"Not very many people can do this. The rewards are great-but so is the responsibility. Don't fuck it up. You can do this. Later buddy"

So went the last passage in a note sent to me by a man I've considered a mentor in the fire service and a friend in life; meet Mike Abbey. He's salty, jaded and funny as hell, but beneath all of that is a caring soul who continually surprises me with the depth of his heart. He retired from the FD 17 years ago, and I still look to him for guidance and support. So please enjoy a very family-unfriendly conversation peppered with tales of the way it used to be in the fire service with my good friend!

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