He quit because the firemans axes were too dull and they wouldn't let him sharpen them.

Been a firefighter for 10 years, and I've experienced everything you discuss here (minus the females on the dept). Nice to see someone speak the truth.

I'm a nurse and the toxicity is very similar in the medical field as well. Lots of sleeping around (on the clock even), gossip, and lying. Along with some of the laziest people getting the promotions because they are buddies.

I was a professional firefighter for 10 years. I worked the common 24 on 48 off. In my case, I had a business that I worked at when I was off from the fire department, so, there was little leisure time. I too quit for similar reasons you described. I am 6'4" and at the time weighed around 265. We had women who came to the department who probably didn't weigh 100 lbs. My wife was the one who was really upset about that. She knew it put me and others at risk, since there was no way a woman this size was going to carry me, or any one else near my size, out of a burning building, should the need arise. Our department (and city) was racially split about 50/50; which created problems. One particular incedent I remember well, was when our Battallion Chief called me out to chew on me for things the station Captain was neglecting. I was an Engineer. When I pointed out that the Captain was the one who needed the talk, the BC refused to approach him fearing (I believe) a racial challenge. I loved working there, but other opportunity was beckoning and I chose it. In retrospect, I don't know if I should have left, but I know that if I were given the opportunity to return, I would not.

Active duty military here. This video is spot on. Never would I have imagined how toxic all of the government institutions are. EMS, Police, Military all have the same problems. Never again!

Love your honest content. Super rare these days!

Reminds me of the adage: "The beatings will continue until the moral improves."

My best friend for over 20 years who became a firefighter and he told me that for every boring shift, BS call, or non-emergency call there's that one call that makes all of the BS worth it. Additionally he told me about this quote from a FDNY firefighter and he says this is his motivation for sticking with it: "Now listen here kid, you just hit the lottery, you have the greatest job in the world. Kids look up to you, the elderly see you as the good old days and grown Men call you on their worst day. You're what's good in Man, service. This job owes you nothing and as a matter of fact, live as though you owe it everything. You have been given automatic trust by our citizens because of all those who came before you, don't blow it. Get in there and make a difference, leave it better than you found it and do your job."

Love a Good "WRANGLERSTORY" in the morning! Thanks Cody! Curious about that mic...tired of lugging around my big Rode wireless kit!

You never realize how great a *Shirt Pocket* is, until you wear a shirt without one! 👍

Wow. Thank you so much. Spent 12 years on a department that is a suburb of Dallas as a fireman/paramedic. Mostly paramedic only. I have watched you for years. Your candor and insight have always been so good. I have questioned myself for having left the fire department to one degree or another for 32 years. You have cured me of that knowing I am not alone in the issues I had. I feel more brotherhood with you than the men I worked with.

Returned here as a Marine veteran. Took fire science in college. Applied three years in a row, scored as high as 104 on the test (five point veterans preference), and was denied, stepped over by scores in the 70s.

Getting ready to leave the Fire department after 25 years.Ready to leave for another Paramedic career and move to our farm.I am done with the city.

You just described every municipality / government job

EVERYTHING needs to be based on ability. EVERYTHING.

Thanks for sharing this, love all your stories.

A free spirit like you, are best suited for self-employment, round pegs don't fit in square holes Dorset England

I've been a fireman most of my post-army life (got out, went to college while I worked construction then joined the fire service). I now work for a big and busy department at a very busy house. Everything you said is either completely or in part true. The darker side of the job is different at every department, but by and large, you nailed it.

I work at a very busy department. We work a 48/96 schedule. I think how you perceive the fire service all depends on which department you work for. The type of people that live in your city, and the mindset you have when you get into it. I absolutely love the job, but I got into it knowing I’m gonna be the guy for the first couple years that is scrubbing toilets and doing the busy work. Like you said, it’s definitely easier for younger guys such as myself. I could EASILY see your side of the story though!

