tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70861570878373759742024-02-07T14:39:00.579-05:00Hittin' the Hot SpotViews of the fire service, from a "seasoned" volunteer officer with a professional opinion.Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-4109078660233956922017-12-27T16:22:00.000-05:002018-01-08T11:52:06.916-05:00The Aftermath - Part 1. What I miss<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDKHx3eFSeoPV-o1TSaqcxSApdSi1uloe9d7tsBQKAE7qcmQe4MBPDAbq5PqHuatlhEsH2Iwn_czCZ829L1PqPJvlYU2R4NskO2YT0XgaHB6_090MvfBWkOlox655wDBxiA30QpVvHVU/s1600/hats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDKHx3eFSeoPV-o1TSaqcxSApdSi1uloe9d7tsBQKAE7qcmQe4MBPDAbq5PqHuatlhEsH2Iwn_czCZ829L1PqPJvlYU2R4NskO2YT0XgaHB6_090MvfBWkOlox655wDBxiA30QpVvHVU/s200/hats.jpg" width="200" /></a>After 32 years in the volunteer fire service, it was time to step away, or "hang up the hat" as the saying goes. It had taken its toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. Life events paved the way for a departure I never imagined I would experience. Now after several years have passed, it is much easier for me to honestly analyze my "career", and the roll it played in my life. As the title of this post indicates, I have decided to focus first on the things I miss most about being a volunteer firefighter.<br />
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BEING PART OF THE SOLUTION<br />
There is no greater thrill than knowing that you possess the skill, knowledge, and equipment to bring a positive outcome to a dire situation. As I review newspaper clippings, photographs, and supplemental reports, I realize that I played a role is helping, and in some cases, SAVING many lives. First responders are often thrust into peoples lives at the worst moments they will ever experience. Whether serving the roll of "hydrant man" assuring a quick water supply, advancing on a fire as the "pipe man", opening a roof as the "vent man", or directing operations as part of an incident management team, I always felt that the job I did at a fire scene was an important part of the overall success of the mission. I know that there are people who are alive today, and buildings that are still standing because I had the opportunity to be part of a team of dedicated public servants who possessed the willingness, skills, and guts to put the mission first.<br />
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeEkHO2vWAwkfpIkRwXfd53zKCmUVK6VbJaTEG_Svh-bAa9FFkG3e_JRZ9ok-e4p9iHVdIFSBB9BZduhTWnm5n5k0dwwJACueiCZiP_izJBDeeiHJbUGKyE_F9yJKO7pIDzSBCN7m3m8/s1600/collapse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeEkHO2vWAwkfpIkRwXfd53zKCmUVK6VbJaTEG_Svh-bAa9FFkG3e_JRZ9ok-e4p9iHVdIFSBB9BZduhTWnm5n5k0dwwJACueiCZiP_izJBDeeiHJbUGKyE_F9yJKO7pIDzSBCN7m3m8/s200/collapse.jpg" width="200" /></a>I am guessing that the average ratio of preparation-to-execution is about 300:1. Between classroom education, skills development, and repetitive practice, the average firefighter spends about 300 hours getting ready for every one hour of actual "doing it". While we easily remember the calls we have been on, we often overlook the thousands of hours we spent preparing ourselves and our equipment so we could be our best, regardless of what challenges the specific emergency presented. It wasn't all fun and games ... sometimes is was tedious, grueling, and overwhelming. Yet somehow, the spirit of the participants kept it enjoyable. Individual achievements helped mark the progress of one, while team exercises developed the necessary cooperation required for a department to be effective. It was the teamwork that truly cemented the notion that we were ready to respond to anything. <br />
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THE SPECIAL STUFF<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsI6nae_K5sdzCUDoeMwD7tXYqIfQpqpv3HPuOpGt-REp7gLwyPFXjpYN9qf1qgUkAVTIdCy1RHOMYW8s7RFxHo0SfgY6W-pzeamIT0drAieu-xmj13xKA2J2T3ZsSd9cWvHcnkcnV5WE/s1600/texas+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsI6nae_K5sdzCUDoeMwD7tXYqIfQpqpv3HPuOpGt-REp7gLwyPFXjpYN9qf1qgUkAVTIdCy1RHOMYW8s7RFxHo0SfgY6W-pzeamIT0drAieu-xmj13xKA2J2T3ZsSd9cWvHcnkcnV5WE/s200/texas+kids.jpg" width="200" /></a>Firefighting is enough to keep any group nearly overwhelmed with preparation. But as we know, the fire service responds to way more than just fires. It was these special operations that the department performed that I saw as a greater challenge. Most departments provided a special service that they could share mutually with neighboring agencies. I was fortunate enough to be involved in just about every aspect of "special services". From the Terrapin Trucking Company, FART Van (ask if you must) & Foam Unit in College Park, hazardous materials and technical rescue at Carpenter Technology, and vehicle rescue at West Lawn, and TSVFD, I always enjoyed providing the special services. Splash in there the extra work with RIT (rapid intervention team) development, firefighter rehab, collapse rescue, and some kick-ass fire prevention programs, I feel like I had a taste of it all during my career. <br />
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THOSE I HELPED GROOM<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uEtfBeJh02Oqp-6GUrl2jlQgJqKrmhP5Gi4uqD0uH04z6N2-BYttkgVd5VygkJaaM0FrQTt_e5Q1IcNHytPY6_dU3VG1WewUb1aHYtTxYrGEFW0eg9v-pUw_To7wul40YMtfVexdf7U/s1600/lil+john.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uEtfBeJh02Oqp-6GUrl2jlQgJqKrmhP5Gi4uqD0uH04z6N2-BYttkgVd5VygkJaaM0FrQTt_e5Q1IcNHytPY6_dU3VG1WewUb1aHYtTxYrGEFW0eg9v-pUw_To7wul40YMtfVexdf7U/s200/lil+john.jpg" width="200" /></a>Probably the greatest feeling is molding a young mind of an aspiring new recruit. Helping them absorb the knowledge you share is the best way to keep the fire service progressive. As an instructor, explaining the what, where, why, and how to young minds was always rewarding; watching them hone those newly learned skills during practice sessions was even better. By far, the greatest feeling is watching them apply what they learned from me when it mattered most... out in the field where someone's live depended on their competence. As a chief officer, I like to believe that many of my lessons went far beyond fire service academia. After all, I was not leading machines, I was leading PEOPLE. My efforts were to help shape the PERSON, not just the firefighter. So much of what we do is about humanitarianism, integrity, trust, and maturity. My belief was: "Make great men and women FIRST, so the emergency responder part was easier" <br />
Some had short stays in the fire service. Fire service life isn't for everyone. I like to think while they were with us, they appreciated the knowledge I helped them discover. Others have continued in the emergency services, both volunteer and career. Several of those have even risen to positions of leadership, where I hope that the things I taught them have positively affected the way they lead, and treat the people under their command. <br />
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THE FRIENDS I MADE ALONG THE WAY<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Dko_gnJgcQtSECrU1RWcSqHRP5Z_KSeyY7Vi0LgsVcafOl0ZUvwp9Sy6x8TMDH07UlpAY_jpevi9AihQh5xakeLumRjUjl6LSIdx8XgUmArGOB7ue871n4e9cHh_i9hYjxkTn2K1sWA/s1600/nugent+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="719" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Dko_gnJgcQtSECrU1RWcSqHRP5Z_KSeyY7Vi0LgsVcafOl0ZUvwp9Sy6x8TMDH07UlpAY_jpevi9AihQh5xakeLumRjUjl6LSIdx8XgUmArGOB7ue871n4e9cHh_i9hYjxkTn2K1sWA/s200/nugent+house.jpg" width="200" /></a>Far beyond the accomplishments and professional relationships I developed during my career, are the friends I have met along the way. Brothers and sisters who truly were (and some still are) like "brothers and sisters from other mothers and misters". Many I have stood beside with pride, respect, and love during graduations, weddings, funerals, births, and promotion ceremonies; or sat quietly with during times when life was dealing a blow through family crises, illnesses, job transition, or periods of personal doubt. As I reflect back on my life, I realize that nearly every person in my life is there because of our shared interest in the emergency services. If you can trust someone with your life, and they can trust their life in your hands, it makes forming a personal bond almost automatic.<br />
By building these relationships, I never needed to go too far to find someone skilled in a trade to help with a home project. Plumbers, electricians, roofers, movers, carpenters, mechanics... the fire service is a virtual smorgasbord of great people willing to help. All you need to do is reciprocate when they reach out for help with the skills you can bring to the table.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEtU8lNAtEpdRv-BKD5CkZoNDVW0Rf_Fvb7gLtMsIpO235lNIjX9rlG-hcR7B1JQwJ8vAJFJKqRTpehNseOwBhSU03IKkllBFfcSyf81NU3JoedCcn4SHWzVFsN7XSsZuUVeg3l4NsFI/s1600/1009847_685580561470778_552382320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEtU8lNAtEpdRv-BKD5CkZoNDVW0Rf_Fvb7gLtMsIpO235lNIjX9rlG-hcR7B1JQwJ8vAJFJKqRTpehNseOwBhSU03IKkllBFfcSyf81NU3JoedCcn4SHWzVFsN7XSsZuUVeg3l4NsFI/s200/1009847_685580561470778_552382320_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Sharing emergency services experiences is a great environment to cultivate friendships, and I am eternally grateful to everyone I befriended during my career. Those who remain close, even after my departure from the fire service, will be cherished friends forever. <br />
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I have been recruited to re-enter the emergency services in my new community. In fact, that is what prompted this reflection of the things I miss. "So what are you waiting for?" you may ask. Well, you may need to wait for my next installment of Hittin' the Hot Spot to hear the other side of the decision...<br />
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<br />Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-4840469364730572622014-10-16T13:11:00.000-04:002014-10-16T13:11:30.011-04:00Smooth Looks Different from the Other Side<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many years ago, when I was driving an ambulance for my local
EMS provider, I was sure to maintain consciousness about what it was like for
my patient in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I was not
directly providing care from behind the wheel, I was still in a position to make
the patient as comfortable as possible by the way I drove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would always be thinking “SMOOOOOTH” as I
braked, turned, and accelerated; I always tried to drive like I was on ice, or
like my medic was sipping a cup of coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My attendants were more vocally appreciative than my patients, but that
can be expected; a trip to the hospital in an ambulance is seldom enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having ridden supine in the back of an ambulance, in a
C-collar and strapped to a backboard, I assure you my careful driving efforts were
a significant benefit for our passengers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sure, I was safely delivered to the trauma center after the collision
that evening, but arrived with nausea, and hand cramps from trying to hold on
for the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I only point this out because it helps support my lesson
that just getting the job done is not enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the emergency services, we sometimes meet strangers during the most
frightening, painful, grief-stricken times of their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our response and actions are easily
identified when they are heroic, relieving, and life-saving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we all know, however, few of our responses
provide opportunities for such lofty praise as heroes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time, we are meeting strangers
during the most annoying, disruptive, inconvenient times of their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is during these times where the little
details must be attended to, not so much for the execution of a solution to the
problem at hand, but for the bolstering of our image, trust, and support of the
communities we protect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTQfZDSKUc54ntfRqDG5vz04U9SWFnvstYF_PZ3g-JBIveVFmzyWlk-plUDTHnOUut1IBYse5udg3cwOSd9RSdpsvvYmfJ3YlPlZtk-C-wQuVcoVuHImGhglMLJwYWn80av8Qq7XmRf0/s1600/blog+sign.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTQfZDSKUc54ntfRqDG5vz04U9SWFnvstYF_PZ3g-JBIveVFmzyWlk-plUDTHnOUut1IBYse5udg3cwOSd9RSdpsvvYmfJ3YlPlZtk-C-wQuVcoVuHImGhglMLJwYWn80av8Qq7XmRf0/s1600/blog+sign.png" height="143" width="200" /></a>Last night (or should I say, “early this morning”) I was
jolted from my slumber by the piercing screams of the fire alarm sounding in my
apartment building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally I get to
play the part of the civilian during an O-dark-thirty fire alarm
activation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first thoughts were, “wow,
they are right, these things are loud and obnoxious” as I scrambled for clothes
to slip on for my orderly, obedient evacuation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I walked down the hall toward the stairway, my next thought was, “where
the hell is everybody?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once outside, I
regressed back to my officer days and scanned the building for clues of the
location, life safety hazards, apparatus placement, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were no signs of fire or smoke, people “evacuated”
to their balconies, and the moan of the fire department’s house siren in the
distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when I had the chance
to “people watch”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite
educational, and a bit entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was immediately grateful that I didn’t have pets, children, or the need to wear
curlers in my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was also proud of
my understanding of how fire alarm systems and the fire service operate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quickly polling the dozen or so residents that
were assembling outside the main entrance, no one reported any indication that
there was any fire in the building, even Johnny Helper who was panting from his
heroic dash through the corridors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYoBFLMO2c8xbD_r_1vjR7sDdw8pwv2GXgE79jx0f1r24q4HMc9qT-1sqTNOKxrDua5v-Mfmgu9p8u02Fl6IwQxFE409NuFfHe-kXw0_c0DC8lS_B-SZuSYpkNrJp9v9adOs-_A3gSvo/s1600/blog+smoke+detector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYoBFLMO2c8xbD_r_1vjR7sDdw8pwv2GXgE79jx0f1r24q4HMc9qT-1sqTNOKxrDua5v-Mfmgu9p8u02Fl6IwQxFE409NuFfHe-kXw0_c0DC8lS_B-SZuSYpkNrJp9v9adOs-_A3gSvo/s1600/blog+smoke+detector.jpg" /></a>Through the main entrance vestibule, I noticed the elevator
recalled to the SECOND floor, I was quite certain that the first floor elevator
lobby smoke detector was the culprit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The glowing red LEDs on the detector base verified the readout on the
lobby fire alarm control panel that I was 100% correct in my assumption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a quick mental self-inflicted pat on
the back, I re-exited to join my neighbors and provide them with the reassuring
news that the building was not likely burning down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s when the bitching began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s taking them so long?” was the
question of the hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took the time to
explain that despite living in the state capitol city, our fire department was
100% volunteer, and responders not only had to wake up and leave their homes as
we did, but respond to the station, don gear, staff the apparatus, then make
the drive to our complex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As expected,
most people in the building thought ALL firefighters are paid and stay up all
night dressed in their gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
apparatus pulled into the complex in just over 6 minutes, which admittedly
really does seem like a half an hour when you are the one waiting for them to
arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it was time for me to stop “people
watching”, and begin “firefighter watching”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Would they be efficient AND provide comforting reassurance to us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s see…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkClpfyB3cb1dLYjbdanBt1wYv3sncMJW9x54mXeIbj9oiyTZs4YGfB5KcqJJ9hknaJ6cFvo8PFS22mDoAwCYjWgNQUiQSiOGrhBccb37pIEKXi0OF1fLiU-4NzwuDwFpX205mjS_Kwc/s1600/blog+firetrk.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkClpfyB3cb1dLYjbdanBt1wYv3sncMJW9x54mXeIbj9oiyTZs4YGfB5KcqJJ9hknaJ6cFvo8PFS22mDoAwCYjWgNQUiQSiOGrhBccb37pIEKXi0OF1fLiU-4NzwuDwFpX205mjS_Kwc/s1600/blog+firetrk.gif" height="141" width="200" /></a>Positioning the BRT (big red truck) in front of the wrong
building didn’t score them any points, but it happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arriving with a crew of 5 was comforting, as
I have been a part of much weaker responses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Crew members were somewhat ready for action with turnout gear, SCBA, and
tools in hand; so far, so good…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
came the interaction with the residents … totally non-existent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a chance for the department to show
why we should fill those envelopes during the annual fund drive, by showing
just a whisper of compassion for the displaced residents; sadly, they did
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please understand that I completely
understand the annoyance of the middle-of-the-night AFA call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unnecessary interruptions to a good night’s
sleep for virtually no reason sucks…I get it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are not here to entertain or babysit, I get it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They entered, paced the hallway, pointed to the detector on
the ceiling, and watched as the maintenance man (who thankfully arrived as quickly
as they did) pressed the buttons on the panel, silencing the alarms and resetting
the system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Job done, time to go!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One by one, they exited the front door
without so much as a word spoken to the bewildered residents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No reassurance that everything was OK, no
comforting words to the elderly woman who was trembling from the stimulation of
the alarm, NOTHING!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The maintenance man
must have attended the same charm school, not a peep from him either!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself doing their job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I answered a few questions, calmed a few
nerves and tried my best to explain the situation to my neighbors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I would not do, is apologize for the way
we were just treated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In their haste to
depart, they didn’t even recognize that the elevator recall was still engaged,
and the car was locked open on the second floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dashed to the maintenance man’s truck (OK,
I walked swiftly) to ask him to reset the elevator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he didn’t have the key to do it, the fire
department does!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Um, OK, how about we
go reset the entire elevator controller”, I asked?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturally, he did not know how to do that,
and was unwilling to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The balconies cleared, and the lot was empty, the night was
quiet once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed with an elderly
lady and carried her walker as she slowly ascended the stairs to her apartment
on the third floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least I wasn’t
going to pass up the opportunity to improve my image, even if it was just for
one person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eva was extremely grateful
for my patience, concern, and kindness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe I should do an annual fund drive in the building?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd3GLRvb3woi8DqMq3dYiBah2QgqXUXGrXuRCunjN37nd9XCIFeVIS9Mwfn4Mg1Ct2BftwVap49hIwmrfruOpD30YEzdXDH0ZSpwq0uUis6TK6ib6RFykS0fUuyfkTa03Pq8ZvsKCPEg/s1600/blog+smooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd3GLRvb3woi8DqMq3dYiBah2QgqXUXGrXuRCunjN37nd9XCIFeVIS9Mwfn4Mg1Ct2BftwVap49hIwmrfruOpD30YEzdXDH0ZSpwq0uUis6TK6ib6RFykS0fUuyfkTa03Pq8ZvsKCPEg/s1600/blog+smooth.jpg" height="170" width="200" /></a>My point is this…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>NEVER pass up the opportunity to show your compassion for your customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The garbage calls are what we do most,
shouldn’t we do them BEST?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A kind,
reassuring word or two after a nuisance call, a gentle ride to the hospital, an
understanding ear for a complainant; these are the easy parts of the job we
often neglect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People will forget what
you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> ALWAYS BE SMOOOTH!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-12276505570014955742014-05-21T12:15:00.000-04:002014-05-21T16:13:14.811-04:00Firehouse Famine - Part 3<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Feasting at the firehouse has meant so many different things
throughout my career in the fire service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In this installment of “Hittin’ the Hot Spot”, I will recall the third
of three stories about fighting firehouse famine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure there are more unique stories about
food in the firehouse than there are firehouses, and I encourage you all to
comment about some of your favorite memories about the people and procedures
that helped feed the folks in your station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The new Central Fire Station of the TSVFD boasts a full
residential kitchen, and occasionally the appliances get used to create entire
meals for groups of 2 to 50.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The common
gathering consists of about 8 people, career, volunteer and support members
alike who pool their funds together and turn a grocery run into a “home-cooked”
meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the warmer weather, Grill 85 is
often the appliance of choice for cooking up chicken, burgers, and dogs for a
main course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cooler or rainy weather
usually forces the menu to something pasta based, or stovetop/oven cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIZj5m8yUBzB4nrMxtUU3p0mfJdW0EViLUFtNvVvMS_PhAlb4OrFXISWcHPUu0nAOZXj4ylip5rdmSOtmjvUR8IK9WaqKsX2QFqOIzCmyh9N2IhOPBTs5_4TNpX6wNqj6bPRFsXmRq4U/s1600/blog+pigs-feeding-at-trough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIZj5m8yUBzB4nrMxtUU3p0mfJdW0EViLUFtNvVvMS_PhAlb4OrFXISWcHPUu0nAOZXj4ylip5rdmSOtmjvUR8IK9WaqKsX2QFqOIzCmyh9N2IhOPBTs5_4TNpX6wNqj6bPRFsXmRq4U/s1600/blog+pigs-feeding-at-trough.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>For a while, there was a breakfast program that grew into a
local gathering of neighboring fire, police, EMS, and family members on Fridays.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food was both yummy and scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kinda like sausages, you really shouldn’t
watch how it is made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is all I am
going to say about the quality and healthfulness of these delicious meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last time I questioned something this “chef”
was a part of it started a snowball of political bullshit that ultimately led
