Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Fire-fighter (10/05/06)
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TITLE: Shielding of the Flames | Previous Challenge Entry
By Amy Edwards
10/05/06 -
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Friday Morning 3:00 a.m.
Sitting at the kitchen table, fire chief Alex Sutton began his shift like every day with scripture and prayer, along with jotting down his thoughts on events past that week. It had been remotely quiet for the last few days, which was fine with him. Alex felt it was very important to journal not only for his peace of mind, but for his family as well. Tomorrow marked the 25th Wedding Anniversary to his beautiful wife Anita, who loved and supported him along his years with the District 3 fire fighters. Alex had so much to be thankful for, God had sent her to him filling the void in his life, it was Anita after all that led him to Christ 4 years ago.
Staring at the blank page for a long moment, he thought back to the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. Picking up the pen he began to write:
Sometimes when I am in a burning building and time is of the essence, I silently pray to God for strength and courage like three men thrown into the fiery furnace for defying the law to worship other Gods created by Nebuchadnezzar. . When thrown into the scorching hot flames, the three walked about as if it were a day in the park. To have so much faith in God, knowing without a shadow of doubt he would protect them is something I strive for every day of my life.
There was so much more to write, however the shrill scream of the alarm stilled his thoughts, prompting him into action. “LETS GO!” he yelled to his crew as the sound of rubber boots thumping upon the floor echoed around him. Special fabricated pants covered his dark stone washed blue jeans, suspenders tightly fitted over his shoulders holding them for protection. Bright yellow coats shielded broad shoulders, arms from danger, and easy to see. Helmets now rested upon the men’s heads as they rolled out of the station in the shiny red fire truck.
Sirens screamed and horns blared as the fire fighters flew across town to the residential home that was now engulfed in flames. Arriving on scene, a very distraught mother grabbed Alex by the arm, tears streaming down her soot covered face. “My daughter is still in there!”
“Where was she last?” he asked already heading for the entry point. Now was the time where each moment counted for not only him and the crew, but the trapped girl. After being told the room she was last in, Alex and his crew worked towards the front of the house. Thick black smoke boiled out from the door as it left the hinges, Alex was the first to go inside. Sweat already beaded upon his brow as they blindly searched the house for the girl. Scorching flames lapped at the suites, the heat was almost too much to bear, yet Alex gave this situation to God and knew he was in control.
Entering the girl’s room, Alex was forced to his hands and knees by the heat of the flames and smoke, making it hard to see ahead of him. Hands extended, Alex felt all around the room until he wrapped his hand around the girl’s wrist.
Gently, he lifted the limp body into his arms before moving to the only window accessible. Lifting his foot up, Alex used his weight to knock out the glass. Red flames moved closer and closer as if it were reaching out to snag the girls foot.
Within a moment or two an awaiting fire fighter held out his arms ready to take the girl out of danger. When Alex’s arms were clear, he too exited out of the burning inferno.
Swift strides carried him to the awaiting ambulance where he inquired about his crew that was inside with him. “All are out safe sir.” was the reply of the newest rookie on the team. Nodding to him, he walked to the stretcher where a beautiful little blonde haired girl with bright blue eyes lay against the stark white sheet.
Stephanie Morris, age 7, studied the fireman closely. Struggling to sit up she beckoned him to her awaiting arms.
Alex hugged her back then smiled.
“Thank you for saving her life” the girl’s mother said while moving to the other side to take her daughters hand.
“It was not me; it was the power of God that led me to her. Thank him.” He said softly.
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Just a tip-try to give your character's names that start with different letters. Even though Anita wasn't mentioned very often, I kept wanting to mix her up in place with Alex.