343 || Firefighters of 9/11

O N E

I could easily sleep through the entire morning, but the sun had other plans for me as it may seem. Sure, it can't talk to tell me those plans, but I get the jist. Apparently, now, is the time to be awake. Time to get up and get ready for the start of a brand new shift.

Opening my eyes was the first struggle of the morning, but it was one of many more struggles to come. Mornings are not my strong suit, to say the least.

Rays of Sunlight stung my freshly rested olive green eyes as I sat up, groaning slightly. I could hear the whispering of the sun through the wind, Wakey up, Logan Shay. Time for work whether you want it or not. Ready to step on the extremely cold floor?? Chop chop.

I am never late for work, but I never exactly show up early either. Simply, he motivation to get me up in the morning was the crew that was on duty the night before my shift. I am very sure that they would not be too happy if their relief was late to let them finally go home to relax after a long watch of the city. I might be from Chicago and that might be where my family is, but I would happily call New York City my home away from home.

I remember hating the uniform when I was a rookie. There was a constant struggle to get ready every morning for that one reason, but now I'm used to it. I sleep in it and live in it for a full twenty four hours straight. Over all, it has one purpose. Make us look presentable and keep be useful with pockets or such.

Jumping through all the hoops in the morning, I hustled to get ready to avoid being late. On a normal day I would wear glasses, but they aren't exactly compatible with the face mask we have to wear in an event of a fire. And lastly my most important piece. My boots, which are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes I own.Thirty minutes later, my hair was in a bun and my coffee was done brewing, meaning I was finally ready to leave my wreck of a house. My schedule is complicated as a firefighter. Meaning, I'm not home to clean it all up... I'd hire someone, but not with my salary.

Getting in my car, I turned the key in the ignition and it roared to life. I took a drink of my freshly brewed coffee before turning into the street to start driving. Did I mention, I am really good at driving? True story... My drive wend smoothly, like it usually does.

Firefighting was a special kind of job. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Not everyone is made out to do it, but the people that are... boy, are they one of a kind.

As firefighters, eventually, we all come to terms with the risk of what could happen while on the job. Seconds are the difference between life and death for us. Being on our A game is not an option. We always have to be on the edge of our seat or somebody could die.

Hero isn't a word I like to use or hear about myself I'm just doing my job and my job is what I love to do. It is definitely not for the money, which all of us in the industry are very to much aware of.

Taking in the peacefulness of the beautiful New York skyline, I parked my car in the designated section at the station. I got out, locked my car, and walked towards the building. As always, the very first person to greet me was Ray Wilson. He was the classic, old time firefighter that was essential to every fire department. Ray was like the heart of the station. Old and wise. Never underestimate an old firefighter, especially if they have a mustache like he rocks everyday.

"Mornin', kid!" He greeted as he was standing in the doorway in front of one of the fire trucks. He patted my shoulder above the strap of my duffel bag as I walked inside past him.

"Good morning, Wilson," I smiled as I keep walking through the big door. I turned towards him to say, "I'm 25. I don't think that's really considered a kid at this point..."

"Logan Shay... You will always be a kid compared to me," He said, giving me a classic wink.

Shaking my head, I walked through the kitchen to get to the locker room, just to put my stuff away. Most of the guys were nearly done with this phase of the day, but I tend get up last minute. Sleep is still everything, if you're a firefighter or not. Do not get me wrong. I am never late for shift. Ever. Come hell or high water, I will be at work on time because of the dedication I have for my fellow men and women.

I exchanged a few hello's and how are you's between some of my fellow firefighters, before moving on to grab breakfast. Mostly, because food is also everything. Have you ever had breakfast at a fire station or food made by a firefighter?? If not, you're missing out. It's like an actual l restaurant with gourmet chefs who are always on staff. Twenty-four hours a day.. Seriously, they make my shift every single morning I'm there.

Every seat at the long rectangular, wooden table was filled with a firefighter other than the two seats which were filled with EMTs. Beside me, sat one of my very best friends. She was the only other girl on the department. Female firefighters are few and far between, so when girls join I always get very excited for the break in all the testosteron.

Andrea looked at me, "Ready for another shift?"

"You know me. Always ready, Jinko... " I said, stabbing some eggs with my fork before bringing them up to my mouth.

Finishing my plate, I looked around to see if there were any conversations to get in on. But, I only found silence. I searched for someone for me to talk to, maybe break up the awkward silence.

I looked over at one of the firefighters, "Hey, Liam, how's the new baby?"

"I think the question you should be asking is how's my wife..." he yawned, sounded like he was up all night.

"If you need any help-" I started.

Martin Interrupted my offer like he knew I was going to show them up by trying to help him out. "Oh, yeah? She sick or something?"

"Nope, just a worried mom and an obsessive wife," he shook his head as he thought it through. It looked like the memories flashed back through his head as he talked. He took another bite of food. Some laughs came from the rest of they guys at his response. Such a Liam thing to say about his new family.

Breakfast continued smoothly as planned. Or as smoothly as it can go at a firehouse, I guess.

All of us are a team. We eat together and talk like a family, because through it all, we have to have each others backs. No matter what happens, we'll do whatever we can to fix it together. Talking to them, helped calmed the normal nerves of unpredictable shifts. Like normal, they made me feel at ease. It was like bad was absolutely impossible. We all know very well how wrong that is.

It's our job to protect the people. No matter how bad the situation is, we're a team. I'd like to believe that we can not be broken.

Not many people can say they have two families. I am extremely proud of my fire department family.