Almost There (fallen firefighters song)

Several years ago, a Denver firefighter named Mark Langvardt was killed in a building fire.
As a fellow Denver Firefighter and member of the same academy class of 20, I wrote these words as a glimpse into our world and a tribute to Mark and all fallen firefighters.
These words about a firefighter dying in the line of duty and Dylan's tune seemed to be the fitting tribute I was seeking.
With great respect for Bob Dylan, this is Mark's song.
Many thanks to Van Wampler of CinemaRaven Videos Productions
Recorded at Four Mile Creek Bed and Breakfast in Glenwood Springs
September 2019

[@muff.t2780]

" The tanks got nothing else left to breath" Every firefighter knows what you mean. Beautiful tribute.

[@cccyok10]

My son's a firefighter and I make sure to call him everyday to tell him be careful and I love him❤️this is my fear for him but at the same time, I'm so very proud of him❤️thank you for this song

[@C0MMAND3R_ZER0]

Absolutely amazing. Thank you for what you do, Mark will be missed but never forgotten.

[@willsgarage2092]

15yr firefighter medic thank you for the song rip to all lost brothers

[@hews6947]

My father spent 42 years as a firefighter with the same department, 20 of them as the Chief. My brother retired as a Captain from a different department, two uncles were also Fire Chief’s, and three cousins were or are firefighters. This song hits hard. Thank you for the beautiful message . I’m sorry for your loss.😢

[@SQVeX]

respect from a fellow firefighter . may all the ones that didnt come back home rest easy .

[@patrickharvey158]

We trained on the Denver drill a couple of trainings ago and I asked does anyone know who died to make this drill possible and noone could answer the question I gave the name mark langvardt and said that we need to remember that our procedures and drills are written in blood I was told that I should shut up and do the drill but I believe that we need to remember the names behind the drills we do mark thank you for your sacrifice so that we could have better rescue techniques for downed firefighters may God guide you where you need to be and watch over your family

[@johnnewcomb9718]

How right you are brother

[@codycrawford6386]

Amen brother

[@nancydowning9634]

❣️

[@anappalachiansadventures8866]

Yes sir. God bless ya 🙏 ✝️

[@patrickkanas3874]

I always hated when we had to do the drill on RIT night, but then I learned about Mark and was reminded how these procedures and trainings are created. I will never complain about a drill ever again no matter how much if a pain it is

[@rkkastarshina3989]

I'm turning 16 this year, which means next year I'm getting into active duty in my volunteer fire department. I've been there since I was 8, I joined on 17th of april 2015, two days before my 8th birthday. And now I'm here, almost 16. Last year in the fire department on training. Thanks to all the firefighters out there in the world, giving their life to save others. I'll join you next year. Good luck and stay safe, comrades!

[@C0MMAND3R_ZER0]

Good luck and Godspeed brother. Welcome to the family.

[@rkkastarshina3989]

@@C0MMAND3R_ZER0 Thank you, brother!

[@DAMNPROUDRETIREDFIREFIGHTER]

​@@rkkastarshina3989 Glad you get into this just stay safe there's some videos I think you might be interested in there are under David decker with newark fire department in ohio lots of good information he recorded lots of live fires scenes

[@johnnewcomb9718]

Lost my cousin in the 9/11 attack he and other members of his firehouse were on 33 floor tower one when it fell. Being a firefighter is a family tradition I've been one my entire adult life and rhis song speaks to my heart. Thank you Mr. Youngblood for this song. God bless you and you're family

[@dfgiuy22]

Never lost a family member to anything like that mate, but I'll leave dinner or the kids in the bath to go help! Promised my daughter I would ALWAYS kiss her when I got home from a job! It's a hell of a ask for our families but something that has to be done! Good luck Sir!

[@erinl4558]

My dad died LODD 14 months ago and I wish I had found this sooner but am glad I found it now. It’s a lovely tribute.

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

I am sorry that you lost him. Thanks for your comment. I really wrote those words with the idea of a fallen firefighters tribute, in lieu of Amazing grace.

[@ethanmeade8508]

My condolences for your loss. May your father Rest In Peace, we have it from here.

[@mgallager1449]

@@erinl4558 Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family.

[@testgowireless8665]

I was there that day. This tribute brought tears. Thank you.

[@patrickharvey158]

I would love to hear your experience of that day if you'd be willing to share them

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Thanks for your comment. Could I ask your name? Were you on the job?

[@charlesbrown3513]

as a fromer fireman this hits home

[@RandallSmith89]

8 years Volunteer firefighter and I feel this song in the depths of my soul

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Thanks for listening and its always nice to know that it is appreciated.

