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Must see Video…Class Presentation and Awareness on the 343+

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You must watch this video…about the 343+. Video description is below. Watch it… Great job Brother. Actually, this is Jake Suslowitz. I just met him at FDIC the other day. Small world isn’t it!

Video description:

I had to do a final presentation for a class I was taking and this is what I came up with. I wanted to do something that would count for my class, but also make people more aware of this very important issue.

343 firefighters died on September 11, 2001. To this day, 56 more firefighters have passed away due to illnesses contracted from the debris and dust of Ground Zero.

Check out www.facebook.com/brotherhoodfoundation to find more information and to find out how you can help support making this issue more widespread. Also, if you feel this is as important as I do, share the video.

Posted by on April 24, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

FRI Wrapup – better angels: the firefighters of 9/11

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This is from my continued coverage of Fire Rescue International last week. You can read more posts related to FRI 2011 here.

better angels: the firefighters of 9/11

better angels: the firefighters of 9/11 is 343 individual oil
paintings of the firefighters who died on 9/11, created to honor
the lives they lived and the people they loved. from betterangels911.com

Take a minute to look at the site here. You will not believe the detail in the paintings, the respect given to honor the 343, or the realization of how long it took to complete this tribute. Be sure to watch the video at the bottom of this post for more insight on the memorial.

View all 343 of the better angels here

Me and Willie standing next to one of the pieces of the better angels exhibit.

I met Dawn Siebel at Firehouse Expo. Dawn was quiet, almost seeming pensive being around so many firefighters. I doubt that was the case. I also doubt she needed any validation that her work was indeed a moving tribute to the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11. I don’t think she needed anything at all really…except for everyone else to take a minute to view what she had created. One thing was certain, it was not about her and she did not want it to be. It was about our brothers. The ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice. That was my first impression. I got to speak with her for several minutes while I took in the magnificent tribute that is “better angels: the firefighters of 9/11″. I told Dawn I would be back to purchase a poster…I never made it back and it bothered me.

The second time I met Dawn was at Fire Rescue International. I took the time to get over to the better angels exhibit and take another glance. When I walked up, Dawn grabbed the photos hanging around my neck and looked at them. She knew exactly who they were without looking at their names. The men whose photos were around my neck were the better angels I climbed for in Baltimore and Atlanta: Joseph Agnello, Raymond York, Durrell Pearsall, and Martin McWilliams. Dawn immediately pointed out something I didn’t realize…I had climbed for the last firefighter on the list alphabetically (Raymond York) in Baltimore and I had climbed for the first person on the list alphabetically (Joseph Agnello) in Atlanta. This was by pure chance. In Baltimore, I was assigned Martin McWilliams. It wasn’t until the 3rd lap up that I came across Raymond York’s photo. Someone had dropped it…I would finish the climb with his photo as well. This time in Atlanta I was the first person to check in and they gave me the first person on the list (Joseph Agnello). I probably would not have realized it if Dawn had not picked it out.

I didn’t have cash on me at the time, but I told her I was going to get cash before the event was over and purchase my poster. I would get that chance.

Dave Statter asked me if I would have time at the end of the conference to help load up the better angels exhibit. I said yes. When the time came, I met up with Dawn. She gave me a poster. I didn’t know what to say. She said it was for helping out. I asked her to sign it. I was very appreciative of the gesture.

My better angels poster at the framers. I opted for the gold inlay with black frame. I should get it back on September 12th. I am planning on hanging it in the station.

Over the two times I met Dawn I asked her several questions. Since I don’t want to misquote her or give wrong information I will tell you that if you see her be sure to ask her about the process in making the tribute. Ask her what it means to her, and ask her why she did it. She has a great story. Lets just say this tribute was not made overnight. You can read more about Dawn and the better angels travels on the blog here.

Visit Dawn’s Artist web site here

So there I was with about 12 others and we were taking down the better angels exhibit. Let’s just say that I did not mind doing it at all. I was very worried that something would happen to it though. I did not want to be the one to scratch, bump, or dent any part of it. For the most part the entire process was done in relative silence with the exception of giving or taking directions.

We got it packed up in about 2 hours.

I look forward to meeting up with Dawn again and taking another look at the better angels: the firefighters of 9/11.

Posted by on September 5, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Full Coverage: Firehouse Expo 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

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As you know, Willie Wines Jr., Kevin Totten, and I climbed 110 stories as a part of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Firehouse Expo. We climbed with 320 others, some of whom we knew already and others who we met for the first time.

The event was a huge success. All I can really say is that you have to participate in one to really understand.

Below is more coverage and video of the event.

