Tragedy

Unbelievable.  Too many times within the past few years of shots fired on school grounds.  And this time is the worst.  All small, innocent children gone way before their time.  As a parent, I've had different feelings regarding this.  From sick to pissed off to confused, and in the end, just a loss for words.

Byrge

Thanks

Another Thanksgiving has past.  Families gathered, football was watched and turkey was eaten.  I am thankful for all.  For my two kids, how I could not imagine my life without them.  For my friends.  Even though months go by between gatherings, it's always like we were just together having that cold one last week.  And for the things that seem to go unmentioned on many occasions.  A roof over my head, the security of the best job in the world, and the love of a wonderful wife.  For all the things I am thankful for, these few things are just the tip of the iceberg.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Byrge

Milwaukee Bicycle Co.

After two months of deliberating with myself, I took the family into Ben's Cycle and ordered a new mountain bike.  A Milwaukee Bicycle Company 29er.  Should be a couple of weeks before she comes in, but extremely excited.  Went with a full rigid 29er with a 1x9 drive train.  Matching color on the frame and fork.  Cream City is what they call it. Can't wait to get back on the trails.  Day one complete...a few cravings but managed my time.  Just kept up with some busy work.

Five are hired off the list.  Still waiting to see what happens regarding the budget.  Hoping to get made before the headaches start.  Technically, I'm two out, but another HEO hung it up last week so just wait and see.

Intended parts list for the MBC 29er

• Sun Ringle Black Flag Comp wheelset
• Maxxis Ardent, Beaver or Ikon tires
• CrankBrothers Candy 3 pedals
• CrankBrothers Cobalt 2 stem & handlebar
• Brooks B17 Standard saddle & grips

Byrge

Big Green Egg Pizza

Second time using the Big Green Egg a huge success, at least in my taste buds.  Friday night made beer-can chicken, which was very tender and delicious.  Then, continued the Saturday tradition of having pizza.  Usually we order out, but now, with the Egg up and running, homemade pizza with all the fixins!

Kept the Egg right around 400.  Made two pizzas, the first one I prebaked the crust, then added the toppings (typical firehouse way) and the second, all together at once.  Quite surprisingly, the prebaked crust one wasn't nearly as good as the other.  Yet both very tasty.  Yum yum.

Byrge

Memories



A year ago, we returned from New York with a new perspective on that city.  From the rebuilding of the World Trade Center, to Ellis Island and to all the memorials that were being dedicated to the lives lost in 2001.  Simply put, I was in awe of the Big Apple.

But, for someone from the Midwest that has never been there, that city is alive.  Nothing like I've ever seen before.  Amazed by the constant buzz everywhere we went.  Was an inspiring journey for my wife and I.  Plus, I can't wait to go back.

Alicia Keys "New York"

Every time I hear this song, I feel encouraged. For what reason, I don't know. Perhaps just to be a better all around person. To appreciate life a little more. Look at the bigger picture.  Sounds odd, I know, but hey, I'm a little odd.

Byrge

Nice Surprise



Planned on being at 23's.  At least that's how the day started off  It wasn't even 0800 and I was at 31's, driving.  A little mix up of sorts regarding staffing, but in the end, I felt I was the beneficiary.  Good deal.

Took only five runs though.  A few typical ones, and one that started out as respiratory distress that turned for the worse in front of us to a PNB.  Not good.

It's now Labor Day and the Commission meets this Thursday.  Waiting to see who, if any, gets promoted here shortly.  With the possibility of company closures, I'm having a hard time trying to figure out when my title will get changed from firefighter to heavy equipment operator.

Byrge

22 Minutes

Two alarm fire on north 60th street yesterday.  Just finishing up dinner, Truck 14 gets "move up" to Engine 39.  We didn't even get out of the barn and Operations up there called for a "one and one" meaning an additional engine and truck.  You'll only need one guess to figure out what truck was going.

It took twenty-two minutes to get just north of Good Hope on 60th.  We staged with 36s for a while then returned home.

Was a pleasant end to a forty-eight.

