PLEASE NOTE: This story has taken on many forms in the last year, basically because I've been so crazy with real life. However, the story wouldn't let me go and it had to be told. So, here it is . . .unfortunately, my former pen name "RobinEve" account has been locked out with and I can't get those stories combined here . . . you'll see the beginning of this story there called "A Day in the Shift"-don't be confused! This is the final piece! ENJOY!
On Being a Firefighter
Why do we do what we do? A-Shift at Station 51 demonstrate the typical life of a firefighter giving insight to the reality that firefighters are asked to make things right for people who are in need or suffering. Sometimes, they can't always meet those needs but they certainly give it their all.
It wasn't the idea of morning that annoyed him. Nor was it the concept of actually getting out of the bed and leaving behind warmth, comfort and a really good sleep. He always enjoyed the feeling of leisurely rising and soaking in the bright morning sunshine or the quiet drops of rain, whatever choice the day made of its attire. However, this morning was not at all peaceful or comforting. Instead, his awareness of time reverberated in his head with a pounding realization that he was late. Not again, man . . . he thought at he shoved the blankets aside, scrubbed the night embers of sleep away and stumbled to the bathroom. No, it wasn't even annoyance today. It was more like exasperation at his inability to react to his alarm clock appropriately and the fact that this was not the good start to his day.
Johnny completed cleaning up and quickly put on the uniform that was already at home. At least it would save him a few minutes once he was at the station. Grabbing his keys and slamming the door behind, he ran down the flight of stairs of his apartment. Jumping into his Rover, he quickly strapped the lap belt and kicked the vehicle into high gear, joining the throng of traffic which was moving very slowly.
He let out a deep breath and looked up at the dawn breaking over the horizon of buildings in the current city sprawl. As was his routine before every shift, he wondered what kind of day it would be and how much trouble he'd find among the possible calls of the impending shift. His stomach growled at that moment and then he wondered if someone remembered donuts today.
Hank stretched over to reach for the cake donut from the dozen that Joanne graciously sent in with Roy. He glanced at the wall clock and noticed that his youngest crew member still hadn't arrived.
"Roy, any word on John?" he queried.
Roy looked out into the bay swallowing his mouthful of donut. "Nothing, Cap."
"He's probably still dreaming about the newest nurse he couldn't get a date with last week," Chet piped in while retrieving his second cup of coffee.
Hank shook his head and dismissed Chet's comment, as usual. "Well, whatever the reason, it better be good. He's really pushing it."
Hank didn't like to reprimand his crew. They were good men and worked well together. His style of leadership was firm yet fair, but in a way he hoped the men would respect. He valued each of them for their unique personalities and always enjoyed mentoring John. He was proud of his paramedic team as they always set high standards for the entire fire department. John and Roy were the consummate professionals and both strong rescue men. He couldn't have a better team. Just as he was pushing away from the table, the focus of his morning thoughts came through the door.
"Sorry, Cap. . .I don't why but I really slept through my alarm. Man, I'm gonna have to get a new one, I guess," Johnny quickly explained with a pensive and breathless voice.
"Look, John, why don't you take over latrine duty this week and make that your reflecting time to ponder just how you'll avoid this in the future. Okay, pal?"
"Sure, Cap, sure," Johnny responded with some relief.
Chet sauntered behind Johnny and grabbed the last crème-filled donut. "Too bad, Johnny. Guess some porcelain meditation will do you some good!"
Johnny didn't let his look of disappointment show on his face as he watched his favorite donut pass by him. "Chet, lay off, man," was all he said.
Hank stood up and picked up his coffee mug. "Gentlemen, let's get settled in and . . . "
The tones sounded and dispatch changed Hank's order of business. The squad was called out on a "woman down" response. He handed the slip to Roy and watched as the squad rolled out into the morning sunlight.
"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." (anonymous Chicago firefighter)