Sun. night while doing homework, my pager goes off. "Leelanau Co. to Elmwood Fire, You have the report of a structure fire at 10243 CherryBend Road with smoke showing. Time out 1830 hours." Oh my god, I thought it is my fire chiefs business and the building where my mom had her office. As I am driving to the station I am thinking about what lays ahead of us. What is involved? Any exposures? Any hazards? Anybody in the building? Closest water supply? Hydrant or natural water source? All sorts of things going through my mind.
While I was responding I was paying attention to what other traffic was doing, all the while thinking about the questions I thought about. The adrenalin was making my heart go a hundred miles an hour. A working structure fire. After checking in route II heard other members also checking in, I knew it was serious. Pulling into the station I saw one of the guys going into the station and layed on my horn to let him know to keep the door open.
Upon arriving on scene I saw smoke coming out of the north end of the building and that confirmed my worst fears. After getting my air pack on and rounding the front of the truck I saw the flames. Scared as all get out. I knew what was in that part of the building. Oxygen tanks, flammable materials, and other stuff that he used in his business. After we got the fire knocked down did it hit me. And to top it all off I didn't get to go after my groceries.
When I did get home, got cleaned up and made something to eat. And then try and get some sleeep so I can drive across state for a doctor's appt. I don't think I really got to sleep much before 3 in the morning. And people wonder why I look tired half the time. The job does take a toll on a person. All of this excitment plus hold down a regular job and go to school full time.
Life after stripping, My future plans
14 years ago
What a great title for this post! You really are crazy for doing this job--it's just so dangerous. Talk more about the toll it takes on you, though. What are the effects of all this risk-taking, these late nights, the terrible stuff you see? I think you could do a whole post about the toll and how you handle the toll.
ReplyDeleteI'd also be curious to hear what attracts you to this job. Are you an adrenaline junkie? Why? What do you gain from this kind of danger? Is it that you want to help people? Or that it makes life interesting to take such risks? I'm so NOT a risk-taker, that I can't imagine doing such things.
-Kristen
This is an amazing story. I'm glad to know that if something happens that involves me or my family that a dedicated fireman like you would be there to rescue! :)
ReplyDeleteI like your title. I am glad that you keep moving and go to school even though your so tired. That is a good skill to have and never lose it.
ReplyDeleteBrittany
I also like your title. It is very creative. I couldn't imagine how scary that would be to get a call and to have no idea what it's about and to think the worst on your way there. I give you a lot of props for what you do. It is a job that takes a lot of commitment and very life risking.
ReplyDelete~Michelle