Well, after several weeks of testing and being assessed and held under a magnifying glass, I await the results of our Battalion Chief's promotional list, which will identify who our next two BCs will be, as two of ours retire after the first of the year.

I have been a Captain in our department for 18 years, having not taken the option to do some other things because I loved the job so much. I mean, how many guys you know get to run around with dedicated "steely eyed killers" from Special Ops, riding around on our state's only tillered aerial, in a beachfront community? I've always said, the job is something I'd do for free, but I'm happy to let someone pay me to do it. But our department has been hit with the domino effect of our Chief's retirement, one of our Deputy Chiefs moving into his position, and chiefs jobs in neighboring departments opening up in addition to the retirements, setting into motion a lot of people moving toward new jobs. So I have said its finally time to grow up, put away the toys, and take on some different responsibilities, even though it may mean changes to my US&R career as well.

But in this time between the end of the exams and waiting for the list is an important holiday, Thanksgiving, and appropriate since I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a beautiful and thoughtful wife, three great daughters, a fantastic and challenging job and some of the best friends and colleagues anyone could hope for. I live in a wonderful country and I am thankful for such courageous men and women who protect us in the military and in public safety. And I'm even thankful for my team, the Irish, although we had a rough run of it this year (but I raise a cold one for their courage and dedication in the face of such adversity, which should be a lesson to all of us).

So in the peace and quiet I have now for a few days, I'm hoping you all too find that peace and thank God for being associated with such a brother and sisterhood, and think about those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those who continue to put it on the line out there from day to day. God bless each of you and remember that we have been given a special calling, to be firefighters, and it's our responsibility to train and prepare and make sure we are professional in our actions, doing the best we can do to protect and serve our community. And although I know some of you may not like it, I wish you some peace and quiet, because when business is good for us, it's bad for someone else. Stay safe.