Ed Cunicelli
On a recent trip back to Whiteriver, AZ, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Don Burke. Only met him once but it felt like I new him a lifetime. After spotting him in the parking lot of the “H” market I decided to make an introduction. At first it seemed kind of scary as he took in my over eager personality (holding a large knife in his mouth) but after he learned what I was up too, he agreed to work with me… well, after I gave him a lift. I quickly realized, This was no ordinary man. Don was an elite firefighter in the Apache Hotshots. His job was to travel all over the western U.S. fighting big wild fires. Man did he have some cool stories to tell. “Narrowly escaping death…” seemed to be said more times than I could count. Now, I can’t help but look at this simple portrait of him with a different understanding. Considering his life on the reservation, surviving massive wildfires would come easy. He had that look in his eyes that said he’d seen a few things. After about an hour of listening, I made some photographs. He in turn thanked me by giving me his commemorative Apache Hotshot Fire Jumper Jacket… A BIG DEAL (as in out of the helicopter and into the fire jacket!!!) plus some old photos of him on the job. Don, what did I do to deserve that? A question, I guess he wants me to sit with. Everything still smelled like smoke. In that moment, the wind took a hard turn and with a glance upward I could see Don was asking me to pay attention to it. Little did I know we wouldn’t see each other again… or at least not in this lifetime. A true master of living.
This portrait, combined with your story, make a very compelling presentation. Would love to see more.