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Stay safe out there!

[@kwarcinski87]

Being a volley too, it hits very hard.

[@jasonpasi7728]

Hell yea

[@g.h.5057]

Well done my brother, well done. May GOD continue to bless all firefighters and first responders wherever we are!

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Your comment means a lot to me. Stay safe out there.

[@g.h.5057]

@@youngbloodhawkins5637 Thank you as well, my friend. You be safe!

[@philb5188]

UK Firefighterhere, this song speaks for all Firefighters around the world who may be called upon to take a risk above and beyond the call of Duty. Many who have will know what I mean.

[@kenmiles1132]

Great tribute. Rest In Peace. Firefighter a brotherhood few can understand forged in selfless sacrifice and dedication

[@richardbentley7787]

I just say thank you for risking your life for all fire fighters thanks 👍👍

[@Michael-lx3tm]

AMAZING FireFighter Tribute I was a Former Volunteer Firefighter I am here after the 2 firefighter who died trying to save a person trapped in a house fire in PA they both Died in the line of Duty R. I. P guys you Earned it Gods Speed Amen

[@johnroub7809]

what part of pa? if you dont mind me asking?

[@paw.7133]

@@johnroub7809 Dwelling in Schuylkill

[@haydenmarceau9066]

Beautiful, he's smiling listening to this I'm sure. May he rest in peace

[@gameram6382]

These words ring ture. Brilliant song.

[@johnwinntheoldtroubadour]

Great story, visuals and good singin' too. All that smoke from many years of fire fighting didn't hurt your voice, It just gave it a nice dusting of character. JRW

[@jasonjackson7154]

Too all my Brothers and Sisters out there I love yall, we have all had the close calls, but unfortunately some don't make it out, I pray for all the families,

[@Geoff_G]

The only FF family i lost to LODD were all to cancer. Thanks for the song.

[@levipatton4030]

That was very nicely written and performed my dad too is a performer but then he became a captain for the fire department his Booter year and retired after 23 years picked up a certain plan again but has to stop that now because of cancer that he got from being a fireman his whole life he dedicated to saving people and nobody can save him his name is Mark Patton he has a solo act had a solo act called Pappy's fire and soul but he can't play anymore because the cancer you have a good voice got a lot of feeling in it as does my dad's you're playing reminds me of him don't stop and keep playing thank you for posting this

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Thanks for your encouragement. I wish the best for you and your Dad. Where are you living? Thanks again for listening.

[@mikemcnabb1582]

Thank Your father for his sacrifice, Thank your Family for there sacrifice , Thank you Lord for Mark Patton, Stay Strong

[@levipatton9067]

phx,az thank you very much that means a lot.

[@dfgiuy22]

Worst fear we have is not getting there in time!

[@jamierasnake2842]

Heard this song and started crying thinking of my brothers that were lost but not forgotten

[@throwback336]

Took my breath away when I saw my number on his helmet. Dang. Hits hard, could be the next call we never know. Knock Knock

[@Nrarno]

Love you big bro, you wont be forgotten - Ut Vivant Alii -

[@treyryder2100]

Wonderful, Jim. A remarkable tribute to Mark. Very nicely done.

[@tomferbend3323]

Absolutely Beautiful ❤️ Thank you so much for this incredible song...

[@phearns2109]

I've lost too brothers in the line of duty but so many more from the effects of putting others first. So Others might Live.

[@troywilderness2459]

While I was in highschool I joined a local department as a junior firefighter then attended a trade school fire academy and got my Transcripts and graduated first in my class the same year I graduated highschool. Between work, highschool and the Fire Academy I no longer had the time to meet the minimum hours obligation so I left on my own terms from the volunteer department rather than being told to leave. I had already spent 1 year in construction and have spent the last two for a total of 3 years in the industry learning as much as I could about building construction to aid in my knowledge for firefighting, I have been on industrial, commercial and institutional facilities as well as many others at all stages of construction and I feel like I've learned as much as I can so I'm trying to get back into the fire service to stay. I applied to one department and they turned me down and they gave a very vague answer why and haven't gotten back to me for a specific reason despite my request to tell me why. I got started as a junior firefighter when I was 16 and I've been expanding my knowledge ever since, I'm now 21, I love the fire service, the brotherhood and my life is empty without it, I've been training and preparing for 5 years for and I won't let a few turned down applications stop me, I've had family in the fire service and all have called mayday's, my uncle fell through a floor into a basement with no exterior access door, they used the Nance drill to get him out and the other was advancing an non-charged attack line, unknowingly to him his foot had become wrapped with a 1 3'4" line and then they signaled to charge it, (I don't like that his departments SOP was advancing an non-charged attack line but my opinion doesn't matter to them) I just hope I get hired by someone soon, I really miss the brotherhood and friendships, something I never had growing up, I love the pranks the guys pull on each other (These are the things that help keep guys sane from the stuff they see) and working for a company that builds a lot of fire stations I get sick deep inside because I miss it so much and sometimes on the sites when Officers are doing walkthrough's and bring a crew along to see and observe the way buildings are put together I feel so depressed because it doesn't feel right not being in the fire service. Prayers and Love to all my brothers and sisters in the fire service! Godspeed and stay safe!

