NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER

TOUCH OF FIRE

Most of you don't know me, but I know many of you. I am your employee and I have been for many years. During this time I have seen you stand in your yard, grief stricken, as you watch years of work and planning go up in flames.
I have heard your screams and cries for help in smoke-filled halls. I have spent hours in city streets cutting and prying you out of the twisted metal that was once a vehicle.
I have blown into your mouth and spat out your vomit in an effort to give you a second chance at life. I have pumped on your chest using external cardiac massage until the muscle tissue of my own body ceased to function - and then pumped some more.
I have splited your broken limbs, controlled your bleeding and dressed your wounds. I have carried you from burning buildings and from gas-filled sewers.
I have removed toys from the throats of your children and watched them breathe again. I stood on a concrete drive and caught your baby as he was thrown from a blazing balcony in a desperate attempt on your part to save his life.
I have covered your body with my own to protect you from falling walls. I bear scars from the heat of your burning homes and businesses.
I have stood in burning gasoline and faced flaming liquefied petroleum, knowing that in a split second I might taste death and find eternity. I would have gathered my fear and run, but I didn't because you were close enough to suffer the consequences.
I have spent literally thousands of hours studing how to better protect you and I will spend many more. In return for these hours, I might have been a physician, an attorney, or any one of countless higher paying professions, but I'm not and I'm glad.
I am proud to be a part of a noble breed of unselfish people who dedicate their lives to your protection from the ravage of fire and other disasters. I am one out of many - I am a fire fighter.