The three structure fires at the end of October in southern Douglas County and within a 24 hour period, all seemed to go well. Once
again we demonstrated our ability to manage incidents such as these as a team. Both volunteer personnel and career staff worked well together and as a team. The radio
traffic was held to a minimum, which is outstanding. Incident management, from what I am hearing, went very well, and crews worked hard. This continues to be a hallmark
example of our ability and desire to provide public safety.
We are fast approaching the holiday season. With that season comes a time of joy and happiness for most, but for some it can be a very lonely time. Yup, even here in
Douglas County.
Many years ago, when I was on a box, or actually it was a van back then, I remember going on a medical call; 70’ish year old man, unable to walk, with shortness of
breath. This was our third trip to this residence for the day. It was Christmas Day. What we found was in fact a man in his 70’s, who was confined to a wheel chair. His
vitals were good and there was no shortness of breath. After explaining to the man that he could not keep calling us, he negotiated a deal with us. It was now obvious why
he was calling. He was lonely. Since it was Christmas, he confessed that all he really wanted was to share a beer with someone and talk. So, with the rescue placed in
service and available parked outside his apartment, we sat with this man at his small kitchen table, and yup, shared a beer. He only had one and one beer between four
people, doesn’t go that far. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with doing what is right. No, I am certainly not advocating that the consumption of alcohol while on
duty is sometimes acceptable. Times do change and it certainly is not acceptable, but kindness and giving a few moments of time to those who might be alone during the
holidays is.
