A Tribute to Heroes
The Fireman’s Prayer: A Musical Homage
Help Us Complete This Historic Tribute!
We have an anonymous donor who will donate $10,000 IF anyone will donate to match it.
Remember, donations are handled through the Museum so they are tax deductible.
Please contact your tax advisor.
The Los Angeles County Fire Museum is a 501 (c) nonprofit corporation # 33-0294056
Written by A.W. “Smokey” Linn (1958)
Adapted to music by Charles-Henri Avelange
FOX Television will be filming the recording session and broadcasting nationally.
Want to come to Sony Studios and be a part of this historical project? All $10,000 + donors will be invited to the Sony recording session!
Join us in celebrating the bravery and dedication of firefighters through a powerful musical tribute that honors their sacrifices and heroism.
The Fireman’s Prayer is a stirring anthem dedicated to the selfless service of firefighters. Conceived by Charles-Henri after witnessing the bravery of these heroes, the project aims to immortalize their stories through music. This initiative seeks to create a lasting impact, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation within communities worldwide. By collaborating with renowned musicians and choirs, we strive to deliver a performance that captures the essence of courage and sacrifice, ensuring that the legacy of these heroes endures for generations to come.
The Bagpipe recording is coming soon. Donate $10,000 and join us at Sony Recording Studios.
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THIS PROJECT IS FOR OUR FIREFIGHTERS
The anthem project was conceived as a thank you for all fire fighting first responders across the world. It will be a constant in their lives for them to listen to when a pick up is needed before a rescue or used for a special moment during memorial services, and more.
Your donations will make this happen. Donate knowing that your contribution is what may make a hard day for a firefighter easier.
Musicians and all tech support gathered at Sony Studios on July 14th, 2026 for the orchestral recording. We are on a 30 day payment for the invoice; the donation timeline has been extended. Take a moment and donate to this wonderful project that has taken over the hearts of those who have provided their skills already.
THE STUDIO IS BOOKED for the Bagpipes.
We are $20,272 short of the funding necessary to complete the project. We are moving forward and could truly use your donations!
We have successfully completed the choral recordings of The Fireman’s Prayer — the first orchestral anthem for firefighters in American history — at Sony Pictures Studios’ legendary Barbara Streisand Scoring Stage with the Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Master Chorale and Los Angeles Children’s Chorus. Now we need your help to finish the project!
Composer Charles-Henri Avelange
Composer Avelange interviewed on Fox News
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This is not just a prayer—
it’s an anthem!
VIDEOS – FIREMAN’S PRAYER
THE EMOTIONAL STORY THAT BIRTHED AN ANTHEM
In this heartfelt excerpt, Deputy Chief Lawrence Collins sits down with composer Charles-Henri Avelange on April 7, 2026 at the Los Angeles County Fire Museum to share his deeply personal reflections on the September 11, 2001 attacks, and the profound connection he sees to “The Fireman’s Prayer,” the iconic poem written in 1958.
Video by Ludovic Nortier
This is an excerpt from the discussion that Chief Collins (Cal OES) had with Composer Charles-Henri Avelange about The Fireman’s Prayer Anthem at the Los Angeles County Fire Museum on April 7 2026.
Video by Ludovic Nortier
On May 7 2026, Charles-Henri Avelange recorded the first part of his project, The Fireman’s Prayer Anthem with the Grammy® Award-winning Los Angeles Master Chorale and Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, conducted by the expert hands of Grant Gershon at the legendary Barbara Streisand Scoring Stage at Sony Pictures Studios.
A Symphony of Gratitude: The Fireman's Prayer
CHARLES-HENRI’S
BACK STORY TO THE MUSIC
In March 2005, Charles-Henri Avelange, a young composer from the south of France, stepped onto American soil for the first time. What awaited him was not just a new country, but a profound connection that would shape his life’s work. Firefighters, first responders, U.S. military veterans, and their families opened their hearts to him, embracing his music with a warmth that left an indelible mark. Moved by their selflessness and sacrifice, Charles-Henri vowed to honor them through his art.
The result was his debut orchestral album, The Age of Heroes, dedicated to America’s guardians. The stirring themes captured the courage of those who serve and became a beacon of support for the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters’ Benevolent Fund. In 2006 he was personally thanked by IAFF President Harold Schaitberger and honored as a guest of the WSCFF Annual Convention, and later that year Washington Governor Christine Gregoire expressed her gratitude.
