 The Michael H. Minger Foundation was founded after the death of Michael Minger in an arson fire at Murray State University in Kentucky. The Minger Foundation promotes Campus Fire and Life Safety through education, always knowing two ways out of any building, the use and importance of working smoke alarms, and the importance of living with automatic fire sprinklers.
Why did the FFD do “Dump the Dorms 2014” and “Dorm Burn 2015”…. in the hope that another Mother never need write the letter below. http://www.mingerfoundation.org/ A Letter to Michael
This morning as the light started shining in my room and I began to wake up , tears started rolling down my face. So many years after losing you to a heinous act by the hands of another, that unbearable ache just radiates through me, missing you, your voice, your laughter, that infectious smile that both you and your twin sister, Melissa, have.
We just had our golf tournament in your honor. It was a great success. You would really like the guys and gals that come together for this event. They all support the work of your foundation and although they never met you, they know the essence of you and remember you with warmth and love during this special time.
Mom is still at it, working to find answers to how we can better protect our nation's college students. We just lost two other young men to campus fires in the first few weeks of this school year… they along with Kerry Rose, Julie, Andrea, Liz, Ben, Dominick, Amos, John, Kevin, Eva, Andrew, and so many others have joined you in the
company of heaven. You were such a blessing, Michael, and you continue to bless my life by bringing interesting and caring people from all walks of life into it. Many parents who share the same pain of losing their child, many who have been so devastated by fire and many who work to help change things for the better. We still have so much to do.
Danny thinks of you often. We have lunch together and he calls every year on your birthday and death day and also on the holidays. He grew into such a wonderful young man and has never forgotten your kindness to him…he thinks of you as his brother.
Your twin sister, Melissa is all that you knew she would be. She is an amazing young woman. She just bought her dental practice out in California. Yes, she has spread her wings and is a California girl now. Mom and Dad gave her a gift from you for her new practice. Even though you could irritate her from time to time, I know how much you loved one another. It was a beautiful thing to see, my two children so close and supportive of each other. Best friends.
As this day took shape, I began thinking of your last day of life so many years ago, were you having a good day, enjoying being back at school…what did you have for breakfast, dinner. I know a lot about that day…I know you worked on your audio visual project for journalism class until late, then you watched Thursday night college football highlights, and went to bed with your boom box playing the Ave Maria CD. I also know that you were so brave that night when you were awakened by the smell, sound, and heat of the fire that took your life. You put towels under your door to keep the smoke out, but it didn't work, it was pouring in from all directions. I know it must have been so scary for you, but you were fighting hard to save yourself from the evil, careless act of another. I wish so much I could have been there to help you escape the horror of that night, but God had a different plan. Please know that mom will not give up on doing what I know you would expect of me and that is to help others and to spread the word about campus safety.
It is a hard day, but know that I smile though my tears just remembering the amazing young man that you were, and how you inspired so many others. I miss you so much and I will love you forever.
Mom (Gail Minger)
#fredericton #minger #FIRE PREVENTION #FireSafety #firefighters #firefighting #nb #new brunswick | 
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