Monday, December 28, 2009

0500

It is 0500. I know, right at this minute, there are firefighters standing vigil of a fallen brother. It may be cold, yet there they stand by the body of their comrade.

Tomorrow night, the vigil will continue as it will again on the night after. Our brother will not be alone. Not until he is in his final resting place will we leave his side. It may seem crazy, but it is what we do.

Rest in peace brother.

11 comments:

  1. I don't know who you write of, all I know is a brother has fallen, and I mourn the loss.

    In brotherhood, rest in peace.

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  2. Dear Captain Schmoe,
    I want to extend my condolences to you and your brethren. Thank you for protecting our lives, our health, and our property. For responding to our trauma and loss.

    I assume you are a part of that honor guard. I respect that tradition. My condolences to you and to the family of your fallen comrade.

    Very truly yours,
    Ann T. Hathaway

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  3. Capt,

    Those who are not part of our brotherhood will never truely understand. From my department to yours, very sorry for your loss

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  4. I sulate your fallen brother and all of those behind the thin red line. May your brother rest in peace his tour is done.

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  5. Thanks for the kind words. This one hurts.

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  6. So sorry for the loss of your brother Capt.

    RIP

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  7. I wish him Godspeed, and I pray that those who know him may find peace.


    5-5-5
    Rest In Peace Brother, we have the watch from here.

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  8. Following along--keeping you and yours in prayer. Take care of yourself and the ones you love.

    The Observer

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  9. RFB -"MEMOR CADO FRATER "

    In Honor
    Brother when you weep for me
    Remember that 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 coat 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 firemen 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

    Our hearts are with you as yours is with us.
    Lt. R. Reid Roanoke City Fire Engine 9

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  10. Joe,

    Sorry to hear about your loss. I stand beside you in solidarity during your send off of your Captain. It is what it is and we make it how it has to be.

    Godspeed to your Captain

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  11. Again folks, thanks for your thoughts.

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