to my premature departure from the ranks, but I digress…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMEonXdbGHqClaKpU_edoN2xl1l5IlJn88Fi40WuuefF9BXIT14UTP9iObIC9xpY_GYHVHx0jOJXmLSudrvuZ6dmcxEZoX-LpJxzy1pHb_WZ24Mi7oCsH9_8x3qkP6-oT-IJze3y4y-w/s1600/blog_takeout_menu_organizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMEonXdbGHqClaKpU_edoN2xl1l5IlJn88Fi40WuuefF9BXIT14UTP9iObIC9xpY_GYHVHx0jOJXmLSudrvuZ6dmcxEZoX-LpJxzy1pHb_WZ24Mi7oCsH9_8x3qkP6-oT-IJze3y4y-w/s1600/blog_takeout_menu_organizer.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>The most fascinating meal related occurrence at the 85 House
involves ordering take-out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
blessed to be in a region that is full of great food choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have multiple steakhouses, sub shops, fast
food, pizzerias, restaurants, and Chinese options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, one of the kitchen drawers contains an
organizer of local menus, sorted by category, and a folder full of (mostly
expired) coupons for deals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This leads
to the biggest problem… decisions, decisions, and decisions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I swear, if we were this decisive on the emergency scene,
lives and property would be lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
many factors go into the decision of WHERE to get food; delivery or pick-up,
what we had yesterday or earlier today, how much time do we have, how much
money do we have, how hungry are we.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
more than one occasion, I nearly starved to death waiting for the decision to
be made; and often resorted to pulling rank and turning the dining democracy into
a command decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One time, I left,
got something to eat on my own, returned, and the menus were still lying on the
counter as the crew mulled over their options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the “where” choice has been made, each individual must
choose the “what” from the menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
guys have a favorite dish from each locale and this part goes quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But some people, who shall remain nameless,
have commitment issues, and it takes them<br />
f o r e v e r to decide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there is the challenge of assuring everyone
in the place has a chance to get in on the order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The building is spread out, with lots of
places to be isolated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually an
announcement over the PA system clears the “orderer” from any erros of omission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A list gets generated, and someone gets
designated to “make the call”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a
position of great responsibility, as there are often questions about the orders
that this individual must be ballsy enough to answer on behalf of the
individual diners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiO0yDf5FrGfvqTRu41apNaoi93OZHaZvz9gJslfXD4OuUjpyrr3zL_mLdNzzz9EHnCWFVSxOsshKoLPLkWs1FB7Bx0gfgdmgCvvHn8PuQDFk85fbVrHPX7a8ZyoN0Vf6irBQKCqzP2E/s1600/blog+money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiO0yDf5FrGfvqTRu41apNaoi93OZHaZvz9gJslfXD4OuUjpyrr3zL_mLdNzzz9EHnCWFVSxOsshKoLPLkWs1FB7Bx0gfgdmgCvvHn8PuQDFk85fbVrHPX7a8ZyoN0Vf6irBQKCqzP2E/s1600/blog+money.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now it is time for financing the mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally the counter looks like the kitty of
a high-stakes poker game as everyone antes-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Occasionally there are deals struck like pro sports draft days (can you
spot me, and I will pay you later), or payback times (You already owe me from
yesterday).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The poor slob gathering the
money must keep an accurate account of the money, lest he be chastised
throughout the meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, NO ONE
ever has exact change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can benefit
the runner if the participants feel generous and “round up”, or cause
bewilderment if everyone cheaps-out on the tax or up-charges for extra
items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally the order is placed, the money is compiled, and
someone walks in saying, “what are we getting for dinner?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where things get tricky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the guy is a douche (every house has a
few), we usually tell him a little white lie like, “we already ate”, and so he
goes off to get his own meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the
meal organizer is feeling generous (or if he thinks the kitty is slightly underfunded)
he can often work a deal to let the newcomer get in on the order in exchange
for becoming the designated runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Late
arriving regulars to the process are often invited to participate; “We just
ordered food, you want in?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherbUVknqNV5tOsulHfQ12DOj-LvgOgNf7piAPyo0M-bZDPJKdO18KCCbs61SGHaryom957pgDY2sdf985OlGlZnF1BdZ3r_s81onTaKnnpySwbRvrsy9eWa16T-q68C2RFOnw3cV7kuI/s1600/blog+styrofoam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherbUVknqNV5tOsulHfQ12DOj-LvgOgNf7piAPyo0M-bZDPJKdO18KCCbs61SGHaryom957pgDY2sdf985OlGlZnF1BdZ3r_s81onTaKnnpySwbRvrsy9eWa16T-q68C2RFOnw3cV7kuI/s1600/blog+styrofoam.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">"Food's Here!" announced over the station PA brings the sharks to the day room. These moments are sometimes stressful, as everyone sorts through the bags of goodies, looking for their grub. The runner and caller keep their fingers crossed that the order is complete and accurate, and sigh with relief once everyone has found their food. Except for that one guy sitting at the counter looking like a lost puppy, everyone is happily munching away. When did he arrive? Did we forget to ask him? </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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No matter what the intent of the participants, someone gets
left out, forgotten, ignored, or overlooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is not usually intentional, but it is uncomfortable just the
same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when karma strikes in the
form of a dispatch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ha, bitches, now
you food will be cold and soggy when we come back!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It serves you right for being so indecisive
and thoughtless!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Group clean-up usually goes very quickly, then there is nothing
left to do but wait for Mr. Softee to bring us cold, sweet desserts!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-63336649503560757072014-05-09T23:12:00.001-04:002014-05-09T23:13:26.672-04:00Firehouse Famine - Part 2<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Feasting at the firehouse has meant so many different things
throughout my career in the fire service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the next few installments of “Hittin’ the Hot Spot”, I will recall
some of my favorite stories about fighting firehouse famine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before you get too excited, these stories are
not going to provide you with any new recipes, rather the manner in which the
food was acquired and devoured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure
there are more unique stories about food in the firehouse than there are
firehouses, and I encourage you all to comment about some of your favorite
memories about the people and procedures that helped feed the folks in your
station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyAg7uvV9g-PprCtwZ1Ep1NzTAQW1flogKwHi8_Tdchzn9P-pGYxPa6P6n-Fl9qWU3Cbbgp4y8yY6A-7yPqhOF8e3NtOYrv-siaNSKU7cTOq84kJaG03FAoOIgOHHkdRGKR2z0nNQSi0/s1600/blog+WestLawn.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyAg7uvV9g-PprCtwZ1Ep1NzTAQW1flogKwHi8_Tdchzn9P-pGYxPa6P6n-Fl9qWU3Cbbgp4y8yY6A-7yPqhOF8e3NtOYrv-siaNSKU7cTOq84kJaG03FAoOIgOHHkdRGKR2z0nNQSi0/s1600/blog+WestLawn.jpeg" height="125" width="200" /></a>I have so many memories from the beautiful gray stone
firehouse at 2265 Noble Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
in this station where my fire service career began as a junior brigade member
in 1980, and the memories mounted until the apparatus was moved into the new
central fire station of the TSVFD some 25 years later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I sit here recalling the food situation at
that station, I keep stumbling over great memories of the people and events
that make up the greatest portion of my fire service experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have two documents open at the moment; this
blog post and a list of stories to tell from the old West Lawn Fire Company.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Several companies come to mind that helped shape the cuisine
at old station <s>5</s>, <s>65</s>, 85-2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The most dominant ones were Chet Irwin’s, West Lawn Beverage, Clover
Farms, Mays Sandwich Shop, Domino’s and Schwan’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Irwin’s Meats was a distributor located right
across the street from the borough building that housed the fire station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even before I was a member, I knew that any
special occasion at the hosey would have a spread that included Berks hot dogs
(boxes of 50, boiled in beer, of course), New Yorker sharp cheese (sold in 5
pound blocks and often cubed in my kitchen), and hippy ring bologna from
Chet’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Irwins were past members who
continued to support the fire company, and giving them our business was not
only convenient, but the right thing to do to promote home town support.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFCZgYqgoCbDm8Bb-p_ZwLcK_UnK6AEryDlNkDgnDqS5sg8K6ur8artU78ASNUFTxPBe5H7svnYhi3KM-k_m_PnJ2py7N-N_mcwn8RCaHxm0N6pLDZCva2Cb2wZj1kB5tvJma71qn7GE/s1600/blog+west+lawn+beverage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFCZgYqgoCbDm8Bb-p_ZwLcK_UnK6AEryDlNkDgnDqS5sg8K6ur8artU78ASNUFTxPBe5H7svnYhi3KM-k_m_PnJ2py7N-N_mcwn8RCaHxm0N6pLDZCva2Cb2wZj1kB5tvJma71qn7GE/s1600/blog+west+lawn+beverage.png" height="115" width="200" /></a>West Lawn Beverage has been doing business for as long as I
can remember, and it was a no brainer to give <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From cases of beer and soda (in returnable
bottles) to quarters and halves for fund-raisers zone meetings and special
events, and even the peanuts and pretzels that were always on hand for the
munching, “Boogie” Derr’s was always there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even when we phased out bottles and went to aluminum cans, WLB Co. was
one of the few places where we could take our giant bags of crushed cans and
sell them for scrap!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cha-ching.<br />
them our business as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4g7555E_Xvn_S97tvKFjW7UtLnn8DzD5xTMfOqSL_zZG164RYXNriUi8IZofy-NZqrUj1ir-7A3oTqFmk9noaMnSFYzXBE7TVPDZnZQlf35MZCTSCpKv8tIDDTNHWjvGn069QdFVDrQ/s1600/blog+icy+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4g7555E_Xvn_S97tvKFjW7UtLnn8DzD5xTMfOqSL_zZG164RYXNriUi8IZofy-NZqrUj1ir-7A3oTqFmk9noaMnSFYzXBE7TVPDZnZQlf35MZCTSCpKv8tIDDTNHWjvGn069QdFVDrQ/s1600/blog+icy+tea.jpg" height="140" width="200" /></a></div>
Clover Farms certainly made the list of suppliers of the
food chain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their highly addictive ICY
TEA, both in regular and “unleaded” was a staple for cold refreshments,
shuffleboard and pool table wagers, and for simply spreading good cheer by
“buying a round” for anyone hanging around the day room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the little cardboard cartons, to the
larger portioned cartons, to the plastic bottles, the contents of those drink
containers is surely what kept the late night crew awake into the wee hours of
the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After chugging the
deliciousness, you then had the unwritten responsibility of creativity with the
waste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some popular activities included
folding then stomping the cardboard containers to see how loud you could make
them pop, and shooting from three point range into the trash can carefully
tucked into the corner of the wall and the refrigerator to allow for bank
shots!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there was a downside to the
Clover Farms deliveries, it was being the first one in the station on delivery
day, and having to heft the four to six cases we bought every three days up the
steps and then stack them all with Tetris-like skills in the fridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEP6n1VG_-e56gRa7M8qySjT98oJi24zk8gG7dnYlI_Keg5Zz-Q217YwRYbf-SVnW-L6GaugGKYMwnx-i8ZfCwY3tKkySLejpXBkDBZhsgY6iLx52qpZfv4IkHkHzcWMgUPH7pVVAhF9Q/s1600/blog+mays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEP6n1VG_-e56gRa7M8qySjT98oJi24zk8gG7dnYlI_Keg5Zz-Q217YwRYbf-SVnW-L6GaugGKYMwnx-i8ZfCwY3tKkySLejpXBkDBZhsgY6iLx52qpZfv4IkHkHzcWMgUPH7pVVAhF9Q/s1600/blog+mays.jpg" height="187" width="200" /></a>Of course, no one could ever forget the great service we got
from Denton and Bill from Mays Sandwich Shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bill was a long time active firefighter who always supported the
department even after he was no longer an “active” firefighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First there was the party catering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us could easily recite the spread
that Bill would put together for our collection days, holiday parties,
fundraisers and events; from the red-beet eggs, to the rolled up meats,
macaroni salad to the super potent onions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All we had to do is give Bill a number, date and time, and the food was
ready to be picked up and put on the tab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Probably the greatest benefit we got from Mays’ is when they
began to provide the food for Goodman Vending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We became beneficiaries of their constantly refreshed stock of
pre-packaged, individually wrapped, frozen and fresh sandwiches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed everything from cheeseburgers, to
chicken patties on a roll, to Fiesta subs, and of course the fresh ham and
Italians on KAISER rolls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who know
why I capitalized Kaiser most likely said it out loud in a high pitch voice or
at least gave out a little chuckle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
recall on more than one occasion eating Mays food for breakfast, lunch, and
dinner while hangin’ at the hose house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All these treats were sold on the honor system, with a very slim profit
margin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am proud to say that for all
those years, the contents of “box” always managed to pay the bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Domino’s Pizza was a staple at this station as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember how many times someone had
to hang out the second floor window to tell the pizza guy that someone would
“be right down” with the cash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone
enjoying the pie would chip in, and the drivers learned that we were pretty
good tippers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, however, our fondness
for Dominoes ended abruptly after a rather disturbing fire call at one of the
driver’s houses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some swore off pizza
altogether after that call, it was really THAT disgusting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi49FOjTEBncxT58MKwVeFndsdWpv9pvDyWIRH6dLDzbD9pDP-7dWElEwMURy-PDFQqXWNc5oazYMj3ysIijJfK_45mBWermtjOZSI1iWs34dQOGKOR9cOWPRbVI8NiObBCsowXSY9jNA/s1600/blog+schwans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi49FOjTEBncxT58MKwVeFndsdWpv9pvDyWIRH6dLDzbD9pDP-7dWElEwMURy-PDFQqXWNc5oazYMj3ysIijJfK_45mBWermtjOZSI1iWs34dQOGKOR9cOWPRbVI8NiObBCsowXSY9jNA/s1600/blog+schwans.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
My final tip of the hat goes to the Schwan’s Man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we had the food part covered through
Mays, it was the Schwan’s man that provided the desert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part of the SCHWAN’S GUY (said in a
voice similar to “Kaiser Roll”) was that he carried the stuff up the steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing better that getting to the
station to discover that there was a fresh batch of Schwan’s ice cream in the
freezer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His delivery schedule was so
important that a fire prevention visit was once cut short to make sure we could
be restocked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey, priorities,
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no day room quite like the one at the West Lawn
Station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was spacious, entertaining,
and delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-63080773240188400302014-05-05T19:30:00.000-04:002014-05-05T19:30:41.441-04:00Firehouse Famine - Part 1<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Feasting at the firehouse has meant so many different things
throughout my career in the fire service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the next few installments of “Hittin’ the Hot Spot”, I will recall
some of my favorite stories about fighting firehouse famine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before you get too excited, these stories are
not going to provide you with any new recipes, rather the manner in which the
food was acquired and devoured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
sure there are more unique stories about food in the firehouse than there are
firehouses, and I encourage you all to comment about some of your favorite
memories about the people and procedures that helped feed the folks in your
station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My first stories come from 7507 Baltimore Blvd. in College
Park, Maryland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PGFD Station 12 was my
home away from home for 2 ½ years while I attended the University of
Maryland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a unique situation for
several reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First and foremost, it
was a fire station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a career
staff on duty during the day from Monday – Friday, but the house was staffed by
volunteers the rest of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, within those vollies were 12 people who actually lived at the
fire station in what was called the “Sackroom”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhwihi4Gc9_qo0SrmuXs2YNo8po-1u2IAjXhyG7EPg_OsxlOFVHWRaCqNCz-E9YEsTEJJr-sDoM-cHS4vfspecs_GpwEdvfW3V3oDea4g3FP2Ofuc_v0eMOuCir-J0KL_X_R9bwL3W9g/s1600/blog+grill+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhwihi4Gc9_qo0SrmuXs2YNo8po-1u2IAjXhyG7EPg_OsxlOFVHWRaCqNCz-E9YEsTEJJr-sDoM-cHS4vfspecs_GpwEdvfW3V3oDea4g3FP2Ofuc_v0eMOuCir-J0KL_X_R9bwL3W9g/s1600/blog+grill+fire.jpg" height="200" width="142" /></a>Although the Sackroom itself was our little oasis away from
all the normal activity of the station, we all shared one kitchen on the main
floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every live-in had a portion of a
shelf in one of the three refrigerators, and one overhead cabinet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we trusted each other, you wrote
your name on everything if you actually wanted to have it there when you were
ready to eat it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, there were
alliances and partnerships that permitted sharing, but only if you had
something of equal value to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember
mass quantities of fish sticks, spaghetti & meatballs, mac & cheese,
and P. B. & J’s coming out of that kitchen; at least until grillin’ season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never knew how many things could be
grilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also realized that I wasn’t
the only wacker who enjoyed pretending a good grease fire on the grill was like
a mini structure fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing wrong
with multi-tasking food prep with fire attach practical exercises, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only recall one instance where gear and
SCBA was actually deployed, but the squirt bottle got a good workout.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The town had the usual college town temptations as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was particularly fond of Hungry
Herman’s steak, egg and cheese hoagie, the Bagel Place’s breakfast sandwiches,
and of course, the Domino’s Pizza joint, which was within eyesight of the
apparatus ramp if you felt like peering through binoculars and watching your
pizza get made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was one delivery
guy who drove a convertible Jeep who worked every minute that store was open, 7
days a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew every corner of the
campus and town, and never walked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even
ran the stairs, elevators took too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember him telling me that he made $90,000 a year, and based on his
hustle, I believe him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I briefly considered
a career path adjustment. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQzn2x-2rJktu_bgbOkyGZ47v087LRa5zPEGUCCZFeokYR9gbc4W7Z3ofivk4dFZSO-3q1umi_dYX-W9d5iHLBBPz-W7SRyC5eS9ssE1E-YACIFnVSzDVEHP8lvJaMgZxQJScNRLB0qY/s1600/blog+dinner+burn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQzn2x-2rJktu_bgbOkyGZ47v087LRa5zPEGUCCZFeokYR9gbc4W7Z3ofivk4dFZSO-3q1umi_dYX-W9d5iHLBBPz-W7SRyC5eS9ssE1E-YACIFnVSzDVEHP8lvJaMgZxQJScNRLB0qY/s1600/blog+dinner+burn.jpg" height="176" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Probably my greatest memory of all was the evening meals
during work shifts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the summer
and over holiday breaks in the college calendar, the fire department would hire
three or four vollies to staff the station after the career staff went off
duty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since most of the active members
were college students, the house would get might lonely when everyone went home
for the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a pretty good
deal, and the selection was usually a competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hang at the fire station AND get paid?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sign me up!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The shift started at 3:00 p.m., and we had three important
tasks to complete at the start of each shift: equipment checks, spot cleaning
tasks, and meal planning, but not always in that order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would decide on the menu and post it on
the chalkboard in the dayroom with a sign-up deadline time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 3:30, we could expect phone calls from
members trying to decide what they wanted to do for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If our menu sounded good, they signed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdG6iY4ef7QwY5layThFNn23dUSnPhq23f7-wjFwDAy3LGXlSO6eARumtmBdGFc3EWQ3w-OEhLsd_sSG_ucXX9nrCZi-cgKqJ57wO1P2gTz8r8RiUAa4arpA2zG3zMXcmQxsadPp_8Lg/s1600/blog+shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdG6iY4ef7QwY5layThFNn23dUSnPhq23f7-wjFwDAy3LGXlSO6eARumtmBdGFc3EWQ3w-OEhLsd_sSG_ucXX9nrCZi-cgKqJ57wO1P2gTz8r8RiUAa4arpA2zG3zMXcmQxsadPp_8Lg/s1600/blog+shopping.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a>With the afternoon tasks completed, the duty
