Since becoming a volunteer firefighter and first responder, my holidays have become a wait for the pager to go off. Don't get me wrong. I love being a firefighter and first responder. It's sometimes hard on my family.
Early this Christmas morning, I had just finished getting dressed and ready to open gifts with my family. Then, the pager went off. I ran down the stairs and got my coat on to run out the door. My youngest son was anxiously sitting downstairs awaiting the opening gift celebration. I can't describe adequately the look of disappointment in his eyes as I ran out the door. While I know he understands, it's still hard.
When I arrived back home, I explained to him that someone needed my help. Holidays are a time of happiness and celebration. For this person, it was a time of distress and despair. For perhaps a short moment in time, my help gave them comfort and hope. I explained that's why I do what I do. Isn't that a part of what the holiday spirit should mean? He nodded and understood.
My hat is off to all my brothers and sisters in this great service we provide and to the families who unselfishly sacrifice so we can serve in the communities we live in. Happy Holidays.

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Replies to This Discussion

A-MEN
Well said brother
good job. i been a volunteer now going on 11 years and yes the page likes going off when you are just seating down to eat or trying to enjoy family time. it's hard sometime getting up amd leaving but i know deep down in my heart that i have to do it.
I hear ya here - my husband and I both run out the door when the pagers go off, the kids have a hard time with it no matter if it's the holidays or just family time... It breaks my heart to see their faces and I always explain to them what happened and why we were needed so bad when we get back home. I'm not sure if it's any easier on them but at least they know what is really going on when we run out the door. Family time is real important and involving them in as much as we can is even more important. God bless all the families who put up with us!

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