'Blooming Heroes: Brothers Save Lives Wearing Badges and Speedos

[XLFD]

The word "hero" can often be overused by segments of our population to describe all people that work at certain occupations.  Surely, those people that choose to enter an occupation where they put themselves into danger to help others are people that should be commended.  But should they automatically be given the praiseworthy name of "hero" if they personally perform no act of heroism, if they act non-heroic in the performance of their duties, or engage in conduct that otherwise besmirches the job?

There have been many instances of what appears to be police misconduct reported and often recorded that you can find new examples just about every day on the internet.  These need to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, but they need not overshadow the fact that there are real heroes on real police departments across the country.  And we are lucky to have two in our community that have risen to the demands of a moment where their heroism was put to a test, and they passed with flying colors.  And they're brothers, sons of parents engaged in other noble professions.  Spencer and Dylan Lindbloom.

I have met both during my years with the Ludington Fire Department (LFD), serving with their dad, Leo Lindbloom (pictured second from left, standing).  Through those years, Leo was a backbone of the department, competently engaged in his profession with a cool mastery.  Leo is the unsung hero who would probably decline having the term apply to him, even though he adds his soft-spoken leadership at fire scenes and vehicle accident scenes.  His sons came up and joined the LFD as teenagers, serving seasonally at times due to their college commitments elsewhere.  Their mother being a special education teacher in the MCC School District undoubtedly urging them to do so. 

The first heroic act of note was performed by Spencer and Dylan while they were working as lifeguards in 2009, the last year lifeguards were used out at Stearn's Beach.  As relayed in Lifeguards Cannot Save Souls (March 2010), both boys went out in troubled waters to rescue three people.  Spencer helped haul out two guys, and Dylan helped rescue a girl.  If it wasn't for these boys there that summer, these three swimmers may have breathed their last. 

But they were not done with rescuing people from 'breathing their last, even though they both ditched the Speedos (or whatever they wore as lifeguards), both kept the firefighter turnout gear, and both went on to become law enforcement officers.  And once again, they saved lives during the middle of summer, saving an absconder from drowning and a backyard barbecuer from choking. 

On July 2, 2016, it's reported that:  "According to Manistee County Undersheriff John O’Hagan, Deputy Dylan Lindbloom of the Manistee County Sheriff’s Office saved (Parole Absconder Andres)Alonzo, who repeatedly stated he did not know how to swim, from drowning and aided in the police chase.  The deputy assisted the Manistee City Police in chasing this suspect down, O’Hagan said. “Deputy Lindbloom held onto the suspect’s hands as he was towed to shore...

...The Sheriff and I will be recommending that a life-saving award through the Michigan Sheriff’s Association be considered for Deputy Lindbloom, because the suspect repeatedly said that he could not swim. It was Deputy Lindbloom who pulled him to safety. We are also going to be recognizing Timm Smith, and his family who were in the boat as well. They need to be recognized for their outstanding work in our community,”

Not to be outdone by his deputy brother for long, LPD Officer Spencer Lindbloom found himself at the right place at the right time to do his own at of heroism, by quick thinking and quick action, he saved a local from choking on his own grilled steak.  As reported in the local newspaper:

If you see these young men around Manistee or Ludington make sure to thank them for being real local heroes, saving their fellow men and women from death at least twice each. 

[AQUAMAN]

Thank you local HEROES for sustaining a peaceful and  truthful enterprise, the Lindblroom's can be very proud! 

[Willy]

Nice tribute X. I wonder if this family was supportive of you when you had your problems with the Chief and the other Nazi's running the City.

[XLFD]

I wonder the same; whatever the case, I still highly respect the work ethic, quiet nobility, and heroism firmly engrained in the parents and the kids, and can only hope the best for them.  They represent the best in service to the public.