All Blog Posts (7,007)

That which doesnt kill us, makes us stronger

Calling in sick to work makes me uncomfortable. No matter how legitimate my excuse, I always get the feeling that my boss thinks I'm lying.

On one recent occasion, I had a valid reason but lied anyway, because the truth was just too darned humiliating. I simply mentioned that I had

sustained a head injury, and I hoped I would feel up to coming in the next day. By then, I reasoned, I could think up a doozy to explain the bandage on the top of my head. The accident…

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Added by fireheart on December 16, 2007 at 11:59am — 4 Comments

TIS THE SEASON

multiple fire's on Cape Ann in the last two weeks.

http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_349150459.html

CHECK OUT the video of the 8 alarm response in Gloucester 15 DEC, 2007 in my video's.

My crew was operating a hand line in a side parking lot and just get out of the way of a falling chimney. I was kneeling down on the hand line working the nozzle when it came down.

Added by RYAN L. on December 15, 2007 at 11:35pm — No Comments

Third Time's the Charm?

So, I had my third interview today. It also included a written exam and physical agility test. All of it went well, I think. I have had a curious sense of peace and satisfaction all day today, as well as a hint of soreness in my glutes from climbing ladders...that included the 80 foot aerial. What a rush THAT was! I wanted to stop at the top and look around for a bit, but it was COLD up there! If I had wiggled a bit, the ladder belt would have slipped down around my knees; guess they're made… Continue

Added by Stephanie on December 15, 2007 at 11:10pm — 3 Comments

TRAINS, WRECKS AND AUTOMOBILES.....

Can somebody please tell me what is up with people who think that they can still beat a train when the arms are in the down position and you can probably see the train coming???? We have had to auto extrications in less than two months and I connot figure out what these people are thinking. Anybody out there have any insite??

Added by Tommy on December 15, 2007 at 6:20pm — 4 Comments

Making preparations

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING

TO 7 AM EST MONDAY.

SNOW IS EXPECTED TO OVERSPREAD THE REGION THIS EVENING. THE SNOW WILL INCREASE IN INTENSITY BY LATE EVENING AND THEN BEGIN TO MIX WITH SLEET BY AROUND MIDNIGHT. THE PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE TO ALL SLEET FOR SEVERAL HOURS LATE TONIGHT AND SUNDAY

MORNING. MIXED PRECIPITATION WILL CHANGE BACK TO ALL SNOW BY SUNDAY AFTERNOON. STORM TOTAL SNOW AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS BY EARLY MONDAY…

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Added by Joe Stoltz on December 15, 2007 at 5:55pm — 5 Comments

Talk About A Manic Monday!

Monday morning seemed to me to be a typical morning for me. As I was driving my kids to school at the typical 55-60 mph that's allowed, tones are dropped for 2 MVA's at opposite ends of our run area. Fortunately, the station is right down the road from my daughter's school, so I dropped her off and went to the station. 1 of the 2 MVA's are reported to have no injuries or entrapment, so we roll our crash truck and quick attack truck to the other MVA at the far end of our district. So, here we…

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Added by Glen on December 15, 2007 at 5:12pm — No Comments

Why do you do this job?

This is a question I ask my recruits when I start a new class...

Why do you want to be a firefighter? When I started it was different than today. We joined to help people and to aid the department. Today it seems that most of the new (younger) members feel that we shoud give them everything for joining the department. I know that I will get RIPPED for this but its true. When I started you kept your mouth shut, gave respect to the leaders of the department, and did what you were told…

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Added by Ron Maddox on December 15, 2007 at 3:47pm — 5 Comments

Group Home Fire in Philly Kills 1

SHOP TALK: Fire at group home in Philadelphia kills 1, injures 2

The Associated Press…

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Added by Dennis on December 15, 2007 at 2:42pm — 1 Comment

going crazy as some would say in rebuttle its a short drive

sitting on station at the big town of bright indiana, it snowed 2 inches and then sleeted for a while now its raining. everyone around us are all getting calls, tones are dropping left and right and we haven't had one call yet. all i want is a good 1050,is that so bad or too much to ask for i know thats nasty bad wishing but that's what i live for, not really but i would like some action.

