July 24 – “We’ve got it from here”

Part two of Matt’s funeral took place yesterday with an estimated 700 people in attendance to pay their final respects.  Once again, virtually every fire fighter who was available arrived, this time in their class A dress uniforms.  That in itself was quite an impressive sight to behold.  The fire fighters lined the foyer room, often two or three deep, each one ready to step up at a moment’s notice should any need be identified. 

 

The service began with military honors and flag presentation to Matt’s oldest daughter by Marine Corps representatives.  That, along with the conclusion to the services, were some of the most moving moments of the entire two days.  Next The Galveston Fire Department chief read the firefighter’s prayer, an anonymous poem penned in the mid-20^th century to honor fire fighters at the time of their death.  As fire department chaplain, I then read scripture and led in prayer. That was followed by some songs and sharing and essentially the same message by the pastor that he shared the night before. 

 

When the service was complete, the fire fighters in full dress uniforms stood at attention, lining the hallway and forming an honor line for the casket to be carried through.  The corridor of fire fighters stretched two deep from the from the rear of the room all the way to the fire truck.  The honor guard loaded the casket onto the truck and secured it, ending with a call to salute by all uniformed personnel present.  I closed the proceedings with an explanation of the Last Call Bell tradition.  Three solemn rings honored Matt and indicated his last call.

 

A cadre of fire fighters and some family accompanied the truck to the crematorium.  Matt was placed on his final cart, and I led in prayer the small remaining crew of fire fighters who were especially close to Matt.  The guys slowly said their final goodbyes and made their way outside.  Once again, the honor guard was flawless in the execution of the difficult task at hand.

 

Family and friends then gathered at the fire department union hall for a reception to honor Matt’s legacy.  Lighthouse Ministries provided a barbeque meal for everyone.  Several hundred made their way through and stuck around to grieve a little and remember a lot. 

 

Now comes the process of transition.  Learning from the event.  Being there for each other.  Having each other’s back.  And taking a few long, deep breaths before jumping into the engine again and returning to your lives as everyday heroes.

 

Thank you to all who had a part in making a really tough time move as smoothly as it did.  I couldn’t be prouder of all of you.  Thank you to Matt for the impact you had on so many lives.  And to quote what I have heard and read many times this past week:

“Rest easy, brother.  We’ve got it from here.”

 

John 14:1-3 says, “Stop letting your hearts be troubled; keep on believing in God, and also in me.  In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places; if there were not, I would have told you, for I am going away to make ready a place for you.  And if I go and make it ready for you, I will come back and take you to be face to face with me, so that you may always be right where I am.”  

 

Father, please walk now with these fire fighters who knew and loved Matt.  Grant them whatever courage they need to carry through their “we’ve got it from here.”  Amen.