The recent death of my beloved brother, firefighter Sidney F. Thurston, prompted me to write a dedication poem for the 50-plus years of firefighting service he dedicated his life to serving. As a firefighter, founder and past chief of the Waterbury Center Fire Department, past president of the NE Association of Fire Chiefs and member of the Capital West Mutual Aid, he served the fire service with dedication, honesty, integrity and compassion for over 50 years. To that I would like to dedicate the poem I wrote for him, as well as to all the other firefighters within the fire service. Their dedication and loyalty for such an honorable profession makes me proud to know that my brother was such a well-respected fireman and person in this noble profession. To that I would like to have you print my article, Legacy of a Firefighter.
Brenda J. Viens
Fayston
Proud Sister to Sidney F. Thurston
Legacy of a Firefighter
The fire service is a noble calling
One founded on mutual respect and trust
Between its firefighters and citizens
The highest standard code of ethics
They pave a path from obstacles
With character defined by decisions
When pressure from a road obscured
To project integrity, and yet compassion
He shares the responsibility of honesty
Professionalism, loyalty, and culture
And serves in a position of public trust
To foster safety and welfare of others
He stands at the crossroads with valor
From many years of pride and service
The courage comes within his heart
For a firefighter does not hesitate
Though his heart was weakened
And his body tired, hands shaking
His spirit never wavered
For his love of firefighting
He leaves this fire service better
Than when first he did arrive
His badge of courage now is silent
But the legacy he leaves, endures
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