One of the benefits of living in a small town like Oceanport is that it is easy to get to know your neighbors and get involved in the community. But even in small towns, it is easy to take for granted what should be treasured. On May 14^th, I had the distinct honor and privilege of speaking at a memorial service for Steven Widmaier at the Oceanport Hook and Ladder Company. Norman Rockwell could not have painted a more moving picture of small-town America than that service. For those of you who didn’t know him, Steve was a volunteer firefighter here in Oceanport. For those of you who did know him, he was much, much more than just a volunteer firefighter. Steve was everything good that Oceanport has to offer. Need a buddy? Steve. Need a ride? Steve. Need someone to talk to? Steve. Need somebody to sit quietly with? Steve. Need help moving? Steve. Need somebody to fight a fire? Steve.  Need somebody you can count on? Steve. Need somebody to tell you what you really need to hear? Steve. Need somebody to just say nothing? Steve.

The funny part is that I really didn’t know Steve...

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