Something different.

Most of you will know.

1, I am a builder.
2, I am a father.
3, I am a Volunteer Fire fighter for the Raglan Brigade.

In no particular order,  Which makes my life very interesting.

Example, about a month ago while working on the house my pager went off. So I have to drop my tools, Not literally as they are bloody expensive, And bolt to the fire station jump on the truck and go.

I cannot answer pages however when I look after my two girls. Annika (5) and Riley (4) they come first. Always.

Last night was a little different. I was at home with everyone fast asleep in bed when off went the pager, this still means I have to move fast,
And even faster still when the pager says "House fire" and don't think I was the only one not "hauling ass"

So I didn't have to drop tools, but I did have to drop dinner, Fires have no sense of timing I tell you.
Beetroot risotto. Yum.
Down to the station with the other guys, Scramble on board the trucks,
 (sorry Dirk for stealing your spot on 391)
And off we go, Check you PPE (personal protection equipment) your BA  (breathing apparatus) and look up in time to see the glow of a house fire.


3 hours later and lots of water. The fire is out.  And we are all buggered as it is now 02.00 and the adrenaline has worn off.
Roll up the hoses, stow the gear back to the station, re-commission the BA sets, check the radios, Hang your wet smokey gear up, go home have a shower crawl into bed get up at 06.00.
(sorry Dirk for stealing your spot on 391)
Lots of fun.
Then do it again when the pager goes off at 08.20 but this time I have the girls, So as we drive past the station I stop, help open the door get the radios in the truck and sit with the girls and watch the truck go off on yet another callout. (sorry Dirk for stealing your spot on 391)

We have a good crew at Raglan,  A bloody good crew.

So if you ever are in Raglan and you hear the siren go off, don't worry, The Raglan brigade is on it.


Builder.