Where firefighters come to talk training

What inspired you?

I want to say right up front that I am not a Firefighter. I am a commercial Director and am producing a commercial for a Firefighting school in Winter Haven Florida. I want to inspire potential students, and find the core of what makes you do what you do. I have watched the movies, read the blogs andtried to understand, but I still haven't found what feels right. I believe in doing my homework, and in this case, that homework is asking you. The images are easy, but the words need to be true. I don't want one Firefighter to watch this commercial and not believe what is being said. I want to assure all of you that my intentions are genuine, and once I finish the spot I will post it on the video page.I have four questions, I think can shed some light on this for me. The first was asked in Ladder 49, that was never really answered.1. "What makes you run into a fire when everyone else is running away?"2. Was there speeches on your graduation day that have stayed with you over the years?3. What words would you have for those about to walk into a station for their first day?
4. Standing at the high bay door your first day looking into the Fire House, just before you walked in,
tell me how you felt, what did you tell yourself.
I would like to thank all of you for the jobs that you do, for taking the time to read this.May the good Lord protect each and every one of you.Best Regards,
John Pivovarnik

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Permalink Reply by Shawn Tibbitts on April 6, 2009 at 11:05pm

I would recommend reading Chief Lasky's Pride and Ownership for starters, its a fantastic book. Your first question cant really be answered, its a different reason for each person. Its kinda like asking whats the meaning of life. (2) I think one speech that stayed with me was how my Chief mentioned how we truly are an extension to family with strong bond. That is vary true the "brotherhood" is strong. I recently had the privilege to stop by a few fire houses in Columbus OH its amazing how guys you have never meet before invite you in and you can talk to them like you have known them for years. (3) Words of advice to new guys I think "leather head" said it best with his 10 things every rookie should know. (check it out) If I couldn't quote leather head I would say " This is the greatest job in the world and the greatest guys, shut up and listen to the guys and dont screw it up." (4) I was so excited it was honestly a dream come true. I had worked to get my job for years, their was nothing else I wanted to do. It was a realization that my dream came true, and I had no idea what I got my self into:) During the training portion however I can honestly say I thought I was gonna die at least a dozen times, but I didnt and those were just fears getting brought out and overcome. If I could sum up the fire service in a few words I would say PRIDE....BROTHERHOOD...HONOR.... & TRUST. This isn't really a job its a privilege and an honor.
I hope this helped. Its hard for someone to try to sum up why, when its just what we do.
Take care

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