22 S hortly after you and I took our first breath on the face of this earth we began to exercise a moral and ethical gift that was given to us. It distinguishes right from wrong, what is negotiable and what is not, when to press on and when not to press on, all of which have positive or negative consequences. I believe that gift came from God but out of respect for those who believe otherwise, we will consider it a “red flag.” Time, space and circumstance have a way of desensitizing us to the invisible red flag that was designed to warn us of the hazards that lie ahead. Much like the protective clothing and equipment that you and I wear to protect us from the smoke, heat, gas and dangers that linger behind the mysterious door on the next alarm, if we are careful and properly don everything that we are supposed to, we will be spared of the pain and discomfort the environment can inflict on us. Unfortunately, if we ignore the risk involved and fail to see the warning signs in our peripheral vision, we will suffer for that as well. When there is a total disregard for what is going on in and around us, the risk associated with tunnel vision can leave us vulnerable and defenseless. I believe that our brothers and sisters who are committed to the job and claim ownership for their actions will go far beyond the extra mile to protect someone else’s interest and for some, they will even yield to the ultimate sacrifice itself. However, much like a coin, ownership has two sides. On one side we see passion, commitment and integrity while on the other, mediocrity, complacency and deceit. Each individual must decide for themselves the side that best depicts them. For the man or woman who rightfully claims ownership for their misfortunes or failures in life, he or she will receive the respect and admiration they deserve, but for those who are self-serving and fail to claim responsibility for the decisions they have made, they will most likely leave a legacy that is less than desirable. The risk associated with self-centeredness and self-gratification can drain the life out of any organization. The importance of being vigilant when it comes to working in a hostile environment has been ingrained in each of us since day one and yet, there are times when we let down our guard and swiftly glide across the early morning check- off sheet discounting the importance of meticulous, detailed inspection. This includes the company officer as well, whose words flow freely and fluently from his or her lips, “never let someone’s ghost return to say that their training has failed them,” while in their next breath, training records and pre-fire plans lie dormant in their office drawing dust. Perhaps the saying is true, “familiarity does breed contempt.” Regardless of rank, status or time in grade, the risk associated with complacency can leave an organization and its personnel open and exposed to the elements that can overcome and consume them. Triggered by an inaudible and yet destructive force that is cloaked with tunnel vision, self- gratification and complacency, the risks associated with the silent alarm, are real and disparaging, but only to those who have experienced the devastation they can bring when you least expect it. Often mistaken as commonplace and non-threatening, the risk of closing your eyes to the obvious or pretending you don’t see or hear what is going on around you can be far more devastating than you can ever imagine. Hopefully the story that I am about to share with you will bring this article much closer to home. It was intended to be a wake-up call for all of us regardless of faith, interest, age or political affiliation. It was late in the afternoon when I finished work and I decided to meet my wife for dinner. At the restaurant, we noticed a family of six were being seated nearby and we smiled at one another reminiscing days gone by with our children and grandchildren. After fifty-two years of marriage we knew the value of each other’s company and the role that relationships have played in the lives of our family and friends. Aside from our faith, we know without any reservation that to play a meaningful role in the life of someone else is one of life’s greatest responsibilities and we are blessed because of it. After each member of the family scanned through their menu and gave the waitress their order, something profound and disappointing occurred. When the waitress turned and walked away, they each pulled out their phone or tablet and began to text. A father, mother, three teenage girls and one young boy, all oblivious to each other and their surroundings. We had hoped that when their food arrived, one of the parents would intervene and suggest that they all put away their electronic devices and enjoy the evening together, but to our dismay they continued texting while their food was being served. They didn’t miss a beat. With an occasional glance in their direction, there was little if any dialogue among them as their eyes were drawn intently on whatever they were looking at. The thought crossed my mind, we are living in an ever-changing world that seems to be caught up in a reckless behavior with no regard for what lies ahead. By J. Marvin Hart, Retired Chief Officer, City of Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue, Indian River State College Fire Academy The Silent Alarm