Six Years Ago…

Six years ago, I penned the first post on FireCritic.com. I had no idea what the plan was for the site, but I knew exactly what I was doing. Still today, six years later, I use the phrase Captain Wines throws out occasionally… “We don’t know where were are going, but we are making good time!”

My initial post was short and sweet. Somewhat of a mission statement for the blog…and I think it still rings true today. The post below was published on June 7, 2009 and titled “Welcome to FireCritic.com”.

The Fire Critic is a hopeful new website which aims to dissect the Fire Service. We are determined to discuss the good, bad, and ugly of the fire service. We also plan on discussing tools, equipment, apparatus, tactics, politics, initiatives, standards, legislation, other websites, authors, and many other things across the fire/EMS service.

If you have ideas for us feel free to utilize the contact form to get a hold of us, otherwise you can email us at firecritic@firecritic.com.

This website has not been created as a mockery of the fire service, however we do not plan on shying away from hard topics that makes some of us cringe when discussed!

Stick with us and see what we have to offer!

The “Us” has always been me. Sure, I have partnered with others over the years, but this has always been me posting these articles. Lucky for me, I can schedule stuff out for days or weeks if needed.

While the emphasis has swayed topically over the years, I have remained loyal in trying to make the fire service better. My abilities are not necessarily in teaching, but sharing…that is what I am good at. Throughout the years, I have tried to write and share the stories that mean something to me. The stories that I felt would mean something to you too.

Over the past 6 years, I have seen many fire service blogs come and go. If you didn’t know, I actually began blogging back in 2005 on a different site. There have been many who have stood the test of time. Many of which have allowed me to help them get going. I appreciate that.

Over the past 6 years, I have published over 2500 posts and have another 170 in draft form that I didn’t publish for one reason or another. Millions of visitors have visited the site from all over the World.

For all of you who I have had the opportunity to interact with online or in person, I say thank you. The fire service and all of the great Brothers and Sisters within mean so much to me. Ever since the beginning, I have invested about every dime made from this site back into it. The one thing that I wish I had more of to make this site the best it could be is time…Time or a staff of capable individuals who could do the work for me…but what fun would that be?

But what I really want to say is this…

Thank you for sticking with me.

Thanks for the honesty.

Thanks for all of the laughs, the tears, and the stuff in between.

Thanks for saying hello when you see me at an event.

Thanks for inviting me into your firehouse.

Thanks for the calls, texts, emails, messages.

Thanks for the friendships, the camaraderie, and Brotherhood.

Thanks for being nice and getting along.

Thanks for understanding when I don’t get back to you right away.

Thanks for reminding me on a daily basis that this indeed is the Best Job in the World!

Thanks for everything.

Cheers to the next 6 years…

Rhett Fleitz
– The Fire Critic