According to Websters Dictionary, pride is defined as “the quality or state of being proud”. This term pride has been thrown around a lot in the fire service and in firehouses and for good reasons.

Since I joined the fire service many years ago, it was ingrained in me to mop the floors when dirty, take out the trash when the can was full and ensure the kitchen, living quarters and bathrooms were spotless.

We make sure our apparatus, our PPE and tools are kept in working order so when the bell rings, we’re ready to go. We train as hard and as often as we can, so when we arrive on scene we can perform like championship athletes ready to go on the big stage under the lights. When we meet the public, we make sure our uniforms are squared away and we look like a unified well oiled machine in hopes of making an impression on the children who want to emulate us one day.

Why do we do all of this? I’ll tell you. For the love of the job. For those we answer the call with each and every day. For these men and women are no longer strangers from all walks of life but forever family. For the service to the residents of the community. For those who laid the ground work before us to make this firehouse more than a house because in the end, this place isn’t a house it’s a home. In the end, this is pride. This is firehouse pride.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.