Well, I finally did it. I finally switched to another volunteer department. With me moving in the very near future, I was planning on just taking a break from it all. I was looking forward to just have a few months or so not having to worry about responding on calls. Well, this has all changed. And not only changed, but I may have well just jumped in a volcano! Despite many peoples warnings and concern, I joined another department, but it's not exactly the closest. The place I now call home is Lyndora VFD. I was asked to help out and bring some experience and possibly some leadership to this department. We'll see how it works out. I guess I can just say that I'm taking it one day at a time. The one great benefit I'll be getting out of it...it's a truck company! There's a small part of me that really wanted to be a part of a ladder company and get some experience with how they operate. Very soon, I'll be finding out! The funny thing about this whole deal is, how quickly it all went into effect. I just went to one of Lyndora's meetings to check things out, next thing I know I'm being voted in! I'm not really complaining, but damn things were moving quick. And leaving Mercer Road was bitter sweet. It's where I started my firefighting career. Over 10 years of volunteer service to them. But that all came to a screetching halt, and then it happens. I respectfully discussed the issue with the chief, and I thought things were all good, and there were no hard feelings. Appearently not the case...or at least that wasn't the "vibe" I was getting. The other night, I walked in to hand in my pager and key, and he barely looked at me. This was the same guy that was understanding that I'm moving across town, and it's not mine, or the stations best interest for me to continue serving with them. Well, the other night when I turned in those things, right there in front of me, he was giving away my old gear. Now really, it didn't bother me, cause I was leaving anyways. But the way he did it, I felt betrayed. I don't know...maybe I'm not seeing it clearly. Maybe I misunderstood. But, considering the person, and the history. I'm pretty sure it was done with the intent of making a statement. Sadly for him, he may have just ended his "reign" because there were others who thought the same as I did. Again, really I could care less he did what he did. But I thought he was a better person than that. On a brighter note, I look forward to learning what I can learn, and hopefully this helps me become knowledgable in yet, another aspect of firefighting. Because what I do know is, ladder truck operations are much, much different than anything I've ever done! More to follow I'm sure.
