The Days That Follow
September 2001
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Firefighter Chris Merrick Chris’ Daughter Delia at age 3

The Firefighters
A firefighter’s account of the scene in downtown Manhattan in the days following the attack, and a listener pays tribute to his heroes with a poem. Originally broadcast on “Arts & Ideas” on WCAI/NAN in Massachusetts.

Firefighter Chris Merrick
In a phone call to his sister, Viki, Chris Merrick, acting Lieutenant for Brookline Fire Station 7 near Boston, Massachusetts, gives a firsthand account of the devastation in New York City, the cleanup, the loss, and the brotherhood of the fire service.

My Heroes Is
“A salute to the firefighters North, East, South, West, and in New York City.” By ‘CAI/NAN listener Colin Williams, a New Bedford fishing net manufacturer. It’s good to read, but we recommend that you listen.

my heroes is

ya know who
my heroes is
the fire guys is
the guys that go in

they’re the guys
that run up out front
climb up and go in
walk talk and do work

they are the dogs
that see in the dark
they’re the medics
first to go in

the team on the field
the rescue and fight
the muscle and light
saviors of hope

they’re the soldiers
protect me best
they are the rain
put the fire out

they’re the guys
good to send in
they’re the ones
we need to save us

brothers or sisters
fathers and sons
they are the guys
my heroes is

How to Share Your Story
You may call and leave a message on the WCAI/NAN listener line at 508-548-9600, ext. 103, fax us at 508-548-5517 or you may send us an e-mail at editorial@transom.org.

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