First In, Last Out! First Responders Motto

Recently I took a few minutes to interview a couple of our local "First Responders" to ask them what life is like being firefighters.

Here's few things I learned from the 2 fire and rescue personnel I spoke with at our local fire station.

Jack is 28 years old, tall and lean with great ambitions to further develop his career. Filled with pride he spoke about his desires to advance and master his career.

His fellow officer Sam is about 35 and much more laid back. He is also persuing a long term career as a firefighter.

There are 14 men and 1 woman who rotate out of our little station. All of them gain experience a few days each month working at our local station house. They are only paid $8.00 per hour, but they consider it an honor to work in our community. The small size enables them more opportunities to get to know people individually. They really enjoy giving the kids tours of the station and showing them the fire engines. The department also sponsors many of the children's programs available in our little town.

All 14 of the first responders have another fire and rescue job where they are employed full time. Our small community cannot afford to cover the required insurance and basic benefit packages to keep anyone on a full time basis. We feel extremely lucky to have them. The same can be said for why we don't have a EMS or advanced life support team. Having either or both of those services would require administering medications with physician oversight per state requirements. We are 12 miles from a major medical complex and it just makes more sense to have another unit take over any major life saving emergencies.

There are 3 mottos these responders live by when they do a rescue operation.

1. AWAYS SAVE LIVES

2. SAVE PROPERTY

3. STABILIZE THE INCIDENT

There are also 3 levels of Firefighting.

All 3 require extensive schooling and one of the best in the world is the "Florida State College for Firefighting." People come here from all over the world to take classes. Most of the training at the fire college is physical and done in a paramilitary fashion requiring 4 full months to become certified.

The other notable school is "First Coast Technical Academy." Extra classes are also available for any required CEU's and they can be taken at area junior colleges.

Extreme vetting is required along with extensive background checks and random drug testing. These are the people we entrust with our lives! Having faith in their abilities is their top priority. In any emergency they are the calming voice of reason in a moment of great need.

Currently there are 3 types of classes involved in Firefighting education.

1. BASIC LIFE SUPPORT

2. FIRE FIGHTER 2

3. EMT (Emergency Medical Tech.)

Having all 3 certifications is the optimal path to success in fire and rescue.

To these firefighters it's considered a real badge of honor to save a person's life.

Both of these proud men were happy to talk to me about their experiences on the job.

I asked them if they were afraid they would age out of this job due to the intense physical requirements. To maintain stamina they both work out several hours per day.

Both are committed to the human aspects of the job, knowing there are other avenues available should they become unable to fulfill their duties. A lot of responders move on to become EMT's, Investigators, and Fire Inspectors. There are also positions available as instructor for those interest in training future cadets.

Thanks so much to all the First Responders out there working tirelessly to make our lives and communities better. Your efforts are truly appreciated.

All text and images owned by @mother2chicks