[@mikemandato4353]

I can respect the song. I have a brother(capt) in the Wilmington NC fire department

[@KCFindsDesign]

Wow, what a truly amazing and powerful piece

[@korienoble4896]

I listen to this song ever DAY at the station

[@mikeswanson7048]

Rip to all my brothers and sisters that didn't make it home and god bless the family's of them amen thank you

[@nancydowning9634]

My brother girl is the volunteer too for the fire department thank you for all the firefighters who put their lives in Jeopardy to save others loving in the Lord

[@matthewarcher3024]

This would be a great song for the movie Ladder 49

[@grumpycat4584]

I hope I never hear this in public. This old Marine cannot be seen crying in public. Semper Fi

[@scottl3789]

Old Sailor here and I am battling the same.

[@ghostflight73]

Beautifully done.

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Thanks for listening.

[@hosedragger-204]

Damn good song. Nothing has ever happened to any of the 4 generations of firefighters before me in my family, but in the event something is to happen to me, I am going to have this song played at my funeral.

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Thanks for you thoughts. That is exactly why I wrote these lyrics.

[@johnnewcomb9718]

Brother I hope nothing happens to you

[@peterwitzel4116]

Great song, thank you. All give some, some give all. Volunteer firefighter, Siegburg, Germany

[@Dylano-uc8xw]

its not about the song. Its about the firemen and women that died in the line of duty.

[@kharenspence6435]

Beautiful song Jim!

[@kwarcinski87]

Thanks brother for the song.

[@AnthonyAshley-c4m]

As a volunteer when my radio gose off or my tonner i realize it could be my last time out on a call

[@vickijojung]

Respect. Rest peacefully all heroes. ❤

[@DAMNPROUDRETIREDFIREFIGHTER]

Great song 👍👍

[@fireftr21]

Great song Jim !!!!!

[@versatileproductionsinc516]

Nice Jim as well as the video, very nice quality and editing

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Thanks Chris. Van Wampler was the videographer . Hope you are doing well!

[@fabiomoreirasilva8444]

Muito linda a canção, meu respeito por todos os bombeiros ao redor mundo! Beautiful song, my respect for every firefighter around the world! BRASIL

[@NyanGamerPL]

The lyrics: (note - not very likely, but there might be small mistakes, as I'm non-native English speaker and deciphered those from hearing) The engines roar and the sirens wail Children hide from the devil’s tail Ten blocks out it’s in the air We’re first in and almost there Oooh-oh, ooh-o-ooh Oooh-oh, ooh-o-ooh Crawling in to a dark, dark hell Floor gave weight and the ceiling fell Black, black smoke is coming round I guess this time I’m going down Cause I’m… Knock, knock, knocking on heaven’s door Knock, knock, knocking on heaven’s door Tank’s got nothing left to breathe I taste the smoke, I feel the heat My legs can’t move and my arms are numb Black smoke rose and the darkness come While I’m… Knock, knock, knocking on heaven’s door Knock, knock, knocking on heaven’s door Oooh-oh, ooh-o-ooh Oooh-oh, ooh-o-ooh And though you tried to get me out Brave men cried there is no doubt Marched along with your heads held high Beat the drums n’ played the pipes Knock, knock, knocking on heaven’s door Knock, knock, knocking on heaven’s door Yes, I’m… Knock, knock, knocking on heaven’s door Knock, knock, knocking on heaven’s door

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Thanks for taking the time to write down the words. Very small differences. Where are you located? Best wishes. JH

[@NyanGamerPL]

​@@youngbloodhawkins5637 I'm from Poland. Thank you Sir for creating such a great piece of music! As for the lyrics - I'm a self-taught guitarist, and upon hearing the song I liked it so much that I immediately wanted to play it myself for fun, that's why I wrote the words down, and later figured I'd just share them with others here. But speaking of playing, if you don't mind - did I spot the chords correctly? Is it D - A - Em, D - A - G? All the best!

