I was off duty today, but was sent on a call that reminded me of why I became a firefighter.
About 6pm this evening the station called and asked if I could go over to an elderly ladies home and light her furnace for her.
(The lads at the station would have gladly done it, but it is a "liability" for the on duty crew to light a furnace. It's a Chief thing)
I called her up and told her who I was, and asked when would be a good time to come over. She told me now was fine.
She only lives about 10 blocks away from my house so it didn't take long to arrive.
I met her at the door and she showed me where the furnace was. We spoke awhile then I proceeded to read the directions and light the pilot light. As I was working she talked to me some more.
She had tears in her eyes as she told me how sad she was that I had lost so many brothers in New York. She said she had just watched it and cried and cried. Needless to say I was feeling a little weepy myself after she thanked me for taking the time to help her out. She said her son hadn't spoken or visited with her in 3 years and that he only lives 15 miles away.
I finished lighting the furnace and then stood in her living room and talked with her awhile. She told me how lonely it gets being home all alone all the time, and I realized how fortunate I am to have the strength and health to work out, play, spend time with friends and family, and be a firefighter. She wanted to give me a picture that she had sitting on the couch. It was an American Flag with a Prayer For the Nation on it. She wanted to know if we could hang it in the station. I told her I would take it and put it up for her.
She thanked me for taking the time to come by and take care of her.
What a small deed it was, only about 15-20 minutes I spent there, yet this was something monumental in this womans life.
She gave me a hug as I was leaving, and told me to tell my wife how fortunate she was to have someone special to be with her.
As I left, I couldn't help thinking about all those times I have been upset at making the little call, or having to put up with someone's petty problem, and all this time there was one person who just needed a friend for a few moments.
This is what being a firefighter is all about. It isn't the glory of a blazing inferno! No. It is the impact we can have on the lives of others every day, even when we aren't at the station. Thank you Mrs. Johns for reminding how much I love the job I have.
be safe brothers
About 6pm this evening the station called and asked if I could go over to an elderly ladies home and light her furnace for her.
(The lads at the station would have gladly done it, but it is a "liability" for the on duty crew to light a furnace. It's a Chief thing)
I called her up and told her who I was, and asked when would be a good time to come over. She told me now was fine.
She only lives about 10 blocks away from my house so it didn't take long to arrive.
I met her at the door and she showed me where the furnace was. We spoke awhile then I proceeded to read the directions and light the pilot light. As I was working she talked to me some more.
She had tears in her eyes as she told me how sad she was that I had lost so many brothers in New York. She said she had just watched it and cried and cried. Needless to say I was feeling a little weepy myself after she thanked me for taking the time to help her out. She said her son hadn't spoken or visited with her in 3 years and that he only lives 15 miles away.
I finished lighting the furnace and then stood in her living room and talked with her awhile. She told me how lonely it gets being home all alone all the time, and I realized how fortunate I am to have the strength and health to work out, play, spend time with friends and family, and be a firefighter. She wanted to give me a picture that she had sitting on the couch. It was an American Flag with a Prayer For the Nation on it. She wanted to know if we could hang it in the station. I told her I would take it and put it up for her.
She thanked me for taking the time to come by and take care of her.
What a small deed it was, only about 15-20 minutes I spent there, yet this was something monumental in this womans life.
She gave me a hug as I was leaving, and told me to tell my wife how fortunate she was to have someone special to be with her.
As I left, I couldn't help thinking about all those times I have been upset at making the little call, or having to put up with someone's petty problem, and all this time there was one person who just needed a friend for a few moments.
This is what being a firefighter is all about. It isn't the glory of a blazing inferno! No. It is the impact we can have on the lives of others every day, even when we aren't at the station. Thank you Mrs. Johns for reminding how much I love the job I have.
be safe brothers
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