| On Thursday September 11, 2008 4 members made a trip to New York City to attend 9-11 ceremonies and pay respect to the ones lost. Chief Witman, Lt Brooks, FF Harlan, FF Huffman boarded a bus in Reading at 6am and then were dropped off in uptown Manhattan at 9am. Starting the day off we observed the ceremony's at ground zero amongst the thousands of other people that came out. Once we were done there, we made the trek uptown to the FDNY Museum where the history of the department was displayed with old firefighting equipment, tools, helmets, and a special section focusing on 9/11. From the Museum we hopped the subway north to Rescue 1's station where we toured the station and looked over the truck and equipment on it, before they got dispatched to a call and left. The rest of the day consisted of visiting more stations including the Engine 54 Ladder 4 house who lost 14 FF's and their trucks in the attack on the WTC. We ate dinner and spent the evening socializing with firefighters from FDNY, Las Vegas Fire, Chicago Fire, and many others from across the country before finally catching the bus home at midnight. Thank you for the generous hospitality from the FDNY on this day of mourning.
FIREFIGHTERS PRAYER
When I'm called to duty god
wherever flames may rage
give me strength to save a life
whatever be its age
Help me to embrace a little child
before it is too late
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert
to hear the weakest shout
and quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and
to give the best in me
to guard my neighbor and
protect his property
And if according to your will
I have to lose my life
bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife |
