Warrior

About the Book

WARRIOR By Marilyn Garrison & Myra Foster As we wrote this book, It was our goal that you see Sawyer on every page… hear his laughter… taste his music… feel his heartbeat… see his spirit. Most know he fought against ‘demons,’ but not all know he won. This book is about Sawyer Grooms, fallen firefighter, son, grandson, brother, friend, musician, encourager, amazing and awesome man. “With a heavy heart and sick stomach I am letting you know we lost an Awesome Firefighter; on the morning of May 2, 2016, Sawyer Grooms, age 26, passed away. Sawyer became a firefighter at the age of 19 and worked with us here at Great Lakes Agency. We knew what a beautiful, humorous, kind and talented man he was. –Dave Pergolski, Fire & Fuels Manager, BIA, GLA This book walks the steps of a proud, self-reliant man being transformed into a humble servant who learned total reliance upon God. “He was doing what his heart led him to do, a simple act where many of us fail. He loved his fire!! I recall many times telling him it was a dangerous job and he might want to rethink his choices. But for him, being outdoors, hiking, working hard, and the camaraderie… that was what it was all about. I know for a fact he loved the Lord, and has been fighting the ‘good fight’ for years, and has a relationship with God. It showed in his tats, his music, his demeanor, and his heart. I WILL see him again. I thank you all for being a part of his life. God bless!” –Ernie Grooms, Sawyer’s adoptive dad THOSE WHO KNEW HIM BEST DESCRIBE HIM BEST “Sawyer was always brutally honest and full of love. He brought me out of some pretty dark places just by being there.” —C. Pratt “The world lost an amazing man today. His heart was so big, his laugh so outrageous, his talent so profound.” –M. Elizabeth “He spoke seven words to me, ‘Don’t ever stop, don’t ever give up!’ He was never lazy and didn’t let opportunities lapse. That wasn’t who he was. He gave me something I often lose—hope.” –D. Bonney “I’ll never be able to thank him enough for what he did for me.” –J. Williams “You loved everyone around you and made them feel they were worth something.” –B. Panek “Every day I got to spend with Sawyer Grooms was a lucky day.” –D. Pergolski

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