By Jim McNulty, FDNY (retired)
They called the man "the Banger",
'cause of softballs out of sight.
And he had a smile of impish mischief
that could light up any night.
.
He was gentile in a manly way
with no need to shout or boast.
And he stared into the devil's face
With more resolve than most.
.
He went about the business
of daily being brave.
And never really gave a thought
To all the lives he saved.
.
He only knew he loved his job,
with true passion and desire.
He only knew that his life call
was to fight this thing called fire.
.
And it may seem the devil's won,
as Louie's lain to rest.
That the devil once again has claimed
our bravest and our best.
.
But the devil, never beat us,
he can only thin our ranks.
And though I cry on this sad day
I quietly give thanks,
.
that the job is full of Louies
that I have never met,
and Louie Valentino's name
is one they'll never forget.