Quick Update

Just a quick update to my fellow bloggers. The reason I've been gone for a while is I've been heavily involved working on my house getting it renovated. As far as the update on my fire service world, here's the word.
-I was voted as Treasurer (regardless of all the warnings NOT to do that job!!!)
-Work going as usual.

That's about it... Not too exciting, is it??

I will NEVER forget...

...and that I promise.

With that said, I know there are going to be a million blog posts, tv shows remembering, news cast reminding. Unfortunately, despite all the attention it will get today, and a week before and after, it becomes forgotten about. It's sad. It's atrocious. It's disturbing. But most of all, it's unacceptable. Too many have forgotten about that day and the events that occured. More importantly, we have all become too complacent in our lives.

The day for me was rough, but no where near as bad as what the people of New York City, Washington DC, or Somerset had to endure. I remember everything in detail that day. The day started off with someone from work knocking on my door. At the time, I was active duty Air Force stationed in Alaska. I got in late that day because I was in Fairbanks all day. I got in about 1 or 2am and went straight to sleep. I got the knock about 9am when the first plane hit the tower. I was told "Get your stuff ready and head to the fire department ASAP...and while getting ready watch CNN!" I was just about finished getting ready as I was putting on my left boot...then I saw live the second plane hit. I don't think I even finished lacing up my boot. I grabbed my wallet and keys and ran. Arriving at work, I stood there in my uniform watching the TV is disbelief, waiting for my next task. What seemed like an eternity, was only 10 minutes. In those 10 minutes, I received briefings but it seemed to be all a blur...almost surreal. Security Forces came over and picked me up and we went to their building. Again, we were briefed and again it seemed like an eternity...this time it was only 5 minutes. I was issued my rifle, my battle gear, and then taken to a guard position and sat there. This time it wasn't 10 minutes, it wasn't 2 hours, it wasn't 5 hours. In the ready position, I was there for 15 hours observing, waiting, and praying. I never knew the towers fell until the early evening. I never knew that thousands were killed. All I knew was that there was an unaccounted plane in the sky, and they didn't know where. I heard the scream of two fighter jets scrambled in search of this missing plane. Appearently there was another unaccounted for in Alaska. We knew of this early into the day. But after the jets flew by, we never saw another thing in the sky. After being still for 15 hours, I was relieved to only go somewhere else. Guard duty at one of our buildings this time lasting 10 hours. At this point, I lost track of time, lost track of the day. I finally remember getting some sleep around 3pm on the 12th. Since my mind was racing, wondering what had all just happened. It seemed life for me was in vertigo. I was disoriented. I never really got to sleep. I laid down and closed my eyes. But the image of that plane making impact stained into my mind. Wondering things like, what were the people on the plane thinking, what were the people in the World Trade Center thinking that was floor level, that was above or below impact level, or even on ground level. What were the tourists thinking. What was the families and friennds thinking that knew someone that worked in the tower. Those endless thoughts spun like a tornado in my skull. Then I stared to think about my family and my friends. Wondered what they thought about what happened. Days after the 11th, I finally spoke with my parents to let know things were ok. I talked to my fiance', who I longed to talk to set my mind at ease a little. Our moments on the phone were quickly stressed, our disagreeing words grew into an argument and eventually led to the death of our relationship. It was over. My only true escape was gone, all my brother firefighters were gone, my fellow innocent Americans...gone. Finally on the evening of the 15th, I remember being outside sitting in the back of my truck, looking at the stars in the Alaskan sky. The events of the week flashed through my mind, but fadded away as I stare into space. Even though I was in complete exhaustion, depressed beyond belief...I still had a few things. Family. Friends. Freedom.

To this day, I've only told a few people this whole story...very few. But I felt it was time to part with this story that has been bottled up for so long. 7 years today. Even though I did not experience the tragedy that so many felt on that day, it was certainly a"rock bottom" time in my life. I end this posting with a couple of thoughts. Remember all the things we take for granted everyday. Remember all the innocent men and women that were lost that day. Remember to thank our Armed Service members and our Public Service members (Police, Medics, and Firefighters). And ultimately remember what happened that day and please, NEVER FORGET.

