Loss and a lesson

  http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/news/fullstory/newsid/138955
Indiana Firefighter Killed

   Before saying anything at all, I want to express my sorrow and sympathy with the family of the Indiana firefighter killed in the Line of Duty today, and say that my heart goes out to the Muncie Fire Department.

   As firefighters, we are all aware of the fact that we place our lives on the line every time that apparatus bay door rolls up. We hear the stories, we watch the news, and every time we see another headline about a downed firefighter, we whisper a thankful prayer that it wasn't us. But in all reality, all too often we maintain that "hero" mentality; the subconscious voice telling us that, yes, 87 firefighters were killed last year, and 93 were killed the year before that. But it can't happen to me, right? After all, this isn't Backdraft, right? I work in a small, suburban department...people don't get killed in my town....
   Any soldier will tell you that the military has a catch phrase; "Complacency kills". The fire service is no different. We occasionally forget to wear our gloves at accident scenes, don't bother with an SCBA mask for CO calls, and sometimes don't wear our seatbelts. I'm guilty of it on occasion, as are most people I know. However...the fact remains that yes indeed; Complacency. Does. Kill.
   The story linked to above (you can find more details here) is a reminder, one of dozens throughout the year, that no matter how many times we return from a call, crack open a cold one, and turn on the TV, all it takes is one wrong call, one missed step, one second of distraction to change, or worse, end, our lives.
Firefighter Close Calls  is a site that tracks emergency services Line of Duty deaths from across the country. The statistics are sobering, to say the least. Many of these deaths and injuries are unavoidable: the bottom line remains, fighting fire is a dangerous occupation. But many of these accidents CAN be avoided. Many are caused by a lack of paying attention, whether on the training ground or at a scene. Many are caused by caused by circumstances which are NOT out of our control, and each one of these deaths is a tragedy beyond words.
  I'm not sure where this post is heading, besides an urgent, heartfelt reminder to my brother and sister responders out there: BE CAREFUL! Pay attention at drills, because the skills you learn could save your life. Be aware at each and every call; whether it's a simple medical or a ripping structure fire. Wear your proper PPE for every single smoke alarm call, because you never know when it'll be the real deal. Remember to kiss your wives and kids goodnight before leaving for that routine assignment.
   NEVER. BECOME. COMPLACENT.
   We can save our families the heartache of losing the one they love. We can save ourselves from making a mistake that will cost the world another firefighter. Remember, it's always better to be an old, cranky retiree, than to be a young, dead hero. Keep your cool, focus on the job, and stay safe out there, folks!