There is no doubt that firefighting is a tough job. At the end of the day, firefighters want to go home to a safe, comfortable and affordable home. Here are seven cities that are the best for firefighters in terms of median salary, cost of living and quality of life.
1. West Palm Beach, Florida
The median salary for firefighters in West Palm Beach is about $41,000. Not only that, but the cost of living index is 102. With plenty of beaches, restaurants, parks and gyms, this city is the perfect haven for firefighters.
2. Seattle, Washington
This music mecca is also a great place for firefighters to take up residence. The median salary for firefighters is $59,000, which is nearly $10,000 higher than the city's average median income. The only thing keeping Seattle from the No. 1 spot is the slightly higher cost of living.
3. Portland, Oregon
Quiet, safe and hip are all words one could use to describe this bridge port city. High annual rainfall means the city is usually at a relatively low risk for fire. Another bonus is that the median salary for Portland firefighters is $49,000, a good deal higher than the city's average.
4. Austin, Texas
The south Texas city whose motto is "Keep Austin Weird" comes in fourth on our best cities for firefighters list. Austin is one of the few cities in the country to see steady job growth in almost every industry in the last decade. Firefighters who live here average $44,000 in annual salary, and the 51 index cost of living is one of the best on the list.
5. Denver, Colorado
Skiing, hiking and sports teams are just a few of the reasons people flock to this central Colorado city. Firefighters especially love this area because of the high income to low cost of living ratio. Compared to the quality of life, the cost of living in Denver is relatively low. The annual median salary for Denver firefighters is just under $50,000.
6. Kansas City, Missouri
For barbecue and blues-loving firefighters, Kansas City is the place to be. This region has remained financially stable for some time, and the cost of living is among the lowest in the country when compared to the quality of life index. Firefighters in this Midwestern metropolis earn a median annual salary of about $44,000.
7. Buffalo, New York
The cost of living is one of the best in the nation in the city where Buffalo wings were invented. Aside from an excellent food scene, Buffalo is home to a historic waterfront district and is in close proximity to beautiful Niagara Falls. Firefighters who live in Buffalo make about $46,000 per year. An added bonus is that the commute time in Buffalo is one of the shortest in the country.
Long hours and dangerous work are all part of being a firefighter, but just because the job is stressful does not mean life outside the station has to be, too. The cities above offer the best pay, lowest cost of living and best quality of life in the country for firefighters.
On average, 5.9 million viewers tune into "American Ninja Warrior" every week, according to Variety. Those viewers got to witness two Chicago firefighters dominate the competition. Brandon Mears and Dan Polizzi, both heavily muscled and well over 6 feet tall, represented the Chicago Fire Department well on the television game show. Participating in challenging events like wall climbing, bar gymnastics and jumping between beams using only their fingertips, Mears and Polizzi advanced to the semifinal rounds.
"I have a lot of people say, 'Oh, I can do that. No problem,'" Polizzi told the Daily Herald, "but then they come in here and try it and realize how hard it is."
Both men train at the Chicago Ninja Academy and are among the five men from that gym selected to participate in the regional competitions for the show. Only 600 of the 50,000 people who submit audition tapes are selected to participate. Out of all those competitors, Mears is one of the few who made it to the final round. Both men, who called themselves the "Tower of Power," stick to a strict diet of lean meats and protein shakes and exercise for two to four hours six days a week. They use their influence to inspire the local kids who come to their gym to live a healthier lifestyle.
Firefighters give back to their communities every day. They put their lives on the line so that their friends and neighbors stay safe. It is not very often that they are rewarded for their efforts, yet two girls in Aurora, Colorado, wanted to change that.
After firefighters in Aurora saved her mom's life during a severe asthma attack, 12-year-old Trennah Nantkes and her friend, Kyra Dooley, wanted to repay their service. The girls celebrate their birthday close to each other, but this year, instead of asking for presents they asked for donations. Together they received $1,200, but they did not spend it on themselves.
"We're really thankful for [the firefighters] and wanted to give something back to them," Nantkes told Fox 31 News.
Nantkes and Dooley took their money and purchased a new 65-inch flat-screen television, a wall mount and popcorn buckets for the fire department that saved Nantkes' mother's life. The firefighters at the station were astounded at the girls' generosity and were grateful for the purchase.
Neither girl is a stranger to kindness. In fact, this was Dooley's third charity project in two years. She used her previous birthday to raise money for the local Ronald McDonald House and distributed blankets to the homeless at Christmas.