Here is a view from several of us who climbed in it

Here is some local news coverage

When you can climb and how to sign up

If you are interested in participating in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb all you have to do is find one near you. Willie Wines Jr. and I are planning on doing the stair climb in Atlanta during Fire Rescue International and either the climb in Richmond, VA on Sept. 11th or the one in Greenbelt, MD on Sept. 11th. We have not signed up for any of them, but once we clear our schedules we plan on signing up!

One other thing I have to mention is the Better Angels display. This memorial is awesome. There is a short video here.

 

Posted by on July 27, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

110 Floors for 343…Never Forget. Honor, Respect, Tradition

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Yesterday in Baltimore at Firehouse Expo, I participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Honor, Respect, Tradition, and Never Forgetting. Finishing the climb for the 343 was difficult but bearable.

I did it knowing there was water on the 1st, 16th, and 20th floor of the Hilton in Baltimore. I climbed 22 floors 5 times in full turnout gear. I did it with Willie Wines Jr., Kevin Totten, Jody McIntosh, Cory Patton, and Chris King. We did it together.

The difference between us and them was that we did it in honor of them. We did it without an airpack, without fear, without trepidation.

We did it to help others never forget.

They are the 343. 343 members of FDNY who climbed in full turnout gear to fight the fires and rescue the people of the World Trade Centers on September 11th.

They climbed with tools. They climbed knowing that they were in their coffin…a cinder block stairwell. Every floor harder and harder on their knees. Sweating, second thoughts about their calling. Sporting events, school meetings, barbecues, and normal lives left behind because they were there doing it… Never to return to their lives.

On that day, September 11th, they became a statistic.

But not to me. Not to the American Fire Service. Not to the Brotherhood.

And I never forgot. I will never forget. I remember where I was. I was on the job that day…but I was in a safer place, far from Ground Zero.

It is my duty and my conviction as a FIREFIGHTER to never forget.

Yesterday, at the 9/11 Memorial stair climb at Firehouse Expo I climbed for Martin McWilliams of Engine 22…and on that last lap, the last 22 floors I climbed for another fallen brother. Upon the reach of the top of our second to last lap I grabbed for a cup of water. I saw the photo of Raymond York of Engine 285. His picture had fallen off of the member climbing for him. I instantly picked it up and tossed it in my helmet band.

I climbed for those guys…Martin and Raymond…and for their 341 brothers who died on September 11th.

They had it harder than me. My climb pales in comparison to their climb. I will never have a climb as difficult as theirs.

But I climbed. We climbed. 323 people climbed for the fallen. Some of them being friends or relatives of the fallen. We climbed together, in remembrance, in honor, for respect of what they did, part of the tradition, and to NEVER FORGET.

Team 19 before the climb. Cory Patton, Kevin Totten, Jody McIntosh, Willie Wines Jr., Me, and Chris King.

…

My feelings

During the climb I stayed mostly silent. I focused on what they did and what I was doing for them. I tried to understand what they were going through.

When my calves burned I wondered if they ever felt that.

When I felt like I didn’t have anymore to sweat I wondered if it crossed their mind.

I never felt as though I couldn’t make it and I doubt they ever had a doubt themselves.

If you ever have a chance to participate in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb I suggest you do it.

If you don’t think you can complete it call me and I will walk with you.

Do it for the honor of completing the climb for the 343. Do it for the respect you have for the fallen. Do it for the tradition of truly NEVER FORGETTING.

Thanks to ALL of the individuals who made the 9/11 stair climb possible… The Baltimore Inner Harbor Hilton, Baltimore City Fire Department, NFFF, and all who volunteered.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pay my respects.

Team 19 after the climb. Kevin Totten, Me, Cory Patton, Chris King, Willie Wines Jr., and Jody McIntosh.

Me and Tommy Warshaw with Willie Wines Jr. before the climb. Tommy was in team 3 and we have known each other for some time through twitter and facebook but met at the climb for the first time.

Posted by on July 23, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Must Read, News, Social Media, Special Operations, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Remembering September 11th

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Every year I have aspirations of writing a post that will truly embody what firefighters think of September 11th.

Every year the date shows up quicker and quicker and I fail. This year is no different.

I remember where I was when it all unfolded. I was at the station working. We happened to have CNN or FoxNews on when they went live with the reports. As the reports unfolded, we watched and listened. The errant reporting of many events that were thought to have happened or were happening that luckily did not along with the history which was made of the senseless killing of so many people, police officers, and 343 firefighters at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA.

I stood watching as the second plane hit the South Tower. The crew at my station was speechless.

Then the towers fell…I remember saying something about imagining how many firefighters had just perished.

