When we talk about the fire service and firefighters, our thoughts often go to firefighters working at a fire, HazMat scene, big and shiny apparatus, the firehouse and more. However today, more than ever, we need to look at the humanity of the fire service!

No matter if we are discussing career, volunteer, part-pay or WUI firefighters, they are humans first, they are sons and daughters, moms and dads, husbands, wives, aunts and uncles, etc. Sadly, we are often so focused on the words in the first paragraph that we lose sight that every single firefighter is a person. 

Our returning guest and friend, Assistant Chief Jacob Johnson of the Pearland TX Fire Department and I dig beneath the smoke, flames and turnout gear to talk about the men and women who come to the station every day, ready to meet the challenge of our oaths, “…To protect the lives and property.”

The Chief shares several occurrences in his years as a firefighter and officer. You’ll also learn how his meme, “Do Your Damn Job,” was coined through his own experience as a line officer. 

While we love to hear the “Q” scream and the Grovers clearing the path, we need to remember that we are not robots. We are human beings with all the good and bad that comes with humanity. We just look at it a bit differently than most!

Take a listen – you just might learn something 

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For the Firefighter Behavioral Health Initiative: If you need mental health assistance, you can reach out to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance at their website: www.ffbha.org at 847-209-8208 or [email protected] or you can text the word, “BADGE” to 741741, or speak with your officer or clergy. THERE ARE ALWAYS PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP YOU! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

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As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., and listen to the audio version on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org  or on your favorite podcast platform!