crew would check the sign-up list, and do an impromptu first-due target hazard
familiarization of a local grocery store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since we were running hot, we always tried to keep the store visit as
brief as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dividing the shopping
list (usually by tearing it into portions) made the trip go very quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back at the station, the preparations and
calculations began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barring any
interruptions by the communication center, our timing was usually spot-on, and
we collected cash (usually between 4 and 7 dollars, depending on the menu).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember occasionally having leftovers, but not very often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either we were good planners or great eaters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clean-up was always as smooth as the
preparation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone who ate helped
clean up… it was the unwritten rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With great teamwork, we could have everything cleaned up and put away in
less than 10 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only then could we
do dessert!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-26581590636894663512014-04-03T18:44:00.000-04:002014-04-03T22:59:47.695-04:00Blood, Sweat, and Tears (Part 2 of 2)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
… I approached the car from the front, as I was always
taught to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The intent is to get the
patients attention without causing them any surprise that would cause them to
jump or turn their head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things were
already not going like the book says it should; all I could see from the front
of the car was a wall of torn metal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
bumper was about waist high, and the remains of the hood were pushed back over
the windshield opening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even on my
tiptoes, I could not get a glimpse of my patient, so I made my way around to
the driver’s-side window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The intrusion
had deformed the car tremendously, but I could see that he was still sitting
straight forward, with the steering wheel against his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed no signs of life, but realized that
the opposite side of the car had not caved in as far and my best access would
be from the passenger’s side door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
tried the handle, but knew by looking at the creases behind the hinge that this
door would not be opening any time soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My visual assessment through the window was not pretty, but I did see
that his eyes were open and moving around in bewilderment, like a newborn
examining the world for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
found a place to perch my supplies and managed to wiggle my ass through the
window opening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I was a bit more svelte and agile in my
younger years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I introduced myself, and began
methodically running through my trauma assessment checklist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This poor guy was in bad shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The impact of the collision left his frail
body entombed in plastic and metal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The four-inch
gash on his forehead was spilling blood down his face, and the only extremity
he had free was his right arm. Other than a few cuts on his hand, his arm
seemed fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He alternated between wiping
his eyes of the crimson river that kept blinding him, and trying to push the
dash and steering wheel from in front of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I threw a trauma dressing and “kling” snugly on his head to plug that
leak, and helped him wipe his eyes and face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was honestly thinking about making him as comfortable as possible…there
was little else I could do at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I engaged him in some small talk to distract him, as well as assess his
mental state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He clearly had no idea
where he was, who I was, or what had happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tried my best to explain the answers he sought, while I assessed his
situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was looking at the dash,
floorboards, steering column and door that had him pinned in to see what we
would need to free him, and he was looking at the same things trying to
understand what they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember
being able to touch the radiator cap, it was that close to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No doubt that directly behind the flooring was
the hot engine block pressing tightly against his legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In the steamy atmosphere, </span>I could smell the coppery taste of his blood,
the sweetness of the antifreeze, the stench of burned motor oil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The five or ten minutes I spent with George
in our demolished little “world” seemed like a life-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned that he was 70 years old, worked on
the railroad his entire life, and was only a few weeks from retirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was clearing debris to create some wiggle room, he
spotted a lunch kettle of the floor and asked me if that was his!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember it was a well-worn, dark gray
plastic hinged-top Thermos brand lunch pail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember because he asked me to look inside of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure what he was after, I obliged his
request and gave him a verbal inventory of what was inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is also when I discovered his name was
George; it was in red Dymo label on the front of his lunch pail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we determined he had already eaten, he immediately
made the connection that he must have been on his way home from work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My wife will be worried”, he sadly whispered
to me, as a wilting frown fell from his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I have never been late coming home from work in 48 years.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t say much more after that, and I was
at a loss for words myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept
talking, but I may never know if he kept listening.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5NGXNQwvLevzE-5NKb201ex84y671onvCV-Cj8mzbxH5afmlOmzgW32rPdp1LLW1MkFrCcZ-mSOlEWMXr9yaoF_HGvUnX6jAOPVEMaMl4hAkWmvogGz1LJAJ3KIBrHRbZbYGFtl9s-U/s1600/blog+flatline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5NGXNQwvLevzE-5NKb201ex84y671onvCV-Cj8mzbxH5afmlOmzgW32rPdp1LLW1MkFrCcZ-mSOlEWMXr9yaoF_HGvUnX6jAOPVEMaMl4hAkWmvogGz1LJAJ3KIBrHRbZbYGFtl9s-U/s1600/blog+flatline.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a>I watched as his color drained, and his eyelids grew
heavier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His breathing became shallow
and more labored, despite the oxygen I was pumping through the non-rebreather
mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard determined voices
surrounding the car, and the familiar clunking of wood cribbing as the rescue
squad started stabilizing the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before long, I felt the door behind me shifting from the strength of the
Hurst spreaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hang in there, George;
we will have you out of here in no time!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no response…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“George?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still nothing ...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even his right hand that was gripping me a
few short minutes ago was limp and listless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember a simultaneous sense of frustration and relief,
as I gave up my position for a medic that had arrived to take over patient
care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By now there were responders everywhere, so I grabbed the opportunity to catch a breath and take in the scene from a wider perspective. I immediately began my self-critique and mental debriefing. The adrenaline kept me from crying, at least until I got home later that afternoon. As I left the car, I told George I would see him
later, but I knew that was a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope
he forgives me…</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEga7WZwe1L7LgfcEwbO3eBZJnPcWicHuwjAHL_9_eYloYj74QNQTZTi4r-DDRkiP10npHgYvfySF1hG1vqc3uV4mv08IxMi_uk-cfHeMt-cwM19B-FIxnHZkbrBxQsatEr4brw9h1-eo/s1600/blog+Roadside_memorial.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEga7WZwe1L7LgfcEwbO3eBZJnPcWicHuwjAHL_9_eYloYj74QNQTZTi4r-DDRkiP10npHgYvfySF1hG1vqc3uV4mv08IxMi_uk-cfHeMt-cwM19B-FIxnHZkbrBxQsatEr4brw9h1-eo/s1600/blog+Roadside_memorial.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-25834759320782055292014-03-23T13:03:00.002-04:002014-03-23T13:09:32.239-04:00Blood, Sweat, and Tears (Part 1 of 2)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had only been running with the ambulance association for a few months. In fact, the patches on my uniform
sleeves were still very crisp and clean.
To this point, however, I had proven myself to be a reliable asset to
whichever crew I was riding with. As a
“third”, I was like a bonus provider… not necessary, but often very
valuable. I was learning the “old
school” methodical treatment from the regular Monday night stalwarts, Ron and
Glen, and picked up loads of great experience by watching them work. You could tell right away that they had been
partners for quite some time. Each knew
exactly what needed to be done, and there was seldom any unnecessary activity
or discussion; just compassionate care delivered with confidence and
efficiency. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">During the weekdays, things were different. There was much less regularity in the crew
schedule. This gave me the opportunity
to learn from a host of different providers.
I picked up many great habits from a number of different partners, and
the diversity helped me hone my own style of emergency medicine rather
quickly. I learned I could deliver the
skills required by protocol in the manner dictated by my own personality. I had been on a few difficult calls, helped save
a few lives, saw some trauma, and of course, dealt with the multitude of
“hospitality calls” that required a smiling face, a little bit of TLC, and 2%
oxygen via nasal cannula during the trip to the emergency room. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQAEHg3cl8reL8ADpgquAT4ZIpjGdr_ycEL3KaNgvlvWRbK2LkVidhCWF6pOVupB_-srTifh2GtZZWAvZ87bqm5Bvw7iFi0fh4aiT4Is178NjcuEkqCQHBCRGDaJvqaRufnP6J5ohf1c/s1600/blog+scanner+Regency8CHlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQAEHg3cl8reL8ADpgquAT4ZIpjGdr_ycEL3KaNgvlvWRbK2LkVidhCWF6pOVupB_-srTifh2GtZZWAvZ87bqm5Bvw7iFi0fh4aiT4Is178NjcuEkqCQHBCRGDaJvqaRufnP6J5ohf1c/s1600/blog+scanner+Regency8CHlg.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One particular afternoon sticks in my head. While some of the specific details have faded
over the years, I still remember the roller coaster of emotions that I felt as
the event unfolded. It was the kind of
call that you knew right away would be in your memory for a long, long
time. The radio began to squawk about a
10-73 (yes, I pre-date the elimination of the 10-codes) in a town about 15 to
20 miles away. The severity quickly
escalated, and before long we were dispatched to assist. Because of the location and status of several
units in the area, we went from 4<sup>th</sup> or 5<sup>th</sup> due, to “guess
what, we will be 2<sup>nd</sup> arriving”.
I had the swagger of a young trauma junkie, but was ill-prepared for
what we were about to encounter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What started as excitement soon eroded into terror as we
went screaming up the highway toward the scene.
The radio chatter painted a rather bleak picture of a head-on,
two-vehicle crash with conflicting reports of up to 8 patients and heavy
entrapment in both vehicles. I had been
running rescue calls as a firefighter for a couple of years, but my company was
rich with very talented rescue technicians and a strong tradition of earning
your place. Most of my on scene work
included staging, cribbing, tool set-up, and peeking over the shoulders of the
more experienced guys. As an EMT, most
of my trauma experiences were visual only, from endless slideshows (with actual
35mm slides) during training. All of
that was about to change. I could do the
math…8 patients, 5 EMTs… It was time to suck it up and prove my worth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I sat back, and tried my best to quietly control my
adrenaline rush. I needed to compose
myself, but my brain was spinning with all the things I may be called upon to
assist with. I didn’t want to screw up,
and I could tell by the tone of the voices of my crew that the normal
ass-busting and goofing around that was sometimes an appropriate part of our
team-building was not part of this mission.
We were about 2-3 minutes from the scene when I heard quite a bit of “exasperation”
from the cab. I broke from my attempts
of calming meditation to spin around and look through the windshield to see the
first due ambulance whiz by us, en route to the Reading Hospital with two Class
1 trauma patients. Through the profanity
laced heat -of-the-moment critique being conducted by the other 2/3<sup>rds</sup>
of my crew, I gained immediate understanding of the need to triage when you are
first-due. We were now, for all intents
and purposes, starting fresh, and would be FIRST DUE to an accident involving 6
patients and multiple entrapment. I
felt oddly comforted knowing the two in the front of our rig were as stressed
about this call as I was, despite their experience during their years of service. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7k70JmBFWbxI4e72bPK7x3TEeRNi9D-7zD9938Xrbft4L0IsZ8OIo2ZI1qhLFbrJY0HD31iYj5decWz_4QOP24DLD90cULvJ-IJKv1pYFYDyd8jN7ZeOHVcobu1v5HS_Z8eIE76cvQc/s1600/blog+crash-ahead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7k70JmBFWbxI4e72bPK7x3TEeRNi9D-7zD9938Xrbft4L0IsZ8OIo2ZI1qhLFbrJY0HD31iYj5decWz_4QOP24DLD90cULvJ-IJKv1pYFYDyd8jN7ZeOHVcobu1v5HS_Z8eIE76cvQc/s1600/blog+crash-ahead.jpg" height="142" width="200" /></a>We approached the scene, which by now looked like a disaster
area! There were car parts splashed from
one side of the road to the other. A few
public servants were on the scene, but the majority of the people swarming the
site were civilians… panicking, hollering, pointing, crying civilians. There were so many cars and people choking up
the scene that we still hadn’t laid eyes on the involved vehicles. We hopped from the rig, and grabbed as much
trauma gear as we could, and headed into the core of the disaster. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Along the guardrail was one young, teenage patient, buckled
over from pain and spilling blood on the side of the road, but sitting and
conscious. The two vehicles involved in
the wreck sat only 20 feet from each other, after what was an obvious headlight
to headlight impact. The first vehicle
had one male, heavily trapped behind the wheel, and gravely injured. The second still held three young patients,
also in poor condition from first glance.
Our medic and the driver were forced to make a quick game plan, as the
next due EMS unit was about 20 minutes away.
We would triage and treat the remaining patients (as the first unit
should have) and through the process of selective elimination, I was assigned
to assess the old man in the first car.
I gulped back the fear of the overwhelming responsibility that was just
entrusted to me, grabbed what I thought I may need from the jump bag, and made
my way over toward him. I have to admit
that I was mentally prepared, and fully expecting to perform a quick assessment
and determine that there was nothing we could do for him. The minutes that followed would test my
skills of emergency medicine and patient care in a manner that would mold my
compassion for all future patients that would ever be in my care. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHEvyQJsmUIgny_cojGZZZG8tvn0sGPME-WVLZn0vObDP6z3NUcZTMaxtYb8U2dSZ8kiLDizbbG6-LDlIgkQbw3Wfab_NbQI6U23zxtOKp0UBpx66BQnkFfQGHduXXQP8wCaEnyR0tf8/s1600/blog+to-be-continued.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHEvyQJsmUIgny_cojGZZZG8tvn0sGPME-WVLZn0vObDP6z3NUcZTMaxtYb8U2dSZ8kiLDizbbG6-LDlIgkQbw3Wfab_NbQI6U23zxtOKp0UBpx66BQnkFfQGHduXXQP8wCaEnyR0tf8/s1600/blog+to-be-continued.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Watch for my next blog post on “Hittin’ the Hot Spot” for
the conclusion of this story… </span></span></div>
Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-47244563270397434952014-03-14T18:01:00.000-04:002014-03-14T18:01:46.038-04:00Do You Remember Your First Time?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">They say you’ll always remember your first time. I believe that to be very true. My first time was about 32 years ago. I can remember how excited I was; and my
partner was a “virgin” as well. We both
felt that performance anxiety and worried whether we would be able to do it
right. We had been thinking about this
moment for quite a while, and on this day, it was finally going to happen. The one thing I was not prepared for was how quickly
it would be over. Nevertheless, both Dan
and I were left sweaty and satisfied when it was over. Everyone congratulated us and said we did a
great job!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Of course, I am talking about my first interior fire attack;
what did you pigs think I was referring to?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF428ynQDpR1zJjEoXzpfCpFhlZFeGatUjL_WTuzDBIgGyndo73Te5qVV243ihuM2G0pyils-qHT8eokNT2BXfxhpm3srYfecsPazRFUX96_APlNLNyjHUAh61R-8kX0ONJMswq6XKulE/s1600/blog+WestLawn.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF428ynQDpR1zJjEoXzpfCpFhlZFeGatUjL_WTuzDBIgGyndo73Te5qVV243ihuM2G0pyils-qHT8eokNT2BXfxhpm3srYfecsPazRFUX96_APlNLNyjHUAh61R-8kX0ONJMswq6XKulE/s1600/blog+WestLawn.jpeg" height="200" width="320" /></a>It was a typical afternoon at the “hosey”, the regular gang
was hanging around the station, watching Leave It To Beaver, playing Burger
Time, shooting pool, and snacking on Mays’ food and Icy Tea in the little
cardboard cartons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fire calls were scarce
“back in the day”, so we weren’t exactly expecting any action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if the tones did drop, there was no
telling how long we would wait for a driver to show up to get the apparatus
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the worst part of being
the “daytime crew”.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I had been a senior firefighter for a few months, and had
been in on some fires, but Dan was a few years younger and had not had the
opportunity to “pack up” on an actual fire yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We both had done our time as junior brigade members, “laying out and
staying out” for the first two years in the company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we knew where every piece of equipment
was, and we sponged up as much education that was available at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew that one day, it would be our
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mentally, we were prepared; we had
been trained, we practiced, and we dreamed about finally getting the
opportunity to have “the knob” on a working fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then the tones started dropping… reported structure fire at
8 Hawthorne Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saddled up quickly,
lucky enough to have a driver, and a chief, plus Sticks and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of the terrain, we could see no
header on our approach, and began convincing ourselves that this would be a
letdown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy, were we wrong! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pulled up in front of this rancher, and saw
the gray smoke squeezing out of every open window, crack and seam of the
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Told that the fire was in the
rear, Assistant Chief Powell ordered us to stretch the line to the back of the
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sprang into action… this was
our time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYGjR6SjP6aDQ6RmKCAEc-u3-sqpL9fzhU5BnynUOXEIXNLsnp00Sh_SUBsSrvSb8-cxphEozLXzI3m-yJjnnJDLkK3cwGRRlOnsqTW34qqqgCnirBmuT5EraIhZaQMxTzrNDj2e_9aI/s1600/blog+firefighter-nozzle.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYGjR6SjP6aDQ6RmKCAEc-u3-sqpL9fzhU5BnynUOXEIXNLsnp00Sh_SUBsSrvSb8-cxphEozLXzI3m-yJjnnJDLkK3cwGRRlOnsqTW34qqqgCnirBmuT5EraIhZaQMxTzrNDj2e_9aI/s1600/blog+firefighter-nozzle.gif" height="200" width="200" /></a>The house sat on a steep
slope, and the rear of the house had a walk-out basement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the upper level windows was spewing
fire like there was no tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ignoring the fact that we were petrified with fear, we masked up and within seconds, the hose line
swelled with water pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was time
to put out some fire.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite all we knew about getting inside and pushing the
fire out, we panicked, and drilled the fiery window with a straight stream of
water until it darkened down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now let’s
go get it”, I mumbled through my mask, as we yanked all the hose we could into
position for the interior attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
like a bull, pulling open the screen door and kicking in the wooden door with a
single boot strike!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The downstairs scene
was eerie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a finished recreation
room with a pool table, and barely a thin wisp of smoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were no signs of the inferno that raged
one floor above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hell, this was going to
be easy… or so I thought!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We spotted the stairs immediately, and dragged the hose
toward it, around the corner, and started up the steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reached the top of the stairs, and BAM, we
ran out of hose!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were so close!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A quick peak around the corner and down the
hall revealed fire still pouring out of the room of origin; it had lit off
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were able to stretch a few
more feet of hose up the steps and direct a stream of water into the doorway,
and again knocked down a bulk of the fire with our indirect attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember thinking, “if we just had 10 more
feet of hose…” merely seconds before my wish was granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2eEochX-74ZrCAiUSS95GhN3BlagsJHjhcGPAYpdNBtmlGnmt5hUeQigXqanoUbVAsElUEQJLASTP1arWxo56GqmeADlCFPbX1b4s2rL6SEDt_CjpHtRUoGJydEBFUhmDiNm87pWPQQ/s1600/blog+nozzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2eEochX-74ZrCAiUSS95GhN3BlagsJHjhcGPAYpdNBtmlGnmt5hUeQigXqanoUbVAsElUEQJLASTP1arWxo56GqmeADlCFPbX1b4s2rL6SEDt_CjpHtRUoGJydEBFUhmDiNm87pWPQQ/s1600/blog+nozzle.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard banging at the front door, as the second arriving
