Firefighter
In February of 2021 I retired from the Bennington Fire Department after 20 years of service. I joined the fire service after the attacks on 9/11 when the chief of the Bennington Fire Department asked me if I would become the Department chaplain. I agreed with the caveat that I be allowed to train to become an actual fire fighter. Twenty years later I retired as the Department's deputy chief!
I never dreamed of becoming a firefighter but I can say without reservation I loved being a part of the fire service. I loved the excitement, smells, and even the middle of the night disruptions. Most of all, I loved knowing I was contributing something of real value to my community.
These days my involvement in the fire service is asan instructor with Africa Fire Mission (AFM). I teach courses on-line as well as travel to Africa to train their firefighters.
