New Graduate

Today was much better. For some reason the air mask was a little less daunting than yesterday. We had a little bit of classroom time and then took the test...sheesh! Glad that is done!

After that we went down the "boat" and had to suit up and do a walk through in a really smoky room to find our "man down" he was a sad looking heavy dummy. Any one who's seen Mythbusters knows what the dummy's life is like. This poor guy was pretty sad looking. A bit charred. Anyways, we couldn't see anything so we had to feel around and stay linked together, it pretty cool actually. I found the body in our group. I was happy about that.

After lunch we had to go and do a real fire call. They sounded the general alarm and we had to get geared up and go fight a fire with the fire hose in the engine room. That was really tough. I had very little control with the hose. luckily the man behind me pushed against me to keep me from losing control. I didn't think I was going to get that stupid fire out. It would not stop! We have to keep going until we put it out though so I had to continue to fight with it until it went out.

The air mask thing was really easy today in teh fire. I think because this fire was not as hot. It was in a much taller room so the heat wasn't right on top of us. I don't think I could have done it otherwise.

Now, my cousins and I and Cathy are going to go get some dinner and celebrate. I passed my tests and got 90%. Which is good. Not great. But I'll take it. The pictures are from last Sunday when i went to watch Cory teach the fire fighting class but you get the idea what the equipment looks like.

This weekend should be some last minute stuff and then I'll just take it easy. Monday morning I have to go find an office to apply for my TWIC card. Something homeland security are requiring for Maritime workers. I'm hoping to start the process before I leave town so that I can pick it up when I come back from Europe.

I got a ton of good information from my classmates today about work in Europe. So we'll see what develops!! I can't believe thats only days away!! I can finally think about it since I am done with my class now!

K