A Tribute, and the The Firefighter's Prayer

Captain with the Angleton Fire Department, Fire Company 2

My name is Adolph Sembera and I am a Captain with the Angleton Fire Department, Fire Company 2. John-Henry was in my company.

John-Henry first came to the forefront of my attention during his rookie school. I was going to help instruct the class that day and so I was in "serious instructor mode". I was sitting in the classroom when in walked John-Henry with his entire head shaved in half. It was like a line had been drawn down the middle of his face and everything shaved off from one side - half his goatee, one eyebrow, half his hair...everything.

And in the midst of all of that lop-sidedness was this bright, goofy grin. Needless to say I could not keep up the "serious instructor mode" for the rest of the class.

So from then on, as I began to get to know John-Henry, he had much to teach me about just living life. He taught me that what South Africans loved the most was barbecuing and sitting in hot tubs. He taught me about potjiekos and how great it is to sit around a cook fire while the meat simmers and teases us with the smell. And he taught me that the best medicine for an overwhelmingly stressful work day is to just slow down and sit in the driveway with friends.

He was a very likeable person who was very much larger than life itself. The sheer energy at which he approached anything was phenomenal. He was constantly looking forward to various future dates or events, whether it was his birth month (We're going to party the whole month of February!) or the big rugby game in Houston (I'm so excited!) or topping out his lineman apprenticeship in June (It's gonna be awesome!).Houston

John-Henry was my biggest supporter. A couple of months ago I was talking with him about my upcoming job interview, and I was having some problems with self-esteem and fear about seeking out a new job. Just by talking about it to John-Henry and getting his input and feedback, I was able to gain significant confidence, and I aced the interview. As I left the interview site and drove home, my phone rang. It was John-Henry: "Adolphus Sembrera! So how did the interview go?" That man had given up a portion of his meager lunch break just to call me and check up to see how I did. And when I told him how well it went, it was as if I had made his day.

John-Henry was not a perfect man. I am sure that his dear mother Helene will disagree. But it was the sum of his little imperfections along with a couple of other traits that made him a great man. The other things being his sense of honor, his extreme loyalty, and his wonderful wife Jodi Lynn, who served as his anchor, his rudder, and his sails all at once.

So, in closing, I wanted to say that I loved John-Henry with all of my heart. And even though I may not have been his best friend, he was mine.

Now in honor of his excellent service in our Fire Department, I would like to read to you the Firefighter's Prayer, by an unknown author.

Firefighter's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage;
Give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child before it is too late
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.

And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life;
Please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.
Author Unknown