Tragedy struck on the set of Motherless Brooklyn, a film starring Bruce Willis and Edward Norton, when NYC firefighter Michael Davidson was separated from his unit while fighting a blaze that occurred while filming. The source of the fire hasn’t been released yet but when producers and the cast and crew noticed smoke coming up out of the space being used to film in they evacuated immediately. The blaze however caught on quickly and was out of control by the time the fire department arrived on the scene. As is usually the case people were standing by in awe as the firefighters went to work, moving into the burning building a definite purpose and a lack of hesitation that is simply awe-inspiring.
Try as they might however the blaze was extremely intense and eventually the firefighters had to move back. Somewhere in the smoke and confusion Davidson was separated from his group and by the time they found him he was already unconscious. He passed upon reaching the hospital, and leaves behind a wife and four daughters. It needn’t be said that firefighters are among the bravest and most daring people throughout the world, as their job takes them headlong into danger without a thought of anything but saving those in need and containing the blaze as is their chosen goal. They are an inspiration to many and an example of courage to so many. Losing even one of them is unacceptable, though they know each and every day that every fire they respond to could possibly be their last. It is the responsibility they take on and the choice they make in service others. They go to work with the belief that their lives are no more valuable than anyone else’s, but their loss is a deep impact that is felt within the community, and a heavy toll that is placed upon the ones they leave behind. That is why firefighters and those that serve their community are to be respected, as they give everything and ask for little in return.
It is a testament that the actors were not on hand for comment straight away as they honored the fallen, stating that a tragedy had occurred and they would ask for privacy. Later on they offered their heartfelt sorrow to Davidson’s family over his loss, as it should be. To many firefighters no fire is trivial and no blaze is ever anything but a serious matter to be dealt with. Some might claim that this was a needless loss since it was incurred on the set of a movie where proper precautions should have been taken, but that would be missing the point and dishonoring the memory of Michael Davidson along with many others that have fallen in the line of duty throughout the years. The point is that Davidson, like so many others, made it his choice to serve his community and to do his job as an NYC firefighter. No job was trivial, not even if it was his last.
It’s a testament to his memory that he served as best he could. Each one lost is another remembered, and missed.
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