| This page came to be when we went on a trip to Ohio to visit my friend. We came to Carrollton Ohio where we was stopped by a policeman. We was expecting to see a St. Patricks Day parade but what we saw made us cry that day. A line of fire trucks carrying the body of firefighter John Smiley. He was laid to rest in Mechanicstown March 16th 2002 |
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The Salute We were traveling in Ohio: Carroll County was the place: We were stopped by a policeman: That stopped us from our pace: We watched and waited patiently: Not knowing what's ahead: We thought we'd see a big parade: But saw fire trucks instead: Something seemed so different: No bands, no floats went by: Just a parade of fire engines: Bearing flowers for a grave: The policeman stood so tall: Saluting as they passed: We felt the need to do the same: with tears flowing down our face: I watched the firefighters: As they went slowly by: But the face of that policeman: Will stay etched within my mind: He saluted at attention: As the fire trucks passed by: At the end I even saw him: Wipe some tear drops from his eyes: As he made the last salute: His hand dropped to his side: I knew that very moment: He had said his last goodbye. Written by Diane Huggins |
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This is a letter I received from Deborah Guess Willis. I found out who John Smiley was from her and
it was great to be able to put a name with that dedicated firefighter. I don't have a picture of John
yet but hope to have one soon. Thanks Debby for helping me out and letting me know who this firefighter
was. I commend all those that serve the public. God Bless Dear Diane: My name is Deborah Guess Willis, I wanted to thank you about the poem you wrote for John Smiley. I have known John all my life. He worked for my family for 50 years and was fire chief for over 50 years. In June 2001 John retired from the fire department, and my father, Glen Guess was promoted to chief. Dad was assistant Chief under John for 34 years. ( Dad drove the the truck that carried John on Sat. to the cemetary In Mechanicstown.) Your poem touched us very deeply. I am going to copy it wiht your permission, and frame it for the wall on the fire house. Hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely Debby |
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Fireman's Prayer When I am called to duty, God Where ever flames my rage, Give me strength to save some life What ever be its age Help me 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 and 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 every neighbor and Protect his properity. And if according to my fate I am to lose my life, Please bless with your protecting hand My children and my wife. |
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