Byrge

7th & Harrison

With a bunch of full belly's, the guys were looking to put up their feet for a few minutes before we headed out to collect for the MDA.  But shortly after lunch, report of a structure fire came in on 7th and Harrison.  Heading northbound on 6th St, one couldn't help but notice the haze a few blocks up. 

"Sweet!"

Arrived on scene, put up a couple egress ladders then headed in for some overhaul.  First thing the boss noticed was the amount of "fast-movers" crawling around.  Damn little bastards.  Anyway, fire was contained on the second floor with 31's and 7's handling it.  After 31's crew ran out of air, we took over.  Found some hot spots and doused the hell out of the second floor.  Picked up shortly after that and headed home.  Cleaned up and went out to fill the boot.

Was one of those days that just flew by.

Byrge

Two Sided Forty Eight

What's funny is that the Air and Water Show has been planned for many weeks, probably months now.  So when I walked into three's, one I was surprised that I didn't receive a call to go somewhere else and two, they told me that I probably won't be staying. 

"We need our divers today," I was told.  Really?  You didn't realize that, say yesterday, knowing that the show was in town?  Anyway, I was re-routed to 24's which was a pretty sweet gig for the first half of my 48.

Took fourteen runs.  A few fire calls but nothing to speak of.  Then, was I turned in for the night, at least I tried to, it went downhill from there.  Didn't get much shut eye until 4am.  Slept hard though til 0700.

Finished out the second half of my 48 driving seven's.  Took only three runs.  Was a good day to catch up on some things.  Like putting the feet up.  Only downside is that two out of house HEO's were over at 23's driving my rigs, and caught a first in fire near 14th and Hayes.

Bastards.

Byrge

Oak Creek on the Map

Deadly shooting in a Sikh Temple on Howell Ave in Oak Creek.  Seven dead, three wounded.

Just a few weeks after a twenty-four year old shot and killed 12 and wounded 58 in a theater outside of Denver, Colorado.

Unbelieveable.

Byrge

Wake Up Call

Happened again.  After some tough work followed by some even more strenuous work, I was sitting at the peak of a two and a story feeling a little woozy.  Not the best place to be.  If I went down, I was going down...hard.

Fire tones came in around 2330.  T2 second truck in.  We assisted in venting windows on all floors, assisted making sure the guys had enough hose line, secured utilities before grabbing a 35ft and 20ft to head to the roof.  Climbing up the 35ft, the damn ladder kept sliding to my right.  Man, I thought I was going down.  A little pucker factor.  Once up top, I was pleased that the saw started easily on the roof, only to make some awkward cuts down by the gutter line.  Stripped part of the roof then had to move one of the ladders.  I was spent.  Couldn't catch my breath and just felt like I had nothing left in the tank. 

I guess that's why they say "keep hydrated" most of the time.

Byrge

HEO Results

You like shootin' dice?  Well I do.  Lucky Number 7.

Fire and Police Commision meeting this past Thursday at the Historical Museum.  With the wife getting home close to six, I thought it would be too late to go.  She suggested that I still went.  Glad I did.  After some formalities, the HEO list was approved.  Posted, I began at the bottom looking for my name.  I was getting a little worried once I did not see it by ten.  Then...BAM!!!  #7.  Hell yeah.

Byrge

Greaters

3 Alarm fire at the Sydney Hih building early morning of Aug 24th

Been quite a few greaters the past month or so.  And most of them on the red shift.  Most recently was the car shop but there was also Maynard Steel, the yard up in flames and the grocery store at 12th and Vliet. Damn I'm missing all the work.  Soon.

Byrge

Fire + Computers = Not Good

Small little fire where all of our tech support is at.  That caused major disruptions.  For instance, the dispatch system and internet both went down.  Somewhat important.  Yeah, so then I had to monitor the radio throughout the night.  Wasn't too bad, but was the first half of a 48.  The next day was a cheif's retirement party starting around mid day.  After a few nice speeches from the brass and the retiree, off he went.  Many rigs lined up for the walk through.  So I felt kind of lucky.  It was nice to be assigned at headquarters to see a man I very much respected, spend his last few days in the firehouse.  May have some pictures...TBD

Byrge

FOOLS Again

Good topic this month.  Gas meters.  Never really had a formal training session on any of our meters.  And now, with the BC's having new ones, it was nice to get some hands on training with them.  Plus, just some of the facts that go along with them.  For instance, our old ones took 90 seconds to get an accurate sample reading.  The new ones, 3-10 seconds.  For us firefighters, that's a plus.  And probably why things did not turn into the worse case scenario a few weeks back here for a couple Milwaukee firefighters.

