I'm a retired firefighter and a writer. Check me out at schuylertwallace.googlepages.com to get an idea about me. I'm writing a new book about the secret life of a firefighter. Don't get excited -- I'm not going to embarass the profession. I would like for the public to know more about what goes on in a firefighter's life behind the station doors. We have a unique environment; one that no other person I can think of can even begin to understand.

We are a family here. We live, sleep and eat here. We work with others who become as close as a brother or a sister. We work with some we can't stand, but we have to get around that. Moods change. We have to accept that and be as congenial as we can because every minute of a shift is spent together. Each of us, I'm sure, have something to say about our unique job that we either love or we hate.

People are curious. Ever have anyone peer into your grocery cart and wonder "what we're buying you for dinner"? Have you ever noticed how interested outsiders are about your job? Things like "mood" and "fear" and "hazing" and "horseplay" and "cocky" and "pinochle" and countless other perceptions are tossed around by those who don't truly understand what it is we do. We are a rumor factory. We're all drunks and beat our wives. We have a lot of marital problems caused by being away from home. These, and so many other impressions of firefighters are. rightly or wrongly, carried around by those we protect. These are the same people who pay us (either gladly or with great displeasure).

So, if you would, I'd like to hear from you. Do you think this type of disclosure is worthwhile? I've seen many a TV show and movie that doesn't even get close to the way we are. Do you have any thoughts that have percolated around in your head that you'd like to have presented to the public? Do you have any personal experiences that can shed some light on either the good or the bad of the profession? We're here, behind the doors of the station. They're out there dying for a peek at us. I'd like to tell them about us, warts and wings, with the goal of creating some positive understanding and appreciation. We deserve it.

Either answer me here if you're not bashful, or send me an email at swallace1@att.net. I won't use your name or that of your department if you don't want me to. But I can't consider any answers I get that aren't signed to be credible, nor can I get back to you with more questions or for clarification.

Thanks so much (in advance) for your help.

Scotty Wallace