houses everywhere I'd have to take my dogs in every night in fear of them getting, well, I'll keep it clean.
Joe your a jerk!
everyone who puts their life on the line to save sorry asses like you is a hero.
i dont see you helping anybody? so dont go around judging who is and isnt a hero.
yeah your son is a good person and maybe a hero but so is all the others.
and for all the people on here posting rude comments i hope you grow up and get a heart because one day something like this might happen to you and i hope when it does that you see how truely rude you are being when people do it back to you.
Cheif Cloghs family would not appreciate some of the comments being left on this site and they just lost someone very close to them! they do not need ignorant people like yourselves saying things like that.
So if you dont have anything positive then dont say it all. You can say it to yourself because no one else wants to hear it.
As for joe, you need to grow up and stop trying to put so much attention on you and your family. You and your family are no more of a hero then all the others that put their lives on the line to save others such as Cheif Clough. Firefighters ARE HEROS! and when your house is burning down or someone you love needs help you will realize that. if you dont your just a cold hearted ass hole.
Thoughts and Prayers go out to Sandy, Shane and Chase Clough <3
No one in this household is looking to be recognized as a hero, so get your facts straight. Looks like my clear answers have boggled you and you have nothing of substance to add, other than calling me names. Another big, bad firefighter hiding behind anonymous. Now that's a HERO for you. More like a PUSSY to me.
The next time you hold a fundraiser, go to one of the other Blogs and let us know how it worked out for you. LMAO! With all their 84 hits a day, (believe me, we see their numbers) and the type of HEROS that go to their Sites, you all should fit right in. One hand washes the other, unless you're a firefighter who hates people that doesn't believe ALL firefighters are hero's.
"Firefighters don't save lives, they save properties."
Are you nuts. Ever see pictures of babies being carried out of a burning house? Or someone with smoke inhalation being carried out? Heck, how about a dog being carried out (since you are a nature lover)
I don't see the firefighters passing up the baby to get the kitchenaid mixer safely out of the house.
If you stand behind the thought of "don't save the house because we have insurance" then you are truly an idiot. Good luck for the insurance company to recreate sentimental pictures etc.
Joe... ever think that EVERYONE has a DIFFERENT opinion of what a hero is?
You are no where near setting any standards for this world.
anonymous 9:19,
Like I stated in my comment. 3, 4, maybe 5 stories you could share about saving lives and just as I thought, you came back with haven't I ever seen pictures of firefighters carrying babies out of buildings. PLLLLEEEEEASE! I know, here's a good one for you. Ever see a fire rescue vehicle race past you driving like a nut and then they hit and killed someone or they ran off the road and died? I'll bet there are more pictures around the Internet of Fire Department accidents than there are of them saving lives. Try that one out for size.
As for the rest of your comment, they're MATERIAL things. If I lose my home, so be it, I have Insurance to replace it. If I lose my belongings, hey, guess what, I have Insurance to replace it. Will I lose things I just can't replace, yep, I sure will. I can start all over again and be thankful I'm alive as well as everyone else. In the mean time Mr. Fireman, slow your A$$es down and get there so you can share another photo on line of your saving lives. Now I think I'll go over to your Website and take a look at all those babies YOU guys saved, or am I wasting my time trying to find them?
Joe said... "You see Folks, Firefighters can't handle me because NO ONE has ever challeged them before. They're not used to a real man telling them the TRUTH."
Joe said... "Firefighters don't save lives, they save properties."
Wow! Joe, try this one on for size.
Your house catches fire your kid is inside trapped. The fire fighters are the only ones that can make the rescue... with the screams of "help!" the fire fighter says "Sorry kiddo. Some folks think that we are here to saves lives, but actually we are here to save property. Bye bye and take care"
anonymous 9:21, NOT that I would ever need any recognition for ever being a hero but you must not be from around these parts. I get some pretty darned nice remarks for getting Barrie Tilghman out of Office. And yes, I will take FULL credit for doing so, thank you. ;-)
I have decided to boycott all fireman and associates. That includes Parametics. You people will most likely never ride the wave of life, you dont even know your supposed to be looking for it. I quess it takes all kinds.
