Hurry, Scurry

It's hard to explain to those who haven't experienced the same sensation, but it takes some getting used to, I'll tell you. One minute you're sleepily enjoying the first sips of coffee and tucking into a bowl of granola, than BAM.

So it is that my beeper goes off at breakfast.

Here's something most people don't know, because the thought never crosses their mind - When you burn your toast and your fancy fire alarm goes off, summoning help from the fire department, THEY OFTEN HAVE TO WAKE US UP.

I'm not complaining about this, mind you, (well, Ok a tiny bit) just trying to educate the general public that your local FD probably is NOT a bunch of guys sitting around a room on bad used furniture watching reruns of 'Rescue 911'. A good portion of this country is staffed by Call or Volunteer departments, not by (badly paid) career personnel. We have to jump out of bed, drop what we're doing, find the car keys, navigate traffic (boy those red lights sure help), get to the station, get on our gear, get in the truck and drive to your house.

So, imagine you're in some giant spy plane with x-ray specs high up over my town when someone sets off their alarm, or (more rarely) actually lights their house on fire. It'd be kind of funny to see lots of little people suddenly jumping about, running around and dashing through town to get to the station - all for YOU.

I can still feel the adrenaline in my veins 30 minutes later. Or maybe its the caffeine.

So, next time you pick up the phone or burn the toast give a thought to the poor schlepps that are scurrying to your aid.