By Dave Hollenbach
Where there are citizens in distress or in harm’s way there is a special breed that stands ready to answer the call.
A common individual with uncommon desires forged by adversity this person stands alongside their brother’s and sister’s to serve their community, and protect their lives and property.
I am that Firefighter!
My badge is a symbol of honor and heritage bestowed upon me by the Heroes that have gone before and embodies the trust of those I am sworn to protect.
By wearing the Maltese Cross I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and it is a privilege that I must earn every day.
My loyalty to this community and my crew is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a Guardian to my community always ready to respond to those who are unable to help themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work or seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession placing the welfare and security of others before my own.
I serve with honor on and off duty. The ability to control my emotions and my actions regardless of circumstances sets me apart from other people. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast.
My word is my Bond.
We expect to lead and be lead. In the absence of Orders I will take charge, lead my crew, and accomplish the task at hand. I lead by example in all situations.
I will NEVER Quit!
I persevere and thrive on adversity. My community expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than the average citizen.
If knocked down I will get back up every time!
I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my crew and mitigate the emergency.
I am NEVER out of the fight!
We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my crew and the success of our mission depend on me, my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail.
My training is NEVER complete!
We train for proficiency and demand perfection. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of my department’s resources to bear in order to mitigate every emergency. Execution of my duties will be swift yet methodical, guided by the principle that I am a servant of the community, employed to protect lives and property.
Brave men and women have fought and died building the proud tradition and the reputation of a firefighter that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions the legacy of my brother’s and sister’s steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed.
I will NOT fail!
Adapted from the Navy SEAL Creed by David Hollenbach. Hollenbach is a 14-year member and a lieutenant with Orange County Fire Rescue Department in Orlando, Florida, assigned to the fire chief’s office.
