Remembering Troy Fire Chief Bill Nelson

Among his other virtues, Bill was a Champion for fire service involvement in traffic incident management.  He made presentations to the Metro Detroit Traffic Incident Management Coordinating Committee, providing insights on good fire service practice for safe, quick clearance of traffic incidents.  He reminded me that the State of Michigan has no fire trucks.  To achieve that safe, quick clearance of fire incidents on freeways, the transportation agency must have developed a partnership with the local fire service.

A Fire Chief’s Prayer

I am called to many duties lord and now I’ve been called home. I’ve had to leave the ones I love To stand before your throne. I’ll not complain, its not my way But there are some things I’ll ask. And please , Lord, grant them to me For the loved ones I hold fast. I dare to ask because I know How you’ve blessed in the past. I’ve learned to trust in your grace, O Lord That’s how I’ve come this far. So now, O God, I humbly pray Hear this Fire Chief’s prayer. Bless my wife and family — so often left alone, They knew where I was going and Trusted you to bring me home. Well, now I’m home and wait for them Keep them within the faith — that one day, Someday, we’ll be together in this place. And O dear God, bless my men I trained them as best I could. I tried to do your will with them and lead them as you would. I need to know your with them Lord Or else how can I stay And peacefully enjoy this place of endless day. This heaven where there is no night No fire to kill and burn I guess that’s why its now my rest, my place, my turn. And Lord, be with my community And keep it safe as it can be For all its folks are special, and very dear to me. They are all my friends, and by your grace I served them as best I could. So hear this Fire Chief’s prayer, O Lord And grant it please — I already knew you would