A breath slowly taken as I sit and apply the “Asst. Chief” rocker to my new white helmet. The hub has died down. I’m the only one left in the station after almost 5 hours of busy meetings, and I stop for a moment to enjoy the present moment sandwiched between a past of training and a future of leadership.

I smile as I think of all the congratulations, hugs, handshakes I’ve just exchanged with some of the people I admire most in the world. With not a second thought I can say that I am now the proud Assistant Chief of Boulder Emergency Squad, the finest rescue organization anywhere!

I’ve trained, played, and went on countless calls with the members of the squad over the last 3 years.  I spent the last few months as a lieutenant, am also a swiftwater rescue instructor, was on the board of directors for awhile, have been the personnel director for the last year and a half and I now proudly take a new leadership role among them. There is no group I trust more, to always do the right thing, to be a rock to the world in trouble, and to give and give, whenever there is a need. It will be a tremendous pleasure to lead such fine people who have motivated and driven me since I stepped through the door.

So it begins. Andrew and I have a spectacular Officer Staff, a solid Board of Directors, and a dedicated Squad. The last leaders left us strong and well prepared to meet the changing culture of the future, with enough resources to move strongly into whatever unforeseen currents we are bound to encounter. Thanks Dan and Kipp!

I’m excited and a little nervous, but mainly jazzed at the opportunity to bring an already great organization together into a focused, efficient, fun, and inspiring team.

And now it’s 2am.  The adrenaline of the day has subsided just a bit.  Time to sleep and dream, and wake up ready to reach out and grab this new challenge and enjoy it the way it was meant to be!

Larkin Carey

Assistant Chief

Boulder Emergency Squad