I was hired at age 27 and spent 29 years on the 7th largest fire department in the country, about 1800 firefighters when I retired and 72 stations. 5000 applicants sat for the test (1981) when I took it, for 120 positions made becasue they put a third man on rescue. When I retired 83% of our call volume was EMS, the rest fires and other calls. Never found it boring but it would be hard to be bored when you average 15-25 calls a shift and the department is running 180k+ calls a year. We worked 24/48s with a regular day off every 3 weeks. The RDO was every 5 weeks when I first got hired. Most times I slept half of my first 24 off recovering from being up most of the shift. I have to disagree that structural firefighting isn't as hazardous as wildland firefighting, when you're deep in a warehouse there aren't windows to jump out of, there is high rack storage you can't see,, there are hazardous materials and the possibility of structural collapse. House fires were kind of fun, until you had a victim. Highrise and Low Rise fires were a lot of work, but still exciting. Warehouses were always somewhat frightening but still exciting. I rode a suppression almost my entire career and we ran EMS calls as well as fire calls. My last 14 years was in Special Operations performing Technical Rescue in addition to our other EMS and fire duties. Yeah we had the BS calls, lots of them, and probably a bigger problem with unqualified Affirmative Action hires than you can imagine, but we had a bid system and you got together with a good crew and stayed together for years. The BS calls were aggravating but some were just downright entertaining. You had to take the bad with the good and take management in your stride and deal with routine daily station duties by looking at it as keeping things clean so you can stay disease free in what amounts to living with a lot of people who bring their personal habits with them. No job anywhere has 100% of the tasks you are required to perform agreeable tasks. The education I got about people during my career made all those mundane, routine tasks worthwhile. I can't imagine a job that helps you learn more about people, coworkers as well as the general public. I'm 66 now, retired and still miss some of what we did and the camaraderie. My friends that are now also retired say they miss the circus but not the clowns. I had several jobs prior to being hired, including owning a tool business, and this was the best job I ever had. Things are different on that department now, the old guys with good work ethic have retired so the new people who have good work ethic have a lot of young people with poor work ethic to deal with. I wouldn't want to be back on duty today but during the time I had it was great 99% of the time.

Cody, thanks for your honest and frank comment. I retired from the Navy in 2007. It is a very different state from where we are today. A lot of the same concerns you experienced, plus the looser morals in today’s society, I believe are making us weak as a nation. Thank you for being such a solid example for all to emulate and learn from. I really appreciate your videos! 👍🇺🇸😁❤️

That is how you lose talent in any organization.

You should see how a major metro police organization works. Everything you said X100. Sometimes you wonder how things ever get done.

BINGO!!! I was a career firefighter for 25 years, a medic, retired as the Fire Marshal...You have hit the nail on the head several times here. The worst thing the City did to the Fire Department was to hire from areas fairly remote from our town. Many moved in closer, many stayed where they came from, sometimes 2-3 hours away. Now, they were officers on their volunteer departments, then came here and was the low-man....but they thought they were Chiefs...I could go on and on.....But, I survived. Happily retired...Life goes on, and the Department still is there.....

This describes 80% of the Fire Departments in America.

My daughter, fit, strong and a hunting and fishing type of young woman passed all the tests for the fire service here in England. She thought all the guys were pretty great, however, she refused to join, thinking that she might put a man's life at risk. They contacted her several times presumably because there is a quota to fill. I like your films Mr W, thankyou.

Well, that was some of the best 24 minutes I've spent on YT in quite awhile. I love unapologetic candor. When you're right, you're right. No back pedaling. At the same time you accept responsibility for that which you could have done differently. Anyone who has actively worked in these fields knows EXACTLY what you are talking about. And you explained it well to those that didn't know. Thanks for a strong, unabashed, well spoken testimony. I've seen whole departments rip themselves asunder for these very reasons. And it is only likely to become worse in coming years.

You should make a podcast and talk about all this stuff it is really interesting

This story seemed to tell the very exact same way I perceived my work experience with in a law enforcement agency. We all look for fulfilling work and the reality of the job it didn't meet the expectations or the dream of it. For people who know whats right and do what's right will always find it difficult to further their career of choice when the game of success isn't played fair. Politics , favoritism, nepotism seem to be rooted into the foundation of our current civil services agencies, this can lead to a hostile work environment. We need more people who can see it and shed light on it, one day we could hope to change for the better. Thank you Wranglerstar for your story!

Everything was fine... "and then a couple of girls came in"... Say no more.

Dont ever apologize to the camera for being a good father.

In the 80's, I was a vol fire fighter for almost 10 yrs. When 2 of the wives of members said they sue if not allowed to become FF, they let them in, and I walked out.

Thanks for the honest talk. Interesting perspective. Personally, I enjoy being a volunteer firefighter. I go when there is a call-- responding from my house. No busy work, just helping people in my community.