Byrge

Waiting Game

Everyone keeps asking...Any results yet?  You hear anything?

No, I haven't and won't til late July or early August.

I really am hoping to be number 20 on the list.  Anything better would be great, but anything below that, I'll be disappointed.  Then again, I have to make the list.

Drove 23's again the other day.  Only four runs.  Seems odd that if and when I get promoted that I'll be driving everyday.  Right now, I'm driving only because of an injury to normally assigned HEO.

Byrge

HEO Tips

Written Exam Notes

Practical Exam Notes

DRIVING

Slow down during the driving portion...the straight line and offset alley were not that bad. Take the time to go through the slow curve. Remember thats where two cones found themselves under the rear duals. Walk the front bumper in between the rest of the cones. For the serpentine, practice at 33-35 feet. Going forward was difficult as the need to reposition became a nessesscity and not an option. Keep tight to the cones. Practice practice practice. Backwards not too bad, swing tailboard around and straight back til the duals reach the cones then swing ass around until the next cone comes into sight of the mirror. For the alley dock, swing in, and if need to reposition, do so.

AERIAL

Went quite well. Remember to chock wheels and the front wheel lock. Just need to get a feel for length of the aerial for positioning and aerial placement. Once finished, cover brake and disengage air brakes to release front wheel lock. Plus, mention the belts for those climbing the aerial.

PUMPING

When doing walk around, turn battery on to power the electronics. Need on to close front suction plus any other discharges that may he electonically operated. Discharges on opposite side? Turn on power and start rig, pto, check gauges as exiting vehicle. Tank to pump, throttle to 1000, prime, open discharge and increase to starting pressure then hook up supply. Proctor states what needs to be done until a 2nd line can be charged. Do so. For the foam (external eductor) set up using rear discharge. Flow @ 200 and gate down first line. When flushing, also mention to clean eductor back at quarters. Shutting down, even though proctor states to get rig ready for next candidate, open drain of a capped discharge, AFTER RIG TAKEN OUT OF PUMP. Look through the apparatus guidelines for exact steps. Stow wheel chocks.

Til next time Byrge

Clayton Crest

Walked in Easter Sunday morning to find that I'd be driving Truck 14 for the day.  I was pleased, as I hoped for the Chief to put me behind the wheel.  Just didn't think it would be the truck.  Tones came in early afternoon for us.  Structure fire on 23rd and Clayton Crest.  Sweet deal!

As we turned onto 27th, we could see the cloud of smoke off the horizon.  We were about 4 miles away.  As we got closer, we heard the first in companies report a garage fire that extended to the house and that defensive operations were going to begin.  As I pulled up, spotted my rig to use the aerial.  Outriggers out, and about to put the stick up when the Capt yelled that we're going to the roof.  Again, sweet deal.  Grabbed my mask and tools to head topside.  Company made a hole on the NE corner of the home, with light smoke coming, then another towards the center of the house.  The one that really made the difference, so we were told, was our third cut near the south end of the house.  Kory made the first cut and handed me the saw.  As I made my cut and got down near the gutter line, I felt an incredible amount of heat.  I glanced up to see flames flowing over my head.  Finished my cut and climbed back up to the peak to open up our hole.  Fun times.  Made a few other cuts to open things up before we came down. 

After some other little tasks, we were picked up.  I was feeling pretty good now.  I mean, what a great day so far.  I walked into work to find out that I'd be driving.  Cooked an impressive Easter Brunch, and then got my first actually roof.  And it wasn't even 3pm yet.

Byrge

Who's Driving 31s?

