By Mark Yost
Houston, TX, USA
Only the Brave, a film about the 19
Granite Mountain Hotshot Firefighters who died in a massive wildfire outside of
Prescott on June 30, 2013, opened in theaters on Oct. 20. It is Hollywood’s
attempt – in all its grandeur and flaws of dramatic license – to forever
remember the brave young men who were killed. But “The 19,” as they’re known to
family, friends and fellow firefighters, were well remembered long before their
story was put on the big screen.
Arizona
and the local communities impacted by the fire created the Granite Mountain
Hotshots Memorial State Park, which includes a seven-mile interactive trail
that traces a portion of the path of the crew on that fateful day. It
culminates with a dramatic overlook of the gully where the men were overtaken
by the fast-moving wildfire. Plaques mark the exact spots where they died.
A few of
the families have started nonprofits including the Travis Turbyfill Wellness
Fund, the Wildland Guardian Institute, the Eric Marsh Foundation, and the Wade
Parker Memorial Educational Scholarship. But it’s fair to say that the Kevin
Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association has done the most.
Just 21
years old, Kevin Woyjeck was one of the youngest members of the Granite
Mountain crew, but came from a long line of firefighters and was following in
their footsteps. His father, Joe Woyjeck, a recently retired captain on the Los
Angeles County Fire Department, began his career as a wildland firefighter and
followed his son’s movements that day via cellphone GPS.
Not long
after Kevin was buried in his native Seal Beach, Calif., the Woyjecks set up
the foundation, which raises money to buy equipment and fund scholarships for cash-strapped
Fire Explorer posts, the firefighting equivalent of the local Boy Scout troop.
In 2016, it gave away more than $100,000 in much-needed equipment, such as
boots, jackets and gloves. The association also sponsors explorer academies,
where the kids get their initial, hands-on training.
If the
Woyjecks have excelled at this, it’s partly because Joe Woyjeck is the vice
president of the Los Angeles County Fire Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that’s supported
by donations. But the foundation has been very much a family affair.
 |
| Joe, Kevin and Anna Woyjeck |
“The association is all Anna,” Mr. Woyjeck said of his wife. “She has poured her heart and soul into it since day one and made it work.”
The
Woyjeck’s other son, Bobby, currently training to be a paramedic, helps out on
the annual fishing derby, a fundraiser that remembers his brother and his
favorite pastime. Bobby’s wife, Amanda, takes care of social media, and Maddie,
the Woyjecks’ youngest child, handles public relations.
“We started this nonprofit to benefit Explorer
programs across the nation and help aspiring first responders fulfill their
goals and lead inspiring lives,” Bobby Woyjeck said. “Kevin would be proud and
want nothing more.”
“My son Ricky is part of LA County Post 18 and
Torrance FD Post 343,” Richard Williams wrote on the foundation’s Facebook
page. “You have helped both Explorer programs out tremendously.”
“If there is any consolation or silver lining to
this colossal tragedy,” wrote Debi Riordan Riley, “it is all of the amazing
acts of generosity and kindness you are doing in Kevin’s name. He will live on
forever.”
Amen.
Link:
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Mark Yost is a former firefighter/paramedic in
Highwood, Illinois, a regular contributor to Stay Thirsty Magazine, the Wall
Street Journal and the author of five books in the Rick Crane Noir series.