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The unspeakable tragedy in
New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, represents a
colossal loss for all Americans, but it has
special meaning for us in the Fire Service as so
many of our brothers and sisters lost their lives
in the rubble of the World Trade Center. The
fallen brothers include Fire Nuggets' own writer Andrew
A. Fredericks.
Visit our special tribute
page for more on Lt.
Fredericks' life. We invite you to express your
thoughts and feelings in a comment of 150 words
or less by logging on to our special Guestbook. (Advertisements
appearing on our guestbook pages are placed
randomly by the guestbook service provider and
are not endorsed by Fire Nuggets.)
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“ A Hero Defined”
As the piers and docks of this
city
creak and crackle against the tide,
a silence moves through each firehouse.
The kitchen table, the watch desk,
all somewhat quieter than the day before.
In each barber shop, at
dockside restaurants,
in bars and churches, schools, and gyms,
a city grieves at the death of a hero.
As bagpipes wane in the distance,
a city realizes the debt before them.
Mannasota Avenue stands with
one less hero…but why this man, a hero?
Is it his bravery to lead, his courage to fight,
or perhaps it is the dedication to “never stop”that defines this
man?
Is this man a hero for his Firefighting lineage
alongside Brothers’ at Engine 27 or Truck 26?
Is it for the rescue of a young infant, or because
he has fallen in battle while reaching to
save yet another?
If character is confirmed in
adversity,
how then do we confirm that of our fallen heroes?
Such heroes define themselves…their soul lives through the legacy
they leave behind.
Their leadership, their honor,
their character and valor
the depth of their heart,
all confirmed in but a single moment in time…at the quiet salute of
a young man, and a sisters’ gentle, consoling kiss.
In Memory
Firefighter Allan M. Roberts
City of Baltimore Fire Department
October 10, 2006
Battalion Chief Michael
Veseling
City of Naperville Fire Department
A Silver Star
The cool city streets, they lay quiet this dawn,
the flag hanging softly oer these engine doors
drawn.
Then the silence is broken and the doors they do rise,
to protect, to save the innocent, Engine 21 rides.
But today and tomorrow as this engine drives by,
the neighbors will tear and salute with great pride.
You see a hero, who once rode on this engine to fires,
now rests in a place so peaceful, so mild.
Now he wasnt pulling hose, while crawling
down halls,
nor laddering buildings, nor answering calls.
It was while protecting another, a stranger indeed,
in a faraway land, he fought so others might be freed.
Whether in the streets of this city or a place
far away,
this soldier awoke with great courage each day.
He has, by his bravery, his strength and his pride,
set a shining example to all those who ride.
So in an engine so shiny or a tank worn and
dull,
this warrior faced the enemy and always stood tall.
He fought beside Brothers, the most loyal of friends,
like his father before him, his Brothers he defends.
Our memories will not fail, nor dull as we age,
they will only grow brighter and shine through the day.
For our hero, you see, is one we speak of with glee,
like a Silver Star shining, for the whole world to see.
In Memory
Firefighter Chris Dill
City of Buffalo Fire Department
Killed in Action
Iraq
April 04, 2005
Captain M. Veseling, City of Naperville Fire
Department, Ladder Co. #7
And a Bell Softly Tolls
These gray streets now stand cluttered,
with Hook & Ladder, and Engine, and Squad.
Tho no person or structure is threatened by fire
here today,
a fire burns brightly, and a bell softly tolls.
A fire burns bright in the Brothers gathered
here,
to honor a friend who through his teaching
has ignited a fire of passion, a passion to serve.
For our fallen Brother we mourn, and a bell softly tolls.
The pipes will soon wane in the distance
and tomorrow these streets may stand bare.
But, for endless tomorrows the work of our friend will
live on.
For our success tomorrow, is born from his past.
As his past becomes memory, and a bell softly tolls.
So what do we say to our Brothers family
and friends?
How do we show our thanks and just how much we care?
Is it by our salute, so silent and still,
or by our flag folded neatly? ... and a bell softly tolls.
For decades this man has stood taller than most,
though his height may be lesser than those standing near.