Work has been fun lately.  Two of the past three work days I've been driving.  First, last week Monday at 31's, my alma mater, then this past Easter Sunday on Truck 14.  Both days were great.  Took a total of five runs while at 8th and Hayes.  Was good to be back at that house.  I really miss certain things about it.  The runs were typical for the area.  Kind of miss going out on those.  Was good to see some of the old crew as well.  In the evening, I did enjoy watching Kentucky beat Kansas for me to win a little $$.  Hoping to get behind a wheel again here soon.  HEO test a month away.

Byrge

FOOLS Training

Rainbow Springs, Rainbow Farms, whatever the hell it's now called doesn't really matter.  As a former hotel just past Mukwonago, it's destiny was to be torn down very soon.  As a member of the Brew City Fools, I was just excited that I would be one of many able to help with demolition.  On March 31st, I took the JK out there for a fun filled day of training.  From vertical and flat roof operations, obstacle course, ladder evolutions, some RIT operations among a few other things.  Was quite the day.

Snapshot of me falling through a trap door during the obstacle course, which was probably the most difficult course I've ever done

Photo Op!!  Impressive turnout for the training

  

Now that I'm on a truck, I was pleased that February's training was on ventilation.  Dave from Ladder 9 had a quite a bit of information about roof operations, wind driven fires and VES.  At first, I didn't even know what VES was.  Vent, Enter, Search. 

Was hoping to head down to Indy for the FDIC next week, but certain circumstances have me staying home this year.  With that, I'm looking forward to later in the month for FOOLS.

Byrge

Heat Wave

March 17th, yep St. Patty's day marked the first time the panels came off the JK.  Plopped the kids car seats in the back and took off for the first cruise of the year.  Weather required a sweatshirt and pants, but not much else.  Was a pleasant evening to head over to 6's to say hello to a buddy.  And wow, I couldn't believe the amount of drunkards roaming Brady St. at 7pm.  Should I be surprised though?  Probably not.

As for the job, really not much to write home about.  Worked a few days with not much going on.  Finished up 48 hours this morning.  Yesterday, was on the east side at 27's.  Turned out to be a good day there.  Assisted the dive team with a recovery in the late morning, followed by some squads runs the rest of the afternoon.  Woke up the "unconscious confirmed" around 0600.  Was really hoping for it NOT to be a PNB, because I really had to piss.  Turned out to be a very happy drunk kid.  Who, was just minding his own business, sleeping in an apartment building under some steps.  Thirsty Thursday's strike again.

Byrge

Senior Guy

Still hearing it about bowling with 31's.  Looking forward to the Sweeper.

Worked my first 48 in a while.  First at Truck 14 then up to Engine 8 for the second half.  Walked in knowing that I'd be the senior guy and also that I would be cooking as well.  Made lovely BLTs for lunch then fajitas for dinner.  Along with my tricolor salsa.  Many compliments from the crew.  Was nice to hear.  As for runs, not too many while in the 4th.  But up there was car accident city.  Four or five accidents.  And the weather wasn't really that bad.  Add in the few other ems runs we took.  Suddenly I felt like I was back at 31's.  Minus the accidents.  Back tomorrow on my truck.

Got the call this morning that I've been accepted into the HEO class to start next week.  Called to confirm and mentioned that I was already state certified MPO, so now I only have to attend the aerial portion.  Just five weeks in May.  "Excellent Smithers."

Byrge

Who's the HEO

That's right.  This guy.

Turning the wheel on the engine, we took six runs.  Nothing too major.  Same patient twice.  Once in a holding room at a local convenience store then later at the local police district station.  Finally transferred the second time around.  The last call came in around 2100.  Car wreck near 35th and Forest Home.  Side impact of a small two door car.  No need for extracation.  Now looking back, I'm wondering who pulled the patient out.  Oh well.  Start of a 48 on Wednesday morning.  First at 23's then who knows.

Getting worked on a little because I'm bowling with my former crew at the sweeper.  Guys just having fun with it.  No harm.  Just have to laugh a little about it.

Byrge

35th and Greenfield

Finally...

Byrge

Can't Wait

Seems like it has been forever since I've worked.  Truth of the matter is that it's been only six days.  Get to go back tomorrow and start work on my new shift.  Truck 14, busiest truck on the south side!!  Hopefully get a roof soon.

