Looking up at this rather tall and rugged looking man, I was told by my Captain on my very first day, that I am about to experience some real tough love, and to be very afraid of what's coming next!
I had done my homework prior to that morning, I knew he had a reputation, they referred to him as the 'Cast Iron Captain' for a reason. So, yes Sir! I was trembling a bit in my boots as he pushed me to the side and walked on by me after our brief introduction.
If there is one thing that I am learning very quickly from being in the fire service, it's that you will be barked (yelled... shouted... hollered... etc) at from time to time (lesson 1). No matter how hard I try to be at my best, I'll screw up. I will make a nincompoop move at sometime, somewhere (lesson 2). I'm a Probie, and so they all keep telling me.
Because I work with a crew, if I make a nincompoop move, it will be noticed (lesson 3). Hence, the "lets tear a strip off the Probie' comes into play and my pride takes a direct hit! But, I quickly realized that these men have years of experience on me so they see things that I may not and to an extent, they seem to be able to predict things too (lesson 4). If things don't get straightened out when on scene, things can go down hill real fast (lesson 5) and that's why actions are quickly corrected (lesson 6). I've learned not to take things so damn personal (lesson 7), after all, they are only looking out for me (lesson 8) although some days, they make me feel like they are out to kill me. Plus, they want to see us all go home safe at the end of the shift (lesson 9) and this takes priority over my pride (lesson 10).
As a Probie, this tough love is hard to swallow at times (lesson 11), but it's getting easier, and I haven't choked yet! I recognize it for what it is.
Two of the best accessories that a girl can own, is growing confidence and a halligan! (lesson 12)
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Shadow
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