Hello everyone!

Yesterday I was at my firehouse in the parking lot and a member of the OEM was in his truck. He was waiting for the word to drive some water to a nearby neighborhood whose residents couldn't get off their street. I am a member of the OEM but since I am also a volunteer FF, I seldom get to do OEM work during an incident. We were chatting and I mentioned that I was basically camped out at the firehouse. He said, "playing den mother?" Boy, I was insulted but being…

this song got me through the academy 5 years ago. just wanted to share it since my daughter had sent it to me back then.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7Em4fUOrZo

i was feeling sad tonight and it just popped up on my screen.

just had to tell someone who would understand the lyrics.

Yesterday the department had a barbeque in the hopes of recruiting some new members to the fire department. Although only a handful of new people came by for a hot dog or burger, it was loads of fun. I guess looking back the reason it was fun was because no one complained about the department or SOPs or gear that's not new. The guys put up the ladder and demonstrated with some of our junior program members the proper techniques for climbing the ladder. There is something to be said for kids…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...September 3, 2011

RIP

Siena Broesler

3/1/91-9/2/11

May you rest in peace

Love you always Mom

I lost the war on drugs.

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...July 26, 2011

A fellow firefighter and army vet, Amery Vasso, has asked me to help publish this link. Amery is going to Haiti in October to help dig for water. Here's the link if you can consider donating to this worthy cause:

http://grouprev.com/amerycleanwater

Thanks!

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...July 26, 2011

1. How can I block someone from reading my blogs so I can go back to posting?
2. How can I block someone from reading my blogs so I don't get questioned about my posting?
3. PS it's a personal issue not a fire department management one.

HELP!

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...May 18, 2011

This is a lame question no doubt.

How can you tell by looking at an alarm panel that a smoke detector head needs to be cleaned out?

I told you it was lame.

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...May 16, 2011

Yesterday was my first experience at Live Burn training at the Union County Fire Academy.

I was the accountability officer and participated in the clean-up. Even though I didn't head into the structure it was so beneficial that I was there. Everything from my initial training was enforced because if it is your first time at live burn training (I was with alot of the newer guys) it's like an entirely new learning…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...May 5, 2011

Have you all wondered what's happened to me?

I am working with no contract like many of you guys have had to do. I totally understand your pain. It's given me an ulcer and anxiety.

However, on a good note, I am seeing consistently that I am worth more and it will be just a matter of time before someone snaps me up and I can dive right into their internet experience.

Give me a laptop…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...April 3, 2011

So your fire company is not techi? How about sending something like this to your email list and/or members, or use it for your fund drive.

Fairchild Fire Company Pancake Breakfast - Save the…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...April 2, 2011

Yesterday a great friend said my mind never stops. And, she is definitely right. I'd like to share something with all of you that may help reduce some of your car insurance costs or other rates that have been raised and you didn't understand why.

Last year I sold my home in a short sale. Incredible medical expenses, loss of employment, reduction in hours and pay of my ex-husband's salary, and a horrible…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 23, 2011

I wonder why I am totally in fear of our upcoming switch-over to a new radio system.

I thought my chief was talking in riddles last night at the drill. I can't tell a difference from one tone to another. Eating another bowl of ice cream...

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 22, 2011

I am thankful for all that I have but like most people, it's a fleeting thought that passes in a moment of quiet prayer. Every once in a while though I need to reinforce being thankful for where I was and where I am now.

I visited the Market St. Mission Thrift Shop on Saturday afternoon. I feel like the place is full of alot of positive energy. The thrift shop's workers are mostly volunteers who were helped at…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 20, 2011

Atheists Beware LOL

Yesterday was my CCD class's Confirmation Day. I was thinking how sometimes God gives you something like a GREAT class of kids to keep you motivated. This year was supposed to be my first year off in about ten years of instruction but then a class needed an instructor and there I was.

If you ever get an opportunity to work with a group of teens, you don't…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 15, 2011

Note to self. It's 2 days now and I guess have to wash the smell of smoke from my hair tomorrow.

Darn.

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 8, 2011

My fund drive letter was a success!!!!! I am now going to work on a new website and email campaign. It's been my dream to raise a huge amount of money for the fire department. It's a good day.

Hi guys,

I'm working to revamp our company's funddrive letter. If any of you have a successful one can you please send me a copy? I would like to see what language brings funds.

Thanks for all your help.

Denise

deeimperiale@gmail.com

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 2, 2011

I've been waiting days to sit and write this blog post, deciding whether or not it's appropriate for any type of forum. However, this morning I've decided the heck with it I'm writing it.

We all know that stress is among the #1 killer for people in emergency services. Being a perpetual rookie firefighter, you may think, "What kind of stress can she have?" We all fight different types of stress and cannot control…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 1, 2011

Last night we learned how to use a Pak-Tracker. The purpose of a Pak-Tracker is to find a firefighter who is down in a structure. What I learned is that you take the device and move slowly (hard for me to do with my ADHD LOL) in a half circle. When the number starts to rise you take a few steps in that direction and then do…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 21, 2011

Dig this guy!!!! I did LOL