I hope you find a quiet moment tomorrow to count the blessings in your life. Family and friends are as important as the air we breathe and the food we eat — life would be difficult without them. We should be thankful for each person in our life’s circle.
You in the fire and emergency services frequently meet people in the bad moments of their lives. Those moments sometimes stay with you and hopefully make you more aware of the blessings in your own lives. Your thanksgivings are probably more frequent than the rest of the population.
When I thought back on this year, I found many things to be thankful for within the fire service.
I’m thankful that fire service organizations and the fire and emergency service industry have worked together more than any other year, speaking with one voice to government agencies and congressional leaders.
I’m thankful for two chiefs who are right where the fire service needs them: FEMA Director Dave Paulison and U.S. Fire Administration Director Greg Cade.
I’m thankful that the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s 16 Life-Safety Initiatives and Everyone Goes Home campaigns still are being promoted actively across America.
I’m thankful that the IAFF’s Redmond Symposium was held in Chicago, which allowed me to hear speakers talk about apparatus safety and health issues, among other topics.
I’m thankful for the people who donate food to fire departments for the firefighters who have to work on Thanksgiving Day (and work they do).
I’m thankful that the National Volunteer Fire Council’s aggressive Heart Healthy education program is trying to change the fire service one heart at a time.
I’m thankful that the IAFC’s Near-Miss Reporting System exists and that John Tippett is willing to travel and teach classes about this program.
I’m thankful that Billy Goldfeder and The Secret List deliver in-your-face information about firefighter and first-responder injuries and fatalities anywhere in the world.
I’m thankful for chiefs and officers who aren’t afraid to step up and support fire prevention, safety, vehicle maintenance, and health and fitness.
I’m thankful that volunteer fire departments still exist and members are willing to leave their Thanksgiving dinners to respond to calls from neighbors in trouble.
Whether you are with family and friends, working or on call, have a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving Day.