Taking the Plunge

Well, I finally did it. I finally switched to another volunteer department. With me moving in the very near future, I was planning on just taking a break from it all. I was looking forward to just have a few months or so not having to worry about responding on calls. Well, this has all changed. And not only changed, but I may have well just jumped in a volcano! Despite many peoples warnings and concern, I joined another department, but it's not exactly the closest. The place I now call home is Lyndora VFD. I was asked to help out and bring some experience and possibly some leadership to this department. We'll see how it works out. I guess I can just say that I'm taking it one day at a time. The one great benefit I'll be getting out of it...it's a truck company! There's a small part of me that really wanted to be a part of a ladder company and get some experience with how they operate. Very soon, I'll be finding out! The funny thing about this whole deal is, how quickly it all went into effect. I just went to one of Lyndora's meetings to check things out, next thing I know I'm being voted in! I'm not really complaining, but damn things were moving quick. And leaving Mercer Road was bitter sweet. It's where I started my firefighting career. Over 10 years of volunteer service to them. But that all came to a screetching halt, and then it happens. I respectfully discussed the issue with the chief, and I thought things were all good, and there were no hard feelings. Appearently not the case...or at least that wasn't the "vibe" I was getting. The other night, I walked in to hand in my pager and key, and he barely looked at me. This was the same guy that was understanding that I'm moving across town, and it's not mine, or the stations best interest for me to continue serving with them. Well, the other night when I turned in those things, right there in front of me, he was giving away my old gear. Now really, it didn't bother me, cause I was leaving anyways. But the way he did it, I felt betrayed. I don't know...maybe I'm not seeing it clearly. Maybe I misunderstood. But, considering the person, and the history. I'm pretty sure it was done with the intent of making a statement. Sadly for him, he may have just ended his "reign" because there were others who thought the same as I did. Again, really I could care less he did what he did. But I thought he was a better person than that. On a brighter note, I look forward to learning what I can learn, and hopefully this helps me become knowledgable in yet, another aspect of firefighting. Because what I do know is, ladder truck operations are much, much different than anything I've ever done! More to follow I'm sure.

In Memory of the Charleston Tragedy

I know I'm about 10 days too late to mention this, but things my way have been crazy and busy lately. With that said, it's hard to believe it's been a year already, but I would like to pay proper respect to the 9 firefighters that gave the ultimate sacrifice on 18 June, 2007 in Charleston, SC. My regrets to the family, and know that they are in a much better place. Rest in piece my brothers...

Business Back to Normal!

I know it's been a while since I last threw in a post, but there has been many reasons why. For the past month, it seemed to be non-stop. Between reserves for a couple of weeks, then coming back to work the very next day after reserves. As if all that wasn't enough, I've worked about 4 overtimes since I've been back. So usually, I end up having about 1 or 2 days off during the week. And last week was insane. All day last Monday, we had a big inspection at work, so there was several timed drills that we participated in. Pictured here is me walking back to the standpipe to disconnect the two and a half inch supply line. We had just completed our interior drill which went (for the most part) flawless. After that, we had our exterior drill. Here's another picture of me pulling out our standpipe line again (below) about 150'.

Again, we had a damn near perfect time for our exterior drill so I guess we should have no complaints. As for the other shifts, they did awesome as well. From what I understand, out of all the VA Fire Departments, we are definately in the top 5, probably in the top 3 for overall departments. I'm just glad it's over with for at least another 3 or 4 years! Although, I have to admit, since we don't have a high call volume, it was a blast getting to do these timed drills. It gets the heart pumping, and adreniline running. Maybe now, we can finally start running some mutual aid calls for the township!! Somehow, I think our odds are better for hell freezing over!

