Answering the Alarm

By admin

This article appeared in the Winter 2008 issue of Texoma Living!.

Sherman Fire Department
Main Station
318 South Travis

This classic American-made Mack fire engine was purchased by the Sherman FD in 1949 and has been fully restored. It is now used as a ceremonial vehicle in parades and special events. FYI: Fire trucks have ladders, fire engines pump water.

(left-right) Cpt. Chad Martin, Chief J.J. Jones, Gerald Brown, Lt. Jerry Fuller (on the back left), Jeff Matlock, and (on back right) Dean Gardner.

The Firefighter’s Prayer

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 will
I have to lose my life
bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife

The Firefighter’s Pledge

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.

Denison Fire Department
Main Station at 700 W. Chestnut

Pictured is Denison FD’s ceremonial fire engine, manufactured in 1942 by American LaFrance. The engine is used only in parades.

(1st row, left to right) Patrick Hilty, Kelley Copley; (2nd row) Bruce Geihausen, training officer; Robert Jones; (3rd row) Dennis Snider, Mike Flippo, Bill Ray, assistant chief and Clinton Little.

Brief History of the Maltese Cross

The badge of a fireman is the Maltese Cross. It is a symbol of protection and a badge of honor. Its story is centuries old. When a courageous band of crusaders known as the Knights of St. John fought the Saracens for possession of the Holy Land, they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple, but a horrible device of war. It brought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters for the cross. The Saracen’s weapon was fire. As the crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were struck by glass bombs containing naphtha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled a flaming torch into their midst. Hundreds of the knights were burned alive; others risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying painful, fiery deaths. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders with a cross similar to the one firemen wear today. The Knights of St. John lived on the island of Malta.

Whitesboro Volunteer Fire Department on Main Street

(left-right) Donnie Payette, firefighter/ ECA; Keary Williams, Engineer; Ethan Payatte, Firefighter; Joey Crawley, firefighter/ECA; Tony Carver, firefighter; Chief Kevin Walton, EMT; Brian Young, firefighter; Lt. Tim Welch, EMT.