A Firefighter’s Night Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land,
not a creature was stirring not even command.

The gear was all hung in the stations with care,
so if help were needed they'd all soon be there.

The firefighters were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of new trucks danced in their heads.

The training was finished all action was stopped,
in hopes that at Christmas no tones would be dropped.

When over the speakers there rose such a clatter,
they all sprang to their feet to see what was the matter.

A fire was burning no time to be slow,
and though it was Christmas they all had to go.

With sirens a ‘blaring and energies high,
they speed in their trucks toward the glow in the sky.

On engine, on rescue, on ladder, on tower,
now lay from the hydrants and show it your power.

they'll fight the fire with divisions strong and tall,
now dash away, dash away, dash away all.

So up to the top the roof team flew,
with axes, pike poles, and chain saws, too.

The electricity was shut off and the gas line, too.
The dispatcher radio-ed command: You have a PAR due.

Fire attack teams were working interior and behind
when all of a sudden they reported a find.

He was dressed all in red from his head to his foot,
his clothes were all soiled with ashes and soot.

But his eyes had a twinkle, and it wasn't a trick,
who else could it be? It must be Saint Nick.

He said thanks for the rescue and for hearing my call,
we were close to not having a Christmas at all.

The gifts that I'll leave for each one of you,
are nothing compared to the giving that YOU do.

I wish I could stay 'till you end this command,
but I've much work to do all over the land.

So thanks one more time for the service you give,
and for keeping us safe wherever we live.

As he boarded his sleigh and drove out of sight,
they heard him exclaim:
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Author unknown