Nathan it is late to "welcome" you to the "Nation" but I do want to encourage you to keep searching, learning and preparing yourself for the fire service - - if that is your goal.

A suggestion on posting, if you don't mind. Be careful of your spelling, grammar and do a little research before putting the post on the forum.

You will come across those who have little patience with younger members of the service but they are a small percentage. Many of us realize that younger men and women are going to be us in the near future. I have a nephew who is in the Cherokee CO fire department and I had a little to do with his final choice to enter the
service' That made me feel proud that I could share just a little of my experience and training. I have been in several VFDs and my first exposure was when my Dad and some other men in the town, which had NO fire department at all, started out with a horse drawn steamer. I think it was more to get out of the house and drink a little beer with the buddies, but nevertheless they committed to volunteer their skills and services to the little town of Mayer AZ. This was in 1945.

Keep working toward the goals you have set and keeep asking questions. Any of us who have some knowledge would be very foolish to fail to share it with our juniors and cadets. OL' GAR

Nathan, Welcome to the Firefighter Nation. I am glad you joined the group.There is lots to do, read and be involved with. Your participation and involvement is important to us all. Have fun and look around.

Chief William Sharp
Brookings, Oregon