Anon933 - Hope they boycott you when you forget to stop, drop, and roll.
Hey anonymous 9:31, entertain me. Send us a link to go to where we can see a picture of you carrying a child out of a home that YOU saved. I'll sit here and wait, NOT!
true hero joe?
http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903260396
Hero.. Not A Hero.. Hero... Not a Hero... Are you people serious? Most of you know nothing about Buck and are making assumptions. I cant say this guy is a hero in this certain case but maybe one time during the 26 years with the fire company he might have done something heroic. RIP Buck. Prayers sent to family and friends.
anonymous 9:42,
I WANT EVERYONE TO GO TO THAT LINK AND SEE WHAT YOUR FIREFIGHTERS ARE ALL ABOUT.
Another PUSSY with no name.
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. --John 15:13
Anyone who lay's down there life for another whether by mistake, chance or work is in my book a great person. To be in the position like this is sometimes luck, right place at right time, work it is what you do and the chances are higher to be there or fait. Either way to act, respond in the way your trained, or moral obligation is the same. Some people react with out thinking and it is the right thing to do, some do it because they are trained.
Some could not, would not and should not react.
Either way, those who do, wether it is a Firefighter, Police Officer, Military or Citizen is usually considered a hero and they NEVER want to be called this. The ones who search to be heros never are, usually just foolish adrenaline junkies.
There is a difference.
CA
Joe. No real reply to Anon931? Sounds like a legit scenario to me.
Don't like when the stories hit home huh? Well ALL tragic events leave a family in pain. Grow up Joe!
Joe, why not take your weak self to the fire hall and repeat your views?
I am sure you will find someone that will stand up to you! Hard to find you when you hide behind a computer.
anonymous 9:53, look at my response at 9:41 PM.
9:56, another anonymous tough guy.
Nope!
YOU claim to be the tough guy Joe. YOU have those views towards firefighters.
YOU said "You see Folks, Firefighters can't handle me because NO ONE has ever challeged them before. They're not used to a real man telling them the TRUTH."
Hey Joe, I dont think your son was drafted, so what makes him a hero? he is making a choice on his career just as a fireman or police officer. Just because you join the military doesnt mean you will be fighting. Calling that Chief a hero is okay by me, because I bet he did save a life or two in his career, and that makes him a hero, not how he died.
"anonymous 9:53, look at my response at 9:41 PM."
Read Joe... I said a REAL response. Explain your thoughts about your kid not being saved.
anonymous 10:03,
Try and show me one place where I claim our Son to be a hero. I never said that and that's one of the problems with you people. You try and put words into peoples mouths.
If you think you're man enough to make it through Boot Camp with the Marines, grow a pair and join. Till then, you missed a spot washing the fire truck little boy.
don't you ever compare yourself to a SOLDIER. They're your heros. Firefighting is a JOB!
Those are your words Joe. Is your son not choosing his career?? Is someone forcing him to sign up for the marines? I have plenty of marines in my family. I am not a firefighter, but my husband is a paramedic/ff and to the people he has saved, he is a hero...i dont know if he thinks of himself as one, i have never heard him refer to himself as one either. And boot camp is boot camp, men and women go thru it all the time, I know plenty...its not a huge deal
Done replying tonight Joe? It is after 10pm and you do have a tough day of punching the keyboard tomorrow. I understand now.
cat got ur tongue Joe?
Whatever, your Husband sounds like a fine man. Many of those who join the Marines don't make it through Boot Camp, especially in the Marines. I will add, they have several more weeks of Basic Training than any other portion of the Armed Forces.
Our Son is not a hero and yes, he chose the Marines. However, the job he and almost every other Soldier dremed of is usually never available, they don't mind though. I cannot disclose just what he will be doing over the next several months but I will say Boot Camp isn't over for this young man. The Marines have chosen him to continue training for several more months and we are VERY proud of what he'll be doing.
Please use all of my words when you quote me and don't conveniently begin in the middle of a sentence. I was very clear about what I said and I'm sure you understood my point, with all due respect.
