A firefighters first thought is not of himself when he hears the stations bells, but to his fellow man, brother and sister, no matter what race, creed or religion. We are all one under God. He just knows he is ready to confront the devil with it's flames all around to show his fellow neighbor to safer ground. His job will not be complete until every man, woman and child exit the building before he and his own feet. He will stay even when the floor grows weak if he hears another cry for help. He whispers a common prayer; God give me strength to save another life. I want to fulfill my calling and give the best in me, to show mankind how good shall prevail, even on this day when evil has hit our nation hard. Protect my brothers and sisters and show our nation we will survive. That "someone" is worth all I have to give. He knows if that floor should give way to a fate only God knows. He will first make one last effort to save that "someone" before he goes. A firefighter believes with all his heart and soul that the greatest hazard in life is to have not taken that risk to save a life whatever be their age. And if he gives his life doing what God called upon him to do, he will complete his job by escorting those lives he could not save up the ladder to heaven before his soul will rest. As our nation mourns all those lost on 9-11-01, all the fallen New York Firefighter's want us to know they are still at work. They are taking all of your fallen loved ones with them to heaven where no evil will remain. They have given their lives for what they love and may we all learn from each of them, that love does prevail. GOD BLESS AMERICA the TRUE home of the free and brave. IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE MANY FALLEN NEW YORK FIREFIGHTERS. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES.

Author: A Firefighter's Wife Carol Yunker
(SUBMITTED 9/14/01)