Nervous energy filled the hallway as our Sergeant addressed us as recruits for one of the last times. Shortly after, we would be driving our vehicles to the facility in Northwest DC where we would officially become probationary firefighters.
The ceremony itself was in the large auditorium of the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Ushered into the lounge next door while family members filed in, all the recruits milled around aimlessly in dress uniforms as we awaited the ceremony.
With a fanfare of bagpipes and all the pomp and circumstance we could muster, our recruit class marched in and took our seats, turning crisply on our heels as we had done for so many weeks on the drill yard pavement.
It was a whirlwind of speeches, plaques, gifts, medals, and class videos—and suddenly, it was over. Everyone had received their stack of certificates, shook every possible permutation of officers' hands, and walked triumphantly across the stage.
—————
Perhaps the most moving moment came when we were asked to stand and perform an about-face towards all the friends and loved ones who had supported us through so many mentally grueling and physically trying weeks.
"Present… arms!"
Thirty-five arms snapped off a crisp salute, our bodies ramrod-straight and eerily still. It may not have said everything, but the reverent silence of that moment spoke volumes about the gratitude and appreciation that we shared for all those around us.
"Order… arms!"
With a quick swish of polyester and the muffled click of a well-executed about-face, we sat down and continued with our ceremony.
—————
Despite all the frustrating bullshit, the needless bravado, the exhausting PT, and the (sometimes agonizing) lectures, I wouldn't trade a second of my time with Recruit Class No. 358 for all the money in the world. Yes, we got on each others' nerves nearly every single day; but we built friendships and brotherhood by going through what can only be classified as a mostly-miserable yet highly rewarding experience. We traveled through hell (for what certainly felt like an eternity), but we at least had a guiding light at the end of it that we reached on Friday, June 5th, 2009.
Congratulations to each and every member of Recruit Training Class No. 358. Our time together will be missed (some of you more than others), but you'll certainly never be forgotten. The unique personalities that comprised the class had the ability to both drive everyone insane and bring us closer together at the same time—and for that I thank you.
Proudly,
/RL
Special thanks to: The DCFD Pipes and Drums / Emerald Society, The Armed Forces Retirement Home, our keynote speaker Dr. Burton Clarke of the National Fire Academy, Chief Rubin, Mayor Fenty, and all the instructors and officers who were pr
esent on the stage to welcome us into our careers with The Washington, D.C. Fire & EMS Department. We thank you with all our heart, and look forward to seeing you around the streets of our great city!
esent on the stage to welcome us into our careers with The Washington, D.C. Fire & EMS Department. We thank you with all our heart, and look forward to seeing you around the streets of our great city!
—————
Additionally, these photos (and many others, particularly if you know one of the class members) are available at http://raisingladders.smugmug.com. It's a shameless plug, I know; but all proceeds benefit the Firefighters' Burn Foundation, so help out! Keep checking for updates, because I'll be adding more photos AND I'll be lowering the prices. It is for charity, after all.
No Comments