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.

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

Verizon customers: Go to this link and put in your work email address. You may be able to get 10% off your cell phone bill like I did. http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/employee/emaildomainauthentication.jsp

I was told by Facebook friends that it works if you…

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

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter and Concerned Mom...February 19, 2011

Has anyone heard of the cigarette thingie called Disposable ECIG? My 17 year old son and his friends have all bought them, since they have no tar but they do have nicotine. I warned them all that since they are not FDA approved they could be dangerous. The warning says no more than puffs than 15 per hour. Here's the website http://www.logicecig.com.

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 19, 2011

Today I learned that you can't have a ferris wheel in the same parking lot as a building with solar panels. I don't know why though.

Also, how come the tops of fire hydrants are painted white (the bottom are red) and not flourescent colored paint?

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

To all my loyal readers: I've decided not to take this blog to a different site. Only you guys truly understand my past, present, and future.

Today was my first experience hearing the fire alarm at work. The sound was brief, but loud enough for me to get up from my desk, grab my coat and pocketbook and head out of the maze of cubes into the main hallway. Only about three other people followed including one…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...Yes it's still February 5, 2011

I just got an exciting offer from an online publication to write a regular column for them - it would be taking Notes from a Rookie Firefighter to a whole new level. Have to ask my Chief! OMG what if I get writer's block?

PS Imagine if I could really write what I wanted to. LOL

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

Since I've moved, I am about 4 miles from my fire house. However, there's another smaller station in our department less than one mile away.  I finally decided today, amidst the urging of many firefighters, to try to make some calls at the closer fire house to get my percentage up. So today I did that. I still missed the truck, but I felt a renewed sense of enthusiasm. I can't explain why though.

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

I am passing along this link for gloves that have been recalled.

 …

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...January 29, 2011

Today is clear off a hydrant day at the firehouse. I even noticed in one of the online newspapers an opportunity for residents to get a free coffee for doing it to help the fire department out. I remember last year doing the clean off with my captain and driving through the complex that I now live in. There were alot of residents parking in the fire lanes.

I guess people see snow and don't think fire. But they…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...December 21, 2010

Can you believe it?  On Sunday we had our Santa Run and thank the Lord the weather held at about 30 degrees.  What a blast!  I sat between two guys and learned so much:  how to spot a deer in the wood, slaughter it, etc.; what men like in women; views on divorce; and just other fun stuff a sheltered Catholic women wouldn't know.

What knowledge! 

And there was the first call for a brush fire…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...December 1, 2010

I went to a drill the other night (can you believe I am blogging about it - you didn't hear it from me!!!!) about escape ropes and harnesses. The speaker was a retired firefighter from W. Milford and he spoke about the proper use of escape ropes to save down firefighters. Unfortunately, all his examples were of firefighter deaths that could have been prevented if the team had the proper training.

I learned what…

Before I forget...Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Here's the question: What do you do with 9 male and 1 female 15 year old relig ed students on a Sunday night at 6:30? Subject is fire (for you Catholics we are prepping for Confirmation and were talking about the Holy Spirit). Stumped? Here's what I did - you will all get a laugh.

First, brought a huge pizza with me. Get them quiet with carbs.

Set up obstacles in the room we were in, shut down all…