Mike Moser "I Say" Published Nov. 15, 2002

This man's candle
burns brighter than most

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends," the book of John in the Bible tells us.

Cumberland County is so blessed to have so many who will drop what they are doing to come to the aid of their fellow man. One man who exemplifies not only the above creed, but celebrates the faith those words come from is Trevor Kerley.

Many Cumberland Countians risked their lives to help their friends, neighbors, and even strangers in the aftermath of one of the worst storms ever to hit the community. Since the winds stopped, scores have pitched in a host of ways.

Many are those who labored on the forefront. You could tell who they were by the uniforms they wore. Firefighters, police officers, ambulance personnel, rescue workers. Just as many have since labored behind the scenes, making life a bit more comfortable in the wake of this horrific disaster that left so many mentally, physically and financially devastated.

So many have done so much it would be foolish for anyone to attempt to list those who volunteered during this time of recovery. One man does stand out and with Trevor, well, you will agree that his story is amazing. Since his genuine humility keeps him from talking publicly about his deeds, we will have to piece together events based on hearsay from others.

Many might recognize the name but may have forgotten that Trevor was the volunteer firefighter who several years ago was the first to respond to an arson fire in the middle of the night. On his arrival he stepped from his pickup truck and was met by a bullet in the chest, fired by the arsonist.

While some of us might have forgotten this, Trevor can't. He still has to see a doctor from time to time for treatment relating to his wound suffered that night. Such an experience would have sent many home with the thought that they had served and given the highest of sacrifices.

That's not Trevor.

Sunday night Trevor and his family were dealt a blow when the killer tornado cut a path across the south-central section of the county and destroyed his home. Trevor and family were shaken but safe, and he called in on his radio to report this, and to request the gas company to come to the scene to turn off gas service.

He then joined others in the remarkable rescue of Margaret Beaty who was trapped in the rubble of her home at the end of Davidson Rd. So many agencies were involved in that rescue effort.

Trevor then joined the search for Robert and Sandra Scarbrough who were missing from their Lake Mohawk home in Tansi. Robert is Trevor's uncle but the relationship went much deeper. Trevor's father and Robert built houses together. Trevor, now a fulltime firefighter for the county, would join them at construction sites on his off-days.

It was Trevor who discovered the body of his beloved aunt, Sandra. Those of us who were not in the storm's way can only sit back and wonder at the emotions Trevor went through that night?

This week People magazine came calling, looking for an "unsung hero" to celebrate on its pages, and Trevor was nominated. He declined the interview and photo spread. Genuine humility. A deep faith. A heart for helping others and for stepping up when the times get rough.

I know Trevor won't be happy with me for sharing this story with others, but I am also counting on the fact that also instilled in his deep-rooted faith is forgiveness.

To all of our unsung heroes this week we say a heartfelt thanks. To those who lost so much in life and property, know that our heart goes out to you. To Trevor Kerley, we just stand in amazement and join the community in saying, "Thanks, again."

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Mike Moser is the editor of the Crossville Chronicle. His column is published periodically on Fridays.