Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...October 31, 2010

Yes, it's been months since I've written here and I have neglected you firefighternation because we are not allowed to write about ANY fire activities without permission. New SOP. Can't even write about our 5K Race during the summer, or how for the month of October we had story night in the firehouses. We even have a new acting chief who I may add was a fine deputy chief so I think we are going in the right direction, but I feel stifled not being able to blog.

Despite the dire warning, I am going to say that things politically have quieted down a bit; however, many of the town workers and members of different departments are really feeling the pinch of furlough days. How can a family depending on every cent now live with 4 days less pay per month? Seems like a frightening sight (sorry for the Halloween pun here). We are now facing our station's elections and for the next month or so we'll have to deal with those politics. I am safe and secure in my secretary position although secretly I want to move on to trustee at some point. And then committee designations! What fun!

There have been many cutbacks including our yearly dinner by the town, and our inspection night. This week we are holding our own inspection night and I am curious if the same town officials will come as last year despite all the layoffs. I hope they do. We really need a new engine. When I win the lotto, my first donation will be a new engine for sure.

On a good note, I'm still in school, still whipping butt at AT&T, and have begun dating. Who would have thought I would begin right in my very own department? This was something I didn't want to happen but when there's a connection with someone that does start around ice cream I swoon and sway!!!

Enough said I am going to talk about fire stuff. I had some minor surgery so have to take a month off. I don't like having a month off. Did you ever have the feeling...when you haven't been on duty for awhile because you were away or something and that first important call comes in - don't you feel like screaming, "I'M BACK! and put the loudest song on the radio to be in tune with the pumping of your heart? I had that feeling when I came home from Wildwood and can't wait to have that feeling again! At least I'll be back for Thanksgiving! And yes, I keep sniffing my gear.

Have a safe Halloween everyone!