Firefighters, police officers and emergency service workers serve the community year-round by laying their lives on the line to protect others. During the month of September, several of Florida's biggest attractions have gotten together to offer free admission to first responders as a show of gratitude. Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando are two of the main parks inviting first responders from Florida to come and enjoy a day for free.
Not only are the parks granting free passes to these community heroes, but they are also giving them the option to purchase up to four discounted tickets for friends and family members.
Jim Dean, the president of Busch Gardens Tampa, told NBC Miami, "This special offer is our way to show our support and appreciation for the commitment and dedication of Florida's first responders."
President of SeaWorld Orlando Donnie Mills told News 10 that he hoped the first responders would be able to come to the parks to relax and spend time with their families.
To participate in the offer, first responders must register on the parks' websites using the ID.me verification system. Other attractions offering free admission include LEGOLAND, Madame Tussaud's and the Orlando Eye.
A number of wildfires are currently tearing through the West Coast. According to The Guardian, there are 22 wildfires burning over 100,000 acres across the region. These fires have not only devastated property and nature, but they have claimed the lives of several of the firefighters attempting to combat them. When one boy from Oregon found out about this, he decided to help in the only way he knew how.
Abay Milner, a 6-year-old from the Portland area, wanted to show gratitude for the firefighters who gave their lives. Abay took his allowance, which added up to just over $20, and placed it in a memory box. On the box, Abay left a message that said the money was for the fallen firefighters and for firefighters who risk their lives to save others. The box was then given to local firefighters who were completely overwhelmed by the boy's selflessness and gratitude for their service.
The firefighters donated Abay's gift to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, whose mission is to pay respect to firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty by supporting their loved ones and working with the community to prevent further fires.
Many veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder during life after service. While there are a number of treatments available, many of them are relatively new and sometimes ineffective. However, a neuropsychologist in North Carolina may have found the newest, most effective treatment yet. George Lindenfeld, based out of Asheville, is experimenting with treatments involving a Bio-Acoustical Utilization Device.
According to the product's website, the BAUD utilizes different frequencies to distract the brain from stress. Each frequency is meant to activate a binaural beat in your brain, which may alter your brain waves and eliminate PTSD.
"A triggering event has an effect on how memory is stored and restored, over and over and over again," Lindenfeld told Wavy.com. "But if we can disrupt the reconsolidation of that memory, then we can wipe out the emotional attachment to it."
Wavy.com describes the device as being roughly the size of a palm pilot with noise-cancelling headphones and four frequency settings. The BAUD currently retails for over $450, but Lindenfeld hopes that after more testings and proof of success the price will become more market friendly. Lindenfeld has seen improvement in most of his trials with veterans and hopes the BAUD will continue to help former servicemembers.
When a three-alarm fire tore through Whiskey Row in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 6, local firefighters came to the rescue of many beloved local businesses. One such business was a restaurant called Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse and Raw Bar. The barbecue and seafood joint has been a local favorite for years, which made it even more meaningful that the firefighters saved the building. The owners were so grateful to the first responders for saving the restaurant that on Aug. 31, they invited all firefighters to dine at Doc Crow's for a special evening.
Firefighters from Louisville and the surrounding areas were treated to a free meal. In addition to the complementary meal, the restaurant is donating 10 percent of the profit from the day to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the firefighters' names.
"We felt very honored that they wanted to take the time and dedicate this day, not just to providing a meal to the firefighters, but also raising funds for a great charity," said Louisville fire captain Salvador Melendez.
The owners of Doc Crow's hope their gestures convey the gratitude they felt for the firefighters' service to the community.
Becoming a police officer is truly an honor. It takes dedication and bravery, especially during your first months on the job. Use this time wisely and you could set the baseline for a very successful career. Below are some common mistakes rookie police officers make and advice on how to avoid them.
1. Not asking questions
No one goes into their first day of work and knows everything. It is unwise to make guesses in an attempt to impress your superiors. This can lead to dangerous mistakes later on. You should not be embarrassed to ask questions to help yourself learn procedure and hierarchy. Your fellow officers will likely be happy to help you learn the ropes early on.
