Putting things in perspective

It's funny how things happen at the strangest times. The ink had not even dried on the transfer list that was released today when Battalion Chief Sexton and I came across a box of old department documents. There was a lot of interesting stuff in this old box including a file on probationary Firefighter/Medic David M. Jones. Yes it had a lot of dust on it.....Also in this box was a station transfer list dated September 8, 1997. That's right 44 people. The entire Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Career Department. Of those 44 people, 21 have been promoted, 9 have retired, and 7 have quit. Another interesting fact is that of the 6 stations that were staffed in 1997, 2 were staffed 12 hours a day (#5 and #9). The rest were staffed 10 hours a day.


If my count is correct with the graduates of Recruit Academy #13 we will have 137 personnel in the field. This does not include Fire Administration, The Fire Marshall's Office, and the Training Division. In 12 years we have more than tripled is size. I can't wait to see what the next decade will hold. I feel very lucky to be a part of such an outstanding group of professionals. Keep up the good work guys and gals.....and be safe out there....