Not sexist just factual. In the Marine Corps I remember carrying two packs up a mountain side because the woman marine (who was a friend of mine) couldn't handle it. Women and men are different and, Viva La Difference!

I did 25+ full-time years as a firefighter/medic/ You hit the nail on the head!!!! I could not stay my last 7 years to hit full retirement without risking getting fired.

I swear; I look up to this man more and more every day. Never had a dad but this helps.

Quota hires=military, fire, police, EMS and basically all government jobs!

The sound of sweetloaf calling her dad.... A sound every father love to hear.

I am 18 years in the fire service this year. The last 10 in a larger city. I wanted air force originally but an injury sent me home before I even got started. It was a handful of years after that when I began to pursue the fire service. A lot has changed since then. I've held death in my hands so many times. Sigh.. I've marched past the coffins of friends. My wife was a Paramedic back then. She burned out mentally and physically. Our marriage crumbled. Our 4 kids suffered immensely. I realized i wasn't being paid for the hard work or even the busy work but rather for the mental garbage. It adds up and that's why they pay me to come back because no normal person would choose this. I'm back on duty today but just yesterday I wanted to get in the camper amd drive away despite the pay, pension and benefits. As for the politics, sensitivity training and gender diversity issues you're spot on. Ugh... at least I know I'm not alone in these feelings. Thanks again for another honest chat.

I did both. USAF then firefighter. Both were years of hurry up and wait, or busy work. Most people never understand how little real excitement either provides. Mostly training, more training, and then the occasional high stress moments that you will never forget.

That woman that wanted you to scrub your tub may have KNOWN that you would quit so she could hire a friend. I've seen it before.

Your firefighting experience was very similar to military life. You told my experience in the Marines Corps exactly the way I would have, and that is why I got out.

What wireless mic do you recommend? Im so tired of wires, I use my iPhone for vids

Mr Cody, I have been a subscriber to your channel for many years now... in fact since I was in highschool. Everything you have just described in your experience with your former department is literally everything I have been exposed to in the Marine Corps. It was nice to have someone else with the propper medium format this is such a relatable way. Thank you for the video!

After 32 years I'm retiring from the EMS world. I've had my fill.

Love these stories! I think they are my favorite things to watch :) Thanks for sharing!

The busier the department I thing the stronger the brotherhood in my experience. Counting on the guys around you on a regular basis in dangerous situations builds that brotherhood.

I've been in the fire service for 25+ years Knoxville TN that's not my experience at all love the people, love the calls, every time we leave the station it's to help someone to make their life better. The people I work with hard working firefighters love them there's a few bad eggs sure but I find putting them with the right people can bring them a long way.

I was a Paid Call Firefighter for ten years. I can so relate to everything you are saying. Great Video. P.S. wild land fires were the most fun for me.

You described every local government fire department I have worked for. That is the fire service culture. It kills the soul and you wake up dreading going to work because of some of the people you have to work with and most of the supervisors. A very toxic and draining experience.

I spent 12 years in the fire service and I totally agree with a lot of what you said. I am now self employed and won't be attending a sensitivity training but will take my 4 day breaks when I choose.

I worked for a Ambulance service here in Michigan. I spent 15 years there. Loved every second of it! Yes there was the good ol boy thing going on now and then. But when the chips were down. Everyone came to help. We were a tight service on and off the court!

Even in 92 you pretty much needed to be an EMT. I got hired in 96 when I was almost finished with Paramedic school. Worked 6 months and realized I didn't like running 15 medical calls per day- 90% of which didn't require more than a band aid.

Your videos are actually the main reason I am going to pursue a wildland fire career after I get out of the military next year. You and my super supportive wife. Thank you for everything and calling it like you see it.

I'm glad you brought up "Brotherhood " Was non existant in my department. Seems most of my "brothers" and "sisters" were just there for the tshirts:-/

Wranglstar I installed my own French drain today and I want to thank you for helping through your videos to find the confidence within myself to tackle such a big project.

