FIREFIGHTERS

"I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one: but we who know the work which a fireman has to do believe that his is a noble calling. There is an adage which says that, "Nothing can be destroyed except by fire."We strive to preserve from destruction the wealth of the world, which is the product of the industry of men, necessary for the comfort of both the rich and poor. We are defenders from fires of the art which has beautified the world, the product of the genius of men and the means of refinement of mankind. But, above all our proudest endeavor is to save lives of men-the work of God himself. Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even at the supreme sacrifice. Such considerations may not strike the average mind, but they are sufficient to fill to the limit our ambition in life and to make us serve the general purpose of human society."
Edward D. Croker former Chief of the New York City Fire Department

Fire Fighter's Plea Dear Lord, I’m in a battle and the flames keep growing higher; please keep your angels ‘round me as I help put out this fire. The smoke is thick and black as it bursts out of the roof and the heat is so oppressive, I can feel it through this suit.
I’ve been ordered to retreat now but I’ve heard a feeble cry Oh, Lord, please give me courage or someone else will surely die. All the training that I have received and the preparation learned are all useless without You, Lord, to keep us from being burned.
The light on my helmet barely penetrates the compelling gloom and I know that it is You, Lord, leading me into this room, for huddled in the corner, a child and parent lay, barely conscious, neither moving, as life quickly ebbs away.
Taking off my oxygen mask, I give each of them some air, then lifting one and dragging one, I felt Your presence there! My burden was made lighter, as You guided me through roaring flame, and though danger was around me, I kept trusting in Your name.
As I whispered, Jesus, save us, I felt Someone at my side and at that very moment, the child revived and cried. As we stumbled out the front door, the crowd burst into cheer, and they called me a "hero," but didn’t see You standing near.
I’ve only done my part, Lord, and You supplied the grace that helped us emerge victorious from that awful blaze. Sitting on the cold wet ground, I bowed my head in prayer, humbly thanking You, my Lord, for always being there.
Thank you for being my eyes, when smoke didn’t let me see, and thanks for holding up that beam that almost fell on me. I thank you, Lord, for safety and I’ll let the others know it was You who rescued them from that blazing inferno.
But most of all I thank You for being my faithful Guide, and leading me through danger, always right there at my side. There were those who didn’t make it Lord, and I’m wounded by grief, but nothing Lord, can ever shake me from my firm belief.
For I believe You knew Lord, who’d emerge and who would die even before the first flames sent a smoke signal to the sky. And I’m assured You took to heaven the souls of all who did believe, and that right now You’re sending comfort to those who bitterly grieve.
Dear Lord, I’m in a battle though the flames are reduced to ash, as I look for my fallen comrades, and review horrors of the past. Though the people call me hero, the real heroes died that day as they ignored the fear inside them, and forged forward anyway.
May Your tender hand of mercy reconcile us to the task and may Your love keep us going until the rubble’s cleared at last. We know, the next time the siren sounds, it may be a forest blaze or a car wrecked on a hillside in the early morning haze.
So grant me clear thinking then, Lord, and I will with valor stand while You keep me safely protected in the hollow of Your hand. Amen

Firefighter Terry Marshall Service Since 1994