All day yesterday, I was in meetings in our county seat, with representatives of several departments (Planning, Environmental Protection, Permitting, and Fire/Rescue) to review adjustments to the build-out of the building for one of the fire stations that make up the three in the fire department on which I serve as President (of the volunteer side of this combined department.)

I know… kind of a mouthful. Thus you have it when…

…the county serves as the local government, since we have “county-strong” government and few incorporated cities where I live.

For this meeting, I was not wearing my official uniform; rather, I was wearing “civilian” clothes (jeans, flannel shirt, and cowboy boots.) As a volunteer, I wear the uniform only when on official duty.

In this case, I was working out final adjustments of the fire station’s layout that the builder, paid professionals, leadership (including the Chief), and volunteers wanted. Everything from expanded locker space to how the kitchen would be arranged, quiet spaces, dormitory, and public spaces, too.

It was a long and sometimes tedious series of meetings, but we accomplished what we set out to do.

I was wearing Tecovas “Dillon” Caiman boots that contrasted well with blue denim jeans. The boots are in the “desert” (tan) color, and are noticeable with jeans.

Of the 20-some people I met with during the day (several meetings over that span of time), most all of them made a comment like, “hey, those are NICE boots!” or “great boots!” or “fancy boots you got on!” Some comments led to conversations about wearing boots, when/where/how often, etc. Much better conversations than the tedium of the number of inches of locker space per person. (giggle.)

I still wear my smooth-soled firefighter boots with the uniform — when on duty. But when working in my wonky old-sage role on building/ planning issues, I wear boots and jeans. Just who I am.

Life is short: enjoy boot banter and compliments.