They are your neighbors next door - They are special people, that even with age have never gotten over the youthful excitement of engines and sirens and danger.
They are people like you and me with wants, worries and unfilled dreams
Yet they stand taller than most of us.
They're Firefighters.
They put it all on the line when the trip falls.
A firefighter is at once the most fortunate and the least fortunate of men.
They're individuals who save lives, because they have seen too much death.
They're gentle people because they have seen the awesome power of violence out of control.
They're responsive to a child's laughter because their arms have held too many small bodies that will never laugh again.
They appreciate the simple pleasures of life- hot coffee held in numb, unbending fingers- a warm bed for bone and muscle compelled beyond feeling- the camaraderie of brave men and women- the divine peace and selfless service of a job well done in the name of all mankind.
They don't wear buttons... or wave flags... or shout obscenities.
When they march, it is to honor a fallen comrade.
They don't preach the brotherhood of man... THEY LIVE IT !

When I am called to duty, God, wherever flame 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 his property.
And if according to my fate, I am to lose my life,
Please Bless with your protecting hand, my children
And my wife.

-Author Unknown