He was about to move to the A side of the structure and he said, ‘Let’s go do this.’


Those were the last words of Lt. Randy Parker, a Macon-Bibb firefighter who died battling a house fire when the floor collapsed.


Fire Chief Marvin Riggins spoke during funeral services for Parker Monday, a story GPB's Grant Blankenship covered.


Blankenship used a combination of visual and audio storytelling to capture the emotion of the moment.


The photos are worth looking at.


And so is the video piece on it.


Watch The Video Below




What Issues Mean The Most To You?


As a journalist, my job is to cover the issues. But sometimes I don’t always know what issues or stories resonate with you most.


Last week, I started a newsletter for the GPB Macon community. In one email, I asked readers what issues and stories should be covered. I am grateful for the replies I have received so far.

One response came from a man who counsels veterans who have returned from war. More specifically, he guides them through the process of getting benefits through the Veterans Administration.

There are literally hundreds of veterans, and widows of veterans who may be entitled to VA compensation, but are not aware of it.


I'm withholding his name because I haven't yet asked his permission to share it. But he's got my ear. And so do you.


I crave this kind of information. I want our news resources at GPB to serve our community and cover the issues that need urgent attention.


My guess is that there is more to shine a spotlight on than we have people to carry those kleig lights.


So we need guidance.


What would you cover right now... and why? Submit just a few lines in the comments below.