Quick story. My last day working as a Firefighter was Christmas Day, 2003. I left the firehouse about 5 PM after a few good byes and a few tears. I loved the job, but it was just my time to go. I drove to a relatives home to finish what was left of the Christmas Holiday. When I walked in, I said to my brother in law, "Merry Christmas, how you doing" ? His response was "Well, I'm still working for a living".
At the time, he made twice the money I made. I was 56 and he was 46. Apparently he forgot, that when I was 46 (his age), I was working TWO Jobs.
Maybe instead of being that high priced engineer, he should have studied harder and passed the firefighters exam.
I just finished writing this story on another web site, where they were talking about the Oak Brook, Ill Fire Dept. At a town meeting, they wanted to "fire" a firefighter a month until "They Give In". They also referred to Firefighters as "Street People". I think its been removed from You Tube, but check it out. I'm sure there's something out there on it.