This video is super appropriate, because I’m wrestling with balancing the needs of family with doing what truly makes my heart come alive as it relates to this very career field. I was a social worker, and hated it. I got a desk job with the Forest Service on a whim where I discovered what wildland firefighting looked like and I was hooked. Being outside, doing something physical, problem-solving with a team of super good dudes that I would follow into the jaws of hell if necessary. It hit all the right buttons and I was kicking myself for never finding it sooner. My wife was against it from the start, but I did get one season on an engine and it just confirmed what I already knew. I would do it for the rest of my life if I could, but being gone for weeks on end just isn’t going to work with my wife and kids. I’m in the process of volunteering for our county fire department, and am considering trying to apply to the local municipal department in a few years. Our area is heavy wildland urban interface, so I guess my question is, is it worth dealing with the medicals/structure stuff for the opportunity to do some wildland firefighting on a schedule that’s more family-friendly that doesn’t take me on the road so much?

Well said. Every station has its own culture. Like your honesty.

Man you really hit the nail on the head. Thank you for being you,and everything you do!

USAF 20-Year retiree here, 1982-2002. During this time I was directly involved in three conflicts, and to be honest, the happiest day I ever had, was the day I retired. A lot of what you spoke of went on in the Air Force. The first 5 years I was in, I was a single man. Twice, I had married women come to my dorm while their husbands were away on training. One was really smooth. She came over bringing cookies, like real innocent. After she came in my room the show was on. Not proud of it, but these things happen. If, it were not for my Dad (RIP) I would have gotten out after my first 6 years. But, he convinced me to stay in and start taking advantage of all the benefits, such as college and training. So, I stayed the entire 20 years. However, I was very unhappy through most of it. You did the right thing!

I was also disqualified from the military for eye sight, Army to be exact. Got my firefighter 1 and 2 as well as HAZMAT and AEMT. When I turned 22 years old I went full time and have been sense. No regrets.

Are you still with your local volunteer fire department now an will you still do wildland firefighting

As a firefighter since 1986, I have seen a lot of what you mentioned, but I would not trade the expierences I have had for all the cash in the world. Volunteers also went through those situations

I just resigned too and made a video about why. It was one of my dreams to become one but it also caused me to go in a very very dark place. I know I’m not alone and I think speaking about depression and things of that nature is important to talk about. The suicide rates in first responding is very alarming and not talked about much. We are as important as the people we are saving. This video helped me decide to walk away from the greatest job in the world. It’s hard to cope with leaving as it is still fresh but sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same.

Dude the busy work part lol man you would have hated the military

Thank you for being courageous and speaking the truth.

I subscribed to you because of one reason - you speak painfully honest on whatever subject you cover. Period. In this country of participation trophies - you are a good example of following your dreams and making your own successful life.

I am not sure what I was expecting when this "recommendation" came across my way but I was intrigued by your commentary and self reflection. RESPECT! . Thanks. Tally-Ho with your next gig.

That sounds alot like my experience. My department was run backward and was operated by people unfit to serve in leadership roles. Many good guys who came in would be very motivated but unfortunately, the spark in their attitudes would die out from the toxic culture. I consider this the problem with most of these state and local government agencies, they are horribly managed.

Strange coincidence, i got back into security for the same reason, i thought it was a noble profession and found the same stuff. Ie nepotism, people being in charge of you without any qualifications, people sucking up to bosses ect ect. I've gone back to construction which is killing me at 58 and I'm rather deflated and disheartened by it all, at least i have death to look forward to

Very thankful I came across this video. It is reassuring becuase I had a dream of being a firefighter when I was young, in highschool, I ended up dropping out of college with 1 semester of fire science, and through Gods mercy he took me on a different path. Fast forward 10 years, I am now 28 and have worked for every inch just to have an apartment that is my own. Ive had the chance to grow, and not resent the fire service if I had joined right out of college. Ive learned masonry which I love, I moved across the country, seen some of the worlds beauty, started a business, made some good friends and also became my own best friend and grew confident in myself, albeit through many dark, sad and lonely times. I am happy to say I am very close to becoming a wildland firefighter, nothing makes me more happy. God is blessing me. Thanks for all of your amazing content Cody. I love watching your videos and getting advice from someone with years of wisdom. The world is a better place becuase of you.

Back in my younger years, I worked in LE. I always made it a point to be able to meet the male physical standard so that no man could legitimately complain that I wasn't physically capable of the job. I was the top female in my class physically at the academy and was ahead of many of the males in my class. (Academically in the top 5). My first field training officer told me "I don't think women should be cops" and that was the last thing he said to me for the rest of the shift. I got a new FTO the next day, but I dealt with prejudice every day, and some of it was from out of shape, overweight guys. It sucked!

"sensitivity training" If you're pulling chard bodies out of a home the last thing you need to be is sensitive.

