^{THE FIREFIGHTER}

^{Sirens sound! He awakes with a start and hastily grabs up his clothes, dressing on the run, as he has so many times before.}

^{Thumping of footsteps, motors churning, directions yelled, chaos! TOTAL CHAOS! Or so it seems...yet, within seconds, dispatch...they are on their way, racing down the street, sirens at ear-splitting pitch. Meanwhile, his mind dashes to other nights-days of grueling, heartbreaking tragedy-ridden, heat-searing work. And he cries to the depth of his soul, "WHY DO I CONTINUE ?"}

^{Loaded with nets, roof cutters, ladders, axes, erc. they don air masks as they arrive. It is anothe rbad one. Flames are shooting everywhere, lighting the darkest of night with an eerie glow. Screaming, a man and woman clutch to each other in panic.}

^{Nothing but PURE Intuition, or so it seems, takes The Firefighter through collapsing beams, up the stair, past flaming bedrooms and into a tiny closet to the side of a smoke filled bedroom. He quickly gathers two squirming bundles in his arm, darts to the nearest window and throws them to the waiting nets below...He leaps.}

^{Restrained no longer, the man and woman bound for the nets. The Firefighter, weakened, hears sounds that are so far away, of a little dog's whimper, happy cries and excited voices. Then, an explosion rocks the very ground upon which he lay. Through the pain of a broken arm, he feels a little dog licking his face, and slowly opens his eyes, the depth of his soul is touched, he willnever be the same, he needs no thank you's, because he now knows the very reason "WHY HE CONTINUES"; for within her happy parents'arms.....}

^{a child smiles.}

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.