A December to Remember

The Sunday Preach

A December to Remember.

For several reasons, 'tragedy and loss' during the month of December always stings just a little deeper. In the line of work we are in, we know that all too well... we see 'tragedy' on a daily basis.  

Our beloved fire service is not immune either, with several line-of-duty deaths occurring during December. Most recently, a residential building fire that took the life of Philadelphia Fire Department's Firefighter Joyce Craig-Lewis, laid to rest yesterday. 

Remember our fallen comrades. Review their sacrifices. We owe them at least that much. But, in doing so, it is not so much about them per se, it's about YOU. What are you doing or not doing to improve you and your team?

Ch 1 of the book "25 to Survive: Reducing Residential Injury and LODD" is entitled: "It's all about me." Which, as we all well know.... in the beginning, in the middle and eventually at the end of your fire service careers: YOUR reputation, YOUR knowledge, passion, the technical and people skill set that comes with YOU... is all you will have on this job. 

What would YOU say about YOU? Where are YOU in YOUR firefighting career? What is YOUR fire service legacy?

In reading some news reports coming from Firefighter Craig-Lewis LODD these two stuck with me: "One PFD commander said Craig-Lewis “really had her s*** together.” “The best compliment a firefighter can be bestowed is that they’re a good firefighter,” he said. “Joyce was a good firefighter."

Be 'good', Be 'damn good'... but don't do it just for her, do it for YOU!  

Rest in peace Firefighter Craig-Lewis.

http://www.pennwellbooks.com/25-to-survive-reducing-residential-inj...