The Final Call

First, go get the kleenex...seriously. I'll wait.


Ready?


Today was my Dad's wake. The fire department took care of everything, we just had to show up. I mean they took care of everything.

At 1:45, the fire department's chief's rigs pulled in the driveway to take us to the department. Eleven of us piled into four vehicles to be delivered in fire department style. They took us around the lake first, sirens silent and lights flashing.

As we pulled off the main highway, you can see the fire department. Everywhere there are fire trucks and two ladder trucks with ladders extended over the driveway in an arch. Along the way, fire fighters from all the local departments stood at attention in uniforms and the pouring down rain.

It was incredible, something that you would see on television. I was awed and touched, until I saw the Boy Scouts. Yes, Boy Scouts. These future little men standing at attention in their uniforms, shoulder to shoulder with the firefighters. I had to take a couple deep breaths before I could get down out of the truck.

We were escorted into a packed fire hall. There are pictures, plaques, and mementos of my Dad everywhere you look. They had enlarged three pictures of Dad sitting in the antique fire engine and smiling so big. We hadn't seen those pictures before. Deep breaths, again.

The service began with the reading of the obituary. It was read by the fire department chaplain, who knew & liked Dad even though Dad was the toughest of non-believers. He didn't attempt to saint Dad, but described him just as he was. A tough, difficult, contradictory old man who gave his all to the department.

Then he read the speech that Brett - current fire department chief & like-a-son-to Dad, wrote but didn't have the heart to read. Again, he talked about Dad as he was. It was perfect and heartbreaking. He too had lost Dad.

Oh, and mid-speech one of the lights went out momentarily, we're all sure that Dad was responsible. That and for the POURING DOWN RAIN.

Finally, one of the Fire Commissioners spoke. He told stories about how this "young kid" often butted heads with the Old Man of the Department. He finished it with "I know Fred doesn't think I'm a rule breaker. But today, if any day, is the day. I know the fire department is 'dry' but not right at this moment. I am breaking the rule. This is for you, Fred." He popped open a beer and took a drink. We didn't know whether to laugh or cry so we did both.

The ceremony part finished and we were able to see all the pictures and visit with every person I have ever met in my life. Former neighbors, former & current firefighters, old friends. Every where we turned, there was a friendly face. Everyone telling stories and getting caught up on the local news. We ate and watched the rain, making jokes that Dad's so annoyed that he's making it rain.

Finally, we are gathered together again. The family is asked to line up outside, in front of the fire department. In total silence, the fire fighters line up into formation. The six Boy Scouts (two of which are Brett's sons) march to the flag pole (that my dad built) and lower the still at half-mast flag. As solemn as pre-teen boys can be, they fold it and present it to Brett who then presented it to my mom.

Then, the firefighters are called to attention and we hear their radios go to static. For one full minute, all radios are open to static.

Radio Silence.

They quiet each radio systematically then we hear the Skagit County Emergency Services Central Dispatch voice come across the radios:

"This is the final call for Big Lake Volunteer Fire Department Chief Fredrick Moore. After 46 years of service, this is his final call."

Radio Silence.

The fire department chaplain then recited the Firefighters Prayer:

When I'm 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 is 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 children and my wife.

Dad's final wish was to go for one last ride on the antique fire engine. In the still pouring down rain, the firefighters load him onto the engine, we enter into the fire rigs again and proceed with full Skagit County Sheriff's escort around the lake for Dad's last ride. Lights flashing, sirens silent, and two firefighters standing guard on the truck with Dad for one final call.

Radio Silence.