Disappointing news

Some of you have been following the saga of me applying to the on-call Fire Department in my county. This is an opportunity for evening/weekend on-call work to help out at medical emergencies and fires. As you know, I have been preparing myself physically and mentally for such a challenge, and was greatly looking forward to this opportunity.

I passed the written test, and breezed through the oral interview. The physical test was on Saturday, but I hadn't heard from them on Friday. So I called. As it turns out, I am not on their list of approved attendees for the Fire Academy.

Why ?

They haven't implemented the program in my city yet.

And they may not for another year.

Every other city in the county has been implemented, but not mine.

To say I am devastated is an understatement. I was really looking forward to attending the Fire Academy (evenings and Saturdays of course), and serving the community in this capacity. They knew I lived in this city, and they knew I was more than 3 miles from the closest participating fire station. So I have to wonder why they put me through the whole testing/interviewing process in the first place. Much experience has been gained, yes, and I have made great strides in both strength and endurance. However, I find it difficult still to hide my disappointment.

What's next ? I am investigating taking some prerequisite Fire Technology courses, and perhaps applying to the Academy on my own accord, instead of being sponsored by the County. I am investigating this route right now.

In the meantime, I'll continue to stop at traffic accidents and respond to medical emergencies here at work. :)