Friends often shared details of benefits they enjoyed as a spinoff, courtesy of their employer. There were tales of reduced vehicle prices and great deals on products and services. With decades of work behind me, I recall finding the odd pair of examination gloves hastily stuffed in a pocket when they weren’t needed. There were fewer tangible perks working for years as a volunteer firefighter and in emergency medical services. You couldn’t spend it, but receiving feedback following an assignment often instilled a satisfying feeling—a little ray of sunshine hidden amongst the otherwise darker stressful events.
A regular experience for first responders is the task of an emergency response. Regardless of the organization you represent, the adrenaline rush responders get during a lights and sirens run is unmistakable. Yes, most learn to take the experience in their stride. I remember a local radio personality coming out one evening for a shift “ride-along” to see firsthand what responders do. En route to an accident scene, I explained the radio traffic, then talked casually about a family BBQ planned for the following weekend. My friend still recounts his surprise to hear the simple reasoning that this was another day at the office.
Despite the relaxed appearance of responders, we are driving cautiously to navigate through sometimes congested routes. Crossing through intersections, professionals enjoy the privilege of proceeding through red traffic signals once they have stopped and it is safe to advance. That said, there is an unmistakably intense feeling with the combination of siren noise and multitasking that the public can only imagine. That feeling to me was always a benefit as much as something material.
The anthology of stories in my book Running Reds details a lifetime of running the red lights on emergency vehicles and through the red lights at intersections. Responders are a proud bunch. When the uniforms are put away, that pride is hidden behind a brief smile when the topic of occupation arises. Emergency workers and healthcare professionals have become more visible with recent events, sometimes showing their association with a shirt or hoodie. I had some brand-ware made, and after inquiries by fellow responders and students with a future in public service, I invite you to check out the examples offered through the website.
A massive shout-out to my daughter Lauren for her work developing the products and the plan to share them. Paramedics, firefighters, law enforcement, volunteer firefighters and dispatchers are featured. Several items bearing Running Reds will likely start a conversation and invite a question or three. Check it out: www.runningreds.ca/shop
Who doesn’t smile driving through a red light and not getting in trouble?
