|
|
|
"Duty
Calls"
|
|
|
|
|
I
have no ambition in
this
world but one, and that is to be a fireman. The
position may, in the eyes of
some, appear to be a
lowly one; but
we who know the work which the fireman has to do believe that his is a
noble calling. There is an adage which says that, "Nothing
can be
destroyed except by fire." We strive to preserve from
destruction
the
wealth of the world, which is the product of the industry of men,
necessary for the comfort of both the rich and the poor. We
are
defenders from fires of the art which has beautified the world, the
product of the genius of men and the means of refinement of
mankind.
But, above all, our proudest endeavor is to save lives of men - the
work of God Himself. Under the impulse of such thoughts, the
nobility
of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even
at the supreme sacrifice. Such considerations may not strike
the
average mind, but they are sufficient to fill to the limit our ambition
in life and to make us serve the general purpose of human society. |
|
|
|
|
Edward
F.
Croker
Chief
Fire Department of New York
1898-1911
|
|
