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Regardless of the call, from the big fire to helping someone back into a chair they fell out of, when I'm returning from a call I feel like I have accomplished something and made a difference, no matter how small. This job is the only thing I have done that just feels right and gives me a sense of fullfilment.
For me it started at the age of 14. Myself and a couple friends heard there was a little girl lost in our small community. We thought we knew where she went. I found her and took her back to her mother. The feeling I had when I put the child into the mother's arms was something I wanted to have more of!
My dad was a volunteer firefighter, ski patroler and mountain search and rescue. He got me involved with all of them.
I heard of a community college in my state that had a curriculum in fire science. I got an associate degree and got hired by the Salem Fire Department in Salem Oregon in early 1975. I retired last year.
What a life. I don't know of many people who looked forward to going to work. Especially after many years. But I loved helping people. Whether it was putting out a major fire or helping the little old lady off the floor.
Now I teach at that community college. I don't miss the job. I miss the people.
Yup......I got to go "woo woo". (What we called going code 3) Drove around in an expensive vehicle that was the envy of all. Got to hang out with some really great people on and off duty.
Wouldn't trade a day of it!
Be safe out there!
Capt HUK
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