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Comment by Jeff Cole on November 5, 2008 at 11:20pm

I see your from NJ also.
I am from the shore. Good luck with yor training. If you ever need help, advice, etc, give me a shout.

Comment by Adam Box on November 4, 2008 at 9:10pm

good to see that you're coming along well in your class denise.

Comment by Denise Imperiale on November 4, 2008 at 3:22pm

You're so right. Unbelievably right.

Comment by Jeff Cole on November 4, 2008 at 12:25pm

And no one ever will, either. Welcome to the 'job'. Do yourself a favor, something I learned many years ago.
Regradless of how thrilled you are, how excited you may be over learning this trade, and especially with some of the things you will see and do, don't look to your family or friends who are not involved in the fire service for inspiration. Many times I have come home from being involved with incidents that I needed to vent about, or just mentioned in passing, and it had no impact what-so-ever on my Wife, or family.
Look at it this way. You are just starting, and are finding out how it really is to do this work, right? You may have had an idea about it before, but now you are actually experiencing it, and it is alot different than you thought it was, right?
'They' are no different. From a spectators point of view, this job is not all that much. Squirt some water from the street into a window, and wear a striped suit everywhere you go. That's what they see.
Watch tv, maybe a soap opera or whatever, and watch actors trapped in the middle of a room on fire, that is clear as can be so we can see their face, maybe they give an obligatory cough or two, and see the flames dance over a few pieces of furniture, but strangely enough they never even get a burn, and always seem to be able to find their way out...THAT is what they think reality is. Just like that. Until they find out about working in an enviornment that strips us of all our senses, working in an encapsulated suit, with normal breathing restricted by measured air volumes, working in clothing in summer temperatures that is equivelent of wearing their Carharts while mowing the lawn in 90 degree heat and 80% humidity, and that's actually easier than doing offensive, interior firefighting...But they are too smart to do that in the first place, so forget that analogy.
They have no idea. And it's probabaly best. Learn to share your stories and adventures here, and by networking with others in your profession. It looks easier on tv becouse it isn't you doing it on tv. This job is physically demanding, mentally and physically exhausting, and takes it's toll on your mind, body, and emotions after awhile. Those who don't do it never will get it. If they ask you questions, answer them, but otherwise forget about them having degree of wide-eyed marvel about your new interest.
Just my two cents.