Byrge

Acting

Walked in yesterday and was greeted with the question, "Do you act?"  Looking in the books, I noticed that the Capt was going to be gone for about four hours in the morning and had no problem jumping in the front seat.  With emt training going on at the BIT, 23's headed over to 26's area to cover for them awhile.  They weren't gone five minutes when the tones went off for the truck to take a squad run.  No big deal.  Turned out to be an altercation between brothers.  One of them got a pretty good beat down.  Bleeding and swelling just above his eye.  A very nice shiner.

Still waiting for the Capt to return as 1300 approached.  Another run for us came in after 23's took one over at the hospital.  Walking in, a lady approached me telling how her grandmother had a knife and threatened to kill herself.  Luckily for everyone, nobody was hurt.  Called for MPD to assist and then Med unit for an eval.  Not too bad for a few hours up front.  I'll tell ya, I was thrilled once I heard the Capt's voice back in quarters.  No more tablet work for me.

Back next Thursday, working on the Blue(sers) shift.  My new assignment until further notice...

Byrge

6th and Arthur

Got most of my dinner down when I quickly jumped out of my seat and rushed to the truck.  Structure fire on 6th and Arthur.  As we turned onto 6th, it was actually closer to Hayes than Arthur.  Unfortunately, no visible flames as we approached the polish flat from the north.  Got off and instructed to search the second floor.  Walking up the rear steps, boss from another company was hesitant as there was a blood trail leading out the door.  Hmm.  A few moments later, we entered and found nothing.  The only thing we did find was a small bathroom with what we thought was a closet.  Wrong again, we opened the door to find steps leading up to the attic.  Thank goodness we didn't have a large worker, as with no visibility, I'm wondering if anyone would have been able to find those steps.  Just another example of how some homes can be so chopped up. 

Got to see my former boss at this one which was nice too.  With him working, I was really hoping to get a roof.  Just saying...

Byrge

Almost

Early Saturday night, the fire tones came in.  At first I was thinking engine only run, but 23's wasn't even mentioned.  Call was for a structure fire in 26's area.  Off we went only to stand by after our arrival.  No work to be done for Truck 14.  From the radio chatter, the fire was mostly exterior.  A little bummed as I was hoping to get my first roof with my new crew.  Unlike my old crew, where I never had a first in.  Close but no cigar.

Byrge

Tuna Melt

Dinner time once again.  What will we make this time?  Hmm....

2 cans of Starkist tuna
1/2 cup mayo
1-1/2 tablespoons pickle relish
1/2 chopped onion
4 slices of cheese
8 slices of bread
Goya adobo seasoning to taste
paprika to taste

Mix tuna, mayo, pickle relish, onion and seasoning in a bowl.  Butter outsides of slices of bread and place on griddle.  Add slices of cheese and top with tuna mixture to cover bread.  Place other bread slice on top and grill to golden brown on both sides.

Made these this evening for the first time.  Really simple to make, especially with kids running around the house.  Served with Mac N Cheese and nacho cheese chips.  Quite the "cheesy" dinner.  Definitely do this one again.

Byrge

Day One

First day on the truck went well.  Went over the truck and most of the tools that we carry.  Took six runs.  A few false alarms on one lady who fell down in her apartment.  We walked in with many tools because we assumed that we would have to force a door.  Luckily, there was a Knox box that we were able to use to gain entry. 

With some help from the Captain, I was able to change over my front piece to Truck 14.  So shiny and red and new.  Can't wait to get that thing a little charred up.  It's too clean right now.

Byrge

Tricolor Salsa

one red pepper - finely diced
one yellow pepper - finely diced
one serrano chili pepper - take out seeds and finely dice
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons minced shallots (green onion)
1-1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.  Variation - add 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil instead of the cilantro.  Great with Tostitos Artisan Roasted Garlic and Black Bean chips.  Enjoy.

Byrge

Many Days

It's been 715 days since I received my Engine 31 badge from a buddy at graduation.  I've seen and learned quite a bit working on the engine.  Now time for a change.  Switching over to Truck 14 on Monday.  Can't wait.

