Our community has endured so much tragedy over the past few weeks. Shootings, vehicle accidents and drownings have become, for lack of a better term, the norm.
I planned on addressing the recent shootings and spike in crime in this week’s column because I can speak from a place of knowledge based on my background. However, the most recent drowning hit a little differently for me.
I knew one of the victims almost my entire life.
More from Michael Meyers: He Talked To Me…
I normally write a column, and it’s just that — a column — some opinion and my spin on things that are happening. This week, it’s all fact. And the fact is that Lt. Ralph Jenkins was a hero.
Some may ask, “What is a hero?” An online dictionary defines a hero as a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities.
Could it be the courage? Jenkins would go into burning buildings, fighting fires and saving lives.
Could it be the outstanding achievements? Jenkins had Firefighter of the Year Awards on the shelf, and he was a decorated member of society.
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Or could it be the noble qualities? He had an infectious smile, and every young firefighter could look to him as a role model in how he treated everyone and trained firefighters.
For me, growing up in our neighborhood, it was the fact that he treated us like we were extensions of his family. We could sit across the street on the curb and watch him wash his truck for hours. Every person who passed the house would blow the horn or stop in the middle of road just to say hello. It felt like he had a cookout almost every week, and anyone who came by could get a plate. He never met a stranger. More importantly, there is not a single person you can meet that knew him that would say anything bad about him.
I can clearly remember going fishing with him as a kid and probably having the most fun I ever had. When I returned home to take the job at the Augusta Fire Department, he brought his truck to headquarters to greet me on my first day. He gave me that strong handshake and let me know that I could call on him if I had any questions about the fire service.
That was the kind of person Ralph was. He even helped my James Brown “I Feel Good” lip sync video be the success that it was. If you haven’t seen it, check it out.
Let me wrap this up, before my keyboard doesn’t work anymore. Apparently, my eyes are leaking from something.
I’m sure there aren’t many people in this community, and especially in the fire community, who have not been influenced by Jenkins. His influence will never be forgotten. Rest easy, Jenkins, and know that you had the absolute best influence on everyone you left behind.
Michael Meyers is a Columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com.
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