crew was trying to gain access with the back-up line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cussing I heard from Mike and Jason on the
other side told me their door was a bit more of a challenge than ours was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scooted over to the door, flipped open the
deadbolt, and yanked the door open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
look in their eyes was priceless as the object of their frustration disappeared
into the billows of smoke and was replaced with my smiling face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking advantage of their moment of
hesitation, I grabbed their nozzle, and remember saying, “Thanks, we need
this!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dragged it back to where Danny was holding
his ground at the top of the basement steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Look what I found”,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I yelled
enthusiastically as I showed him the second hose line now in my
possession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t hesitate to drop
his line and join me as we turned the corner into the kitchen and finished dousing
the flames that had devoured that room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We basked in the afterglow of our achievements and loved
that, despite not exactly going by the book, we successfully stopped this fire
from taking the whole house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a
few decades, but the latest scientific studies now are suggesting that fires be
attacked exactly the way a couple of green, smart-assed eighteen year-olds did
that warm afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ah yes, we were so
far ahead of our time!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have done battle with so many fires since that one, but
will always have fond memories of that first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there were ever any doubts about whether I
would love doing this “job”, they were washed away that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a taste, and I liked it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-10588871243105327302014-02-17T18:01:00.000-05:002014-02-17T18:02:08.008-05:00Hide-and-Go-Hydrants<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks to a steady stream of winter storms that have plagued
the northeast, near record-setting amounts of snow have accumulated and
neighborhoods are piled high with plowed and shoveled snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The labyrinth of catacombs built from this
frosty mess makes driving in the urban and suburban areas quite a
challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Streets are narrowed, vision
is impeded, and the road surfaces are often sketchy at best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a fire safety professional, one of my
obvious concerns during this time period is the accessibility of the fire
hydrants in the event of an emergency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7085SPVp5IYyascArGnwp9FPQ2gD-E_Zfc-nH7eUomzENcGIVrLdU-DdbiZwVhIApfuVsPeoVdC3UUrCFX5bv9jaCiIHuQ86QNypWA6ogRGJ-NmHu9w8KusKen1r1Jo5NTEKTfoT9WI/s1600/homeHydrant2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7085SPVp5IYyascArGnwp9FPQ2gD-E_Zfc-nH7eUomzENcGIVrLdU-DdbiZwVhIApfuVsPeoVdC3UUrCFX5bv9jaCiIHuQ86QNypWA6ogRGJ-NmHu9w8KusKen1r1Jo5NTEKTfoT9WI/s1600/homeHydrant2.gif" height="320" width="91" /></a>Locating these vital water resources, even during warmer
seasons, can be a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
seldom an understandable pattern for their location to anyone except the most
experienced water system grid study bugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Left side, right side, middle of the block… it is anybody’s guess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parked vehicles, shrubbery, weeds, and even
those mailboxes that look like single-seat outhouses can obstruct line-of-sight
vision of responders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in mind,
also, that the forward-riding firefighters with the windshield view of the
world have a host of other things on their mind as they approach a fire
scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The apparatus operator is looking
for traffic, pedestrians, overhead obstructions, and the “perfect” vehicle
placement, which has to be decided in seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The officer in the “thinking seat” of the apparatus is sizing up the
structure and planning a course of action based on the manpower (quality as well
as quantity) sitting behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Playing
hide-and-go-seek with the closest hydrant is not something either one has time
for when every second is precious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make locating them easier, fire departments use a multitude of
methods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First and foremost is
standardization of color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it may
seem cute for hydrants to be decorated like people, or dogs, or blended into
the décor of a property, this camouflage effect is not helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A standard barrel color makes for a
consistent target to spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colorful,
reflective markings can help, especially at night, and many municipalities have
a standard for this type of identification as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen stenciled street markings,
recessed road reflectors (one of my favorites), sign posts, and even the
stripped “antennae” markers prove to be effective as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s not discount a good map book, whether
paper or electronic, with an <u>accurate</u> spotting of the hydrants in a
jurisdiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, all of these
aids are secondary to knowledgeable personnel who take the time to become
familiar with their run areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then there is the Mother Nature Factor; or her partner in
crime, Old Man Winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the frozen
precipitation accumulates, it needs to be “relocated” so life goes on,
uninterrupted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Streets need to be
plowed, sidewalks and driveways need to be cleared, and parking lots need to be
scraped clean to allow safe travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
one vital device sit right smack in the middle of it all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The FIRE HYDRANT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I understand that the likelihood of
needing the fire hydrant near your house is extremely slim, the consequence of
NOT having it available could be catastrophic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet, people continue to gamble by taking the risk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn4SQKgvKtbjc4aR5HGr-fNacel8TiEGMDBxDUe8tRuJt7r_pKfIMDt_drbs9MkxgABqtKMYdzpoYevXCmi76qUSwyZN_j68T3LsdLX_m62sw3gEAJfO9f5LRyQNY9YufaPHTdqn5dss/s1600/snowhydrant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn4SQKgvKtbjc4aR5HGr-fNacel8TiEGMDBxDUe8tRuJt7r_pKfIMDt_drbs9MkxgABqtKMYdzpoYevXCmi76qUSwyZN_j68T3LsdLX_m62sw3gEAJfO9f5LRyQNY9YufaPHTdqn5dss/s1600/snowhydrant.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday, I was taking my truck for “a walk” around the
neighborhood, taking in the sights of the latest winter snowpocalypse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I would like to say I was amazed at
what I saw, that stopped happening years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not only did I find hydrants that had not been shoveled out, I actually
found one that had been completely buried by blown snow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would guess this house had a value of about $275,000, and estimated contents of
another $150,000. Adding in the $80,000 of vehicles in the driveway (which, by
the way, was clear and dry) and we have eclipsed a half million dollars of
combustible property gambling that the 500 gallons of water in the first
arriving engine will be enough to save everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hand-laid herringbone walkway was whistle
clean, as was the sidewalk that traversed the front of the property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even noticed that extra effort was made to
clear the snow from in front of the satellite dish on the rooftop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clear path to the front of the brick
mailbox was a nice touch as well; they wouldn’t want their mail carrier to be
delayed in putting the latest issue of Fortune magazine in there, right? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They apparently felt that clearing the numbers
from the side of the mailbox wasn’t necessary either, since they weren’t
ordering a pizza for delivery any time soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hell, there was even a spot in the grass cleared so your pampered puppy
could poop without getting her precious posterior in the snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what did my trained eye spot?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 10 inches of the tippy-top of the
fiberglass marking post that I can only assume is bolted to the hydrant about
four feet under the man-made mountain of snow deposited conveniently on top of
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c5fqzKQu4zMl9Pdk0H8Tq5Ka1uBWQiU-PQfRLPfwJqx-g6KUKq78Uyu0itLh1kgJizssURbwEHEqSo3wwv_PUcrYAMKfJ_x2dwnnMcYR-0UZV6j0pBEEPBjhMVp9sOolhiRVlvVUizc/s1600/snow+on+hydrant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c5fqzKQu4zMl9Pdk0H8Tq5Ka1uBWQiU-PQfRLPfwJqx-g6KUKq78Uyu0itLh1kgJizssURbwEHEqSo3wwv_PUcrYAMKfJ_x2dwnnMcYR-0UZV6j0pBEEPBjhMVp9sOolhiRVlvVUizc/s1600/snow+on+hydrant.jpg" height="146" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t want to pick on just these cement-heads, there are
many more like them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t believe the
lack of concern by not only people, but entire neighborhoods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even passed a hydrant that was used less
than a year ago at a rather significant house fire on the block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would think at least ONE of the folks
that live on that block would be concerned enough to spend the five minutes it
would take to shovel the hydrant clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, I would think that, other firefighters would think that, but would
YOU think that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBF84eNZ28EPb-qBXHE7LKel5nmZw2Q1xZUVVaF31KBgAaEgw7LQ4B5oBT5403ijRjuFh6fnnYB3XYClZfGoduZy3WHfwbJsTRpByVFBD34KC9ztKKcDJfyAaIqW9c5wORd6fCsdVNv4/s1600/snow-hydrant-pic.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBF84eNZ28EPb-qBXHE7LKel5nmZw2Q1xZUVVaF31KBgAaEgw7LQ4B5oBT5403ijRjuFh6fnnYB3XYClZfGoduZy3WHfwbJsTRpByVFBD34KC9ztKKcDJfyAaIqW9c5wORd6fCsdVNv4/s1600/snow-hydrant-pic.gif" height="145" width="400" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">In an emergency, responders do not have the time, or extra manpower it takes to find and uncover your fire hydrant. </span></div>
<br />
Please take the time to walk your shovel to the fire hydrant
closest to your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use it to clear a
circle around the hydrant so firefighters can operate it without delay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clear ALL THREE OUTLETS as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to picture how much room a charged hose
line will need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Three feet on all asides would be ideal. </span>If the snow mountains
around it are high, try to knock them back so the hydrant is VISIBLE from the
cab of an approaching fire engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, be sure it is accessible from the sidewalk side as well as the
street side, that way both dogs AND firefighters will be happy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then go get a big mug of hot chocolate or
coffee, and curse that damn groundhog for these extra six weeks of winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-68976428167437824852014-01-30T16:29:00.001-05:002014-01-30T16:40:01.806-05:00Rest easy, brother, we'll take it from here.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUEXD0pNrJ2DVV3AF5aOeeCGNBGUtITRDJdu1LdlhsXHShH-DAvuiy4wJeGXZxOXlwGhz3ab8k8rGE7jQd1ovcl5DKMWilFB7yIVPxjsNl_grJs3DQvDCb1O27z-Bfe1cr3kzG9_ABac/s1600/ronnie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUEXD0pNrJ2DVV3AF5aOeeCGNBGUtITRDJdu1LdlhsXHShH-DAvuiy4wJeGXZxOXlwGhz3ab8k8rGE7jQd1ovcl5DKMWilFB7yIVPxjsNl_grJs3DQvDCb1O27z-Bfe1cr3kzG9_ABac/s1600/ronnie3.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I just had the painful experience of having to say goodbye to yet another great man. Just days before his diagnosis, he was telling me about strange
leg pains he had been having.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ignorantly, I laughed at the fact that he was finally starting to feel “old”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reminded him of his need for reading
glasses at an ICS class we attended together (a crutch that I soon discovered I would rely on within the year, as
well).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After over 30 years of fire
service, time was beginning to take its toll on both of us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Of
course, you wouldn’t know it to look at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stood there in his city uniform, having just got off a long shift at
work, followed by a municipal meeting, and now he stood in one of the stations
where he was a volunteer chief officer overseeing modification to the rescue
truck that were in progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gray
hair was starting to win the battle on his head, and his indulgence in
firehouse culinary treats was tipping his belt buckle ever so slightly, but he
was still running full speed, just as he did his entire life, fearless and
unstoppable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He asked me to bring some equipment from my station to try
some different mounting configurations for equipment they had recently
ordered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember feeling honored that
my opinions were both sought and respected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was our relationship; professional respect, personal connection,
and typical ass-busting that comes with the territory. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over
the years, our relationship took many twists and turns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We “tuxed-up” for each other at the altar, he
helped me land my first “uniformed” job, and I helped him test his Vascar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We fought bad guys together, we fought fires
together, and we dug people out of cars together more times than I can
remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked strategy, we talked
firehouse politics, we dreamed, and we laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We also disagreed…a lot; usually about strategies, firehouse politics,
and even our personal dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching
him in action, I could never decide if I should admire the way he risked his
life, or chastise him for nearly getting himself killed. I remember one nasty double fatal where he lambasted me for pulling his crew out, keeping them from getting killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no one left to save that morning, but he hated that we gave up trying. The risk was not worth the reward. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We were never angrier at each other, even
though we both knew the other was right.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQR2NGD47kHQxyyMwzdxo7k9DgVUJwYNxtisaNMrGMpZBJT5esln3eqOibXZ4uXsGztDTHg9gwZM0rf5ahi6ThsWXVMOXFNwhqRTZZGnQO21Gg1ysSsgNpjgA07_VAcdptZ-XiRocay7o/s1600/Ronnie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQR2NGD47kHQxyyMwzdxo7k9DgVUJwYNxtisaNMrGMpZBJT5esln3eqOibXZ4uXsGztDTHg9gwZM0rf5ahi6ThsWXVMOXFNwhqRTZZGnQO21Gg1ysSsgNpjgA07_VAcdptZ-XiRocay7o/s1600/Ronnie.jpg" height="257" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This news, however, was chilling; a malignant brain tumor!
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had bounced back from so many
line-of-duty injuries in his career, we all believed he could do it one more
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he believed it as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We often hear talk of people “bravely
battling cancer”, but he was the poster child for the stubborn fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watched as he boldly stated that he would
beat this “thing” as he called it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then
took action, doing everything the doctors asked, and then some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone could beat this beast, he
could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The fight raged on, lasting so much longer that any doctor
thought it would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those extra months with him, while difficult to comprehend, were certainly cherished by his family, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">friends and comrades</span>. Even as treatments
seemed to be losing ground, somehow he still believed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I personally don’t know when he finally
realized that this was a battle he could not win, we never discussed that when
I visited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps he never gave up
hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless, he was a realist, a
planner, so it was no surprise that he was more concerned about everyone else than himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is one of the characteristics that made
him so great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When people pass away, they say “He is in a better place”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever your beliefs are, you have to
believe that the place where he is now just got better when he arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As the sadness of his death passes, the celebration of his
life will go on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have many fond
memories that I will cherish, and many lesson that I have learned from knowing
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will certainly recall and share the multitude of great stories where he is one of the main characters. His passion for duty and crazy sense of adventure was unmatched. His greatness as a public servant,
devoted father, loving husband, emergency responder, leader, and great friend
will inspire me for the rest of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For now, I join so many others as we struggle through tearful eyes to
focus on our lives without him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2EK-hGEXq7X3I6FiNPT2TSYYR4wepP9H07LpnNSlLXPteBfqH9o2X3iNKypKwnvy3voQR0ikqRMvjrFHXLqAYFLFE74ikIBuCQCj0weYIzsy1aLBh6wHgAS5_0YVAWnDiCdmq3uax_s/s1600/ronnie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2EK-hGEXq7X3I6FiNPT2TSYYR4wepP9H07LpnNSlLXPteBfqH9o2X3iNKypKwnvy3voQR0ikqRMvjrFHXLqAYFLFE74ikIBuCQCj0weYIzsy1aLBh6wHgAS5_0YVAWnDiCdmq3uax_s/s1600/ronnie4.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Rest easy, brother, we will take it from here.</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">RONALD E. “MOOSE” WENTZEL, JR. </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">11-13-62 - 1-12-14 </span></span></b></span></div>
Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-82727884186748936722013-12-05T21:44:00.000-05:002013-12-05T21:44:41.709-05:00Personnel Appliances<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3ez7eixZfU01pIo-VcZx8Dj6RpJetH0Hhm__ammKbKdQQG8i_AcF-gO6Fq5NhFgefRdE9299mO0qq40QWP20vcGKkCoBy0xgF0VZh4XMhPnc8qfHOf-LEu_r4zNSP6kzAaqBksFHBHs/s1600/bigstock-WASHING-MACHINE-REPAIRER-24198221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3ez7eixZfU01pIo-VcZx8Dj6RpJetH0Hhm__ammKbKdQQG8i_AcF-gO6Fq5NhFgefRdE9299mO0qq40QWP20vcGKkCoBy0xgF0VZh4XMhPnc8qfHOf-LEu_r4zNSP6kzAaqBksFHBHs/s200/bigstock-WASHING-MACHINE-REPAIRER-24198221.jpg" width="200" /></a>Call it a strange relationship, but I really liked my
washing machine. A few months ago,
however, it started making some strange noises.
I called my landlord, who called the repairman, who listened to the
noise, then put in an order to replace my washing machine. I was thrilled, a NEW appliance for me with
no money out of my pocket, “Woo-hoo!”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The new unit arrived the next day, and I immediately noticed
that it didn’t have all the bells and whistles as my last one. There was no automatic bleach or fabric
softener dispenser, and the door lock made adding it at the right time a game
at which I discovered I was not very good.
Then there was the annoying habit of the new machine turning my shirts
inside-out. When I tried to out-smart it
by throwing my shirts IN already inside-out, the damn thing seldom corrected
them. Then there was the time it washed
a paperback notebook that was my pants pocket; bits of paper lint everywhere,
and a spiral wire in the bottom of the tub… mocking me! OK, that one may have been my fault, but I
had become so good at blaming my stupid new washing machine, it only seemed
right to blame this mess on it as well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once I calmed down and tried to rationalize the whole
ordeal, my mood changed. I realized that
I am fortunate enough to have a full-size washing machine 30 feet from anywhere
in my apartment. I also appreciated that
if it stopped working, it was someone else’s problem to fix or replace it. In fact, it does, indeed get my clothing
clean. Whether it was black sprinkler
pipe water that shot from a drum drip, rusty grease from a fire pump valve that
was being stubborn, or dribbled Dunkin Donuts hot chocolate that I got on my
white shirt (within 3 seconds of it being handed to me I might add), the
machine always got it clean. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPrCXmZgbqsgz5xe2XdAYBG2er2sO6v9y77btPFSohgGdUaK5VPGZBDXT2F8bLIkUtedzdr1nDqrm3xdDMLEBTfDjR4mqQBLm4Gh8V3d1-EFx0jC0ClJCAcqQZfdWmwffVQK5Oo5Z-HE/s1600/metaphors.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPrCXmZgbqsgz5xe2XdAYBG2er2sO6v9y77btPFSohgGdUaK5VPGZBDXT2F8bLIkUtedzdr1nDqrm3xdDMLEBTfDjR4mqQBLm4Gh8V3d1-EFx0jC0ClJCAcqQZfdWmwffVQK5Oo5Z-HE/s200/metaphors.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It made me think about how we sometimes treat people;
specifically within organizations such as the fire service. Yes, I know, I am the Master of Metaphors,
and the Professor of Personification, but allow me to explain…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can think of several leaders, myself included, which were
treated just like my old washing machine.
Years and years of faithful, quality service and performance only to be
discarded to the dump as soon as they began to make a little noise or lose a
little performance seems mighty harsh. I
realize that our society, and more specifically, our manufacturing of modern
goods had shifted from a “fix-it” to a “”replace it” mentality. Technological advances are so rapid that it
is often more practical to upgrade the old model with the new one, rather than
repair the existing model, but why do we do it with people? People are upgradable, can be repaired, and
re-programmed, and re-trained. Also, the
last time I checked, we don’t have a warehouse full of an extended supply of
experienced, well-qualified contributors waiting to be plugged into an
organization. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And how about that “new” washing machine? New does not always mean better. As I stated, it does indeed wash the
clothing, so it does as advertised.
