As a third-generation firefighter and having grown up around firefighters and in firehouses, I have seen first-hand the caliber and character of people my father and uncles worked with, their love for each other and commitment to their communities during the time when America was burning and firefighter deaths were at an all-time high. I knew early in my life that there was nothing more in the world that I wanted to be a part of. These firefighters were my idols and every decision I have ever made in my life has had their echoes buried in the basis of that decision, and today I still stand in awe of the silent impact these men and woman from my youth have had in who I am today.
It was their resounding echo that brought me to my computer, and it was in their spirit that I wrote my recent article “Erosion of the Brotherhood.” In that article I called all firefighters to be Guardians of our “Brotherhood,” that elusively indescribable essence that forms the internal force that unites our profession and that drives us forward while others flee; the essence that also provides the idealistic nobility in which we use to justify our sacrifices and commitment.
Did I see this erosion because of my age being in conflict with the changing times? Was it because I had become one of “those guys” whose age and grumpiness had combined with my insistent reflection upon the “good old days?” Was I becoming an “old timer” holding onto a belief that may or may not have ever existed in reality, but only in my interpretation of what that reality was? Had my memory just become foggy to a nostalgia that never existed, or maybe it did, only that it now had metamorphosed into something I no longer recognized or just simply refused to recognize?
No matter what the motivation may have been, the article did in fact become a reality and its publishing generated a magnificent response, which was as motivating as it was surprising and shocking; however, it was also reinforcing. No matter what “my” interpretation of what the “Brotherhood” is or what my belief in what the problem may be, since its publishing it has become apparent that something is off in the fire service. It has become obvious that others feel passionate enough about this subject that the article was shared over 1,000 times and generated a significant amount of feedback that was both equally positive and negative. The point here is not my writing ability, or whether the article was liked or disliked, appreciated or shunned, accepted or rejected, but enough people felt strongly enough to voice and/or share their opinion. This was universally something that touched a very personal nerve with many.
The basis for my “arrogance” and supposed “enlightenment” to write such an article did not come from any personal belief in having any expertise in the subject or my belief that I was the epitome of the Brotherhood myself. All I know is what the perception of the firefighters of my youth was and how those men and women shaped who I am through their unknowing mentorship back then. I know what was in my eyes and heart when I walked through the firehouse doors the first time. I know the personal struggles I have had over the years holding onto that belief and continuing the pursuit of molding myself after the great people I remember, and I know the differences I have been able to make holding onto this belief. Now with over 18 years in the fire service I have watched that same look and hope that shone brightly in the eyes and manifested itself in the actions of so many of rookies I have observed coming in the door, only to be snuffed out and replaced with the eyes and actions of now disgruntled and disillusioned “employees.” Something was obviously there when we started, and something was lost along the way. I simply felt that something had to be said.
The “Brotherhood” is a force that is obviously present. You can call it what you want to, but it is more than apparent that there is a personal belief, drive, a personal code and a set of ethics, that not only brought us into the fire service, but which we also desire to be the fire service. This is not debatable. Think about it. What other force would cause a human being whose very nature is designed for self-preservation and survival to abandon that ingrained natural response in pursuit to saving another at great personal risk? Folks, it is humanely unnatural to expose oneself to danger that will result in bodily harm and death. The ability and desire to overcome this very natural self-preservation response comes from another area of the human psyche, which must be strong enough to override nature itself. You may call this what you want, but I define it as “Brotherhood.”
Why did I choose “Brotherhood?” Because this overriding desire of which I speak is the common bond shared by a very few; and sadly as our society reforms itself more and more into that of abstract individuality where bystanders would rather record a tragedy on their cell phones than get involved and/or call 911, it only serves to demonstrate that this quality is unique. I define that quality into the term “Brotherhood.” That need, that desire, that pursuit, and that unquenchable need to fill it, is what called you to this career and to the front doors of the firehouse your first rookie day.
Now take a moment and think about what it was that brought you to the realization that it is the fire service that can fill this need? Why not become a doctor? Why not a police officer or a teacher? Why not another profession that makes a difference and encompasses helping and saving others? Because somewhere, sometime, along your life’s journey you saw a firefighter in action, and maybe even had the life-altering privilege of meeting and knowing one in person, and you may have decided then that is what you wanted to do and what you wanted to be.
Define it as you will, but it is there. It has to be. Everyday firefighters leave the station rushing towards the unknown and not knowing if they will return simply because Ms. Smith is in need of help. Suddenly, Ms. Smith, the stranger, becomes more important than your own health and safety (yes, considering risk management), more important than your children and family, more important than your future. You expose yourself to extreme risk to save Ms. Smith who is a woman you never met, and you hold your ground as the world disintegrates around you for not only Ms. Smith, but because the person next to you who shares the same desire for Ms. Smith’s well being is counting on you to be there.
That is a bond, that is an inner drive, that is an inner belief, and that is shared be a very few. Call it what you want, but I call it “Brotherhood,” and the character and trust that composes the glue that keeps it all together is cracking because of what we are accepting and allowing to occur within our ranks. When a “Brother” steals, abuses alcohol and drugs, is inappropriate with spouses and significant others, tries to beat or manipulate the system, cheats, lies, prides themselves on achieving the minimum in all they do, then their ability and willingness to go into hell and stand their ground by your side and override their natural need for self-preservation is significantly put into question. When that occurs everything that brings and holds us together that allows us to accomplish the extremes that we are tasked with begins to breakdown. Then we are just another job with a paycheck.
Yes, call it what you will but it is there. Seek it out in yourself and define it as you want. But find it, hold onto it, and stay true to it every day whether you are in or out of uniform because to your friends and neighbors you are no longer “John, Joan, or Bill” you are “John, Joan, or Bill” the Firefighter, and if the public catches wind of what is brewing in our closet then we will no longer be the blindly trusted professionals they allow into their homes and trust with their deepest secrets in their darkest hours; that they trust with their lives, their livelihood, and that of their loved ones. If that happens, our community suffers and the dreams and hopes of our children, who look at fire trucks as chariots carrying knights in shining armor, begin to fade and doubt sets in. We have to hold our ground, police our ranks, and get back to that inner belief and calling. Everything depends on it.
Next time you see a young child emulating socially obnoxious pop icons like Paris Hilton or Justin Bieber, or wearing the sports uniform of unethical athletes, or pawning over some immoral Hollywood “star,” or transfixed on the pathetic reality TV shows, really give some thought as to where our society and our future is heading and where you, as a firefighter, stand in position to alter that and make a difference.
Take a look at your department, your family, your community, and the future you hope for and then decide who you are and who you want to be. Guardians make a difference – employees get a paycheck.
DANIEL BYRNE, a Firehouse.com contributing editor, is a firefighter/paramedic, with the Burton, SC, Fire District. A 20-year veteran of the emergency services, he holds both an associate and bachelors degree in fire science, is a National Fire Academy Alumni, and a veteran of the Desert Shield/Storm war with the U.S. Marine Corps. Daniel is the recipient of local and state awards for public educations and relations. Daniel is moderator of the Fire Prevention and Life Safety forums on Firehouse.com. You can reach Daniel by e-mail at [email protected].