His respect and his honor reached high and reached wide,
and our eyes only look up, and a bell softly tolls.
With ax and bar we would force the very gates of
hell,
with hose line in tow. Chief, wed follow you there
,
but we thank God youre not due on that assignment,
dear friend.
Your place is in heaven, and a bell softly tolls.
In Respectful Memory
Deputy Chief Jerry Tonne
City of Lombard Fire Department
February 07, 2005
Captain Michael Veseling, City of
Naperville, Ladder Co. #7
John O'Rourke Remembered
Fire
Nuggets regretfully acknowledges the passing of Chief
John O'Rourke, FDNY (ret.). One of John's closest friends
has written a few words:
John
ORourke some random thoughts:
Unforgettable
because of his humanness, values, professionalism,
vision, stability, effectiveness, his friendship/loyalty,
ability to know you more than you knew him, a pleasure to
know and to have passed any amount of time with and more.
He
was:
- A firefighters
firefighter.
- An officers
firefighter.
- An officers
officer.
- A firefighters
and officers chief.
Respect
was his from all directions up, down, sideways,
across political, ethnic, background bridges.
He
was always at the top-most rung of any ladder
busiest of busy companies, college attendance and
graduation when he was 50 years old (magna cum laude), as
chief of the worlds greatest and largest and
busiest department, he was more of a professional human
being than anyone who had passed that way before. Rarely
can you say about any fire chief that he was loved by all
who knew him or knew of him or worked for him.
His
impacts: in training, he turned it around to reflect the
real world, bringing his knowledge and communication and
experience skills together with experienced officers and
firefighters (as a favor) to turn the training sector
around full circle.
He
created and was flocked to by fire department leaders
throughout the world. His home welcomed leaders from
around the United States and the world. He was recognized
and welcomed anywhere he appeared.
He
had the quality to demand respect, yet made you feel you
had first a friend.
He
loved genuinely his family, his country, his God,
his avocation, life in general and YOU.
He
was a man who still makes anyone who knew him pause as
his image passes in mental review.
The
New York Fire Department itself was in a downward spiral,
with spirit and morale waning from a thousand reasons. At
his appointment to chief of department, he (relatively)
instantly turned it around. All the qualities that made
this department great came again to the surface and were
displayed for all a hundredfold.
He
will be missed by many. I miss him every day.
Tom Brennan
How Many Times?
How many times have we been here?
A basement dark and damp,
as children perhaps we feared it
yet today, my Brother, we enter side by side.
How many times, my Brother?
We have sat at this table, long and marred,
Engine 28 waiting in the bay
yet today it stands draped in black.
How many times this bunting?
The cold bite of winter past,
in the early morning hours
we said goodbye to another friend.
How many times, my friend?
Our families learn of this sorrow,
to stand with flag draped coffin
honoring these brave souls within.
How many times this Honor?
We respectfully bestow it to those who protect,
we salute, as pipes ring in the distance
we shed a tear, maybe more in silence.
How many times will we cry?
For those who have given so much,
for those we will never forget
we quietly parade these grey city streets.
How many times these streets will see?
Its Bravest laid to rest,
as the defenders of its people
pass into Gods own hand.
How many times, oh God?
As many times as You say,
for our work, oh Lord, is Yours
no matter how many times You call.
* * * * *
In memory of Captain John Taylor &
Firefighter Rey Rubin
City of Philadelphia Fire Department
August 20, 2004
Written by Captain Michael Veseling
Ladder Co. #7
City of Naperville Fire
To My Brothers on Bond Hill
Past
front room and kitchen, past bedroom and bath.
I crawl on in this darkness, I crawl on down this path.
And this air that I breathe grows so hot, and so searing
I reach and I listen, a faint cry am I hearing ?
Within
the walls of this home, is there one I can save?
Is there one I can reach, am I really this brave?
Is there a life I might spare from the horrors of this
fate,
through the tools of these hands can a difference I make?
In the
next foot that I crawl will I find a small child?
In the next foot that I crawl a young Mother so mild?
