This past Tuesday evening I had the opportunity to do a ride a long with the Leesburg Volunteer Firefighters. I arrived shortly before 7:00pm met Tom, my "sponsor" for the night. He then introduced me to everyone, had me sign the waiver, explained the rules and then walked me through the Firehouse. After getting the tour we stepped back out into the garage and the little boy in me jumped out wanting to see the fire engines. I have had the privilege of seeing some pretty cool things in my life ranging from a ride on the USS Ogden(LPD-5), Amtrak, UH-60 Black Hawk and a CH-53 Helicopter, but I have never been up close to a Fire Engine. It is literally a battle station that houses numerous tools for almost any occasion allowing the firefighter to save the day. The Tiller Fire Truck is a modern day super hero's utility belt with gadgets ranging from power drills to the infamous "Jaws of Life".
Tom had taken me through the truck, explaining each and every part, I walked along and uttered the phrase "Awesome" or "Cool" every 2 steps. I was truly transported back to the 5 year-old boy that was pushing his plastic firetruck through the grass to save the day. After the tour of the truck we ate dinner and I watched the comradeship of the firefighters as they interacted with one another. Dinner led to drills which from an onlookers point of view was simple hose work, but the reality it is learning to control the pressure, weight and unpredictability that is water.
The mood goes from mundane drilling to an absolute adrenaline rush with the bell sounding and the engine being called to work. I moved as quickly as I could without appearing over anxious or excited to ride along in the "jump" seat. I anchored down into the seat, put the head phones on and sat there watching the streets open to the roaring engine and lights. We pull into the call I jump out and move to the assigned position of non-interference watching as these heroes calmly, and quickly go into action. Each man moves into his assigned position, without hesitation expecting the unknown. This is truly where you see these IT specialist, college students, insurance salesmen and bankers run into the unknown to protect our community.
The call winds down and we head back to the firehouse. The night is ending for me, but for them it will wind down with them sleeping through the night answering the calls as needed. I encourage each of you reading to thank your local firefighters, and if you're in Loudoun County to remember that about 50% of the firefighters are volunteer. Their reward is in the comradeship, brotherhood and knowing they did what was necessary when we call them into action. Thank you for all you do in keeping our community safe.
Your friend in Health and Fitness,
Dr. Jonathan Smith
