I am often asked how I find the inspiration and material to write an article. Easy answer. Look around. There are thousands of topics to write on if you just put your cell phone down, pay attention to life in front of you, and live it to the fullest. So, how did I get the idea for this article? Well, I was surfing. And yes, it was an epic surf day. While I was paddling through the Atlantic Ocean, I thought about what I wanted to write for Firehouse’s 40th anniversary and what it means to me.
A few years ago, I received a call from a man who offered me an opportunity to be the keynote speaker at Firehouse Expo 2014. I had never met that man before. However, I liked him instantly because of his demeanor and attitude. Up to that point, I had only spoken in a public setting a few times regarding the June 18, 2007, incident that I was involved in where 9 firefighters lost their lives in Charleston, SC. However, that man said he believed that I could offer something different in a keynote address due to my experience with a line-of-duty death (LODD) incident, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and my education in organizational leadership and development. He also understood what drives true speakers—letting it all out from the heart and mind. He told me to go out there and “give it to them.” I laughed and said, “That I can do, sir.”
During the months before I spoke at Firehouse Expo, that man called a few times to check on me and to talk about the fire service. I enjoyed our conversations because I learned something during every one of them. He then offered me a chance to write for Firehouse Magazine, which I gladly accepted. In our discussions, that man told me to write for as many magazines and websites, and also to speak at as many conferences as I could, to pass on the lessons learned from the Charleston 9. That truly meant a lot to me when that man said this. He showed that he truly cared about the message, not just his brand.
Seven months later, that man sat on the stage of the opening ceremony of Firehouse Expo while I “gave it to them” with everything I had, in hopes of inspiring people to change their way of thinking. That man gave me an opportunity to be a part of the brand that he built over the last 40 years.
That man was Chief Harvey Eisner, and little did I know when I gave the keynote at Firehouse Expo, it would be one of his last opening ceremonies. I hope I did him proud. He took a chance on me, and for that I am truly thankful. Rest in Peace, Chief Harvey Eisner. Firehouse reached its 40th anniversary because of you.
