My Response: A Letter from a Fire Fighter's Wife

Found this letter on Facebook today and wanted to share my response with you.

Click link: Letter from a fire fighter's wife

My time is precious with my son, whom I see for a few days each month, but I too am a fire fighter. He knows when my pager goes off, no matter the time or day, I'll kiss his cheek and go on the call. He's proud of me and worries about me. When I get home after a call, he asks if I'm ok and gives me the biggest hug. If it's the middle of the night, he'll stir from his sleep to make sure I'm ok.

We, here at the hall, are paid volunteer members. This means we volunteer our time throughout the year and one day just before Christmas each year we get a pay check. It's not big but it helps. It's not easy and it's not complicated, it simply is a path we have chosen to take.

I'm proud to stand with the fire fighters from all over the world. They don't think they're heros but I know their big hearts often get in the way of time with family and friends, and their families see them as I do, they are our heros. Their lives are priceless just as you are.

Thank you to my family and friends for understanding why I do this. Because even as I gear up, you are always on my mind and in my heart. As I go out, know my partner has my back.

Keep the candle burning in the window, I'll be home soon.

Traffic control learnin

We were suppose to do the extracting practice last night instead three of us needed to start our traffic control course. After the MVA a couple nights ago where we needed certified traffic members, tonight became a priority.

It's really interesting... for the most part. A few things were no brainers, like the sign we carry, Stop and Slow, what it means and how to carry it. Some things were new to me. How to control traffic, keep safe and still be available for my crew and the people coming upon the scene.

We have a test and the practical in June.

While we were in class studying, the rest of the guys - minus the newbies that came - were outside getting us ready for next week's auto demolition. hee hee Can't wait! We get to practice on a SUV. One of the guys mentioned "Tammie's in the back" Oh fun... I think he was teasing, but if he means I'm in the vehicle then Superman better be there to rescue me :) I know, Fire fighters are superheros in bunker gear.

Have a good day everyone! 

Bike Rally and Kids Fair

Hanging out with the Chief and one of our Captain's today at the Fire Hall while we were waiting for the guy who organized our part in the kids fair to show up. Waited a half hour and he wasn't there. We waited longer, pulled the trucks out and got everything ready to take to the kids event...sigh nope it was a bust. No kids, no leader, no nothing.

Pretty trucks sitting in the sun, us in our matching Tees... we were just enjoying the company, music and visiting with the Fire Inspector. Other then that, nothing.

Here's Tim and I heading out exploring the neighborhood to kill time :)

As you can see, we were not in the least bored. Disappointed that we couldn't show off the trucks but we still go to hang out together. Best part of the weekend, spending it with my son.

Have a great Mother's Day weekend ladies! Guys it's your turn next month... hee hee

P.S. Just got back from playing with the Zodiac! We had a call out that required some of us to head to the water. O_o Something new to learn! Off we went. Three in the boat heading out to investigate the situation while two of us stayed with the truck and trailer. My partner told me some of the things that I'd be learning this summer and some of his experiences while we listened to the radio updates and waited for our mates to return.

My favorite part of the adventure? hee hee Yes, my captain called me a "big kid" and laughed at me. hee hee My partner told me "new recruits usually are the ones to tie up the zodiac when it comes back in." I asked how is it done? Do I walk out to the boat to bring it in, throw the tie, walk along the dock... we went over all the scenarios that he has seen it done. But as a newbie it was probably best if I just walk out in to the water and bring it in. Okie dokie... innocent and trusting off I go behind the truck, down into the water up to my knees and we get it on the trailer, hooked up and pulled out. Ha ha ha no one said a thing about it until we get back to the hall. Then my Captain called me a big kid... ha ha ha Shaking his head at me and laughing. I grinned and said tongue in teeth, "Squish squish" as I walked :P stripped out of my coveralls and hung them up to dry. Then I turned around and said "Water was warmer then I thought it would be."

I might have way too much fun learning all the new stuff but at least I'm learning and having fun :) Oh what adventures are waiting for me this summer!?! I can't wait!

So much for Oxygen practice, We tore a car apart

Now this was a fun night. I really should learn not to be surprised that the agenda is going to change from week to week with my fire hall.

Last week, remember, we were suppose to run time tests on the oxygen tank and start teaching a couple new guys. Instead we got to use the jaws and a few other really cool tools on a car. MVA practice.

I used the small jaws, large cutters, and the hooligan, yes, I said it, hooligan. It's such a cool tool. I'll have to see if I can find some pictures of what some of our tools were that we used tonight.

But thanks to Mike, I have one picture of us learning. I'm number 35 :)

You can see the hooligan in Cam's hand beside me. In front of our instructor is the jack for the dash area. We were learning about added attachments, etc.

Smashing windows with a tiny pin (like a pen that has a spring in it instead of ink), cutting seat belts, supporting patiences, assessing who should come out first, second and last and who not to focus on. Yes, there are those who do get put last. Not because their lives are worth less but because those with a serious injury that will live come first. There is a procedure.

It was really exciting tonight. Time flew. When I was getting ready to use the large cutter on the roof the fun ended. LOL Really I didn't do anything! OK, you don't believe me. Well, it was just as I got the machine up to head level the hydraulic fluid line, burst from the equipment and showered me and Cam in juices. 

We had to call it a night. It was that time anyway... and strip down to wash our gear. Clean up our mess and then work on putting the car away and clean up the glass, fluids, etc.

By the time we were finished we were all pretty tired but grinning from ear to ear. It was truly a great evening of learning. Next week we are supposedly having a repeat night. We shall see :)

Until next time :)

Review and remember...O2 tank practice night

It's been 6 weeks since I was at a practice. I kinda felt like a fish out of water last night and it wasn't a pretty sight either. Between my nasty head cold and trying to work with oxygen tanks, I was being whipped.

But my partner and our fearless leader the Deputy Chief were patient with me. On and off, over, under and through. Up and down, in and around. Yeah, you're getting dizzy just reading that aren't you. Try doing that with ringing in one ear, muffled sounds in the other, stuffy nose and all the gear on including the protective hood and helmet ... What? Can you repeat that?... you get the picture.

To tell you the truth, it was still loads of fun and knowing that I was with my buds again and learning, remembering and retraining was so worth going even if I wasn't on top of my game.

Next we are suppose to be doing the oxygen tank time tests and getting ready to train the newbies. Yes! I'm going to help get the new guys in shape! Hee hee let the fun begin :D

Night all, see you next week!