Falmouth, Massachusetts is located in the extreme southwest corner of Cape Cod. In the photo above, we would be NNW of
the island of Martha's Vineyard (the island in the middle of the picture).
3.21.2008
Hair Club for Men
This section is in honor of those good firefighters who are follicularly challenged. It does not make them bad men...
Firefighter Donnie Silvia and EMS Joe Dehnick discuss why them?
Fire Prevention Officer Mel Trott is a non-believer.
Firefighter Boyd Demello has accepted his sentence.
Teamwork
Heavy fire upon arrival. 
Century Irish Pub goes to two alarms.
Three Alarm fire at Iguana's Restaurant.
Firefighter Paul Gonsalves making it all happen at the pump. 
After venting the left side of Side 1, Deputy Sullivan, Captain Marshall and Firefighter Rivera remove the ladder from danger of being exposed, while a fourth firefighter begins the task of venting the right side.
Lt. Smith, and Firefighters Williamson and Metell0perate at a haz mat incident on Main Street.
Crews operating on Lummis Lane. The interior stairway was burnt out forcing entry through the second floor.
A Man told me...
That someone once told their wife that he was attending a week long sprinkler course out of state. Turns out there was no sprinkler course and he was um... "not alone". The good thing was that it was not a complete lie. He did go out of state... to Hawaii.
A firefighter told me he knew how to put up the aeriel ... he lied.
And another told me they could get water... she lied.
Yes, it is true... the Amigo's incident.
No, it is not true... I did not cheat on the promotional exams.
Yes, I do work when I am on duty. Regardless of what Smitty says, my work is always done first.
On my down time the hockey stuff comes out. I will never admit this to him though, because it is more fun for me to have him rat me out to the Deputy than it is for me to tell the truth.
Yes, I still enjoy working with him.
Did you know the rink was sprinklered? OK, then where is the connection?
That a firefighter once mistook Ladder26 for Engine 21 while going to a run. Well, he is right they do look alike. Both are red.
Yes, sometimes when the bell rings we do amazing things. Then we think about what we did, and call ourselves fools.
Yes, sometimes when the bell rings we do foolish things. Then the public says, we are heroes. That makes us both fools.
Kinda like this blog... the more we listen to fools, the more foolish we become.
That Firefighter Chotkowski doesn't need a spoon to stir his coffee.
That President Bush's library has a lot of open rooms.
Yes, it is true. Someone backed their truck into (through a wall a tad) a new garage once.
Did you know that if you park L26 at a fire for over 3 hours and leave it in neutral w/o the parking park, that it just may not roll... and this is also true for C28. But... not for A39, something about the pitch of King Street.
C28's seat is not the original.
Someone called in sick when they were on vacation.
Another came into work on his day off.
Ever get the feeling you were driving down the wrong road?
Ok.. it is true also that the Headquaters Daily Training sheet is fudged because sometimes we don't have time to train. 'Naff said about that...
The SARF police really are not the Police.
If your car is iced over in the winter one night continuously, see Smitty.
Did the Hulk really work for Domino's?
And, who really stole his lobster?
B15 would make it over a swamp patch if you drove fast... he was wrong.
C28 needed a new wax job... and side door.
A firefighter told me he knew how to put up the aeriel ... he lied.
And another told me they could get water... she lied.
Yes, it is true... the Amigo's incident.
No, it is not true... I did not cheat on the promotional exams.
Yes, I do work when I am on duty. Regardless of what Smitty says, my work is always done first.
On my down time the hockey stuff comes out. I will never admit this to him though, because it is more fun for me to have him rat me out to the Deputy than it is for me to tell the truth.
Yes, I still enjoy working with him.
Did you know the rink was sprinklered? OK, then where is the connection?
That a firefighter once mistook Ladder26 for Engine 21 while going to a run. Well, he is right they do look alike. Both are red.
Yes, sometimes when the bell rings we do amazing things. Then we think about what we did, and call ourselves fools.
Yes, sometimes when the bell rings we do foolish things. Then the public says, we are heroes. That makes us both fools.
Kinda like this blog... the more we listen to fools, the more foolish we become.
That Firefighter Chotkowski doesn't need a spoon to stir his coffee.
That President Bush's library has a lot of open rooms.
Yes, it is true. Someone backed their truck into (through a wall a tad) a new garage once.
Did you know that if you park L26 at a fire for over 3 hours and leave it in neutral w/o the parking park, that it just may not roll... and this is also true for C28. But... not for A39, something about the pitch of King Street.
C28's seat is not the original.
Someone called in sick when they were on vacation.
Another came into work on his day off.
Ever get the feeling you were driving down the wrong road?
Ok.. it is true also that the Headquaters Daily Training sheet is fudged because sometimes we don't have time to train. 'Naff said about that...
The SARF police really are not the Police.
If your car is iced over in the winter one night continuously, see Smitty.
Did the Hulk really work for Domino's?
And, who really stole his lobster?
B15 would make it over a swamp patch if you drove fast... he was wrong.
C28 needed a new wax job... and side door.
3.19.2008
The University of Johnny
As I have mentioned before, firefighters continuously are educated. That education comes in various forum's, including the Massachusetts Fire Academy, continuing education classes from OEMS, the Federal government, the Falmouth Fire Rescue Department, and of course from local colleges.
Perhaps the greatest degree in which a firefighter in the FFRD can receive is that from the University if Johnny. Not only is it educational, but it is free...
Perhaps the greatest degree in which a firefighter in the FFRD can receive is that from the University if Johnny. Not only is it educational, but it is free...
3.13.2008
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Chief Paul D. Brodeur
Group 1 at the Big House
Deputy Mark Sullivan, EMS Joe Dehnick, FF Craig O'Malley, Lt. Tim Smith, FF Ann Losi, Fox 25 Doug Meehan, FF Kevin Kelly, FF Ron Lynds (Group 1 wanna be), FF Allen Rivera, FF Michael Jusseaume, Capt. Michael White.
Firefighter/Paramedic Tim Bailey following the yellow rubber hose...
Firefighter/Paramedic Ann Losi
Graduation from Massachusetts Fire Academy, Class 177.
July - September 2007
(Steve Bush, Ann Losi, Michael Mueller)
Mill Farm Road, February 24, 2008.
Annie's first fire. She finally got to squirt water from a hose...
... and it took her a while to put out.
3.08.2008
Are we Heroes?
The following is a letter to the editor of the Falmouth Enterprise on Friday, March 7, 2008:
Falmouth's Finest Heroes
As a longtime resident of Falmouth, since February 24, 1964, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting 12 of Falmouth's finest heroes, not that I wanted to under the circumstances.You see, my house was on fire.
As a three-time veteran with 31 years of service in the military and recently returned from Baghdad, truly I now what makes a hero. As I stood outside my home of 30 years one will never know what was going through my mind. But as I watched these brave men answering the call, my adrenaline, anxiety, and stress level were clearly lowering to one of ease. These men clearly showed me how they fight fires on the front lines in America and our communities. You could definitely see how they go to work, leaving behind wives, husbands, or loved ones at home when duty calls, with no regard for themselves. They form a family and bond as brothers and sisters to fight fires, to protect lives and personal property, and sometimes give their own lives for our nation and communities while doing their job. The whole time you could clearly see an orchestrated or Swiss-watch work team and wingman-to-wingman operation above and beyond the call of duty to save my home. As a result of their brave actions, my home was spared and no lives lost.
As they left, I thanked them from the bottom of my heart for saving my home. Their reply was, they were just doing their job and thank God no one was hurt. Truly, that is a hero's reply. I cannot thank you all enough times, but from the bottom of my heart once again, thank you for putting your lives on the line, for the jobs you men and women do in our nation and communities, and for saving my home.
As you all fight on the home front lines, we will continue abroad with deepest respect, admiration, and regards for all you do, Truly, you are all my heroes.
MSgt. Steven O. DeLeon USAFR and Katherine C. DeLeon
Seacoast Shores Boulevard
East Falmouth
Heroes are different things to different people. When I was younger, my Dad was my hero. As I grew, perhaps it became Yaz or Orr, yet I am not sure they ever replaced Dad. When we watch a war movie, it was the person who took the chances, lead the charge, and then died or are wounded at the end. Today, my heroes come in different shapes and forms. What did they do? Why did they do it?
So, are firefighters heroes? Yes... Some of them, not all.
Looking back a few years, I can remember being placed in circumstances where I thought it got a little hairy. Once at a building fire, myself and three other men were on the second floor of a building when the roof collapsed around us. It made for a great picture in the paper, but were we heroes? In the excitement of fighting the fire, and not looking at the big picture around us, we put ourselves in a position to fail. Nobody was inside and the property was going to have to be demolished. Not only that but we put other firefighters at risk because of our actions. Certainly this is not heroic, but foolish. As I have learned, experience will be a great lesson. The photo above is that building we were in (Century Irish Pub, Falmouth).
Another incident that comes to mind is a Mutual Aid fire next to the Town Hall in Mashpee. Upon arrival at that incident, we were assigned roof ventilation. While walking the ridge line with three other firefighters, the roof suddenly became soft, and I stepped through the roof with one leg, falling to above my knee. The firefighter behind me (Bob Dutra) grabbed me quickly so I went no deeper. To this day I don't know if I would have stopped or continued to fall. Everything we did right correct. We stuck together as a crew, wore proper protective equipment, and had tools with us (yes, I was sounding the roof before me as we went). Sometimes, I guess things just happen. Nobody's fault... just a hazard of the job. Was Bob a hero?
