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Harry Nehrig & His Legacy to Emergency Services

By Shaunda Rauch on April 15, 2013 from Emergency Services Blog via Connect-Bridgeport.com

Normally my blog is full of steps you need to take to be better prepared for disaster or emergencies, or programs we are undertaking to help move the city into a state of preparedness ... but today, I ask that you have patience with me as I share a small note of a more personal nature.  
 
"The Circle of Life".  Mufasa expounded to Simba the dynamics of this life we live in The Lion King.  Steel Magnolia's still makes most of us of the fairer gender cry unmercifully.  Death is part of life, yet when one of our own is taken from us it puts life on slow motion and we struggle with the ensuing feelings of loss and grief.  This weekend, the Bridgeport Emergency Services Departments, Emergency Services Council and VIPS members lost an anchor ... a man whose dedication and passion for emergency services and this city helped to guide us step-by-step closer to the fruition of a prepared, resilient and safer Bridgeport.  
 
The passing of Harry Nehrig brings great mourning, but also memories of his infectious smile ... the clicking and puffing of his oxygen machine ... his hugs filled with acceptance and affection and the awe inspiring knowledge of a man who shared his life and skills through volunteerism.  I've cried many tears since receiving the news of Harry's passing, yet I find myself now wanting to rejoice in the life he lived and the example he set for so many of us.
 
Harry loved and cultivated the Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) program.  He cared about the success of the program, but more importantly he cared about the people that make up that program.  In 2002, when the City wanted to begin an Emergency Services program by establishing an Emergency Services Council, Harry was there ... and served faithfully until the day of his passing.  Harry was consistent, dedicated and a beloved mentor to the Emergency Services programs in Bridgeport.  This past year truly was not nearly long enough to enjoy this man's friendship and guiding light, but I thank the Lord above for the time he did give me with a man such as Harry Nehrig.  
 
 
The key to our success
rests in people like you,
who embody the spirit of greatness
by saying, "Yes I can, and so can you!"
Thanks for your inspiring dedication
and tremendous example to the world.


Now that your work is finished,
we say good bye with sad yet grateful hearts.
We want to thank you for your dedication,
and being there from the very start.
Words cannot convey our gratitude
for your tremendous contribution.


Thank you so much
for all of your hard work
and to bear witness to your passion
was an unexpected perk.
We never could have asked
for a more dedicated volunteer
and words cannot express
how grateful we were to have you here.
It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with you.
Thank you, our friend and guide.
 
Thank you Harry ... Rest In Peace, dear friend and mentor.  
 
Click HERE for Harry's complete obituary and funeral arrangements.


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