Alexis VFD sends it respect and condolences to the family of Firefighter Mike Browne of the Acme-Delco-Riegelwood FD.RIEGELWOOD — As some firefighters searched through the rubble looking for survivors they discovered one of their own had not survived. The flags at the Acme-Delco-Riegelwood Fire Department are flying at half staff. It was as Acme-Delco-Riegelwood firefighters scoured the area looking for signs of life pulling survivors from the debris they learned fellow firefighter Mike Browne had been killed by the tornado along Holly Tree road. They pushed forward. They had to. Acme-Delco-Riegelwood VFD Chief Steve Camlin said Its hard. You have to get yourself and grip it. And its overwhelming. It can be. But we still got our job to do regardless. We couldnt do anything for him so we had to concentrate on his daughter. Mikes three-year-old daughter suffered severe injuries but survived. His father and stepmother were killed. His chief says Mike was ready for the call to duty. He just couldnt get out in time. He was getting his clothes on and headed that way Camlin said. He was getting his family out and he was going to come to the station. All of them were dressed like they were getting ready to leave. His fellow rescue workers say Mike was a dedicated firefighter and a devoted father. His little girl was found in a ditch but was alive. Hell just rest knowing we do whatever we can to take care of his little girl. If we got any dealings with it well take care of her. Shes got family. Shes got a little bit family left. I think hell rest easy knowing well take care of her Camlin said. Its a time of mourning for Mike and the others who were killed. For the survivors the long road to recovery has just begun. Many have no home to return to. A lot of people need a lot of help. But every little bit helps. And you can do just that through the American Red Cross. Mike Browne was a volunteer firefighter with the Acme-Delco-Riegelwood department for three years. He wanted to become an emergency management technician. He took his test just last week.
