To Be a Fireman

by Firefighter Cookie (read his mother's viewpoint, There Goes My Boy.)

"Why am I here? What am I doing? Am I crazy?"

I'm sure these are questions we all ask ourselves often.

Why do we go running into situations that everyone else runs away from?

Why do I risk my life by running into a burning building, knowing that at any moment an unpredictable might happen: the floor may give way, the roof may tumble on me, the fire may engulf me. . .

I put my complete faith in my apparatus and my mate, cause if either of them fail I will probably die; if my equipment fails, I'm practically stuffed, and if my buddy gets stuck and can't come out, I don't come out 'cause I will never leave him.

Why do I go to a car crash caused by a drunk or careless driver, to try and help them have another chance at life, when they may have killed an innocent life who could've been my friend, colleague or family member?

Why do I miss sleep, food, and quality time for some punk who has arsoned a building or hillside?

I don't know why I do, but I can't quit it, for it's in my blood to help.

I often say "I'm not responding today, I'm gonna have a break," but when the siren goes, I can't resist, I have to go and help.

I'm here for a reason, "to protect life and property and do whatever is humanitarian possible to do it."

I'm here for my community, a community I grew up in, a community where I know lots of people, a community that knows me.

A community that pleads for us to make things right when they are in need.

By being a fireman I have seen a lot of things. I've walked into peoples lives and homes when they are in need and are vulnerable, and often we are their last line of hope.

It has made me appreciate life a lot more, but made me realize how delicate life can be, and even more aware how dangerous life as a fireman is.

It has made me aware that the reality of me dying for someone else's muckup is high.

For a fireman, no matter how fit, wealthy, or smart you are, it's possible that death is only a matter of minutes away.

Copyright 2002 by the author. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the author.