Been a while!

So, it's been a while since I last entered a post, missing a few opportunities to post. To start off, earlier this month, we had our elections at the volunteer department, and I missed LT. by a few votes...once again. No big deal either, since I'm not 100% sure about sticking around the department for various reasons. Nothing bad, just might be moving out of the area. Now that I have my "anchor" set and I know I'll be around for a while, it's time to look for a house. Anyhow, moving along...I had my first official HAZMAT response the other day. It came in as a diesel leak from an unknown source and that's about all the info we got. It turns out it was from an underground tank in a trailer park. By the looks (and smell) of things, it had been going on for a few days cause it was all through the neighboring mobile homes' soil underneath, and made its way all the way down to the stream about a quarter of a mile away from the source. All the diesel was pumped out, then filled with water (to my understanding). Anyhow, all was good and the response was only about 5 or 6 hours long. Not bad for a HAZMAT. The only thing I really did was throw absorbent pads down at the site of leak and all the way down to the stream. Not much else to really do, but I would surely hate to be the owner of that trailer park...a very costly clean up bill as far as I can see! Well, that's about all for now. Until the next tone!!!

**Single Motor Vehicle Accident**

Just as I was about to fall asleep at 2am in the morning, I was startled by the tones of my pager. The call came in stating vehicle accident at "such and such street." As we were arriving on scene, I saw the car just as you are seeing it, thinking there is NO way anyone survived this crash. Well, to my doubts, there wasn't one person that survived...there was 2 people that survived. Just as we got our Squad positioned, the ambulance crew was pushing someone on a stretcher in the ambulance. Then someone else was covered in blood standing, and hopping around with an obvious broken leg. Well, needless to say, we stopped the second guy, and got him onto a backboard, then stretcher as well. Before long, we were conducting our secondary search of the area to make sure no one else was laying around. Apparently, they were only wearing their shoulder belts (from the automatic seatbelts, not their lap belts which in turn probably saved their lives. One was ejected, the other thrown in the back seat which was barely there. Also upon further investigation, the pole was cracking, and was about to snap completely. Borderline surviving this accident, here is another picture of this car afterwards. I'd comment more on this, but I'm about to fall asleep sitting at this computer.

In Memory, On Mind

One thing that I've devoted to on this blog, is a reminder to all of us who serve and the sacrifices we make daily. It would be impossible for me to honor every fallen firefighter individually, so don't take my selectivity to heart. Every fallen comrade means there has been pain and suffering; not to mention the sorrow I personally feel. Our business is certainly an odd one, because the brotherhood we have is dense and is overwhelming. Do you think (for example) a stock broker from New York would care about a fallen stock broker in Seattle? Or a hotel managers? Or whatever? More than likely, I'd have to guess no. Public safety, especially firefighting, I feel there is an unwritten bond. Of course when it happens to a close friend, it's a tough time no doubt.

Worcester, MA-December 3, 1999...6 members did not go home to their loved ones and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Known as the W6, these heroes passed in the line of duty while at a warehouse fire. Paul A Brotherton, Timothy P. Jackson, Jeremiah M. Lucey, James F. “Jay” Lyons III, Joseph T. McGuirk and Lt. Thomas E. Spencer...your bravery will never be forgotten about, certainly not in my eyes and heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families. Thank you for your service, gentlemen.

Gettin' down and dirty!!!

So, another monday evening goes by and yet more maintenance on our engine at the volunteer department I run with. This time, our intake valve. Sounds easy?? Far from easy this chore was. After removing it from the engine, we went to our tool room and went to work. The problem: a pain in the ass to open and close. The solution: lots, and lots of grease/oil. First we used PB Blaster thinking it was just some corrosion. Well, after 2 coats of PB Blaster, not much success. Then we went to use Zep45 Teflon Lubricant. That worked out a little, but mainly in the beginning and ending stages of opening or closing. Then finally, we tried white lithium grease. Third time's a charm. This seemed to work the best, but unfortunately, the grease had a hard time sticking to where we needed it since it was all so oily. Also, a little trouble shooting what the exact problem was key also. We thought maybe there was a slightly bend to the threaded valve shaft...not the case. Instead, it was the actual valve itself. After working the grease in for about an hour, it seemed to open and close a lot easier. So we hooked it back up to the engine, and tried one more time. A few bleeding knuckles, many oil soaked napkins, and half a grease tube later, we have victory! So for future reference...whtie lithium grease is the preferred lubricant; and use it first!

Long time awaiting!

