Poem: The Rock

The Rock symbolizes the dedication of the National Fire Academy – an important event in fire service history

June 15, 2022 08:53 PM •

The NFA was dedicated Oct. 8, 1979. Jimmy Carter was the president. The plaque features a quote from Public Law 93-498 1974 creating the Nation Fire Prevention and Control Administration, stating the purpose of the NFA. U.S. Senators and Representative along with state and local officials attended the ceremony that day, along with officials from all the fire service organization, plus the public. I was there.

Having a National Fire Academy had been a vision of fire services leadership for many years. This was an important event in fire service history. The Rock helps us remember. – Dr. Burton A. Clark

The plaque features a quote from Public Law 93-498 1974 creating the Nation Fire Prevention and Control Administration, stating the purpose of the NFA.

There are three monuments,

On Campus.

I am the oldest,

A rock with a plaque.

The youngsters have flags,

Are tall and lit at night.

They are sculptured art,

Beautiful to see.

One has an eternal flame,

And lists of names.

More are added each year,

There is room for many.

The new one is a statue,

Of real firefighters.

It records the families changed,

One day in September 2001.

They are bigger than me and striking,

People visit them all the time.

Many take pictures, but walk away,

With tears in their eyes.

There is no competition,

With the emotion of grief.

I am about hope for a noble calling,

That serves humanity.

So, the next time you come,

Visit the memorials, pay respect.

But stop by the rock,

And think about the future.

“To advance the professional development of the fire service

And other persons engaged in fire prevention and control activities.”

Dr. Burton A. Clark, EFO

Dr. Burton A. Clark, EFO, has dedicated 55 years to the fire service, bringing a deep understanding of its operational, educational and cultural dimensions. Dr. Clark has academic degrees in business and education. He previously served as the management science chair at the National Fire Academy and has contributed to the academic advancement of others by serving on 20 dissertation committees. Dr. Clark was a visiting scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Fire Safety Research and Policy and currently serves on the board of the Fire Service Psychology Association. He is also an expert technical reviewer for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program. In 2021, Clark was inducted into the National Fire Heritage Center’s Hall of Legends, and in 2025, he was named one of 20 Influencers by Fire Safety Journal Americas. He is the author of “I Can’t Save You and Don’t Want to Die Trying: American Fire Culture.” Clark’s research focuses on American fire culture through social, political, economic and technological lenses. His current work examines human factors contributing to firefighter occupational injuries and fatalities.