I spent some time with a group of firefighters. Their life is often described as periods of serenity interrupted by frenetic chaos.

But, during the serene time, I observed a great deal of activity spent in buffing and polishing their equipment and vehicles. It seemed more than mere maintenance and it peaked my curiosity.

“Why the extreme attention to detailing and cleaning, almost overboard, at times?” I asked.

One of the young guys on the crew spoke up, “What appears to you as extreme, for us is simply discipline. You can visit any firehouse, and the way they keep their equipment is the same way they fight fires. If they are sloppy in their maintenance, they will be sloppy fighting a fire. They will make poor decisions and will ultimately cost property, even lives. A team always plays the game the same way it practices.”

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As Hurricane Wilma passes overhead today, everyone be safe. -TF