WHAT IS A FIREFIGHTER

WHAT IS A FIREFIGHTER

A FIREFIGHTER is the guy next door – a man’s man with the memory of a little boy.

 HE has never gotten over the excitement of engines and sirens and danger.

 HE is a guy like you and me with wants and worries and unfulfilled dreams.

 Yet he stands taller than most of us.

 HE is a fireman.

 HE puts it all on the line when the bell rings.

 A fireman is at once the most fortunate and the least fortunate of men.

 HE is a man who saves lives because he has seen too much death.

 HE is a gentle man because he has seen the awesome power of violence out of control.

 HE is responsive to a child’s laughter because his arms have held too many small bodies that will never laugh again.

 HE is a man who appreciates the simple pleasures of life – hot coffee held in numb, unbending fingers -a warm bed for bone and muscle compelled beyond feeling – the camaraderie of brave men – the divine peace and selfless service of a job well done in the name of all men.

 HE doesn’t wear buttons or wave flags or shout obscenities.

 When he marches, it is to honor a fallen comrade.

 HE doesn’t preach the brotherhood of man.

 HE lives it.

FIREFIGHTERS PRAYER

When I’m called to duty God

wherever flames may rage

give me strength to save a life

whatever be its age

Help me to embrace a little child

before it is too late

or save an older person from

the horror of that fate

Enable me to be alert

to hear the weakest shout

and quickly and efficiently

to put the fire out

I want to fill my calling and

to give the best in me

to guard my neighbor and

protect his property

And if according to your will

If I have to lose my life…

Bless with your protecting hand

my children and my wife.

Author Unknown