The Update

I have not written for a while.  My idea of my role in the fire service has evolved and I couldn't write anything about it until now.

Here is the update on where I am going next.  I will be a cheese maker but not at the farm I was applying to.  That farm apparently had some tough times and was not able to make a move on the job.  So I applied and got a job at another farm working under a very experienced cheese maker.  I will also learn how to make yogurt.  I am excited about this opportunity and it means some security for my family.

I originally started this blog as a way to track my progress as a career firefighter.  It does not seem that this is the direction I am going in.  I have wondered if I should get rid of the blog.  I am realizing however, that life is not as linear or black and white as I would like for it to be.  I tend to be all or nothing about my life. So was the case with my aspirations to being a firefighter.  I am beginning to learn the value of being a small town firefighter.

For a long time I did not like some of the aspects of the small town fire department.  Unfortunately there are firefighters that don't take the job as seriously as I think we all should.  I mean lets be honest, if you rely on volunteerism, are you going to turn someone away?  On a small department you have to take what you can get.  On the other hand there are a lot of good things that come from becoming a volunteer.  I can be a firefighter and have time to pursue other interests at the same time.  I'm sure I'll philosophize more on this in the future, but for now I'm satisfied to be a part of what I already know and to find ways of becoming as professional as I can within the framework of any organization I join.

I have decided to continue to post to this blog.  I am still ADVANCING THE LINE in my own little world of fire service and as long as I keep committed to the work I can create a life within fire rescue.

Awaiting the News in Uncomfortable Shoes

I emailed the owner of the farm that I am waiting to hear back from about the cheese job.  I'm sure it will elicit a response.  It was a happy email about how my family and I are looking forward to potentially joining their crew.  Now we wait (some more) for a reply.

Yesterday I went for a walk on the supposed frozen wetland behind my house.  It is a beautiful walk up the serpentine path of ice through tall brown marsh grasses and reeds.  And magically, the ice and the water beneath do what ever they like, because some areas are frozen and some are not.  My EMT boots are the warmest thing I have for a winter walk and so when I fell through the ice, into the water, and under the mud, they were taken out of service.  I'll clean them later but for now they are still a little wet.  I am working tonight (right now actually) at the fire department.  I had to wear something on my feet and sneakers are hardly appropriate, so I dug through my closet and pulled out my wild land boots.  They are very good but they have not been worn in a while and are a wee bit stiff.

I'm just glad I am doing something other than waiting around for an email or a phone call.  Instead I'm waiting around to take out the engine or the ambulance.  Works for me.

Certification Run-Around

In Mass, EMTs need to have 28 hours of con ed credits.  I completed 28 hours of con ed credits by the Dec. 31 deadline.  HOWEVER, the Mass OEMS (office of emergency services) did not recognize me for three of those credits.  Long story short the person responsible for turing in the roster for some of the classes did not turn in three of the courses.  She said she would work it out because I completed the material.

Now I'm just waiting to hear back from the state to see if I will be an EMT after April 14th, my EMT expiration.  I sure hope so after completing the 28 credits, 24 hour refresher, $90 refresher fee, $150 rectification fee and two years of commitment to EMS.

Taking Leave

Saturday night I handed in my letter to take leave from the ambulance company I work for.  Since my wife works some Saturday nights and since we are changing things up I thought I'de take a break.  I only work there as a volunteer every other Saturday night for a 12 hour shift.  I have worked there for two years with some great people.

We had a slow night.  There was only one call the whole shift and since there were three other EMT just hanging out they went out and I stayed at the garage.  It might have been nice to run one more call.

Anyway I don't know when I'll see them again because if we move to the farm the leave of absence will probably just turn into a resignation because of the distance.  I seem to be saying this a lot lately but, we'll see what happens.

So long for now.