Los Angeles Firefigther, March/April 2003

FDNY Widows Acknowledge "The Badge"

The following letters were received by LAFD Engineer Ron Price from FDNY families in response to his creative writing and poster; "The Badge."

Dear Mr. Price, It is with great appreciation I write you this letter for the thoughtful consideration and kindness in such a difficult time.

The poster, "The Badge" will be treasured, for it means so very much. The brotherhood is an unbreakable chain of the heart, and I wake up every day grateful of being a part of such a wonderful gift.

It is sad, as the days move along I am constantly reminded of how much smaller the world is without my Carl.

Our family feels a loss so very great, and our hearts break a little more each day. Yet, through it all we keep discovering that no matter how unbearable the pain can sometimes be, we find ourselves surrounded and supported by so many earthly angels that maybe, just maybe, there is a little light in this very dark time.

I pray every day that Carl did not suffer, that even now he does not feel sadness watching how very much he is missed, Only that he knows how much he is loved, and how in such a time of need there were others all along, from far walks of life, that made sure all would be well.

We are blessed with friends that care. I thank you from my family and me, to you and yours… for sharing your heart, as they all watch over our days.

Please, I beg, share this letter of gratitude with those who contributed their time and efforts in comfort.

May God keep you safe from harms way,

Michele Bedigian
FDNY Widow of Carl Bedigian
Engine 214, Bedford - Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

To all members of the Los Angeles City Fire Department:

I just had to write to try and express my appreciation for all the concern and support that you have shared with us. "The Badge" poster shows so much love and unity ~ it has touched me.

All your love and support has fueled us (widows) with the strength that's been needed to get through this horror.

I thank you all from my heart and will never forget the kindness that has been so shared.

Gratefully,
Pat DeAngelis and family of Thomas DeAngelis 8th Div. Manhattan

Ron Price began his career as a Firefighter with the Los Angeles City Fire Department on September 9, 1986.

Ron has been involved in several community service programs while employed with the department. He served on the school outreach program for four years and the S.A.F.E. Program (Stop Adolescent Fire Starters) with Education for approximately three years.

In June 1998, Ron was promoted to Engineer and worked at Fire Station 11 for two and one-half years, He transferred to Fire Station 59 in March 200 I where he is currently assigned.

After 911, Ron felt a necessity to encourage the family members of those (FDNY) who lost their lives during that tragic day, He launched a campaign to present them with posters, a firefighter's poem called "The Badge", written by Ron.

The project called "A Showing of Solidarity" began in June 2002 and was completed in August 2002, Three hundred forty-three posters were distributed throughout the Los Angeles City Fire Department for signatures, They were then packaged and mailed to New York for distribution to each individual family, prior to the first anniversary of 911.

Ron wishes to thank all sworn and civilian members of the LAFD for making this project a tremendous success.

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