Our Firehouse Prayer

Just maybe, this will be the year
we fly no flags half-mast.
No shrouded badges, funeral prayers,
memorial flowers or streaming tears;

Just maybe once, since long before
we ever started counting,
no firefighter would have to die,
no gift of gallant sacrifice,
no empty boots, no empty chair -

Just maybe, this will be the year
when all our family makes it home,
no casket draped, 
no bagpipe drone;

Just maybe once, we'll honor those 
we've lost in years gone by,
but add no more names to the wall,
for none have had to die.
So as we face another year,
Lord hear us in our fervent prayer -
protect us safely through the fire,
and maybe, this 
will be the year.

~from "Standing in the Gap" by Aaron S. Espy

A Prayer for My Brother by William Phillips

Picture of Firemen carrying their beloved Chaplain out of the ruins. 
Father Judge suffered a heart attack delivering the last rites to two firemen.

Badge of Faith
(A Tribute to Chaplains)

Just beyond the searing flame, 
beyond a broken body,
just above a siren wail
that echoes in the night, 
at yet another tragedy 
the man of faith serves quietly,
just because the hurting need him,
just because it's right.

He fights a vastly different foe
than those who face the fire,
his heartening word and gentle touch,
a tonic for the soul.

While others fight for life
the chaplain heeds a highter calling;
a human bridge to share God's love,
the wounded heart to heal.

Although he may not tame the blaze, 
or aid an injured child's respire,
no matter when, no matter where,
you'll find a fire chaplain there
to dry the tear,
to ease the hurt
of a tearstained face, 
and a broken heart.
 

~from "Standing in the Gap" by Aaron S. Espy

Last Alarm

~from "Standing in the Gap"  by Aaron S. Espy

When You Remember Me

If I am ever called to leave you,
unexpectedly,
please take from me these parting thoughts
to frame my legacy.
When you remember me tomorrow,
I pray you'll recall
A happy soul who loved his family -
Loved his work as well.

Please recollect a man 
who loved the chance to lend a hand,
to save a life or property
from some untimely end.
Someone who heard the public call
to safeguard streets and homes -
deliver breath to silent lungs,
to quench the hostile flames.

But when you ponder how I came
to make my final stand,
don't make me more than what I was -
a kind, compassionate man. 
Don't make me more in death
that I, in life, have ever been -
Remember, simply, one who served
his God and fellow man.

~from "Standing in the Gap" by Aaron S. Espy
 

Prayer of a Fireman's Wife

Another day, another shift,
he'sout the door again.
Lord guide his footsepts, hold him tightly,
safely in your hand.
He smiles and tells me not to worry,
yet I know so well,
there are so many circumstances he cannot control.
Keep him secure as he responds
with engine lights ablaze.
Protect him on the battlefield
of fires he'll engage.
Preserve and guard this fireman,
Lord shield him from the flame,
and bring him back securely, safely,
home to us again.

One Less Man of Honor

Another of our bravest dies,
another tragic price;
This world is so much poorer now, 
because he lost his life.

This world has one less man of courage,
one less man of honor;
This world, that knows too few like him,
has one less man of valor.

Yet he lives on in each of us, 
his strenght with us remains.
He leaves his courage and his heart
with all who breathe his name.

Although we grieve his leaving,
although with tears we mourn,
he leaves this world a better place -
his smile lingers on.

~from "Standing in Gap" by Aaron S. Espy
 

Partners by Fred Stone

Lion Hearts

Born within these little boys,
planted long before they'd grown,
there beat a scarce, unusual gift,
long before their course was known.
It hurled them onto treacherous paths
where others could not, would not tread, 
where other souls from peril shrank,
we found them standing in our stead.

Some say they loved the sirens,
were enamored with the danger,
still others say they craved the challenge 
of a raging fire,
Or was it raw, unbridled valor
seeking but a chance
to shine its light for one brave hour 
into a perilous circumstance?

Their gift, a seldom rivaled feat,
their hearts with lion courage beat,
through water deep or raging flame
they'd risk it all yet once again.

If you would understand their bravery,
taste their salt of valor,
watch their brothers fight for life -
for they were firefighters.

~from "Standing in the Gap" by Aaron S. Espy

Behind the Mask

~from "Standing in the Gap" by Aaron S. Espy
 
 

America Remembers

A gallant, noble sacrifice,
a priceless life laid down-
So rare the public servant's worth,
no greater treasure found,
No greater act of decency,
no greater human love - 
No greater courage demonstrated
by the lives they gave.

This tribute to unselfish hearts
today will testify
that health and safety have a price -
that firefighters die.

The shadow of this sentinel
into tomorrow cast, 
forever will the gravestones shield
of heroes who have passed.

It bathes their tombs in bravery,
and brands upon our memory 
the gift they gave, the canceled debt,
let towns and peoples not forget
the price they paid to keep us safe,
our lives and home secure.
We honor these who gave their all,
their memories here endure.

~from "Standing in the Gap" by Aaron S. Espy