There are several members of the New York Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers who are listed as missing. The New York Chapter is collecting funds for two groups. One will serve the families of SFPE members, the other for the rescuers. You can find more information at www.sfpeny.org.
Over the last few days, I have noticed that once again those who work so hard to make the buildings safe are the Unknown Hero's. I do not expect or desire recognition above those who have lost their lives. But, I do want all those involved in the code development and
enforcement profession to be proud of what they do.
Had it not been for the efforts of the fire protection community, the buildings might not have stood as long as they did. Just think of how many more lives would have been lost if the buildings did not have minimum factors that we have come to take for granted.
In memory of the New York members, I would like to present the attached poem of my appreciation. Although the last line is focused to a specific group, the intent applies to ALL of the Unknown hero's
who work to protect our employees and our communities.
We make a difference!
Scott Lacey
Fire Protection Engineer
Phoenix Fire Department
President, Arizona Chapter - SFPE
Oklahoma State University Alumni
THE UNKNOWN HERO'S OF THE FIRE SERVICE
Though we built it once
and can build it twice,
Life is strong
but has no price.
We have gone to school
to study and learn,
We know what ignites
or will not burn.
We have researched hard
across the earth,
To protect our lives
to reap our birth.
We learn from the field
we test in the lab,
Our goal is to try
and prevent the bad.
We know the theory
and develop the codes,
Yet strive to provide
alternative modes.
On occasion we learn
through sorrow and suffer,
We must stand up tall
to evaluate the buffer.
We can not protect
all property and life,
Our job is to improve
to conquer the strife.
We are the experts
among our peers,
We are known as
Fire Protection Engineers.
- Scott Lacey AZ-SFPE
9/01