Dedicated To *All* Firefighters, Active And Retired, (Men and Women) Who Put Their Lives On The Line 24 Hours Per Day To Protect *US*!
Thank You, Past & Present Firefighters!

**Please* Do Not Miss "In Honor" on Page 3.
Dedicated to the hundreds of Firefighters that lost their lives when Cowardly Terrorists attacked The World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
God Bless these brave men and women and their families!

WE WILL NOT FORGET!!

This came as such a surprise and I am very humbled by this honor. Thank you Irwin F.D. located in Pa. Please see banner at bottom of Page.
These are the kind words of the Webmaster:

"It is my honor to present to you an official honorary membership into our department for going above and beyond the call of duty in helping us."

John Tirpak; President/Webmaster; Irwin Fire Department;Westmoreland County
Irwin Pennsylvania.

I promise concern for others. A willingness to help all those in need. I promise courage - courage to face and conquer my fears. Courage to share and endure the ordeal of those who need me. I promise strength - strength of heart to bear whatever burdens might be placed upon me. Strength of body to deliver to safety all those placed within my care. I promise the wisdom to lead, the compassion to comfort, and the love to serve unselfishly whenever I am called.

Wearing blue coveralls, they sit sometimes for days, laughing, eating, joking...waiting for one sound, a siren that transforms them. They abandon their armchairs for overcoats of canvas and for rubber boots, their armor heavy and hot. Instead of trading jokes they relay directions, and orders, and shout reports of the status of the enemy; "FLAMES ARE VISIBLE" Fear and excitement grip the hearts of the freshest rookie to the oldest veteran as they jump into their steel Trojan horses perfect from polishing, washing, checking over and over-they pray that they have made no mistakes. The driver navigatesthe craft through the city streets he knows as well as his family, dodging when possible those that get in the way, hoping those he can't avoid will see him first. They spot the enemy from blocks away-- the phoenix rises far above the trees, licking the sky. They arrive at the scene, and again the battle cry is heard; "FLAMES ARE VISIBLE" Smoke fills the air and their lungs as they approach, hoses snaking, crisscrossing, coming to life as they surge with water from yellow and red hydrants that suddenly become grotesque heads of Medusa. They kick open the doors, rubber from their boots leaving a print melted by the heat, and trickling over bubbling paint. Orange liquid flames roll through the building, slithering up and over the walls, breathing in and out with each puff of air. With swords of water they charge and the war begins. They battle--nine or ten against one--seemingly great odds. But the nine soldiers will win, emerging from the battlefield victorious as they always do, and eventually, they'll retire to their armchairs, thanking God that this time nobody was hit by the enemy "fire"... -unknown author-

When I'm called to duty God wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life whatever be its age. Help me to 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 to 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 neighbor and protect his property. And if according to your willI have to lose my life, bless with your protecting hand, my children and my wife. Author Unknown

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