Gold Badge Society Aids Families Of Fallen Firefighters
CHICAGO (CBS) -- After the blow of an unexpected death, families and colleagues of firefighters need to cope. An intricate support system steps in to help them mend, CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports.
There are systems in place for grieving members on the force and heartbroken families. In many of those cases, it comes from those who've been in the same painful situation.
In the aftermath of Wednesday's tragedy, two firefighters are dead.
"It becomes very difficult to even function for a lot of families," said Eileen Coglianese of the Gold Badge Society, whose husband died in the line of duty.
Though many colleagues grieve, few actually know the families' suffering first-hand.
"Words truly cannot experience the heartache and pain one is feeling," Eileen's daughter, Allyson, said.
The badge of Firefighter Edmond Coglianese has a place of honor at the Fire Academy. He died battling a hotel fire in 1986.
"It completely knocks you off your feet," Eileen said.
At the time, there was no official support system for his family. But in the years since, with other coping loved ones, they've helped establish a support network called The Gold Badge Society.
"There's nothing better than being able to talk to someone who has been through a similar tragedy as you -- you feel like you are understood," Eileen said.
It is natural for the Fire Department to rally beside their injured colleagues, but that can often make their families feel uneasy.
Allyson Coglianese was in the emergency room Wednesday comforting the daughter of fallen firefighter Edward Stringer.
"I was able to break that tension and let her know she's there, she has all the time she needs," she said.
At a time of intense sorrow, theirs is a message of hope.
"Life is certainly different now, but it's not forever -- the pain, it will subside," Allyson Coglianese said.
