|
|
|
|
|
|
Return to Fire History Page
The Fireman's Prayer
The Fireman's Prayer was written in 1958 by a man named A.W. "Smokey" Linn. The prayer was published in a book entitled "A Celebration of Poets" that same year.
Linn wrote the poem after responding to a fire in which three young children died while trapped behind security bars. He had been on the Wichita (KS) Fire Department for 11 years at the time of the fire. In 1975, he retired after 28 years on the job. He died in 2004.
Despite its widespread use on memorials throughout the country, The Fireman's Prayer is often followed by the words "- Author Unknown." It is more commonly referred to now as The Firefighter's Prayer; and has been changed in other ways to include the growing number of women in the fire service.
In honor of Mr. Linn, the version below is as it was written in 1958.
|
Whenever I am called to duty, God
Whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save a life,
Whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a child
Before it is too late,
Or save an older person
From the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And 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 every neighbor
And protect their property.
And if, according to your will,
I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protection
My children and my wife.
| - A.W. "Smokey" Linn, 1958 |
|
8.23.09
|
|
|
|