Grieving for fallen firefighter in cyberspace
I’m helping out today with the coverage of the horrible events in Maplewood, where firefighter Ryan A. Hummert was killed while trying to put out a pickup truck fire. Hummert and two police officers were shot by a gunman hiding in a house near the burning truck.
Earlier in my career I spent a fair amount of time on the police beat, covering this sort of thing. That was before “Internet” was a word that meant much of anything to anyone.
I’m struck today by the ease with which grieving friends and well-wishers can get together to form a support network. I’ve been watching the Facebook page dedicated to Hummert’s memory. This group, set up by another firefighter, is growing rapidly with nearly 300 members already signed up.
I’m no psychologist. But it seems like this sort of thing would have some wonderful benefits in terms of helping people share their grief. If you haven’t seen it, be sure to check it out.
Tim has covered a wide range of topics, including tourism, crime, aviation and gambling, since becoming a reporter in 1990. The Oklahoma native joined the Post-Dispatch in 2007 after spending nine years in Orlando. In his spare time, he's often exploring one virtual world or another. He can be reached at tbarker@post-dispatch.com. 
I wanted to comment on this post as someone who works in the online fire & rescue community. As an editor for FireLink.com, we cover firefighter LODDs very seriously and supportively. Firefighters come from all over the country to post their thoughts and well-wishes, offer support for each other, and learn from tragedies within the firefighting force.
I personally believe the learning part is one of the most important, which is why we provide this space (similar to Facebook), for these men and women to come together.
We are covering the Hummert tragedy on FireLink.com, and I offer this community to anyone who wants to join.
I feel sorry this young man died on the job, however in a state that sells semi-auto rifles, mac-10’s and just about any gun you can think of what do you expect. I never owned a gun until I moved out here and I come from a very large city on the east coast.
It is said that people (above) will use a horrible event to air there political stance. I am proud to live in a state that upholds our right as a country. I am a first responder and well come fellow lawful citizens to have and carry firearms.
This was an act of terrorism, plain and simple. Americans now not only have to worry about terrorism abroad, but we seem to be raising a crop of nut cases on our own soil.
Nolan, This is Missouri - in the United States of America. Our founding fathers made sure we have the right to bear arms. Lucky for you they also make sure we have the right for Free Speech! - If you don’t like the way things are in Missouri - The Heartland of the US - then please feel free to use another freedom we have in America - THE RIGHT TO LEAVE!
I agree with Zachary - A FIREMAN is dead - just doing his job - that unless you are a fireman - you have no idea what that job entails - or the dangers that ALL EMERGENCY RESPONDERS face on a daily basis- protecting people they don’t know. Shame on you for disgracing My BROTHER FIREMAN with your political views. Ryan Hummert is a HERO and you should be ashamed.
It was the person holding the gun, not the gun itself that killed a HERO in Maplewood yesterday.
please if you wish to respond to what I wrote you should know how to spell. It’s welcome not well come, sad not said. If you really read what I wrote I said I was sorry this young man died. I have several friends who are firefighters, who were involved in the 9/11 disaster, and I have the utmost respect for them and the job they perform. I do beleive that peacefull law abiding citizens should be allowed to carry firearms, however don’t you think there is a difference between having a handgun and a street sweeper? So please don’t critize me, besides if the cops were so good at doing their job why are there so many criminals out here with guns? I have no “political stance” here, just pointing out the truth. Hurts doesn’t it.
Nolan,
It’s believe and not beleive. It’s also peaceful and not peacefull.
Go back to the coast where your superiority complex will fit in a little bit better.
My thoughts, care, and prayer are with the family and friends of Ryan Hummert. I am grateful that Officer Martin’s injuries are not life threatening, and I wish him a speedy recovery. I offer my care for Officer Fite, his family and friends, and those who treat his medical needs.
To our emergency services and public safety officers everywhere, I offer a smart, snappy, and crisp salute! Thank you for your risks and sacrifices to keep us safe. May God bless you in your service to the communities of this great country.
To the families of the above: May you be comforted in times of anxiety for the safety of your loved ones. My salute to you also.
Dan King Sr
Dublin, GA
While we’re fortunately also not dealing with the death of the police officers involved in this particular incident, there are also pages dedicated to fall police offers in the line of duty: http://www.odmp.org/browse.php
My condolences to the friend, family, and co-workers and brethren of this fallen firefighter…