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

@@NyanGamerPL Those are the correct chord shapes but I was playing with a capo on the 2nd fret. That would mean I was actually playing E, B ,F#m and E, B, A Are you a firefighter? As I mentioned in the video, it is the melody from "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan

[@NyanGamerPL]

​@@youngbloodhawkins5637 As I said, I'm just a self-taught guitarist, still learning every day, so I don't know much about tuning, chord progression and all the technical stuff, so thanks for clarifying that for me! As for being a firefighter, unfortunately not, however becoming one has been my dream ever since I can remember, and I plan to sign up in the future

[@hamblinhomestead4046]

My grandfather, father, and uncle were all deputy chiefs.

[@Metalokorozija]

Thanks for the interesting content

[@EthanBeeman]

Rip to the 3 baltimore fire fighters

[@JohnJones-qt3pe]

Go. Mybrother. I. Love. This. Song. Aman

[@jackthehammy6245]

Hi Grandpa Hawk! Love the song!

[@jasonjackson7154]

As a active firefighter when that tone goes off in the back of my mind it could be my last in line of work we do, so I kiss my my little girl on the forehead and do what we do best is rush in, to the one that have gone head we will meet again 👊👊👊👊🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@newb4life11]

March along with your heads held high

[@MichaelSmith-kj4ik]

Good evening Sir. I am currently working on putting together a program to raise awareness among the Fire Service of the dangers of depression, alcohol/substance abuse, PTSD and suicide. I would love to use your song with your permission. I would of course post your name, name of song etc. when being played. Thank you for any consideration of use.

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

I would be honored. Where are you located?

[@MichaelSmith-kj4ik]

@@youngbloodhawkins5637 I’d like to start by saying what a great tribute to a fallen friend. I am in Missouri. I really appreciate it, take care.

[@Firefighter77t]

I found it 4 day before 9/11/24

[@gamernoob4644]

my dad is a firefighter i just dont want him to die in duty

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Don't worry, he and his fellow firefighters take care of each other. Their training will get them through. He'll be fine. :)

[@dfgiuy22]

I promised my daughter after each and every training and every job I would give her a kiss. I'm sure your dad always does something special when he gets home after each day. We all look after each other and never want to leave our kiddos behind! You should show your dad the comment thread, it will mean the world to him. Even just seeing the above that the most important person in the world is that worried, means more than words can ever describe. Sorry for the edit, I'd like to think my kiddos got to hear it from me in person. You should show him, I am sure he'd give you the biggest hug after :) From Australia :) Ya'll take care!

[@brywong93]

Do you think I can use this video/ audio clip on my fire academy class video? I’ll give credits of course.

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Please feel free! Where are you located?

[@brywong93]

@@youngbloodhawkins5637 maple ridge, BC, Canada! It’s not 100% if we will have it in the video but I wanted to ask prior to doing so!

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

@@brywong93 No worries. Thanks for giving it a listen.

[@brywong93]

@@youngbloodhawkins5637 Good morning sir, I did not end up using this song for my video but I do appreciate the permission given. Here's the final cut in case you wanted to watch it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5yXh5mejZ6dnqM

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

@@brywong93 Great job on the video, Bryan. I wish you a great career. Never get complacent. Every call has the potential to go bad. Stay sharp.

[@kody4093]

Is this song on Apple Music

[@anthonycampagnini]

can I find this song on Spotify

[@rustybrockway5523]

Or Apple music

[@bricecoy2132]

You got a spotify?

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Several of my albums are on spotify under the name Ute City Rangers but I don't believe this song is on there. I didn't write these words to profit from it. Thanks for listening.

[@chrisperkins183]

Best song even when my dad's a firefighter

[@naftynski1]

Hi, can You write the lyrics?

[@mgallager1449]

I retired from the fire department as a firefighter due to medical injuries obtained on the job. I missed every second of my life.

[@felipeandrade1809]

Show brasileiro bombeiro

[@jaredperdue9674]

No not best people help please heaven

[@richardbentley7787]

Lois made that comment 👍 LoL

[@silascheek180]

🧑🏻‍🚒🧯

[@ericparrish1515]

Somebody say set up? That's bad

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

Sorry, I don't understand your comment. What do you mean?

[@rustybrockway5523]

Do you have a contact email? Got a couple questions

[@youngbloodhawkins5637]

sure..... [e-mail] feel free to contact me.

[@patwanner526]

Beautiful song Jim!