Page 2 of Anchor Point

“I need to make some calls while you complete your paperwork, but I’ll be back in an hour or so, and then we can get started on that tour.”

Three hours later, we’d driven the city, and he’d shown me all the “most important” sights, including the three smaller firehouses that would fall under my direction and which roads they closed for parades. He pointed out the city park still undergoing reconstruction after a tornado destroyed the southern portion of town and then other important landmarks.

Bloom ended our tour at the Newman Fire Department headquarters, a two-story block building, with an exterior glass wall showcasing the stairwell and giant red slide.

“We finished remodeling and making upgrades just before the tornado hit. We refurbished the day room, offices, and bunk room, and installed the slide.” Pride curled around Bloom’s words. “And Station Four was completed the year before that. Our first new facility in over a decade, which also added another new engine company.”

He was a likable guy, radiating positivity and smiles, probably in his late forties, with thinning hair and a wiry build. He loved his city and seemed to embrace his role as head cheerleader.

I eyeballed the large headquarters from the parking lot. “And how many personnel are at this station?”

“This firehouse runs the most calls, so naturally, it has the most personnel on duty at one time. We have Rescue One and Engine One stationed here. Rescue One is staffed by two—a driver and a medic. Engine One is staffed by four. There are two apparatus drivers on shift here, one at the smaller stations. Plus a captain at each one.”

“And what’s the average call volume?”

“Oh, um… I’m not sure right offhand …”

Up until now, he’d spouted information like he was reading a brochure. I wanted to tell him he couldn’t scare me away with his answer. I’d asked the same question in my follow-up interview, so I knew the answer. Throughout the day, I’d gathered that the administrator wasn’t so much connected with the department’s issues as he was just showing off the pretty, positive things.

But I needed to know if I had an ally when it came time to approach a city council governed by a misogynistic mayor.

I gave him a thin smile to set him at ease. “Never mind, I’ll pull the information I need from reports. Let’s see the rest.”

His relief was palpable. “I’ll show you to your office, and then we can discuss meeting with the captains.” We started through the open bay doors. “Fair warning, there may be some resentment there. We passed over a few of our own to hire you.”

It made sense. I’d felt like there’d been more to this story from the get-go. I followed him into the stairwell, our footfalls echoing in the cavernous space. Keeping my voice soft, I asked, “Was there a reason to go outside of the department?”

“We had a former chief who made some… poor decisions. Naturally, it affected the department. We hired an interim chief, a retiree, but then the tornado happened, and with already having staffing issues… our search for a new chief was delayed while we put the city back together again.”

A second fumble. But this time, I wasn’t letting him off the hook. Something had gone down in this department, and knowing the details would help me navigate this onboarding with my new crews.

“So, the personnel are burned out and don’t trust leadership is what I’m hearing.”

“I wouldn’t call it burned out, but they are tired of change and are ready to move forward.”

“And the ‘poor decisions of the former chief’? What does that mean?”

From this vantage point at the top of the stairwell, the glass wall lent a good view of the rest of the block. Cars buzzed by on the one-way, double-laned street. To the left, the center of town boasted a historic courthouse. Across from the station, residential homes had been converted to businesses. Beyond that lay quaint neighborhoods, with well-manicured lawns and large front porches, most with rocking chairs or porch swings.

Inside headquarters, the bay was filled with natural light. Clean, with a fresh coat of paint. The equipment, although in good condition, showed signs of age.

At the other end of the bay was a large empty office. The station was eerily quiet. No personnel milling about, though all the trucks were in the bay.

“I’m sorry, Chief Hawkins, his personnel record is confidential.” He turned to the doors, effectively ending the conversation. That was fine. I’d pave my own way and make this department my own. “This side of the stairwell used to be a municipal building. The other side is the living quarters. We moved the fire administration to this new wing as part of the renovation.”

A clerk at the front desk gave me a warm, welcoming smile, but Mr. Bloom walked right past her without introducing us. Then, once again, I followed him down a hallway.

He opened a door and swept his arm with a flourish into the room. “Welcome to your new office.”

It was small—industrial carpet, a simple desk and file cabinet, and a row of little windows high along the back wall. Possibly a converted storage room. Definitely a far cry from the fancy offices of city hall.

“I’ll leave you to get settled in now.” He checked his phone, swiping through messages. “I have another meeting that I need to get to, but I’ll check in with you tomorrow morning.”

And with that, my new boss left me hanging. Thanks for tossing me into the deep end of the pool, buddy.

I sat in the chair and took a moment to breathe, finally allowing myself to relax.

I thought about texting Rosie to see how her day had been, but a knock sounded at my door.

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