9 years later

It is now 9 years later. Some of the firefighters in my department were in Middle or High School when the attacks occurred. It is hard to imagine their thoughts on the day. Does 343 mean the same to them as it does to me. It could be the difference between my thoughts and that of an actual FDNY firefighter who lived through the day.

So many thoughts and so many memories.

Do we still remember? Will we NEVER FORGET. How can some NEVER FORGET if they don’t remember it in the first place?

Are we creating a legacy of REMEMBERING for those in the future who were not even alive for the events?

Here I sit at the fire station on September 11th (trading time with a brother firefighter). We remember, it is hard to forget! What have we done to continue the legacy for those who died on September 11th? Nothing…

Luckily for me there are so many memorial and tribute events, organizations, web sites, and venues to preserve the legacy of our Bravest 343.

What about you?

What are you doing to NEVER FORGET?

Where were you on that day?

What were you doing?

For more news coverage of blogs and web sites mentioning September 11th, check out STATter911.com here.

Here is a message from Bobby Halton:

Posted by on September 11, 2010 • Filed under: News • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Never Forget

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9-11_firefighters_w_flag8 years. 343 brothers. Never Forget.

Click the links below to read the names of the victims of September 11th.

Flight 11 – North Tower

Flight 93 – Shanksville

Flight 77 – Pentagon

Flight 175 – South Tower

The Pentagon

World Trade Center

343 FDNY Brothers

God Bless

Posted by on September 11, 2009 • Filed under: News • Tagged: , ,

Local Firefighters Honor New York Firefighters in First Annual 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb

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I told you I love Seattle’s Fire Line. You have to check out this official blog of the Seattle Fire Department. More departments should take hold of the public relations power that the Fire Line has grasped.

Firefighters from around the region will take part in Seattle’s First Annual 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb on Saturday, September 12 at Two Union Square in Downtown Seattle. As they climb, each firefighter will carry a photo of one of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty in the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. Read more

Great job guys…Keep up the great work in remembering our fallen brothers of 9/11.

343

Posted by on September 9, 2009 • Filed under: News • Tagged: , , ,

I Have That T-Shirt!

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The other day I was surfing the internet…this is not uncommon at all! I was going from site to site. When I get going I might end up with 5 windows open with 10 or 15 tabs each which is not very easy to keep track of.

However, on this one particular day I was reading about one department going through competency drills for firefighting (some call them evaluated evolutions). Unfortunately I cannot recollect the site where I was looking, but it isn’t detrimental to my point either.

While I was perusing the site something caught my eye. The t-shirt that one of the evaluators was wearing was eerily familiar. I recognized the shirt and instantly felt a connection. I thought to myself…”Self, I have that shirt”! The shirt is one of my favorites because it is a long sleeve t-shirt of which I do not have many. Can anyone guess the color? That’s right it is navy blue like most of my t-shirts (dept. shirts excluded although they are navy blue as well). The shirt spells out FDNY on the back and is the memorial shirt for Daniel Pujdak.

I will understand if some of you are wondering who Daniel Pujdak is, but everyone should already know. Daniel died in the Line of Duty. He was 23 years old. You can read all about Daniel at DanielPujdak.com.

Firefighter Daniel F. Pujdak, Ladder Company 146

With regret, the Department announces the death of Firefighter Daniel F. Pujdak, L-146 (appointed September 25, 2005) which occurred on Thursday, June 21, 2007, as result of injuries sustained while operating at Brooklyn Box 247, transmitted at 1655 hours on June 21, 2007.

pujdakThe profit from the sales of the shirt I bought go towards a scholarship in his name.

We always talk about how our fallen brothers are not forgotten. That t-shirt has helped me remember a fallen brother that I otherwise would not have known and might have forgotten. I have other similar shirts like the Fathers Day LODD (Ford, Fahey, Downing), 343 on 9/11, and Charleston 9 for examples while I am not shuffling through shirts in my closet.

My point is that we must remember the sacrifices of our fallen brothers. We must learn from their stories and tell those stories to the next generation.

I assure you that I could ask my brothers at the fire station if they know who Daniel Pujdak is and they would give me a blank stare. I have talked about him before of what I know and tried to tell the story just like I do for a lot of LODD’s when I am given the chance.

I almost always get a comment when I wear that t-shirt. Usually I get “who is that”? I tell the story again…

We must never forget!

Below is a slideshow of Daniel’s life and funeral. Never Forget!

Below is a bonus video of Daniel’s body being escorted in an engine during his funeral. The video is short and ends when the cameraman puts the camera down to salute the fallen firefighter. Never Forget!

Posted by on June 23, 2009 • Filed under: News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,