Big Red

Got the call that I would be driving Engine 31 yesterday.  Arrived this morning excited about getting behind the wheel.  But then, we sat.  And sat a little more.  Had a couple meals.  Started to get a pressure sore on my ass from all this sitting.  Am I at 31's or 14's.  Damn, this sucks.  And of course it has to be this slow today!!  And nothing in the late afternoon and early evening as well.  Then it happened.  EMS tones alarmed for the first time today at 930pm.  Ahh, nice to get that first run behind the wheel out of the way.

Byrge

Head Shot

Did he know that is was coming?  Was there an argument or perhaps was he getting mugged before he took a bullet to the head?  Where was the shooter?  Damn, that's alot of blood!  When someone says that there was a pool of blood, now I'll have a good idea of what they mean.

Just a few lingering thoughts as we took care of this guy who isn't going to have a good Thanksgiving.  And that's how the night is starting out.  Turned in for the evening the earliest I ever have since I started this gig.  Just before ten.  Still awaiting another run as we will be returning to the scene to flush away that pool of blood.

Byrge

Identification

Ok, so it's been a while since I've heard the phrase "unconscious unconfirmed" at 31's.  I bet you can guess what happened yesterday than.  Don't recall what time it was, only that it was dark out.   This guy was laid out in a bathroom on 13th.  Took us a while to wake him up, but when we did, he really wasn't much help.  More entertaining than anything else.  We kept asking for his ID, or identification.  After minutes of trying to get this guy to cooperate, he pulls a compact disc out of his pocket.  Scorpions.  But really!?!  We said ID, not CD.  Then, he must of been hungry cause he took the CD and put it in his mouth.  Must have looked like a donut.  MUNCHIES!! 

Byrge

Two Years

Has it really been that long?  I mean, where did the time go?  Two years ago, I recall how every morning we did "the routine."  The chopping, the climbing of ladders and the running.  I almost miss those days.  All we had to do was exactly what we were told.  And after fourteen weeks, the academy was over.  After that, I was sent out into the field.  South to 8th and Hayes.  I remember my first day out in the field like it was yesterday.  The co sleeping death we had before noon.  The car fire and getting to use the nozzle.  And the fact that it was Superbowl Sunday.  Colts versus the Saints.  Not that I watched the game.

And since that time there are still so many firehouses in the city that I have yet to work at.  In fact, here's a list. 1's, 6's, 8's, 9's, 10's, 13's, 16's, 18's, 21's, 22's, 25's, 32's, 33's, 35's, 36's, 37's and 38's.  That's seventeen houses that I haven't been at.  And now, staying in the fourth battalion, who know's how long it will be before I see any of those.  That is unless I write out of Truck 14.  But that I'm not planning on doing any time soon.

Byrge

Red Oxx

To haul my gear around the city, I invested in some new bags.  And after doing some research, I stumbled across a company out of Billings, Montana.  Red Oxx Manufacturing.  And let me say that after six months having a few of their bags and packs, I can honestly say that I've never been so pleased.  I first bought their Ruck Sack, Nomad Shave Kit and a medium size Aviator Bag. 



Since then, I've added a large Aviator Bag and a Rock Hopper.  Now I have two bags to haul my bunker gear, a backpack to haul extra clothing, and a small messenger bag for newspapers, magazines and books.  All perfect for my urban overlander.

Byrge

Truck 14

After the usual morning cleanup, I began viewing online which firehouses were picked by those individuals with a higher seniority number than mine.  It seemed to go very well at first.  Many of my first picks were not even touched.  31's included.  I thought there was hope that I could stay right where I was at since I graduated from the academy.  But in the afternoon, that all changed.  One by one and shift by shift, my top picks were gone.  13's, 30's and 32's I did not even have a chance at.  I knew that going in.  Then it was 36's, then 5's.  Some others as well.  I couldn't watch anymore.  I was pacing around the firehouse.  Coming back to the screen I saw that Engine 6 was still available.  Perhaps?  Then around 1530, the rear phone rang here at 7's.  Gingery called to inform me what I already knew.  As he took the last spot at 5's, I had to decide on Engine 6 on the Blue, or Truck 14 on the Green.  So, after a long and agonizing day watching the "draft" unfold, I was fortunate enough to pick Rolling Thunder.  Truck Fourteen on the green.

At first, I was second guessing myself.  Engine 6 would have been really nice, but the Blue shift deterred me away.  Just too many holidays next year.  And the other, well, there was no downside to Truck 14.  The positives, well the green shift has only a couple holidays next year, the Captain is solid, I'd still be in the fourth battalion and now I'm even closer to home than 31's.  Here's to becoming a truckman.

Byrge

Caterpillar Versus Pierce

During a typical afternoon in Lincoln Heights, we stopped over to the waterway project the city has going on off of 6th and Cleveland.  Boss took a couple shots of the process, plus a few dead fish.  But before we headed out, I took this shot of our Pierce Arrow XT and a Caterpaillar Excavator.  Nice, I thought.

Now, if I could just get some shots of her working.  She's had a little now.  I just haven't been around on those days.  But...it's coming, soon.

Byrge

Look Who's One

Damn flu shot put me down and out the Thursday prior to Reed's party.  Thankfully, on Friday, I was on the road to recovery to get ready for my son's first birthday.  What a blast!

Reed,

My little buddy.  I can't believe a year has gone by.  With you, we celebrated your first birthday, surrounded by family and friends.  And then, just like the past year, the day was over.  Both you and your sister were tucked away in bed, getting some much needed sleep after a fun filled day.  There was food to eat and gifts to open.  But the best part of it all, was your little own cake.  I don't know which made me laugh more.  The way you picked up the cake and slammed it into your face, like you couldn't get enough.  Or, when you knew you were done with it, and tossed it on the floor.  Those moments were the hit of the party.  Oh yeah, I have a little secret to tell you.  It's nice to see some boys' toys around the house.  Now, in the evenings when it's time to clean up, I enjoy it a little more.  Picking up a couple Caterpillar toys, a lil' lawn mower and even Batman figures too reminds me why it's nice to have a little man around the house.  Once again, Happy Birthday Buddy!!

Love Daddy!

The next day I was back at 31's.  And after three busy days at home, it was funny that to take a break, I had to go to work.

Byrge