Should the machine be blamed just because it does not look, sound, or
perform like the last model that was in the laundry room? Was I subconsciously expecting it to perform
functions that it was not designed to do just because the old one did those
things? I don’t put eggs and cheese in
the refrigerator and expect it to make an omelet. Nor do I expect my stove to wash the dishes
after it cooks my food. Do we
unconsciously make these assumptions with people?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my favorite sayings about marriage is, “Women marry
men, expecting them to change; Men marry women expecting they never will”. The divorce rate is testimony that such
expectations are seldom met. Changing
one’s status or title does not change the person. Also, two people with the same status or
title are seldom the same. Look at your
current leadership. I am correct, am I
not?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we look at fire service relationships, we see that we
make the same mistakes there as well. We
all know at least one “certificate collector” who on paper should be stellar,
but in practicality, is a cement head. We have probably worked with the guy that
scoffs at certification, but would be our first choice to be depended on in a
crisis. A great firefighter may be a
great leader, but that is not always the case.
Conversely, some leaders may be super motivators and coordinators, but
lack expertise in the ground level tasks.
It is in this judgment that we collectively fail. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YVjOsa2Gt-vtO3ab9OqEnEDPdBEMhi_8lZmFKuXrFyh3MjaEk7lgg1gB-UHT8-XfqEDhTJ27Va3-BhMVNuSfZifj5QENB6s1XIo2B-z_0FdARZo60XpG-86tvJbSZMKePy7kNQ-b0l8/s1600/446703-promotion-1349328422-273-640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YVjOsa2Gt-vtO3ab9OqEnEDPdBEMhi_8lZmFKuXrFyh3MjaEk7lgg1gB-UHT8-XfqEDhTJ27Va3-BhMVNuSfZifj5QENB6s1XIo2B-z_0FdARZo60XpG-86tvJbSZMKePy7kNQ-b0l8/s200/446703-promotion-1349328422-273-640x480.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we promote in the fire service, we do dis-service to
the individual if we ask, or expect, them to perform duties for which they are
incapable or unable to perform. We set
them up for failure by expecting them to change, particularly if they showed no
signs of that ability in the past. If
someone tells you they are a good speller because they learned spelling in
“collage”, trust their actions, not their words. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t expect my new washing machine to be like the last
one. I also don’t expect it to dry and
fold my laundry. I expect it to get my
clothing clean. If it decides that the
best way to accomplish that task is to turn a few shirts inside-out, who am I
to judge? I simply need to plan a few
extra seconds to turn the shirts right-side-out while I appreciate that I
didn’t need to haul my basket of clothes to a rock by the river. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Colonel Nathan R. Jessup said in one of the most powerful
movie lines ever, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51Bf2p4Qc1n7BgNm0aAlZEsiaVlpAsuQiEQ0xhHXeZgD62srOJ3adbnGXGlF9l32INC1__x2AG729E5h2F9KoCl0Dtte7OYD1z_baNvcSgOr0BdsKBkGBoiUY9URHnfWDGonj94GqXUY/s1600/jessup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51Bf2p4Qc1n7BgNm0aAlZEsiaVlpAsuQiEQ0xhHXeZgD62srOJ3adbnGXGlF9l32INC1__x2AG729E5h2F9KoCl0Dtte7OYD1z_baNvcSgOr0BdsKBkGBoiUY9URHnfWDGonj94GqXUY/s200/jessup1.jpg" width="200" /></a><i>“Son,
we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men
with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? … Deep down in places you don't talk about at
parties, you want me on that wall; you need me on that wall. … I have neither the time nor the inclination
to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very
freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I
would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way …” </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i> Paraphrased
from “A Few Good Men, 1992”</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I only wish we could see people the same way. We should appreciate all the contributions of
people without banishing them for their shortcomings. If our expectations are not met, perhaps it
is our expectations to blame, not our “appliances”. <i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-29186914166128967332013-10-17T20:02:00.001-04:002013-10-17T20:02:58.150-04:00Teaching an Old Dog...<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWUiY-OK82PT9LclPKEyh03jBxFZGCjL4JoGGiAJa6GXTEdFz6XZ9C1VexZaT1TTgrK8O3NB5emwdBZLQUH7w3ZSc_snrg-0LdDNohzEJvOzmvyxQK5ZwSvhX7YRN2V13QxqQRBuQQro/s1600/5bugles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWUiY-OK82PT9LclPKEyh03jBxFZGCjL4JoGGiAJa6GXTEdFz6XZ9C1VexZaT1TTgrK8O3NB5emwdBZLQUH7w3ZSc_snrg-0LdDNohzEJvOzmvyxQK5ZwSvhX7YRN2V13QxqQRBuQQro/s1600/5bugles.jpg" /></a>As a line officer and incident commander, I often try to
view our ongoing operations from our customers’ point of view. After all, it is probably one of the worst
moments of their lives, and any little thing we can do to help make these
moments seem brighter will help their adjustment and recovery from their
misfortune. The other evening, I was
speaking with a friend and was reminded of an incident where I tried to do just
that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a reported kitchen fire in a little one-block deep
cul-de-sac just a few blocks from the station.
I happened to arrive first and assume command of the incident. The fire was a fairly insignificant, stove
top job with a little cabinet scarring, but nothing a PW couldn’t take
down. The first in engine stretched a
line to the front door, but it was never charged. The light gray wisp of smoke out the front
door and window prompted the crews to grab a fan while others isolated energy
to the cook top and checked for any extension.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The foot traffic of responders up and down the driveway
toward the front steps kicked up a big, fancy black strap with small, but
expensive-looking electronic device on it and figured it was something
important that the tenants dropped during their hasty evacuation. I picked it up so our jakes in boots wouldn’t
stomp it up and wreck it. I was all
about property conservation from fire, but particularly from firemen! My pride picked up even more when I
discovered another one along the other side of the driveway, so I snatched that
one as well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It only took about 5 minutes to secure the building, during
which time I was systematically dismissing units from the call. When only the first engine remained and was
packing up the hose bed, I decided it was time to speak with the
homeowners. A quick peek inside the
kitchen gave me a good idea of the damage, as well as the origin. I learned long ago that the first thing
people ask is, “how bad is it?” I wanted
to be able to prepare them mentally before they saw for themselves. I asked the police officer (who arrived on
the scene ahead of me and was now parked in by the apparatus) where the
homeowners had gone, and he pointed me across the street to the neighbor’s
porch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I made eye contact with them and turned to start walking
their way to gather information for my report.
So many things began to race through my mind in the next few
seconds. This incident seemed like a
typical household accident or moment of forgetfulness that invited the fire
gods to come pay them a visit. However,
the look of fear on their faces immediately concerned me. Were they thinking they would be
arrested? Should they be arrested? Am I missing something? These folks were petrified with a fear whose
source I still did not know. Perhaps I
should have reassured them sooner. I
usually make contact with a distressed homeowner as soon as I am able, but this
event was literally over in minutes, and this was my first opportunity to check
in with them. Were they mad at me for
ignoring them? Did we do something
wrong?</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4fPdeqdeeY-_dyMRFXIf39gZ5SCKdEHr9I_BWJATTdMO_RXGhNCBWK_Ay3A3eUbbz9s06W_CY3aLBSZ8ZIg33pMijgZ7lU42MEKs8OyG-HaMmTWX9yd0iSNo5xd-WQwGDN0H62JzNtU/s1600/bunker_boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4fPdeqdeeY-_dyMRFXIf39gZ5SCKdEHr9I_BWJATTdMO_RXGhNCBWK_Ay3A3eUbbz9s06W_CY3aLBSZ8ZIg33pMijgZ7lU42MEKs8OyG-HaMmTWX9yd0iSNo5xd-WQwGDN0H62JzNtU/s200/bunker_boots.jpg" width="200" /></a>I stopped in the driveway briefly to answer a quick question
from one of the fellas, but then began my stride down the driveway toward the
neighbor’s porch. The homeowners held up
their hand as if to tell me to stop, and that they didn’t want to speak with
me. What was their problem? They have no idea how nice a guy I am. Just shut up and let me come talk about your
fire so we can go home and resume watching Monday Night Football. Besides, I am the fire chief and if I want to
come speak … BZZZZZACK- HOLYMOTHEROFGODWHATDAHELLWASTHAT! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the homeowners cringed and covered their
eyes in horror, I was struck. I saw a
blurry white flash, and yelped out some unintelligible expletive with any air I
had in my lungs. I felt the hairs in my
nose curl up, and I am pretty sure I peed myself a little inside my bunker
pants. The pain was instant and
unbearable and I vibrated violently as I staggered into the street.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As my head cleared, I realized that those homeowners didn’t <i>fear</i> me… they feared FOR me! As it turned out, I was the only one among us
who was ignorant to the existence of their invisible fence. I had completely forgotten that I was still
clutching not one, but two shock collars.
They had been lying dangerously in the driveway because the responsible
pet owners knew enough to take them off their dogs before walking them across
the street to get away from the fire.
Apparently, the jolt required to train Great Danes is rather
significant. Twice that jolt was
certainly enough to train a dumb fire chief.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you may imagine, our conversation began with a mixture of
humility and apology. Once my fist
relaxed enough to release my grip on these buggers, I dropped them in the
street and never touched them again. I
couldn’t hold my pen worth a damn, and I could barely remember what street we
were on. I wasn’t about to rely on my
memory, so I was not even asking them the standard report informational
questions. I simply invited them back
into their house for a review of what we had done for them, and explained that
I would call them in the morning to gather their pertinent info. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have run some challenging calls during my career<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>, but this one was RUFF!
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLvWIiIiopn5SyB0uLLPIJytqmrA3MseuZKR6R-nWiPVljqAJ1uKxvpQezNq7TBfiQN6pG9_bGXLDJMU7H7P4MMkzUkPeCz_DX5lg2JmzrJc3AfPjoUYSd9gckjcKHa-Ay7nlnW5R0oE/s1600/embarrassed-dog-26102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLvWIiIiopn5SyB0uLLPIJytqmrA3MseuZKR6R-nWiPVljqAJ1uKxvpQezNq7TBfiQN6pG9_bGXLDJMU7H7P4MMkzUkPeCz_DX5lg2JmzrJc3AfPjoUYSd9gckjcKHa-Ay7nlnW5R0oE/s200/embarrassed-dog-26102.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-14050872768617043422013-09-21T17:51:00.000-04:002013-09-21T17:51:55.441-04:00Parts is Parts<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I was a teen, very few kids had their own car. I had to share a Chevy Malibu with my mom and
sister. I can remember logging mileage
and pro-rating the gas money based on miles driven per driver. Oh, how I wish it was based on time behind
the wheel, because I am sure I drove faster than both of them. Despite what they think, speed had nothing to
do with the tree that jumped out in front of me and punched “Bu” in the
teeth. It took some low budget
garage-time and multi-colored junk yard parts, but Bu eventually made it back
on the streets. After I saved enough for
some Crager wheels, a sweet paint job and some air shocks, that little muscle
car hung with the big dawgs in the bowling alley parking lot. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My oldest daughter, Ashley was able to score a decently
sporty (despite its age) red Grand Am that helped her be one of the “lucky”
kids. Well, that luck ran out in the
dreadful parking lot of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Broadcasting</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Square</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Shopping
Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>.
Anyone familiar with that contraption, who just nodded their head in
agreement, understands (unless they are still sitting in traffic trying to
escape the lot’s grasp). Because of the
damage (she was T-boned) we had to rely on the professionals at West Lawn Auto
Body (you owe me one for the free endorsement, Dennis) to put her car, “Gwen”
back together. I am happy to say that
Gwen still prowls the roads today. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKXuLajJ6JQ1HjjV6eqJK33IG7Rb_uzqKkjhq3Ai9HNmsptnQu3ZLxRai2iQgp7L54bNvhfZ6P6jLExFWURcURz8PHb0s201Ih6YtgGES4qGOdxwdcKnNDTksCQrfLusH7AqA5RxNldw/s1600/cirrus+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKXuLajJ6JQ1HjjV6eqJK33IG7Rb_uzqKkjhq3Ai9HNmsptnQu3ZLxRai2iQgp7L54bNvhfZ6P6jLExFWURcURz8PHb0s201Ih6YtgGES4qGOdxwdcKnNDTksCQrfLusH7AqA5RxNldw/s200/cirrus+front.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My youngest daughter, Stephanie has her own car now,
too. She caught a hand-me-down from her
great-grandmother. Now, I know what you
are thinking… it is a “grandma car”!
Yes, it is an olive green, four-door, four-cylinder, funny-smelling,
unimpressive piece of Mr. Iacocca’s former inventory, but it gets her where she
wants to go, and she has it all to herself.
Besides, the odor has been masked by the half-dozen strawberry air
fresheners that dangle inside, and the kissy lip magnet and a few dollars’
worth of plastic AutoZone bling jazzed it up quite nicely. “Ivy”, named simply for her color, gives
Steph the freedom and independence she has earned. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Steph complained to me about an annoying squeak Ivy was
making. I took the typical dad stance at
first, and told her to “live with it.”
One day, as I watched her leave for work, I heard the awful noise she
was telling me about. This was no
squeak, this was a metallic bark. No
wonder she was embarrassed by it! Later
that week, I decided to investigate the cause; I know enough about cars to
impress an 18 year-old girl with little to no mechanical skills. I shimmied (OK, I flopped) under the car to
take a peak while she pushed lightly on the fender to recreate the squeal. Before long, I had the cause identified. Seventeen years of PennDOT road salt has
eaten away the left rear sway bar bushing strap bracket. Don’t be too impressed, it took me over a
week to identify the part’s name with the aid of the track mechanic I work with
and a few crafty Pictionary-grade sketches.
For the first few days it was called the “thinga-ma-jig”. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I started shopping for the new thinga-ma-jig, and planned to
make my final internet selection on a weekend, but I was asked to help teach
Basic Vehicle Rescue to a rather large class that Sunday. This last minute schedule change crammed up
my Saturday plans, and I never had the chance to order the part. As it turned out, procrastination paid off
for me once again! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Kv7n-ggA0g8pUZMBEoHNYAqwsM-OlIEfpPJpR2Gh5kYz7cHurC8zwXt2FmyRfMi9mN1GjhnRHQ14g8DxlubXyjv3PmEU0TLn01uyG0pQSDdudDvm6DrHTuLNuyl705uo2q2o1JRwVcA/s1600/rescue+helmet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Kv7n-ggA0g8pUZMBEoHNYAqwsM-OlIEfpPJpR2Gh5kYz7cHurC8zwXt2FmyRfMi9mN1GjhnRHQ14g8DxlubXyjv3PmEU0TLn01uyG0pQSDdudDvm6DrHTuLNuyl705uo2q2o1JRwVcA/s200/rescue+helmet.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">That Sunday, I awoke at an ungodly early hour for the class,
and I was still half asleep when the class got started. I made a mental note to avoid late night
lager the night before the alarm clock gets set for o-dark thirty. I didn’t even realize that the one car we had
to work on for the class was the exact year, make, and model car as Ivy. Halfway through the morning session of
stabilizing cars, someone forced a door open, and the squeaking grind it made
immediately reminded me of my need for a new thinga-ma-jig for Steph’s car. Jeeminy Moses, there sat “her” car, right in
front of me!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">During our snack break, I had the backhoe operator flip the
junker on its side, the class helped stabilize it, and I quickly cannibalized
BOTH rear sway bar bushing strap brackets!
I have been teaching auto extrication for almost 20 years, and have scored
some awesome treasures, but this one was a real treat! It wasn’t the value of the part that was a
big deal, it was the timing circumstance under which I found it that was
amazing. What were the odds? I figured I would be a hero for finding a
FREE part to make my daughter smile. I
was too pooped to fix it that night, but promised to play mechanic the
following weekend. That whole week, I
was bragging about my good-fortunes, and was looking forward to my weekend
driveway mechanic opportunity; that is, <a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>until Friday
afternoon…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A parent knows after one sentence when their kid is in
trouble. My first line to my mom when I hit
the big maple tree was, “Mom, can you bring me my wallet?” Ashley’s call to me started with, “Um, can
you come give me a ride?” Steph’s report
led off with, “First of all, everyone is OK…”
This show of maturity was likely due to the hour delay in contacting me
about the crash. It was pretty clever of
her to think through the call to dad BEFORE actually dialing the digits. Smart girl, huh? Anyway, this is not about the inevitable fact
that she had her first, and hopefully last, crash. This is about the repair process. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After making a few calls and pricing out both new and used replacement
parts, I decided to take Stephanie with me to a junk yard. Making her go along was supposed to be a
punishment for her distracted driving, but it turned into a great
daddy-daughter experience. I was so
proud of the way she was digging through cars looking for lost treasures to
repurpose and clues to potential “crimes” that had been committed inside these
cars, and having someone along to tote the tool bucket and car parts was a real
treat as well. After a bit of searching,
we found three olive green 1996 Chrysler Cirrus sedans that offered all the
parts we needed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_LWLLGBneWz0WWkKutWpCqCLn6uD8nHLISoKuSfdSBGtxBn9H_es4Ygl7XbWIbQ5cK0geAqEyHU4Aa-REVudXZeYsZEpM5yoHGGuoTX5cdVlffD7EE1Gyqu7e78u-XjO-9FHSlO5-ag/s1600/hurst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_LWLLGBneWz0WWkKutWpCqCLn6uD8nHLISoKuSfdSBGtxBn9H_es4Ygl7XbWIbQ5cK0geAqEyHU4Aa-REVudXZeYsZEpM5yoHGGuoTX5cdVlffD7EE1Gyqu7e78u-XjO-9FHSlO5-ag/s200/hurst.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I have been teaching crash rescue for 20 years, and know
hundreds of methods that can be used to remove a wrinkled car from around a
patient. Many of those tasks involve
very powerful hydraulic tools, that snip and bust their way through the
components of a car in seconds. In
rescue, however, we are never concerned about saving parts in an undamaged
state. We use tool to perform the
following functions (in decreasing order of awesomeness): Severing – Distortion
– Displacement – Disassembly. I found
myself struggling with sockets and wrenches to carefully remove parts that
could have been forcibly “disconnected” with the push of a button using a
rescue tool. This was all very foreign
to me, but going “old school” with hand tools was a great experience. Within a couple of hours, we were at the
gate, paying for a hood, hinges, grille, license plate holder, upper radiator
mount, radiator support arms, and a cowl cover.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I spent the afternoon in the driveway, revitalizing Ivy’s
front end. Thankfully, the labor
consisted mostly of simple parts replacement, and just a little bit of
hammering like a baboon. By the end of
the day, I had her looking almost as good as new. The junk yard hood is a shade darker than Ivy’s,
and there is a tiny sag to the plastic bumper cover that I couldn’t straighten,
but for a total cost of $80, she was back to looking decent for a grandma car
with 140,000 miles on her. After I
finished her up and started cleaning up my tools, I hopped in to turn her
around when I heard the dreaded SQUEAK! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkTL1VHqEjeK22ifNW3qMRaeUlx5Jau8kwsFqDfUBJxsVsiPTKQcVeyo7qIWswgH8pU7BcvW-_ff2SiZ9KRnqmv1pkI3mW7SbQlLtvTzHlOGRtPeGK7m9cpMH3N3uyx2U5KH49N1JoKg/s1600/index+finger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkTL1VHqEjeK22ifNW3qMRaeUlx5Jau8kwsFqDfUBJxsVsiPTKQcVeyo7qIWswgH8pU7BcvW-_ff2SiZ9KRnqmv1pkI3mW7SbQlLtvTzHlOGRtPeGK7m9cpMH3N3uyx2U5KH49N1JoKg/s200/index+finger.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Oh yeah, I forgot all about THAT little bugger. No problem.
