In two days, I will receive my ECA (Early Care Attendant) certification. This is the Texas equivalent of the First Responder certification, and it qualifies me to take the test to register nationally as a first responder. It seems an eternity since I started my training, as I've had to host three LP conventions in that span (precinct, county, and district), and we've had two massive wildfires to combat in that span as well.

I'll be glad to have my Saturdays back, and the first thing I will be doing Monday morning is to take my jacket to have the patch embroidered on my shoulder. We've got a lot of "new blood" on the department, and not all of them respect some of us who have held the fort for some time. While the patch won't change that, it will always remind ME of what I've given to this department.