There was also a water rescue off Old Silver Beach one summer, where a group of people got caught in the rip tide. Among others, FF's Scott Williamson and Doug Sabens were off duty and were at the scene. They managed to find a canoe and went out to help, and eventually all these people got in safely. Is this a heroic act?
There are many other incidents we can think about... some dramatic, and others not. How about the EMT and Paramedic intervention before hospital care, be it cardiac arrest when someone is actually saved, to giving a patient the correct drugs preventing further damage to the heart or brain?
Falmouth's Finest Heroes
As a longtime resident of Falmouth, since February 24, 1964, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting 12 of Falmouth's finest heroes, not that I wanted to under the circumstances.You see, my house was on fire.
As a three-time veteran with 31 years of service in the military and recently returned from Baghdad, truly I now what makes a hero. As I stood outside my home of 30 years one will never know what was going through my mind. But as I watched these brave men answering the call, my adrenaline, anxiety, and stress level were clearly lowering to one of ease. These men clearly showed me how they fight fires on the front lines in America and our communities. You could definitely see how they go to work, leaving behind wives, husbands, or loved ones at home when duty calls, with no regard for themselves. They form a family and bond as brothers and sisters to fight fires, to protect lives and personal property, and sometimes give their own lives for our nation and communities while doing their job. The whole time you could clearly see an orchestrated or Swiss-watch work team and wingman-to-wingman operation above and beyond the call of duty to save my home. As a result of their brave actions, my home was spared and no lives lost.
As they left, I thanked them from the bottom of my heart for saving my home. Their reply was, they were just doing their job and thank God no one was hurt. Truly, that is a hero's reply. I cannot thank you all enough times, but from the bottom of my heart once again, thank you for putting your lives on the line, for the jobs you men and women do in our nation and communities, and for saving my home.
As you all fight on the home front lines, we will continue abroad with deepest respect, admiration, and regards for all you do, Truly, you are all my heroes.
MSgt. Steven O. DeLeon USAFR and Katherine C. DeLeon
Seacoast Shores Boulevard
East Falmouth
Heroes are different things to different people. When I was younger, my Dad was my hero. As I grew, perhaps it became Yaz or Orr, yet I am not sure they ever replaced Dad. When we watch a war movie, it was the person who took the chances, lead the charge, and then died or are wounded at the end. Today, my heroes come in different shapes and forms. What did they do? Why did they do it?
So, are firefighters heroes? Yes... Some of them, not all.
Looking back a few years, I can remember being placed in circumstances where I thought it got a little hairy. Once at a building fire, myself and three other men were on the second floor of a building when the roof collapsed around us. It made for a great picture in the paper, but were we heroes? In the excitement of fighting the fire, and not looking at the big picture around us, we put ourselves in a position to fail. Nobody was inside and the property was going to have to be demolished. Not only that but we put other firefighters at risk because of our actions. Certainly this is not heroic, but foolish. As I have learned, experience will be a great lesson. The photo above is that building we were in (Century Irish Pub, Falmouth).Another incident that comes to mind is a Mutual Aid fire next to the Town Hall in Mashpee. Upon arrival at that incident, we were assigned roof ventilation. While walking the ridge line with three other firefighters, the roof suddenly became soft, and I stepped through the roof with one leg, falling to above my knee. The firefighter behind me (Bob Dutra) grabbed me quickly so I went no deeper. To this day I don't know if I would have stopped or continued to fall. Everything we did right correct. We stuck together as a crew, wore proper protective equipment, and had tools with us (yes, I was sounding the roof before me as we went). Sometimes, I guess things just happen. Nobody's fault... just a hazard of the job. Was Bob a hero?
There was also a water rescue off Old Silver Beach one summer, where a group of people got caught in the rip tide. Among others, FF's Scott Williamson and Doug Sabens were off duty and were at the scene. They managed to find a canoe and went out to help, and eventually all these people got in safely. Is this a heroic act?
There are many other incidents we can think about... some dramatic, and others not. How about the EMT and Paramedic intervention before hospital care, be it cardiac arrest when someone is actually saved, to giving a patient the correct drugs preventing further damage to the heart or brain?
Pessimists, be it in the public or in our department say we are not heroes, but that we did our job. Optimists say anytime someone puts their life in a position to save others it is a heroic act. As I write this, who can forgot Lenny Skutnik, a man I still see jumping into the icy Potomac River, saving life after life for the airliner that crashed? Certainly to me, this man is a hero.
