Since Sept,

11, 2001, the definition of an American "hero" has been redefined.

For too long

a period, "heroes" were drug-ridden rock stars, overpaid athletes,

and amoral or even immoral Hollywood actors and actresses. But, on Sept.

11, which saw firefighters and police officers rush into danger when others

were running away, the perception changed.

One New York

Fire Department assistant chief, upon arriving at the scene of the World

Trade center disaster was overheard to say, "Firemen will die today."

Then, he too, rushed into the hellish inferno along with his men. He was

one of those who died that day.

Over three

thousand people died Sept. 11 and, of those, many died trying to protect

or rescue others. Todd Beamer of Flight 93 and Father Mychal Judge, chaplain

of the FDNY and the first official death of the 9/11 disaster, were typical

of the many who died giving their lives as a sacrifice for others.

Which, of course,

is what heroism is all about putting the safety of others before self

interest. Which is how Josh Slepicka became a hero Aug. 13, 2002.

Peachtree City

is said to have over 9,000 golf carts within the city limits of this community

of some 40,000 residents. People outside the community chuckle when they

hear of such incidents as "golf cart accidents" but such incidents,

which can be deadly, are no laughing matter.

On Aug. 13,

Josh was a passenger in a golf cart which was being driven by a family

friend. Through a series of events, which are not relevant to the telling

of this story, a terrible accident occurred. Also riding as passengers

in the golf cart were Christian Slepicka, age 5, and Noah Slepicka, age

2.

All passengers,

except one, were ejected from the vehicle and several injuries were suffered.

Within a short period of time, emergency service personnel arrived on

the scene and began to treat the injured. Eventually, the injured would

be taken to Egleston Hospital, Fayette Community Hospital, and Southern

Regional Hospital. One witness said that there was "blood everywhere."

The children were screaming in pain and terror.

When paramedics

got to Josh, he refused treatment. He would not allow himself to receive

help, he said, until they "took care of his little brother."

Josh, who is eight years old, was adamant that he would not allow treatment

until Christian, age 5, was looked after.

Josh would

require treatment for injuries to his leg and the pain must have been

intense. Even the veteran police officers and emergency service personnel

were impressed with his courage and compassion.

A few days

later, the Peachtree City police officers of evening shift, "B-Watch,"

presented a few special gifts to the Slepicka children. Little Noah was

given a toy police car (complete with sound) and Christian received an

NYPD 12-inch action figure and "get well" card. But for Josh,

there was something special. Josh was presented with a framed certificate,

signed by the watch commander and the shift supervisor, which read, in

part:

"The Officers of the Peachtree

City Police Department wish to formally recognize JOSH SLEPICKA

Who, on

August 13, 2002, did, with selfless disregard for his own injuries received

in a serious accident in the City of Peachtree City, refuse medical treatment

until his little brother, Christian Slepicka, was first treated.

This showed

the utmost bravery and character, and is therefore worthy of Honorable

recognition."

At the top

of the certificate, in bold letters, for all the world to see, are the

words CERTIFICATE OF HEROISM .

It's doubtful

that Josh was thinking of heroes and heroism Aug. 13. It's doubtful that

passers-by, seeing a little 8 year-old boy covered in blood and grimacing

in pain would have guessed that within his young breast beat the heart

of a hero. But Josh wasn't concerned about heroic words or actions. He

wasn't even concerned about his own injuries and pain. He was concerned

about his 5-year-old little brother. Which is how and why Josh Slepicka

became a genuine hero Aug. 13, 2002, to the seasoned veterans of evening

shift-B Watch, of the Peachtree City Police Department.

[Father David

Epps is rector of Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church in the

Coweta/Fayette County area of south metro Atlanta. He may be contacted

at [email protected] or at www.ctkcec.org.]