Faith. Firefighting. Finding Purpose in the Climb
About Me & This Site
Hi, I’m Rich — a husband, father, retired fire captain/medic, and follower of Jesus who believes that faith has to be real, tested, and lived out in the smoke and stress of everyday life.
I’m now 61 years old, retired after 30 years in the fire service, and married 39 years to my incredible wife, Annie. We’ve been through seasons of joy and hardship together, and she’s still the calm voice and steady presence in my life. I’m also blessed to be the father of our daughter Elizabeth — a young woman whose heart, strength, and compassion continue to inspire me.
Want a glimpse of the small ways we can impact others? Read how a simple act made a difference.
From the Fireground to the Faith Walk
When I first launched this blog, I thought most of my internal frustrations were tied to the job — long nights, tough calls, or organizational changes. Like a lot of us, I blamed the chaos on everything around me.
But the real problem was perspective.
I was trying to navigate life without the right view.
The shift didn’t happen overnight. It came through soul-searching, prayer, missteps, and hard-earned realizations. But eventually, God opened my eyes to what I call the “View From the Top” — His perspective. When I finally stopped trying to control everything and started climbing toward His vantage point, I saw my life, calling, and struggles differently. And I haven’t looked back.
What You’ll Find Here
This site isn’t about me having it all figured out. It’s about offering a flashlight in the smoke — sharing what I’ve learned, what I’ve lived through, and how God has faithfully led me through each fire, big or small.
You’ll find:
Devotionals
Short, honest, Scripture-based reflections that draw from everyday experiences — firehouse memories, life lessons, and real moments of conviction and grace. These aren’t long sermons. They’re simple, relatable pieces meant to refocus your heart on Jesus — especially when life gets loud or unclear.
Books
Good stories matter. Whether it’s a Christian biography, a faith-building devotional, or a life-giving story rooted in truth, I occasionally share books worth your time — always aligned with a Christian worldview and intended to strengthen your walk.
Quotes & Encouragement
A curated collection of faith-filled, motivational, or just plain powerful quotes from Scripture, believers, thinkers, and the occasional firefighter.
Scripture of the Week
Each week I post a Scripture that’s been speaking to me — something to ground you, encourage you, or challenge you. It’s a reminder to pause and realign with God’s Word, one week at a time.
Why This Matters
If you’re anything like me, you’ve had seasons where things felt off — spiritually, emotionally, maybe even physically. You might feel like your house is on fire… and not even realize it.
That’s why this site exists:
To sound the alarm — not in fear, but in faith.
To remind people that God’s view is always higher — and better.
To walk with you toward peace, purpose, and a view that helps make sense of the chaos below.
PICTURE: ME & A NICE KING SALMON – I love to fish when I have the time and always enjoy a great fish dinner. I caught this King in Manistee, MI…On Lake Michigan… “Delizioso” as my wife would say…. Salmon Steaks!!“
