Back in 1990, I was a young man full of energy, but lacking on fire service knowledge. Thankfully I was surrounded by others willing to mentor and teach. Over the years, I've grown as a person and as a firefighter. I've been a leader, an instructor, a role model. I'll never be a master of my craft, but will always keep striving to be.
Over the past 25 years, I've seen so many things. Some I'd like to forget, but most I will cherish for the rest of my days. If you're from "Outer Space" (What I call people NOT in the fire service) there are no words to describe The Brotherhood, I'm not even going to attempt to. My second family. The people I've met, the places this job has taken me, the opportunities it has afforded me. Hopefully I've been a mentor to a few of my Brothers, I know for sure I've learned more from them than I could give back in three fire service careers.
Today I find myself much older, hopefully much wiser and way down on the energy side of this business. I realized how the tables have turned, and how I'm now an "old timer" teaching the next generation of firefighters the art of our craft. Again I'm thankful to be surrounded, but this time by firefighters willing to listen and learn. I've always been a student, and will be until they put me in the ground.
I assure you, this is not a "farewell" letter. Its a THANK YOU! Thank you for putting your faith and trust in me to be there when you needed me. Thank you for skills, tools, and knowledge you have given me.
I can't wait to see what's next!
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