Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...August 30, 2010

Where did the month go? Tonight I started finishing my Associates Degree. Only 40 credits to go until I am a Criminal Justice major. At this rate, let's see I will be about 52.

This weekend was pure bliss. On Saturday our FD celebrated our 100th anniversary by hosting a 5K run. Just when morale around the township and the FD couldn't be any lower because of lay-offs, we had an amazing turn-out. Over 90 people came to run. Half of our proceeds went to the Children's Burn Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital. I sat at the registration table and had the opp to speak to everyone and hear the nice things they were saying about our FD. We all needed that. It was a GREAT day.

Yesterday we had a FD BBQ. The event is usually just for firefighters and hosted by the Exempts. This year was opened to family and friends. There was a huge turn-out - more than 200 people. I had such a great time. You could see old and new faces happily eating clams and claiming door prizes. I wish there had been a poker game though. That's what I did last year but I was too shy to bring it up.

This morning there was a kitchen fire at the hotel right across the street from my apartment. I was at work, frustrated, because it's been so quiet. I called home what seemed like a billion times and finally got my 16 year old up. I said, "Look out the window and tell me how many fire trucks are outside." He finally was able to respond - one. I told him, "You slept through every ladder and engine until they were all gone." Luckily this one wants to be a cop!

A friend from Florida told me today that there is no such thing as an outside FF. I said what about overhaul (which I love), accountability, extrication, brush fires (which I adore), hose operations, etc. Nope he wouldn't budge. Was calling every red tag a chicken and every woman firefighter a groupie and meant it. Note to self: Do not date this man as he hates firefighters.

That's the update from Denise Imperiale. Work, work, more work, and school. Not much time for anything else; however I am still waiting for that elusive first date. Five months now and can't seem to step inside a singles' bar. WTF is wrong with me????!!!!