Happy Holidays, Brothers and Sisters

'Twas the night before Christmas, and everything was still.

A night without sirens would sure be a thrill.

The station was quiet, the TV was off,

Just an occasional fart or sniffle or cough.

The night shift was nestled all snug in their beds,

With the CPAP manifold strapped to their heads.

The chief wore his boxers that matched his red cap.

At least it wasn't his jammies with the rear access flap,

When out of the speakers toned up such a clatter,

They sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

The lights flickered on with a blinding white flash,

As they staggered to the engine room in a blurry-eyed dash.

The glow of the lamp near the dalmation’s litter

Lit their sleepy little eyes that sparkled like glitter ,

They were all still too young to be running the calls,

Eight wee little, squeaky little, squirmy fur balls,

The Chief was so cheery, so lively and slick,

He ran to the kennel and grabbed them up quick.

It was time for these puppies to build up their fame,

He scooped up those cuties, and dispatched them by name;

"Now Freckles; now Dotty; now Ashes and Spotty!

On Cinder; on Inky; on Bootsie and Blotty!

Now get in the buggy, it’s time for your first call!

Now bounce along, bounce along, bounce along all!"

As they rounded the corner they widened there eyes,

When they spotted the header, shooting up in the sky,

So up to the house fire the engines they flew,

The ladder, the rescue and the puppy dogs, too.

And then, all the truckies, went up on the roof

The “saw man”, the “axe man” and that squirrelly little goof.

They opened the vent hole, and were headed back down,

When out came the probie, looking just like a clown.

He was dressed in his turnouts, from his head to his foot,

And his gear finally tarnished with ashes and soot;

The wet, grimy hose he had flung on his back,

Means maybe the vets will stop giving him flack

His eyes -- how they twinkled, his dimples -- how merry!

You could tell right away that he just “broke his cherry”!

The puppies looked on, just enjoying the show,

The chief let them out to make some yellow snow;

The bitter cold air made them chatter their teeth,

As the smoke it encircled the block like a wreath;

The crews tired muscles were feeling like jelly,

And they dream about getting some food in their belly.

When out came the neighbors with cookies and milk,

And coffee and cocoa brewed up smooth as silk.

A package of meat snacks made the puppy tails wag,

In just a few minutes they emptied the bag.

So, please, as you celebrate this holiday season,

Give thought to the heroes that are the big reason

That you are alive and your house is intact,

And the crooks are in jail for illegal acts;

So, to all my brothers and sisters who serve,

I extend all the thanks and praise you deserve.

May your pagers stay quiet, and your call load light.

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."