Where to start? I guess where it all began? Both my twin brother and I started out in this business back in 1999 in a rural college town in Northeast Ohio. We were just green horns back then, who couldn't even tell you what a hose dragger was, or better yet, where to find it on the truck (assholes).
But over time we learned the ropes and passed on the traditions that the old guys taught us when we first came aboard.
I'll let you in on a little secret .. thick skin goes along way in the fire service. I've always liked a challenge when it comes to razzing the shit out of someone. It builds commeradery and character within the crew!
I eventually decided to part ways and go else where.. fire investigation had always interested me and I decided to go to another department so I could have the opportunity to further my experience with that.
Let me tell you. Nothing beats standing out in the middle of a night fire, pouring snow, and your trying to figure out how it started. You learn real quick how to stay warm, and interview techniques lol.
Although I can't tell you about any investigations I can share this
Big houses and small houses, they all burn.
And
There's nothing like working with your best friend..especially as a boss! although we have had our moment's, never once did I feel unsafe or unsure about an order.. if he was thinking it, I was doing it, and vice versa! What an absolute pleasure that was! That's when you know you have a great crew!
Another time that sticks out in my head....I had the opportunity to work with my twin a few years back again. We went on a late night structure fire and had put in work. We were tired naturally and decided to go have a cigarette and a Gatorade and take a chill pill and talk.. it was our second bottle each and we figured fuck it. My brother had asked one of the cadets in the front yard "where we could get a drink at" .. only to get a reply of "you don't need that get back inside".. knowing my brother being my brother he politely told this kid to go fuck himself and we found rehab on our own...I still laugh to this day over that.
Needless to say, when we are all home, dinner at our house usually consists of talking fire code or runs we have all been on. We have so much to be thankful for. For me, the fire service has greatly impacted my life. It's kept me out of trouble, and I've met some amazing people. Never forget where you started out though... that's the most important thing.. always remember, we all start somewhere.
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