Reading SSgt DeLeon's letter, I can't help but notice his profession... it is not much different than ours. Both firefighters and soldiers have volunteered for public service and protection. When the bell rings we both respond to perform the jobs we selected. Each and every day lives are put on the line in both our professions, so that we can help the cause of others. Are SSgt DeLeon and the other soldiers and airmen heroes?
3.06.2008
What do firefighters do?
Emily, and Proctor friends Hannah, Jenny and Kayla wanted to know...The better question is, what do we not do?
Following my father through his career as a firefighter, I thought that I would be doing a few things. First, I would be able to have perhaps the coolest job in the world. Second, I would be able to help people at perhaps a time of their greatest need. Last, I knew that it would not make me rich, yet it would pay the bills. What firefighters do cannot be easily answered. I guess that this is one of the reasons why I am putting this out to you.
For sure, we respond to protect life, property and the environment. This is done with Ambulances, Engines, Brush Breakers, Boats and Hazardous Materials Response. This includes everything from boo boo's and band aids to cardioversion... as well as diving and ice rescue, ongoing training till retirement, and cooking to courts. Oh yes... not only do we educate ourselves, but we also educate the public.
Some of the other things firefighters do can also be interesting. For instance, if you want to find someone to fix your house, stop by your local fire department. You are sure to find, plumbers and painters, roofers and electricians, and of course for your yard everyone is a landscaper.
Also, looking for directions, a good dinner or place to wet your whistle? Because as we care so much about you, not only will we tell you of the great spots, in younger years we have been known to meet you after our shift, just to be sure your safe and that you enjoy your visit...
Another thing that I am sure of, is that just because it may not be an emergency to us does not mean it is not to you. This being said, we are also very proficient in answering questions. Some of your questions may include things such as; Is the dump open today? Where is the paperboy? My refridgerator light is off, what should I do? What time is the ferry to Martha's Vineyard? Can you get my cat out of a tree? And yes, one time we were even called to see if we offer a dating service. So, when you call us for "educational" reasons, please be prepared for our answer, although sometimes you may not like it.
Although we do not have the proper license, we have also been know to be a taxi service. So, if you need your fix, have a tooth or headache, as well as having foreign substances stuck in places of your body in which you cannot retrive them, we will be kind enough to obligue you with a ride. Oh yes, please remember to be sure that you have insurance because our bill will be coming and I assure you that like the airlines, if you want first class treatment and a high classed ride to the hospital, you just may have to pay a little extra for this...
This being said, I am sure I have missed a few things. But in a nut shell, to answer your question, "What do firefighters do?," we do most anything. Notice I did not say everything, because if I did, we would be called nurses...
For sure, we respond to protect life, property and the environment. This is done with Ambulances, Engines, Brush Breakers, Boats and Hazardous Materials Response. This includes everything from boo boo's and band aids to cardioversion... as well as diving and ice rescue, ongoing training till retirement, and cooking to courts. Oh yes... not only do we educate ourselves, but we also educate the public.
Some of the other things firefighters do can also be interesting. For instance, if you want to find someone to fix your house, stop by your local fire department. You are sure to find, plumbers and painters, roofers and electricians, and of course for your yard everyone is a landscaper.
Also, looking for directions, a good dinner or place to wet your whistle? Because as we care so much about you, not only will we tell you of the great spots, in younger years we have been known to meet you after our shift, just to be sure your safe and that you enjoy your visit...
Another thing that I am sure of, is that just because it may not be an emergency to us does not mean it is not to you. This being said, we are also very proficient in answering questions. Some of your questions may include things such as; Is the dump open today? Where is the paperboy? My refridgerator light is off, what should I do? What time is the ferry to Martha's Vineyard? Can you get my cat out of a tree? And yes, one time we were even called to see if we offer a dating service. So, when you call us for "educational" reasons, please be prepared for our answer, although sometimes you may not like it.
Although we do not have the proper license, we have also been know to be a taxi service. So, if you need your fix, have a tooth or headache, as well as having foreign substances stuck in places of your body in which you cannot retrive them, we will be kind enough to obligue you with a ride. Oh yes, please remember to be sure that you have insurance because our bill will be coming and I assure you that like the airlines, if you want first class treatment and a high classed ride to the hospital, you just may have to pay a little extra for this...
This being said, I am sure I have missed a few things. But in a nut shell, to answer your question, "What do firefighters do?," we do most anything. Notice I did not say everything, because if I did, we would be called nurses...
Our Day
3.5.08
We responded to 21 incidents (we work a 24 hour period, from 0700-0700). This is considered to be a busy day for us, as department wide the FFRD responds to approximately 5, 600 incidents per year.
Our incidents included a few false fire alarms, a couple of motor vehicle accidents, a DOA, and an overdose as well as other normal fire/medical incidents.
