As a young boy, my dad would take me to the fire station and show me all the equipment used by firefighters.  As I would sit in the drivers seat of their fire engine, I would imagine getting called to a house fire.  Dad would let me briefly operate the lights and sirens every now and then.
    As I got older, dad began explaining the use and purpose of all the equipment used by firefighters.  I began suiting up, with the smallest bunker gear they could find.  It didn't really hit me until I wore that outfit.  I remember saying to myself, "I want to go help someone".  But, I wasn't quite old enough.  All I could do at this point was learn, as much as I could.
    The older I got, I began asking more serious questions, about how to become a firefighter, rather than how to turn the lights and siren on.  Dad knew my interest was sincere.  By the time I was 16, My dad taught me everything he knew about how to BE a firefighter, and how to BECOME a firefighter.
    At the age of 18, I joined a local Volunteer Fire Dept..  I would've needed a lot more schooling to become a paid firefighter, like dad.  Never the less, dad stayed right there with me every time I got called out.  The way he managed this, was that he finally retired from the big city dept. and joined the same Volunteer Fire Dept.  I showed my dad that I listened to everything he told me about being a firefighter.  It was the greatest experience to this point in my life.
    Then, I got married.  Moved away... Not far, but to a different city.  In doing so, I had to leave the fire dept., because in order to be a member you have to reside within the fire district.  Dad eventually became Battalion Chief of that fire dept.
    Several years later, I lost my dad to cancer.  I was devastated, because I felt my dad was invincible. He and I risked our lives, TOGETHER, so many times for perfect strangers.
    After being away from firefighting all those years, I joined a different local Volunteer Fire Dept..  But, this particular dept. had something special about it to my dad.  The Fire Chief was dad's best friend since they were little boys.  Being with this dept. helped fill the void of losing my dad.  I plan on returning to the fire academy, and eventually retiring from the firefighting service... Just like dad.
    Being a firefighter is my second love (second to my family).

Thanks dad, Chris

The fireman's prayer:
    When I am called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage, give me the strength to save some life whatever be its age.  Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an
older person from the horror of that fate.  Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.  I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect his property.  And if according to my fate I am to lose my life this day, Please bless with your protecting hand my family this I pray.
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Being a firefighter is The Ultimate Adrenalin Rush.
   

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