May 2008 Blog Posts (183)

Department of Vehicular Awesomeness

Lemme tell you a story, chilluns.

I grew up in New Jersey. You can get your learner's permit at 16 1/2 there, (at least, you could in 1986...no need to correct me if its changed.....16.5 is waay in my rearview mirror) and you could have your full driver's license, no Cinderella 12am curfew nonsense, at 17.

I took Driver's Ed in 10th grade just like everybody else. I learned to drive in a brand-new dual control Chevette with less than 200 miles on it. It still smelled new… Continue

Added by Kimberly Robinson on May 19, 2008 at 3:19pm — 1 Comment

"More Than Meets The Eye"(my Transformation has begun)

Alot has happened in 6 months.Wife and son left,losing my home,my truck blowing up,etc.But things are happening becuse i'm making them happen.I Using my Training and Knowledge to do it.I got a job as a paid E.M.T.,I'm staying with family when i can,and paying up my debts.Going thru what i am and im about to,plus turning 30 on top of it,Transforming from who i was to who im going to be is hard and slower than i thought it would,but im in it for the long haul.Instead of "surround and drown" my… Continue

Added by Tony Leonard,Jr. on May 19, 2008 at 3:12pm — 3 Comments

Fire Officer Development-- Strengthfinders 2.0

Whether you are currently an officer, or aspiring to be one, understanding your strengths and how they apply to your leadership is important. We will spend several weeks delving into the strengths you bring to an organization. Based on the book Strengthfinders 2.0, this informal course is an opportunity to interact and engage your findings from the book. The key is the application. How do you begin to apply what is learned? We will investigate ways to apply the findings to your department. To… Continue

Added by Michael Finney on May 19, 2008 at 2:28pm — No Comments

I have to put that where?

For any of us that serve on volunteer or rapid deployment units storage of gear can be a real issue. You need to have all of your gear available but you can't look like Paris Hilton with a separate butler to carry all our bags. I'm always on the look out for any tips or pointers that can assist with packing equipment. I recently saw an article on packing for a trip. But, though that it also could apply to gear. I have reprinted the article below. Pleas post any ideas you have or tips you have… Continue

Added by Bruce C Ziebarth on May 19, 2008 at 10:17am — No Comments

EMS WEEK

May 22-24 is National Emergency Medical Services Week, a salute to all who fight fires and save lives, and especially to ALL, EMS personnel, FD, Govt or Private Services, Paramedics, EMT's, First Responders, etc. A salute to my fellow brothers and sisters, many times it is not an easy task, but keep up the great work and stay safe!

Added by Al Lewin on May 19, 2008 at 4:43am — No Comments

A Fireman's Calling

This is your life and we understand,

the challenges you face of being a fireman.

The calls in the middle of the night, when the pager sounds,

in the silence it echoes as your feet quickly scury to the ground.

A kiss and a prayer before you go, not knowing what the night might hold.

A pledge you made to save a life from harm, and put out the fire,

makes your heart feel at peace because you've fulfilled your souls desire.

NEVER GIVE UP THE FIGHT, THERE IS… Continue

Added by scooter69 on May 19, 2008 at 1:35am — 1 Comment

Remember Memorial Day. . .

Memorial Day, coming up on May 26, is not, as some may believe "the official kick off to summer".

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day began in the Civil War era, when women would decorate the graves of the fallen soldiers. It was officially adopted as Memorial Day in 1966 by then President Johnson. The traditional Memorial Day is May 30, but it's fallen victim to those "Monday holidays" and is now the last Monday in May.

Many people seem to have forgotten the real meaning… Continue

Added by Karen on May 18, 2008 at 9:30pm — 1 Comment

How is this possible

I was just wondering how it is possible that a volunteer fire department is not going to let someone on their department after this person has served on this department for 10 years and has been given an honarary membership. this person has had personality conflict with people but isn't that everywhere. this person also was the lead and almost only person involved in a fund raiser that raised the fire department 8000 dollars. he is a master firefighter and emt. so why would this person not be… Continue

Added by Thomas Dean on May 18, 2008 at 9:02pm — 2 Comments

The Continuing Chronicles of the FNG(irl): Snake in The Grass.

I don't consider myself a particularly "girly" girl.....If you see me at a party, nine times out of ten, you'll find me with the guys, shooting pool or playing darts, and telling stories and jokes. You will NOT find me in the kitchen with the catty chicks, who seem to derive some form of pleasure from ripping other women to shreds behind their backs. I've never understood how that's supposed to be "fun".

I don't particularly like to shop, unless I need something specific. If I need… Continue

Added by Mary Ellen Shea on May 18, 2008 at 8:33pm — 25 Comments

I have no ambition.

I HAVE NO AMBITION IN THIS WORLD BUT ONE, AND THAT IS TO BE A FIREMAN. THE POSITION MAY, IN THE EYES OF SOME, APPEAR TO BE A LOWLY ONE; BUT THOSE WHO KNOW THE WORK WHICH A FIREMAN HAS TO DO BELIEVE HIS IS A NOBEL CALLING. OUR PROUDEST MOMENT IS TO SAVE... LIVES. UNDER THE IMPULSE OF SUCH THOUGHTS THE NOBILITY OF THE OCCUPATION THRILLS US AND STIMULATES US TO DEEDS OF DARING, EVEN OF SUPREME SACRIFICE.

Edward F. Crocker
Chief of Department
FDNY
1899-1911

Added by Kenny on May 18, 2008 at 8:10pm — No Comments

Better Yourself

It is not good to settle into a set of opinions. It is a mistake to put forth effort and obtain some understanding and then stop at that. At first putting forth great effort to be sure that you have grasped the basics, then practicing so that they may come to fruition is something that will never stop for your whole lifetime. Do not rely on following the degree of understanding that you have discovered, but simply think, "This is not enough."

One should search throughout his whole… Continue

Added by Kenny on May 18, 2008 at 7:20pm — No Comments

We'll kick ya arse, ya Flyer scum, ha!

Added by Doug on May 18, 2008 at 7:09pm — No Comments

my libertarian thoughts on abortion

I have always felt the government should stay out of out private lives. So the political side of me understood the basic argument behind Row v Wade of a right to privacy and the government had no role in what a woman did with her reproductive choices. But the human side of me always felt that abortion was wrong. It was wrong to create a life and then end it. For years I debated this in my mind, then one day I resolved the issue. Yes there is a right to privacy, but that right is superseded by a… Continue

Added by Rob Fritsche on May 18, 2008 at 3:24pm — 1 Comment

Lets go Pens!!!

Send those Flyers back to Philly crying like babies.

Added by Doug on May 18, 2008 at 12:10pm — 3 Comments

I heard it...

..."I love you!" As a continuation of my first blog I am adding this.

He opened up completely to me lastnight and I now understand his fear or at least hope I have a better understanding anyway. It seems that men, some maybe even all, really are emotional deep within and have a soft side that the exterior hides. And it seems if a man is severely hurt by a woman they have given their heart to it leaves a major scar. So I find myself with a wounded man.

A wounded man who… Continue

Added by Heather on May 18, 2008 at 4:41am — 2 Comments

One of FFN's own has been kidnapped!!!!!

FirefighterNation.com Members,

Listen carefully! We are a group of individuals who represent a small but grammatically correct faction. At this time we have one of your fellow members and bloggers in our possession. Her member name is FASNYtraining, but many of you know her as the FNG(irl). She is currently safe and unharmed but if you want her to see the light of day and her computer keyboard again, you must follow our instructions to the letter.

Here are our… Continue

Added by Engineco913 on May 17, 2008 at 7:30pm — No Comments

The trials and tribulations of dating in the profession

As a new non-firefighter member here I have come to learn many a thing about having a romantic relationship with someone that has chosen this profession. That is actually why I decided to join...as a means of getting advice and opinions about being with a firefighter/EMT/soon to be police officer.

What I have found is that I do have what it takes to be that special someone to an admirable man of this profession. It doesn't quite seem I am the one for this particular man however I… Continue

Added by Heather on May 17, 2008 at 2:02pm — 5 Comments

Home again

Back from Chicago. Wow, we had a blast. Went to the Cubs game and it was a shut out. Enjoyed the Sadium Club 'cause man it was cold in the stands. We had great seats behind home plate 6 rows up. I love going to Chicago but it is good to be home again.

Added by firegirl1 on May 17, 2008 at 1:33pm — No Comments

Parades

Penn.

March
25th Whitaker VFC 1pm Paradw

June
7th Dravosburg VFC, Parade

11th Turtle Creek VFC 5:30PM

July
18thGlassport VFD B.O.B.
19thGlassport VFD Parade 4:00PM

August
9thAll.Co.F.F. Convention will be @ Blaine Hill
Parade 3:30PM
23rd Fire Safety Day on Waterfront

Added by Judi Dixon on May 17, 2008 at 8:39am — No Comments

5 year old collector

Hello the Montreal FD started a patch collection for my son Mathieu and he really liked it so we are working on it . He is a firefighter fanatic He hopes to be a fire chief one day ... Im sure he will...

Added by Stephane on May 16, 2008 at 11:45pm — 1 Comment