In its long history The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company has had the undeniably sad and heart wrenching experience of the loss of two members in the Line of Duty.

The first was on January 3, 1974, when Harry E Hopkins, Jr. suffered a heart attack while working in the Bel Air Station.

The second occurred on January 6, 2015, when Erick P. Steciak was struck by a fire company vehicle while operating on the scene of an automobile accident near the Patterson Mill Station.

The following pages are in honor of the two members who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We pray we never experience another.

IN HONOR

Brother, when you weep for me, remember that 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 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 firemen 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 we ignore, as we crawl across a weakened floor
For we know that we’re the only prayer, for anyone that 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 that thought will see you through
Author unknown