!['“Your father was a firefighter”
Hey Mom!, he called from the attic door,
What's these old heavy boots and helmet for?
With a lump in her throat and a tear stained cheek,
His mother swallowed and started to speak.
Come here my son, his mother said,
There's things to tell when I clear my head
The past raced madly through her mind.
She searched her heart for words to find.
At last she signed and rubbed his hair.
And the words that followed I like to share.
Those boots and helmet, she said with pride,
Were worn by a man with grit inside.
He wore them to help people in need,
Though facing danger would never concede.
Many a time in the dead of night,
He jumped in those boots and he flashed out of sight.
To answer a call, not knowing for sure,
What danger or heartache he may have to endure.
Your Father, my son, was not like most dads.
It was mainly because of the job he had.
His life was devoted to all mankind.
Just why he chose it, not clear in my mind.
I've often regretted the life that we led,
When every third night I was alone in our bed.
But your mother is proud to say that she was a part,
Of a man who possessed such a courageous heart.
So the memories I've kept and the love I will save,
Are the small consolations for the life that he gave.
Yet, for all his discomfort and all of his pain,
The time that he spent here was never in vain.
I know full well these words to be true.
And not one word did she misconstrue.
But from all my Mother shared that day,
It's these last words that I would like to convey.
My mother, with tears, gave a long loving sigh,
And I knew what would follow was not meant to die.
With a smile so warm and a voice very weak,
She kissed my young brow and started to speak.
Your father's days here made others seem brighter,
For your father, my son… was a firefighter.
Author: Unknown
Photo Credit: Bob Orsillo
#BrotherhoodStrong
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-0/p110x80/12119185_1036524206381236_3901330208365635158_n.jpg?oh=0e7c1a19b451ef4dc587d28da94f1e76&oe=568B5D5B)
!['The Lord is my Chief
He has chosen me to serve.
He leads me to still the fires raging around me.
He restores my soul to fight even when all seems lost.
He has prepared for me a place in life,
devoted to service, honor, joy and fellowship.
He anoints my soul with courage in the presence of my enemy - fire.
Yea, even though I have chosen to walk through life in the shadow of death,
I will fear no fire, for He is with me; his strength and honor will comfort me.
And when life's final alarm for me has sounded,
I will dwell in the Station House of the Lord forever.
Amen
Author: Unknown
#BrotherhoodStrong
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Graphic Art Credit: Unknown'](https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-0/p110x80/10420015_1036522476381409_7373788428825837716_n.jpg?oh=7935f4742a52772d83678921f85ad719&oe=56C42383)
!['“I am a Firefighter”
I am neither a Hero nor Superhero.
I can be burnt by fire and smoke can overcome me.
I can be exhausted by heat and frozen by cold.
I can be trapped by collapse and fall from heights.
I may sustain injury, and even make the ultimate sacrifice for you.
I will suffer all of these… if you need me.
I hope we never meet, but if we do, I will never leave you!
I have worked and trained hard and earned this, the proudest of titles...
I am a Firefighter.
By Kevin Wright
London Fire Brigade
(Ret. 32 years of service)
#BrotherhoodStrong
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Graphic Art Credit: Unknown'](https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-0/p110x80/12141669_1036195503080773_3208332595543402624_n.jpg?oh=e9d992e61310e109f7eedc7ea06d3247&oe=568F9241)
!['"On the Top Floor"
Another hero's last watch is over
One more light has gone out.
This tired old world
Is a little darker place.
But the light
Grows brighter elsewhere.
Another candle is lit
In a house filled with kindred souls.
And if I am worthy
Someday it will brighten my way
To my home
On the Top Floor.
Poem written by:
“Brotherhood of Fire” fan Bobbie McMillan
#BrotherhoodStrong
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Photo by: @[105675466133639:274:Virginia Beach Fire Department]'](https://fbcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-0/p110x80/12144955_1036192839747706_7701935496595791917_n.jpg?oh=2148cb3161947eaca2605c5baa533260&oe=56BF7F05&__gda__=1456061787_2069a6e8c6b9db53e6b2433632ff26e2)
!['This is a PRIME example of how SPECIAL and UNIQUE our WORLDWIDE Brotherhood truly is…
Dublin Fire Brigade Firefighter/Paramedic Ian "Frodo" McCormack has been with Dublin Fire Brigade for over 10 years… tragically however about 2 years ago Ian was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
For the last 2 years his friends and family have arranged numerous fundraisers to provide the funds necessary allowing him to make all of his dreams come true.
