WHAT IS A FIREMAN
He is the guy next door - a man's man with the memory of a
little boy. He has never gotten over the excitement of
engines and sirens and danger.
He is a guy like you and me with wants and worries and
unfulfilled dreams.
Yet he stands taller than most of us.
He is a fireman.
He puts it all on the line when the bell rings.
A fireman is at once the most fortunate and the least
fortunate of men.
He is a man who saves lives because he has seen too much
death.
He is a gentle man because he has seen the awesome power
of violence out of control.
He is responsive to a child's laughter because his arms have
held too many small bodies that will never laugh again.
He is a man who appreciates 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 - the divine peace and selfless service of a job
well done in the name of all men.
He doesn't wear buttons or wave flags or shout obscenities.
When he marches it is to honor a fallen comrade.
He doesn't preach the brotherhood of man.
He lives it.