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.