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Poem: The Rock

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

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Photo/Burt Clark

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

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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.

Photos/Burt Clark

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, has been in the fire service for 49 years. He serves on the Board of Advisors for the Fire Service Psychology Association and the Board of Governors for the John M. Moschella Fire Service Research Grant Trust. Dr. Clark is a technical expert reviewer for the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention program and a dissertation advisor at various universities. He is the author of “I Can’t Save You And I Don’t Want To Die Trying: American Fire Culture.”

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