I really like working with our local fire departments. I serve as the chaplain for 3 depts.: Ashland, Campton/Thornton, and Waterville Valley. The people are great, fun to be with, and so committed.
When any of us have an emergency, there’s such security in being able to call 911 and knowing that help will be there.
Until I started working with these groups, I didn’t realize how much dedication, commitment, training, and expertise the firefighters and EMS people have. Most small towns have volunteer departments. These folks have other jobs, and serve their communities – all of us because they want to and because they like it. When called, they show up day after day, night after night – to provide safekeeping and help. They spend time training each week. It takes special people to give that much of their time and energy to their communities.
I wanted to help my departments more than just being their chaplain. I wanted to be able to pitch in and respond to calls. And I wanted to know more about their jobs and responsibilities. My solution has been to take an Emergency Medical Responder class at the Ashland Fire Dept. This is the first level of training in the EMS system. Each week, 15 of us gather for 3 1/2 hours on one or two nights to learn and to be trained.
Today is Saturday and for the past 4 – 5 hours I’ve been at the station learning CPR. We had lots of fun practicing the various procedures on the mannequins – both adult and infant. It’s reassuring to know how to help people when needed – instead of standing by and being helpless.
My grandsons are really impressed that I get to hang out with firefighters, EMT’s, and especially to ride in the fire trucks. I like riding in the fire trucks, too.
