Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG 23 DIRTY BUNKER GEAR IS NOT A BADGE OF HONOR It’s a disaster waiting to happen FREE PICKUP AND DELIVERY I\URLYNLHYJSLHULYZJVT ࠮  3795 NW 38th St, Miami, FL 33142 Eco-Friendly and NFPA Compliant firesoaps.com The family unit is probably one of the most important icons in American history today. It is the glue that strengthens the bond between parent and child, brother and sister, management and labor, God and humanity and yet when ignored, the consequences are far reaching and more devastating than most can ever imagine. The words have never been truer today as they were in 1858 when Abraham Lincoln said, “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” When we ignore the red flag and fail to look up and see what is going on around us, we miss the warning signs associated with the silent alarm which often point to dysfunctional relationships, narcissism, complacency, and sometimes PTSD. If in your wildest imagination, you could see the slightest association between yourself and the family I spoke of earlier, I encourage you to re- examine the direction in which you are headed. Set your compass on a new heading that will sharpen your peripheral vision, instill a posture of altruism and an attitude of commitment and action when it comes to follow-through. It is time we stepped up to the plate and began to seriously take our role as parents and professionals. When our house is in order, both at home and at work, relationships will be on track and both our future and the future of those entrusted to us will be secure and resilient. Remember that the silent alarm can only be heard by those who are sensitive to their surroundings, who are focused on their responsibilities and the welfare of others, and who are committed to a higher level of excellence in their career. The red flag, though elusive and intangible, is real and powerful but for those who choose to ignore it, that thin red line between life, death and what we hold so dear will grow even smaller as time goes by. The choice is yours. Marvin Hart Retired Chief Office r