Brother Ian realized his dream this week as he traveled to New York City with his young family.
So how cool and awesome is this…
Yesterday, Brother “Frodo” was sworn in as an Honorary Firefighter with the FDNY.
@[140438009315996:274:Dublin Fire Brigade] would like to especially thank FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Robert R. Turner Jr., Chief-of-Department James E. Leonard and all of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) to make this special dream possible.
This, ladies and gentlemen is the very definition “Brotherhood”
Click here to see all the memorable photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/fdnyhome/sets/72157659428356879/with/21548316183/
God Bless You Frodo!
Welcome to New York’s Bravest
Thanks for making the #BrotherhoodStrong
Brotherhood of Fire
Post submission by “Brotherhood of Fire” fan Rory Prevett'](https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-0/s133x133/12119022_1035347866498870_7735848606353733594_n.jpg?oh=fc48aba5a2a09907e1a18555968999d1&oe=568C4043)
!['#BrotherhoodStrong
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-0/p110x80/12074631_1035333159833674_2488241033626246948_n.jpg?oh=94eb88d094408ae5d04376db14475132&oe=56C3EEED)
!['It is with great sadness and much regret to inform you that at the age of 36, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, Firefighter Craig Moilanen with North Metro Fire Rescue District in Colorado, passed away on October 8, 2015.
Brother Craig was a husband, father, son, sibling, loved one to many, and a brother to all in the fire service.
Anyone who worked with Craig would describe him as hard working, loyal, faithful and passionate about helping others.
He was well liked, deeply respected by his peers and was always dedicated to continually improving his skills as a firefighter and paramedic.
Throughout his life and career, Craig kept his focus on being a great family man, firefighter and man of faith. He leaves behind his wife of 14 years, Amy, his children Gabriella, age 5, Brendan, age 3, and numerous friends and loved ones.
Craig, you will be missed... but never, ever forgotten.
Please spend a moment in thought, well-wish and/or prayer for Craig’s family and for all those are close to him as they mourn the loss of this great young man.
North Metro Fire will be joining Craig’s family in a celebration of his life on Friday, October 16, with full line of duty honors.
Rest in Peace Brother
We have the watch from here.
Until we all meet again on the “Top Floor”
#BrotherhoodStrong
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-0/p110x80/12112216_1035328533167470_5787417113941950884_n.jpg?oh=5bee38519c325c4882daaa1f63ad778c&oe=568981DD)
!['It is with much sadness and regret to inform you that Kansas City, MO Firefighter John Mesh and Fire Apparatus Operator Larry Leggio were tragically killed in the line of duty from an apartment fire building collapse on Monday October 12, 2015
The massive fire engulfed the building comprising businesses and apartments on Kansas City's northeast side.
The fire went from offensive to defensive and all firefighters were ordered out of the building.
All firefighters were accounted for and outside the building when part of the second story apparently caved in, forcing a wall to collapse outwards about 30 feet and trapping four firefighters who had been working to protect a nearby grocery store from the blaze.
Soon after, two mayday calls indicated firefighters were in "urgent distress". A rapid intervention team witnessed the collapse and pulled them from the rubble. Four firefighters were rushed to area hospitals.
Larry J. Leggio, a 17-year department veteran, and John V. Mesh, a 13-year firefighter, were pronounced dead at the hospital.
Both were married and Mesh had four daughters.
KCFD Fire Chief Paul Berardi said "They did not die in vain, they saved two civilians, carried them out of the second floor on ladders, before the wall collapsed."
Kansas City Mayor Sly James said he was praying for the firefighters.
"Tonight's tragic loss is a reminder that Kansas City firefighters put their lives on the line for all of us every day," James said in a statement. "Our condolences go out to the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice today."
Please say a special prayer today for the families and friends of our fallen brothers.
Please also say a prayer for the two injured (but stable) KCFD Firefighters.
Rest easy Brothers. We have the watch.
Until we all meet again on the "Top Floor"
#BrotherhoodStrong
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://fbcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtl1/v/t1.0-0/p110x80/12105737_1034909889876001_6284142747093455912_n.jpg?oh=325ab08fba4bed5138f5dbb27d8355fe&oe=56BB39F3&__gda__=1455500105_05aab4455834ffd18f3364e33a083b54)
!['Fire Service History worth knowing...