Children of military servicemembers have a unique childhood. Their mothers or fathers may be absent from important events in their lives because of deployment. There is added pressure on these kids to help out at home and remain strong even if they are missing their parent. Camp Corral was created to give military kids the chance to be young and to let loose. It was founded in 2011 and caters to children between the ages of 8 and 15 whose parent is an active duty servicemember, veteran or fallen hero.
Camp Corral gives participants the chance to bond with kids whose situations are similar to their own and let go of their daily stresses for a week. Together, these kids engage in activities such as ropes challenges, horseback riding and canoeing. The camp also has a Military and Family Life Counselor on site at all times to help campers through any emotional difficulties. On its website, the camp stated that it has served over 6,500 military children in 23 camps across 19 states. Camp Corral is based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, and is free for military children to attend. For more information, visit the camp's website.
Republican presidential candidate and former governor of Florida Jeb Bush announced on July 28 that he would be attending the upcoming Veterans and Military Town Hall. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Aug. 17 in Columbia, South Carolina. The main issues that will be covered will include veterans' health care, federal spending reform, veterans' homelessness and VA reform. Bush is just one of the policy makers expected to lead the discussions at the town hall. The presidential hopeful is expected to discuss his statements regarding the privatization of some veteran health care.
The event was organized by The Concerned Veterans for America. This organization defines itself as "advocates for policies that – and support policymakers who – preserve the freedom and prosperity that veterans and their families so proudly served to defend." The CVA works to make positive changes for veterans through grassroots campaigns and public forums. The organization also works to gain a representative voice for veterans when it comes to military decision-making in Washington, D.C. The Veterans and Military Town Hall is part of the CVA's ongoing Defend and Reform Policy Series, a veterans advocacy movement that began in 2012.
To register to attend the event, click here.
Cloud computing is one of business's greatest advantages. It allows for more connectivity and easier information sharing. Now, however, California firefighters and their logistics teams are starting to use the cloud to help them fight fires. Because fires are ever-changing in nature, they can be difficult to contain. The California Natural Resources Agency is one of a few organizations working to make past wildfire and drought information available to firefighters over the cloud.
Not only would cloud access give firefighters real-time data and analyses at the scene of an ongoing fire, but it may also be able to help them prevent other fires before they start. Firefighters could access historical records of drought and fire-prone areas, making it easier to identify areas of potential fire outbreak and manage the risk. Previously, the state of California kept such records on tapes due to lack of storage space. This made it difficult for firefighters to access that information and use it to prevent fires. Tim Garza, director of IT at the California Natural Resources Agency, told Forbes that the main plan for setting up a cloud system for firefighters and first responders was to create a shared information network that would make them more effective at their jobs.
California is one of the first states to incorporate cloud computing into its firefighting arsenal.
When New Jersey waitress Liz Woodward paid for firefighters Tim Young and Paul Higgins' meal on her overnight shift at the Route 130 Diner, she never anticipated what she would get in return. Woodward let the firefighters have their meal free of charge, leaving them a note of gratitude for their service in place of a bill. Young was warmed by the gesture, so he shared a picture of the note and recommended that people who got Woodward as a waitress should tip generously. When he found out Woodward had a GoFundMe campaign to buy her father a wheelchair-accessible van, he decided to repay her kindness.
Young shared Woodward's GoFundMe page on his Facebook and received an outpouring of help from his followers. Over 185 people, most of whom knew neither Young nor Woodward, donated to Woodward's cause to raise $38,000, over $20,000 more than the campaign's goal. Woodward expressed her gratitude for the response on Facebook and encouraged others to spread the kindness around.
On her Facebook page, Woodward wrote, "Look for those opportunities because they are everywhere. You can make a difference – it doesn't always have to be an elaborate production or effort – it's always the little things that have the greatest impact."
There are times when your patriotic nature needs a jumpstart. There is no better place to turn to rejuvenate your American spirit than Hollywood. For decades, films have embodied what it means to be an American. They have us cheering for our heroes and chanting, "USA!" See which movies made the most patriotic list.
1. 'The Patriot'
The title says it all. This movie tells the story of the brave men and women who fought so that our country could exist. "The Patriot" defines what it means to be an American. It depicts the sacrifice and courage it took to found this country.
2. 'Independence Day'
Even though this sci-fi was a little far-fetched, "Independence Day" still captures the grit of the American people. Our fighting spirit has never shined so brightly as when Bill Pullman shouts, "Today we celebrate our Independence Day," after stopping the alien invasion.
3. 'Glory'
This period drama may have been set during a divided time in American history, but the unity of the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts is as American as it gets. These men were fighting together for their freedom.
