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Tragedy in Milwaukee

Posted: Thursday, July 30, 2009 2:25 PM by Sam Singal

The video is truly frightening. An SUV tipped over on it's side, engulfed in flames; while panicked neighbors work desperately to free a mother and her two young children trapped inside. Out of nowhere appear two brothers; off-duty Milwaukee firefighters who assist in freeing the mom and one child. But the second child, four year old David (DJ) Harper is trapped in his booster seat. Repeatedly the brothers enter the blazing vehicle until the boy is freed. They then douse his burning body with a garden hose and prep him for the ambulance. DJ survives, but this is not where the story ends. The little boy is seriously burned and his cash-strapped family has nowhere to turn. Except now those two brothers, John and Joel Rechlitz, and their own families are spear heading charity efforts to assist DJ and his family. Milwaukee has been mobilized overnight; and everything from cash to clothing is being donated.

In a world where so many often appear willing to take the credit, here are two soft-spoken brothers and their families going far beyond the call of duty to help out another family in need. But hey, don’t try to give them credit for doing it…"Wouldn’t you do the same thing?", they ask.

That is this evening's Making a Difference.

Here are two websites where you can follow DJ's progress and find out more information.

www.helpingdavid.com

www.caringbridge.org

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Hi Mike,

I saw the video on MSNBC a few days ago. The
brothers, John and Joel are real heroes even though they don't see themselves as such. I was wondering how DJ and his family are doing. I hope he recovers soon. It's great to hear how Milwaukee is helping. I'll watch tonight and see the progession. Thanks for the websites. And thanks for all the other stories you've covered. Your son is doing a terrific job in his career as well.

Take care.
Vicki
Wouldn't the Ronald McDonald House be an appropriate place for the family to stay?
I am touched at the response given to this young boy. I hope and pray that the boy will recoverand be able to live a long and prosperous life.  The firefighters are heroes to us all.
We were looking for this to be on Friday at 5:30
P.S.

I'm so sorry Kevin. I was getting you mixed up with Mike Taibbi for some reason. But I always enjoy your work as well.

Vicki
This heartbreaking story poses a crucial question of all of us, would we do the same? Each of us should search that place deep inside and if the answer is no,ask yourself if you truly are the change you want the world to be. Thank  goodness for these two men and the enormous risk they took. They should be an example to us all.


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