“Command. Occupant located. We’re heading out. Conditions are worsening,” I spoke calmly into the radio, though on the inside my adrenaline was pumping overtime.

  Mack and Kevin carried him out while I followed closely behind holding the line. I heard a crash and turned around to look. Seeing anything through all the heavy smoke was nearly impossible, but in the distance a sliver of light gleamed. What the hell was that?

  When we got within a few feet of the front door, I felt a shiver go down my spine. Turning around, I saw a figure heading towards the rear of the building. Where did that person come from? I turned my attention to the front door to ensure my crew was safely outside. Knowing full well it was against protocol, I made a split second decision to follow. Making my way back through dense smoke, my air tank suddenly beeped, sending out a signal I was running low.

  The person had firefighter gear on, but as I got closer, I could just barely make out who it was. What the hell is he doing here? I quickened my pace, bumping into furniture and equipment trying to catch up. Tripping over something, I landed hard on my side. Within a couple of minutes I heard the frantic call through my radio.

  “Mayday!” Command called in a desperate tone. “One firefighter unaccounted for. Mayday!”

  My last thought was of Bella and Gracie, my sweet little girls, before the roof collapsed into a fiery crash all around me.

 

 

  Traci Hohenstein, Split Decision

 

 

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