In the movie Australia, Hugh Jackman's character says that every person has a story. Each one of these stories includes all of that person's life experiences: the ups and downs, the good and bad. Most importantly, he says, is the way the person handled these experiences and the changes that resulted from all of these influences. He says a person's life story is the legacy that he or she leaves behind.

This led me to think about my story. One of the biggest chapters in my story — and likely in yours — is my involvement in the fire service, and revisiting that chapter evoked many questions. Take the time to look back at your story and ponder the same questions. This reflection may determine how you move into the future.

Recall when you first thought to join the fire service. Was it early or late in life or somewhere in the middle? What was it about the fire service that stuck in your mind? What moved that idea from thought to action? Who or what influenced that decision? These questions can be the beginning of an entertaining firehouse discussion. You might be surprised at how similar these stories may be.

Often we become so caught up in day-to-day fire service routines of budgeting, training and handling community growth that we forget why we became firefighters or EMTs to begin with. There are many career firefighters who criticize volunteers, forgetting that they were once volunteers. There are also many volunteer firefighters who criticize career firefighters, forgetting that they both are in the department for the very same reason. They also overlook the fact that it takes a team to do the fire service's demanding and often-thankless tasks.

The beginnings of a firefighter life story may differ, but the basic reasons must be remembered — without a well-built and well-maintained foundation, even the strongest building will fall.

Let's turn to the next chapter in a firefighter's life story. From the day you were sworn in as a firefighter, who influenced you and helped make you the firefighter you are today? Was there a specific incident that changed the way you view the fire service or was it a combination of incidents? Our experiences and environments make us who we are and shape the way we think, and a fire department provides unique life experiences in a unique environment.

Think back to when you were a rookie. What were you thinking? More importantly, how were you thinking? Remember the enthusiasm and the swagger you had when you entered the fire station. Remember that feeling. Some still have that rookie spark, others seem to be burnt to a frazzle and still others just seem to be in a state of permanent life support. It is easy to condemn firefighters who fall into the latter two categories. But something, someone or both contributed to that. Rather than criticize, ask these firefighters what made them lose that rookie spark. Help reignite their original fire of dedication to the fire service and its principles.

If you are the one suffering from career burn out this reflection is even more important. Think about what firefighter life experiences could have caused you to be where you are now. Now comes the hard part — you need to push those negative experiences back, accept that those negative experiences are a matter of the past, and realize and it is time to move on to a brighter future. Think about the positive experiences instead, those that made you feel good and gave you a sense of accomplishment.

Again, this chapter of a firefighter's life story might be interesting to discuss around the fire station. Ask about the influences of significant events or individuals and how they do things now compared to their rookie days. Don't forget to participate, also — everyone's story is important.

After revisiting the past, focus on the current story and look to the future one. Where are you and where are you going? Members in the beginning of their lives as firefighters should look to future with an eye on learning. This learning takes place not only in structured environments like classrooms or training grounds but also through living and listening. For members in the middle of their firefighting story, the future should focus on personal and career goals and develop an outline to accomplish these goals. For members in the later chapters of their firefighter stories, the future is even more vital. Those senior firefighters must share as much information as possible, particularly about the firefighter life experience. Senior firefighters are obligated to mentor and succession plan. They must pass on the beneficial morale-building traditions and history that brings spirit to this noble service.

Australia's lessons on life stories and individual legacies apply to everyone. As we move further into 2009, it will do all of us a great deal of good to reflect on our own fire service chapters. This in-depth view of the past will give us a solid understanding of the future, enabling us to build or reinforce a good professional foundation. The future begins today. All firefighters must dedicate themselves to doing everything they can to make sure that everyone goes home.

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Chief Mike Chiaramonte, CFO, MIFireE, is a 40-year member of the Lynbrook (N.Y.) Fire Department and its former chief. Chiaramonte is a past chairman and board member of the IAFC Volunteer and Combination Officers Section Board and past president of the IAFC Eastern Division. He's also a National Fire Academy Instructor and on the advisory board to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Chiaramonte is a state EMT-B. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and a master's degree from Hofstra University, both in communications education.