It’s been many years since I blogged on this site. Feeling nostalgic on the anniversary of my daughter’s death, I went to Google to read her obit and stumbled upon my old blog and the posting I wrote when she died. I saw a post from a FFN supporter, Brian M., and it brought me back to the memories of support and guidance I have had within the FD and even through this blog. 

I’m two years from 60 so my work for the FD is now social media manager so to speak, and officers…

Hello everyone! I am mortified that I haven't updated my blog in probably a year. I hope all my friends on FFN are well.

I am doing well. I am still a volunteer FF although at my age I am delegated to the Accountability board most of the time and truly happy with that! I even designed my own and last drill got to use one our department received for large structure fire/incidents. I also manage our Facebook page and email campaigns so although I'm not out there so to speak I'm…

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…

Seems like forever, doesn't it?

I am ALIVE and well!!! I hope you are all well to!

Love your friend, Denise

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…

Today was finally a bright and sunny day in NJ. Morris Township and Morristown had a Memorial Day service at my town hall. I didn't expect to go to the service but for some reason I decided today I was going to go.

The Ceremonial Officer was J. Robert Tracy, 86 years old, who for 63 years spoke to the masses gathered at the Green. I got to chat with him before the service started at town hall and he told me he could only speak briefly since he had throat cancer. He didn't…

Hello everyone, when I received an email from Brian M asking how I was since I hadn't blogged, I realized how long it really has been since I did.

I am slowly getting back to being me. The me before all the drama and heartache entered my life in 2007. Looking back, I wouldn't have been able to get through it without knowing I had hundreds of you in my corner, as well as my fire house.

I am still active in the FD and am in charge of our Facebook page and help…

As i write this I realize I finally have the courage to put aside my uneasiness. My writing on this blog was a thorn in my daughter's side. In her childlike way, she thought millions of people read my blog and she didn't want her life and drug use an open book. However, we all know that writing is a form of therapy so I write away on this dreary NJ day.

I cannot say that the last 4 months of my life have been wonderful, but I can say that I continue to grow as a person and…

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...August 29, 2011

I am writing this from my firehouse - tucked away in a back room working because I can plug into the power since we have a generator here. I am happy that I've been able to ramp up my fire calls during my weekends and time away from NYC. Just haven't had time to blog. ;(

I am a member of the OEM and was called to duty Wednesday night in preparation for Hurricane Irene. I was on standby for the hurricane and…

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...June 27, 2011

Taking the Stairs

I work in NYC now and the building construction and equipment is really interesting - some old and some new. What better way to learn about standpipes?

At my last job, I took the stairwell all the time. I walked 5+ flights many times a day-got my energy out. It's so incredibly boring so each time I got to the next flight I would glance at the extinguisher and valves. After all…

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 30, 2011

Two nights ago I held the Accountability Board again. Seems I was born for that board.

My reflections:

• Easy way to remember the A side of the building - it's the address.
• The front door is not always the A side.
• Who took the markers I JUST bought on Sunday? Had to use a ghetto pencil and spit to erase.
• It's so rare to hear someone say, "Thank You." I…