Tradition has it that this prayer was a personal, agonized outpouring from a young fireman who had himself survived the flames, but had been powerless to save three helpless children from the awful death that engulfed them in smoke and flame, unable to escape an apartment fire. As he and his companions fell back in defeat and despair, the children succumbed: the windows had been fitted by the landlord with steel security bars. The firemen were unable to free the trapped children.

In shock, anguish, and spiritual stupor, the fireman, A.W. “Smokey” Linn, penned this personal prayer, a plea to the Heavens to somehow make this moment right. And if not right, understandable. And if not understandable, bearable.

The Fireman’s Prayer is a prayer to unite communities, express love and devotion to family and friends, and to plead for the value of a soul before God Almighty. It is a Sacrament.

"When I am called to duty, God, Whenever flames may rage, Give me the strength to save a life Whatever be its age. Help me to embrace a little child Before it’s too late, Or some 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 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, Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife."