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THIS is why I am Proud to be a Firefighter!

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Today is the first day of our cycle. My Captain is off again this cycle leaving me to ride the seat. We have a top notch crew. Even as the days seem to get longer and longer, no one complains about getting the job done. Today, Medic 3 has been running non-stop. The engine has caught several calls as well. Unfortunately, Medic 3 missed our trip to work out at Gold’s Gym due to calls, but the Engine made the trip.

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But none of that compares to some of the other events of the day. One of the real reasons why I love my job. We had visitors. As a matter of fact, it began yesterday when Brother Greg Doss stopped by #13 with is son Beau and Beau’s friend Sam. Willie wrote about that in his latest post, and I share that below today’s events.

Virginia Tech Rescue Squad Command Vehicle

Virginia Tech Rescue Squad Command Vehicle

Our visitors today included three guys from the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad and a Cub Scout troop.

We were cooking dinner when I noticed a VT Rescue Squad command vehicle in our lot. I walked out and invited them in. They were in the area dropping off an ambulance for some maintenance and wanted to see one of our medic units to get some ideas for a future purchase. Medic 3 was…you guessed it…on a call. We got them some coffee and hung out until Medic 3 made it back.

Captain Ryan Steves, 1st Lt. Ryan Koonce, and Ed (sorry that was all I caught) were more than patient in waiting for Medic 3. We learned a little bit about them and their organization. I also learned that Ryan Koonce’s father is Ric Koonce. Ric is a retired Battalion Chief in Prince George’s County Maryland and is the Associate Professor and Program Head, Fire Science at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Ric taught me years ago when I went to school at J. Sargeant Reynolds. What a small world.

In the end, the guys were able to check out Medic 3, snap some pictures, and maybe see some ideas they might use in future ambulances at VT. Thanks for stopping in guys. Anytime you need anything just let us know!

The guys from VT Rescue Squad checking out our Medic 3

So that was up til dinner time. Directly after dinner, we had more visitors. Three cub scouts from local troop 5 stopped in to check out our Firehouse. Did I mention I take great pride in showing off our firehouse? These little guys were great and very well behaved. It was a nice change from the typical groups of 20-60 school children that are a little harder to keep their attention.

I took the group with FF/Medic Hull while the other guys cleaned up after dinner. It was, and always is, my honor to show off our firehouse. If someone else wants to do it I am perfectly fine with that as well. We showed them Engine 3 and Medic 3, followed by a tour of our firehouse. I always make it a  point to explain what it is we do and how proud we are of being firefighters. I do it in a way that the children understand AND so that the parents can get a little taste of what we do.

In the end, the rest of the crew joined us including Acting Lt. David Lucas, FF/EMT Aaron Parker, and FF/EMT Ed Miller (on loan from #7). Thanks for stopping by Troop 5!

Acting Lt. David Lucas and I pose with the Cub Scouts of Troop 5.

It is busy days filled with visitors that really keep me grounded as to why I do what I do!

As I mentioned, we had visitors yesterday as well. Good friend and Brother Greg Doss called me on Sunday night. He was in town on his way from Maryland to home in Tennessee. Greg’s father used to be a firefighter in our department and Greg is from the area. He is a newly promoted Lt. in Franklin, TN. His son Beau is also a firefighter in their hometown. Beau’s friend and fellow firefighter Sam (pretty sure that was his name) was also with them.

When Greg called, I was at home enjoying family time. I knew Captain Wines was working in the morning and told them to be at #13 at 9am for breakfast. Then I called Willie and invited myself and the others for breakfast. I wasn’t worried. Captain Wines and I think alike and I knew that unless they had some training planned he would be game for opening up his firehouse to us. Rookie Randy, and Lt. Perdue really stepped up to the occasion and a great breakfast was made for all of us. The bonus was Chief Adkins, Support Driver Donnie Foutz, and Willie Wines Sr. being there as well. As it ends up, Willie Sr. knew some of the Doss’ kin, and Donnie remembered Greg from their days in Vinton…Back in the Day! Thanks for everything Captain Wines, and thanks to the Brothers from Tennessee for making the time to break bread with us.

 

Posted by on October 23, 2012 • Filed under: Around the Station, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Photos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Learning about the Brotherhood Traveling Through South Dakota

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Captain Wines (IronFiremen.com) and I just got back from an epic journey in South Dakota. We have a lot to say, hopefully we will be able to get it all written. Captain Wines has already summed up the first part of our trip here.

See over 100 photos of our trip on the Fire Critic Facebook Page

Our trip consisted of flying into Rapid City, SD and traveling across the State to Sioux Falls. It culminated with the South Dakota Firefighters Benefit. Our journey took us to over a dozen firehouses across South Dakota. We also got to see Mt. Rushmore, corn, and soy beans…

We traveled with Gary (the driver) of Spartan ERV, Shane Parkins of the National Firefighters Endowment, and Bob Gard of the Canton Fire Department.

I must first thank the sponsors of our trip and the Benefit. They include Spartan ERV, Ride Backwards, All About Travel, Franklin Silverado, Firehouse Brewery, Grand Falls Casino Resort, Allegiant Emergency Services, Phenix Fire Helmets, Danko Emergency Equipment, Sanford Health, Goeman Auction, Farm Country Trader Inc, Boltes Sanitation, Darley, MSA Cairns, ResQme, True North Gear, Mn8 Products, Black Helmet, FatIvan, Pelican, Wall Shields, and Black Jack Helmet Holder among others. 

And then there are the departments…The various Fire Departments across the State who welcomed us in and allowed us to enjoy their company. The Brother and Sister Firefighters who showed us their firehouses, their history, their pride, their traditions, their apparatus, and much more.

They include: Keystone FD, Deadwood FD, Rapid City firehouse 1 & 4, Sturgis FD, Pierre FD, Onida FD, Miller FD, Huron FD, Mitchell FD, Brandon FD, Sioux Falls firehouse 1 & 4, Chancellor FD, and Canton FD. I think I named them all

I don’t know the best way of sharing all of my experiences, but I will try

One thing to note is that firefighters across South Dakota do a lot of wildland firefighting. Many departments offer fire suppression for their towns/cities as well as “rural” firefighting. This includes separate apparatus typically manned by the same groups of firefighters. Most locations also have EMS of some sort offered, but that is typically a separate department. Many of the departments we visited had firefighters out on a wildland fire as we were there.

Keystone Fire Department

The Keystone Fire Department was our first stop after visiting Mount Rushmore. Keystone FD is a combination department located at the foot of Mount Rushmore. In fact, they operate an engine that used to serve Mount Rushmore exclusively. The engine was given to Keystone, and now they serve the Landmark. We met two firefighters there who gave us a tour of the firehouse and enjoyed telling us about their department, firehouse, and culture. The town of Keystone is known for its rich gold mining history.

Deadwood Volunteer Fire Department

Web Site – Historic Fire of 1879

We spent the night in Deadwood and the Deadwood VFD allowed us to park our Spartan ERV engine in their bay. In the early morning of  Thursday, we got up and visited the firehouse before embarking on our journey across the State. Their Chief, Hawkeye, showed us around and told us about all of their apparatus. We enjoyed seeing all of the history shared in pictures on the walls of the firehouse. They also have a memorial sitting in the front of the firehouse. These guys have a great firehouse!

We also enjoyed staying at the Silverado Franklin Hotel/Casino while we were there. This was a treat. The hotel was built in 1903.

Rapid City Fire Department

Web Site – Facebook

We visited firehouse 1 and 4 in Rapid City.

Firehouse 4

At station 4 we met not only the President of the EMS Association, but also the Rapid City IAFF Local President. They have Piranha’s in the day room! That could be a first. They also have a Pierce engine that offers a hose bed that lowers out the back of the engine to assist in loading hose from the ground. Their firehouse features a newly expanded sleeping area for the firefighters. Thanks for the tour!

Firehouse 1

Firehouse 1 is their main station. We were treated to a tour of the firehouse, shown their history and culture, and then got a bigger treat. Rapid City has recently acquired one of their original ladder trucks. This thing is in great condition for its age.

We ate at Firehouse Brewery which occupies the original Rapid City Firehouse #1. The history and culture of the City FD was alive inside the Brewery/Restaurant. If you are ever in the area be sure to stop in and grab some food and hand crafted beer!


Sturgis Fire Department

Web Site - Facebook

We made it to Sturgis FD (maybe it wasn’t in this order…I can’t remember). Sturgis is the home to about 7000 people. For 21 days, around 500,000 motorcycle riders converge in Sturgis for the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Needless to say, this department gets very busy during the events. Their Fire Chief showed us around the station and all of their apparatus. They have EMS in the station, but it is now a separate department. They also house an antique fire engine that is original to their department.  We picked up a shirt from the department and will wear it with pride!

Pierre Fire Department

Web Site – Facebook

Pierre (pronounced Pier) Fire Department offers fire protection for the Capital of South Dakota. The very interesting thing about Pierre FD is one of two volunteer Fire Departments protecting a Capital city in the US (Dover, Delaware being the other). They do have a full-time Chief, in case you were wondering. We were met by Pierre’s Assistant Chief Ian Paul. They actually toned out that we were there and many firefighters showed up to welcome us to their City. Their firefighters are very organized for a volunteer organization. The firefighters are actually assigned to a piece of apparatus and that is where they ride all of the time. They have a great bunch of firefighters and showed off their pride of their culture by viewing their antiques, photos, and artifacts upstairs.

Pierre is also the home of the South Dakota Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Bob, Gary, Shane, Willie, and I spent some time at the memorial and reflected on the fallen firefighters on the memorial. The memorial sits next to the Police and EMS memorials as well.

Onida Fire Department

Onida Fire Department was probably the smallest (going on call volume) and one of the more remote fire department we visited. They run 25 calls a year. However, they cover approximately 1600 square miles, and the call volume is no measure of their dedication. We were met by several of their members and enjoyed learning about their culture and heritage. They showed us their apparatus and we got a hold of one of their shirts. Thanks for the tour!

We thought it was awesome to see where our tater tots come from we eat at the firehouse all the time…unfortunately, they told us that was not Onida…oops!

Miller Fire Department

At the Miller Fire Department, we were met by several members. Their Chief even came in after jumping off of a combine while harvesting crops. Willie really wanted to run off with him to run the combine for a while, but he resisted the urge as we had many miles to travel. I cannot say enough about how these fire departments opened their doors to us and the Miller FD was no exception. Just from the front doors, one of the guys pointed to where the town had experienced big losses in fires over the years.

Huron Fire Department

Web Site - Facebook

Huron FD has two stations. We got to see their station 2, and the driver on Engine 1 brought their engine over to visit with us. Ernie also stopped by, one of their members, and offered Willie and I a coin in which we gave him one of ours. They operate with one paid firefighter per shift. The #2 firehouse also provides fire protection for the airport (they run out the back), and a rural response department. Once again, we got to witness their culture and heritage by the photos and artifacts they have on display. They even have a real jet sitting on a stick next to the firehouse!

Mitchell Fire Department

Web Site – Facebook

The guys at Mitchell Fire Department were there in force. This was probably the youngest crew we met the entire shift. The department is fully paid, and has a bunch of young and dedicated firefighters. On the way into town, we saw the Porn Palace and the Corn Palace…Willie slept through both. These guys showed us around the firehouse. It was one of the rare departments we visited that ran both fire and EMS from the same department. These guys have an awesome kitchen! Their bays are full of apparatus including the “rural” apparatus they operate as well. Thanks for the warm reception and tour!

Brandon Fire Department

Web Site

Brandon FD is where Gary volunteers as the Assistant Chief. Gary works for Spartan ERV and drove us all over the State in a brand new Spartan engine. The Brandon FD operates Fire and first responder calls. Their EMS is handled by a separate department. Brandon has an antique fire engine sitting out back that they hope to restore in the future. They also have a full size statue of a firefighter at their front door. This is probably the largest fire station we visited.

Sioux Falls Fire Department

Web Site - Facebook – Twitter –  Local 814 FB

Firehouse #1

We got to visit the historic firehouse #1 where they were celebrating 100 years of dedication to Sioux Falls. We were welcomed by their crew and shown around the firehouse. One interesting note about this firehouse is that there is a basketball/volleyball court upstairs where the old hayloft used to be. Inside the bay sat an old fire engine, an old steamer, and an old hand pumper. There were photo albums and artifacts from over the years. Randy Wold was also there…he is Sioux Falls first Master Firefighter. The Fire Chief had recently come up with the certification of Master Firefighter and Wold was the only one who met the criteria. The award is being issued the only leather helmet in the City apparently. Very nice!

Firehouse #4

We got to meet up with Adam Frick at firehouse #4. Adam assisted Bob Gard in planning the Benefit and was supposed to cross the State with us but couldn’t get off work. Adam is a roving firefighter so he doesn’t have a set firehouse he works at. Adam showed us around #4 and explained how the firehouse operated. #4 is a newer firehouse, so we didn’t get to see all of the history we were used to in the other firehouses, but then again it did remind of us the department we work for.


Chancellor Fire Department

The Chancellor FD offered us a real treat. They were waiting for us because we were running behind. 12 of their 18 members were their to welcome us. The population of Chancellor is about 280. While many firehouses we saw had antique apparatus, the Chancellor FD had a 1905 waterous otter pumper…but this wasn’t just any antique, this thing works still. As a matter of fact, they used it up until 1953 and still operate it in parades. They fired it up and even let Willie and I on the pipe. It was amazing to see these guys operate the pumper without even telling each other what to do…they knew their job and made it happen. Operating the pipe on this thing is in the top of my list of fire service memories. After we had fun flowing water, they showed us around the firehouse and told us about their heritage. Willie and I couldn’t get enough of their stories.

Furthermore, the Chancellor FD was the most represented at the SD Firefighter Benefit which meant we got to spend a lot of time with them. As a matter of fact, we stayed up til 3am talking and sharing stories.

Canton Fire Department

 Web Site – Facebook

Our last stop was for dinner at Bob Gard’s firehouse. Bob had dinner catered by a local company and it was excellent. The Canton FD offers suppression for Canton and “rural” protection for the outlying area. The also house an EMS crew that is separate from the FD. Once again, the firehouse was clean, showed off their heritage and culture, and showed their department’s dedication.

Willie and I were amazed at the caliber of the firefighters, the amount of history in each house, the welcome and all around enjoyment it seemed the firefighters had in showing off their department.

I will write more in the coming days about the South Dakota Firefighters Benefit.

Posted by on September 18, 2012 • Filed under: Around the Station, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Photos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Vote Now for your Favorite to Win a Firehouse Kitchen Remodel by The Family Handyman

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The voting for the Rescue Remodel Contest is underway. There are 5 firehouses on the ballot to win. The firehouse with the most votes will receive a truly heroic kitchen renovation valued at $25,000. And since it’s all from IKEA, it will be full of smart and innovative ideas to make their lives a little bit easier so they can better protect our communities.

You can vote once per day until 2/28/2012.

The firehouses in contention are:

Posted by on January 26, 2012 • Filed under: Around the Station, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Monroe, NJ Engine Company 5 Custom Kitchen Table

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Custom Kitchen Table - Station 23 Engine Co. 5 Monroe, NJ
 
Check out this custom kitchen table built by the firefighters at Engine Company 5 in Monroe Township, NJ. Firefighter Rob Meyer sent this in. Great looking table guys! Something to be very proud of! Keep up the great work, enjoy the comradarie, and hope that more hot meals are eaten on that table than cold ones!
 
If you have a custom kitchen table or other custom piece you want to show off, send it in to me!
 
About the Table:
Size:4ft x 10ft

Construction Materials:
3/4″ Natural Oak Planks w/ 3/4 ply 4×10 Underlay
All Oak Banding/Clamshell
3″ Hose w/Couplings Wrapped Over PVC Filled With Cement
Custom Vinyl Decals
Custom Brass Plaques
Bar Top Epoxy
Fire Hydrant
Rope Light Kit

Engine Co. 5 in Monroe Twp (Middlesex) is a 24/7 Career Station that staffs 4 personnel around the clock. (1Lt, 3F/F’s)Station 23-A is responsible primarily as an Engine, but also houses a Medium Duty Rescue as well as a Brush Unit w/Special Ops trailer.

Paid for and constructed by the members of Engine Co. 5, this 4×10 table is oak throughout. Front and center is the Engine Co. patch. Surrounding that are custom brass plaques with the names of each member broken down by shift at the time of purchase and construction. The legs are fashioned as hose lengths with male and female couplings on either end. The center support, obviously, is a hydrant stripped and repainted. For a finishing touch a light kit was added between the banding and the clam shell, as well as underneath the hydrant. The legs unscrew from the table in the event it needs to be moved. This table weighs a TON even without the legs.

This project spurred the idea to create a “mini-me” coffee table (sans plaques) for the upstairs lounge which is currently still under construction. The Lounge itself is under small renovation and customization, as well as an Assignment Board being planned as a near future project.

 
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Posted by on September 26, 2011 • Filed under: Around the Station, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Fire Station Custom Kitchen Tables, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Custom Firehouse Kitchen Table at #3…Where the Fire Critic Eats!

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I have great news everyone…Roanoke Fire-EMS firehouse #3 has completed their custom kitchen table. We began dreaming up this table about a year and a half ago…and started building it about 9 months ago. (photos by Drew Abel)

Everything changed everyday we came to work…the design and materials we were going to use. Feelings were hurt, rank pulled, and egos crushed. We let it all hang out in the bay at #3 and finally got the job done. There is nothing like a little creativity to bring all the guys together!

View some other customizations we have done at our firehouse here

View some other custom kitchen tables we have had on FireCritic.com here, here,and here.

Ok, the details…

The top

There she is! All 400 lbs. of her (just a guess)

  • Constructed of untreated 4×4′s (pine or douglas fir)
  • They are glued and have 4 threaded rods going through them from side to side
  • The top was sanded by a floor refinisher (Captain Wines hooked us up)
  • The apron of the top is cherry lumber that looked like hell when we got it. It was free from Lucas, but the planer it burned up was not
  • The middle of the apron is purpleheart…a little bit of contrast. We also plugged the screw holes with purpleheart and it really sets it off
  • We stained the entire top with “early American” stain…I think, although it might have been “special walnut”
  • We applied 6 gallons of clear epoxy bartop to the tabletop. Two gallons at a time…$125 for 2 gallons…this hurt the wallet!

Lucas welded "3A 2010" in the leg bracket...we started it last year!

The legs

  • Firefighter David Lucas fabricated the brackets from steel. It is one piece with 4 holes to accept the legs. There is a long stabilization rod between the two sets of leg mounts.
  • The legs are also untreated 4×4′s
  • The two sets of legs are connected with a 4×4 brace that is mortise and tenoned. Great craftsmanship, but you can’t see it!
  • We simply polyurethaned the legs…That’s how we roll!

A #3 coin flush mounted in the side. Notice the purpleheart!

The details

  • We did a cherry inlay of a 3 in the middle of the table. We decided to do this instead of any graphics. While the inlay is not perfect, the table looks great. I am happy with it.
  • We flush mounted one of our station coins in the side of the table right in the purpleheart. It sets it off.
  • Lucas also added “3A 2010″ in the metal on the brackets. We started it last year, and 3A built it entirely.

The cherry inlay is not perfect...but I think it looks better than any graphic

Overall, the table is simplistic. We intended it to be that instead of being over the top or gaudy. In the end, we are happy with the finished product.

It is easily the best looking table in a Roanoke firehouse…although I might be a little biased.

Special thanks to Drew Abel’s patience, David Lucas’s metal working skills and cherry lumber from the barn, Eric Mulford’s help, Captain Craft’s green paint that we promptly painted over, the occasional presence of Jason Gardner, Captain Wines for getting the table sanded, Aaron Murray’s donation, the gift card from Scooter, and some assistance from Captain Weeks when we applied the bartop finish. In addition to all of that, since completion several other guys from #3 have helped reimburse the Bank of Fleitz for paying for this monstrosity.

  • Lumber $240
  • 6 gallons of epoxy bartop $390
  • Planer we burned up $300
  • Miscellaneous purchases $100
  • The look on Captain Weeks face when we told him that ours was 100% built by firefighters in a firehouse and his wasn’t…PRICELESS

Posted by on July 11, 2011 • Filed under: Around the Station, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Fire Station Custom Kitchen Tables, News, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Turning a Fire Station into a Firehouse

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This day in age, new fire stations seem more like the inside of a school or jail than a firehouse from back in the day…Wood trim, wood floors, two-story, cozy and warm firehouses have been replaced with concrete or tile floors, cinder-block walls, single story, institutionalized fire stations. My crew has found a way to make our fire station more like a firehouse…through our own hard work and dedication.

Bottle rack for spare O2 and SCBA bottles mounted on the wall in the bay

I am not complaining…The first firehouse I worked in was built in 1929. It was brick with plaster walls, wood floor, steam radiators that clanged all night, terrazzo floors (even in the bay, and one remaining pole that went from the hallway upstairs to right between the fire engine and ambulance in the bay below. The largest room was the bunkroom where everyone had their own bed (at one time that probably meant 5 or 6 men per truck per shift when it housed an engine and ladder). That station was recently closed and consolidated. The ambulance became medic 5…the engine no longer exists. Another engine company bit the dust…and it was one of the busiest in the City.

Our workbench...this thing is solid and has gotten plenty of use already!

Now I work at Station 3. The station is 2 years old and replaced station 10 which was located at the airport. The suppression units (engine and medic) went to station3, the ARFF trucks remained.

Station 3 has stained and epoxied concrete floors, cinder block walls…and up until about a year ago NO history or character.

A little over a year ago I got moved out here with a brand new crew. My Captain was promoted from a different shift and joined us on A-shift. Two firefighters had been here, another came from a different station, and then there is the

Custom Run Board that hangs behind our kitchen table.

boomerang Lieutenant…He was promoted, but due to a simple addition error at Fire Administration they took his bugle away. He still moved here as a firefighter and they moved me to be the Lieutenant.

We all agreed that the fire station needed to be turned into a FIREHOUSE. After all, we were set to spend A LOT of time at the station and wanted it to be more like a home…a firehouse!

Many firefighters across the Nation and beyond have found ways of doing this. Mascots, Wall Shields, Custom Kitchen Tables, and other customizations around the firehouse to make it feel like a home.

This reclaimed solid oak table was found on the side of the road. We hacked the legs off and painted the original RFD logo from Roanoke in the early 1900's.

We are no different. Throughout the past year, we have been busy. We have spent a lot of our time when we aren’t cooking, training, and running calls we have been setting up the wood shop in the bay and doing work!

We are still working on our custom kitchen table. We have been plagued by decisions on what to do and how to do it throughout the project. We have been working on our kitchen table for about 6 months. The good news is that it is nearing completion. We still have to build the base, do some finish sanding, mount a coin and plaque, stain and epoxy it…but we are getting their. We opted to not do the typical tongue and groove top and went with pine 4×4′s with a cherry edge band and cherry inlay. There is also a purpleheart piece in the middle of each side. The top sits on a painted metal frame that the base will attach to.

I think it is important for firefighters to take pride in their stations. Whether they know how to knit, woodwork, metalwork, or paint they can chip in to customize the station and turn it into a firehouse. I wonder what this place will look like in 50 years when I am long gone!

Our custom kitchen table still in the works...We hope to finish it before we retire!

With the exception of the workbench, the firefighters at my station have paid for all of the projects. The FD chipped in to pay for our workbench.

Feel free to send in photos of your kitchen tables or other projects you have done around the station!

Our pride and joy...a custom fire place hearth that sits under our hanging tv. We even placed real logs with flame "Christmas" lights in it. Trust me, this thing almost seems like it kicks off heat!

A reclaimed picnic table and table with solid umbrella were stained/painted for when the weather is nice.

A compartment we removed from the back of the cab is now used as a toolbox on the wall in the bay.

 

Some decals on the windows of the engine

We custom mounted some hand tools in this compartment. Before this, they just sat on the shelf.

Here you can see we mounted some nozzles and the adapters on the wall inside this compartment to organize them.

We made custom magazine racks in each of the restrooms. They also hold up to 4 extra rolls of toilet paper. Notice our literature!

Our station coin for #3 (front)

The back of the station coin for #3

 

 

A custom rack for hanging spare leather radio straps on.

A custom accountability tag board for the shifts that are off and extra tags. Also note the "Greenhouse" Incredible Hulk sticker on the door. The station is LEED certified and therefore known as the "GreenHouse"!

Posted by on April 14, 2011 • Filed under: Around the Station, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Fire Station Custom Kitchen Tables, News, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Around the Station: Fire Critic Catches a Job and Commentary Reminiscent of the Roanoke Fire Blog

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A lot has been going on around Station 3 in Roanoke (where I work). We have a great crew and we enjoy working, living, and learning together.

This past cycle was a fun one. We had a working fire, and I actually got to get in on it. As most of you all know I am an engine driver. My title is Lieutenant and I occasionally act when the Captain is off. On Thursday, my Captain had Haz Mat training and then a Captains meeting. The day was uneventful. That evening, when we picked up our Captain, I decided to let FF/PM Mulford continue driving and I rode backwards.

FF Jerry Franks and I talking after most of the work is done. I am on the right (not the Cop!). Pic by Lt. Goodwin.

Early on Friday morning we got toned out as the working fire engine for a house fire in #5′s first due. The fire was only a few blocks from Captain Wines fire he posted on here. Our crew would operate as a team of 3. Mulford got to go in with us as well.

The fire was in a balloon frame house. It wasn’t exactly textbook, but we got the fire out. The fire started in the basement and I think that the investigation team found it to be arson. The fire got ahead of the first crew in the basement and our crew went to the second floor. We could not locate steps to the attic, yet we had fire below us, in front of us, and above us. After a short regrouping outside and hitting the dormer with a 2 1/2″ line, we re-entered the house and extinguished the fire.

In the end, there were no stairs to the attic. The fire was not that bad, and everyone went home.

Engine 3 sits up the street. Pic by Lt. Goodwin.

The Vinton/Roanoke Debate

I am not sure if you have been following along, but there was a story recently on VAFireNews.com here and here about a fire in Vinton that Roanoke City units responded to. There were some issues with the fire like communications, command, mutual aid, and volunteers not turning out in a timely manner. Captain Wines adds to the discussion with this post.

I must admit, the commentary is very reminiscent of the Roanoke Fire Blog where I got my start. I can only imagine the comments if that machine were still running!

The Dinner of all Dinners!

Dinner before digging in

Several months ago, one of our firefighters decided we needed a huge pot with a propane burner. The idea was that we would do a crab boil or “low country boil”. On Thursday, we decided to finally put the pot to use.

The dinner is being hailed as one of the top 5 that many of our crew has ever had in a firehouse. I must admit that it was FF Mulfords idea and I helped get it to the dinner table.

The menu was corn on the cob, new potatoes, kielbasa sausage, shrimp, crawfish, asparagus, and mussels. All I can say is that the only thing left was potatoes.  It was damn good and well deserved!

The Brand New Fireplace

Lucas warming himself by our brand new, custom, and totally fake fireplace!

On the first day of the cycle (Tuesday), Mulford and Lucas decided that they were going to build a fireplace in the dayroom. I didn’t even catch wind of the idea until I saw them loading up a bunch of lumber at Lowe’s when we were leaving Kroger’s with groceries next door.

When I first heard their idea, I didn’t think too much of it. I really wasn’t on board and I didn’t think it was going to turn out well. However, I helped as I always do and we built the hearth and mantle. The design went back and forth, but what we ended up with cost about $40 and took 3 days to build and finish. What is truly amazing is that not only does it look pretty good, it really makes the dayroom cozy. Now all we need is a bear skin rug!

Our kitchen table is still in the works…I will update with more of our projects in the near future.

Bonus Photo

Here is a bonus photo of one of those “WTF” calls. This car somehow managed to end up in a creek running through a cloverleaf off of I-581 in Roanoke. The driver hit the gaurdrail and then drove around it circling back only to then pivot the front end of the car on the bank of the creek and plant the car in 2 feet of water. One thing is for sure, this cannot be done again! No one was injured.

Posted by on December 6, 2010 • Filed under: Around the Station, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Thanksgiving Day Giveaway. Win a Complete Set of Emergency Services Monopoly.

6 comments

Here it is,  a Thanksgiving Day Giveaway. It has been a long time since I gave anything away.

What is the Fire Critic Giving Away?

A complete set of 3 games. This includes one game each of Firefighter Monopoly, EMS Monopoly, and Law Enforcement Monopoly. The games are the prize. No cash value. The giveaway ends at 8pm on November 25, 2010.

This page will be updated throughout the day with entries.

How do we participate in the giveaway?

Simply send a picture of you or your crew working/volunteering on Thanksgiving (this year). The picture can be your crew eating, your crew on a call, posing in front of the station, posing in front of the truck, etc.

Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and EMT’s from around the World as well as U.S. Military are welcome to participate.

Send your picture to FireCritic@FireCritic.com, post them on the Fire Critic Facebook Fan Page, link to a post with the picture in them in the comments, or tweet them to me @FireCritic.

Be sure to include information on the crew, location, department, names, etc.

How is the winner picked?

I will pick the winner. The games will be mailed out promptly after the winner is chosen.

Disclaimer: Void where prohibited. If you don’t like the rules, don’t participate. In the event that FC is called out on “The Big One” today, he will complete the contest on Friday, November 26th, 2010.

Here is another giveaway ending on 11/30 over at EverydayEMSTips.com.

Entries are below

Entry 1 – Henrico County (VA) Station 8

Here at Henrico Fire Station 8 its all business today (lol). While we are waiting on our new station to be built we are in the friendly confines of this house. We started the day off with a great pancake breakfast, and will finish the nite off with some chicken, and mashed potatos.

While waiting for the football games we are watching the BOND-A-THON, and of course looking at Fire Critic on the web.

Working today are:
Boss: Lt. Mike “Soup” Campbell
Chauffer: Robby Owens
Firefighter/AIC: Robert “TEX” Goetz

Happy Thanksgiving, sorry for poor quality of photo….not alot of space and a cell phone camera!

