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As a new firefighter...
by: Matt Durham
, I knew it was the
may arise. I recall that when I was first hired
tions
ques
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this job stay exciting for the next 30 year
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I would need to enjoy this work for my
greatest opportunity in the worl
way who modeled the traits, ethics and drive
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bored or jaded. Fortunate
d talk about, but a few of them I live by:
entire career. There are many things I coul
Between collecting donations and selling breast cancer awareness shirts the night
was successful. There was no time to sit around; all crews were able to talk to each
customer about why we were there and they were gracious in donating towards the
good cause. It was also an enjoyable experience seeing what goes on behind-the-scenes
at a restaurant. Like firefighting, it takes a lot of communication and coordination to make things
run smoothly.
All told, we were able to raise nearly $1700 in one day. Over the last few months of being stationed in Yucca
Valley, I’ve learned how close this community is and how much they love their firefighters. There’s not one
day where someone doesn’t thank us for our service or simply shares a story. Being able to raise this much
money shows us how much the community loves us. We do the same thing for them by showing them the
utmost respect and providing great customer service to them. Thank you General Manager John for allowing
us to be there and we will hope to see you next year!
30
FIREWIRE • Winter 2016
Photo Credit: Stacey Moore High Desert Star
The new Medic Truck 42 was a hit! We were able to raise the American flag upon the aerial
ladder, drawing a lot of attention to the event. The truck sparked a lot of curiosity; people
would just stop and ask what was going on. Whether they were coming to eat at
Applebee’s or stopping to let their curious kids sit in the fire truck, we were able to
connect with the community.
• First and foremost, be true to yourself and to your abilities, and be honest about
your strengths and weaknesses. Having the latter makes you human; having the ability
to learn and grow from your mistakes makes you extraordinary.
• Be positive! Things can always be better, but ask yourself: Am I doing everything I’m
supposed to be doing? Look for the best aspects of each situation, and remember
that you chose this department, this badge.
• Be better today than you were yesterday, and be better tomorrow than you are today.
Learn something new every shift and strive for personal growth.
• Take pride in your department and its traits. Out of all professions, you chose this
one—so do it well. Avoid complacency; never get to a point in your career where you
mentally shut off. Instead, continue to learn and grow.
• Have balance between your life and career, and avoid being overwhelmed by things
out of your control. Focus instead on what differences you can make. Big or small,
accomplishing your objective is the goal.
• Take on challenges throughout your career, whether that means getting involved with
a department program or leading a project at the station level. Along those lines,
constantly strive to help and to be part of the bigger picture—the organization as a
whole. Our organization i