Once again we were reminded of how quickly things in life change, and just really what is important. Sadly, one of our incidents involved a middle aged male who fell from the roof of a house, and suffered a severe traumatic injury's involving paralysis.
At this incident I am reminded of just how important it is to work together as a team, as well as being reminded of just how good the firefighters I get to work with are. The only comfort I find in incidents like this are that our patients are treated with the utmost respect and compassion... we treat you no different than what we would want from our loved ones. I wish this man and his family great luck and peace within.
Thinking back, breakfast was normal (oatmeal..mmmm). I don't think we had lunch... and dinner (jambalaya) was late (incidents and Union Meeting).
Thanks to Annie and Craig for helping me set this Blog up tonight. Oh yeah, also Lt. Tim for doing the required FFRD paperwork (my work once again, not his) while also finding time to continue gathering our hockey team stuff for our upcoming "Guns Vs Hoses" charity game against the Falmouth Police Department next month.
3.11.08
When your day is not loaded with Fire and EMS calls, you have to find time to train. So between our 24 runs today (nothing of great interest), the house work and apparatus checks, Annie managed to get us into trouble by putting dinner in at 15:00 so it would be done for 1800... seems the Deputy caught her at a bad time... no worries Annie, like you said, "Isn't a woman suppose to be in the kitchen?" Very quick thinking, Craig is rubbing off on you. Once the training is done and the station duties are complete we have some down time.
Today we talked about brush fires. Yearly we problably go on 20-40 actual brush fires, ranging of various size... from a matter of feet to acres. In prior years we have responded to brush fires in neighboring communities that can last from a couple of hours to days.
Although Tim Bailey is at Station 3, I assume he is thinking about his son that he and Debbie are adopting... or probably thinking more about how they will swing it all financially... I still cannot understand why good people in this world who are trying to save a child and give that child an opportunity have to mortgage their homes and put up retirement money. Shouldn't all this money stay with the family so they give have the dough for their child???
Alan is back with us after his scare... and is at Station 2 (I assume he is breaking in coming back to work easily... after all why risk more injury and we know that's how Murphy manages to stay healthy). I got odds that both trucks will be clean for the ride home tomorrow...
Smitty is going nuts over the hockey team dilemma... and I am laughing my ass off because of this... imagine him accusing me of only doing hockey stuff at work? Seems everyone wants to play now that the PALS event is coming upon us.
Does anyone know if Billy Newton came to work today? I mean really, has anyone seen or heard from Bill?
Station 5 went to line response to panicking Mashpee this morning... I can only imagine that the fan belt that overheated on the roof HVAC must have been very, very, scary for MFD. Like I have said before, what is an emergency to some, may not be to others....
3.13.08
To start the day off right today, I figured we would talk abouth death...
Well, not really death, but more about survival (its the glass half filled-half empty thing). Nobody really likes to have to think about it, but what do we do if we are in a bad spot? How do we protect ourselves? How do we call for a Mayday? What are my responsibilities an Incident Commander? Well, because it is important that we do talk about this stuff a few times a year, what better day than today. That being said, that was our drill. Hopefully it remains a drill...
Smitty is also drilling the guys at Sta 3 and 4 today on our new hose load. The previous loads we have used have worked well, but this concept allows the hose to deploy easier. Group 2 found out how easy the load is to remove from the bed the other day... as did the cars that were 150' behind them as they tried to avoid the hose as the Engine 23 was driving down the road. That's not to bad, as I remember a few years ago Engine 23 was driving down the highway and laid 1,200 feet of 4" line by accident...
Come to think of it, perhaps we will have a Billy Newton siting today.
Kids and Chaos. It is always great to have the little kids come to visit from schools. Today when them came, Smitty was with E23 and E24, Guts went home sick and Jusseaume had to fill his spot at Station 5... oh yeah, and I was "re-revoking" a permit that I pulled the other day (turns out the guy kinda put the fire out and it rekindled). Craig, Allen and Annie got a medical call... I have no idea where Kevin is... again. So, I had to do the tour. I got the sweat out of my eyes, I got the Ladder up and water from the engine.. thank god for the kinder... they always keep you on your toes.
A whopping 10 runs today... boring.
3.19.08
Today we had 17 runs. It was an good day for the HQ crew as one of our calls was for cardiac arrest. I am happy to say that they saved this person, which quite honestly for a cardiac arrest patient it is a remarkable feat and is very rare (this is the Are we Heroes issue again). We all knew Kuwait was a hero, but now Annie, Squints, and Scooby are to.
The rest of the runs are a blur... we did not get to bed at HQ. I wonder if Billy showed up for work?
3.21.08
Today so far we have responded to 14 incidents... and E24 still has not opened its door. Hard to believe the past 86 incidents our shift has responded to, and they have not had one. Thats ok... hose test is coming in October Bill... you can't hide forever.
