We are just past the anniversary of 9/11. I was in New York a little over a week after the attacks and can still see, hear, smell, feel and taste the aftermath. Fires were still burning. Pictures of missing and killed people were everywhere, and tributes lined streets and buildings. There was a tremendous one in front of a firehouse where all the men had died. Smells were intense, and I could almost taste the air. There was also a feeling of love for people on the streets. When a first responder passed, people shook their hands, hugged them…quite different than how the media portrays this relationship today.
Responding to crises and serving in dangerous situations are definitely not for everyone. However, they are careers people can transition to any time. For instance; my mom went through the St. Paul Police Academy after age 50. First responders, such as police officers, deputies, state troopers, US marshals, park and water patrol officers, firefighters, EMTs, and military members need to be: calm in crises, embrace challenge, take leadership and ownership, command situations, make quick decisions, be flexible, fit, care for people, like challenge, be independent, maintain confidentiality, be organized, precise, fast, know laws, learn quickly, be respectful, work well with diversity, be tolerant, tough, and trusting. They must be hugely brave problem solvers with thick skin. One uniformed officer I know only goes through drive-thrus in street clothes because he’s found spit in his food. Thankfully most citizens are respectful and even thankful.
There are also what I call second responder careers, who can also find themselves in very dangerous situations and deal with constant crises. They include things like: DHS workers, child support officers, crime scene and fire investigators, juvenile detention workers, corrections and probation officers, lawyers, judges, bailiffs, security officers, certain types of social workers, teachers in certain places, rehab workers, addiction specialists, homeless shelter workers, bail bondsmen, and some medical personnel. Normally they have at least an inkling of a situation and/or may not be first on a crisis scene, and can call 911 for assistance. However, they often work with upset or angry people experiencing trauma. Problem solving, leadership, patience, determination, confidentiality, decision making and assessment ability are vital strengths for second responders, as is listening to and taking directions well from first responders.
Some positions are lower paying with unpopular hours and most involve paperwork, rules, and regulations. Location matters a lot. Although movies show officers chasing and killing bad guys all day long, most never need to discharge their weapon. For firefighters, they spend more time in the firehouse than fighting blazes. Officers respond to neighbor versus neighbor squabbles, gas drive-offs, overseeing woman pick up items from someone whom she now has a restraining order against, car crashes, unruly teenagers in stores, graffiti calls, help second responders on a myriad of items, and giving warnings / citations for littering, speeding, seat belt violations, etc. The whole time, they are on guard and on alert. Any second they could get that fire call or face that ready to fight and/or armed person. The variety, ability to help people, save lives and protect those in need, have camaraderie, a leadership role, use “toys,” enforce rules, and move around are what drives many first and second responders to some of the more active careers. A challenge and ability to find the best solution to a problem, halt tragedies, counsel people, get justice, and steer people on a better path seems to draw most to the careers. Like any industry, some hired for first and second responder positions are unethical and unfit for the job. However, unlike what you see in the media, THE VAST MAJORITY are trained well and care. Fabulous ones are always needed in many of these fields, so if you see something and love the possibilities, job shadow someone to see if there is a fit. Don’t self-limit. If you can physically perform the job, and are mentally ready, go for it! My heart goes out to everyone affected by 9/11 and by those who have given their lives for the job. Thank you for your service.
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14
Thank you for reading.
Beth Husom, http://www.wordsmattermn.com
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