"Come on guys, learn your left from your right!" Ex-chief George P. Motchkavitz (or Squeegie as we like to call him) bellows across the parking lot of the Alert Fire Company. It's a beautiful early summer night. The soft breeze sweeps back my hair and my problems. We are about halfway done with marching practice, and it's starting to get dark. "Left ... left ... left, right, left" flows through our minds as we try and walk in unison. We still haven't put it to music yet and we can't seem to get it right. We really should stop fooling around if we want to get in for dinner. As I march to the sound of voices my mind starts to wander off....

I remembered my first drill in the fire department. I was trembling with fear and nerves as I pulled on my turnout gear. The drill that night we found out would be search and rescue. As the other guys walk past me to get their gear they touch my shoulder, as a sign of sympathy, camaraderie, and just a reminder to me that I am not alone. I'm dressed and ready, helmet in hand wide eyed looking around.

They start to call out partners and I am delighted to see who I have. I was paired off with Joe Oginski. A wave of relief swept over me because I have known him for a while now and I knew that he had a lot of experience and would look out for me. It was our turn so we walked outside and the cool winter air felt great in all my gear. I put on my SCOTT pack and I feel a little like an alien. Joe tells me "when we go in there, I am responsible for you, and you are responsible for me, we are a team and I got your back." I wasn't sure if that made me more nervous, or relaxed.

The door opens and that is our cue. The smoke rolls out and we enter the unknown. We commence our right hand search and my nerves fade. I am 100 percent focus. I can't see anything through the smoke and you have to rely on yourself, your partner, and your senses to guide you through. I was getting a little worried, but I heard the shallow breaths of my partner breathing with his SCOTT pack behind me and I knew if I showed fear it would mess us both up. Just then I felt something against my boot. It was our first victim. I called out and Joe came right over. Together we carried out the 150 lb. dummy. I found and rescued three victims that night. It was one of the best moments of my life. I saw the light and walked out the door when we were done.

I came out trembling, but it wasn't because of fear it was with utter exhaustion. I settled down and Joe gave me a hug, and the other Junior Firefighters patted me on the back in approval and congratulations. I realized then and there what this whole thing is all about. It is about looking at the guy next to you and knowing you will put your life on the line for him, and that he will do the same for you. It's because when the smoke clears your best friends will be standing tall and proud with you. It's because this is the only place where it is OK to be wrapped up in the moment. And if you're not scared, you're lying. But mostly that firefighting means life, that firehouse means home, and that fire department means family.

"Left! Left!" It is really dark now, but we haven't made much progress. We did have a hold up when one of the members marched into a sign. Although it was immensely funny it pushed dinner back a little while. Standing around while we were taking a break waiting for him to get himself together I thought about all the dinners I have had in the department.

Dinnertime is probably one of my favorite parts of the night. Not because we get to eat a lot of great food but because of the people we get to eat it with. All the laughing, and the teasing, and the bonding. It's great to have just worked as hard as you can with these people and now you can sit around and relax with them. We really are a family eating and talking around the dinner table. Just looking around at everyone you can feel the common bond we share.

We put the marching music on. It is an Irish blend of drums beating and bagpipes crying. The music fills my soul with pride. Pride to be here, with my brothers and sisters. Following my father's footsteps. It is a family business, my past, and my future. I look around and I see Sean, Keith, and Anthony dancing around to the music. I take a minute to look around me and see everyone laughing and dancing. I feel great that I am able to be part of something so great as the volunteer fire service. Especially with the people I work with. I realize that it won't last forever as we grow up and move on to other fire departments. So I want to treasure every moment I can with my crew. We try our march one more time and everyone marches perfectly. I know that on Memorial Day we will all be in uniform, with the band directing our movements. Serious and focused, proud to be here together marching with our fellow members. Our feet and hearts moving as one.