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A Firefighter's Prayer |
A Fallen Firefighter's Prayer |
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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 I have to lose my life bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife. |
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. 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 firefighters we understand, That death’s 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. |
The Maltese Cross
The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection-a badge of honor. Its story
is hundreds of years old. When a courageous band of crusaders, known as the
Knights of St. John, fought the Saracens for possession of the Holy Land,
they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple,
but horrible device of war; it wrought excruciating pain and agonizing death
upon the brave fighters of the Cross.
The Saracens' weapon was fire!
As the Crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were attacked by glass bombs containing naphtha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled a flaming tree into their midst. Hundreds of Knights were burned alive. Others risked their lives to save their brothers in arms from dying painful deaths. Thus, these men became the first fire fighters...and the first of a long list of courageous Fire Fighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow Crusaders who awarded each hero with a badge of honor-a cross similar to the one Fire Fighters wear today.
Since the Knights of St. John lived for nearly four centuries on a little
island in the Mediterranean Sea, named Malta, the Cross became known as the
Maltese Cross. The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection. It means that
the fire fighter that wears this Cross is willing to lay down his life, just
as the Crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow men so many years
ago.
The Maltese Cross is a Fire Fighter's Badge of Courage...a ladder-rung away
from death.
