Page 10 of Scarred Trust

“Yes, sir,” the crew responded, getting to the tasks they knew better than their own names.

“Wes, a word.”

“Sir?”

“I need your full focus on this. Any distractions need to be packed away for later. Do you understand?”

“Absolutely. I’m fully present and ready, sir.”

“Then get out there and show them how it’s done.”

It’s another historic building, six stories high, in a prime location. I wondered if it was the same scenario as all the others, but there was no time to think about it. Helmets on, visors down, my team headed up the ladders while the rescue team went through the ground floor.

We ascended quickly, looking through windows for any signs of life. While windows burst on the ground floor, we chose windows that would help release the heat, smoke, and any gases. On the roof, we cut holes that would increase the flow of the air, lowering the potential for sudden explosions.

I checked in with Captain Cole, who was leading the effort on the ground, coordinating with the other firehouse and directing the Engine team as close to the seat of the fire as possible. The rescue team had completed their search and were on standby.

With the fire still blazing, Captain Cole had the Engine team connect a hose to the permanent pipe that ran up the boom to a nozzle at the tip of the ladder so our team could spray the upper floors.

Working together, orchestrating our maneuvers to take on the fire with a multi-pronged approach, it still took us hours to get the fire contained. I watched as the captain selected crew members for the overhaul. I felt the continued need to prove my worth in this role, but my anxiety was creeping up my spine and making my skin crawl. If my ladder team had done their job well, this would be simple, but it was possibly the most dangerously deceptive part of our work.

With the main fire out, the firefighters went into the building, tearing materials from the walls and ceilings to find and extinguish any embers. This is how we ensure fires won’t restart, but it’s also how I had gotten caught in a flashover more than a year ago.

The Engines, Ladders, and Rescue teams were at the ready, equipment in hand if anything went wrong. When we saw our colleagues emerge, we could finally breathe fully.

“Well done, all. Pack up, and I’ll meet you at the firehouse for the debrief.” Captain Colson had been summoned to join the Chief and other government officials who had arrived earlier.

Thankful to not be involved in those discussions, the crew headed back to the trucks. My team closed the ladders while the others started the first step of cleanup. Donovan was happily waiting for everyone to line up, hose at the ready. He sprayed Dylan from helmet to boot, not only helping to cool him down, but also decontaminating his gear. Dripping wet, Dylan joined in the fun of spraying down the crew until we were all soaked.

With the hoses and gear secure, we rode back to the station, leaving the trucks in front of the bays. A few of the guys got the soap and buckets, while the rest of us assessed what needs to be replaced or restocked. We took our time cleaning the gear, the trucks, and our coats. Our well-practiced routine allowed one set of the crew to take over the showers while the rest continued to assess, clean, and replace until all the boxes were checked.

I have always made sure I’m last in the showers, not only because I think it's the type of thing a leader should do, but it also minimizes the chance of anyone seeing my back.

“Everything cleaned and documented?” Pulling back the curtain of the stall I used, I was greeted by Captain Cole.

“Yes, sir. It’s on your desk. Is there anything else you need to complete the incident report?” I awkwardly stood with my back to the shower and the towel around my waist, having left my change of clothes in the locker room.

“I think I have everything I need. By the way, I want us to discuss the photoshoot during the debrief.” The captain stood at the sink with his dopp bag, looking at me through the mirror.

“Is that really necessary? Can’t we chalk it up to a bad day?” I edged around the room, keeping my back to the wall.

“It affected the entire team. It’s imperative. See you in ten.” He ended the conversation, applying shaving cream to his face while I made my escape. Feeling my face on my way to my locker, I realized I hadn’t shaved in a few days.

In the lounge, the full staff of Firehouse99 had gathered for the debrief. Captain Cole complimented the crew and said that the Chief and others were pleased with our work as well. He made suggestions for minor changes that could increase our efficiency.

“Just one more thing,” he announced when everyone got up, thinking he was done. “Last week at the photoshoot. Some issues arose I would like to address.”

“I know I was making the women faint with my awesomeness. I just can’t help it.” Donovan attempted to lift the mood that was closing in around me.

“Better than pissing them off,” Rhys mumbled.

“Do you have something to get off your chest, Rhys?” Captain Cole called out my biggest opponent and the man I knew had wanted the Lieutenant position.

“Yeah, I do! He fucked everything up.”

“Language! We’re not here to attack each other. If you cannot calmly discuss this, you can excuse yourself.” I appreciated that the captain was setting boundaries before things got out of hand.

“What I want to know is what exactly are we talking about at the photo shoot? That photographer was being a bitch.”