Arizona firefighters

The nation is mourning the deaths of 19 firefighters, victims of a raging wildfire in Arizona.

They were firefighters for the city of Prescott, members of an elite unit dubbed Granite Mountain Hot Shots who had been called into action to support a regional effort to battle the blaze, which spanned more than 8,000 acres. Early reports indicated a dramatic wind shift surprised the firemen and led to the fatal situation.

We have the utmost respect for firefighters. They are highly trained to adapt and maneuver in intense situations. They are prepared to handle just about anything, from house fires to extrication to water rescues. But no matter how well-equipped and trained, anytime you are dealing with fire, particularly outdoors, there is a dangerous element of unpredictability.

As we followed the tragic story in Arizona, and as we pray for the surviving families, friends and colleagues, we can't help but think of our own firefighters.

We have some good fire departments in Cape Girardeau and surrounding communities. We are blessed to have highly trained professionals and those who are volunteers. Today, we pause to thank them for their service and dedication to our public safety.

And we pause to recognize the names of the men who lost their lives in Arizona: Eric Marsh, 43; Andrew Ashcraft, 29; Robert Caldwell, 23; Travis Carter, 31; Dustin Deford, 24; Christopher MacKenzie, 30; Grant McKee, 21; Sean Misner, 26; Scott Norris, 28; Wade Parker, 22; John Percin, 24; Anthony Rose, 23; Jesse Steed, 36; Joe Thurston, 32; Travis Turbyfill, 27; William Warneke, 25; Clayton Whitted, 28; Kevin Woyjeck, 21; and Garret Zuppiger, 27

God bless them all.