training wheels. // evan 'buck' buckley

i had spent weeks acclimating to life around the 118, but today would be my biggest test yet. bobby, always mindful of my safety and well-being, had arranged a ride-along for me with the crew. it was an opportunity to see the team in action, to experience firsthand the world i was slowly becoming a part of. yet, as i stepped into the firehouse that morning, nerves fluttered in my stomach like a thousand butterflies.

the firehouse, which had become familiar over time, seemed different today. there was a weight in the air, a seriousness that hadn’t been there before. as i entered, bobby greeted me with his usual warmth, but i could see the concern in his eyes. he placed a firm, reassuring hand on my shoulder. “you ready for this?”

i nodded, but my voice wavered slightly. “as ready as i’ll ever be.”

bobby’s expression softened. “you’ll be in good hands. just remember to stay close, and don’t hesitate to step back if things get too intense.”

i appreciated his caution, though it did little to ease the anxiety bubbling inside me. as i looked around, the rest of the crew offered their own words of encouragement. hen gave me a nod, chimney flashed a grin, and buck offered a thumbs-up from across the room. despite their attempts to lighten the mood, i could sense the shift in their demeanor. this wasn’t just another day at the firehouse; today, they were going into the unknown, and i was coming along for the ride.

the alarm blared through the station, sending the team into action. the atmosphere, already tense, crackled with urgency as they suited up and headed for the truck. i found myself squeezed between hen and chimney in the backseat, the tight space adding to my nervousness. across from us, buck and eddie were focused, their usual banter replaced by a steely determination. as the sirens wailed and the truck sped through the city streets, my heart raced in time with the flashing lights outside.

the call led them to a multi-car pileup on the highway. it was a scene of chaos and destruction, far worse than anything i had ever witnessed. crumpled metal, shattered glass, and the smell of burning rubber filled the air. people were crying out for help, their voices a mix of fear and pain. as the truck came to a halt, the crew sprang into action, their movements swift and efficient.

“stay close to me,” bobby instructed, his tone firm as he guided me to a safe spot near the edge of the scene. “watch, but don’t get too close.”

i obeyed, my eyes wide as i took in the chaos unfolding before me. hen and chimney rushed to the most damaged vehicle, where a young woman was trapped inside. the tension was palpable as hen tried to comfort the woman, her voice calm and reassuring despite the urgency of the situation. chimney worked methodically to assess the injuries, his hands steady as he prepared for the delicate task of extrication.

meanwhile, buck and eddie were directing traffic, ensuring that the scene remained secure for the rescue operations. their voices, usually full of energy and life, were now focused and commanding, guiding drivers and coordinating with the police officers on the scene.

the moments of tension hit me hardest. the sound of the jaws of life tearing through metal, the muffled cries of the trapped woman, the way hen’s face tightened with concentration - it was all so real, so immediate. for the first time, i truly understood the weight of what these men and women did every day. this wasn’t just a job; it was a calling, one that demanded everything they had.

as they worked to free the woman from the wreckage, i could see the toll it was taking on the team. the strain in their muscles, the sweat on their brows, the way they communicated with quick, efficient gestures - each moment was a testament to their training and dedication. but there was something more, something deeper. i could see it in their eyes, the way they connected with the victims, offering not just physical help but emotional support as well.