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Permalink Reply by Eric on April 22, 2013 at 9:06pm

Thanks for the comments about The Last Alarm Internet Memorial (TLA) and yes, you were using the correct website address.

Since TLA was a personal venture, there was a period where TLA was off-line for financial reasons. TLA returned to service in 2013 and continues to extend permanent memorials to those who have fallen in the Line of Duty.

It's always been an important personal mission to make sure these heroes of the fire/rescue service are remembered.

Thank you for following up.

Eric Bush, FF/EMT (ret.)

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Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on April 22, 2013 at 10:02pm

I visited http://www.lastalarm.com/ this evening and was very impressed with all your hard work, Eric. Those who wish to pay tribute to servants who have fallen have a very peaceful place to visit.

I know that must be a full time labor of love. Thanks very much for doing that.

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Permalink Reply by Eric on April 22, 2013 at 10:15pm

Thank you, Norm.

For the 13 years (less the brief interruption) that TLA has been online, it's a real love/hate experience. I like being able to continue to serve yet each update is never easy.

When I first launched, if someone would have told me that I would have been adding hundreds of FF/Rescue personnel (9-11) for a single incident, I would have never believed them. I (nor the site design) was ready and I had to make a quick (and major) redesign of the site and underlying database software. Lots of long nights and cups of coffee in those days.

The next real sobering event was having to extend a memorial for a fellow firefighter from the department where I cut my teeth for 12 years.

Facebook has replaced a good portion of our regular visitors - since it gives people a free form method to make their own memories. I refused to let that discourage me and kept pressing on. I resisted having a "fan site" on FB for quite some time - but put aside my stubborn side and embraced it. TLA is still and will always be where I will extend permanent memorials and not FB.

TLA has always been word of mouth only (except for what Goggle picks up), so I thank everyone in advance for sharing TLA in your circles.

I do appreciate you visiting and thanks for the kind words.

If I can ever be of service to the community, please don't hesitate to contact me through the site. Everyone, stay safe out there!

Regards,

Eric Bush, FF/EMT (ret.)

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