Never to be Forgotten

Never to be Forgotten. . , Dedicated in Memory of Those , Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice , in the Discharge of Their Duties, Ex-Chief Kenneth Smith , Merrick F.D. , June 26, 1982, Ex-Chief Ronnie E. Gies , Merrick F.D. / F.D.N.Y. Squad 288 , Sept. 11, 2001, Ex-Captain Brian E. Sweeney , Merrick F.D. / F.D.N.Y. Rescue 1 , Sept. 11, 2001, Firefighter John Mammen , Merrick F.D. , Nov. 6, 1940 , Brother when you weep for me , Remember it was meant to be , Lay me down and when you leave , Remember I’ll be at your sleeve , In every dark and choking hall , I’ll be there as you slowly crawl , On every roof in driving snow , I’ll hold your hand and you will know , In cellars hot with searing heat , At windows where a gate you meet , In closets where young children hide , You know I’ll be there at your side , The house from which I now respond , Is overstaffed with heroes gone , Men who answered one last bell , Did the job and did it well , As firefighters we understand , That death’s a card dealt in our hand , A card we hope we never play , But one we hold there anyway , That card is something we ignore , As we crawl across a weakened floor , For we know that we’re the only prayer , For anyone that might be there , So remember as you wipe your tears , The joy I knew throughout the years , As I did the job I loved to do , I pray that thought will see you through, Anonymous