Welcome home to a dedicated firefighter

Frontiersman Editorial Board

While many of us are celebrating one resurrection this weekend, at least one Valley family, and the friends and co-workers of a Valley firefighter are celebrating something of a miracle a little closer to home.

During the violent March windstorm that wreaked so much havoc in our community, volunteer firefighter Todd Russell had a close shave with death. While responding to one of the many brush fires that broke out during the strong winds, Russell's fire truck was struck with a blown-down gas station sign, and the passenger side of the vehicle -- where Russell was sitting -- was crushed. Russell suffered serious injuries, including head injuries that threatened his life.

Rumors about Russell's condition swirled around the Valley almost has fast as the March winds had blown through. At one point many people had heard that he was not responsive, and that our community might be very close to losing a hero. Thankfully, that rumor was not true. It did take Russell about two weeks to begin to regain consciousness. He was unable to speak due to a respirator, but there were signs that he recognized friends and family visiting his hospital room.

Then, seemingly as suddenly as he had lost consciousness, Russell began to speak, and he made up his mind he'd be home by April 21, even though his doctors thought it would be closer to April 29 before he could leave the hospital.

On Friday, Russell stayed true to this word, and Evergreen Aviation Inc. provided him with a free helicopter ride back to the Valley and his Palmer home. He was greeted by friends and family at the Palmer Airport, and Todd Russell is spending Easter with his wife and daughters today.

The Valley can breathe a sigh of relief now that this dedicated volunteer firefighter is home safe, and we hope everyone will include him and his family in their thoughts today.

The people of the Valley is fortunate to have people like Russell in our midst, and we wish him a speedy and complete recovery. He says he's eager to answer his pager when another emergency arises. Many thanks to Todd Russell and to all the emergency response people in the Valley who sacrifice and risk so much for our safety.

This will surely be an Easter his family and friends won't soon forget. His dedication won't be forgotten by his community, either