My Last Fire

Well yesterday was the last day for me at the firehouse before I go off to serve my country. This morning about 4:30am or so the call came in. We had a still at 5715 S. Damen. As we were rolling down the street, getting dressed in the rig, sirens going, horn blowing, I had that gut feeling we had a fire. Over the radio the alarm office gave the companies assigned to the Chief and assigned RIT companies. The engine reported on the scene and told the office they had a fire in a 1 &1/2 story frame building. As we pulled up we had flames coming from the back of the house with a pretty good amount of smoke. I jumped off the rig, put the outriggers out while my partner Mike got dressed and then we headed to the roof. It was all kind of surreal to me. Up on the roof we did what Mike had taught me to do over the last few years. Get the roof open so the guys inside get some relief. We cut some holes and as the smoke pushed out the openings we made I really got this was my last fire for now. The view up there was as great as it was the first time, only this time I was not as nervous or scared. Early morning, clear sky, sunrise just beginning, sitting on the peak chopping with yellow-orange flames licking around the eves, living my dream. When we were done we put the ladders back on the main, climbed into the basket and got ready to head back to the ground. Mike stood back from the controls and said, "Take us down Joe, this will probably be your last time." I may be promoted when I get back so it truly may be my last time on the roof. As I took us down, I choked back the tears and told Mike, thank you for teaching me the last few years, I've had a lot of fun here. When we got on the ground, I walked to the cab, took off my gear and put my tools back on the rig. When I turned around there were about six or seven guys in a line all taking their turns giving me a hug and wishing me safety. That was tough. This is my family. I just want to thank all of you guys for the last ten years on the CFD, all the stories, experiences, fires and forever jagging. Thank you to all the guys of E-123, TL-39, Batt-19, Ambo-8, E-116, Squad-5, E-88, E-129, T-50, Batt-20 and E-103 for all the good times over the years. I will miss you all while I am gone....but I will be back and Rocco I want Reubens my first day back damn it!!