Last weekend, I went back to my old stomping grounds in New Jersey to enjoy some good beer, BBQ food, and some great times at the annual Summerbrew in Island Heights, NJ, the town I grew up in.  In a town of roughly a thousand year round residents, the fire department hosted brew fest is a pretty popular event. The event brings out an interesting cross section of people for me personally.  I get to catch up with people that I grew up with from my town, but I also get to see a number of people from the fire and EMS community that was such a huge part of my life through high school and college.  As the years go by, we shake our heads and think back to what we considered to be “the good old days” that always keep me saying, “I miss my volunteer time, but I miss it back then, not now.” Fifteen years ago, I was an excited 18 year old EMT, just three years into my career.  There was no where that I felt more comfortable or confident than running a call.  When the tones dropped, I was all business, and back in the best days of Squad 21, I was surrounded by some of the best providers I’ve ever encountered.  We had experienced people who were patient and had a passion for what they did.  They were problem solvers, and clinicians.  Any challenge that was thrown at us was one that we would overcome together.  When you moved beyond patient care, the compassion that my squadmates showed for the people they encountered was incredible.  The patients always came first.  It was the way it should have been. Back then, respect was earned, it wasn’t expected.  The volunteers worked twice as hard to prove themselves to the medics that intercepted them day after day.  Every blood pressure was dead on, every splinting job was second to none, and every hand was held.  Dispatchers knew who they could count on, and we all looked out for each other.  It always put a smile on my face to hear “Good afternoon, Scott.” when I’d sign on the radio for...