You endured the fire before the fire, burning doubt thinking you wouldn't pass the test, the sweltering summer days carrying heavy hoses you thought you'd never lift, alarm bells ringing, excited barking of the station dalmatian, hook and ladders, you steel your newly forged bravery, quickly get into your gear, firefighter brothers and sisters. Communicating in the smoke with a sixth sense, was it a buddy or an angel? saving the trapped and injured in the merciless element, there's no taming the wanton flames, your families hearts and caring waiting for you to come home, even your dreams afire, standing tall another day, wiping soot off your face, as God bestows His firefighters a hero's grace. ~ This is a tribute poem to the NYFD and the Asheville, NC Fire Dept.