Finally, patience has paid off. Just when I thought there was no hope in sight, things finally took for the turn. Was it my new suit? Who knows... Was it my last stab at despiration? Doubt it. Was it my "I'm real relaxed and expect nothing out of it" approach? Perhaps. Was it my unknown source of confidence. Absolutely! A full time, permanent Firefighter position was offered to me this past Wednesday, not once...but twice! Well, technically the first one was a Fire Inspector, but same difference. One of course paid more than the other, but that would mean I would have to pack up the whole family and move into an unknown area...foreign to us all. Or should I just pick the lesser paying (but still nothing to turn your head at) job that is local, very local infact. I picked the local one as any other person would probably do. I know the area, I'm involved with various organizations, family (on both sides), and we know the housing market as well as the schools. So, the decision was quite easy, yet at the same time real tough. Lets just hope I made the right one. But I will say one thing for sure...it sure felt nice to have the "ball in my court" for a change! I also must say in 2 days, I did my 2 best interviews ever, and it obviously showed. Now comes the fun part...house hunting! =/

**Structure Fire-City Assist**

I initially only caught the end of the dispatch because my pager was upstairs, but enroute to the station, I found out there was a structure fire in the city. The reason the city couldn't respond is because they were already on a structure fire. Anyhow, I run upstairs to get my pager, then jump in the truck to head to the station. Once I get there (just as I always do), I hop out my truck, and run to get my gear. Well, apparently that was a bad idea because the floor got waxed, and I was totally unaware of it. At a seconds notice, I became victim to a slip and fall hazard! But I wasn't the only one. Another guy came in the side door, rounded around the staircase and his neck found the floor in an instant. I guess I couldn't class myself as a slip and fall, since I didn't fall. I did about a 10 foot slip into our Squad and had to make a split second decision. Either my head goes through the drivers side rear door window, or I do what any other normal persons reaction would be and throw my arm up to absorb the impact. Well, I threw my arm up, but unfortunately for the Squad, I had my keys in my hand still and put a huge gouge into the paint on the rear door. As I was entering the door, I was in the process of putting them in my pocket just as the slip occured. Well, needless to say my lower back is sore from the agressive, but sudden movement I did, and you can see a two inch scratch down to the bare metal on the poor Squad. As far as the structure fire, we were cancelled about 10 blocks away. After we got back to station, I further investigated my damage and felt real bad. Even at an age of 28, I still get caught up in the excitement and act before I think. Sad thing is, I usually don't rush around all crazy like that. But I knew I was late leaving the house, and once I heard "multiple calls were made confirming a fire," I took off like a bat outta hell! I guess the lessen learned in this story is SLOW IT DOWN! Don't be a statistic, get there safe, and healthy!

**Stand-by Only**

One feature I think I'm going to add is my "response" log and things that go on while on response. They will be announced with **before and after** the title.


Just as I was about to go get my oil changed on my truck, my pager goes off and we are put on standby for the neighboring fire companies...they were recently dispatched to a structure fire. After about 3 hours on standby, we were finally released and all was over. While on standby, we did a little in-house training, and reservicing.

And the battle continues!

Hours turn into days, and the exhaustion has only began. With no help from the weather, the firefighters have this mess on their own...thanks for nothing, mother nature. Maybe it's just me, but it seems that there isn't much outside help being summoned. Being an Air Force Reserve firefighter (and prior active duty for 7 years), we were called up last year to go to Washington State, but never went. To be honest, I was kind of hoping to go since it's been a while since I last did a real wildland fire. I'm sure my thoughts about it would change my first minutes there back into it, but I got to admit...I love the job no matter what the task is. While stationed in Alaska, I was a part of about 6-7 wildland fires. Now, when I say 6-7, I mean real ones...with at least 1000 acres or more involved. My heart goes out to all the men and women that are out in the CA fires right now. I wish I could be there to help. But not getting the proper back up, has to be frustrating as heck. But it's sight's like this (pictured above) that make it all the worth while. Now, I've never seen the DC-10 up close, but many others to include a C-130. But what an intense moment when you see a tanker up close and personal. Again, when in Alaska, one even had a siren on it. I just remember hearing a siren in the immediate area, and we were far from any fire truck. Then seconds later the siren is loud, but quickly fades away with the sound of aircraft engines and prop wash. Truly, a moment to remember! Anyhow, I really hope the state and federal government gets off their you know what, and send these firefighters some well needed relief. Having to fight fire for 35 hours straight certainly isn't healthy!

Navy Firefighters Get Some

I came across this intense video on Military.com. I've only been on a helicopter once, and that was enough for me. Fortunately these guys didn't get hurt, but got one helluva video to take home to mom! Good job to the Navy Firefighters...you must learn it all from the Air Force! j/k Also good job to the crew for landing that helicopter so fast, and safely!

I'm speechless...

You know, there are stories that surprise you in a good way, then there are the stories that surprise you in a bad way. Unfortunately, this story surprised me in a bad way. It amazes me that there are negligent people roaming the streets like this sorry excuse for a human being. Now, I know what you're thinking...I'm being too harsh, or unfair. The fact of the matter is this lady is being so irresponsible, it's disgusting. Nuff said!

Welcome

Let me just start by thanking every fire, police and medic out there doing this job day in, and day out. It certainly takes a special breed to be able to be in this line of work.

The future postings will be primarily about firefighting, and it will range from my everyday experiences to the things that are going on and around the fire service. To give a little background of myself, I'm a seasoned firefighter of about +10 years; several volunteer but mostly while I was active duty in the Air Force. Many say once involved in the fire service, it becomes an infection and grows on you...I have to whole heartedly agree. I'll try to keep postings "rated G", but we all know the fire service is no where near rated G. Thanks again, to all that read this blog...