Our Son graduates from Boot Camp in one week with the Marines. He will risk his life for assholes like you who don't have the balls to be man enough to risk your life so we can have the freedom of CHOOSING what line of work you and everyone else in the United States CHOOSE to do. Because he's taking that ultimate risk to PROVIDE YOU with a choice, don't you ever compare yourself to a SOLDIER. They're your heros. Firefighting is a JOB!
Sorry, I didn't want to copy too much of it, but this is what you said. If your in good shape and have energy, you can pass boot camp. Dont you agree though, that this man was a hero to some people? If he saved my child, I would consider him a hero. I know when i hear my husband radio go off and its for a unresponsive/non breathing infant, I tell him..go! go! and to that mother, he is a hero, but to him, he is just doing his job and what God called upon him to do. So to some, there are heros in the fire dept and police.
As I stated earlier, your Husband sounds like a good man and you sound like a great and very supportive Wife. I'm sure at one point and time during his career this man has been a hero. Our point was, while some were implying his racing to this scene made him a hero, I disagree.
We're sorry he lost his life and we're truly sorry for the family's loss. I'm sure he will be recognized in the coming days. The Volunteers were threatening me because I refused to take down the photo and that's how this whole thing started. I told them, if they took down all the accident photos on Fire Department Websites, I'd take down this photo. Till then, it stays. There was no disrespect towards this man nor was the photo out of line in any way.
joe -
if you were asked to remove the picture, i don't understand why you won't simply remove it. the man is gone....what good does the picture do? as a volunteer for more than a quarter century, as a father with 2 young children, as a husband who leaves behind a grieving widow, and as a child who leaves his parents to grieve, you should take that picture down if asked to do so. you can call it "news" if you want, but it's nothing more than a tabloid tactic.
take the picture down....PLEASE. it's the right thing to do.
I knew Buck pretty well....I used to work at the MD SHA and I've played softball with him for over a decade. He was truly a good, genuine person.
But again, please remove the picture....
anonymous 9:26,
There are thousands of Websites now posting that picture. Just because I was the first doesn't mean I should take it down. No one else is. I'll repeat, when all the Fire departments take down their accident scene pictures, I'll remove this one. Till then, again, there's been no disrespect stated on the Post/Article. I will not take down this picture out of respect to all those other families who have been subjected by Fire Departments using the most graphic photos they can to PROMOTE jaws of life and other equipment they feel the need to prove to everyone that they need.
I do not think Joe should take down the picture.
This picture is NO different that the wrecked/mangled cars the State Police use to remind everyone of the consequences in drinking and driving!
This photo COULD possibly remind SOME of the consequences of speed on wet roads.
SOME will see this photo and it may just make something click in their brain and make them slow down a bit.
It is not a gruesome photo, but the photo itself MAY save a life!
My sympathy goes out to the family. But I have to agree with 3:31pm and 12:17pm comments on slowing down. There is a Salisbury fireman/ chief living somewhere close to me and travels Mt Hermon RD near Walston Switch everyday in a marked Salisbury Fire vehicle. On several cases he has either tailgated or nearly nailed me and my husband. Someone needs to speak to him and let him know that he has to follow the same rules of the road. Let me say this if he hits me I will be going after the Salisbury Fire Department.
By no means do I wish any harm to anyone, I just want to be safe and have him reach his distination safely with out killing someone.
Reference to Anonymous 12:31 I don't know where your getting your facts from about kids leaving school and driving fast to the firehouse to go on a call. Let me give you the REAL truth. At present time we have one student that attends SMHS, at NO time is that student allowed to leave school without the permission of the chief of the department. This is the way its always been. In the past 5 years, they have never been excused from school to attend to a fire. 2nd, you stated there are always accidents involving the firefighters going to calls. This department has only had 3 accidents involving its members responding to emergency, the last one being approximately 3 years ago, before that it was 10 years. Our chief and board of trustees take the response to the station in a serious matter, if there is a complaint by the public, it is looked into and if necessary disciplinary action is taken. If you have a complaint, it will be looked into, but don't come on here and spread gossip.