2. Displaying cockiness
You may feel a certain amount of pride in your new position, and that is good. However, do not go overboard with it. Try to remain humble in your position. If you act as though you know everything and are better than your fellow officers, you could damage the crucial bond between members of a police unit.
3. Going it alone
There is no doubt that the first few months of police service are challenging. Trying to navigate them alone can lead you to burn out or turn bitter toward the job. During your Field Training and Evaluation Program, you are expected to learn and seek guidance from fellow officers. This is the perfect opportunity to find a mentor in your unit. He or she can be your partner or a senior officer. This individual can provide you with support and advice as you traverse the early stages of your law enforcement career. He or she can also help you through your first difficult experiences.
4. Not respecting superiors
Officers who have put in more years than you have experienced a lot on the job. They understand its workings and may have witnessed some difficult things. If you come in without respect for their service or for the job, you are unlikely to win their favor and support. Keep your uniform cleaned and pressed, be on time and be willing to listen.
5. Being too hard on yourself
It is inevitable that you will make mistakes in the beginning. The only way you are letting anyone down is by not allowing yourself to move past your mistakes. Acknowledge them, learn from them and then move past them.
6. Holding yourself back
While you should remain humble and respectful, it does not mean you should prohibit yourself from displaying your full potential. If you know the answer, speak up. If you are able to make the arrest, do it. Your superiors will likely appreciate your capabilities, but you will never know if you hold yourself back.
You earned the right to wear the badge of a police officer. That is no small accomplishment and one you should be proud of. However, rookie officers can sometimes make mistakes that will hinder their career. Avoid the common ones listed above to ensure that your first few months on the job set the precedent for your success.
As a probationary firefighter, it is your time to prove yourself and find your place on your new team. It is a hectic six- to eight-month period when you will be pushed to your limits, but you may also discover a new family in your stationmates. AFBA has compiled some helpful suggestions to help you make the most of your probationary period.
1. Show up early, stay late
It demonstrates dedication to the job and respect for your co-workers when you show up early for your shift. Fire Rescue 1 recommended arriving at least 30 minutes early to allow yourself time to ask questions about the prior shift and gear up. You should also be one of the last in your shift to leave. Assist with shift change or help out around the station. Show that you are not just there to punch in and punch out.
2. Find a mentor
This is one of the most important suggestions for a probationary firefighter. A mentor will help guide you through any difficulties you may have during your transition period because he or she has been in your position. Aligning yourself with someone respected in the station can put you in a successful position down the road.
3. Take pride in the job
Being a firefighter is an honor. If you treat it as a means to a paycheck, you are unlikely to make many friends or move up in your crew. Respect your work and honor your career choice. Remember that there are many who want to wear the badge, and you have been given the opportunity.
4. Don't be afraid to ask questions
It is better to ask a question and know how to do something rather than guessing and getting it wrong. Firefighting is not a profession with a large margin for error. It is better to get clarification on things you are unsure about than to make and repeat mistakes.
5. Stay mentally and physically sharp
Fighting fires is a taxing job. You will need to keep yourself healthy and mentally sound to keep up with the daily demands. Establish a workout routine and find methods to help you relax at the end of the day.
Congratulations on pursuing a career as a firefighter. The probationary period may be difficult, but the rewards of the job make it all worth it. Hopefully, AFBA's tips from above will help make your transition a little easier.
After first responders in Spring Hill, Florida, were called to the home of 65-year-old Ralph McCrory, they surprised everyone by going above and beyond the call of duty. According to ABC News, McCrory had been mowing his yard in high heat when he began to feel like he was having a heart attack. The Hernando County EMTs and fire crews responded to his wife's emergency call.
The EMT crew discovered that the man had a heart condition and it would take him four days to mow his yard. Upon hearing this, the firefighters stayed behind while the EMTs took McCrory to the hospital.
"The firefighters told his wife that they'd like to help out and asked where the lawnmower was," Hernando County Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Kevin Carroll told ABC News. "They stayed and it took about 30 minutes to cut the grass, which was about two-feet high."
ABC News also reported that a neighbor took a picture of the firefighters' kind act and that photograph has now gone viral. The fire crew told ABC Action News that they never intended to get recognition for their good deed. In their minds, it was all part of serving their community.
Firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians are often the first on the scenes of disasters. Their bravery and service may lead them to witness disturbing sights or deal with emotionally challenging situations. These experiences may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. This mental condition can make it difficult for first responders to do their jobs and participate fully in everyday activities. For any first responder who may be experiencing the symptoms of PTSD, there are many organizations and programs designed to help these community servicemembers recover.
1. 1st Responder Treatment
This program was designed specifically to address PTSD in first responders. Health care professionals teach firefighters, police officers and EMTs how to cope with job-related stress. For religious first responders, the program also offers a Christian-oriented version of the healing process.
2. First Responder Support Network
This resource provides first responders with information about PTSD support groups in their area. First Responder Support Network also hosts retreats for people in these career fields. What is different about this program is that it is almost entirely a peer support network. First responders help one another work through PTSD and issues related to job-induced stress, but there is still the option to speak with mental health professionals and religious leaders.
3. Badge of Life
An unfortunate reality is that many first responders do not know where to seek help for PTSD or may not want to ask for assistance. This can result in first responder suicide. Badge of Life is committed to providing first responders with the counseling and support they need to recover from their job-related trauma. It not only focuses on suicide prevention and mental health support, but it was created to improve the quality of life for first responders.
4. The Station House Retreat
Located in Boynton Beach, Florida, the Station House Retreat is a PTSD recovery program designed by first responders for other first responders. The relaxing environment is meant to encourage firefighters, police officers and EMTs to share their experiences with job-related trauma and help one another heal.
5. Lifescape Solutions
Not only does this treatment facility offer counseling and support for PTSD, but it also provides treatment for PTSD-related drug abuse in first responders. Lifescape Solutions is designed to feel like a home environment to encourage relaxation and sharing. Here, first responders can engage in small group or individual therapy sessions as well as a number of alternative treatments.
6. Safe Call Now
Unlike like the previous programs, Safe Call Now is not a program. It is a 24-hour hotline that was created for first responders. Firefighters, EMTs and police officers who are experiencing trouble due to job-related trauma can call this number at any time for crisis-referral. First responders who call will be directed to a counseling or suicide prevention service, depending on the situation.
Even though first responders are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder than those in most other careers, there are a number of resources available to help them cope and overcome the mental disorder.
Firefighters rarely get the recognition they deserve, but on Aug. 23, the city of Wichita, Kansas, recognized some of its first responders for their efforts. At the fifth annual Medal's Day ceremony, Lt. Rob Kanaga was given a medal of valor and named Firefighter of the Year. Kanaga was awarded for the bravery he displayed during a March fire. While his team was working on putting out the flames, Kanaga discovered there was one person left inside the building. He went into the flames to save the person's life.
Kanaga was very humble upon receiving the award.
"I was very excited after I was nominated [for Firefighter of the Year]," he told KWCH News. "It's a very prestigious award. Obviously when I was on scene, I wasn't the only one acting that day. To facilitate that rescue, there were around 50 other people on scene at the time that allowed me to make that rescue."
Kanaga's partner, Seth Goodin, was one of those 50 people. Goodin was also among those who received honors. Over 40 more firefighters were honored for their service to the community, their day-to-day bravery and their dedication to protecting the lives of civilians in Kansas.
Firefighters have a reputation for saving lives and serving their community. Most of the time they do this by fighting fires and risking their own safety for the safety of others. One group of firefighters recently took their commitment to service even further on Aug. 23. During the sixth annual OhioHealth Emerald City Half and Quarter Marathon in Dublin, Ohio, firefighters from Delaware City, Washington, ran in full fire gear.
The group is part of the First Due Endurance Race Team, and the Dublin Half Marathon was their fourth race together. They tackled the distance in teams of two, splitting the race into 2-mile segments. The group competes to raise money and awareness for the charity Run for Fallen Heroes, which is part of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, an organization that provides support and assistance to families of fallen firefighters. As the final mile approached, the entire team came together to finish at the same time.
"When you see them come across the finish line it's not a dry eye in the house," David Babner, the Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon race director, told WISH-TV.