A simple gesture from the heart

On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department’s vigil of the lone firefighter continues as a simple, yet powerful reminder.

“This represents the sacrifice of the lone fireman,” said Dominic Kovacevic, a volunteer firefighter. “It’s for all their family and friends, the place missing at the table — one fireman at a time.”

At 6:45 a.m., Kovacevic’s wife Carolyn, also a volunteer, begins the vigil, marking the time when the first plane flew into the World Trade Center towers in New York City. She stands holding an American flag during the next 102 minutes: the time span until the two towers fell.

About a dozen Ferndale volunteers stand shifts each Sept. 11 to honor the sacrifice of the firefighters as well as the police and other rescuers who risked or lost their lives helping people escape the burning, collapsing towers.

Kovacevic said each person standing vigil feels a profound connection to the victims and heroes who lost their lives.

“That flagpole — it’s like a lightning rod pulling that energy into you,” he said. “Everybody feels that.”

Because so many people want to stop and visit during the vigil, the department has decided to open the station this year and have a collection of 9/11 books and pictures as well as someone to welcome visiters.

According to Kovacevic, many people want to take part. Soldiers who have served in Iraq have stopped and stood with the firefighter and flag facing Montana 209.

Others have contributed in unexpected ways.

“The first few years ... at dawn, someone played ‘Taps’ in the woods,” he said.

When the musical tribute began the third year, Kovacevic followed the sound into the woods behind the fire station. He discovered Paul Sebesta, a musician who lives on Eastman Drive and also volunteers as a pilot to spot fires caused by lightning strikes.

It reminded him of his family’s credo that nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.

“He just saw the event going on and went out and got his French horn,” Kovacevic said. “That’s Paul. It’s just pure volunteerism. It’s the Montana way.”

The Ferndale vigil began in 2002 as a tribute to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives helping the many thousands who did escape those buildings. It has evolved in the public’s mind as a memorial to all aspects of the tragedy.

“The feedback we get from the community has been just great,” Kovacevic said.

He recalled the retired American Airlines flight attendant who brought a bounty of food as a thank-you. She had three friends perish on the flights that went down on 9/11.

School buses slow down near the vigil and the children all wave. Truck drivers respond with a patriotic gesture.

“All the truck drivers take off their ball caps in respect for the flag,” Kovacevic said.

People bring by tokens of appreciation ranging from a simple vase of flowers to treats such as fruit or cookies. Those simple acts mean a lot to the firefighters.

“The gratitude — that’s what fuels a volunteer organization,” he said.

During his hour or longer vigils, Kovacevic said he has a lot of time to reflect on what being a firefighter means. He has thought back to his old battalion chief who said every fire comes down to a similar scene.

Firefighters find the family standing outside in whatever clothing they could grab in a hurry. When the fire is out, they get to return to their fire station but that family’s life has changed forever.

Yet, within a few days, the family comes to thank the firefighters for coming in their hour of need. His battalion chief explained the phenomena.

“He said, ‘You represent that help is on the way,’” Kovacevic said. “You are the first sign of something good. I’ve seen it hundreds of time.”

Whether a massive national tragedy or a home fire, small acts of appreciation repay firefighters for running into danger as others run away.

On the first year that Ferndale launched the vigil, Kovacevic wondered if people would understand. He remembers asking a local resident, Jim Kirby, what he thought.

“He said, ‘People in Montana get it. You don’t have to do anything else. This goes straight to the heart.”

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.