To the family of Chief Clough and members of the Sudlersville Fire Department you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Holley Guschke
Vice President SMFD
My name is Trevor Enzor, I have been A member of St.Michaels Fire Dept for 6 years. I am one of the ones who gets out of my nice warm bed when it is 5 degrees out to drive my big redneck truck to your house when its on fire. The risks that I take rather driving my truck or running into your house to save your child when its burning down are ones that myself and all volunteers do to help serve the public. Its very easy to look from the outside in and try to criticise what we do but you are the last ones crying when its your emergency. It is very sad what has happened and his family will be in thoughts and prayers but this is a job we do and a job we love. This goes directly to (Annoyomous1231) I am very easy to find if you have any further comments just look for the big white redneck truck.
Jesus, ALL OF YOU ARE ACTING LIKE CHILDREN!
Please, remember that no one here has all of the information and before you go discounting anyone's life.
Joel, as a firefighter I can tell you that you do not understand the profession and responsibilities associate.
Firefigthers out there posting, don't play dumb when you wonder why people like Joel exist and want to get rid of our funding and such. THIS behavior is why.
I CANT believe you people that left these comments..he is my family. Im not upset over the picture being posted im upset over the people bashing him. He was always a very good driver it was soo wet and raining that night and he obviously slid and wrecked. He did save many lives and his children wife parents sister and all his other family including myself are very hurt by your words. He never considered himself a hero or asked for that title he was a great man.
Just being a firefighter, cop, or soldier does not make you a hero. As far as them putting their lives at risk everyday, what about every red blooded american who wakes up and leaves their homes in the morning. With todays society it's russian roulette to just roll out of bed everyday. Webster's definition of a hero is: c: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d: one that shows great courage. Anyone can be a hero, it's all in the eyes of who was in need. Was Chief Cloud a hero? Maybe, I'm sure he was to someone. Maybe to his children or wife. Yeah, remember those people as you all sit at your computers and take pop shots at a man you never knew. Did he die of heroic actions, who knows? None of us know all the circumstances surrounding his death, none of us ever will. The bottom line here is someone lost their life and now there's a wife without her husband, children without their father, and numerous other family members who have lost a loved one. Put yourself in their shoes for just one second. And all of you should be ashamed of yourselves for bickering over this like a bunch of kids. IT WAS A TRAGEDY, nothing more and nothing less.
As a firefighter, I'm absolutely disgusted with some of the comments some of you so called "firefighters" have posted. I'm young in my career, but even I understand the brotherhood. Many of you don't seem to. The "brotherhood" isn't justifying you and your fellow firefighters every action as a correct one. We're human people, we're going to make mistakes. At that point the "brotherhood", would be standing beside your brother/sister and sharing the burden of their mistake with them, not bashing everyone who challenges your actions. We haven't come as far as we have in the fire service by always being right. But rather learning from our mistakes and checking ourselves and fellow firefighters when those lines are yet again crossed. How many firefighters and civilian lives are we going to have to lose before we slow down to a safe speed? Yes, it's ok to speed up the response. But as someone who is trying to become an engineer, the one lesson my line officers beat into me constantly, is never drive faster than the conditions allow you to do so, safely. Yet time and time again I log on to various websites and read of more senseless deaths. It's got to end somewhere, or soon cardiac related deaths will not be our number one killers.
There's a lot of what if's and should of/could of's that can be thrown around to justify Chief Cloud's actions, as well as condemn him. There is never going to be a right or a wrong to this incident. We're humans and each and everyone of you are entitled to your opinions. But this back and forth isn't hurting each other, your only hurting the people who frequent this site that knew and loved the deceased. And for all of you labeling him as wreckless, or as one stated "driving 100 MPH with his hazards on", check your speedometer the next time your in a hurry, and I'll bet you'll find your driving just as fast as your blasting this man for. But yet your doing it for personal gain and nothing more. That doesn't justify firefighters and cops doing it, it just means we're all guilty of it and we all need to slow down and drive more cautiously. As much as I can't stand Joe for the numerous times he's tried to sling mud in the face of the Salisbury Fire Department, all he did was post a story about a tragic loss and you people have turned it into a free for all.
