They too put their lives in the line everyday, they didn't deserved 9/11 nor did we.
Now, when they roar by, I feel in my heart the press of a ice hand because I am afraid for their well being.
That fateful day all we learned a lesson and started not to take them for granted.
Dedicated to all Fieremen and Firewomen.
The first toy I can remember to have was a Red Fire Engine with a ladder on the top.
It was a simple one, with all the equipment that firemen use painted on its sides. Even the windows and doors were painted to look alike.
Not like today’s ones, with siren, revolving lights and the works.
I pullet it by a string making all sorts of noises that I figured was expected to be heard from an Fire Engine hurrying to put out a fire.
I didn’t dream to be a Fireman I just loved that toy.
Mine was a simple engine without the gadgets…but it was mine!
Perhaps it gave me the idea that red was my favorite color.
As a matter of fact, red is my favorite color.
Life drew me through lot of cities in many lands and, occasionally, the wailing of police cars sirens were drowned by the horns, sirens and thunderous passage of the fire engines burning rubber towards somebody’s house on fire.
When thinking about Firemen, all my life I have pictured them climbing a tree to recover a cat too scared to even consider descending by its own steam.
I will imagine them patiently trying to disengage a child’s head caught between the poles of a wrought iron fence.
Or freeing a cat, chased by a dog, that got fast in a drainpipe.
I will picture them trying comforting in the wee hours of the night, the owners by now a pile of cinders with a blanket over their shoulders and a kind word.
They will be asleep when that annoying bell will suddenly explode accompanied by the intermittent alarm noise like a loudly snoring.
They will jump from their iron beds and slide down the pole and be dressed in a whiff for action, with the kind of speed all mothers dream their offspring’s had when “wake and up!” call starts activity every morning before school.
With the last helmet strap been tightened the Engines will disappear around the first corner and be gone.
I will picture them around the table after ordering few pizzas and Coke (get one light Coke for Vinnie, he is getting fat, ha! ha! ha!)
“Ladies and gentlemen,” (the Ladder pride itself to have two very tough and competent Firewomen), will the Sarge say, as from today we have passed the 200 days mark without injuries since last, congratulations!”
Then…9/11 happened.
Never New York had heard so many wailing sirens or its streets so painted in red with the brushes of so many Fire Engines.
The towers were spewing down confetti made of burning paper, glass and metal shreds, like it was a mad carnival with fireworks on top and a thundering noise of one ominous avalanche.
For the Firemen the nightmare wasn’t the fire, they were there to put it out, the nightmare was all those trapped inside.
The worst was guessing the logistics when so many said so different.
“There are fifteen thousand there” “no, is too early yet, there are at the most about seven thousand” “ hear here, I’m positive there are over nine thousand, you have two towers and…” “Hear, I don’t think so…”
But the captains knew best, they commandeered teams of Firemen to the stairs to shepherd the human flow to safety.
Firemen around the world dislike very much tall building, and hate very tall buildings most because it demands for supermen, superpower and equipment they don’t have a prayer to own.
They saved many lives; they didn’t run away when the tower started to crumble. When they saw the other tower collapsing they knew what was coming next but they hold their ground urging the straggles to move faster, trying at least to save few more.
Those Firemen, like Ship Captains of the past, went down with their vessel, with courage, with honor, with a job well done.
Now, when a Fire Engine passes by, I mentally take my hat with the most humble of respects and awe, we don’t need comic-strips supermen when we have the real ones on our mist.
The next time a stupid cat can’t descend from a tree without the help of a guy in a Red Engine I will see that guy with different eyes, perhaps with the eyes of that child pulling a Fire Engine Toy with a string with a make believe wailing sound as it’s siren.
They told me that many Firemen died that day.
They didn’t die in the World Trade Center; they climbed its stairs going on the way to Heavens.
This is an outstanding write Georg
These Firefighters are true heros
When I was A police Officer I responded to many
Of police calls where the firemen were there before we were
Giving mouth to mouth resuscitation to heart attack victims
even long before the ambulance arrived
People had a tendency to pull a fire alarm from a corner pole
faster then calling 911, because the fire department always responded faster. so to the heroes "I TIP MY HAT OFF IN SALUTE"
Peace be with you
what a wonderful offering my friend. Captivating and well deserved tribute to many whom risk their lives to save others. Well done!
Blessings,
Joyce B.
Another amazing tribute/story. I can say that I have never had to call the fire department; but I know quite a few people who are firefighters. They are by far, the most courageous and caring people..
Heroes of course they surely are.
Peace, Love, and Light,
Amber "V"
Our firefighters risk their lives with each call they take. Going into a burning structure, smoke filled - thank God for advanced technologies, reducing the potential for catastrophe.
A wonderful tribute. These guys deserve all the praise for as you said, "They saved many lives; they didn’t run away when the tower started to crumble." Fear, but never run in the face of true danger equals courage. Nice job, well written.
Beautiful tribute to those who put their lives on the line; God bless our firefighters! Also God bless our police force, our paramedics, and our rescuers! They are the TRUE heroes of this world! So are our military soldiers past and present! WHooAHHH!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
I thank each paramedic/policeman, woman/firefighter/rescuer I see; it's something I've done since 9-11-01; haven't broken it yet. They appreciate it; I appreciate THEM.
Another wonderful tribute to yet another very valiant breed of everyday heroes. Far too many of these heroic firemen did perish in 9/11, and many of them even rushed down to New Orleans from all parts of the country to help Katrina victims.
Whether they are attempting to save a human's life or a tiny critter's, they will always be Heroes, and you remind us very well.
He Keeps Me is a devotional journey of revelation and insight birthed out of prayer.Searching the Word of God revealed the many ways that He has kept me and continues to keep me. Each day is an opportunity to recognize that God is mindful of you, eve