You know I must stay my course, as you my Brothers would
too,
I must push on to what lies, in the very next room.
Then in a
flash comes my answer
of what lies down the hall,
its the enemy advancing, as I stumble and fall.
Toward the light of this day in a window I see,
towards my Brothers Im reaching, at your side Ill
soon be.
And there
you will meet me, my Brothers so Dear,
you will lift me, and hold me and shed a few tears.
But dont cry for long as you hold me and mourn,
I was doing what God had intended me born.
You see
one foot makes a difference as you make one more hall,
as you listen and reach for the faintest of calls.
But you know that already my Brothers on the Hill,
youre the ones that taught me great courage and
will.
You
taught me, Dear Brothers, that in all that I do,
To honor the Father and to always be true.
And I ask only this of you my family today,
That you watch over those,
Ive left lonely this day.
In Memory
Firefighter Oscar Armstrong
Engine Company #9
City of Cincinnati Fire Department
March 21, 2003
Written
by Captain M. Veseling
Engine Co. #3
City of Naperville Fire
One Soldiers Night
In the
early morning hours,
while a city lies tucked warmly in bed
bells clang loudly, breaking the silence,
and calling brave men into battle.
And, tho
victory will be won,
it is not without a price
for at this battle, like hundreds before,
one soldier will breathe his last
A cold
wind chills this night,
as Brothers fight to save a Brother.
On this snowy battlefield
they bid farewell to a friend.
The
ladders slowly retract,
against this winter chill
as stiffened hose is stacked frozen and worn,
by bodies tired and cold.
As the
darkness gives way to the light,
as these brave men take up from this place
a shroud of sorrow will cover them,
as a shroud of black will soon drape their doors.
And in
tomorrows light, or black of night,
If bells should again clang and clatter
These brave men will again do battle,
To the honor of a Fallen Friend.
To the
Memory of
Captain Joseph Rotherham
City of Springfield Fire Department
January 14, 2003
Written
by Captain M. Veseling
Engine Co. #3
City of Naperville Fire
A
Heroes Eulogy
As you ponder my
eulogy, as you write of my epitaph,
I look around
so many Brothers beside me, so many tears still falling
and dust still lingering in the cracks of these steel
canyons.
And through these
falling tears I can still hear cries
Cries of why, why Michael, why Tim and
Francis
and why me?
Why am I called now, and why am I being called a hero ?
For years, just
as my Father, Grandfather and
Brothers have done before
I did my job.
So why me, and why a hero? Is it because I have fallen ?
Is it because this has been my last alarm ?
Then I recall as
a young boy the story of when Jesus fell
His arms outstretched, high on a cross
His Brothers there beside Him
and yet this was His
greatest day,
When He gave His all for the Father.
So today, with
memories of fiery towers, of sirens and planes, twisted
metal, and screaming
I recall our job,
the duty, the honor, the privilege we have been given
to be among the Bravest.
So I guess, for
tomorrow ,
if we are remembered as heroes
for ascending these towers of fire, for carrying the
helpless to safety and for saving countless souls
so be it.
But please do not forget
that we have experienced our greatest day.
A day when we
gave our all for our Father,
With our Brothers close beside
In Remembrance
FDNY
September 11, 2002
Captain M.
Veseling Engine Co. # 3
City of Naperville Fire
"They
Answered the Call"
They answered the call, and
raced to the scene
The outcome of this mission could not be foreseen
It was to them a usual
plight
Terror and panic, chaos and fright
Toward the tower they went with
their gear
Pride, courage and confidence, the badges they wear
They did not hesitate, nor
did they balk
They entered the tower not heeding the talk
"Look at the firemen!"
