14 years ago today I had the honor of becoming a Detroit Firefighter. I have been privileged to experience things most people never will.
To those who haven’t, I wish you could experience:

• the excitement of doing a job you love.
• the joy of helping someone in need.
• the self-confidence that facing down your fears gives.
• the sense of accomplishment of finishing a particularly challenging job.
• the high of rescue someone from certain death.
• how easy it is to forget stupid grudges when you have a daily reminder of how fragile life is.
• the joy and laughter that firehouses are filled with.
• being part of a family as large and loving as the Detroit Fire Department.
• the pride of being a Detroit Firefighter.

Happy Anniversary Class of 01-25-99!