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Thankful for my heroes

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Police Officer Ronnie Wrobel embodied the word ‘hero,’ and grandfather

A COLUMN By Bob Confer, pictured is Wrobel’s US Navy photo from the Korean War

On December 2nd, 1984, officer Ronnie Wrobel of the Niagara Falls Police Department showed incredible bravery and compassion in an incident that took place on 90th Street in the Falls.

A family was forced out of their home following an argument between the father and son. The son barricaded himself in the home, armed himself, and then said he would he would shoot anyone if he had to.

Wrobel was first on the scene and walked to the rear door of the home while the despondent male pointed a loaded shotgun at the officer. Wrobel never drew his firearm because he didn’t want to be a threat to the man who had made it quite known he didn’t trust police. Wrobel chose not to escalate the situation because he believed he could calm the man down. And, he didn’t want the gunman’s family to suffer, especially around the holidays, for anything their son did which could have resulted in the injury or death of the son or Wrobel. 

Wrobel’s gut instinct was correct, as was his heart.

After many tense moments, he calmed the man down and he and another officer were able to disarm him. No one was killed. No one was even hurt.

For that, Officer Wrobel received an award for bravery above and beyond the call of duty.  

It wasn’t the first time he received that award, either.

He got it another time after running deep into a burning building to save a baby from the inferno. Wrobel never recognized that award and hid it because he believed he failed – the infant succumbed to smoke inhalation not long after that daring rescue.

Both of those acts showed us who Ronnie Wrobel was.

He was a hero.

He was a hero who was also my grandfather.

He passed away 18 years ago, but I think about him often – literally every day. He’s especially on my mind this Thanksgiving, a holiday of family and gratitude, that is just a few days ahead of the fortieth anniversary of a defining moment.

It was a blessing to have him in my life. Not only did he risk his life to save lives, he lived his life to make life better for all – not just the Falls residents on his beat, but also his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

It’s something special to have someone in your life who lives life with such purpose and love, who, by heroic acts and every day activities, sets a standard for how you see the world and the goodness and value in people.

He wasn’t the only one who has been a hero to me. There are a few whom I see as my foundation builders, from my parents and grandparents, to my math teacher and scoutmaster. Each in their own way made sacrifices and did things that showed me how to live, work, and serve others.

On this Thanksgiving I give thanks to them, as I do every day in my silent reflections.

I encourage my readers to do the same for their heroes. Someone somewhere along the way did something magical, or even routine, for you — or for others — that inspired you, benefited you, or showed you that somebody cares. On this day of thankfulness appreciate what they did and savor who you are because of who they are. If you have the chance to do so, let them know that.

And, know this: You are a hero for someone else. Everyone has an impact. How you carry yourself and what you do is the benchmark for another who admires you. It might be a kid. It might be a coworker. It might a neighbor. Someone is always looking, always learning, and you are one of their guiding lights. They are thankful for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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