The people did say
Don't they know they're going the wrong way
Be careful, be safe and God
bless you, are the things they heard
They probably didn't answer or said barely a word
People needed their help, this
much they knew
The saving of lives is what we must do
Not elevators, but stairs
they did use
One stair at a time, not a moment to lose
Helping those in need along the
way
How ironic that it was such a beautiful day
How many lives did they save
we will never know
Onward and upward they continued to go
Passing countess people on their
way to the top
Unwavering, unyielding, unable to stop
Heroes they are called, but
they won't agree
"We are just doing our job," they will say
to thee
They continued to climb, and
climbed out of sight
Trying to climb just one more flight
The top of the tower they
never did make
For on this day their souls the Lord did take
Our Brothers were lost, how
tragic their fate
But now I believe they are through Heaven's gate
They are now sitting around
that big kitchen table
Talking and joking, willing, but not able
Sadness and pain their loved
ones do feel
Use the memories of life to help and to heal
My thoughts and prayers are
with all of you
If we lean on each other, we will make it through
The stories of these men we must
continue to tell
And be sure that their spirits are with us when we answer
each bell
Questions or answers these
words are not
Just thoughts of remembrance I needed to jot
Brothers we are by the path that
we chose
Axes, pike poles, ladders and hose
Be safe my Brothers and God
bless all
Because we know we must answer the call.
©2001 William
F. Trezek/CFD
"An
Open Letter to Our Fallen
Brothers and Sisters"
So often we have
tried to see what you saw;
So often we have tried to hear what you heard;
So often we have tried to feel what you felt;
Never will we truly know what you faced in your final
hour.
Yet, without a doubt you are our heroes!
You paid the ultimate price, not only in the honor of
your calling,
but in the honor of an American.
Yours was not the final act during an emergency;
Yours was the final act during a time of WAR.
GOD
BLESS AMERICA
Let your
sacrifice be not in vain,
Blind to Race, Blind to Gender,
Blind to Politics, Blind to Religion,
Your actions were the ultimate in all that.
AMERICA
REPRESENTS THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE
You were united
in the face of death;
United we must now stand, not only to face a new enemy,
yet to show all that doubt,
democracy is alive, stronger than ever.
GOD BLESS
AMERICA
If ever we are
faced with such a horrific sight
as September 11, 2001,
May we too, show the courage, the conviction,
and the commitment, which was yours that fateful day.
Thank you. United we must stand!
GOD BLESS
AMERICA
By Thomas D.
Gallinatti, Captain
Oakland Fire Department
"Oh
say, can you see..."
By the dawns early
light we stand in horror.
watching our Brothers struggle
to save their city, to save their own.
What so proudly we
hailed,
has now fallen to rubble.
And, will challenge each
to limits unknown.
At the twilight's
last gleaming
as the sun lifted from the ocean,
our land, our home fell under attack.
Whose broad stripes
and bright stars
have warded off great evils,
now finds itself the target of cowards.
Through the
perilous fight.
with agony and pain,
our nation unites.
Behind its heroes we stand....
O'er the ramparts
we watch, rain terror in these canyons of steel.
They signal that this fight, will not soon end.
That this fight, will be their greatest.
Were so gallantly
streaming into this fight
our Brothers rushed,
that they may protect the innocent
from this towering giant.
And the rockets red
glare surely would pale,
when placed beside this city engulfed in fire.
A city of brothers, engaged in battle.
The bombs bursting
in air
are quiet now.
Their damage mighty, though serving only
to strengthen our resolve.
Gave proof through
the night
our purpose.
That our Brothers would not fight alone.
That each need only turn around,
to find another beside them.
That our flag was
still there
amidst the fire and ruin...
gave hope to a nation,
that her heroes would endure.
O say does that
star-spangled banner yet wave?
It waves high with pride,
over a mighty nation.
tho' drapes low in memory,
of our Fallen Friends.
O'er the land of
the free
a cloud today hangs.
Yet with strength and faith and courage,
the clouds will one day clear.
And the home of the
brave
will remain home
to the "Bravest."
In memory and
honor: Our Brothers of the FDNY
September 11, 2001
The World Trade Center
Written by Captain M. Veseling
City of Naperville Fire Department
Nightmare
from the Sky
Just a Tuesday in
September
Left so many people to die
The day turned into darkness
As nightmare fell from the sky.
Where are the words
of comfort
When all there's left is cry
What is the use of asking
To give me the reason why?
