Tuesday, June 11, 2019 • Video remembers Luke Sheehy
Publisher’s note: This story originally appeared in the Tuesday, June 11, 2019 edition of the Lassen County Times.
A new internet video honors the memory of Luke Sheehy, a smokejumper from Susanville who lost his life June 10, 2013 when a burning branch fell on him. Sheehy, the son of Doug and Lynn Sheehy was only 28.
Smokejumper Luke Sheehy lost his life fighting a fire June 10, 2013.The eight-minute video is available at uproxx.com/life/warriors-of-the-west-part-one, and features interviews with members of his family and representatives from the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.
According to the uproxx website, “With the help of the WFF, Luke Sheehy’s family is able to celebrate their son’s life through a dedicated memorial and at charity events that aim to help other families who have also experienced loss. Together, they’re bolstering a community and letting firefighters know that if they don’t make it out of the fire, someone will be there to help their families wherever and however they can.”
Doug Sheehy, Luke Sheehy’s father, shares a happy moment with firefighters in 2016 at Lassen Ale Works after the pub donated $800 to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.Smokejumpers fight wildfires in areas with no vehicle access, and the jump into the fire areas from airplanes. It is perhaps the most dangerous duty wildfire fighters face, and Sheehy was considered one of the best.
Father Doug, sister Meg and family friend John Tew recorded a CD, the Ballad of Pale Rider,” dedicated to Sheehy’s memory as part of the healing process.
As fire season begins this year, it’s important to remember these brave firefighters who risk their lives to protect us.
