Did You Know You're My Hero

Fireman's Prayer

Lay me down beside cool water
And lay to rest my body sore
Send the word out to my brothers
The fire is down, let it burn no more

Let me be ready Lord when the call comes in
When the sirens wail and the engines strain
When the smoke is thick and the air is thin
When innocent lives, in the balance hang

I've trained hard Lord and I've learned well
That I'm just one part of a human chain
Though it's been forged in the fires of hell
Still I've known fear Lord, and I've prayed for rain

If my brother goes down Lord, let me be near
Won't you let me have what the flames demand
Won't you give him voice, O Lord, and let me hear And give me the reach Lord, for his outstretched hand

Let me be ready Lord if it comes my turn
Won't you let me be strong, let me not complain
Won't you let me go in and with a child return
Take me young Lord, but not in vain

Many nights and days have been spent pacing the floors in gut wrenching fear as to whether we would be able to see our husbands or fathers again when they came back from "work". All jobs have a potential amount of danger involved in them, even driving to & from work is hazardous. These brave men go into work knowing that "today" might be their last day alive and seem to be able to conquer this internal fear and still be able to be loving and deeply caring people. A Fireman has to be a special breed of human. They have to put others before themselves, always. They have to be brave, modern day heros. They have to have a special "sixth sense" to keep them alive and the rewards of saving lives is always held inside with unshown "modesty". Just knowing that the job was done well sends them home in peace. Many times though, they are haunted by the facts of "What if...." Did I do all that I could do, should I have done something different, would that child have lived if I had gotten there seconds sooner? What if those cars had moved out of my way sooner, would that time have mattered? I know first hand of the turmoil that rages though the minds of fireman. You see, I am a Fireman's "brat". Not only was my dad and his brothers Firemen, I also married one. So hats off to the real American heros, They are our very own underpaid, overworked, "silent" heros, they are the "American Firemen". I would also like to make a "special" dedication to the Fire Station #9 located on Rico Road in Palmetto, GA. Their skills are not only are in fighting fires, but in the area of emergency rescue and have tirelessly responded to 911 calls with gentleness and expertise and are always the first response in any emergency. Hats off to all of you wonderful people and thank you for your kindness!
Peggy McClure (for my mom)
Mary G. Trollinger