The Morro Bay Fire Department held a brief and solemn ceremony marking the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, with about 100 people joining the police, harbor patrol and fire crews to remember that terrible day and the hundreds of first responders who lost their lives in New York, Washing D.C. and Pennsylvania. Fr. Ed Holterhoff of St. Timothy’s Church led the assemblage in a prayer and related that he had friends in New York who watched as the hijacked planes hit the World Trade Center, making the losses personal to him. Fire Chief Daniel McCrain read the firefighter’s prayer:
Firefighter’s Prayer
When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child before it’s too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to 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, bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife.
— Firefighter A.W. “Smokey” Linn
