CISM Course Part 1

I just returned from my CISM Course Part 1. CISM = Critical Incident Stress Management. Its Part 1 and tomorrow we have Part 2.

I walked away from the course knowing just a little more about firefighting, fireman and of course, Critical Incident Stress Management. Its cool to be sitting in the same room with 8 other firemen. 8 unsung heros... some of these heros have been fire fighting for 26 years ! That is way before I was born ! Adam and I jumped at the opportunity to take a walk around the firehall. ( Even though ESS is just next to it, in the same building, its not often we get to walk that section ! ) We saw our Fire Chief, his picture from 1978 ! then 1982, and now 2005. Wow... is all we can say... Adam and I couldn't stop smiling..It was EXCITING !

See their pictures from 20 years ago, I felt a warm fuzzy feeling in me. A special kind of heart-warming smile. Here I am sitting next to the guy whose picture I just saw on the wall ( 20 years younger ). One thing i know.. is that they might have grown JUST A BIT older but there is a certain smile and sparkle in their eyes, one can see that the fire-fighters are there because they love their job.... they are still young at heart, some fufilling their childhood ambitions, all with a passion to help and save lives... ( sound cliche I know.. but its true ). Little do they know that they have inspired thousands of little boys and SOME girls to be fire-fighters.

I met just 8 of a special group of people. Putting out fires and saving lives in rain or shine. l appreciate their dedication to their job. It is one of bravery, hard work, and risk taking. Stay Safe and may God Bless their good hearts.

Nesxt time you see a Yellow Fire Truck from the City of Victoria whezzing by you on the roads. Smile, wish them luck and pray for them because you know you cannot do without them.