Posts Tagged ‘fire’

Trains, rain, and fire

May 2nd, 2009 / posted by Jake

PREFACE:  I want to share my thoughts regarding my current goal of becoming a firefighter.  I’m neither complaining nor bragging about the profession or myself.  I’m just sharing what I learn day by day.  After all, this profession is entirely new to me.

Today I participated in an agility test for Penryn Fire’s Volunteer firefighter position.  The agility test was very similar to the one I took about 2 months ago for River Delta Fire.  There were about 30-40 people trying out for 5 positions which increased the competition level a bit.  Some of the applicants had muscles on muscles which was a bit intimidating while others, like myself, were just faces in the crowd waiting in line to participate.

Wearing full turnouts with equipment on your back is brutal as it can weigh anywhere from 40-70 lbs, but having to then run drills at your maximum performance level for 8-9 minutes straight with it all on… eye-opening.  I understand some of you may be thinking, “duh idiot.  Having to do so IS the job description of a firefighter so what did you expect?”  Nothing actually. It’s just something I could only hope to be prepared for and it was only when I was able to wear them did I realize I have a ways to go.  This article titled, “What is Killing America’s Firefighters” is a downer but, again, a reminder to me that I need to remain focused.

Full gear

I’m still attending the spin classes but as of a month ago I’ve alternated between the spin class and plain ol’running.  6 months ago, running 1 mile straight was hard to do but now I’m able to run 3 miles straight and still feel good afterwards (I’m no PreFontaine [thanks Kevin]).  So as you can see, my confidence level this morning was very high because I knew I would do well especially with the increased preparation I’ve been doing.  Yet after 8 minutes, I was completely dead and tired and I now realize I still have a long ways to go.  I currently weigh in at 192 which is exciting because in January I was 227.  Perhaps 6 months from now when I’ve either finished a fire academy and/or lost another 30 lbs my blog post will be something to the effect of, “Took another agility test – finished in 5 minutes and still ran 3 miles after.  Yah.”

For those bored, here is a link to an agility test similar to the ones I’ve taken only we wore full gear.

Moving forward, we recently returned to the Train Museum where Tyler basically went nuts yelling, screaming, and pointing at all the trains.  Kaitlyn tried to keep up too.

It’s raining.

Oh and we’re sick.

again.