4. 'Captain America: The First Avenger'
Marvel's comic-inspired character, Steve Rogers, is the personification of the American spirit. Rogers' determination to serve his country, even in the face of multiple rejections, is a testament to American tenacity. His star-spangled suit and commitment to ensuring that the American dream lives on makes Captain America one of the most patriotic characters of all time.
5. 'Red Dawn'
Depending on which version of this film you watch, either the Russians or the North Koreans invade the U.S. But a rag-tag group of high school students, self-titled the Wolverines, stand up to the offending country. They defend the land and freedom that is theirs despite their fear and inexperience.
6. 'Top Gun'
Thousands of Americans felt the "need for speed" after watching this 1986 classic. In fact, Naval enlistment increased by 70 percent after the movie's release. The adrenaline-packed aerial dogfights and troop camaraderie showed a more exciting side to American military service.
7. 'Annapolis'
This movie involves another underdog, Jake Huard, who aspires to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, but a life of poverty and self-doubt threaten to hold him back. It is hard not to get goose bumps when Huard's commanding officer asks him why he is at the academy and Huard responds stoically, "To serve my country, sir."
The next time you are looking for a jolt of patriotism, turn on one of these films. The struggles and triumphs of the movies' heroes will surely revitalize your American spirit.
The town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is known for its patriotism. Every year, the Patriot Festival is held there. However, Pigeon Forge recently took its patriotism to a new level. The little Tennessee getaway with just over 6,000 residents will be celebrating veterans and, for the first time, first responders in various ways for the entire month of August. The town is calling its month-long celebration and display of gratitude Celebrate Freedom. To kick things off, local businesses are offering discounts to veterans, active military personnel, firefighters, emergency responders and police officers.
The activities during the month include a Welcome Home parade, an exhibit featuring a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial, artillery demonstrations and various military performances. Musical guests include The Alabama Boys, Unreconstructed, Marty Raybon and T. Graham Brown. Active and former military personnel and first responders from around the country are invited to the Celebrate Freedom events. Admission is free for servicemembers and first responders. Interested parties can get tickets by calling 800-309-0816. Some of the money from ticket sales will benefit the Sevier County Fire Chiefs Association.
Click here for a complete schedule of events.
Firefighters' schedules are exceptionally demanding. When they are not risking their lives to protect their communities, they are busy working together to upkeep the stations that serve as their second homes. In a career that demands a good deal of stamina, it is important for firefighters to maintain a nutritional and filling diet. However, it can be difficult to find time to prepare food. The recipes below are some examples of quick and nourishing meals to keep firefighters energized and healthy.
Lemon thyme chicken with sauteed vegetables
This protein-packed meal takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. The chicken is bursting with zesty flavor, and the sauteed vegetables complete the dish nicely. At only 325 calories per serving, this dish is perfect for feeding a station full of hungry firefighters. See the full recipe here.
Whole-wheat Southwestern pizza
There is no need to waste station budget on ordering a pizza when this recipe can be done in 18 minutes or less. Top the whole-wheat crust with an array of fresh vegetables for a healthier take on a Friday night favorite. Alternate between chicken, sausage, turkey and beef each time to add protein and variety.
Grilled beef with basil puree over Tuscan beans
Beef and beans are notorious for being chock-full of protein, so this dish is sure to keep the station full and ready to go. The juicy tenderloin and hearty beans are extremely easy to make and can be on the table in about 20 minutes. Get the recipe here.
Pork chops with Dijon glaze
In just 30 minutes, this savory dish is ready to be devoured. The Dijon glaze accentuates the buttery flavors of the pork chops, making this a meal to remember. To make the recipe even healthier, leave out the honey. It will taste just as delicious without the added sugar.
Cauliflower sauce with whole-wheat penne
Pasta is full of good carbohydrates that provide the body with energy. The 35 minutes it takes to make this recipe will not be wasted. The creamy cauliflower sauce coats the pasta in delectable perfection. To make this a vegetarian dish, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
Ancho-glazed salmon and sweet potato fries
This meal contains an impressive 30 grams of protein per serving. Spicy notes from the ancho chilies give the salmon a little extra kick. The combination of nutrients from the fish and the sweet potatoes will keep firefighters full through any emergency situation, and this dish only takes 20 minutes to make. Click here for the recipe.
Korean sticky chicken
For those extra busy days around the station, try making this dish. It only takes eight ingredients and 12 minutes to finish. The sauce combines the sweet flavors of honey with energizing hints of spice. The chicken is tender and sure to satisfy big hunger. Get the recipe for this quick meal here.
Finding time to prepare a healthy, balanced meal with a normal schedule is difficult. For firefighters, the challenge is even greater. All of the meals above can be completed in 35 minutes or less and provide the proper nutrition to keep any station healthy and ready for action.