I was wondering if I was still alive and was going to post and see, good a place as any here I guess.
We can only keep our lost brothers in memory of days past.
Yep.
And we owe it to them and each other to learn from their experiences - both the good and bad. If we fail to do so, regardless of the circumstances that took their lives, they died in vain.
Their names are etched for eternity
in Emmitsburg and Colorado Springs
and countless other memorials in big cities and small towns all across our great nation
Some were career, some were volunteer
they all loved the job we all hold dear
Call them Firemen, Firefighters or Jakes
They knew what it took, they had what it takes...they were our Brothers and Sisters
Their names are etched upon the wall
for their bravery in answering their final call
Let us cherish their memories and remember their names so their sacrifices will not have been in vain...
This is what the job is all about...it's not what nozzle does what, who has the most runs, what color a fire truck is or what kind of siren you like best. Its about Duty...Committment...and most of all....Honor....
Brother when you weep for me
Remember that it was meant to be
Lay me down and when you leave
Remember I'll be at your sleeve
In every dark and choking hall
I'll be there as you slowly crawl
On every roof in driving snow
I'll hold your coat and you will know
In cellars hot with searing heat
At windows where a gate you meet
In closets where young children hide
You know I'll be there at your side
The house from which I now respond
Is overstaffed with heroes gone
Men who answered one last bell
Did the job and did it well
As firemen we understand
That death's a card dealt in our hand
A card we hope we never play
But one we hold there anyway
That card is something we ignore
As we crawl across a weakened floor
For we know that we're the only prayer
For anyone that might be there
So remember as you wipe your tears
The joy I knew throughout the years
As I did the job I loved to do
I pray that thought will see you through
~ Author Unknown
------------------
FF/EMT Jay Ellingson
Newington,NH FD
&
New England Dragway Safety Team (Sundaaayy!)
*N.E.D. celebrates 35 years of excitement as a drag racing venue! Come on by and watch the great action at RT27 Epping, NH (Exit 8 off of Rt 101)*
New England Dragway is the home of the IHRA North American Nationals
Sept 7-9 2001
www.newenglanddragway.com
1-877-DRAGWAY
1-603-679-8001
And On the Sixth day the Lord created Firefighters
When the Lord was creating Firefighters, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."
And the Lord said ,"Have you read the specification of this person? Firefighters have to be able to go for hours fighting fires or tending to a person that the
usual every day person would never touch, while putting in the back of their mind the circumstances.
They have to be able to move at a second's notice and not think twice of what they are about to do, no matter what danger. They have to be in top physical condition
at all times, running on half-eaten meals, and they must have six pairs of hands."
The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands....no way."
"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord, "it's the three pairs of eyes a Firefighter has to have."
"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.
The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through the fire and where they and their fellow Firefighters should fight the fire next. Another pair here in the side of the head to see their fellow Firefighters and keep them safe. And another pair of eyes in the front so that they can look for the victims caught in the fire that need their help."
"Lord" said the angel, touching his sleeve, "Rest and work on this tomorrow."
"I can't," said the Lord, "I already have a model that can carry a 250 pound man down a flight of stairs and to safety from a burning building, and can feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."
The angel circled the model of the Firefighter very slowly, "Can it think?"
"You bet," said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred fires; and can recite procedures in their sleep that are needed to care for a person until they reach the hospital. And all the while they
have to keep their wits about themselves. This Firefighter also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with a scene full of pain and hurt, coaxing a child's mother into letting go of the child so that they can care for the child in need. And
still they rarely get the recognition for a job well done from anybody, other than from fellow Firefighters."
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Firefighter. "There's a leak," she
pronounced. The Lord said "it's a tear."
"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.
"It's a tear from bottled-up emotions for fallen comrades. A tear for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American Flag. It's a tear for all the pain and suffering they have encountered. And it's a tear for their commitment to caring for and saving lives of their fellow man!"
"What a wonderful feature Lord, you're a genius," said the angel.
"I didn't put it there." said the Lord
Author Unknown
May all those who made the ultimate sacrifice rest in peace forever...your sacrifice will not be forgotten by us.
Richard A. Sweet - we miss you, and love you, wherever you are up there!
May I echo some of the previous posters?
Those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, you will not be forgotten. May God bless your souls and watch over your families.
Rest in Peace.
[This message has been edited by ceno2749 (edited 06-08-2001).]
I can only say one thing, I have the utmost admiration and respect for those before all of us that lost there lives. Be it on a fire scene, auto accident, or even in the firehouse, these men gave it there all until the that fateful day. I know in there heart that they are watching over us trying to protect every one. God bless the men who lost there lives. God bless the families who have to live without that person. Please be safe out there.
As the wife of a firefighter, it is common knowledge that your choice of careers exceeds far beyond a "job". We know the dangers involved, but nothing brings it home like hearing of the loss of a firefighter. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers go out to the families, and the fire families of these men who gave all they had. May the tears of sorrow dry, but never the memories.
Be safe, and take care of eachother.
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Leading you when needed, following when asked, standing beside you always.
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