Lucky to be a Firefighter

Everyday I thank God for this wonderful opportunity to be a firefighter.   First it is an honor to serve my community with pride and joy.  Some days are hard, but the satisfaction outweighs the bad parts of our jobs.  But in the past few weeks I have had the wonderful feeling of working with some of the most giving people in this world.  One of our brothers has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and his coworkers have pulled together to work his shifts for 18 weeks till long term disability kicks in.  Now there are not many workers in America that would work for free 24 hour shifts for one of their coworkers, but the fire service is different.  Yes we are different, but very giving. 

Now today I have learned that one of our other brothers will be going off work for two months on sick leave. No, this one is not a life threatening disease for him, but his mother.  She is in need of a kidney transplant and yes our own Captain Clay Hollister is going to give his mother that kidney she needs. This should not surprise me, but what a move this is to once again put his life on the line to save another human being.  Clay has always been one of those guys that would do anything for someone else.  This is one of the most special things I have heard in a long time.  We are all very proud of Clay for his courage and willingness to sacrifice a part of him for his mother.  On July 11^th Clay will be having surgery to remove one of his kidneys. We wish Clay and his mother the best of luck and will be praying for you. 

We as firefighter rely on one another everyday to help protect our communities.  But these are the reasons we put our lives on the line everyday and trust one another to save each other when something goes wrong.  It is great feeling to have God, a wonderful family, and to be serving with such wonderful brothers and sisters of the fire service.

Fraternally,

Rick Nason

President PPFFU