Let me start by saying this: I love my job as a firefighter. I really do. But when I hear about people working from home in their pajamas during a snowstorm, sipping hot cocoa, and binge watching Netflix, a little part of me can’t help but think…. must be nice.
Because for first responders…police, firefighters, and EMTs, etc…snow, ice, or even the apocalypse isn’t an excuse to stay home. We don’t get to call out and say, “Sorry, roads are icy. Good luck with that emergency!” Nope. We gear up, get out, and make it happen.
Driving to Work: The First Battle
Here’s the thing, before I even start my shift, I’ve got to get to the fire station. That usually means braving roads that look more like an ice rink than anything drivable. Forget the “Severe Weather Protocol” DoorDash is talking about, my severe weather protocol is praying I don’t slide into a ditch on my way to work.
And let’s be real, first responders aren’t driving luxury SUVs with snow tires. We’re just out here in regular vehicles, white knuckling the steering wheel, wondering if we should’ve taken up accounting instead lool
Responding to Calls: The Real Fun Begins
Once I make it to work, the real challenge starts. Snowstorms don’t stop emergencies. Fires still happen. Medical issues still pop up. And some people just insist on driving when they shouldn’t, leading to accidents that we get to untangle.
Have you ever tried putting on bunker gear and dragging a firehose through snow and slush? It’s like running a marathon in a wet snowsuit. Don’t even get me started on climbing ladders coated in ice. Every step feels like a game of “Will I Slip and Fall?”
And while I’m half joking here, I’m also not. The reality is, first responders don’t have the luxury of saying, “Nah, not today.” We show up, no matter what.
This is where I get a little serious. There’s a lot of talk about pay equity across different jobs, and I’m all for that. But can we agree that people whose job descriptions include “risking life and limb in a blizzard” should maybe get a little extra?
Look, I’m not saying I need to be a millionaire. But when your workday involves sliding across icy roads, battling the elements, and saving lives, a few extra dollars in the paycheck wouldn’t hurt.
Let’s face it, some jobs can wait out bad weather. If the accountant misses a day, taxes will still get done. If the barista stays home, people can (grudgingly) make their own coffee. But first responders? We’re out there, every time, no questions asked.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade my job for anything. It’s rewarding, challenging, and downright humbling to say the least. But when you’re sipping your cocoa during the next snowstorm, take a moment to appreciate the folks out there making sure your city doesn’t grind to a halt.
And if you see a firefighter, police officer, or EMT on a call in those crazy conditions, maybe give them a wave or better yet, a hot cup of coffee haha
Oh, and to all my fellow first responders out there, Stay safe. We’re built for this, even if we sometimes wish we weren’t.
Now, back to work. The snow’s not going to plow itself, and apparently, neither is this fire hydrant.
