THE FIRE FIGHTERS
Firefighters are a special breed
Who travel from near and far
They come by plane, they come by bus
They come in the family car
They give their all and then some more
To protect property and life
And sometimes give their self
When they accidentally get into strife
They're a bit like our soldiers
Rarely thought of when it's safe
But are expected to be available
In every single place
But when the fires are over
And everything is calm
They then become the Heroes
Welcomed by all with open arms
They don't do it for the Medals
And the glory that they bring
They do it because they want to
Because it is the done thing
To help out one another
When times are really bad
Then look back on the outcome
To feel really glad
That they have been successful
In minimizing the loss
To property and people
Although some pay the ultimate cost
A cost that can't be counted
On any adding machine
A life time of collections
A life time of dreams
But there will always be fires
Set by nature or a fool
And the firefighters will be there
With every single tool
To fight the warring fires
With every resource available
And help to catch the culprits
To make them liable
For their stupid and dangerous actions
That causes nothing but trauma and harm
To the lives and property of others
They just don't give a damn
But the firefighters will always be there
No matter what the time
To keep the message going
All the way down the line
To work with each other
And keep the fires at bay
So the people in the community
Can turn around and say
Thank you to the people
Who have kept them safe and sound
And always make them welcome
In every single town
They're not just part time Heroes
Who come out when there's a danger
But work with every body every day
From Governments to Park Rangers
To minimize the danger
That every season brings
To make it safe for people
When their in the thick of things
So pray to your Lord
To keep them safe from harm
So they can return to their families
In the cities and on the farms
©Copyright 2003 by Phil Kadow
Author’s Note: Terry K. Toedt's son Chris is a Firefighter (Smoke Jumper) with the California Forestry Department and is involved with fighting the fires that are raging around Los Angeles at this time.
G'day Terry,
Just letting you know that your son and all the other fire fighters are in my prayers. I can relate to what they are doing in a small way as I have been in the position, when in the Army, to help out in fighting bush fires here in Australia. The fire situation over there has prompted me to write a poem. It is titled "The Firefighters" and is written with your son and all fire fighters world wide in mind. I hope you like it and give it to your son to read when he gets back safe and sound to his loving family. Take care and try not to worry too much,
Warmest regards,
Phil