Oh, just to correct you Joe, when you sign up to serve Uncle Sam you do get to pick a few M.O.S.'s that your interested in. But every recruiter I talked to after I graduated high school told me "Your a soldier first, we'll put you where ever there is a need". So every enlisted man and woman knew that even if they signed up for the kitchen, they may go to the front lines first machine gun in hand. Why else would everyone have to subject themselves to basic traing, because that teaches you the "basics" of being a soldier. So yes, they as well as firefighters and cops knew they would potentially one day be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice and they still signed up. Would I be willing to make that sacrifice, not if I can help it. But if for one second I believe I could save someones life, I will give it my all and if it's my fate to die trying, I at least hope I'm successful and my death was the only tragedy. Does that make me a hero, not in my eyes. In my eyes it would make me an idiot, because I just traded lives. But I would rather die trying, then go on living and thinking I could have generated a different outcome if I had at least tried. They teach us in FFI, risk a lot to save a lot, risk a little to save a little, and risk nothing to save nothing. Calculated risks is what we are trained to take, but from time to time, some people don't do their math properly and the equation equals tragedy. So in closing I want to thank every Soldier, Cop, and Firefighter who do thier jobs because they want to make a difference in someone else's life, especially to our soldiers, without you there would not be the "free" in freedom. To the "glory hounds" just looking for that hero status, find a new job.
Daniel Hill
Firefighter/EMT-B
SFD Station 2
I apologize, in my lengthy post I referred to him as chief cloud, not chief clough. Sorry, it's late and my brain is ready for bed. I mean no disrespect.
Daniel Hill
Daniel Hill very well put. I understand everyones feelings HOWEVER i would like to justify one thing on behalf of Joe. Part of me doesnt like the photo being here, however it is not in bad taste completely. As he stated there is no body in or around the vehicle. It is just an image of what the vehicle looked like. For instance 2 years ago when randy and jonathan orff wrecked on the bay bridge the images were all over the main stream media and other various sources. The fact is they were still shown. This image is no different just an image. There are people that are curious about what happened. No one will ever know for sure. Yes it was raining, yes it was dark, more then likely speed was a factor not to mention the fact that the road this occured on isnt the best in the world its very easy to go off of the road.
Its just an accident. Yes he was responding to help someone within his community and as he did make such an impact here on the eastern shore he will be missed. Joe im sorry you had an issue with people requesting you take the image down however i do agree with it being up. Its not distasteful. Yes it will cause the family pain but also knowing that he is gone will to.
I wish you all would just stop with the fighting on here. It was an accident we are all human just because hes a fire fighter means yes he does get a little more media coverage because he risks his life every day for you then your average joe who passes away. To anyone whos lost a loved one in an accident im sorry and i know it takes time to heal. Just please stop the fighting on here and try to send positive notes.
Thank you,
A firefighters daughter
Crumpton MD
I came across this site today as I am trying to make sense of what happened to a friend. I can say he was a friend, I have known him for most of my life since I am from QA's county. And I even had the honor to serve as a volunteer emt with him at STA 6 a few years ago.
I am not upset with this picture as it is just a picture. I am more upset and annoyed that a few people can sling mud at someone you truly do not know. You would have been lucky to have known him. Buck was the type of person to help anyone, and not just because he was a "Firefighter" but because he was a good old country boy from QA's county.
So many factors cause "accidents" but to automatically assume that speed was the issue is wrong. That night was nasty out, it was dark and its a bad back road. I know Buck drove that road many times and knew the road.
All I want to say is don't trash the name of a fallen husband, father, son, brother, nephew cousin and friend for your own kicks. He was a good person who does deserve more than this. He was simply doing what he enjoyed and that was to help someone in need. He is truly one who is going to missed.
R.I.P Chief Charles Buck Clough 601
To those who have ran their mouth about any service (fire department, police, military etc.) go try them and see how it goes otherwise don't talk shit about them and act like you know it all about it. And just let the chief r.i.p now and not try to act like he is a bad person.
Trey Ewing FF/EMT
River City Vol. Fire Company
Kent County, Maryland
Has anyone stopped to think that he may have had some sort of medical problem that caused the accident?
