Becoming a firefighter is not just about the Fire Academy Firefighter I program. It's more than just the countless hours of training, demanding physical labor and sleepless nights. It is about the flames, destruction and unknown. And it is about going through it with the guys on your line. The firefighters who hang their accountability tag next to yours, no questions asked except for "Ready?".
This bond is like a secret. Not because we won't tell you, but because we can't. There aren't really words to explain sharing the heat, the zero visibility, the work of the search, facing what is unknown and different every single time. After 14 years in the service, I've given up trying to explain it because none of us who share the bond really can. The bond is one of the truest firefighter gifts that is earned and protected once it is yours.

My firefighter blog: Firefighter Gifts & Brotherhood sums up some of my feelings about the firefighting bond and your comments are welcome, whether you agree or disagree!

My Favorite Links:

Bonfire Designs

Bonfire Cafe

Bonfire Dazzle

And My Fire Company: East Windsor Fire Company #2