"My Teacher"

As the short winter days draw to an end,

and we welcome the long, sunny days of summer,

I look back on my years of learning,

 to my teacher, my mentor, and my friend…

I recall the hours spent raising ladders, stretching lines,

opening roofs and forcing doors.

And, as I grew, I remember that the

lessons changed from doing to thinking,

to tactics, to size-up, to alley walks and profiling.

I recall the neighborhood kids in the ghettos of Indianapolis,

the elk leg lunch in a Sandpoint parking lot,

and the late night pizza at a Champaign bowling alley. 

In small town and large city,

I learned the importance of reading buildings but also

of understanding people, of listening, and of meeting people where they are.

I learned that respect and honor,

morals and values are more than words…

but a direction for life.

My teacher showed me how to challenge myself, to look deep inside,

and to seek His will, not my own.

My teacher showed me that helping others attain their goals

is our responsibility, our privilege,

 and one of the true measures of success in life.

I have watched as my teacher stood strong to comfort friends

in their times of trial, and then,

 a few blocks away shed his own tears

as we stood on hallowed ground in Lower Manhattan.

I pause though, as I recall these lessons, and smile.

I smile as I recall some of the other lessons my teacher

passed on to me…

like the lesson on the finer points of launching cabbage

into the projects from the 2nd floor of the firehouse,

how to rriinng, rriinngg, rriinngg the house bells

until the Chief screamed down,

and how to lower a saw from the roof…in a hundred pieces.

 Now you may be wondering who I am, to be writing this…

well, I am the privileged

that have learned from one of our nations bravest,

that have been mentored by a most amazing man,

and one that has realized that the best

pizza and beer in the world can be found in a

bowling alley…as long as you’re with great friends.

Who am I?

I am a nation of Firefighters, young and old…

forever indebted to my teacher.

 

Chief Raymond “Uncle Ray” Hoff

Rest in Peace - March 15, 2011

  Michael Veseling, Romeoville (Illinois) Fire Department

"The Journey"

The sound of the piper will soon wane away,

the eulogies, so beautiful and sincere, too will fade.

The pallbearers, each a man of honor, will retire home,

removing the formal attire of this day,

as the melodies of Amazing Grace and Taps lingers in the summer air.

So for what kind of man does this honor befall?

A simple man, perhaps… even ordinary by some standards.

A man who might question, why all the ceremony for me?

But what may appear an ordinary man to the casual observer,

Is indeed a man with few equal.

 

So what to say about an ordinary little boy…

with dreams of deep sea diving, and a home-made diving rig to match.

A boy, kind of a Little Rascal, growing strong,

always putting smiles on young girls faces,

even while sneaking into the stables for an evening ride.

And, this young boy, would grow into a man, quickly,

as he answered the call to duty, on board ships so far from home,

helping others, helping strangers and learning what it takes to be a man.

 

And this young man, still ordinary?

From attack transport to destroyer, from island to island,

even bringing  an ear-ring  home for Dad.

And then, once home from the war,

answering yet another call, to protect from fire

the work of God Himself.

The doors at 22 Engine had been closed to many before this day,

but the character displayed by this young man,

the passion and honor…that Cap’ would open them wide…

after perhaps a little testing.

But what kind of ordinary young man,

displays such measure, such confidence and strength

as to sit quietly in a smokey room learning this trade.

A man like this won’t sit for long though,

in fire after fire on Oakland’s west-side learning,

teaching, growing…and developing the integrity

and persona that would have others stand in awe.

 

A strong man, no doubt…

a man that no one could think of a bad thing to speak of…

a man who could fix anything…

a man who fought a war in the Pacific,

and fires in flop-houses and factories…

yet a man who always had time

to take a few camping … “like the other kids”.

Ordinary? Probably not, perfect…no ,probably not,

after all if you can’t get “your end of the truck” out of the station

you are probably not perfect…

but, one might say…

that his journey was perfect.

What a man, whose journey of life would take him from a small home in Oakland,

half-way around the world, and back…all in service to others…perfect.

A journey that would bring a marriage of 54 years…perfect.

A journey satisfying mind and…stomach…perfect.

A journey through dances, plays and sporting events for nieces and nephews…perfect.

Though no man is perfect, if their travels bring honor, brings integrity and defines

character… perfection may not be far away.

They say the measure of a man

is in the strength of his enemies…

I think it is determined by the strength of his family and friends?

A man whose family and friends simply say, “he’ a great guy”…

“high praise.. from such tough customers”

So why this honor…for such a simple man?

Perhaps for the journey, diverse and honorable…

perhaps for the teaching, of making helmets, building homes and hearts…

perhaps for the scampi, the lemon bars, the talks over a nephew’s pain…

or, perhaps for the lives saved at his hands?

No, this honor today is even greater than these…

It is for a lifetime of memories, of smiles and laughter,

it is for a husband, a brother, an uncle…a friend.

It is for the amazing graces afforded each who knew this man…

It is for the wings we rose upon with him beyond our fears…

It is …in celebration of His gift to us,

and for the journey bringing him home…

 

With Respect
Thomas Cosmo Comella
March 24, 1926 – April 24, 2011

 

Michael J. Veseling, Romeoville Fire Department

“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 o’er 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 wasn’t 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 Brother’s 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, we’d follow you there…,
but we thank God you’re 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 O’Rourke – 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 world’s 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 God’s 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,
it’s the enemy advancing, as I stumble and fall.
Toward the light of this day in a window I see,
towards my Brothers I’m reaching, at your side I’ll 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 don’t 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,
you’re 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,
I’ve 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 fire’s greatest fury,
There is no room for fright.

In the midst of all the metal
So twisted and so crushed
They’re 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.

It’s the firefighters who stand bravely,
Facing flames and fear and strife,
It’s the EMT who holds a hand,
And fights for every life.

It’s the hero in the human spirit;
It’s the strength of man’s 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 hero’s 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 Brother’s 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.
They’ll 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, that’s what heroes do.
They go where all others fear to go,
they fight for those who can’t 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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