Last night I crossed the Thin Blue Line by speaking before 150 police officers at a meeting of The New York State Shields. What fascinated me about the evening were the stories behind a number of Hero Awards that were presented and how the fire service achieved a mention in each of them. Not necessarily a thank you, but at least a mention.
Its strange how there always seems to be this underlying rivalry and sometimes downright hostility when PD and FD are on site at the same scene. Yet by listening to these stories it becomes quickly apparent that during our worst times of crisis as well as theirs one cannot succeed without the other.
I was never a fan of empty suit, corporate buzz words or jargon. I have attended numerous meetings where this special language of the for profit world is used.
I was never of big fan of playing golf. I’ve played in the past but I find it kind of boring and frustrating to take part in. The main reason though that my trips to the links are currently at naught is the pressure I feel teeing off on the first hole.
I read with amazement a story that appeared in the Sunday edition of the New Haven Register titled Volunteer firefighting is the real deal, but fewer answer the call. Some of the reader comments regarding the story make it crystal clear to me that public perception of both paid and volunteer departments still lacks understanding. Many folks are downright hostile about who we are or what our motivation is to be a member of the fire service.
The intricacies of what we do in the fire service can seem alien to many reporters who cover us. Can we actually tackle this lack of expertise without making the journalist feel like we are questioning their lack of knowledge in firematic matters? 
In the fire service we are in a business of numbers – Engine 3, Battalion Two, there were 14 people left homeless by the fire; we answered 3,000 alarms last year. I must admit that at times I wonder what the appropriate way to convey a number in print copy is.
