Mr. Stamp was declared an innocent victim of circumstances that were completely beyond his control, but that doesn't change the fact that Mr. Stamp would have welcomed the opportunity to speak to investigators - in hopes of changing policies for contract staff that board any vessel to complete repairs.
Such a heartbreaking story. Not only did Mr. Stamp lose a dear friend and his livelihood, but also his voice. He had no say in the investigation, no voice for his friend or for those like him who work in confined areas aboard these tankers.
However, Mr. Stamp has used the term "burn victim" in the past. Today he considers himself a burn survivor.
Being uncomfortable in public places before, a chance meeting at the 2012 World Burn Congress in Galveston, Texas changed all that. It's there that Mr. Stamp met Bob Barron, a professional disguise creator who once worked for the CIA. Mr. Barron offered Mr. Stamp the possibly of creating ears and a nose to suit his face and skin tone. The removable prosthetics would give Mr. Stamp the confidence he needed to face the world again.
Although a pricey venture - $15,000 for the three prosthetics - fortunately the provincial Department of Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation agreed to foot the bill. A little bit of justice through it all.
Speaking at the annual firemen's ball on March 10, Mr. Stamp was a remarkable speaker, astonishing the entire room (approximately 150 guests) into complete silence.
I will be forever grateful to have been in the presence of such an inspiration. I'm honoured to have a job where I get to meet outstanding people everyday. Whether it is a weight loss achievement, a sports victory or a story that just sticks with you throughout your everyday life - I'm truly blessed and humbled by this opportunity.
Mr. Stamp is one of those individuals where once you hear their story those little things in life that you may have been stressed or worried about just doesn't seem to matter. They seem minuscule in comparison. Kudos to Mr. Stamp for sharing his extraordinary story and kudos to the Lewisporte Fire Rescue members who held a wonderful firemen's ball. It's the first firemen's ball where the speaker brought me to tears. It's one I won't soon forget.
psnow@pilotnl.ca
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