Nothing earth shattering today... a head on MVA in front of the Gateway apartments challenged us for a while.
3.27.08
Today we responded to 15 incidents... still no sign of E24. That's 101 runs and counting that our group has left Billy behind...
Of the 15 incidents, four of them were incendiary brush fires. Each fire was small, no bigger than 10 by 20, and all of them were set along side the road less than a half mile from each other. This continues the recent trend, with perhaps as many of 10 to 12 fires of this type in the past week.
No Smitty today... he is playing hockey. Wonder if Bill is with him?
3.29.08
Twelve more runs today... make it 115 and counting for E24. Incredible...
They trend on the fires continues. So far tonight we have had one brush fire, and this afternoon we had a fire that is listed as undetermined behind the CVS in East Falmouth. Two trash containers were burning seperately when E25 arrived on location and the fire had extended to the building. Lucky for Guts and Russ... they were on the bone box and missed this one, and Heckle gave us a new meaning to the term "fire prevention" as he was solo on E25. Glen did have a hand at the fire though, as retired FFD firefighter Tommy Moniz helped him pull the line.
Nice chow tonight as Annie cooked her second meal for us... pot roast. Alan is still on his own regarding food, but will power will take its toll as the Dairy Queen is now open.
We responded to 21 incidents (we work a 24 hour period, from 0700-0700). This is considered to be a busy day for us, as department wide the FFRD responds to approximately 5, 600 incidents per year.
Our incidents included a few false fire alarms, a couple of motor vehicle accidents, a DOA, and an overdose as well as other normal fire/medical incidents.
Once again we were reminded of how quickly things in life change, and just really what is important. Sadly, one of our incidents involved a middle aged male who fell from the roof of a house, and suffered a severe traumatic injury's involving paralysis.
At this incident I am reminded of just how important it is to work together as a team, as well as being reminded of just how good the firefighters I get to work with are. The only comfort I find in incidents like this are that our patients are treated with the utmost respect and compassion... we treat you no different than what we would want from our loved ones. I wish this man and his family great luck and peace within.
Thinking back, breakfast was normal (oatmeal..mmmm). I don't think we had lunch... and dinner (jambalaya) was late (incidents and Union Meeting).
Thanks to Annie and Craig for helping me set this Blog up tonight. Oh yeah, also Lt. Tim for doing the required FFRD paperwork (my work once again, not his) while also finding time to continue gathering our hockey team stuff for our upcoming "Guns Vs Hoses" charity game against the Falmouth Police Department next month.
3.11.08
When your day is not loaded with Fire and EMS calls, you have to find time to train. So between our 24 runs today (nothing of great interest), the house work and apparatus checks, Annie managed to get us into trouble by putting dinner in at 15:00 so it would be done for 1800... seems the Deputy caught her at a bad time... no worries Annie, like you said, "Isn't a woman suppose to be in the kitchen?" Very quick thinking, Craig is rubbing off on you. Once the training is done and the station duties are complete we have some down time.
Today we talked about brush fires. Yearly we problably go on 20-40 actual brush fires, ranging of various size... from a matter of feet to acres. In prior years we have responded to brush fires in neighboring communities that can last from a couple of hours to days.
Although Tim Bailey is at Station 3, I assume he is thinking about his son that he and Debbie are adopting... or probably thinking more about how they will swing it all financially... I still cannot understand why good people in this world who are trying to save a child and give that child an opportunity have to mortgage their homes and put up retirement money. Shouldn't all this money stay with the family so they give have the dough for their child???
Alan is back with us after his scare... and is at Station 2 (I assume he is breaking in coming back to work easily... after all why risk more injury and we know that's how Murphy manages to stay healthy). I got odds that both trucks will be clean for the ride home tomorrow...
Smitty is going nuts over the hockey team dilemma... and I am laughing my ass off because of this... imagine him accusing me of only doing hockey stuff at work? Seems everyone wants to play now that the PALS event is coming upon us.
Does anyone know if Billy Newton came to work today? I mean really, has anyone seen or heard from Bill?
Station 5 went to line response to panicking Mashpee this morning... I can only imagine that the fan belt that overheated on the roof HVAC must have been very, very, scary for MFD. Like I have said before, what is an emergency to some, may not be to others....
3.13.08
To start the day off right today, I figured we would talk abouth death...
Well, not really death, but more about survival (its the glass half filled-half empty thing). Nobody really likes to have to think about it, but what do we do if we are in a bad spot? How do we protect ourselves? How do we call for a Mayday? What are my responsibilities an Incident Commander? Well, because it is important that we do talk about this stuff a few times a year, what better day than today. That being said, that was our drill. Hopefully it remains a drill...
