“Volunteer firefightingAnyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter can get informationabout the next academy by calling his or her fire district:* Oak Harbor – 679-5551* North Whidbey District #2 – 675-1131* Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue – 678-3602* South Whidbey District #3 – 321-1533* Camano Island Fire and Rescue #1 – 629-3008I’m lying on my back on cold, wet asphalt wearing waterlogged canvasoveralls and coat. My arms are crossed on my chest. I’m alternately cursing and trying not to laugh as 60 people form a circle and look down on me with their hats in their hands. Above me a voice drones on in solemn eulogy, but the private voice in my head is saying, This is all Emily’s fault.As far as the recruits and instructors of the various Island Countyvolunteer fire districts are concerned, I, along with a colleague who liesbeside me, have died in the line of duty. This is our mock funeral andthough my daughter Emily is nowhere near this training ground, I think ofher because she got me into this.When she decided to enter the high school firefighterprogram last December, an old desire to volunteer for the department resurfaced in me. I’d put it off when we first moved to Whidbey 14 years ago because I had a 2-year-old, named Emily.Regardless of who started it, we are now engaged in an unusual method ofmother-daughter bonding. And so I lie here knowing I am set up to suffermany such humiliations as I participate in exercises that, according toOak Harbor Fire District Chief Corky Bridgeford, no sane adult wouldhave anything to do with. Adults don’t make it through this program, Bridgeford said as he dismissed the 36 of us from class to start training sessions, only boys and girls.This is meant positively. He is pointing out that being a firefighterdemands great flexibility, a sense of adventure and a sincere appreciationof the joys of getting wet and dirty. And though firefighting is a veryserious subject, there are some things about this program that make you feel like a little kid. Fire scene safety dictates that we learn to work in teams of two and so a buddy must accompany me everywhere I go. After years of training in self-determination and independence, I’m struggling with this.Already, on our first day together, A-Company, my academy team, has adopted Where’s Nancy? as the company motto.And this is what has led to my pretend demise. My company, busy figuring out how to control a flood of water from sprinkler heads, forgot to check and account for all team members. An instructor pulled me awaywhile no one was looking to impress on us all the importance of payingattention to the well-being of fellow firefighters regardless of what elsegoes on. It’s to simulate that things can happen, but we all need to belooking out for each other, said District 3 Chief Mike Cotto, academy drillmaster.Facing the workload for the next six weeks the academy looks tough.Recruits must read a 692-page text that covers safety, departmentorganization, protective gear, ropes and knots, rescue, extinguishingagents, building construction, ladders, hoses, forced entry, fire behavior,ventilation, water supply, fire control, fire detection and suppressionsystems, salvage, evidence, department communications and fire prevention.We will have classroom lectures on these subjects and more, rigorousphysical training in practical application of the knowledge, and tests, lotsof tests. If we can make it through the course, at the end we will be fitfor certification as Firefighter 1 and begin our careers with the IslandCounty Fire District.Emily and the other high school recruits are missing out on the fun ofacademy, which Em regrets a bit. She loves the gritty, hard work and beingpart of this funny and committed group. When we were allowed inside at a practice burn a few weeks ago she came out glowing from more than just the heat and exertion. The high schoolers will take their training in a couple of weeks during spring break. Until they turn 18 they will perform less dangerous fire scene duties. They get a lighter version of the academy and will escape some of the more challenging parts.As the mom in our bonding duo there’s plenty for me to worry about as Emilygets involved in fighting fires – I’m glad she’ll be given some time to growinto all this. I’m also glad I’m learning about the firefighter safetyfocus of the department. Having died a couple of times, perhaps I can give my little girl some pointers on avoiding the situation. “