October 8-14

Fireman’s Prayer

When I am called

to duty, God,

Whenever flames

may rage;

Give me strength

to save some life,

Whatever be its age.

Help me 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

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 his property.

And if, according

to my fate,

I am to lose my life,

Please bless with

your protecting

My children and my wife.

A.W. “Smokey” Linn

Wichita, Kan. (1958)