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