***Vehicle Accident w/ entrapment and vehicle on fire***

As if the title was long enough, the call was quite long itself. Originally it came in as a vehicle accident, possibly on fire. It also originally came in as only being a half a mile away from Center Twp. School. Well, in that case it wouldn't have been our jurisdiction, however, I started my way up to our Fire Station just incase we would be called for traffic control or whatever. Well, just as I got to our station, an update on the call came in as being in our jurisdiction and vehicle was on fire. Still no word on if someone was inside or not. Well, I bunkered up, and bottled up as we left the station and it was only about a mile up the road. We got on scene seconds after our neighboring department go on scene, and I assisted with their handline and we continued to put out the fire. Here comes the bad part. Someone was still inside, and unfortunately, had absolutely no chance. My heart dropped to my ankles. I've seen my fair share of death, but this one tops it. I won't get into detail, but put 2 and 2 together. The vehicle rolled 4 or 5 times, and had rested on the passenger side and the body was in the back seat. It was a crew cab truck, so it was clear as day once the fire and smoke has disappeared. I don't have any pictures yet, and I'm unsure if I'll put any up once I do get some. The pictures that I did see, none were graphic in nature, but the fact that there was a body still inside, I may not put it on my blog. Anyhow, I thought I would pass it on, and go from one call to the next.

Another LODD

I hate to keep bringing unfortunate news to this blog, but last week a local volunteer firefighter was badly injured during a house fire. Wednesday, March 5 he finally passed from his injuries. Talking with a few people, it sounds like the house flashed (flashover) on them. From what I understand, the lady they went to rescue did exit the house safely, but re-entered the house. As soon as firefighters made an aggressive interior attack, conditions got worse within seconds, which to me sounds like a flash. It's definately a sad moment for our brothers in Pine Township and all the firefighting community, but we must remember to continue on and remember them. Take care Brad.

RIP my friend

I wanted to post a special recognition to someone who really meant alot to me. He was a close friend that I was stationed with twice...once in Prince Sultan, Saudi Arabia, and for a year in Clear, AK. He was probably one of the most influential persons in my career, and I wanted to pay the proper respect to him and his family.

I can't believe it's been 3 years already since the passing of a true American Hero. My close friend, my brother in firefighting was taken away from us February 13th, 2005 in a heroic rescue attempt on an overturned Humvee that was in a canal in Iraq.. He is still sadly missed, and will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Ray, may you rest in peace and know that you're dearly missed by many. Your legacy will continue in my life, as I'm sure it will in many others. Peace be with you, my brother...you are gone, but will NEVER be forgotten.

Stormy who?

It's official. The moment every career firefighter dreads... the birth of a nick-name. Considering all the names I could've probably gotten, I'll take this one as a badge of honor...I think. As you've probably read in my previous posts, my first shift was an exciting one. After a few hours of my first shift, we had a structure fire. The guys were joking around with me saying I was the "black cloud" for bringing them a call...their first structure fire in over years. Just to jump on that real quick; the reason it's the first fire in so long is because the fire inspection/prevention program is top-notch. Anyhow, ever since my first shift we've had some sort of call every single shift. Medicals, elevator rescues, automatic fire alarms, and so on...it's always been something. Well, after our "interesting" medical the other night, I was officially dubbed "Stormy!" At first, I wasn't happy about this since that nick-names tends to always bring bad luck. But the way my life has been, I guess things can't really get worse. Well, I guess it could but oh well. As I said before, sometimes nick-names can be straight up cruel. As much as I hate to admit to it, it seems this one is fitting. Now, about our medical the other night. We received a call about a man who was uncounscious in the stairwell and not sure if he's breathing. Well, we got there and he was definately out cold, and had very shallow breaths. We tried to get a verbal response from him...no luck. Then we tried a sternum rub, which seemed to work since he had some facial movements. When the medics finally got there, the one medic wanted to get his vitals, and the guy decided to come out of his uncounsciousness at that time. I suspect he was under the influence, and after a few moments, he was beginning to be combative. He started saying "I'm a marine, and I'm trained to fight and kill!" To make a long story short, it took about 6 of us to restrain him and I was holding an arm. My left arm was near his head, and I couldn't stop thinking about whether he was going to bite me or not. He made a motion towards my arm like he wanted to bite, but I was ready. As were the cops. Handcuffed, and hog-tied to the stretcher, he wasn't going anywhere. About 15 minutes later he finally calmed down and we out him into the ambulance finally. Well, I don't think the tires on the ambulance made one full rotation before it stopped again, with the driver running to the rear along with the cops. Not sure what all happened there, but it didn't look like he was being cooperative. Then the other night, I saw the negative forces starting to combine for a bad night. I saw the one police officer coming in for shift (usually when he and I work at the same time, things happen!). And it was a Thursday. And there was a Penguins game on. All the negitive karma was building up (since that's what happened my first shift!) and it was well known. Next thing we know...another medical. It was a respiratory distress, and it was starting to get worse. But luckily the medics were real quick getting there, and it was out of our hands. Anyhow, to finally end this post, I sure hope the "clouds" start to clear up, otherwise "Stormy" will stick like glue.