I was feeling like Mr. Goodwrench, and already had my tools splayed around
the driveway. Even with the setting sun,
I was confident that I could swap this last part and finish the job before it
got too dark to see. You know that little
saying, “Haste makes waste”? Well, it
sometimes makes blood as well. The
thinga-ma-jig would have to wait for another day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-22495584383537106272013-08-22T13:02:00.001-04:002013-08-22T13:02:47.791-04:00One Man's Trash is Another Man's Obsession<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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If you are looking for a good fire house story you may be disappointed today. This one is just a peek into my other-than-the-firehouse world. As a kid, collecting fascinated me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started a candy wrapper collection, a patch collection, a sticker collection, a
bottle cap collection, and a matchbook collection, just to name a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my preteen years beer can collections
were big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed like everyone had a
beer can collection, and I admit, I thought they were really cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who could forget the Old Frothingslosh
ladies, or the coveted Sunshine Beer can?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The problem was that I got a late start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My friends had established collections, I couldn’t BUY beer, and my dad
was not much of a drinker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How would I
be able to catch up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then one day, it
hit me…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to collect soda
cans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A friend of mine, Brian Schubel, was the only other person in the WORLD that collected soda cans. I have since found out that there are hundreds of kooks just like me and Brian </span></div>
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I used to collect soda bottles by knocking on neighbors
doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back then, you could get anywhere
from $.02 to a nickel for a returnable glass bottle that would be returned to
the bottler, washed and reused (Now, kiddies, THAT was recycling!) I would haul
my loot, as well as my grass cutting money to Mays’ Sandwich Shop in West Lawn
and start buying cans of soda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
delivery system was mighty efficient, with my wagon hitched to the back of my
bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Supermarkets were a virtual
smorgasbord of colorful cans and flavors as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You didn’t have to buy whole cases then
either, and two or three dollars could score you one of every Shasta flavor on
the shelves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How I managed to survive
that first summer without getting diabetes, I will never know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRu6HksCQRxXmag_IGFy-i-p8lBgDovjPLnwRDnXJydBJofYRZVBXmcDRmjwKdnlgTVnkrWGHS753cFOiw2OvBEM888NytbAqezUG9ozFj4_YCVgvzlg0-lGYKG9G4o2ZDAEdH6_U72w/s1600/soda+can+shelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRu6HksCQRxXmag_IGFy-i-p8lBgDovjPLnwRDnXJydBJofYRZVBXmcDRmjwKdnlgTVnkrWGHS753cFOiw2OvBEM888NytbAqezUG9ozFj4_YCVgvzlg0-lGYKG9G4o2ZDAEdH6_U72w/s200/soda+can+shelves.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I began to stack my umpty cans in a pyramid in my parents’
basement, and then took up shelf space where the games and puzzles used to be
stored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my junior high wood shop
projects was a pair of shelves designed specifically to hold 324 cans (counting
the collection occurred weekly!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
still remember carrying those buggers home, and to this day, I still have them
in use!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you, Mr. Witman, for
teaching me the finer skills of woodworking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_Ysw4vyCFOFKDaFm0OzWTR9kP1LFMdATKXk3KJF6wc-Yg9R4BtSnWUFKl1jqtnTpd9XIQg90Xn9ISZ6FRR7vrjRBdbcn_-wTAYyW8nduvaf5zkfE9bbjCPJAcXmkRCCHNO4nMXYSl2Y/s1600/trash+cans+at+beach.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_Ysw4vyCFOFKDaFm0OzWTR9kP1LFMdATKXk3KJF6wc-Yg9R4BtSnWUFKl1jqtnTpd9XIQg90Xn9ISZ6FRR7vrjRBdbcn_-wTAYyW8nduvaf5zkfE9bbjCPJAcXmkRCCHNO4nMXYSl2Y/s200/trash+cans+at+beach.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>The passion became an obsession when my family went down the
shore for vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Armed with a few
empty trash bags, I declared to my mom that I was going to “check the nearby
trashcans” for soda cans I needed for my collection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think she was ready to alert the lifeguards,
because I became so wrapped up in my hunt that I lost track of time. The beach is really long, and the rows of trash recepticles kept calling my name. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Several
hours after my departure, I slunk back to the family blanket area dragging
three FULL garbage cans full of cans.
</span> </div>
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There was a bit of a fight whether this “garbage” was going in the car
or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to dig through food
wrappers, dirty diapers, yellow-jackets, and half-eaten hotdogs to snag some of
these beauties; I was not leaving the beach without them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As promised during my begging compromise, I
sat outside at our vacation trailer with a garden hose and a sponge rinsing
away the lipstick, sand, suntan oil, sticky residue, wadded up napkins and cigarette
butts that infested my loot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I
washed and dried them all, even my embarrassed family had to admit, some of
these cans were really awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found
brands that I never heard of before, and a whole load of 10 ounce cans from Canada,
written in French as well as English!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had an international soda can collection going!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I can still recall how they sounded as they rattled in the back of the family station wagon on the way home </span></div>
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I have been collecting non-alcoholic beverage cans for over
37 years now and have upwards of 5000 different cans and counting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I store them in crates that state "<i>USE BY OTHER THAN REGISTERED OWNER PUNISHABLE BY LAW</i>". I know, I am such a rebel, right? </span>Road trips always include random stops at
mini-markets and grocery stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
learned to ignore the strange looks from cashiers over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had friends who travel send me cans
from foreign countries, and I have made more than a few stops at post offices
to ship myself cans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It saves the
scrutiny I get from the TSA agents at the airport screening stations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I can’t imagine NOT collecting cans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has become part of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day I will pass my collection on to my
daughters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think they share my
passion, but they do keep an eye on the metal recycling rates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-20571636593271961992013-08-20T13:47:00.000-04:002013-08-20T13:47:19.214-04:00All this food and nothing to eat<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYn4k94aMkbMeoffIGq45r_2ny2bh429_HHKHFVi-igfSYStvUIKdsw0ZMlxP8CMAX8TnnGcPthZSG29jtRPwcoGhQmEFlPvUsRpLRvrioMrk-9QkT_oCja79YlCMKyiCp-wwdtsT148/s1600/chinese-buffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYn4k94aMkbMeoffIGq45r_2ny2bh429_HHKHFVi-igfSYStvUIKdsw0ZMlxP8CMAX8TnnGcPthZSG29jtRPwcoGhQmEFlPvUsRpLRvrioMrk-9QkT_oCja79YlCMKyiCp-wwdtsT148/s200/chinese-buffet.jpg" width="200" /></a>Anyone who knows me understands that I am a meat and
potatoes kind of guy.<span> </span>I like things
simple, especially my food.<span> </span>Every now
and then, however, I enjoy a trip to the Chinese buffet for a change of pace.<span> </span>I still stay away from the dishes that have a
mixture of more than three items.<span> </span>I
don’t like my foods to TOUCH, let alone combine.<span> </span>I usually go for some plain rice and one of
the many varieties of chicken they offer.<span>
</span>Hmm, that reminds me of a good joke, but telling it now may get “meowt”
of my train of thought.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While I sat quietly, taking in the sights of the place, as
well as way too many calories, I was thinking about my blog.<span> </span>I think the last time I posted was probably
around the time I was last at the Chinese buffet.<span> </span>I was thinking about my blog because I was
recently given a deadline to post a new entry by a new friend and writing
coach.<span> </span>I had not written in a
while.<span> </span>It wasn’t for the lack of topics;
my mind is constantly pondering life, and metaphorically analyzing the things I
observe in life.<span> </span>Lately, I have felt
filtered, and have been hesitant to post my thoughts.<span> </span>Perhaps it is because recently, there have
been a few wonderful opportunities to scald some of my past nemeses, and I am
trying to take the high road. I have been hearing the approaching whistle of
the karma train; could I be waiting to see who gets waffled this time before I
sing about it?<span> </span>Maybe I only get inspired
when I eat Chinese food?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vjciiQPCuKTT5gBVFMNkp2IZegJRhnOoNp-ZMZyqqxKtFh3yT2AeNjw23-dMpqgnBJ7Cx0XKuJzdl51r8gbORZ_hUGjcUh0mjWgiKHW-d1ZICATUlfag6VTSVUhf3YjKYhcMMctJ6Dc/s1600/writers-block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vjciiQPCuKTT5gBVFMNkp2IZegJRhnOoNp-ZMZyqqxKtFh3yT2AeNjw23-dMpqgnBJ7Cx0XKuJzdl51r8gbORZ_hUGjcUh0mjWgiKHW-d1ZICATUlfag6VTSVUhf3YjKYhcMMctJ6Dc/s200/writers-block.jpg" width="200" /></a>Whatever the reason, here I sit, tapping away on the
keyboard, with no particular place to go.<span>
</span>I wanted to do a piece about “accountability” and its many
meanings.<span> </span>Having missed my recent
deadline, I don’t think this is the best time to post that.<span> </span>Hypocrisy lost out to honesty this time
around.<span> </span>I also have been working up a
catchy metaphor between fire stations and Chinese restaurants.<span> </span>Some of my thought include: “Does anyone
really come here for THAT?”, “Chopsticks and other silly tools of the trade”,
“You don’t belong here, let the Italians make the pizza”, and “Pffft, a salad
bar?”<span> </span>Of course, there are the stories
that often light people up; the funny ones as well as the ones that make you
shake your head in disbelief.<span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sat in that restaurant for quite some time, pondering
life, wondering what’s next for me as well as all the others dining with me.<span> </span>I kept waiting for my brain to click as I
sat, trying desperately to come up with the perfect topic for my next blog
post.<span> </span><i>I suppose you figured out by now that it never happened</i>.<span> </span>I had a mind full of thoughts, but nothing
lit me on fire.<span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyone in the fire service understands a dry spell like this; and we all know what happens next. So, brace yourselves and keep your boots by
the bedside.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43todx6MGfQcOVFlXjKzU-gekV-ok8VSaAI3dirUn5eSSKhyphenhyphenEpjCgAVe31WeLhD-uQZIe92WvZhltgrz-7ToewcULsd6UrwXIwQ6CiLxIL-3bz_I8-CQVwHeGRTmcCDDehLMbFIzO-5c/s1600/bunker_boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43todx6MGfQcOVFlXjKzU-gekV-ok8VSaAI3dirUn5eSSKhyphenhyphenEpjCgAVe31WeLhD-uQZIe92WvZhltgrz-7ToewcULsd6UrwXIwQ6CiLxIL-3bz_I8-CQVwHeGRTmcCDDehLMbFIzO-5c/s200/bunker_boots.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-84311682655525479932013-05-08T22:16:00.000-04:002013-05-08T22:16:02.261-04:00The Class A Retaliation<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During a recent series of fire extinguisher training classes
I was conducting, I recalled an incident from about 10 years ago that I shared
with my class. This story perfectly demonstrated the simplicity of operating a
fire extinguisher. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLGQuugeDLRo5cthE_L1BAP6SR2D1tD5Wi1fCJt0AyAu7GGTWPgeAEP_FhA2UnHLo4kbDrMJk_BZhBm0tSXTApt8YfONWnOzmSI6qaDy55QKhNNcRvEd_Q3ZpUIH_eTZ3zMRep-5xgZQ/s1600/spoiled-brat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLGQuugeDLRo5cthE_L1BAP6SR2D1tD5Wi1fCJt0AyAu7GGTWPgeAEP_FhA2UnHLo4kbDrMJk_BZhBm0tSXTApt8YfONWnOzmSI6qaDy55QKhNNcRvEd_Q3ZpUIH_eTZ3zMRep-5xgZQ/s200/spoiled-brat.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was this real bratty kid named Rebecca that lived down
the street. She was a feisty little know
it all 12-year old, with, as you may imagine, very few friends. It was hard to imagine considering her diminutive size, but this tiny little
punk had a real mean, bully streak in her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My daughters Ashley and Stephanie were 7 and 11 at the time,
and enjoying the early days of their summer break. One of their favorite activities was sidewalk
chalk artwork. On this particular sunny
afternoon, the two of them were in front of the house toiling away at their
most recent Technicolor masterpieces of hearts, rainbows and stars when Rebecca
the Wrecker paid them a visit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems that her parents, clearly oblivious to their
offspring’s complete lack of respect of others, purchased her the latest
version of the “Super-soaker” water pistol and sent her out to play. If real life were like TV, my daughters would
have heard the doomsday music that usually accompanies the villain’s prowling. Sadly, real life has no soundtrack. Most of the other kids on the block spotted
her in time and decided a bike ride around the block was their best
defense. My girls were caught off-guard;
unarmed and defenseless against the Rebecca’s ambush. The assault was over fairly quickly, and the
sneak attack provoked some shrieking and dodging skills (that they sure didn’t
get from me), but still left them both peppered with streaks of water before
Rebecca’s “clip” ran dry and she needed to retreat to reload at her dad’s
garden spigot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hostetter girls had
lost the battle, and their water wounds were extensive. Even the precious sidewalk art received some
damage in the unprovoked attack. I had
caught a glimpse of the battle and anticipated that my girls would be inside in
the next few minutes. I was wrong. I peered outside about 5 minutes later and
there they were, happily drawing on the sidewalk again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41ZExATCggTlUP-H3sRiYEaAkSTSv02htx5W-XFKo2-RbDoh-bxULKmgmmSJtS212SdSCGJFT3CkZv6Dn6fqOQqegV4VSa2496lwjLZTDNNKPyhK9XFFw6yBH3h7efA9YN9Wh5KPnCyc/s1600/Pressurized_water_fire_extinguisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41ZExATCggTlUP-H3sRiYEaAkSTSv02htx5W-XFKo2-RbDoh-bxULKmgmmSJtS212SdSCGJFT3CkZv6Dn6fqOQqegV4VSa2496lwjLZTDNNKPyhK9XFFw6yBH3h7efA9YN9Wh5KPnCyc/s200/Pressurized_water_fire_extinguisher.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That’s when I noticed the two pressurized water
extinguishers strategically positioned in the driveway by the side of my
truck. My excitement mounted when I
realized what they had up their sleeve.
Part of me was upset that they retrieved the fire extinguishers from my
garage where I stored all my training aides without seeking permission, but
part of me was thrilled at their spirit and pride. I relocated to the second floor window with a
glass of iced tea and waited to see history unfold before me. Before long, here came the brat, boldly
strolling up the sidewalk with her weapon reloaded and ready for the second
wave of assault. I knew they had a
plan. I could see them watching Rebecca
out of the corner of their eye and whispering to each other quietly. They acted as if they didn’t see the intruder
and calmly wandered over to the driveway and assumed their positions, one at
the front tire, one at the back tire. I
shook with anticipation as I watched them each break the seal and pull the pin
on their extinguishers. Seconds seemed
like hours. They waited patiently while
Rebecca cautiously crept closer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, they unleashed a wave of retaliation never before
witnessed on Whitfield Blvd. With
pinpoint accuracy and synchronized precision they unloaded those cans on their
intruder; one around the front of my truck, one around the back of my truck. Poor little Rebecca never knew what hit
her. Her feeble attempt to fight back
with her dribbling stream was no match for the tandem attack from my little
firefighters and their 30 foot aquatic range.
She dropped her squirt gun and started running home. Without hesitation, my girls took off after
her, draining every last wheeze of liquid on the back of her obnoxious curly
head of hair as she screamed and cried her way home. Even Mrs. Murray from across the street was
laughing at the spectacle, as she saw the entire event unfold from her
Adirondack rocker on her front porch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I wasn’t sure what to do. I thought about taking them for ice cream to
celebrate their bravery and acknowledge them for standing up for themselves,
but the story didn’t end there…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I expected them
to come running into the house pumped with adrenaline, the house remained
eerily quiet (never a good sign when you have kids).</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peering out the window, I saw lots of buzzing
activity from my two little warriors.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In
the garage, into the shed, back to the garage…then silence…</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to investigate!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cracking open the door to the garage, I could
hear what sounded like Santa’s elves; busy, focused, tapping, clanking of
tools, whispered directions…what were they up to?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suddenly, the back door opened up and in bounced
Stephanie. She wanted to know if they
could get the hose bib turned on so they could use the hose. A leaky valve prompted me to shut off the
feed to the garage faucet a few months ago. I made a mental note
to myself to fix the valve and asked, “Why do you need the hose?” I must admit, I felt a little guilty
deceiving my little girl like that; but I knew they were planning for the next
wave of Rebecca Brattypants, and I did not want them to know I saw them with my
extinguishers. “We want to wash up the
mess from our chalk!” her little angelic face never cracking from the outright
fiberoni she was feeding me. I played
along and turned on the water feed to the garage. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlppAgEE4aF_hgYlS1tFMdjnc5WO3D5ngGmPZ0RGyXYqVCnLNtzbqCNLVrEvJOk8WXx8ZxQgtexTF2IGWYldOPk2bHC8iMjX6eZfRE09sgjUlF0lz8hrWOg1jDohuTdPLfkq_91YScprY/s1600/CustomPrintedSiblingShirt-CircleSister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlppAgEE4aF_hgYlS1tFMdjnc5WO3D5ngGmPZ0RGyXYqVCnLNtzbqCNLVrEvJOk8WXx8ZxQgtexTF2IGWYldOPk2bHC8iMjX6eZfRE09sgjUlF0lz8hrWOg1jDohuTdPLfkq_91YScprY/s200/CustomPrintedSiblingShirt-CircleSister.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was probably 30 minutes later, when the two of them
strolled in, as innocent looking as new born babies. Not a word was spoken of the confrontation
that had taken place out front. Perhaps
they were afraid I would be mad that they “fought back”. Maybe they were afraid they would be angry
that they tampered with my extinguishers.
