Clergy (L to R): The Rev. Mark Moline, rector; the Rev. Richard Lassiter, assisting priest; and the Rev. Kimball Arnold, deacon. Photo: David Barnard/St. Luke’s.

[St. Luke’s Episcopal Church] The 19 fallen Granite Mountain Hotshot firefighters were honored Tuesday, July 2, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Prescott, Arizona. The Paul Crowell Memorial Chapel was nearly filled to capacity with 54 people attending the moving service. Led by the Rev. Mark Moline, rector, the Rev. Richard Lassiter, assisting priest, and the Rev. Kimball Arnold, deacon, the names of all the fallen were read aloud, followed by the ringing of the church bell, one peal for each of the deceased. The Great Litany, a Gospel Reading, and Holy Eucharist comprised the remainder of the service.

The flag flies at half-staff outside of St. Luke’s in Prescott to honor the fallen Hotshot crew. Photo: David Barnard/St. Luke’s.

Even though the brave firefighters lost their lives in Yarnell, a few miles away, the Hotshots lived in Prescott. The Doce Fire occurred two weeks ago on Granite Mountain, which is eight miles north of Prescott. Several members of St. Luke’s lived very close to that fire, and they give credit to the 19 fallen Hotshots who played a key role in helping stop that fire before any homes were destroyed. For many of these members, the memorial service was very personal and emotional.

During the service, the following prayer was read:

The Hotshot’s Prayer
When I am called to duty, Lord,
to fight the roaring blaze,
please keep me safe and strong.
I may be here for days.

Be with my fellow crewmembers,
as we hike up to the top.
Help us cut enough line,
for this blaze to stop.

Let my skills and hands
be firm and quick.
Let me find those safety zones,
As we hit and lick.

For if this day on the line,
I should lose my life,
Lord, bless my Hotshot Crew,
my children and my wife.

Pat Huston, IHC wife
(Copyright 2002)