A pivotal moment came when Fire Marshal Ron Bisold invited him to ride along with his crew. Donning firefighting gear and racing to emergencies, Charles-Henri experienced both the exhilaration of lives saved and the crushing sorrow when lives were lost. This immersion deepened his reverence for these everyday heroes.
During that time, a firefighter shared The Firemen’s Prayer with him, saying, “Given the beauty of The Age of Heroes, I know you could create something extraordinary with this.” The words struck Charles-Henri instantly. “This is not just a prayer—it’s an anthem!” he exclaimed, as a melody poured forth. The firefighters listened, moved by what they heard.
In March 2007, exactly two years after his arrival, he composed The Firemen’s Prayer. Scored for full orchestra, adult and children’s choruses, and bagpipes, 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.
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.
This anthem is more than music—it is a heartfelt “thank you” to the finest among us, the men and women who risk everything to protect us. Performed by world-class musicians and choruses, The Firemen’s Prayer will honor all firefighters and resonate with communities everywhere. It is a call to celebrate their heroism, to share their stories, and to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
We invite you to join us in bringing this powerful tribute to the finish line and creating a moment
of unity and gratitude that will echo for generations
The Fireman's Prayer Project
The Fireman's Prayer
Written by A.W. “Smokey” Linn (1958)
Adapted to music by Charles-Henri Avelange
When I am called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage
Give me strength to save a life
Whatever be its age
Help me to embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person
From the horrors of that fate
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest child
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out
I want to fill my calling
To give the best in me
And to guard my every neighbors
And protect their property
And if according to your will
I have to lose my life
Please bless with Your protecting Hand
My children and my wife
And if according to my fate
I have to lose my life
Please bless with Your protecting Hand
My family on and on
Every Donation Makes A Difference
We have successfully completed the choral recordings of The Fireman’s Prayer — the first orchestral anthem for firefighters in American history — at Sony Pictures Studios’ legendary Barbara Streisand Scoring Stage with the Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Master Chorale and Los Angeles Children’s Chorus.
Now we need your help to finish the project
We are ready to continue…
Phase 2: Recording the Orchestra
Goal: $41,500
$20,272 Still to raise!
We are returning to Sony Studios to record the Bagpipes on October 29th, 2026
Here’s where your donation will go:
• 87-piece Orchestra: $28,000
• Percussion & Cartage: $1,500
• Librarians & Score Printing: $1,500
• Studio Rental: $5,600
• Sound Engineer: $2,500
• Administrative Fees: $500
• Videographer & Photographer: $1,900
Phase 3: Bagpipes & Post-Production
Goal: $17,800
We are returning to Sony Studios to record
the Los Angeles County Fire Department Bagpipes & Drum Corps
Complete mixing, mastering, & graphics
Here’s where your donation will go:
• Bagpipes & Drums Recording Session: $8,300
• Mixing, Mastering & Graphics: $9,000
Your support will help create a lasting musical tribute that honors the courage and sacrifice of firefighters and their families. It is our hope that this anthem will bring emotional relief, pride, and healing to first responders across the country — and help raise funds for firefighters’ benevolent causes for years to come.
All donations are tax-deductible through the Los Angeles County Fire Museum.
Special Opportunity:
Donations of $10,000 or more will receive an exclusive invitation to attend the Bagpipe recording session at Sony Pictures Studios and witness this historic anthem come to life.
Every donation is guaranteed a digital copy of the music when it is completed
Thank you for standing with our firefighters
and being part of making history
The Los Angeles County Fire Museum is a proud sponsor of the Fireman’s Prayer Project
DONATE TODAY
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The Fireman's Prayer Project Artisans
Charles-Henri Avelange
Composer
Grant Gershon
Conductor
Adam Michalak
Engineer
Andrew Osano
Orchestrator
Hollywood Scoring Orchestra
Orchestra
Los Angeles Children's Chorus
Children’s Chorus
Los Angeles Master Chorale
California Professional Firefighters
Pipes & Drums
Sony Pictures Studios
Recording Studio
California Professional Firefighters
Pipes & Drums