10 years as a medic here, finally breaking out of it and returning to college for med school. I had several opportunities to start with some local fire departments since I know just about every firefighter in eastern king county. I just never was all that interested in being a hose jockey. I enjoy working as a rescue medic at the local race track now that I've stopped working in the field. My experience with king county and Snohomish county EMS and fire has been pretty stellar. They're progressive, healthy departments with low burnout, good pay, high standards, good training, excellent community involvement, whole nine yards out here. I worked wildland fire a couple years as a medic too. My stepfather was one of the first paramedics in the world, fire chief in our small, one/two station town. I learned a lot from him about taking care of other people. I am praying that at my age, when I finish my 4 year at age 33, ill get into a good med school and become an emergency medicine physician, with a focus on field work like is common in Europe but barring that, I'll just go whole hog on ALS and find a good, hospital run program to run out my career. My first day as an EMT, I accidentally clotheslined a woman on meth when she lunged for the door because I was seatbelted in. I thought "I am so fired" but my FTO just shrugged and said "whatever keeps her safe"

5 years as an EMT, 6 years as a medic, BSN degree I had planned to use to go on as a flight nurse, and 15 years as a firefighter. First medical call I ran after turning 18 as a probie and with my EMT license was dispatched as collapsed in the shower, 45 seconds later was changed to cardiac arrest CPR in progress. Like you I came from a military family, always wanted to get into military/LE/Fire services. I was in a pretty horrific car accident as a teenager and I remembered hearing the sirens coming, and it was the sweetest sound in the world you could hear, knowing you might be dying but help was coming, so that sort of cemented my career path from that day forward. Started as a teenager as a junior probie, got my EMT-B at 18, started college when I was 21 after working a few years as an EMT/FF. About the time I turned 25 or so my wide-eyed optimism had turned into jaded cynicism. Never would I of believed people in the "brotherhood" who you depended on to keep you alive, and who they depended on you to keep them alive, could be so full of 'cliques', drama, nepotism, and toxicity. Saw it in municipalities I applied for and took physical and writtens for, stations I worked for and volunteered for, and saw it in hospitals during clinicals when earning my BSN. I guess part of me hoped it was maybe just confined to my little portion of the US, but hearing this just kinda tore what small hope I had that maybe other places weren't the cesspits I had come to know.

I volunteer and instruct part time here in PA. You are hitting the nail on the head. Same issues today as back when you were in the career service. Wild land vs structural- you are correct there also. I've had people compare me to a wildland firefighter, no that's a whole other adventure, far more dangerous then structural. Visited the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial state park in Arizona a few weeks ago. Have a lot of respect for you guys. I am thankful for our local structural volunteer crew. We have a good chief and everyone works together. Safety Safe Brother and God Bless!

As a structure firefighter myself I apologize for the poor experience that you had. Definitely sounds like it was a tough department. Sounds like you would have been a better fit for a bigger and busier department. :) Glad you are still following that dream as a volunteer and wildland firefigher.

Having just retired from 37 years in law enforcement I can tell you this description of why he left public service is entirely accurate. I observed every one of the issues he's witnessed to (and more) within my office or neighboring public service agencies. With that said, I'm proud of my service and grateful for the opportunities I had to serve my community.

Love those indepth stories. It's very refreshing hearing an honest view from the inside, i hope you do more of those! If you ever did a podcast that would be amazing.

I agree, you did have a bad experience with the tiny department you worked for. I've been on the job for going on 18 years, and its been a little bit of everything...but i would never say boring. I've had ups and downs...but like all things, you take the good with the bad. I've worked more structure fires than i can count and EMS calls are numerous. It's a job thats not for everybody, thats for sure. It's hard on your body, physical and mental health, and on your family life. The job can be rewarding, and also feel like a curse sometimes. At the end of the day, you can look back though and realize that you did a job with substance...something thzt really made a difference. Im looking forward to the end of my career, but i wouldn't take anything for the life that I've had because of the job. Oh, and by the way...just jump out a window if you get into trouble while in a structure fire....? Theres been a lot more structure firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty across the country than have ever in the wildland side...jumping out a window is not always an option. Both careers are very dangerous...but its also comparing apples to oranges.

32 years as a volunteer f d had to walk away . What you say is so true

Affirmative action can’t pull you out of a building.

Thank you for the honesty and transparency Cody!! Please keep up the great and genuine content!

