A rather long side note

Coming from the south, I've always held a special place in my heart for the traditions that new england firefighters represent. There is just this air about them that screams tradition, and every one Ive ever met has upheld that picture of what it is to be a firefighter, from the place that gave birth to the American fire service.

All that said, I just wasn't prepared for the way we were treated by the brothers and sister, whom we'd never met before Tuesday. To say that we were treated with respect would be a gross understatement, and it wouldn't begin to describe the brotherhood we felt for our new brothers and sisters. From being invited into their stations like we belonged, to being taken to their homes, it was one of the most rewarding weeks of my career.

I said recharge in the first part of this blog, and I can tell you I felt recharged, from the moment we arrived North of the Charles, to the last minute visit to an active house dating to the 19th century. It is just different up there. I know, I know, we are all brothers and sisters, but there is something about a place where many, if not most are from firefighting families. The traditions, the way the guys hang out together in the barn, even in a day when most have their own bunk rooms. It was exactly the feeling I had the day I raised my hand to be sworn into the fire service, nearly a quarter century ago. It was still there exactly as I'd remembered it.

The fire service is a family thing for me, yet I wanted nothing more than for my boys to do anything but be firefighters. That was until I saw O'Malley's son working a job with his old man on Thursday. It wasn't that they had this great moment on scene, or even a shared look between them. It was the simple fact that the younger O'Malley was following in dad's, and both grandfathers footsteps. Wednesday Night the deputy shared his pride, and the honor he felt when his son chose to follow in dad's footsteps. Then described in detail, how hard he worked to get where he was without using the family name to get a job.

My youngest son has, on more than one occasion has told me he wants to be a firefighter, so he can work with dad. That has always scared me to death. The thought of my son doing the things I've done is just not something I wanted to contemplate. For that matter, I have told myself for years that I could convince them this was not for them. That was, until I saw the O'Malleys working that job in their own roles, the Deputy as IC and his son as a Truckie. Suddenly I didnt feel the dread I felt every time Noah commented on being a firefighter. It actually filled my heart with pride to know that what dad does, was something he aspires to do. Ill go into this in detail in another blog

Back to the story

So thursday morning we arrived a little late for class, I know you're shocked, but it's true. We got there almost an hour late, and we were also at a different station for administrative reasons. Our class was mostly hands on day two, and with major hardware issues on my end was a little on the frustrating side. But, all worked out and we wandered into the barn after class, only to find an old Mack Pumper sitting on the floor in pristine condition. No age is given to keep it from being too obvious which real department this fictitious account is about.

The guys were about to change shifts and we had been invited to ride with the Deputy on his shift that night. Of course, the thought of being up most the night, then sitting in class the next day didn't sit well, so we said we would hang out for a bit and talk to the guys. Of course, this isnt exactly how things happened, and as we were walking out a box alarm came in and O'Malley said "you guys are coming aren't you" of course we didnt hesitate a second before climbing into his truck and heading off. We thought it would be a typical smells and bells call when upon arrival we didnt see anything, but that assessment would quickly change when there was a report of smoke in the basement of a rather pricey restaurant still serving customers.

Quickly a full alarm compliment was on scene, and a second engine and truck were called making it a heavy first, but not quite a second alarm job. By this time we had dismounted the Chiefs SUV and were out of the way, but close enough to see and hear everything that was going on...and of course the bystanders unlike the brothers, were exactly the same as we have. Mostly in the way!

Other than the moment of reflection I had on scene, there was nothing noteworthy that would set it apart from hundreds of others across the world every day. Jakes doin the job, and doing it well is a pretty succinct description of the events.

Now, when the Deputy started releasing apparatus, we were offered a ride back to the house by engine 14. Of course we said yes, rather than hang out and wait for the Deputy to clear. This may seems like a small thing, but we had to sign wavers to even ride the box with Corpus Christi FD. Here we were riding code to a fire scene then riding in the Engine on the way back. On the way back to the barn the guys on the engine had as many questions for us as we did for them, and the feeling of brotherhood was "strong" as John said on more than one occasion.

The brotherhood is strong...so very strong.

part 3 will come out on Monday...for tonight, take care and stay safe. And to those who renewed my faith in the job...thanks.