Honoring George S. Rice, My Father-in-Law, On Independence Day

A Very Special Fallen Hero

After seeing the memorable picture of the fire fighters raising the flag after 9/11, I decided to dedicate Independence Day to a very special Fallen Hero, my Father-in-Law, George S. Rice. I never knew my father-in-law since he died when my husband, Kevin was only 8 years old. I consider George Rice one of the bravest men ever, to sacrifice his life in the line of duty in order to protect others'. I am proud of both him and my husband. My husband had to endure the loss of his father at eight years old. I can't imagine what he and his family went through on that day and in the days ahead. I believe that it is one of the most selfless acts ever, to give one's own life in the line of duty.

On August 2nd, 1978 George Rice and several other firefighters responded to a fire at the Waldbaum's Grocery Store, in a section of Brooklyn called Sheepshead Bay. Three engine Companies, and two ladder companies, along with the 33 Battalion were dispatched to the scene. The Waldbaum's was under major renovations at the time. The workers pointed out where the fire apparently started. Due to the renovations the fire quickly spread to the roof. As the fire worsened the 33rd battalion sent out a second alarm. As Units were operating on the roof area the fire worsened, and the fire was now shown through two roof areas. The roof ended up collapsing. The Brave Fallen Firefighters were found amidst the rubble of what used to be the Waldbaum's store. There were five other firefighters who died alongside George Rice. On the 20th Anniversary of the six firefighters deaths the corner where the Waldbaum's Store used to stand, was now to be called Fireman's Corner in honor of the six firefighters who gave their lives on August 2, 1978. God Bless to a very special hero, George Rice.

As we remember all of our brave men and women on Independence day, the birthday of our nation, I am proud to honor especially today George Rice. From the stories I have heard, he was a great father to my husband. It is unfortunate that his life was taken so soon, but I believe that both Kevin and I have a very special angel in heaven watching over us today. Even though, I never had the opportunity to meet him I feel that I have a special connection with him.

God Bless America!!

God Bless Our Fallen!!

God Bless Our Troops!!

God Bless My Hero George Rice!!

Ricci Firefighter Ruling Overturned

Sotomayor rebuked by would-be colleagues

The Supreme Court Justices have just made a ruling in favor of the white firefighters in Bias Case. The Supreme Court ruled that in New Haven Conn. were unfairly denied promotions because of their race. This means that the Supreme Court reversed a decision that Sonia Sotomayor, a Supreme Court nominee, endorsed as an appeals coourt judge.

This was a case of racism pure and simple. There have been absolutely NO firefighters promoted since the firefighters having taken the exam, which was for consideration of promotion in the New Haven Fire Department. These white firefighters were not considered for promotion, after passing the exam with flying colors, because there were no African Americans that had good enough results on the exam to be eligible for promotion.This is an exam that was approved for ALL people coming from various ethnic backgrounds to take by the city of New Haven. Then, afterward New Haven wants to say that the exam showed favoritism towards whites, but only after the exam results were known-that no African Americans were eligible for promotion at the firehouse.
Since the Supreme Court ruled in this case that the white firefighters were unfairly denied promotions based on race, does that show some indication that Sotomayor is a racist? Or at least unjustly favors minorities over whites? Will this cause Sotomayor to have any problems with her upcoming Supreme Court hearings? Now it is the law of the land that the Ricci Case was a case of reverse racism.