I can only imagine what this man was thinking before his life was turned off. I would only be guessing that it was his family. But I would be fairly certain that it was not some bottom feeding, black hearted NEWS WHORE, that would be disgracing the legacy of a man who (for reasons unknown at this time) lost his life while doing what he wanted to do. And that would be risking his life making this cold, disgusting world a better place. If that meant putting out a fire or saving a life. Simply talking to "the little old lady" for a few minutes when she thought her whole world was caving in around her. Giving someone a jump start at the store. Giving a motorist a can of gas cause they ran out. Giving a young firefighter tips on getting hs/her gear on faster, so they won't miss the truck next time.
I am sure not many people in this world could understand why ANYBODY would do this job. PAID or VOLUNTEER. I wonder how many times did he leave on Christmas morning, get up from a meal, leave work, break away from a ball game with the kids? Get up in the middle of the night when every other person was sleeping safely and comfortably in their own bed. I wonder how many arguments he got into with his wife about spending too much time at the firehouse? And I wonder just how many times she forgave him because she loved him for the person he was.
WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD ANYBODY AT ALL DO THIS JOB? Because they are good, decent human beings who are carrying out God's wishes in the way they chose to.
He died while providing mankind with his willingness to serve and protect them. And I GARAUNTEE, if he were alive now, and the news whore's house caught fire, he would be the first one there to save lives and attempt to save the insurance comapny a modest loss. Big man, you too will someday face the almighty. And I hope the Chief is atanding there when you have to explain yourself.
Long time ago a man was nailed to a cross for something very similar.
William L. Sullivan Jr.,
Fireman
I didn't know Chief Clough. But I do know many others just like him. Including my own father.
God bless this man, his soul, his legacy and his family.
This I'm sure will come out in the investigation..but the people that bashed Chief Clough for the accident and that said things not knowing what truly happened theirs no words for you. He is a hero and was a hero till the end. I know a witness who saw the whole thing and an old man pulled out in front of him that night and he swerved to miss him and avoid Killing this man but ended up killing hisself. Once again he put someone before hisself and the man didnt even stop or come forward. You people that bashed him that said he was speeding and who cares that he is dead there are no words for you. I knew him personally he is a relative and he saved that man avoiding to hit him.
This whole site is completely ridiculous. The fact that the picture of my cousin's truck won't be taken off this site is horrible. I know that the media has the right to do their job, but honestly, if it were your family member, and if you understood what it was like to lose someone in this tragic way, you'd understand why none of us want to see this picture. And I agree with Mike, from the fire department, that it needs to be taken down, and failure to do so just shows your lack of sensitivity to this situation. For all of you that are on here "bashing" my cousin, what he stood for, etc., that's ridiculous. You should be ashamed of yourselves. He was a good man. Honest, hardworking, and dedicated to his family and to his volunteer work. I pray that his wife, Sandy, and their boys, Shane and Chase, along with my Aunt & Uncle, never get on this site to see the horrible things that have been written about him, or that picture. They would be devastated. Have a little respect for the deceased. If you have negative thoughts or comments, please keep them to yourself. Nothing but support being offered, should be shown on this website, because this is a tragedy that we all have to live with for the years to come. And obviously, none of you leaving these hateful comments, have ever lost anyone close to you, because if so, you know the last thing you'd want to see is someone trash-talking your loved one on the internet. How childish, really. And regardless on how this editor keeps defending himself, out of respect for the family and for the fire department, the picture should have been taken down because they asked you to do so. Period. It would be the right thing to do, out of human nature, not by what you think you are entitled to, being in the media. I'm completely disgusted by this website, and hope none of my other family members ever have to read, what I've read, about someone we have, so suddenly lost, in our family.
Rest In Peace, Buck.
And may God be with Sandy, Shane, Chase, Uncle Buck, Aunt Beulah, & Charlene and her family.
Hey Cousin, I'm sorry for your loss. However, you're an Idiot if you think posting this photo is bad or wrong. Look at EVERY Fire Department Website and notice how they use and abuse every accident scene photo to promote their Department.
