MIKE TOIKA's Blog (2)

The passion has returned this year. Don't know why, but all of a sudden I care again. Maybe I've reached that point in my 23 plus years on the street (30 overall with 911 time), that I've become frustrated with lack of vision for the "community". Maybe its because its time for someone to put the wrench in the "fast trackers" wheels. I don't know....but its becoming more and more frustrating. The organization has changed immensly, and at the tail end of a GREAT GREAT career, I'm not feeling happy… Continue

I've been chasing fires with my grandfather since I was two. When he died, I had a great emptyness. My uncle became a fireman, then a chief. Being a fireman is the only thing I ever wanted, and I feel honored that this life has chosen me. The brotherhood, while not what the old volunteers had, is still strong today. It needs some infusion of life, but its still strong. We on black shift have this life, and we have each others back. I LOVE THIS JOB, and my brothers. Be safe, ALL IN ALL OUT Continue