I was a Member of the Louisville Volunteer Fire Department in Lousiville, Colorado from 1993 to 1998.

Being a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (“EMT”) was one of the coolest and most fulfilling things I have done with my life.

But, I feel that I learned the most about helping people, and having a Servants Heart from Larry.

There is a lot of tedium around being a Fireman. Fire Calls and Emergency Services are exciting. Training with the equipment and drilling is interesting and physically taxing. But, there are also endless hours of cleaning the fire station and inspecting equipment.

Larry just showed up one day at Fire Station #2. He was mentally challenged. So, he could not serve as a Fireman. But, if you asked him to do any thing he would start running around and flapping his arms yelling “I am helping… Larry is helping”! at the top of his voice.

Mind you… Larry rarely got any thing done. But, he was happy to be part of things and he wanted to help. He found simple joy in just loving people and a willingness to perform the most menial of tasks.

I often refer to unselfish people that help others as “Larry”.

Beginning in 2007, we will be giving awards to members of the community that help others. Please feel free to nominate a “Larry”. I can’t wait to hear their story and learn something from them.

Peace to my Brothers and Sisters.

Brian Patrick Cork