A Clean Slate

 

As we move forward into the new year of 2002 it will be difficult at best not to let our thoughts slip back into 2001. I do not believe that any of us will ever be the same after September 11, 2001.

 

We must however look forward into 2002 with new hope and new resolve as members of the fire service. We should think of the new year as a shiny new clean slate we have been given.

 

As we stare down at this new empty slate, I would ask you to think about last year's and what you personally chose to do with it then.

 

The symbolism here is simple, and far greater folks then me have thought of it before...2002 is going to be whatever you make it or allow it to be.

 

Maybe you haven't been as excited about your career as when you first joined. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe you aren't as thorough as you used to be when you check equipment. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe you have become too negative in your workplace and with the department's top brass or your co-workers. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe you decide as individual member's of the fire service that we are seriously going to look to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries by 50%. I believe we will never get the death rate to much below 50 per year but we should damn well be trying. Many, ...way too many, of these deaths are preventable. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe you should spend more quality time with your family. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe you should call, visit or write more to old friends you don't see nearly enough. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe you have been a bit too cavalier about your "liberal" use of sick time. People count on you and that is not extra vacation time for Friday and Saturday nights. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe you have way too many swaps and personal time use. The members of your company need you there when you are supposed to be there. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe you have not been in the best of conditioning and you are one of the 58% of heart attacks we have on this job. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe you just haven't said Thank You or been as grateful as you could have been this year. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe you have dwelled on the things you did not have last year. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe you didn't realize that there are some folks who are not around any longer who don't get to have bad days at work any more. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe last year you didn't think that one person could make a difference in your department or the fire service in general. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Maybe last year you thought way too much about yourself rather than others. Make it different this year...do something about it.

 

Remember the key phrase at the end of each of these. It is going to take YOU to do something about it!

 

Have a Safe and Happy New Year !