Added by sharon cleary-fanning on December 15, 2007 at 12:17pm — 1 Comment

Fire Department Chain of Command

Chief

Leaps short buildings with a single bound.

Is more powerful than a ladder truck.

Is faster than a speeding bullet.

Walks on water.

Gives Policy to GOD.

Deputy Chief

Leaps short buildings with a single bound.

Is more powerful than a pumper.

Is just as fast as a speeding bullet.

Walks on water if sea is calm.

Talks with GOD.

Assistant Chief

Leaps short buildings with a running start and favorable winds.

Is almost as… Continue

Added by Brandon on December 15, 2007 at 9:52am — 2 Comments

Brotherhood

I'm glad to see a site for fire and EMS personnel finaly. Just a place for us to hang out online. Career, volunteer, paid oncall, you name it. Let's do our part to not only keep our brotherhood alive, but make it stronger. I have been part of both all volunteer departments and combination departments with both career and volunteer. In the combination department, there were some issues between the volunteers and some of the career personnel. It's quite saddening really. We were all there to do… Continue

Added by Bryan on December 14, 2007 at 11:21pm — 1 Comment

Snow

another night at the house and snow is on it's way, so here we go up all night run like crazy, but what i'm i saying we love this crap thats why we are here. for all you others getting snow tonight be safe and have a good night.

DoRK

Added by Dork02 on December 14, 2007 at 11:07pm — No Comments

Call of duty

As the bell rings on any day,

We leave our station with few words to say,

We don our gear and roll on our way,

Not thinking twice that it is Christmas day,

We roll on scene with our sirens and lights,

only to find a dizzying sight,

A house is burning with intense flames and heat,

A lady comes running with tears in her eyes

"My child is still inside!" she screams and then breaks down and crys,

The first team goes…

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Added by Jeremy Phillips on December 14, 2007 at 5:33pm — 4 Comments

Firefighters Wife's Prayer

Lord I thank you for my husband. This firefighter that I love. Give me strength to give him support with your guidance from above. Make me a good partner, attentative listener, my husband's best friend. When I chose him I chose a firefighter, and the job on which we depend. Lord, keep my firefighter safe when our plan's have gone awry, Answering an emergency call with a life or death cry. Keep the gusting winds and raging flames from being his final fate. Help me cope with the trauma of being a… Continue

Added by Yvette on December 14, 2007 at 4:00pm — No Comments

NEW PHILLY FIREBOAT HITS THE WAVES

PHILLY'S NEW FIREBOAT INDEPENDENCE

This is a shot of two of the older boats, Boat 2 and a reserve boat tied up at Boat 2's station.…

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Added by Dennis on December 14, 2007 at 3:38pm — 2 Comments

Hello

To anyone who reads this:

Just a hello. Read on, im new to this any questions or anything you want to know about me feel free to message- of IM me (aol.aim) Firebrat993.

Happy Holidays

Stay safe, stay low

Added by Courtney on December 14, 2007 at 11:30am — No Comments

retirement home fire

we had a ritirement home fire early this morning, had to evacuate over 90 people.It was all started by one of the residents smoking while using oxygen thru a nasal canular. Has any body out there heard of other fires being started this way??. Just curious if this only happens in maine, this is like the third fire this year that has been started this way.

Added by ben thompson on December 14, 2007 at 11:07am — No Comments

I Have Finally Settled

If you have AIM, go ahead and add me as a pal. My sn is LiilMiizLolo.

Added by Laura on December 14, 2007 at 2:50am — No Comments

Cameron C. Carter

Even though we are continuing the search for firefighter/paramedic Cameron Carter, there will be a "Celebration of his Life" on Saturday.

Kenai resident Cameron C. Carter was reported missing Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, when the LifeGuard helicopter he was working on as the flight paramedic was reported missing in Prince William Sound near Whittier. Following an seven-day search, no survivors were found and it is presumed he made the ultimate sacrifice. He was 24.

A…

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Added by Pam on December 13, 2007 at 8:56pm — 2 Comments