WEST, TEXAS Plant Explosion

By: Terry Dean Writer

At many areas across our land our safety depends on volunteers to respond in the case of emergency. These mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends are the only line of defense should the unthinkable happen in small towns and rural areas alike. Without a second thought when needed these brave men and women are called to respond. They put their lives on hold for their friends, neighbors, and even those they have never met and those they will never know. These are the brave men and women who man the fire trucks, ambulances, and other necessary emergency equipment at a moment’s notice. They answer the call not asking for whom or for what, they just know that someone is in peril, and unless they answer the call, then a life, a home, or a family could be gone forever.

These men and women are just regular people with regular problems just like you and me; the only difference is they do it because they care. They respond to the fires, the accidents, the sick, and the needy not thinking about themselves, but rather caring enough to make a difference. Whether it is because of accident, Mother Nature, or any other reason, these fine upstanding men and women are the backbone and life of many small towns and cities. When others are seeking shelter from torrential rains or floods, from tornadoes, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, the Volunteer First Responders are there to aid and assist as needed. They never ask for anything in return other than the knowledge that they have made a difference; that they have helped their friends, family, and neighbors that they have made a true difference. Unlike their big city counterparts that are expected and paid to respond, they do it from their heart and from their soul.

Nothing has been clearer from this than the events that transpired on April 17^th 2013 in the small town of West, Texas... Many of the first responders and others had already made it home for the evening before the initial page came reporting a fire at the West Fertilizer Company on the north end of town. Others were in West attending a paramedic class, while still others were finishing their chores on this otherwise warm day. Weather reports had mentioned a fairly strong cold front that was moving in the direction of the town, so many were taking care of stock and chores expecting cooler temperatures and the possibility of rain.

Reports indicated that a page went out to the West Volunteer Fire Department sometime around 7:30 PM and the initial responders went to the plant where a fire had been reported. As crews from the volunteer department began to set up and prepare to fight the fire an explosion ripped through the plant at 7:50 PM. The explosion was so strong that it was felt as far away as Dallas Texas. The force was so strong that the blast actually registered a 2.8 on seismic devices that are used to measure earthquakes. The plume of smoke from the explosion was visible for up to 75 mile away, and caught everyone by surprise. The initial responders were caught off guard, and most lost their lives in the few minutes after they arrived. There were also others who had responded that were not formal members of the fire department, this included one gentleman who actually was a Captain with the Dallas Fire Department who lived in West, and like the others did not give a second thought to helping those who were in need.

There are many news articles about what transpired after the event, but that is not why I felt compelled to write. I am not a reporter, and those stories are best left to the professionals, I am giving my time to the first responders, the others who were compelled to help for no other reason than that is what they do, and that is their legacy.

I am in awe of what I saw, and what I heard when it comes to the people of the city of West and the surrounding areas. The people knew that their friends in neighbors were hurting and in pain, and they stepped up and made a difference. From the ones who had automobiles and trucks that were still able to be driven and then assisted in evacuating the walking wounded from the danger area, to those who assisted law enforcement in keeping traffic flowing as best as possible given the massive outpouring of aid from surrounding departments. To the untrained who helped in triage by staying those who were injured and giving them someone  to hold on to, and the many, many others too lengthy to list who were there when they were needed, it is these people along with the first responders who saved countless lives and aided those in deep despair.

Finally my mind draws back to other disasters that have occurred in large metropolitan areas and I think of the many that turn and run away from the danger. The ones who feel they owe nothing to anyone else other than themselves, the ones who would never stop and aid those in dire need of assistance, and the thoughts cause me to grow heavy hearted as I wonder what our Lord God thinks when he sees these events transpire. It causes me to be deeply saddened to think people can be so unaffected by the hurting and needs of others. To those who do not care I only wish that you would stop and take the time to think about you actions, and remember each of us will be called to stand before our savior for our actions here on this lonely desolate rock, and when we are all called back home, I can only hope and pray that my personal actions show that I am of the group that cares, and I am one who does not run away from danger or despair, but rather towards it in the protection of my family, friends, and neighbors, and that my life has made at least some difference in the lives of others, just as those brave men and women did on that fateful night in West.

I am reminded of a Bible passage John 15:13 that I keep on my desk that reads; “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” To each of the members, friends, and family who responded on that fateful night and laid down their lives I truly know that they are at peace with the Lord. I truly am proud of their bravery and honor and so should each of you. To those of you who are still here, hurting and alone because of the loss of a loved one or friend, you should be at peace in knowing they are at the right hand of the Father, and will be there waiting to greet each of us on the final days.