Set aside a small child.

Sprinkle generously with active play to mold a strong body.
Add Liberally, stirring slowly, huge handfuls of humor - a firefighter will not jell without it.

Watch carefully for approximately 13 years until the child turns into a spirited youth.
Add the seeds of wisdom that only grow through youthful trial and error.

Knead continuously through the teen years until endurance is blended with strength.
Add slowly the yeast of humility.
Set aside for 3 or 4 years, allowing the dough time to rise and double.

Call in master chefs with the recipe engraved upon their hearts for the final work.
Punch down the fully risen dough to shape the loaf.
Roll carefully, using the rolling pin of training on the well-floured board of discipline.

Blend in the rare spice of courage found hidden between the leaves of foolishness and cowardice that is only purchased with the gold of sacrifice.

Shape the loaf with care, and brush with the glaze of love to make them shine.
It is this glaze of love for human life that makes them what they are. The love that makes them stand and risk life, health, and security for strangers until their job is done, and they hear these precious words:

Well done-good and faithful servant.

Note: Firefighters are prepared and blended only over many years.

Betty Line
December 1985