Building relationships. Building relationships is crucial in most jobs, but especially in mine, Development. It is important to put myself out there in the community and learn about businesses and organizations, so that I can find and determine ways that Giant Steps is able to work together with and partner with others in the community. At Giant Steps, we want support, correct? Of course that is true, however at the same time, we also want to give that support back as well, which is at times, even more crucial to our growth!
This past Friday, June 28th, I had an amazing experience living in the life of a firefighter for one day, 12 hours, which is half of a normal shift for the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Department. Back in April, the Development Team had the honor of having dinner with the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Department, District 51 and at that time, I asked if I could come along for a day in the future to truly understand and see what their job entails. Some may ask, why is that important to Giant Steps?
This is important to Giant Steps because in Development, we want to help others meet their philanthropic goals. We do this by learning about different businesses, different organizations, and individuals to then find that fit with them in order for them to give back.
Everyone wants to feel wanted, to help and to give back in some way or form, but just may not know exactly how to do that. Fortunately, Giant Steps has been able to provide that opportunity to many businesses, organizations and individuals to feel wanted and give back in various ways with their treasures, their talents, and/or their time.
The day in the life of a firefighter started with doing routine equipment checks. Each day and week, their is a check list for them to complete to ensure that equipment is functioning correctly.
Then, we loaded up and were off for some training!
The Lisle-Woodridge Fire Department, among other fire departments were invited to help with the tear down of a building in Lisle. Here is where I really gained some insight to how knocking some walls down can play into the training for the Firefighters.
At the building, Firefighters ran timed drills and simulated as if there was a fire in the building. They also trained on how to break through different types of walls, both cement and dry wall, to allow enough space to crawl through, yet keep even weight distributed on all sides so the entire wall or building does not collapse.
The Lisle-Woodridge Fire Department works as a team and that means cooking and cleaning as well. After training, it was a stop to the local Jewel-Osco for groceries and then back to the station to cook, and eat lunch as a team.
The afternoon was just as busy. It started with a fire drill at a nearby retirement home, followed by several fire code checks within the area.
It was so great to witness community appreciation for the Firefighters. When we stopped at a close by Dunkin’ Donuts for a fire code check, coffee was on them! It was a great bonus to the afternoon!
Their work did not stop there. Upon return to the station, reports and more equipment checks had to be completed before cooking and eating dinner as a team.
I have always had a great appreciation for those that protect us in the community. I am thankful for the work these firefighters do each day. Being a part of their team for one day, half of a normal shift for them, was a true honor! The time with them increased my understanding and appreciation of what they do that much more. There is much work that goes into each day for these men and women behind the scenes and that does not include being called out to fight a fire, or to help at the scene of an automobile accident, or even to respond to an individual whom has a health emergency. ALL of this is done daily by our Firefighters and I am thankful to have gained this insight of their job.