Savannah,

The day that Chris handed me an Engine 31 badge, you found yourself in a little trouble.  Nothing major.  Just the fact that mommy hand to take you out of my graduation because you were bleeding from the mouth.  I really don't know what happened, but I recall watching mommy carry you out the side door.  And you were not a happy camper...

But that was almost two years ago.  And since then, you've grown into this little girl.  At times, like a little princess too.  Like how you sleep with so many blankets wrapped around you.  Lately, you've been making mommy and I very proud by learning to use the "tool-l-et" like a big girl.  Sometimes, without asking, you'll run in there and take care of business.  I'll come in to check and with a big smile you say "I go potty!"   
Being at the firehouse at nights can be rough because of how much I miss playing with you and Reed.  But each night I'm home, I enjoy our little time it's just the two of us.  From playing with your puzzles or reading a book, it's one of the highlights of my day.  And soon, I think mommy and I will be upgrading you into a bigger bed.  And possibly changing your room.  Which means no more rocking chair.  You see, your room still has that baby feel to it.  You're a big girl now.  You deserve something more.

Love Daddy!!

Last day at 31's..

What a great day of eats.  BLT's for lunch and pizza for dinner.  Add in those damn peanut butter cups and suddenly I'm in need of a larger set of pants.  Oh wait!!  I have sweats upstairs.  Problem solved.

Took our average of 6 or 7 calls.  Smoke assignment over on 9th.  Opened an apartment door and found a pit bull wanting to come out and say hello.  "Be a good boy, be a good boy, be good boy" crossed my mind as we entered referring to the dog.  He was thankfully.  Anyway, found some burnt hot dogs left on the stove.  A bitter smoke that charged up the whole apartment and hallway too.  Last run came in just before 600am.  Small car accident that took out an electric pole.  No major damage or injuries.  Back in Engine 31 one more time. 

Byrge

Oberon Design

Oberon Design Nook Tablet Cover - Hokusai Wave

Twenty-nine different print options with three colors per made the hardest decision just which one to choose.  And I was a little timid on spending the $67 for the case.  Perhaps that's why it was difficult to select just which one. 

My case arrived yesterday, coming all the way from Santa Rosa, California.  And as I opened the package up, I was quite pleased with the contents.  The leather was much thicker than I anticipated.  And now, when I'm using the Nook Tablet as an actually e-reader, I almost feel like I'm holding onto a hard cover book.  And honestly, that was my biggest concern with the Nook tablet.  It almost felt too fragile without it.  Now, I don't have to worry about that.

A very pleased customer with another made in America product.

  

Byrge

Glazed Chicken Wings

12 bone in chicken wings

1/2 cup of honey

1/2 cup of BBQ sauce

1/2 cup of soy sauce

Mix ingredients together in a bowl then marinate wings for at least 30 minutes.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and place wings in a glass pan, either 9x9 or 13x9, and bake for 60 minutes.  Flip wings at 30 minutes.  Enjoy.

Byrge

Mayhem

You may not know him by name, but he stands for Mayhem on the All State Insurance commercials. His real name is Dean Winters. Well, with that, we had a run earlier today that could have been portrayed in one of those commercials. Was quite unique.

Call for a car fire comes in, on southbound I43. As we enter off of Becher, we notice a large plume of smoke up ahead. We pull up and a black four door midsized sedan is burning up pretty good. We use the trash line off the front and take care of business. Moments later, the fire is out. But here's the funny part.

In front of the drivers car was a truck with a trailer that looked like someone was planning on moving. What had happened is a mattress fell off the trailer and got wedged underneath the front wheels of the sedan and caught fire. Mayhem commercial first came to mind when I heard of this. And better yet, the car was a rental. Which the driver actually did take out the additional insurance.

Like many other runs we go on, you just can't make up this stuff. Here's hoping for a quiet evening.

Byrge

55th and North Ave

About eight blocks away, I could see the cloud of smoke that engulfed the area around 55th and North.  Let's just say I got a clear view from the officers seat. 

