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Back to AAAFFA Site! -> Austin African-American Firefighter's Association BLOG -> Ed Bridges -> Leave a Message About Ed Bridges
Post Info TOPIC: Leave a Message About Ed Bridges
aaaffa


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RE: Leave a Message About Ed Bridges
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From: Bobbie Garza-Hernandez <bobbie@pinkpr.biz>
To: AAAFFA
Sent: Fri, October 30, 2009 6:57:09 PM
Subject: RE: Ed's passing

I was working with Ed on the Fire 2020 research study.

We became good friends.

I wanted to share with you a written piece for Ed.  Perhaps it can be included in the memorial service?

If not, that is ok.  I wanted to share it with you.

 

FOR ED:

 

There Is No Word For Goodbye

 

Sokoya, I said,

looking through the net of wrinkles

     into the wise black pools of eyes.

What do you say in Athabaskan

     when you leave each other?

What is the word for goodbye?

 

A shade of feeling

rippled the wind-tanned skin.

Ah, nothing, she said,

watching the river flash.

 

She looked at me close.

We just say, "Tlaa".

That means, "See you".

 

We never leave each other.

When does your mouth say

     goodbye to your heart?

 

We always think you're coming back,

but if you don't.

     we'll see you some place else.

You understand.

There is no word for goodbye.

 

 – Mary TallMountain –



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aaaffa


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DeWayne Lofton [mailto:DeWayne.Lofton@tasb.org]
Subject: RE: In Memory and Honor of Mr. Ed. Bridges from Michael Lofton

All,

I too had the opportunity to work with Ed not only at the Men and Boys Conferences, but also when I participated in a task force with Ed, other fire fighters, community leaders, the chief and appointed staff to address the issue of minority and women recruitment.

Our efforts were cut short when the union learned of our working group and challenged the chief regarding whether or not she could be an active participant given the fact that the union and the city had just begun negotiation talks.

It would be extremely sad for this City and the fire department to not try and find a way to honor Ed’s memory.  The most befitting thing would be to fulfill the one thing that he was working on last and that was the recruitment of more minorities into the fire department.  So I want to take this opportunity to urge the city council and city staff to work diligently to make this a reality.  Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but it would be a tremendous honor to the memory of Ed and the hard work that he put into a Department that he believed in!!

DL



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FF Marja Juraschek

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This is such a huge loss for everyone.  I was privileged to get to work with Ed and was always touched by his willingness to help others.  He was enthusiastic and gracious and kind.  I am so happy I got to see him and talk with him recently.  I will miss him terribly.

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aaaffa


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Glyne Alleyne October 23 at 12:26pm
On behalf of the members of the Barbados Fire Service I extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ed Bridges.


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aaaffa


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"On behalf of the IABPFF, I offer my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy. Please convey our sentiments to his nuclear and extended family in hopes to helping provide comfort at this time. Together we will lift up our prayers. May God be pleased with Brother Ed Bridges work on earth. From Almighty God we come and to Almighty God we all shall return. Peace"

Joseph Muhammad - IABPFF President

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aaaffa


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It is with deep sadness that we must inform you that one of our own,
Firefighter Ed Bridges, passed away early this morning.

On Wednesday of this week, Ed traveled to Columbus, Ohio to visit family
and friends. In the early morning hours of October 23rd, 2009 Ed appears
to have suffered a sudden and lethal cardiac event.

Members of the Columbus Fire Department, who provided emergency medical
care to Ed, contacted our Lead Battalion Chief this morning at 0400 to
relay the news and express their condolences. All of Ed's Central Texas
and extended family have been notified.


We are working to notify Firefighter Bridges' large network of friends,
colleagues, and co-workers. As you know, Ed's energy and enthusiasm have
touched many, many young lives throughout the Austin area. Contacting
the Explorer groups, the LBJ Academy, the recruiting network, and all
the other community outreach organizations will take several days. Ed's
positive impact will be missed.

We will keep you informed as more details regarding the funeral and/or
memorials are established. For now, your prayers for family and friends
and kind thoughts are appreciated.

Forwarded from The Executive Team



Ed was one of our past association Presidents and has helped us with serving our community and AFD. He has served our association well and made major impacts in regards to our goals and objectives. We will be sure to pay our respects appropriately.

Sent on behalf of Bobby Johns
AAAFFA President


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