I let them stew over what they had done, and waited for the confession
to gurgle out, but it never did. I soon
found out why. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went into the garage to check on the extinguishers they
had used, knowing that I would find that they had been tampering with
them. That’s when I was stunned with
what I saw. Both extinguishers had been
refilled and were back in place on the shelf in the garage. It took some careful investigation work to
realize that they used a milk jug from the recycling can to carefully measure 2
½ gallons of water to fill them, and the bike pump under the work bench had
fresh wet handprints in the dust that covered everything else on the
shelf. They weighed exactly what a full
PW should weigh and the pressure gauges were dead on. The pins were back in place, and they even
attempted to reattach the tamper seals! The electrical tape was the giveaway. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kYgs8otIodRhzY0jinziiMU7A4KhwDAXHK3cl3MRwRmDgSgCs7P-yLM-qK4wAdzOoEn9lFKJGBWY6siITxZ1qZjaYT2PyMcByeeeswVllcCseb4ds4iiPATPkUYnmoULvkHPB7MYtT8/s1600/19264_1275269398866_797001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kYgs8otIodRhzY0jinziiMU7A4KhwDAXHK3cl3MRwRmDgSgCs7P-yLM-qK4wAdzOoEn9lFKJGBWY6siITxZ1qZjaYT2PyMcByeeeswVllcCseb4ds4iiPATPkUYnmoULvkHPB7MYtT8/s200/19264_1275269398866_797001_n.jpg" width="155" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say, I was a proud poppa. Not only could they operate a fire
extinguisher with the swift accuracy of a seasoned firefighter, they knew (or
somehow figured out) how to restore them to service condition. I had a tear of pride in my eye as I dug out
two new seals and completed their field service work. I never spoke of the incident with them, and
they never fessed up to me. I looked up
the statute of limitations on a crime like this, and it is 10 years. I figure they have about 5 more weeks to keep
their secret before there is nothing I can do about it. I suppose I will finally <a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>find
out if they ever read my blog. </span></div>
Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-45856931636012711272012-11-21T16:24:00.000-05:002012-11-21T16:31:22.213-05:00Those Three Little Words<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During my first few months at the College Park fire station in the autumn of 1985, I learned several unique lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oddly, the most important rule I learned was not one I expected, but have come to truly understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all about the THREE LITTLE WORDS they never wanted to hear come from your pie hole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At first, the use of these three words seemed harmless, and not being allowed to say them felt like a silly, but manageable phase of initiation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What harm could come from saying them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They weren’t argumentative, offensive, racist, or harmful words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were simple words that would be used to start a sentence, to define a source, to establish validity of a story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were words often spoken with pride, yet here, they were poison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It soon became apparent that resisting was going to be difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself wanting to use these words … a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I became more comfortable in my new surroundings, I began to become frustrated by this seemingly ridiculous rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried and tried, but often had to catch myself as these words escaped my lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My frustration led to anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How dare these people restrict my language by eliminating these three little words?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could understand eliminating phrases like, “I don’t think…”, or “I don’t wanna…”, or “Why must I…”, or “I just can’t…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These negative statements should ALWAYS be avoided by anyone striving to achieve greatness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In an organization that relies on teamwork, they could be considered <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFt_Aj8ligNog1MOpfmvlJaSU8ZXd_u8WGSN_CFHvKLSJ72YQ0CkxTqUMNe4-v5tQbxwwo-PQO2XBAkqQj7U8dCH2XDhHCMnWwTk9i1fXvIKO1rAlT0neY82_KkdKagjomVZKrTLmp-E/s1600/idontknow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFt_Aj8ligNog1MOpfmvlJaSU8ZXd_u8WGSN_CFHvKLSJ72YQ0CkxTqUMNe4-v5tQbxwwo-PQO2XBAkqQj7U8dCH2XDhHCMnWwTk9i1fXvIKO1rAlT0neY82_KkdKagjomVZKrTLmp-E/s1600/idontknow.JPG" /></a>rebellious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even Jeff Spicoli’s famous line, “I don’t know”, wasn’t restricted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank Goodness Mr. Hand wasn’t a line officer, huh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SgD-Na6JdUHlRGDifAj6IyYFbSEQPwO7mke-0HZeYLA3s_5HOFKPewhcGGMnd3_WKnP0-0ON7YT-1XDaA3xyANb-hjEBc1sdMSp6qbX9tQcUqSkUAffY790DdX7o-iuAtPpKxDswjeY/s1600/pgfd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SgD-Na6JdUHlRGDifAj6IyYFbSEQPwO7mke-0HZeYLA3s_5HOFKPewhcGGMnd3_WKnP0-0ON7YT-1XDaA3xyANb-hjEBc1sdMSp6qbX9tQcUqSkUAffY790DdX7o-iuAtPpKxDswjeY/s200/pgfd.jpg" width="153" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The three words that seemed to get everyone’s panties in a bunch were “Back Home We”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody cared what you did “back home” at your fire station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were here in Prince George’s County, serving as a member of the College Park Volunteer Fire Department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing that mattered is that you knew how things were done HERE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It didn’t take me long to learn why “back home we” was so toxic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The College Park Station was staffed by students in fire protection curriculums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had ALL come from rather progressive departments, and each of us represented the best of the youth from our respective departments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s 12 smart individuals from 12 different departments, most of which did things a little different from the others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This wasn’t the West Lawn Fire Company, and despite my beliefs at the time, there was always another way to do things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the CPVFD allowed the “back home” influence from every one of the probies that walked through their doors, their identity, traditions, reputation and sense of solidarity would be eroded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In time, as I progressed through the ranks and I had proven myself to the officers and members of the department, my opinion began to matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I had firmly implanted myself into the ways of the CPVFD, the knowledge I brought from the WLFC became relevant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am proud to say that some ideas that were born in little ‘ol West Lawn Borough were incorporated into programs in the City of College Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually I was permitted to say “Back home, we…”, but not before I learned why I couldn’t as the new guy in the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I learned to understand patience, and tolerance for others opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized that I was the new guy in town, not the organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had been hosin’ and truckin’ for decades before the mere consideration of my existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite how smart I thought I was, I thankfully learned that others may be smarter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The humbling experience of being forced to forget the past and accept the present was a valuable lesson that now, makes all the sense in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a lesson that I have applied numerous times in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the new guy, I always take the time to get to know the people and the system that is in place, giving them every opportunity to show me what is already in place. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This open-mindedness has helped me learn quite a bit about organizational philosophies as well as individual capabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only wish others in my recent past would have learned the same lesson of respect that the CPVFD taught me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> THAT story, I will save for another time...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. Enjoy a safe and wonderful time with your family and friends as we celebrate of the "things" we have in life . </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
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Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-55996531212340563452012-10-12T13:33:00.001-04:002012-10-12T13:33:29.831-04:00A Memorable Beginning<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago, but it has been over 27 years since I started my second tour of duty as a fire department “probie”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was 21 years old, and was certain that I had all the answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up to this point, I had been hanging around my hometown fire company for as long as I could remember, and knew every inch of the apparatus, had polished, painted, or sharpened every tool, knew every knot in the book, and was a sponge for training classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had officially joined the fire service on my 16<sup>th</sup> birthday, but already knew the names and locations of all the equipment as well as the current members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After graduating with honors with my Associates Degree in Fire Technology from my regional community college, I was ready for the big time; I was accepted into the University of Maryland at College Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7fA223YsSn0QK0AjAF-9MpzMoqQzzwJmk3UV-tvSRLDBwWFEASwQRhe9GIroHRDfprYyE4ISL8UKXaVGTjW9unXC6BgBRh4iBJY4-IWaMXJ_mjsgP2RdmtvMRCJJ3GT2xHUfEw3ZcYU/s200/terp+shirt.jpg" width="133" /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As the opening semester approached, I was still uncertain where I would be living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want the normal housing arrangements of a transfer student; I wanted to live in a fire station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my parents would likely attest, I was pretty much living at my local firehouse already, so It shouldn’t be much of an adjustment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than being responsible for my own laundry and running considerably more calls, how much different could it be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">The University placed me at the Hyattsville Station, a few miles south of the campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I visited the station, met Chief Moltrup, and a few of the members gave me the tour of the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As excited as I was to be in a “big city” station, I was a bit disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew several past alumni of the College Park Station, and my heart was set on living there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to be part of the stories that are told by the great achievers in the fire service who rode proudly out of the 12 house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly, I wanted to be on campus, and surrounded by students that shared my goals of fire service greatness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">There was something special about the fire station at 7507 Baltimore Boulevard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The building wasn’t going to win any beauty contests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been “rode hard and put away wet”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It lacked many modern amenities, but it had an alluring charm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the rub marks on the bay door trim from the apparatus squeaking through, to the personalized cubicles in the student “sackroom”, this old place was calling my name, and I was ready to jump aboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, all the spots for the upcoming semester were spoken for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t stop me from visiting, several times that summer, each time telling my saga to another few members I had the opportunity to meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I memorized the phone numbers as well; and I am sure the chief was tired of hearing me beg for a spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, another visit to the station put me in the company of Fred “Hacksaw” Welsh, the chief in charge of filling the Sackroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He informed me that one of the candidates that were to report for the fall semester had not been returning his calls to verify acceptance of his spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure whether he was tired of me pestering him, or if I managed some award-winning puppy-dog eyes and sad-sack pout, but Hacksaw (you know, I never found out exactly why he got that nickname) gave me the best news I had heard in months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll tell you what, If I don’t hear from this guy by 6:00 p.m. tomorrow, the spot is yours.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next 22 and-a-half hours seemed to crawl by, but as promised, I received the phone call at exactly 6:06 the next evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was IN, and with only 22 days to go before the start of the semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the beginning of an amazing period of growth and discovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 28 months I spent serving the College Park Volunteer Fire Department met or exceeded every expectation I had, and I have a truckload of friends, stories, memories, and life experiences that have become part of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am not sure what the best part of the experience was, there were so many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it the college education I earned, the campus life experience, the diversity of people I interacted with, the tradition I was a part of, the friends I met, the life lessons I learned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it was all of it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For such a brief period of my life, that window of time certainly stands out, and still does to this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure I didn’t know it at the time, but it is all very clear to me know. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">It makes me wonder who is in my life that is going through one of those life defining periods of their lives right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I am a part of their memory 27 years from now, I sure hope the memory is a good one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-45089885477904241322012-10-10T21:33:00.000-04:002012-10-10T21:34:03.915-04:00Staff Infection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For decades, the volunteer fire service has been struggling with staffing issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Decreasing numbers of volunteers have been the topic of fire service discussions across the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reasons are plentiful: the economy, the changing domestic profile, other worthy causes biding for our time, the increasing risks, the elevated training requirements, etc…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While these reasons have some degree of validity, there are plenty of solutions to help relieve them as valid excuses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are just too lazy to give the effort it would take to solve those problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sad truth is that we have a manpower problem because we don’t know how to manage<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>people!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Situations can be managed, things can be managed, time can be managed, money can be managed, and even <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">groups</i> of people can be managed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am not talking about TEAM management here; I am referring to the management of a single person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also known as, “how to treat people”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly, many of today’s fire service leaders do not have the skills to properly manage themselves, let alone another individual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most develop an image of exactly how their “soldiers” should be; make a plan that utilizes those soldiers, then cast off anyone that doesn’t fit their mold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A baker who uses a cookie cutter will always gather the leftover dough, re-roll it, and make a few more cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the leftovers can be molded into some other culinary treat, but nothing ever goes to waste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not in the fire service, however.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One by one, we cast off perfectly good “dough”, and discard it without any thought of what that one extra “cookie” could mean to the organization one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those with pet dogs know that once the scrap hits the floor, you simply aren’t getting it back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today’s leaders lack the ability to nurture, develop, and utilize the variety of people that come in the door, willing to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wastefully discard people like they are an endless commodity because it is much easier than “dealing with” the challenges that some people present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worse yet, these leaders are breeding an entire generation of like-minded thinkers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These little bullies are pushing away great people… smart people… dedicated people… people whose only weakness is the unwillingness to tolerate the bullshit that gets flung around a fire station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not just talking about the narrow-minded veterans who only know one way to get things done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also talking about the 2/20 guy whose duffle bag is still swinging on the hook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would love to staff a fire department with all the individuals who left the fire service because of the way they were treated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think of all the years of training and experience that are being wasted because we simply don’t know how to treat people right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had several long conversations with former members of the fire service, and the underlying theme is interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They feel abandoned, under-appreciated, and unwelcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These men and women still have the desire to serve, the willingness to sacrifice, and the ability to be great assets to the organizations that left them behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, the leaders of those organizations have done little or nothing to reel them back in; they never investigated the problem, therefore they didn’t need to execute a solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just kept spinning the revolving door, wondering why their staffing levels aren’t a robust as they want them to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THESE past members are the people who should write the books on recruitment and retention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their wisdom and experience could go a long way toward solving the staffing crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few of the topics they would likely suggest:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Be fair to everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you make a rule, make it for everybody.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Don’t make rules that hamper your effectiveness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Communicate, communicate, and communicate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secrets demoralize troops!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Understand that individuals have lives outside the firehouse; support that notion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Not everyone has to be the nozzleman, if you have a happy hydrant man, be happy to have him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Politicians should not dictate fire service operations, despite how powerful they think they are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>What motivates some doesn’t work on all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be flexible, be creative.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>A dangling carrot nets better results than a prodding pitchfork.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>People like to be lead, so if you are a leader of the organization, LEAD already!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Take notice of the positives, and stop dwelling on the negatives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Give everyone the opportunity to achieve the greatness they seek.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Everyone is an expert at something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t think so, you are missing out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Honor, respect, appreciate, and encourage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take notice that most of these suggestions are about how to treat people, not how many certificates you have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Firefighters are people first, and if we keep forgetting that, all the wisdom in the world won’t help solve our staffing issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-49749004226598210482012-09-25T19:02:00.001-04:002012-09-25T19:05:18.255-04:00Concrete Training<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing beats real world, on-the-job training; particularly in the fire service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has always been a major challenge of the fire suppression providers to simulate real world scenarios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you create a potentially deadly, deteriorating atmosphere in an unknown location with the urgency of saving a life (while preserving your own) without destroying property and killing recruits?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are hundreds of ways to development skills needed to function in an actual burning building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We negotiate mazes with blanked out SCBA masks (like blind mice looking for cheese), repetitively practice with our equipment to hone technical skills into thoughtless reflexes (while sitting on a chair in the engine room), we flow nozzles (onto sunny parking lots) to give pump operators and nozzle jockeys time to develop natural reactions and thought processes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watch videos, we tell stories, and we read articles and books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pre-plan, chalk talk, and “what if” ourselves to death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We participate in scheduled drills, we attend structured classes, and we obtain “certifications” by jumping through some carefully monitored and well documented “hoops”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While these tasks may prepare us for the real deal, they certainly don’t recreate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many will argue that live burn sessions are the only way to properly prepare a firefighter for the real action he or she may face, and in many way, this type of training is very helpful to measure one’s abilities in certain areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly, a live burn will assure that a candidate understands the purpose of the PPE, and the importance of maintaining it and wearing it properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an important tool for measuring one’s ability to remain calm, tolerate heat, and negotiate with limited visibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also no better way to drive home the lessons about staying low, NOT opening a fog pattern into a superheated space that you occupy, the importance of good timing with your ventilation techniques, or why proper radio use is so very important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then there are the drawbacks to this type of training… The things it can’t teach...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worse yet, are the habits we can develop when we train in a concrete prop more than we fight real fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such as:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Real fire doesn’t check your schedule…or the weather<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Real fires require overhaul… LOTS of overhaul<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Real fires threaten property that can be SALVAGED <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Real fires aren’t over in 4 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Real fires decompose buildings in short periods of time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Real fires should be completely extinguished the first time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Real fires don’t wait until your crew, back-up crew, vent team, RIT team and water supply are all set and ready to go<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Real fires don’t let you try it again<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Real fires don’t show you the floor plan and escape doors<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span>Real fires ignore the safety rules<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A live burn session is a great tool to use to help teach a firefighter, but FAR from a simulation, and certainly not the ONLY tool that should be used to measure a firefighter’s ability…that’s what certifications are for, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More on that powder keg topic next time…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay safe Brothers and Sisters!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span>Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-28420933578246691392012-08-21T14:39:00.000-04:002012-08-21T14:43:17.927-04:00I Am Not Sure Where This Is Headed...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Deeply rooted in the volunteer fire service, I evolved from a system with ample manpower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you were slow getting to the fire station, you didn’t have a place to ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We filled cabs, tailboards, and even rode the hose bed to fire calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what you are thinking; I cringed when I typed that as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can I say; we have come a long way in regards to firefighter safety in 32 years!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I could write volumes about how technology has changed the fire service, and I imagine in time, I will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But lately, I have been thinking about the issues of manpower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most irreplaceable commodity of the fire service is staffing, and the willingness and ability of qualified personnel to overcome fear and risk self-preservation in order to accomplish extraordinarily heroic acts to save life, property and community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">How that staffing is amassed differs from community to community, sparking ongoing debates about certification requirements, qualification standards, and career vs. volunteer debates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Originally staffed by the entire able-bodied population, armies of volunteers managed to get wet stuff on the wet stuff, and preserve their communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over time, the evolution of the fire service staff has taken many different twists and turns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Firefighting has become more technical, standards of training have been developed to offset liability concerns, and the demographic of the American family has drastically changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While some communities manage to maintain their fire protection with an all-volunteer staff, many municipalities have adopted a combination-department, where volunteers are supplemented with career staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still others have turned into an era where the staffing is primarily career, and supplemented by volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, there are areas (mostly metropolitan regions) that are staffed by career firefighters, and volunteers do not exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The city of Reading, Pennsylvania, for example, is home to one of the oldest functioning volunteer fire companies in the country; although their presence on the fire ground is barely noticed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This city of 88,000, people, situated on 6400 acres, is protected by an on-duty staff of just 18 firefighters; a dangerous situation for the overworked staff, their force limited by budget restrictions by the cash-strapped city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Injury rates have increased by 80%, likely caused by the stress of working overtime to fill staffing minimums, and being forced to accomplish the work of several personnel because of the staffing shortage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Volunteer support within the department, while technically present, is realistically non-existent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Conversely, Dover, The capital of the state of Delaware, which encompasses an area 4 times the size of Reading, but less than half the population, is still protected by an all-volunteer department, the Robbins Hose Company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A recent two-vehicle accident in town brought well over 20 firefighters to the scene, less than 25% of the “available” volunteers on their roster. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dover, however, is still growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One must wonder how long the tradition of being 100% volunteer can be maintained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All it takes is one bad leader, one poor governmental decision, one tragic event, and the atmosphere could change overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">To the unaware bystander, there is no difference to the service rendered by the heroes who arrive on the BRT’s (Big Red Trucks) in each of these towns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The expectation of a professional solution to the emergency at hand by the experts on the scene dressed in the turnout gear does not change from town to town, or state to state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, to the “seasoned” veteran, who has been involved in and studied the evolution of the fire service, the differences are enormous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not choosing sides, or pitching one system over another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have tremendous admiration for BOTH groups for what they accomplish given the resources they are offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Dover, it is clear to me that some of the municipal dollars saved by avoiding the need for payroll associated with a career staff has been spent on equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The age, amount, customization, and technological level of the apparatus and portable equipment gives the volunteers the best tools to work with to do their job, all while maintaining the sense of appreciation from the community leaders that likely inspires them to continue to commit their time to their community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, in Reading, the thinning, aging fleet is “urbanized” and the equipment is fiscally selected and well used, but the staff is well-trained, job-tested, and hardcore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">So here we are, in 2012, with the ongoing debates and senseless arguments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Volunteers scoff at career firefighters, thinking they “only do it for the money”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their self-righteousness clouds the fact that the career firefighters are being asked to do twice the workload with a fraction of the resources. