Bob Greene the Firefighter...

Bob Greene the Firefighter.... . , There are men and there are men: there are firefighters and there are firefighters. , Firefighter Robert M. Greene stood out among his peers. His quiet, unassuming manner and dedication to duty were his trademark. The list of accolades of Bob's services to Local 718 and the Boston fire Department are a matter of record, but he never looked for praise or glory; he just did his job. He was a strong asset to both the Boston Fire Department and Local 718, and we will never be able to replace him. Firefighter Robert M. Greene just wanted to leave the job a little better than he found it, and through his unselfish dedication he did. , US Navy Veteran, W.W.II , US Marine Corps Veteran, Korea , 1976-72 - Executive Board Rep , 1972-78 - Legislative Rep., Local 718 , 1974 - Delegate Boston Labor Council , 1975 - Delegate P.F.F.M. , 1976 and 1978 - I.A.F.F. Delegate , St. Florian Society Member, High Commendation: , Rescued elderly crippled female from 2nd floor bedroom at 45 Franklin Hill Avenue at 0311, Box 3614, May 30, 1975, Commendation: , Box 3442 Working Fire April 29, 1975. , The Firefighter , Here is a man, whom you seldom see, and you say that he's lazy as lazy as can be, you think he does nothing, but sit on his tail, and loaf in the station, while reading his mail. He's always asleep, or eating it seems, or living it up, in his wildest dreams, he watches the TV, both night and day, while you work so hard, to earn your pay. You think it's not fair, this should not be, he should get out and work, like you and me, you pay your taxes, in his pocket it goes. with a minimum of effort, his bank account grows. And that's the whole story, as far as you know, but here are some facts, that I'd like to show, he has a family, like you and I, that he seldom sees, for he's either on duty or on standby. He stands for his watch, four hours in all, on his very next fire, he was due to fall, though he didn't know it, as the alarm bell rang, he was heading for death, as the angels sang. He arrived on the scene, and apartment ablaze, and he acted so fast, his speed did amaze, all of those present, were frozen with terror, but for him there was, no margin for error. A child was trapped, in the building so high, as he raced up the stairs, he could hear her cry, please help me mister, I'm afraid of the fire, He grabbed her and held her, but was beginning to tire. He got down the steps, and for the exit he ran, he just had to make it, he was that kind of man, but the Lord was calling, his voice he could hear the child was saved, but his burns were severe. As he lay there in pain, the child still in his clutch, he thought of the past, he was never too much, just a lazy fireman, but he gave all he could give, yes he gave up his life, so a small child could live., This Memorial to Firefighter Robert M. Greene was erected by his brothers of Ladder Company 23, Engine Company 24 and Boston Firefighters Local 718, I.A.F.F. and is maintained by the members of the Boston Gaelic Fire Brigade of the Boston Fire Department. , May God rest his soul., (pedestal) Robert M. Greene , Fire-Fighter , Boston Fire Department , Appointed to the B.F.D. Sept. 9, 1964 , Died in the line of duty Nov. 27, 1978 , Erected by his fellow fire-fighters May 1980.