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Trial by Fire

When I was a young girl my home caught fire while my family was sleeping. My little brother died in the fire and my mother and sister were both burned. I was with EMT's when I found out that my brother had died. It was heartbreaking for me.
After having children of my own, I began volunteering as an EMT in my county. I then began to train for firefighting. So many times I experience flashbacks to being caught in a smoke filled room, or sensations of claustrophobia overcome me. At times I felt that the fire service might not be for me. Then I will have experiences that give me strength to keep working for what I believe in, and it gives me the opportunity to strive for better things from within.
I am proud to be a Firefighter/EMT. I am proud to serve my community, and to be there for others when I am needed. I know that as I persevere, and believe in myself I give courage to those around me. I receive strength from those who love and encourage me. One day, when I reach my goal and become a career firefighter, I will shake the hands of those firemen who saved my life and my home, and I will thank them, firefighter to firefighter as only we can understand. I will persevere.

Submitted by Kristin