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You NEED this job!
I can hardly express how much you need this job. I worked for two years, taking every test I could until the day finally came when I earned my badge. After that, I became a card-carrying member of the American Fire Service. I was honored to be a part of a fraternal organization of unparalleled quality. I learned over the years that no matter where you worked or what your rank, any firefighter would bend over backwards to do whatever needs to be done to help. It is a safety net that is always ready to catch you. With this knowledge over the years, I was able to offer help to other firefighters who needed assistance.
The first time I remember lending a hand to a firefighter, was when a member of the FDNY was in the process of moving from the west coast. He was scheduled to fly to California and pick up his future wife and personal property to fully move to New York. The night before he was scheduled to fly back, he was injured in a fire. He needed me to help his fiancée finish packing the moving truck and get her on the way to New York.
The first time I remember needing help, was when my father became very ill while living in Sacramento, California. I needed to move him to Southern California, so I could care for him. I went to a Sacramento City firehouse and was given access to a special tool I knew they would have. Without question, the Captain was helpful beyond any usual call to duty.
The ebb and flow of this tradition is one not to be abused and should be held as an honor. During our national tour across America, I flew home to speak to the California Fire Explorers. Later that night, I found myself in the emergency room needing an outpatient procedure. My wife and vehicles were still in Nebraska, and it was impossible for me to return. With one phone call to a local firefighter, everything was taken care of.
Amazingly, the same FDNY firefighter I helped 25 years ago, Mike, is now retired living in Red Oak, Iowa just an hour away from where my wife was stranded. First, he drove an hour to help Pam get squared away. He then drove the FireCareersBus to Bellevue, NE Fire Dept. station 4, where the Fire Chief allowed the bus to stay until I returned. Mike’s family allowed Pam to spend the night at their house, took her to the airport, and stored our car in Red Oak. When I was able to return, Mike drove our car to the Omaha airport, an hour and a half drive one way, and left it for me to pick up. Without a spare key to use, the Eppley Airfield fire rescue station allowed our car to be parked in their private parking lot for the day while we traveled to Omaha.
A very special thanks to: FDNY ret. fire lieutenant Mike C., the Bellevue Fire Chief, members of District 4 Bellevue firefighters who watched over the FireCareersBus, and Eppley Airfield fire rescue. I am eternally grateful. And to everyone else- YOU NEED THIS JOB.
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