I am the one responsible for posting and removing the photo and there's no way it's coming down. Drive Safely now.
And as someone with a position of authority, as you are able to post and remove the pictures, regardless of what the fire departments do, you should be the bigger person and not lower yourself to their level, by taking the picture down. I never said I agree with them posting pictures either, I am asking you, as a member of his family, to take that picture down. And I don't think you should talk to people in the manner you do either, it's not good business etiquette. I said nothing negative towards you, just asking you to do the right thing. Obviously, I am asking too much.
Nicole,
I'm truly sorry for your families loss. But if you expect anyone to not post pictures like this, your a naive individual. Websites post picture like this everyday. Visit firehouse.com, firefighterclosecalls.com, and even fithp.net. Granted the majority of the non-department affiliated sights do it for education and a startling reminder of exactly how tragic working in the fire service can be. You all are ordering and asking joe to take this picture off of this site. However, I've never read of a family ordering another informational website to take down photos of their loved ones. Not to be ignorant, and I mean no disrespect, but if you don't like it don't look. I'm a firefighter and a fire photographer. The website I shoot for will only not publish photos that are done in poor taste, I.E. bodies, gruesome scene, etc. And like someone stated earlier, it's no different than what MSP does around prom time with the wrecked vehicles from real drunk driving cases. There is the possibility that a loved one left behind from one of those accidents will see that car and rekindle a flood of emotions.
You asked if it was one of our loved ones that had died how would it make us feel. To tell the truth, it would upset me. But on the same hand it's a reality and by joe taking down the picture it's not going to go away. I received this picture in a text message hours before joe posted this story. Accompanying the picture was a small blurb containing his name, age, his company affiliation and to please keep him, his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.And it was done with the best of intentions, not with malice or disrespect. Now I have a question for you, have you ever seen a picture in your local news paper of a horrific accident, where someone you didn't know was killed and said "they shouldn't be allowed to print this garbage"? Guarantee your answer is not yes. The only reason it's offensive to you all is because it hit home.
I don't know the details of his accident, nor do I wish to know them. But with extent of the damage to the vehicle I can safely say he wasn't traveling at a low rate of speed, not saying he was driving at an excessive speed either. I don't know what the posted speed limit was on that stretch of road, but having looked up the area on google maps, I've found it to be a rural road. Those type of roads usually don't have speed limits exceeding 40mph-45mph. Now if I'm wrong on this speculation, please correct me. My point is, just for now and the sake of the argument, let's say he was maintaining a speed greater than the road/weather conditions permitted, this photo can show younger firefighters (like myself) exactly why there is such a push from multiple angles (nfpa, niosh, etc) to slow our response speed and drive more defensively. As of right now cardiac related deaths are the number one killer of firefighters, but if reckless driving continues (not implying that Chief Clough was driving reckless) soon a preventable fate will be our greatest enemy. You all say no good can come of the picture of his accident being broadcast, but I disagree. If just one firefighter looks at that and reevaluates their own driving habits and potentially prevents another loss of life, than I'd say the picture served it's purpose. And if Chief Clough was as selfless as you all have made him sound, he would more than likely agree. I know if my untimely death would potentially save another persons life, to me it's not a total loss. Granted I would never want my family to have experience what your family is going through. However if that's what cards are in my hand, and I'm to die in a similar manner, I would want the pictures and story to be public in hopes that it would prevent another tragedy.
To the family and friends of Chief Clough, I'm terribly sorry for your loss. If you find anything I've written this evening offensive, I truly apologize. But as I stated in my previous post a few days ago, we're all human and each and everyone of us are entitled to our opinion. Please accept my deepest sympathy and please realize that what your finding distasteful could potentially prevent another family from experiencing such a tragic loss. The best author could write a gripping story detailing the accounts of that tragic night, but only a picture can truly put into perspective the magnitude of the incident.
Daniel Hill
Firefighter/EMT-B
SFD Station 2
if only you jerks on here knew the jobs us firefighters have. maybe we should just let your houses burn down how would you like that, you wouldn't like that so much so just dont act like complete jerks.
-SVFC6 Member-
Post a Comment