For those out there in the vast land of Google or Blogger and who are not familiar with the fire department mentality, here's a thought or two on the subject.
I have heard the fire department referred to as a 'paramilitary organization'. Some will agree, some may disagree. None the less, we have ranks and we do follow orders... the majority of times. When on a scene, orders ARE followed and IMMEDIATELY. But, when we are back at the fire hall, it's a little more relaxed (at least here). The RCMP in our area shake their heads at us, how we jump when we are told to jump by our Captain on scene, and then some argue and mock him a little at the station. It's just the way it is, for the most part, can't explain it much more.
I have noticed that here at this fire hall, the guys are kind of big on seniority too. Myself, of course I look up and respect the guys who are here, they have many many years of experience, they have reputable reputations and I am told that others also look up to members that have more seniority than them for the same reason. There's something to be learned from everyone.
When a new graduate from the Emergency Services College comes on duty, such as myself, I am the Probie. I am the lowest guy of all and yes it's true, we Probies get all the dirty jobs. Need a crew member to shovel out the ashes after a fire, the Probie does it. Need a crew member to wipe vomit off from a drunken homeless man so he can be checked over, the Probie does it. Need a crew member to clear snow around the fire hydrants, the Probie does it. I think you all get the idea.When I walked into the fire hall the other day, I was told that my rank would be changing. I was greeted and an arm was wrapped around me and I was told "Today Shadow, you're going to be Someone!" In fact, he told me that until a new Probie comes along or I decide to walk out the door and not return, I would be a Someone.
(Thinking in my head, these guys might just like me after all.)
Then...
It was explained to me that when I hear the Captain say "Someone needs to take out the trash!" He means me. When I hear one of the guys say that we need to make a pit stop and someone needs to run in and grab some things from the grocery store, he means me. If I overhear the guys saying that someone needs to clean the mess up, they mean me.
Hip hip hooray! I am Someone!!
I just hope these
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Shadow
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