All these souls so
precious
On the road and in the sky
Unaware that what would happen
Caused that ultimate goodbye.
Who stole all my
loved ones
And revived my darkest fears,
Knowing that their actions
Caused rivers full of tears?
Give me a reason
for living;
Give me tears enough to cry,
Strength to tell my children
That nightmare fell from the sky.
Someone give me the
meaning
Of religion wrapped in holy war
When hate against another human
Makes our belief worth dying for.
With much love
from Holland, The Netherlands.
Our thoughts are with you, America, now and always.
A
Hero's Spirit
In the raging of the storm,
In the blackness of night,
In a fires greatest fury,
There is no room for fright.
In the midst of all the metal
So twisted and so crushed
Theyre not quite sure just how to cope,
Yet know at heart they must.
When a child cries a helpless
wail,
Or a heart has beat its all,
When a teenage body loses life,
Their tears are first to fall.
Its the firefighters who
stand bravely,
Facing flames and fear and strife,
Its the EMT who holds a hand,
And fights for every life.
Its the hero in the human
spirit;
Its the strength of mans own soul
That makes these men and women strong
When the world grows dark and cold.
The flames can rage,
The metal twists
Through helpless cries of fear,
But through the worst the world can give,
A heros always near.
Dedicated to
my brother, my nephews,
and firefighters and EMTs across the nation.
Becky Wilder Bradley, Illinois, July, 2001
The Dreams of a
Child
As a small child,
I often dreamed
of shiny red trucks,
of fires and firemen.
and I dreamed of my heroes.
And as I grew,
my dreams became ambition,
my dreams turned to
admiration,
and I learned the skills of
my heroes.
And with each
alarm,
I learned more.
I strived to be like those
who have mentored and taught.
I strived to be like my heroes.
And now I
stand silent.
With polished badge, and cap,
as flags hang low,
and station houses stand draped in black.
For on this day,
as tears fill my eyes
I say good-bye to my heroes.
In Memory of
my Heroes
Firefighter Harry Ford Firefighter Brian Fahey
Firefighter John Downing
Fire Department of New York
June 17, 2001
Written by
Captain M. Veseling
City of Naperville Fire Department
The
Bravest
The horses have
long since gone,
no longer do cobblestone streets clack beneath
their pounding hoofs.
But, today, as in days of old,
a fire will burn among mortar and stone.
The couplings of
brass, the ladders hewn of wood,
the cranking and ratcheting of aerials
fade into our memory.
Yet the fire, it burns on.
The steamers are
silent,
their clouds of billowing smoke no longer
compete with the fire.
Now only the roar of diesels are heard over the street.
And the sun fades behind a rising plume.
And ,just as the
brave men of our past,
who scaled with pompier, and axe,
courageous men will today answer another alarm,
they will be called upon to display valor and strength
well beyond the limits of most.
The street is now
silent, the sunset behind,
and mortar and stone now litter the ground.
As diesels wind down to a purr,
in these waning hours of day,
a tear appears, on a Brothers soot-covered brow.
The helmets of
leather and steel lay twisted upon the ground.
Steam rising from among the ashes,
and on this street, where fires have raged for
generations,
we transmit the final alarm
for the Bravest of friends.
In Memory
FF Harry Ford FF John Downing FF Brian
Fahey
Fire Department of New York
Killed in the Line of Duty
June 17, 2001
Written by
Captain M. Veseling
City of Naperville Fire Department
In
Fond Memory
Lieutenant
George Winckler
City of Naperville (Illinois) Fire Department
Engine Company #2
May 09, 1965 - October 18, 1991
The dictionary
defines a fireman as :
A member of a company organized to fight fires...
but we gathered here today know that a fireman is much
more than that....
He is a large, happy man, with the excitement of a
rookie, and the patience to put up with them.
He is a man that enjoys firehouse cooking, not because of
the taste or color of the meatloaf, but because it was
made by fireman for fireman.
He possesses great knowledge, but maintains the common
sense needed to deal with the tragedy he faces day after
day.
And, during such tragedy, he is the one who comforts the
family as his crew works to save a life.
