They both grew up buddies so close throughout the years
Even fought a war together to return amid the cheers
Each settled down and married, two girls from high school days
And families soon developed, with loving kids to raise
Though neither was related, one would never know
The kids would always holler “Hi Uncle Bill” “Hi Uncle Joe”
Firefighting beckoned, and they joined god’s chosen few
As their fathers did before them, it was like a dream come true
They each were pulling duty when the box came in at ten
A call for all equipment and just as many men
Arriving at the scene, the blaze was out of hand
Flames shot from every window, and Bill took full command
He reached the roof by ladder, with a hose line held in tow
When the structure fell from under, dropping him below
Joe ran through the rubble, carried out his fallen mate
The chief said sadly later “I’m sorry it was too late”
“I wasn’t too late, sir, tough bill’s life had but seconds to run.
For in those final moments, he managed to say…I knew you’d come”
Author: unknown