Probably the best career video I've seen. I work in security at a university and people who have sat in the same chair for 30yrs earn more than the officers hustling outside in the heat and cold who haven't. I'm working on an e-commerce business venture and this video really hammered home the different types of career paths one can embark upon: be the employee, or be the employer. Love your channel. Thanks!

Thanks for this. "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence"

Love your honesty and perspective! I seen and experienced this exactly! From my experience in the fire service, a few take aways. POLITICS and NEPETISM... i finally ealised i did not want to be associated with that type of organization.

Mr. WS, what you described is exactly what academia is. 20 years of teaching, i walked in and quit . I built a nationally recognized program, but I wasn't a senior level tenured faculty member, and the ones who were cared not about safety - bad when you are teaching young people. I have made almost your exact conversation many times. Made me feel better about my decision. I follow you for great content. I share many of your interests, especially axes.

I'm a fireman with 20 years. Your speaking the truth!!!!.

I think alot of jobs have that affect on people after time, i worked in customer services for 15 years. I have since quit but i now have no patience for fools or dithering whats so ever. Such an interesting life you have lived, love this content

Retired FF, you're right on the money. We share all of the same concerns.

A retired firefighter as well. The fire service is the most superficial, narcissistic, egotistic and toxic environment I’ve ever worked in. I left and went to ems which was the most liberal based, weak service and then LEO. Leo sadly is just as toxic - no longer your judgment matters only your obedience.

Great video and story! I was on our local Fire and Rescue services team for 18 years and I ended up leaving for pretty much the same reasons. Sadly, I guess it happens everywhere.

I was on a volunteer dept for 8 years and decided it wasn't for me for the same reasons. The brotherhood was gone. The old timers had great stories of the fun and camaraderie they had years ago but it was over.

Ive got 10 years on the job and i am feeling every bit of what you said among other things...and i have recently formed a business as a way out .... makes me feel better hearing other people have dealt with the same issues.

its always so interesting hearing stories from smaller departments or just different in general and the gripes that come along with it.

Man you just explained spot on to the T everything that I'm going thru now. I work for the fire dept. In the capitol city of N.C. its a big dept. We have 28 stations. But its long boring 24he shifts. I too am on B shift. We run mostly medical calls, no brother hood, the pay isn't great so most of us can't afford to live in the city we serve, working with people who are there bc of who they know or affirmative action laws. Just everything you explained is exactly what I'm dealing with. I'm 33, married with a 2yo daughter and try to weigh the pros and cons of having a pension and good benefits and job stability if the economy ever crashes etc. VS. Going to work everyday and not enjoying it like I thought I would. December will be 8 years for me there. My biggest problem too is not knowing what else to do if I were to leave. Before I worked at a body shop fixing cars and started volunteering at fire dept by my house. That's how I got into it. I know I don't want to go back to working on cars even tho that's the only thing I ever did before, its all I really know. I will say I had more fun as a volunteer F.F. than I do as a paid full time F.F. being a full time paid fire fighter is not what I thought it was going to be. I sometimes think I'd be happier going back to a Mon-Fri job and volunteering in my free time again. At least then I could run calls when I want and not be stuck at the station for 24 hours.. I love your channel man. Having land and living like you do would be a dream. Thanks for sharing your story. I can 100% relate to it. In a way it was refreshing hearing you tell it. Makes me feel like its not just me, others feel the same way as I do about that job.

I clicked on a video to watch you fix your winch. I keep watching you for your great story telling and honest view of life. You are what all men should be.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. There is so much truth in what you speak about the fire service. I’ve been in the fire service for 20 years and love it but there is so much repetitiveness and bs. Thank you for being honest and thank you for what you do brother.

Back in the 90’s and prior was a fantastic experience. Around the turn of the century is when and where all the things discussed generally degraded. I grew up in a firehouse, my father was a firefighter before I was even thought of and started his career in the early 70’s. I started as a fire/rescue cadet in the early 1990’s became a fire/medic by 95 and by 2000 I was ready to quit, so I did. Worked in law enforcement for 15 years after that and the environment was so toxic and political I was done. I know every experience you stated plus some. Being a public servant was my calling, but with all the politics, equality, and bad management due to what our society has become it wasn’t worth it.

You described the frustrations of my 4 years in the military followed by another 15 years in law enforcement. I quit 5 years shy of a 20 year pension which looking back was foolish but I had reached my limit and left for greener pastures.