The Global Oilwell Fire Team has lost another valued member. Michael A. Petrus

May 8th,  we have once again lost a valued member, Michael Petrus, in this unique club of Oilwell Firefighters. Though many know them, in reference only to "Red" Adair and his flamboyant style over the decades, John Wayne iconized this dangerous business in the movie "Hell Fighters" but in truth there are a limited numbers of specialized individuals globally that thrive on getting the impossible solved. Many observers, over the years, have commented on the insanity of addressing an oilwell on fire, a well blowing raw gas or the dramatic events such as the Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico. In truth the insanity comes from complacent individuals working these difficult jobs in extreme conditions, and ignoring signs and improper operations that add to the complexity and danger of an already difficult,  though always challenging environment. So in truth, the fire-fighting responders are better prepared, better trained and more methodical than those involved  in the daily drilling and production operations.

In the last few years, we,   in our small community have lost several cherished members, Joe Bowden, Pat Campbell, Bobby Joe Cudd, Paul Saunier,  just to mention a few and we now add Michael A. Petrus to that austere list. I can't tell you how blessed I am to call these remarkable people my friends. Unfortunately I know there will be more that will be lost, there are always more, and  it makes the balancing act that the rest of us have to do, standing on the shoulders that are left, just that more precarious.