On the 11th of March 2010 a dear brother, friend, fellow firefighter, and Veteran passed away. His name was Thomas E. "Tiny" Davis and had not only served his Country, state, region, county, and community but most of all he served a life to be honored. With this being said a large concern rises within. "Tiny" worked at the Butler VA for 20 years of his life and devoted his time and efforts to better not only the fire department but the countless lives that pass through the Butler VA each and every day. All those who knew "Tiny" had nothing but great things to say about him. His devotion to the Butler VA could not go unmentioned or unnoticed. Through his hard work and career devoted to the Butler VA Campus his legacy lives on in many ways, but one that sticks out is that big red fire engine. Or also known as "Tiny's Truck". "Tiny" knew the fire service and as a retired federal firefighter he deserved some recognition. Well surely he would get it coming from any federal installation, RIGHT??? Wrong!!! On the 15th of March a ceremony was put together by the community of Slippery Rock and many local fire departments. But very minimal help was provided by the Butler VA. And when it came to the large ceremony of "Tiny" a request was made for "Tiny's Truck" to be a part of his legacy and to help others to see the dedication and hard work that "Tiny" had given for 20 long years. Though the request was made the result was unbelievable and very overwhelming. On "Tiny's" day nearly a dozen area fire departments arrived with apparatus to show respects to a fellow firefighter who devoted his life to the fire and emergency service. Through the long line of fire apparatus one was clearly missing, "Tiny's Truck" a truck that had been the blood, sweat, and tears of his career. There could have been many reasons or excuses made for this lack of respect, but none seem to justify the simple common courtesy that the fire service places on any honorable firefighter's death. As a fire community the brotherhood is well known and respected, but it seems that the Butler VA has failed to realize the impact its actions have made on the community and fire and emergency service members. Though up to this point this letter fails to mention some very disturbing information. First issue is "Tiny" was one of the VA's own, he was not just a local firefighter; he was a veteran, and also a 20 year federal service firefighter. Second issue is that "Tiny's Truck" is no longer a primary engine on the Butler VA Campus, but now a secondary to a brand new 2009 Pierce Contender. And if that is not enough there were several attempts by local departments around the Butler VA including Butler City fire department offering to help in any way possible by providing coverage for the VA Campus while the secondary engine would be out for a few hours. The campus was not going to be left unprotected. Veteran Affairs Fire Department members who had not worked with "Tiny" had already volunteered to cover the station so that the rest of the department could attend a "Family member's" funeral. Even with all these attempts being made, still no support had been given by the leadership of the Butler VA. Employees were instead forced to take leave to attend this funeral and "Tiny's truck" never left the Butler VA Fire Station. Although it never left, it was fully prepared to serve in the honors of "Tiny". Some may say that it is best not to start something because it would be expected for everyone. Well "Tiny" was not everyone!!! And if the Butler VA wants to use that excuse then why did they allow "Tiny's Truck" to attend a funeral just 5 years ago for another Butler VA fire fighter. This is very disrespectful and shall not go unnoticed. Firefighter's respect is earned not given, and "Tiny" earned every ounce of respect he was given and more. So let this end with one simple question that needs to be addressed -- Why did the Butler VA Leadership deny Thomas E. "Tiny" Davis the proper respect he had earned and deserved? If this bothers you as much as it does I, please let your disgust be known to Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center