Entry 2 – Boone County Communications Center (IN)

I’m a 911 dispatcher in Lebanon, Indiana for the Boone County Communications Center. Today at noon we took a call of a structure fire at Titus Bakery. Fire units from Lebanon, Center Township, Whitestown, and Zionsville responded as well as Boone County EMS and got a quick knockdown on the fire. I am attempting to attach a few pics that were sent to me. (4 pics below)

Submitted by Jayson Young (@jyoung1221)


Entry 3 -Minquas EMS (PA)

Working Minquas EMS (Chester County, PA). Jon Blatman (Medic) and Jason Brooks (EMT). Local country club invited us for lunch. Got here 30 minutes late because of a call… But got to eat.

Submitted by @JonEMTP

Entry 4 -Kingsport, TN Station 6

This is our meal this evening here at Station 6 in Kingsport, TN. During the cooking of the turkey, we only had to cut the oven off once to respond on a medical call. Kingsport Fire Station 6. House of KFD Engine 6 and Sullivan Co. EMS Med 6. B-Shift. Engine 6- Captain Mike Deaton, Engineer John Hollowell, Firefighter Andrew Catron. Med 6- Paramedic Steve Monroe, EMT-IV Chad Brooks

Submitted by: Andrew Catron

Entry 5 – Not much explanation but you can see it over at our Facebook page!

Thanks for all the Entries!

Posted by on November 25, 2010 • Filed under: Around the Station, Contests, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Life at #3 Fire Prevention, Our Custom Kitchen Table, Working on Thanksgiving, Getting Ready for Christmas, and Life Around the Station

2 comments

Here is an article that I wish I would do more of. It is about my job. I typically don’t write much about what I do or about my crew. I hope to change that in the future.

Yesterday was one of those days when I wished I hadn’t come to work. It was fun, we had some laughs, but it was tiring.

My Captain was sick, so I was riding the seat…At station 5? Mind you, I work at station 3. Engine 3 was put out of service because of training staffing. It is a common theme which has been adopted by my department. Rarely will a piece be out of service for 24 hours, but 18 hours is a different story.

FF Duane Noell showing off his footy pajamas

So there we were, my driver and I, at another station on their engine. The day was spent giving a tour and preparing for a big fire prevention awards event that evening. Nothing too awful bad. It just gets tiring being at a different station and being out of your element and in another.

I must say that the event must have been a blast for the children who would be there receiving awards. Luckily, we were able to leave just before the event started and get our engine back in service at #3.

Thanksgiving

I will be working tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day). We will hopefully watch the parades and enjoy kicking back a little bit. We get to take it easy on Holidays. I will again be riding the seat as my Captain will have the day off on vacation.

If everything goes well, we will be getting a Thanksgiving meal dropped off. If everything goes bad, we will have a contingency plan. I will let you know what plan B is when I figure it out!

Me handing out helmets to the children at the tour today. Yes, I am standing up...And NO, I am not part of the class!

FF Jerry Franks and I at station 5. Notice their custom kitchen table, probably the best in the city until ours is done.

Christmas

The guys on the ambulance got the station all ready for Christmas. The lights are on the firehouse. Sorry, we don’t have a fancy system to set the lights up to flicker to the music. We might put in for one on the next budget cycle.

FF Jason Gardner and FF/PM Eric Mulford installing Christmas Lights on Firehouse #3.

#3′s Custom Kitchen Table

We are working on our kitchen table. This is a year in the works. Basically, we kicked ideas around for almost a year and last cycle we decided to act on those ideas. In the meantime, we have built a run board, refinished and customized a coffee table for the day room, built magazine racks for the bathrooms x3, a board to hold our accountability tags, a rack to hold our radio straps not in use, and a bottle rack for spare bottles. Among other things.

Our company enjoys woodworking and we have had fun setting up shop in the bay to work on this stuff. You never know what is next! I will post more pictures in the future!

The beginning of our custom kitchen table. All glued up and clamped.

What can I say? I work with an exceptional crew and we have a blast. The job gets done, we have fun, and everyone goes home. What more could I ask for? A raise…yeah we haven’t had one of those in 3 years yet everything is getting more and more expensive! We have our jobs still, so that is a plus.

Posted by on November 24, 2010 • Filed under: Around the Station, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Fire Station Custom Kitchen Tables, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,