Firefighters Prayer

 When I am called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age
Help me 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 and
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 every neighbor
And protect their property
And if according to your will
I am to lose my life
Please bless with your protecting hand
My family tonight. 

For Our Fallen Firefighters...

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.

Written by a NYC Firefighter for his colleagues that died on September 11.