As the days grow colder and the days inch by to that infamous monthly meeting the first Monday in December, claws come out and true colors show in my fire department. Yearly elections! As if we don't see whom is buttering up whom in hopes of winning their votes... the promises made that vary so greatly from person to person depending on who they are made to. Every attempt is made to backstab anyone standing in their way. It's absolutely pathetic. Immature, assinine behavior such as this does not belong in a firehouse!

Why would someone elect a seriously under-qualified person as Chief just to secure themselves a promised officers position beneath him? I would glady take a black helmet and return to being a firefighter, a non-officer, if it meant the right person was elected. Someone who has actually made a difference in this company, who has pulled us together, looked out for our good and not his own and done an outstanding job. No promised officers position is worth risking the entire company's welfare and safety!

They think being a Chief is such a walk in the park? Give me a break- if they had any idea the weight that white helmet bears on it's wearer, they might show more respect for the one who wears it now. Being Chief is not about being everyone's friend. It is not a power trip. It's about getting the job done and getting everyone home safely in the end.

My advice? Stop the bullshit, don't be a goddamn pussy, and by all means go home and cry to mommy when all those votes you were "promised" from your little friends don't magically appear in December.

Like my Chief is fond of saying, "If the shoe fits, wear it. If it doesn't, take this as good advice."