UNSUNG HEROES
Every now and then we should all take the time to reflect on some of the people who make our Department so great...
This month Battalion 14 salutes the people who make it happen 24/7. While many of us are pushing paperwork or other tasks that sometimes seem far from "what we came on to do" there are a solid core of members, the real workers, who make up the backbone of our Department.
These members used to be known as the "tailboard firefighter" but that description sells them short. Their job has evolved into one that is not only demanding but all to often thankless. Think you had it tough when you came on? You probably did. But our current "tailboard firefighters" have added responsibilities that we never dreamed of.
Back in the "good old days" many of us not only rode exclusively on either the Engine or the Truck but we actually had an assigned seat or position that never changed. Our firefighters now have to be ready at a moments notice to not only change apparatus but also assignments, often several times in the course of a single day. Flexibility is not only beneficial it is required.
A question to us veterans.... When was the last time that you rode on an 800 RA? Really? You never did? It's no walk in the park. The "tailboard firefighter" of today is required to not only "ride on the 800" but also to drive emergency and treat and transport patients with a multitude of ailments. After arriving at the hospital they must interact with hospital security, hospital administrators, hospital nurses and hospital doctors. Everything they do is scrutinized by their Station and EMS commanders and their is no room for failure or poor performance.
While us veterans are sawing logs and doing the "rollover" these members are running calls all night long. We kid them about how many they had after midnight but they are still out there running calls all night long. Sure, it's part of the job but it's a part that many of us never had.
And here's the rub, they get to do all of this and somehow find the time to continue to build their skills in Engine and Truck operations.
The Battalion 14 Commanders would like to take this opportunity to salute and thank this month's Unsung Heroes...the modern day "tailboard firefighter".
We're proud to serve with you.
