06/15/2026
We would like to introduce to you a very special project that the LACo Fire Museum is a sponsor of.
What is the Fireman's Prayer, you ask. The prayer is a call for courage, wisdom, and divine protection while performing the dangerous duties of firefighting. It emphasizes the firefighter’s commitment to saving lives, protecting property, and returning safely to their family. It also reflects the emotional and spiritual challenges firefighters face, acknowledging the risks inherent in their work.
Charles-Henri Avelange was inspired to compose a score for the Firemen’s Prayer in 2007. He scored it for full orchestra, adult and children’s choruses; it became a heartfelt tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters. When he played an early version for Captain John Stockman and his Redmond Fire Department crew, the music brought tears to their eyes. “Did you know bagpipes are played at our ceremonies and funerals?” they asked. Charles-Henri hadn’t known—the synchronicity felt like destiny and Charles-Henri wrote the bagpipes into the score for the Fireman's Prayer anthem.
The piece remained in his archives for years, refined but unperformed, waiting for the right moment. Then, in January 2025, the Palisades and Eaton fires devastated Los Angeles. Living just blocks from the evacuation zones, Charles-Henri and his wife witnessed the unwavering courage of firefighters battling the flames. The urgency became undeniable: the time to bring The Firemen’s Prayer to life is now.
We are helping Charles-Henri complete his orchestral score utilizing the best of the best musicians and studio. We need your help, donations are required to record the orchestra and bagpipes at Sony Studios.
For more information, and to donate to this very worthy cause, please take a moment and go to https://www.lacountyfiremuseum.com/firemans-prayer/ . We would appreciate any and all support. Every donation, no matter the amount, means so much.
All donations made to the project will be processed through the LACo Fire Museum and dispensed to the project. With the sponsorship of the Museum, your donations will be under our 501(c)3 for tax purposes.
