“Chief Jason Byrd” – EOW February 18, 2019

Conditions
Chilly – mid 40’s; misty and strong breeze

Hoser is usually our default Q, always bringing a strong themed WOD, so when he asked for a volunteer, I gladly accepted. Thought we’d have a few more PAX, including good ole Lou, but the three of us cranked out the work and generally had a blast! I found a Fallen Hero WOD page for firefighters, and though that would be appropriate since it our resident firefighter who always steps up for us…..

Before getting into the WOD, we rucked 2 laps to loosen up a bit and stretch it out…various aches, pains, and exhaustion noted for all….

4 Rounds

• 3 Flights Stairs with Air Pack (we substituted ruck)
• 10 Sandbag Squats with ruck on
• 10 Sandbag Plank Pulls with ruck on
• 10 Sandbag Cleans with ruck on
• 10 Sandbag Glute Bridges with ruck off
  
  We took a recovery lap after 2 rounds since we all forgot how hard a bunch of stairs with rucks on was, being out of practice from this torture.
• Background: This workout is dedicated to Chief Jason Byrd lost his life while fighting a structure fire on February 18, 2019. He had just taken equipment up the ladder when he collapsed. His brothers and sisters in service immediately began life-saving measures, while continuing fireground operations. The home was saved but unfortunately, he did not survive. Chief Byrd started with the Hickory Withe Volunteer Fire Department in 2000. Over 19 years, he was promoted to lieutenant, captain, and eventually chief. He worked full-time at the local electric company as a network engineer and was respected by his peers. His family was his top priority, but his job as fire chief was his passion. He loved helping in the schools, teaching children not to be afraid of firefighters, changing out smoke detectors for people who needed help, and raising money for MDA Fill the Boot.
• He was born in Memphis on August 27, 1976, to Patricia Yager and Johnny Byrd. His uncle and grandfather were in the fire service, and he was fascinated about helping his community. At age 14, he was involved in a serious ATV accident, which ignited his passion to give back to the community that helped rescue him. He graduated from Fayette Ware High School in 1994 and from Christian Brothers University with an electrical engineering degree.
• He was an amazing husband to Jamie and an even better father to his children, Shelby and Jackson. Jamie and Jason had many years together in the fire service making memories and enjoying time with their fire family, a family like no other. The department was a family with him at the head of the table. This group was there for each other for weddings, funerals, and everything in between, and they continue to take care of each other and his family. Jason’s hobbies included boating, hunting, riding ATVs, tailgating, and spending time with friends and family.
• It speaks volumes to Jason’s character that he worked full-time, completed the tasks of the volunteer fire chief, and helped anyone in need. He was selfless, caring, funny, and genius in many aspects. He is survived by his wife, Jamie Gray Byrd; his children, Shelby and Jackson Byrd; his mother, father, and his sister. He will always be missed by his family, his fire family, and countless other lives he touched. One thing everyone noticed was his incredible smile. It conveyed his character without him speaking a word—honest, kind, loving, and always ready to help his fellow man.
• The workout was designed by a fellow firefighter Lt. Kara Judd and it is a part of Line of Duty Death (LODD) honor workouts for firefighters who died of cardiac causes.

After this, I had a rather brutal WOD planned to finish up, but due to the noted aches, pains, and exhaustion, which were now all much worse after the WOD, we rucked 2 more laps (total 1.5 miles) to finish up

Announcements were sparse – but check out the sneaker event at Black Dog next Thursday

Prayers spoken and unspoken

Awesome to be out there with you men!!!

OneCall