And when that crew fails, he is the one who pulls up a
chair, placing crossed hands gently across his belly and
listens;
listening deep into the night, as his crew sorrows over
their defeat.
Then, picking up his crew, he leads them to their next
call...
a kitchen fire on 11th and Main ... a basement fire on
Ogden ... or an auto accident involving a young deaf girl.
And common throughout is his true belief that the safety
of his crew and the protection of life is seconded by
nothing.
Never belittling, never cold ... only warmth , kindness.
And, he is a man who has taught us all, not by lecturing
but by living ... by demonstrating that compassion and
love and strength and dignity are born of the soul...
the soul of a fireman.
I,
shall fear no evil
Lord, I crawl
through smoke darkened aisles
groping among shadows I fall,
here in this valley, the sun fades to black.
And death surrounds my Brothers and I.
Though my skin
burns with pain,
and my lungs fill with choking ash,
I fear not, for this fire
like all evil of this world,
pales when compared to you.
As my Brothers
struggle to save us,
as they dig and claw through burning rubble,
I know you are with me.
Your comforting arms embrace me,
and a cool, gentle breath
fulfills me.
My Brothers feel
your grace,
they will return home this day,
to the families they love.
And though I will not,
I am comforted by Your love,
by the protection of thy rod and thy staff.
In Memory:
Firefighter Bret Tarver, Phoenix Fire Department
Killed in the Line of Duty, March 14, 2001
Written by
Captain M. Veseling
City of Naperville Fire Department
In
Our Eyes
The snow has long
been melted,
yet cold still grips this farm-covered valley.
The morning sky darkens, though not with snow clouds,
But a shroud of smoke like none before.
For on this
morning,
brave men will leave their families.
Theyll rush with hose in tow,
groping in darkness, to aid
a neighbor in need.
Friends will gather
with pride,
to view these heroes at work.
Ladders raising, diesels roaring,
soot filled lungs,
reaching beyond the limits of most.
With searing gases
all around,
with heat and smoke tearing at their flesh,
they extend ever closer to their enemy.
In all, fearing nothing but defeat.
But you see, thats
what heroes do.
They go where all others fear to go,
they fight for those who cant fight,
and sometimes,
they climb to heaven on the flames.
And we, who are
left behind,
we are left with only memories.
Memories of giants, gentle and wise,
memories of friends, forever heroes in our eyes.
In Memory:
Lieutenant Clint Talley, Firefighter Mike Mc Kean,
Ashton, Ill. Fire Department
February 17, 2001
Written by
Captain Michael Veseling
City of Naperville Fire Department
The Final Hour
At this my final hour, some
would say that my enemy has defeated me.
I may lie cold and lifeless, while my enemy rages on
through the night...
But, I have not been defeated.
For in this my final hour, my
Brothers continue on...
They fight with tired body and mind,
With courage and cunning they struggle forward.
They pick up the tools I've left behind, yet carry much
more than that.
They carry the knowledge of
those that have come before.
They carry with them pride, dedication, honor and loyalty.
They carry the strength of their Brotherhood.
They will need all of these, as
their enemy is a powerful one.
An enemy that has orphaned and widowed millions,
An enemy that can destroy all but the human spirit.
No, this is not my final hour,
For my Brothers will not cower to this enemy.
My Brothers will continue to defend their neighbors,
They will continue the noble tradition that is the Fire
Service.
I will miss my friends, my
family, my Brothers...
And they will miss me.
But know my dear family, that I have not been defeated,
For as long as my Brothers lay lines down a smoke filled
hallway,
Or scale ladders to answer faint cries, or vent searing
gases
From a crowded stairwell, then I will live forever.
Written in remembrance of
Captain Joseph Dupee, City of Los Angeles Fire
Department, killed in the line of duty, March 8, 1998
A Story Of
Heroes
"Away in a manger..."
Seems so far away from this place near the river,
A town cloaked in pain, for our Brothers we mourn.
Our Brothers fight bravely,
Listening for the faintest cries.
