Working with those who serve our community

For my first Workday as your Representative, I wanted to bring attention to those who professionally serve our community, the men and women whose jobs are dedicated to helping others.

The firefighters and paramedics of Station 1 in downtown Tallahassee don’t just help others – they risk their lives to keep us safe.

On my Workday, we thankfully didn’t have to respond to any fires, but we did have several medical calls. About 75 percent of a firefighters job is responding to medical emergencies. The firefighters are all trained to give life-saving care when we’re at our most vulnerable.

I also learned when they’re not out saving lives, there’s a lot of work to do at the station. On my workday, we examined and stocked a fire truck; we scrubbed and cleaned equipment; and the firefighters showed me how to dress into their personal protective equipment. The equipment keeps them safe, but the bulky pants, jacket and oxygen tank aren’t easy to put on.

I spent a lot of time listening to the firefighters talk about the challenges they face. One thing many people don’t realize is that North Florida’s firefighters don’t just keep us safe from fires and medical emergencies; they’re also trained to respond in case of large-scale events, like a natural disaster or terrorist attack. As groups like al-Qaeda increase their focus on homegrown terrorism, we must be ready to respond in every community, large or small.  Along with our police, sheriffs and other first responders in North Florida, the firefighters are prepared to risk their lives responding to any attack.

These Workdays are so important because they provide a first-hand look at the challenges being faced by people in all different walks of life and situations. They also provide the opportunity to highlight the hard work of North Floridians and to build new relationships. I didn’t just work alongside our firefighters — I made a dozen new friends.

When an issue involving first responders comes up in Congress, I can call the firefighters to ask how it will affect them — and they know, when they need something done in Washington, they can call me.