Smitty is also drilling the guys at Sta 3 and 4 today on our new hose load. The previous loads we have used have worked well, but this concept allows the hose to deploy easier. Group 2 found out how easy the load is to remove from the bed the other day... as did the cars that were 150' behind them as they tried to avoid the hose as the Engine 23 was driving down the road. That's not to bad, as I remember a few years ago Engine 23 was driving down the highway and laid 1,200 feet of 4" line by accident...
Come to think of it, perhaps we will have a Billy Newton siting today.
Kids and Chaos. It is always great to have the little kids come to visit from schools. Today when them came, Smitty was with E23 and E24, Guts went home sick and Jusseaume had to fill his spot at Station 5... oh yeah, and I was "re-revoking" a permit that I pulled the other day (turns out the guy kinda put the fire out and it rekindled). Craig, Allen and Annie got a medical call... I have no idea where Kevin is... again. So, I had to do the tour. I got the sweat out of my eyes, I got the Ladder up and water from the engine.. thank god for the kinder... they always keep you on your toes.
A whopping 10 runs today... boring.
3.19.08
Today we had 17 runs. It was an good day for the HQ crew as one of our calls was for cardiac arrest. I am happy to say that they saved this person, which quite honestly for a cardiac arrest patient it is a remarkable feat and is very rare (this is the Are we Heroes issue again). We all knew Kuwait was a hero, but now Annie, Squints, and Scooby are to.
The rest of the runs are a blur... we did not get to bed at HQ. I wonder if Billy showed up for work?
3.21.08
Today so far we have responded to 14 incidents... and E24 still has not opened its door. Hard to believe the past 86 incidents our shift has responded to, and they have not had one. Thats ok... hose test is coming in October Bill... you can't hide forever.
Nothing earth shattering today... a head on MVA in front of the Gateway apartments challenged us for a while.
3.27.08
Today we responded to 15 incidents... still no sign of E24. That's 101 runs and counting that our group has left Billy behind...
Of the 15 incidents, four of them were incendiary brush fires. Each fire was small, no bigger than 10 by 20, and all of them were set along side the road less than a half mile from each other. This continues the recent trend, with perhaps as many of 10 to 12 fires of this type in the past week.
No Smitty today... he is playing hockey. Wonder if Bill is with him?
3.29.08
Twelve more runs today... make it 115 and counting for E24. Incredible...
They trend on the fires continues. So far tonight we have had one brush fire, and this afternoon we had a fire that is listed as undetermined behind the CVS in East Falmouth. Two trash containers were burning seperately when E25 arrived on location and the fire had extended to the building. Lucky for Guts and Russ... they were on the bone box and missed this one, and Heckle gave us a new meaning to the term "fire prevention" as he was solo on E25. Glen did have a hand at the fire though, as retired FFD firefighter Tommy Moniz helped him pull the line.
Nice chow tonight as Annie cooked her second meal for us... pot roast. Alan is still on his own regarding food, but will power will take its toll as the Dairy Queen is now open.
3.05.2008
Captain's Log
This is the start of a new era... the happenings of Group 1 in the Falmouth Fire Rescue Department, located on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. I will try to keep this log as up to date as possible, from this day on, until either (1) I retire, (2) I quit or am fired, or (3) I lose interest. Also, to protect the privacy of those citizens we encounter, no names or addresses will be used here.
It has often been said that because of the nature of a firefighters job and those events in which he/she are exposed to, a good book could be written. The intentions of this blog will be that... a way in which people may come to understand our job and the encounters in which we face on a daily basis.
Some of these incidents are rewarding... some of them are not. Sometimes we laugh... sometimes we cry. But, on any given day we can say this... we are human, and as such we do the best with what god has given us. We serve because we care... we care about each other and we care about you.
Group 1 has 13 men and 1 woman assigned to it. As the Captain of this Group, it could be said (ok... it has been said) that, well... I don't do a lot. I try to keep things simple in life, living under the rule of simple job, simple mind. My role is to protect those assigned under me first, and then expand that role outward towards our community. Don't be confused by this. We are firefighters and we are willing to put ourselves at risk to save you. Why, I am not sure, but either you do this or you don't... its fight or flight. But, if we do not take care of ourselves first, how can we take care of you?
Besides watching out for our Groups best interests, my job also includes the normal stuff... doing reports, enforcing fire codes, and the other day to day things a pencil pusher will do. I can still swing a mean mop if I have to, although I am at risk of pulling a hammy at any time... so I usually try to leave that to the younger Jakes.