The silence is deafening,
Their ears hear only the noise of breaking windows,
of engines straining, of fire raging.
They advance on blindly,
Groping in darkness, their eyes burn in the thickening
smoke.
Gray, black, yellow, the smoke envelops them.
Like a shroud it fades the winter sun.
Through heavy gloves, their
hands feel
For the softness of a child,
A child whose body lies limp,
Among ashes that once was home
And in a flash, with hope
fading,
Three heroes fall.
On frozen ground we breathe into them,
Tthough their lungs fill,
Their tired bodies rest.
And a city learns a lesson about
heroes,
That sometimes they leave us.
That sometimes they pray...
"And take us to heaven, to live with you there."
In memory, Keokuk Fire
Department, Assistant Chief David McNally, Firefighter
Jason Bitting, Firefighter Nate Tuck. Written by Captain
M. Veseling, City of Naperville Fire Department
Who is this man...
Called Daddy?
"Mommy, what did daddy look
like?"
"Oh he was sorta this
tall, kinda this wide,
with eyes that told wonderful stories."
"And Mommy, was Daddy
strong?"
"Yes, not just
physically,
though his muscles endured well beyond
the limits of most.
His real strength lay within his heart."
"Well was Daddy smart?"
"Oh yes, though he
sometimes struggled with your homework.
He learned the most important lesson of life...
that saving one is most important."
"Was Daddy funny?"
"As none other, his
laughter
could brighten the darkest room...
funny, since he often had no reason to laugh."
"Mommy, was he a caring
man?"
"Dear God yes, like an
eagles' wings outstretched,
Daddy turned no one away."
"Did Daddy come from a big
family?"
"Kinda, he had Brothers
all over the world."
"Were they close?
"So very close...
As to lay down their lives for each other."
"Did Daddy enjoy living?"
"He loved it, he
embraced it, and he challenged it.
For he knew how precious it was."
"Was Daddy afraid of
anything?"
"Oh yes, though you
would never know...
his courage had mastered fear, and turned it into
passion."
"Did Daddy love us?"
"With a love deeper and
wider than any."
"Wow, Daddy must have been
a great man!
"Yes honey...
... Daddy was a Fireman."
To the families of six
fallen brothers...may they rest in peace, City of
Worcester Fire Department, December 13, 1999.
A Day in
Worcester
The flames brightly dance,
Lights flash and flicker
Bouncing off brick and steel,
Yet all I see are shadows.
The fire crackles loudly,
Diesels roar and echo down alleys.
Sirens sing for miles in the distance,
Yet all I hear is silence.
My hands toil, muscles strain.
Hose is laid, ladders thrown, ceilings pulled,
Yet all I do... Is not enough.
The cool winter air settles in.
Pine and holly fill my sooty lungs,
Yet I can hardly breathe.
The street is full of Brothers.
Working side by each,
At times appearing to be one,
Yet all I feel is alone.
And soon ... I'll leave here.
Picking up axe and hook, helmet and haligan,
To answer another alarm.
Yet leaving behind six pieces of my heart.
To the members of The City
of Worcester Fire Department, in memory of your fallen
brothers, December 3, 1999.
Silent Night
Silent night, holy night
As sirens wail, and brave men work,
amidst the cold and snow,
our dear friend breaths his last.
Son of God,
We pray, do not take our hero from us.
He has yet so much to do,
saving lives, fighting fires ... making children smile.
Loves pure light,
please shine upon him,
please blanket all those who love him
with your grace and mercy, please understand, we are sad.
Radiant beams from thy Holy
face,
have blessed for generations
those that battle fire.
Please bless now those that mourn and suffer.
With the dawn of redeeming
grace,
we give up to you our precious husband,
Our daddy, our friend, and our hero,
As thousands gather, a final bell tolls.
Jesus, Lord at thy birth,
on the day the star shone in the east,
hold close our hero, as we open our presents...
Bestow upon him your gift of eternal love.
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
In loving memory, Lieutenant
Scott P. Gillen, Chicago Fire Department, December 23,
2000. Written by Captain M. Veseling, City of Naperville
Fire Department
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