**Structure Fire** Electric Generator

Recently, I just got hired as a firefighter with our local VA Hospital, and had an exciting first day. Keeping in mind, as far as anyone can remember, there has only been a hand full of actual fires at the VA...a very, very low number considering what gets done there, and especially since the buildings are all prior WWII era buildings. Anyhow, it's my first (official) shift working, and all is good. We're eating dinner watching the hockey game and all of a sudden, we get a power surge and all the back up generators start up. Of course, following the power outage comes fire alarms which we recieved one for the main building. We respond to investigate and see what the problem is...nothing found. After about 45 minutes of looking around, we finally give up, and head back to the engine. Just as we get back to the engine, the boiler plant operator calls for us on our radio and screams, "Fire department, this is the boiler plant...there's something wrong over here. There is heavy smoke in the basement, so I think there's a fire!" Hearing his distress call via radio, we got back in the engine and flew over to the boiler plant. After a few moments, we arrive at the boiler plant and begin to make entry into the basement of the boiler room...all clear. We continue to investigate and go upstairs into the main level and we find smoke about chest level at the top of the stairs. Then we opened a door to the hallway and heavy smoke began to roll out. Time to mask up! We continued to look for the source of the fire in this smoke filled environment and still couldn't find anything. Then we make entry into the electrial room...bingo! Even more smoke flows out the door once opened, and there it is...a little orange glow seen on the other end of the room. Now, any firefighter can testify that standard operating procedures would be to bring in a charged handline...just as we did. Well the problem was this room we finally made entry into was the electrical generator room. Water + electric = funeral! So of course we used an ABC extinguisher to put out the refridgerator sized fire. Fire goes out, now it's time to ventilate, right? Well after a few minutes, we finally get the building ventilated and life is good, right? Wrong. Now, of course we asked (before extinguishment) if the electric to the building was shutdown, but unfortunately for us, the power that we were told was shut down, wasn't. We find out later that the power wasn't shut down (like we had asked) and was still in the process of shutting down. Then we find out that if two certain wires had touched that were only an eighth of an inch apart, we would've all been blown to pieces. It seemed like an unreal story...not us, right? Well I didn't believe it until it came straight from the electricians mouth. I couldn't believe how close I came to death. Well, I guess with great risk, comes great reward. We saved the building, in return saving all power supply to the hospital, and sparing our lives. No fire spread, no injuries...I'd say it's still a good day. I guess if you sat down and continued to think about things, you would "what if" yourself to death. No need to do that since all was well, right? What a first day, huh! Well, not as exciting as what a big city firefighter would have, but I guess that's why I'm not a big city firefighter! =)