The best part of my job is that basically I have the latitude to do what I want. Yes, it is true that this once included bringing my Engine Company down to the Heights Beach in the middle of July one year to hand out 911 stickers... and when we got a hit, we lost a firefighter on the crowded beach. Never fear though, the alarm was answered without delay... we were just one guy short for that incident. The firefighter? Oh, yes... as I mentioned we look after each other in the fire service, so no worries, we returned to pick him up a half hour later.
As I continue to deliver my wisdom and own insight, please understand a few things. First and foremost, humor is medicine. It will never be the intention to hurt or embarrass anyone. After serving for over 20 years and still counting, for me medicine does not come only through a pill or a bottle. Realize that we live a life of absolute abnormality. We are always responding to a plea for help after the incident has occurred, therefor we are already at a disadvantage. We have to laugh at ourselves and the position's in which we have put ourselves in because of the profession in which we have chosen... its not your fault, it's ours.
Second, we are a Department of well trained professionals. All of our members are at the minimum basic EMT trained, and about half of us are trained to the Paramedic level. All of us have been through the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (one of which I know was there when the Academy burnt down... no lie) and many of us have Fire Science degrees, as well as other certificates. That being said, I can remember being a young Lieutenant at a structure fire and having to ask a 30 year man why he was pumping to himself (he hooked his discharge up to his intake on the other side of the truck). As I said, we are all human and the good thing was that we knew he would never run out of water...
Third, I love my job. I love the people I work with, and the opportunity in which they have given me to succeed in this life. My job has allowed me to experience such things as delivering babies, understand the real meaning of team and teamwork, face the fear of not only walking into the darkness and heat of flames but also to face the fear of dying myself. Most of all... I have learned how to appreciate life. My job has allowed me to not only be an integral part of my family, but to also be involved in others.
So, I hope this helps you understand what we do. Moreso, I hope you can learn a little and laugh a lot.
It has often been said that because of the nature of a firefighters job and those events in which he/she are exposed to, a good book could be written. The intentions of this blog will be that... a way in which people may come to understand our job and the encounters in which we face on a daily basis.
Some of these incidents are rewarding... some of them are not. Sometimes we laugh... sometimes we cry. But, on any given day we can say this... we are human, and as such we do the best with what god has given us. We serve because we care... we care about each other and we care about you.
Group 1 has 13 men and 1 woman assigned to it. As the Captain of this Group, it could be said (ok... it has been said) that, well... I don't do a lot. I try to keep things simple in life, living under the rule of simple job, simple mind. My role is to protect those assigned under me first, and then expand that role outward towards our community. Don't be confused by this. We are firefighters and we are willing to put ourselves at risk to save you. Why, I am not sure, but either you do this or you don't... its fight or flight. But, if we do not take care of ourselves first, how can we take care of you?
Besides watching out for our Groups best interests, my job also includes the normal stuff... doing reports, enforcing fire codes, and the other day to day things a pencil pusher will do. I can still swing a mean mop if I have to, although I am at risk of pulling a hammy at any time... so I usually try to leave that to the younger Jakes.
The best part of my job is that basically I have the latitude to do what I want. Yes, it is true that this once included bringing my Engine Company down to the Heights Beach in the middle of July one year to hand out 911 stickers... and when we got a hit, we lost a firefighter on the crowded beach. Never fear though, the alarm was answered without delay... we were just one guy short for that incident. The firefighter? Oh, yes... as I mentioned we look after each other in the fire service, so no worries, we returned to pick him up a half hour later.
As I continue to deliver my wisdom and own insight, please understand a few things. First and foremost, humor is medicine. It will never be the intention to hurt or embarrass anyone. After serving for over 20 years and still counting, for me medicine does not come only through a pill or a bottle. Realize that we live a life of absolute abnormality. We are always responding to a plea for help after the incident has occurred, therefor we are already at a disadvantage. We have to laugh at ourselves and the position's in which we have put ourselves in because of the profession in which we have chosen... its not your fault, it's ours.
Second, we are a Department of well trained professionals. All of our members are at the minimum basic EMT trained, and about half of us are trained to the Paramedic level. All of us have been through the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (one of which I know was there when the Academy burnt down... no lie) and many of us have Fire Science degrees, as well as other certificates. That being said, I can remember being a young Lieutenant at a structure fire and having to ask a 30 year man why he was pumping to himself (he hooked his discharge up to his intake on the other side of the truck). As I said, we are all human and the good thing was that we knew he would never run out of water...
Third, I love my job. I love the people I work with, and the opportunity in which they have given me to succeed in this life. My job has allowed me to experience such things as delivering babies, understand the real meaning of team and teamwork, face the fear of not only walking into the darkness and heat of flames but also to face the fear of dying myself. Most of all... I have learned how to appreciate life. My job has allowed me to not only be an integral part of my family, but to also be involved in others.
So, I hope this helps you understand what we do. Moreso, I hope you can learn a little and laugh a lot.
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