Holiday routine. A phrase which everyone in the Kinda Big Fire Protection District likes to hear. The Fourth of July is no exception, although the term's relevance varies depending on which community we protect.
There is no policy covering holiday routine, though the practice is so well established in our traditions that none is required. I perused through the K.B.F.P.D. Rules and Regulations book dated Sept. 1, 1926 and found no reference to holiday routine, however I am quite sure the practice was followed, even then.
Technically, any holiday which the county observes, we do as well. Some holidays are observed more stringently than others. The daily routine on Christmas will be far more relaxed than on President's Day.
Today will start out as Holiday Routine for most members of the K.B.F.P.D. Station maintenance will be performed as will any tasks vital to the operation of the district. Shopping will occur, in preparation for a BBQ this afternoon. Perhaps a ball game will be watched in the early afternoon, if call volume allows.
A few companies might head to a training tower for a drill session, though only companies with probationary firefighters are likely to do that.
Dinner will be eaten early, usually around four or so. This allows the dishes to be done, the kitchen to be cleaned and the digestive process to be started before things start to get busy.
There will be a few small fires in the afternoon, the result of fireworks and poor judgment. Fireworks of all kinds are illegal in most of the communities that we protect. However, there are some areas which allow "safe and sane" fireworks nearby and fireworks of any kind are available less than five hours away, so there are plenty of them available for misuse.
Several communities within the district put on commercial fireworks displays. Quite a few of our companies will attend one of these displays, some by choice, others by mandate. These commercial displays get quite a crowd and often generate a few calls. Some of the commercial displays are at parks with significant vegetation nearby. Occasionally, a brush fire erupts during the show, adding to the public's entertainment experience.
From nine until eleven- thity or so, the cumulative effects of alcohol, fireworks and relatives kick in and things really take off. Fights, wrecks, fires and family drama occur and requests for our services increase. On Independence Days such as this, where people may have the following day off, these factors are increased further adding to the call volume.
Things usually return to normal by midnight and hopefully the shift will be completed without any major events.
Although I don't mind the routine on Independence Day, I enjoy spending the day with my family even more. I usually ensure that I get it off. This year is no exception.
I hope you all have a great Fourth of July and find some way to enjoy it, even if you happen to be working. For those of you who happen to be from another country, I just hope you have a pleasant Sunday.
Thanks for reading,
Schmoe
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Indeed, our Holiday Schedule started with a Battalion drill at the tower. Just as we got to the third floor and began to flow water we heard the three horn blasts and evacuated.
ReplyDelete"Collapse will not take the holiday off, neither will we." Our BC told us.
I know there are a few District Commanders that have the same philosophy. However as admin is closed and the Division Chiefs are busy doing social stuff, the District Commanders are catching up on the piles of debris on their desks. That keeps them out of our hair.
ReplyDeleteHave a great shift Hap.
Dear Captain Schmoe,
ReplyDeleteWell, our Fire Department had 700 calls, the average is about 440 for the 4th of July. I hope they ate their Wheaties early, as well as their hamburgers and ribs, because otherwise they didn't get any.
I thank them all.
Ann T.