Chief Fred Beckman

Answered His Final Call On November 29, 2005

Fire Chief of Station #1 1967-2005

When you weep for me

Brother when you weep for me
Remember it was meant to be
Lay me down and when you leave
Remember I'll be at your sleeve
In every dark and choking hall
I'll be there as you slowly crawl
On every roof in driving snow
I'll hold your coat and you will know
In cellars hot with searing heat
At windows where a gate you'll meet
In closets where young children hide
You know I'll be there at your side
The house from which I now respond
Is overstaffed with heroes gone
Men who answered one last bell
Did the job and did it well
As firefighters we understand
That death's a card dealt in our hand
A card we hope we never play
But one we hold there anyway
That card is something that we ignore
As we crawl across a weakened floor
For we know that we are the only prayer
For any one who might be there
So remember as you wipe your tears
The joy I knew throughout the years
As I did the job I loved to do
I pray this thought will see you through.

-Unknown

Chief Beckman giving direction at a Bosch fire

Chief Beckman returing from observing the scene

Chief Beckman giving firefighter Rob Seymour some guidance on the truck we call 'The Squirt'

Chief Beckman at a brush fire down at Riverview Park

Chief Beckman gives a teddy bear to a scared young child after her home caught on fire

Chief Beckman helps decide what to do next after discovering a busted water line at a home in Royal Manor