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile career firefighters critique the “whackers” for inadequate experience, lack of training, and over-chromed “parade pieces”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The battles are senseless and immature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both sides have very valid points, but you are comparing apples to oranges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a debate that I avoid, mainly because I could make a good case for either side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In combination departments, these skirmishes often exist in the same room, among “friends”… brothers who may be side by side in a few moments facing the most challenging predicament of their lives … TOGETHER!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not a very comfortable place for the weak-minded, and the toll such childishness takes wears out even the most committed public servant over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I digress; I will save that sizzling story for a later time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No sense burning a bridge I am still standing near. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As the title of this post said, I am not sure where I was going with my thoughts today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I will wrap this post up with a few general, but time tested axioms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the evolution of the fire service continues, these few principles remain:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every firefighter should strive to be the best prepared that he/she can<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Professionalism is an attitude not an economic standard<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the, end, we are all trying to accomplish the same thing<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">None of us are better than everyone at everything<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If they wear a helmet,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one day your life may depend on them<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If YOU wear a helmet, one day THEIR life may, depend on YOU.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-86944018260137707642012-08-10T10:46:00.001-04:002012-08-19T01:40:02.423-04:00Am I on Candid Camera?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was only on the job for about two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the Fire Safety Technician for the University, I was responsible for the engineering, education, and enforcement of all things related to fire safety on the campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I read my morning e-mails, I was alerted that the fire department had been to our campus the night before for a small fire that was discovered by a security guard making his rounds in the human resources building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This un-occupied single-story 4000 s.f. building had a small lunchroom where a haze of smoke was discovered at about 2 o’clock in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Responders determined that combustibles stacked on and around a small toaster oven were showing effects of pyrolysis due to the toaster oven being turned on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They unplugged the unit, and left the area otherwise untouched, as to allow for a proper investigation of the incident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited to be “on the case” and ready to wield my investigative skills and determine exactly what happened and who was responsible for the event.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I immediately became suspicious of the setting and began to photograph the area and documented the history of the occupants in the building over the past 24 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was convinced that someone wanted to burn down the building and make it look like an accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other clues of potential foul play included two ceiling tiles that had been dislodged, broken, and tossed to the floor, an artificial ficus tree that was knocked over, and a few papers uncharacteristically strewn about the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, nothing had been disturbed or was found missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were no signs of forced entry, so I suspected an inside job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it the guard looking for the status of “hero” for saving the day?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it a disgruntled employee?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I first needed to eliminate any and all accidental causes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was the switch on the oven defective?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, it seemed to be working fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did someone accidently leave the unit turned on? No, employees in the building assured that no one has used the oven for month (explaining why it was hazardously buried in paper products and condiment packaging). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every (or so I thought) possible accidental cause I could imagine was eliminated from probability, so I began to formulate my arson hypothesis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Later that afternoon, I was consulting with the campus police about how deeply we would investigate this incident when I heard a call for maintenance to report to the Human Resources building for assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Workers there were hearing strange noises above the ceiling and wanted it checked out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As expected, the noise went away whenever the mechanics were in the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, after several return calls throughout the day, and HVAC technician discovered a squirrel in a utility closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The circus-like activity that ensued was hysterical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fans of the movie “Christmas Vacation” should be able to visualize the chaos that followed the rodent discovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, after 35 minutes of all-out warfare, the squirrel was evicted, and order was restored.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">That is when the light bulb turned on!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>The squirrel did it</u>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all made sense!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “perp” entered the building through a small hole in the roof flashing, and eventually dislodged the ceiling tiles to gain access to the rest of the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using the ficus tree as an escalator, the nut-muncher accessed his new playground and began to forage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The counter in the lunch room was filled with packaged yum-yums that proved to be too good to pass up, and the squirrel started rooting through the area looking for a treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At some point, while trying to reach a higher shelf, the little bugger must have stepped on the button that turned the oven on, starting the warming process and setting into motion one of my most memorable fire investigations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I began tapping away on my keyboard, documenting my findings in the most professional manner I could muster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, this was my first incident investigation, and I wanted to make a good impression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About half way through my report, however, I got an empty feeling in my gut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was I being set up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was this all an elaborate hoax to haze the new guy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prepared myself mentally for the “Bazinga”, and finished my report with every ounce of cautious professionalism I could muster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">To this day, I still wonder…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-56829759266950925822012-05-18T09:58:00.000-04:002012-05-18T10:02:14.750-04:00Roll with the Flow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGAOd4jr8sfNIXC2LYL4_D_5a0Ad7vFLWOgBK4imKPhOPvCYb2DNZQ7ODcxp0gbET-ZNIPDO1L5OU5VRau34g5Fq47DGYhiRhRqGHSznP0wvxhosDgm6EU0htJEvsDaQ71Qlj2TCOemw/s1600/traffic+ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGAOd4jr8sfNIXC2LYL4_D_5a0Ad7vFLWOgBK4imKPhOPvCYb2DNZQ7ODcxp0gbET-ZNIPDO1L5OU5VRau34g5Fq47DGYhiRhRqGHSznP0wvxhosDgm6EU0htJEvsDaQ71Qlj2TCOemw/s320/traffic+ticket.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will be the first one to admit, I live in the fast lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, not THAT fast lane, I am getting too old for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am referring to the fast lane of the highway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Occasionally I will slide in to the right lane and go with the flow with the normal folks, but I am usually looking forward to reaching my destination, and the sooner the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like speed, and I like the challenge of beating my Garmin’s estimated time of arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree with the late George Carlin, who noted that “anyone that is going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the fuzz on the side of the road with the radar gun may disagree, I believe I set a safe but efficient pace for the fast lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, this only applies when there is room to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once highway traffic is congested to the point where speedy travel becomes impossible, I submit to the situation and “go with the flow”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is usually the case during certain parts of my daily commute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone who has ever had the “pleasure” of traveling 222 between Reading and Allentown understands my plight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ten miles of outdated, single lane, overcrowded asphalt, choked by heavy trucks, thousands of commuters, Amish kids on bikes, and way too many cross streets is exacerbated by a few agonizing traffic lights, strategically placed to eliminate any possibility of smooth sailing on all but the luckiest of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this situation, the choices are to “go with the masses”, or challenge yourself with the winding back roads that bypass the masses!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those “shortcuts” don’t make the commute any shorter or quicker, but it sure seems like it does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJDWN-mRd5flYEy3oRPTkglTKis_0tBOtg5EPeOMdOuCPe8fWIspwdcVRocg2ihjSw85x3ma_bHumcL0Rrjlf_t69lEMGTHBlrGdInbPOILAK3BphgbMky0Ss5PNtvw9Bh1xHzOxx4UQ/s1600/traffic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="131" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJDWN-mRd5flYEy3oRPTkglTKis_0tBOtg5EPeOMdOuCPe8fWIspwdcVRocg2ihjSw85x3ma_bHumcL0Rrjlf_t69lEMGTHBlrGdInbPOILAK3BphgbMky0Ss5PNtvw9Bh1xHzOxx4UQ/s200/traffic.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The real analysis of humanity occurs on extremely congested super-highways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those that travel rush hour (an oxymoron if I ever heard one) in a major metropolitan area understand this plight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently made a trip On Philadelphia’s “Blue Route” during the afternoon commuter hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was making my way to the Philadelphia International Airport at 5:30 on a weekday when both the Phillies (always a sellout crowd) and the Sixers (poised to eliminate the Bulls from the playoffs) were playing across the street from each other in South Philly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was merely a speck in the river of cars that were crawling along the winding 4-lane strip of striped concrete toward Interstate 95.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">In these scenarios, there is no sense trying to “make good time”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You simply must tune in a good radio station, pick a lane, and “go with the flow”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the speed limit is 65 and you are going 15, it is time to concede to the voice of your navigation device… there will be no checkered flag at the end of this excursion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you CAN do, however, is pick out the asshats that still believe they can beat the system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They dart from lane to lane, trying to make up a car length or two by jumping into the lane that seems to be moving faster than the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since their like-minded friends do the same thing, it is usually a few minutes until that lane becomes the idle lane and you see them again, trying to cut back into your lane, which is now steadily flowing by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds me of the “Tortoise and the Hare” fable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was playing the role of tortoise and stayed in my lane of choice, but in this case, the “hares” include the snotty, Armani suit-wearin’ Mercedes pilot, the punk in the multi-colored subcompact with the mosquito mufflers, the young clueless girl on the cell phone in the beat-up duct-taped sedan, or the blue collar contractor with the ladder rack and the squeaky brakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhHAgyyQvqj_lUXNPkq8-MaA9hNOczXbV-cdtuSm6Ki3q3d2LMn3ieYgUTJRfdaqZJD-0BEY63hiG0sia6gwKw7gODu48s-gYXtppBopLtXQmMnHR2xu6eGCnoSTFg5U1zdFa-zTJM-w/s1600/traffic+sign+funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhHAgyyQvqj_lUXNPkq8-MaA9hNOczXbV-cdtuSm6Ki3q3d2LMn3ieYgUTJRfdaqZJD-0BEY63hiG0sia6gwKw7gODu48s-gYXtppBopLtXQmMnHR2xu6eGCnoSTFg5U1zdFa-zTJM-w/s200/traffic+sign+funny.jpg" width="125" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I narrate the movements of these four targeted strategists, since texting while driving is no longer legal in Pennsylvania.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entertainment keeps my mind off the clock, and is really quite comical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They dart left, they dart right, and they occupy any gap they think will give them the positional advantage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They piss people off by cutting in on a smoothly flowing line of traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brake lights flash like a disco on No-Doze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The masses lurch forward, the masses stop, the masses repeat… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are thousands of individuals with a common goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am certain that if we would all work together, we could all enjoy more consistent movement and efficient travel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I suppose this is where today’s lesson lies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are times when we all need to stay with the pack, and understand that “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>T</u></b>ogether <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>E</u></b>veryone <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>A</u></b>ccomplishes <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>M</u></b>ore” (TEAM).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teamwork produces success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long distance runners know this, bikers in the Tour de France know this, herds of animals in the wild know this, and schools of fish know this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even NASCAR drivers, who are trying to be the individual that “gets to the finish line first”, know that if they don’t work with the other drivers, including their foes, they will lose!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within a team, there will members who may be stronger, faster, smarter, or better than the others in some way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those individuals also have some shortcomings that can be compensated for by other teammates with different strengths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the concept of a winning team: sticking together, remaining unselfish, supporting teammates who are struggling, using your strength to boost others forward, and staying focused on the group goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even strangers on a highway can function as a team.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">After 35 minutes of automotive crawl, the congestion seemed to magically dissipate, with no obvious reason for the sluggishness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was free to accelerate for the final 2 miles of my commute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just me, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the “suit” in the Benz, the exhaust buzzing Technicolor Toyota, the chatterbox in the rattlebox, and Marlboro Man look-alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shot past them, grinning at their futile attempt to break from the pack and selfishly navigate past my team of commuters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Woops, there is my exit already!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I Gotta go catch a plane!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ciao.</span></div>
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</div>Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-54453649045412692152012-05-03T10:03:00.000-04:002012-05-03T10:03:23.124-04:00RLS Syndrome<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">If I were to ask a layperson what they thought the greatest risk a firefighter faces, I am sure some of the answers would be: Being burned, falling off a ladder, caught in an explosion, lost in smoke, or even trapped by a building collapse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Health conscience people would turn to the risks associated with cardio-vascular health and the stresses placed on the firefighter’s body as the major concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine very few would even mention “responding to a call” as a dangerous activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The facts are clear that transportation accidents are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury among emergency responders, and it is the activity that takes place on every incident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today’s blog will address some of the reasons this activity presents such a risk.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The average citizen sees a fire engine roaring through traffic and dreams of the invincibility of carving, unobstructed, through rush hour, bypassing lines of stopped cars that pull aside to allow you to pass and disregarding pesky crimson signs and lights that require others to come to a stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I proceed, I need to dispel some misconceptions about man’s laws of the road and nature’s laws of physics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu-VpxZNB45J5TjksuIdWPosQIxOOPIaAiPA4lWhiaVWwEp9Uyx3Da8HLO_F0TJ7SvRd1_dZk23MvGIQfqBo7PLAXiTHDl4dPz2qi6Z4Yx35eKQBuJwQM0XW3kJuzW3XjJwWzhzSHgzs/s1600/fire+truck-traffic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="204" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu-VpxZNB45J5TjksuIdWPosQIxOOPIaAiPA4lWhiaVWwEp9Uyx3Da8HLO_F0TJ7SvRd1_dZk23MvGIQfqBo7PLAXiTHDl4dPz2qi6Z4Yx35eKQBuJwQM0XW3kJuzW3XjJwWzhzSHgzs/s320/fire+truck-traffic.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fire engines are NOT permitted to disregard safety rules of the road while responding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may proceed past a stop signal ONLY when it has been deemed to do so safety. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are required to maintain a safe speed which includes decreasing speed during adverse weather conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly, they are often held responsible for mishaps that occur if they fail to respect these regulations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the scientific side of the analysis, a fire engine does not have “magic tires” that grip the road better than any other truck on the road, “super-braking powers” that allow them to stop quicker than other vehicles on the road of similar size, nor an “invisible force field” that protects them from the other vehicles on the road. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, many fire department vehicles push the envelope of their designed weight rating because of the water and equipment they carry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are simply very bright, very loud versions of every other vehicle on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are several other variables, however, that make these vehicles even more dangerous than others:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The skills and experience of the driver may not be very sharp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Particularly in a volunteer department, where the driver of this 40,000 pound monster might be much more accustomed to driving his 3500 pound Honda Accord.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The driver may be focused on the details of the incident they are responding to and the urgency to arrive quickly due to on-scene reports of rapidly spreading fire, or victims in peril.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The unpredictability of what the other drivers on the road will do in their pathway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For every 20 drivers that do the right thing, there will be one who makes a contradictory evasive maneuver.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Believe it or not, despite the flashing lights and the blaring siren, some drivers are oblivious to the approaching emergency vehicle due to loud stereos, well insulated vehicles, or driver distraction.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have personally logged thousands of miles in the driver’s seat of an emergency vehicle during my career, and admittedly, my attitude toward maneuvering through traffic en route to an emergency has evolved over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had a few close calls, but fortunately have never <u>unintentionally</u> bent and metal because of my driving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one time I did, was with the permission of a county police officer, but I digress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have witnessed people do some crazy things in front of my fire truck, from driving over a curb to get out of my way, to slamming on the brakes and covering their eyes right in the middle of an intersection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always attempted to maintain what I call “smooth control” of my vehicle, whether I was driving a medic unit with a class 1 trauma patient in the back, a fire engine through suburbia, or a ladder truck through rush-hour “inside the beltway” traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AWARENESS and CONTROL are the key words to safe response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another portion of my career was spent in the “thinking chair”, more commonly referred to as the Officers Seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this position, you share the responsibility of safe operation of the vehicle through your <u>awareness</u>, but unfortunately have zero <u>control</u> over the operation of the rig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe me, there were more than a few times I stomped on the imaginary brake pedal on the right side of the fire engine cab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the seat where your only control is the ability to coach the driver through a safe response by maintaining a calm atmosphere, and a focused attention on the road conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is an impossible task if the operator of the rig is experiencing an attack of RLS syndrome.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">RLS, or “Red Lights & Siren” syndrome can occur with any emergency driver from time to time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit there were times when I believed that my siren and air horns had the power to move cars out of my path, and I know there were times where I was thinking about everything except the road when I was en route to an incident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every driver is susceptible to RLS, and some suffer from it repeatedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a period of perceived invincibility, where poor judgment reigns supreme, and tunnel vision closes in tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is dangerous, and it can be deadly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until scientists develop a vaccine, RLS syndrome must be controlled through diligent screening of potential operators, repetitive training and practice of driving skills, established standard department guidelines regarding vehicle operation, and respectful rapport development between drivers and officers alike. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7086157087837375974.post-56904099498089607692012-04-13T11:34:00.001-04:002012-04-13T12:17:05.993-04:00I Will Always Remember…<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is one of those moments that I will always remember…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">People always talk about these moments because they capture our hearts with such shock and sadness that they burn an indelible snapshot of time into our souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The end of World War II, the Kennedy assassination, the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion, the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon are a few examples that many people will always remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can tell you where they were, and how they felt, with chilling accuracy, when they heard the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We share these moments because they affected all of us, and we can all relate to the emotions expressed by others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They united us because of their global impact.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then there are very personal and private moments we each hold quietly in our memories; the death of a family member or pet, the moment of birth of our children, a marriage proposal, getting our driver’s license.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These moments bond us together in a different way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We each experienced these moments at some point in our lives, but in our own personal space, in our own personal time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are similar stories with similar emotions, but vastly different details, locations, and characters.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp8DhgWjZzPQEwsO491MACRS05YwjCGnohPV6peU1y91F_lAKqxp9d9JatsyZiRbv7A_Xaeb4Jll2Pm1gWfttR_HENwGg3N7DSxpn0sLI2CTeVbNwJZrBpVh-DxYYAneuFeBu7R94nYo/s1600/Kyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp8DhgWjZzPQEwsO491MACRS05YwjCGnohPV6peU1y91F_lAKqxp9d9JatsyZiRbv7A_Xaeb4Jll2Pm1gWfttR_HENwGg3N7DSxpn0sLI2CTeVbNwJZrBpVh-DxYYAneuFeBu7R94nYo/s200/Kyle.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then there are the events in between global and private.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The concentric circles of impact reaching levels of notice globally, levels of sadness regionally, and levels of grief and devastation at the personal level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am referencing the tragic assassination of Kyle D. Pagerly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kyle was gunned down by a cowardly fugitive whose blatant disregard for human life took from our world, an amazing young man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is one of those moments that I will always remember…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I took the phone call from my department chief that evening with no expectation of the news that would buckle my knees and temporarily drain my face of its blood supply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was followed by a wave of changing emotions that overlapped so frequently I lost track of my senses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in denial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sick to my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That news derailed my understanding of mankind, and I suspect I will be forever changed by Kyle’s sudden passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Though I was 20 years his senior, I watched Kyle live like few others ever dared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admired his energy, his up-beat, can-do attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched him grow as a determined fire lieutenant, a loving young husband, a proud patriot, a dedicated public servant, and a friend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would have been an amazing father to Savannah Kylie, his daughter that he will never get to hold in his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t seem fair that a man with so much love of life was taken from us at such a young age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The loss of Kyle will sadly be one of those moments we all will remember, but most importantly, his LIFE will be something that will be remembered as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite his age, and even without his knowledge, Kyle taught me many things about life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never had the opportunity to tell him, and I will always regret that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps I didn’t realize just how much he taught us all until after he left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, almost 10 months after his tragic death, I still hear his voice, picture his smile, and mourn the fact that he is gone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was proud to be on the fringes of his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can only imagine the sadness felt by those even closer to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His loving wife, Alecia, is an amazing woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am awed by the strength she shows as she fights through the tears of life without Kyle, always standing proud at the events honoring Kyle’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you Kyle, for all you have given to your family, friends, associates, co-workers, and comrades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Loved my many, forgotten by none!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEnboP0_yQffCZGT3MzLJMYCO_nvGTx2GgChjTXJ8855C2kjniBmg1tPzPhLYto0BZ_OllPU4SEqzMyvuy7LkeceoE710PqbecBJeUMFqGuug7E-0PguxVMOis_b1MdlZIKNkCcCz-TQ/s1600/Jynx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEnboP0_yQffCZGT3MzLJMYCO_nvGTx2GgChjTXJ8855C2kjniBmg1tPzPhLYto0BZ_OllPU4SEqzMyvuy7LkeceoE710PqbecBJeUMFqGuug7E-0PguxVMOis_b1MdlZIKNkCcCz-TQ/s200/Jynx.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please honor Kyle, by rewarding his K-9 partner, Jynx with the honor he earned as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jynx’s actions saved many lives that warm summer evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vote every day at </span><a href="http://www.herodogawards.org/vote/?nominee=13186243"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">THIS LINK</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Seasonedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03180172397816091867noreply@blogger.com0