35 and a half years. I'm ready. Simply mentally drained and substantially physically tired too. I'm ready to go but find myself looking around at my station and thinking back to sooooooo many memories, good and bad. I started clearing my locker today and found the Gym back my Dad bought for me to take to USAF Boot Camp (Essentially the start of my Firefighting career) I have had many people tell me...."You are too young to retire!!" In my career, I have known at least three dozen guys and one gal who have passed away while on the job or within 2-3 years from retirement. I'm going to the viewing of a good friend tomorrow. I have always told people that it's the intangibles of being a Firefighter where the real stress comes from. Every second of every shift, we are in a mentality of IMMEDIATE readiness. We cannot have people leave a message........Schedule an appointment.........Respond sometime between Noon and 3 PM the next business day. There's no stretching when you jump up at 2 AM and your heart rate has just jumped from 70-80 beats to 120+ in the second the alarm sounds. Sometimes 5+ times after Midnight (13 times is my record) . The strain of a shift does not care what has happened in your personal life. Being a Fireman is not forgiving to the body....BUT.....It has been very rewarding. I have worked with MANY fine people. I'm especially fond of my Firefighting days in the USAF. LOL It has enhanced my desire to tell jokes (Humor is a MUST) Will I miss it all?? Yes and no. I can say that I am retiring satisfied that I gave my all and proud of my time as a Firefighter.
