Eighteen days. That’s how long I have until my official retirement date at the time I’m writing this. If I’m being honest, it still doesn’t feel real. After 34 years of service, countless lessons learned, and more experiences than I ever could have imagined, I’m on the edge of something entirely new. And I have to say – I’m ready.
As I reflect on my career and the road ahead, it seems like the right time to write down my thoughts.
Looking Back with Gratitude
Looking back, I realize my path wasn’t one I had planned, but it was exactly where I was meant to be. Becoming a health and safety officer wasn’t on my radar, yet it became one of the most fulfilling roles of my career. Supporting our members and their families, helping them through some of their toughest challenges – it has been a privilege.
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has built a comprehensive program that is now a model for others, and I know the team will continue to push it forward. It gives me comfort knowing the work we’ve done won’t end with me. My replacement and the team will take it to new heights, ensuring the health and safety of first responders remain a top priority.
The Value of Relationships
If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that relationships are everything. The old saying people may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel rings true. Small moments, acts of kindness, and integrity matter.
One of my best decisions was to stay out of the gossip. There’s always another side to the story, and you never know what someone is going through. That’s something my role reinforced daily. When people struggle and are hurt, you see just how much unseen weight they carry.
When the job is over, what remains are the people who truly matter: your spouse, your family, and your lifelong friends. Those are the relationships worth investing in.
Planning for the Next Season
I’ve received a lot of advice from retirees, and one common theme is this: Don’t wait. Time moves fast, and there are no guarantees. Travel early. Travel often. Plan for the future, but don’t put off the things that bring you joy.
Many people have asked what I’m going to do next. I’ve given plenty of answers, but here’s the truth: I don’t know yet. What I do know is I won’t be doing the same thing. I’m not going into consulting; that was never the plan. I’ve always believed in freely sharing knowledge and resources for the greater good, and that won’t change now.
My kids are convinced I won’t actually “retire” in the traditional sense. They might be right. I’ve spent my career going full speed, and I know I’ll want to stay engaged in something meaningful. It just has to be something new – something exciting, maybe even something with a global reach.
One thing I do know is that music will be a bigger part of my life. I’ve been a drummer since the fourth grade, and it has always been my happy place. I played professionally before my career in public safety, and now I play for the church. That will continue. Maybe I’ll explore new opportunities in music. I’m keeping an open mind.
David Picone
The ‘Lasts’ Before the New Beginnings
Now, I’m just eight days out. I recently gave my last presentation in my official role, speaking at a workers’ compensation conference about presumptive injuries. It was another “last” in a string of them.
Over the past few months, there have been many “lasts” – the last call, the last meeting, the last shift in uniform. But rather than feeling sad, I’ve found these moments to be reminders of all that has been accomplished. My wife and I have talked about it, and we agree it’s not about loss but gratitude.
Retirement isn’t the end of something, it’s the beginning of something new. I’m not entirely sure what that looks like, but I’ll figure it out. And when I do, I’ll be back with the next chapter.
Until then – be well, and take care of each other.
