Service Reinvested

By: Travis Rask

I’ve seen the viral “what do you make?” post flowing around. I think some aspects of Facebook mirror “junk mail forwards” in the email realm, and that most people who post them do not mean any harm or discredit to what we do. They’re just passing something amusing along. The major difference is these amusements are open an available for many more people to see and offend.

The reality we’re all aware of is we’re undergoing a historic period of massive political and social turmoil, and general cultural malaise and pessimism. Trust in government is at all time lows. Unfortunately, we’re perceived as guilty by association. Americans are drowning in a sea of unemployment, debt, and government and institutional mistrust. Much like a drowning person…when we try they resist our help. When we attempt to justify our service, many respond with a vitriolic rage. Silly social media posts about holding little girls hands don’t help the problem, as much as we wish they do.

A good businessman values his customers and employees. They are his capital, and the key to his success. A great businessman will reinvest the windfalls from his products back into his capital, in an effort to improve his service and more importantly, the lives of his employees and customers.

Our citizens and our brothers and sisters are our capital. The best thing we can do is reinvest the generosity of their tax dollars into making ourselves and our brothers and sisters better, so we can make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.

I don’t own a boat. I don’t own a TV. I don’t play XBox at work, or all day on my off days. My truck is 10 years old. My newest pair of jeans is a year old, and I buy a lot of my clothes at Goodwill (as a result my girlfriend won’t go out in public with me).

I do own a home gym; you paid for it. I own many books; you paid for them. I’ve spent thousands of dollars in training and travel expenses this year. As I look ahead to next years calendar, I can already see $5000 in travel and training ahead of me…with even more to be penciled in. You paid for those too.

You, the citizen, are my capital. The best thing I can do with the hard earned tax dollars you so graciously provide to my department so I can be employed, is to re-invest your money into making myself stronger, fitter, more educated, and more proficient at my craft. I will never relent on this commitment, and will share the benefits of my work with my brothers and sisters.

You may never need me. But, if you do, know this: The hard earned money you gave me was passionately reinvested into serving you, and I promise you it will be money well spent.

This article was originally taken from Fire Service Warrior. http://www.fireservicewarrior.com/2011/11/service-reinvested/

Travis Rask shows us that as a Fire Service Warrior you can explain that what is made in compensation for our duty is used to to improve our ability to perform in our duties showing that service is reinvested. Thank you Travis for your contribution to the discussion, your ability to spark deeper thought and most importantly your example.  Travis is is a firefighter with Snohomish County Fire District 7 in Clearview, WA.  He is a fourth generation firefighter and a member of the Puget Sound FOOLS.