"Saint Florian" ~ The Patron Saint of Fire Fighters
All firefighters are aware that Saint Florian is the patron Saint of firefighters. Many have purchased and are very proud to wear the Saint Florian medallion around their neck or even as a tattoo. The medallions are usually gold and many are shaped in the form of a Maltese cross with the image of Florian stamped in the center of it.
If you ask who Florian was or why he is our Patron Saint, most firefighters don't know. They assume it is because he made some heroic fire rescue or maybe he was a priest who was involved in the fire service. These answers are the typical response but neither is accurate.
Florian was a Captain in the Roman army. He was a brave soldier and a tenacious fighter. Rome recognized the danger of fire and was the first to employ a fire department. This first fire department was made up of slaves. They had no real desire to risk their lives battling the flames of their captors.
Rome desperately needed fire protection. They called on Captain Florian to organize and train an elite group of soldiers whose sole duty was to fight fires. Captain Florian indeed organized such a group. They were highly trained and very successful at protecting Rome from fires.
A brigade of firefighters followed the army and provided fire protection at their encampments. These firefighters were highly respected and easily recognized. They wore the traditional Roman soldier uniform except the skirt was green.
The most famous picture of Saint Florian depicts him with a young boy pouring water from a pitcher onto a fire. This picture if seen in color reveals this green skirt. Rome was very impressed by this young Captain and all that he had accomplished. They decided to reward him by making him a general.
Generals were often given large tracks of conquered land to govern. The only rules were that they had to enforce the laws of Rome and collect the taxes. Florian's area included almost all of Poland. Rome began to hear some rumors about the way Florian was governing his land.
It was reported that he was not enforcing Rome's law forbidding Christianity. Rome did not believe this, but they did sent investigators to check. They reported back that it was true.
Rome sent a group of soldiers to confront Florian. They warned and threatened him that he must enforce the laws of Rome and abolish Christianity. Florian not only refused he confessed that he had embraced the faith and become a Christian himself. Rome was furious. They tortured him and demanded he renounce his faith. Florian steadfastly refused. Rome ordered his execution. Florian was to be burned at the stake.
Soldiers marched him out and secured him to the post. Villagers gathered around to witness the execution. Florian begged his executioners to build the fire higher. He implored them to light the fire so his soul would rise up to heaven on the smoke from the blaze.
The soldiers had never seen this kind of reaction from a person about to be burned alive. They were frightened. What if his soul did rise up, right in from of all the villagers? They could not afford a martyr. The fire was not lit.
Florian was taken away by the soldiers who decided to drown him. He was placed in a boat and rowed out into the river. A millstone was tied around his neck and he was pushed over board and drowned. After his death, people who were trapped by fire reported that they invoked Florian's name and his spirit delivered them from the flames. These occurrences were reported and documented many times.
Florian was confirmed a saint for his commitment to his faith and the documentation of his spirit delivering trapped persons from the flames. It is only fitting, that firefighters, committed to their duty, and instilled with the spirit to dedicate themselves to the protection of life and property, should choose such a man as their patron saint.
History Credit:
Lombard Fire Fighters Union Local 3009
#BrotherhoodStrong
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“Your father was a firefighter”
Hey Mom!, he called from the attic door,
What's these old heavy boots and helmet for?
...See MoreWhat's these old heavy boots and helmet for?
The Lord is my Chief
He has chosen me to serve.
He leads me to still the fires raging around me.
...See More
Incredibly touching tribute to two fallen Kansas City Firefighters...
KCFD Hook and Ladder 10
Texas Roadhouse Restaurant in Blue Springs Missouri paying tribute to fallen brothers in Kansas City..class act..
“I am a Firefighter”
I am neither a Hero nor Superhero.
I can be burnt by fire and smoke can overcome me.
...See More
Just curious... why did you (do you want to) become a firefighter?
Which Firehouse Chef are you?
Do you recognize any of these types in your Fire Dept?
Great article from Uniform Stories
Just two days after a fire that claimed two firefighters' lives, the Kansas City Royals really stepped up to the plate...
Very touching moments
John and Larry remembered... and NEVER to be forgotten...
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