We staged and then meet up with the IC for orders. Chief asked who the boss was and I reluctantly raised my hand and responded "Acting."  Operations was going defensive and with that, he asked us to replace a small handline on the A-side of the building with a big one.  So we grabbed a 2 1/2 inch line off of 13's and got it in play.  With all the lines operating, the IC then asked us to supply 34's.  This building was getting pounded with water.  So much, that the basement was almost completely filled.  There were two aerial master streams, and at least two big lines flowing.  Dave and I, working a big line in the front, were getting pounded with the putrid smoke that was bellowing out.  Reminded me of getting smoked out at the academy.  Eyes were burning, and so watered up.  Only this time, I probably should have been masked up.  Still fun though.

Suddenly, my helmet goes flying and I get punched in the chest and pushed back about 10-12 feet.  Quickly I realized that it was an aerial's master stream that took me out and like a turtle on its back, I saw that I was still in the stream's path.  I scrambled to my feet and ducked behind Truck 9.  Did a quick self assessment, making sure I was alright.  Shortly, the ISO came over and asked who got hit.  With a quick laugh, I acknowledged that it was myself and informed him that I was ok.  After a little while, Truck 13's HEO came over and asked who got it?  Replying with a smirk, "Me!  I already got my year on.  I got the whole getting wet thing." 

"Not by me."

"Well, take that one off you book then!" I joked.

In due time, companies were finally able to re-enter the building.  We assisted checking for hot spots on the second floor along with dumping more water into the basement.  Before long, I overheard the IC state that he wanted the building taken down on the fact that there was still fire somewhere.  Either in the basement or just below the first floor that we could not get to.

We were released a while later.  Happy to go home, and somewhat satisfied how I performed as an Acting Lt. for the day.  Arriving back to 11's, it was after 8am.  Finished up a few loose ends then took off in my mighty blue JK.

Byrge

Who's the Boss?

Walked into 11's expecting another mediocre day in Bay View. What I was not expecting was to be asked to act as the Lt. for the day. Long story short, I excepted the generous offer of $3 for sodas for the day from a truckman to sit in the front seat of Engine 11.

Not too much going on in Bay View as the day progressed. Took our first squad run early in the afternoon. Then, nothing until we transferred into 21's quarters around 9pm. After returning some 45 minutes later, I was tired and got ready to turn in for the night. Perhaps another squad run, maybe two, but nothing else is what I was expecting for the night. Ha! Little did I know.

Took another squad run around 2am. Nothing special. We got back to quarters, finished the report and crawled into bed. "Damn it!" I thought as I heard the printer going off again. But no tones. Another transfer, this time to 32's. Was almost 3am.

As we pulled up to 32's we heard a call for a 2nd Alarm from North Ave command. We didn't get a foot out of the rig when dispatch notified us to respond to the fire on 55th and North Ave. Off we went.

More to follow...

Byrge

Nook Part Two

I'm pleased. In an earlier post, I was disappointed with my Nook Tablet that I wasn't able to post on my blog. Well guess what? I've found a way! With some more tinkering on Blogger's site, I discovered that it was just a simple change from "Compose" to "Edit HTML." How lovely.

And just the other day, I viewed a movie for the first time on my Nook Tablet. Was enjoyable with my only complaint would be to have a little more volume. But hey, I'm still finding my way around this damn thing. Again, very satisfied with my purchase so far. Even ordered a leather cover from California. Custom made in America. Should be a week or so before I see that. Pictures to be added upon arrival. Soon.

Byrge

Changes

With a new year comes hopes that changes can be made. That perhaps one can change how they once were. Sometimes, old habits are difficult to over come. But with help, hope and the right mindset, one can change. I, like many others, want to change certain aspects about myself. Easier said than done. But with determination, changes can be done.

The past few days have been difficult. I speak of changes, and my family was hit with a large, unexpected one. Our day care decided to close its doors for good and gave us only a twelve hour notice. Quite concerning considering my wife and I both believed that Children's Creative Corner would be part our of kids childhood until elementary school began. We were wrong. Suddenly, we're scrambling to find a new daycare.  Long story short, we found one that our kids will hopefully enjoy. With our kids best interest in mind, we believe that Innovation Station will be the right choice for them. They start Tuesday. Fingers crossed for the biggest change yet for our little monsters.

Byrge