Psalm 23 (Firefighter version)
1. Because the LORD is my Chief I lack nothing.
2. He takes me to relaxing settings. He leads me to refreshing and dousing waters.
3. He restores my strength. He walks me through safe and effective practices for the sake of the Department's mission.
4. Even when I must crawl through the darkest, hottest, most smoke filled entryways, I fear no danger; for you are with me. Your axe and your hook reassure me.
5. You set up rehab for me in plain sight of the fire-ground. You refresh my head with wet, cool cloths and my air pack is always completely full.
6. Surely your loyal care and direction will stick with me on every call, and I will have a place of honor and and important role in the LORD's station forever.
Psalm "343"
He saw my longing gaze into the station bay.
He invited me in and took my name.
He felt my heart leap when the engine drove by.
He knew my enthusiasm when the siren blared.
He fashioned me from a child to see danger as attractive.
He grew my instincts to think of saving others.
Who is this One who recruits me to service?
It is the Lord that calls me to “the brotherhood.”
It is He that inducts me into the ranks.
The Lord is the shelter of my bunker gear,
who covers me for braving the flames.
He trains my hands for battle when fires rampage,
and the way of escape is lost for those who pray.
He prepared the apparatus for me to respond to the call,
and gathered my comrades to ride with me.
Listen, O my city! The Lord is coming with His engine.
With His helmet He shelters my head,
and His ax is in his hand.
With His ladder and hook He rescues the desperate,
and with a blast of His horn the way is made clear.
The fires rage and the building creaks,
but the Lord has sent His army and assigned me to attack.
Let the helpless renew hope and rejoice,
for He has ordered a primary search.
If the dragon should envelop me,
or its smoke enshroud me,
I will fear no evil.
For the Lord was enroute with me, and He never once left my side.
Let the hot places be dowsed and emergencies met,
for the Lord has sent His company of firefighters and enlisted me for service.
-Aaron F. Ott
Chaplain
Fate Fire and Rescue
