Feeling Bittersweet.

[mn_smokeater]

Last night I turned in my Turnout gear and Radio/pager closing out 6+years of being a Volunteer Firefighter.

It was due to a few reasons namely my health situation and not wanting to be a liability to my guys.

I have a open invite to come back anytime when I'm able.

It was a dream of mine to be a Firefighter since I was a kid and a push towards doing so was people saying "You Cant do that" because of my Cerebral Palsy. I'm proud I was able to get on many fires and make some saves. Even if I'm never able to go back I have things to show for it but still I feel a sadness.

I found some dates.

2004 started as an Explorer at Bemidji Fire Department
2005-2006 Explorer Captain Then Chief
11/17/06 Joined Solway Rural Volunteer Fire Department on my 18th Birthday.
05/03/06 Started as a Smokechaser with the Minnesota DNR
8/6/12 Separated from Fire Dept.

 

[Insanejughead]

You served our country more honorably than I did during my years in the Air Force.


You know you saved some lives... Be proud to have done so!

 

[straycat]

Last night I turned in my Turnout gear and Radio/pager closing out 6+years of being a Volunteer Firefighter.

It was due to a few reasons namely my health situation and not wanting to be a liability to my guys.

I have a open invite to come back anytime when I'm able.

It was a dream of mine to be a Firefighter since I was a kid and a push towards doing so was people saying "You Cant do that" because of my Cerebral Palsy. I'm proud I was able to get on many fires and make some saves. Even if I'm never able to go back I have things to show for it but still I feel a sadness.

I found some dates.

2004 started as an Explorer at Bemidji Fire Department
2005-2006 Explorer Captain Then Chief
11/17/06 Joined Solway Rural Volunteer Fire Department on my 18th Birthday.
05/03/06 Started as a Smokechaser with the Minnesota DNR
8/6/12 Separated from Fire Dept.

You did 6 + years, Bro!!! I am proud of you. And you have Cerebral Palsy, Bro? Way to go!!! We give every year to our local Volunteer Fire Department. These guys get no salary. We as a community take the time to bring over food and hold a fund raiser once in awhile for them. The looks on these guys faces when people come over to say hello and to say thanks is so incredible to behold. We bought three Kindle Ebooks for their library 2 years ago. Another family bought a 50 inch HD tv for their break room. Yea!!! If there is a family to save, or a house to save or a pet to be saved...we can count on them. Now, don't get me wrong...we have a local fire department as well. They as great too. They are paid by the county and work just as hard as well. But guys who do this for no pay really rule!!!

 

[shane96ranger]

You didn't serve my community, but I still give you a big thanks for serving our country. Firefighters are often unsung heroes. They do a lot of things people don't realize.

Thank you!

 

[doorgunner]

Just suppose that God gave you the opportunity to do what others dream of!
My son wanted to be like you, but an Illegal Mexican killed him before he was able to sign up for the Training School. I'm proud of you for the years you put in...I know my son is proud of you....

I bet Jesus has more plans for you!!!!!

 

[robertc1024]

I know you're not asking for any sympathy, but one of my dear friends has CP. That sucks balls. On the other hand, one of my boy's best friends is a volunteer fire fighter. His dad works for the Austin fire department. His mom is a captain in the local VFD. Those people are the best.

 

[mn_smokeater]

Thank You guys.

DG It may well have been Blake watching over me in spirit a few times when things got interesting.

 

[bobbywalter]

Last night I turned in my Turnout gear and Radio/pager closing out 6+years of being a Volunteer Firefighter.

It was due to a few reasons namely my health situation and not wanting to be a liability to my guys.

I have a open invite to come back anytime when I'm able.

It was a dream of mine to be a Firefighter since I was a kid and a push towards doing so was people saying "You Cant do that" because of my Cerebral Palsy. I'm proud I was able to get on many fires and make some saves. Even if I'm never able to go back I have things to show for it but still I feel a sadness.

I found some dates.

2004 started as an Explorer at Bemidji Fire Department
2005-2006 Explorer Captain Then Chief
11/17/06 Joined Solway Rural Volunteer Fire Department on my 18th Birthday.
05/03/06 Started as a Smokechaser with the Minnesota DNR
8/6/12 Separated from Fire Dept.

your right to feel like you do. c/p? your beyond me brother.(i assume your male sorry if not)

thank you for serving us all this way, i hope you move quickly to the next thing and keep on going bud. fire/police/emt is some rough work for a myriad of reasons...running against the grain with c/p is down right incredible.

best to you and yours.

 

[97RangerXLT]

That is awesome that you were able to serve in that capacity. Pretty much every rural community is dependent upon a volunteer fire department, and it is not easy work. so while you may not have served on the front lines in Afghanistan or Iraq, you still stood in harms way to save American lives and property. Props out to you man.

AJ

 

[Mark_88]

Good that you got to live a bit of the dream...some never get that far...so relish what you did achieve and, of course, always work towards something else...

As for CP...pray for a cure or a miracle drug to control the symptoms...but I guess it would depend on what type you are afflicted with and what has already been covered...

And thanks for doing your part in protecting others...I'm sure your experience can be applied to something else...

 

[det107]

We have a local guy who was elected Chief a few years back & he has c.b.

I have a open invite to come back anytime when I'm able.

It appears that you are still capable !! As long you pass the physical & perform the needed task(s), you're good to go !!
I have to say "Thank You" for setting an example -