Did You Know?

 

A Firefighter's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage
Give me 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 have to loose my life
Please bless with your protecting hand
My family, children and my wife.


Did you know that the Maltese Cross...the badge every firefighter has earned and wears...is YOUR symbol of protection? It means that the firefighter that wears this cross is willing to lay down his life for YOU. The Maltese Cross is a firefighter's badge of honor, signifying that he works in courage- a ladder rung away from death.

Adapted from The Firefighter's Badge by Aaron Feldman and Holman Bible Publishers


SOOOOOOOO, the next time you are in the grocery store line with your screaming little ones who are in desperate need of a nap, and you are dreading the afternoon of feeding the babes, putting the groceries away, cleaning toilets, folding laundry and fixing dinner, and right there behind you in line are four firefighters who have had the luxury of shopping together (Can you even imagine how much fun it would be to do grocery shopping with Three of your best friends!) Remember this... there is a reason that they shop as a crew and that reason is that for 24 hours every third day these men and women must be ready at a moments notice to respond to any emergency situation they are called to. During that time they are on shift they do just about everything as a group. They do their house duties, shop, cook, eat, work out, respond to emergencies and do other various tasks together. These people become a second family to each other. They learn to live and work as a team... a team that will be there for you in YOUR time of need... arriving there to work as a team to make better your bad situation... and putting their lives on the line for YOU!

"There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends"

John 15:13 New Living Translation

Photo courtesy of Marlo Fitzgerald Smith...thank you for the photos and the memories!