Governor Schwarzenegger was Tuesday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”. Here are his words:
“Hi, this is Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with another California Report.
Over the last few weeks, communities up and down California have been engulfed by fire.
More than 150,000 acres have burned.
More than 100 homes and businesses have been destroyed.
I have visited the fires and seen the rubble and spoken with the victims.
And let me tell you, it is heartbreaking.
But I also want you to know, that in the midst of all the devastation and sadness, there are also incredible stories of heroism and bravery.
I have always said California has the bravest, the hardest-working and the best-trained firefighters and law enforcement personnel in the world.
And they are proving it right now.
Every day our firefighters are battling in the smoldering heat, carrying heavy equipment, climbing up steep terrain and risking their lives to save the lives and property of others.
Tragically, this week two of our firefighters did pay the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives while battling the fire in Los Angeles.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of Fire Captain Ted Hall and Fire Specialist Arnie Quinones.
These two men are true California heroes and we are forever in their debt.
And on Monday, at a fire in Auburn, I had the privilege of meeting another great Californian: Placer County Sheriff’s Deputy Ken Skogen.
On Sunday afternoon, Deputy Skogen came upon a burning house. A frantic man told him his elderly mother was stuck inside the burning house.
So the Deputy raced to the house, smashed the door in, fought through the smoke and pulled the woman out to safety.
Deputy Skogen is also a hero.
He did not ask whether the woman was rich or poor, gay or straight, Democrat or Republican, before pulling her from that house.
He risked his life, without hesitation, to save another.
That’s courage. That’s heroism.
So on behalf of all Californians, I want to thank our firefighters and all our brave men and women in uniform, for everything you do to keep us safe.
Thank you for watching and thank you for listening.”
The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard each weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:46, 7:46 and 8:46am.
Written by mark@mlode.com
This post was last modified on 09/06/2009 12:19 pm