Released

    "Released to Respond." Three simple words. One huge accomplishment. Last night was my interview to be released to respond to emergency calls. Yes, I am still a total newb, and I know I have so much yet to learn, but I have taken the first step. I am trying to maintain a mature, adult demeanor through all of this, but what I really want to do is jump up and down, and yell, "Imma be a Fireman! IMMA BE A FIREMAN!!!" The only thing at this point that keeps me from crowing it from the rooftops, plastering it all over every social media I can think of, and grabbing complete strangers to share my exultation, is that I don't want my officers to chastise me for lack of discretion. It is tough reining myself in. Maybe the thrill will wear off once I have been rousted from my bed in the middle of the night a few times, and had to drag myself into work sleep-deprived and loopy. Or maybe it will never wear off. I hope it never wears off. I want to cherish this feeling of accomplishment and triumph. I want to keep my childlike thrill for fire engines and turnout gear. This is truly one of the coolest things I have ever done, a Grand Adventure that will continue on as long as my body can hold out. This is the Adventure of a Lifetime.