Free service to contact others in case of emergencies and get police reports

Passed this on from a friend from the OEM:

I just registered for a great new service. It's called Nixle (www.nixle.com) and you should register too. It immediately connects you to trusted, important information by text message, email, and over the web. By registering, you not only get your police department alerts…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...October 31, 2010

Yes, it's been months since I've written here and I have neglected you firefighternation because we are not allowed to write about ANY fire activities without permission. New SOP. Can't even write about our 5K Race during the summer, or how for the month of October we had story night in the firehouses. We even have a new acting chief who I may add was a fine deputy chief so I think we are going in the right direction, but I…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...August 30, 2010

Where did the month go? Tonight I started finishing my Associates Degree. Only 40 credits to go until I am a Criminal Justice major. At this rate, let's see I will be about 52.

This weekend was pure bliss. On Saturday our FD celebrated our 100th anniversary by hosting a 5K run. Just when morale around the township and the FD couldn't be any lower because of lay-offs, we had an…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...August 15, 2010

Bit of interesting trivia I found out at Mass today at Assumption Church in Morristown. Today is the Feast of the Assumption and during the homily Father Dennis told us something really interesting. He pointed out three incredible stained glass windows over the altar that had scenes of the Virgin Mary.

About 20 years or so there was a fire in the church and the building could not be saved. He said the…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...July 25, 2010

It's been so quiet around here I've had to sniff my gear. LOL

Wildwood in a month and a half!!!!

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...July 29, 2010

There is nothing like a vehicle extrication drill in full turn-out gear in 90 degrees for two hours.

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...Father's Day...June 20, 2010

I would like to say Happy Father's Day to all you guys out there. I would also like to say Happy Father's Day to your fathers, especially the ones who were firefighters, for instilling a passion for bravery and courage in their sons.

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...June 19, 2010

Excuse the lack of proper writing style. I am letting you peek into my brain.

Last night I just couldn't get to see the homebound person and her family that I visit every Friday after work about 20 miles away. I went to bed asking God to please tap me on the shoulder and get my butt out of bed and drive early this morning before my pedicure.

As these things go, ping I was awake at 6:30 and had loads…

It's a warm day in NJ and today begins our Relay for Life event at Mennen Arena. We have a team of about 40 people in support of one of our own who has cancer. Our team was put together last minute but it doesn't matter. We do what we need to do. In a short time we raised over $5,000 for the American Cancer Society.

I am happy to contribute to Relay and looking forward to showing support for someone who has made a real contribution as a firefighter and a police…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...May 26, 2010

Today is my mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Antoinette! I know she is looking down on me. She is the main reason I became a volunteer. Volunteer ffs in Bellport, NY saved her life and it made such a big impression on me. Volunteers lived on my cul-de-sac (like 6 out of 10 homes) and they got a pulse before EMS arrived. She was literally blue, without oxygen for about five minutes. That happened 14 years ago and she's been gone for…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...May 23, 2010

It has been really quiet in terms of calls in the last two weeks. It seems that politics has made its way into so many places in our township, and just like a snake, is lifting its head up in places you don't expect it. Yes, our department and others. Cut-backs and budgets are to blame but what I don't understand is the need to sacrifice safety for dollars. I cannot comment more on this right now.

I am a bit…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...May 7, 2010

Did you ever notice after a structure fire no matter what you eat it tastes the best? And even after you've showered the smell has permeated your skin and hair. And you don't even mind.

Hi guys, I just completed this last night and sent it to the news hoping we get resident participation. If anyone has the time, can you please offer comments. Thank you, your favorite rookie

I am a concerned resident of Morris Township. In the upcoming township meeting on Wednesday, April 21^st, the Township Committee is considering the elimination of our…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...April 16, 2010

Firefighters we need your support in Morris Township.

In an effort to save money, our town is seeking to demote 2 fire inspectors and privatizing fire inspections which will cause 2 junior firefighters to be laid off permanently. Please show your support to the Morris Township Fire Department if you live in northern NJ or can help in any. There is a township meeting this coming Wednesday, 4/21 at 8 P.M. at the…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...April 10, 2010

My little guy has been on the mend from a tonsillectomy and addenoidectomy a week ago and thank goodness it all came together before I started my new job. The weather here in NJ is finally getting warmer, and this week we topped 80 degrees a few days. For me, that means I can get back out into fire duty. Our department forbids us from writing about anything fire department related anymore, but I got to do my FAVORITE I mean…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 31, 2010

Hi guys sorry I haven't written it's been crazy!!!!

Got a job - start 4/12.

Got divorced!!!!! Did the paperwork myself! Hot damn!

I am now Denise Imperiale again!!!!!

Have a great Easter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 11, 2010

Sorry I was advised to remove this post. :(

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 9, 2010

Gosh I can't believe three days have gone by since our pool drill. This is the third year in a row I attended the drill and still I learned something new. I didn't know that you can use pants (regular polyester pants like a police officer would wear) as a flotation device. Simply tie knots in the legs and push water into the waist part. The other thing I didn't remember from last time was the the SCBA is similar to those used in…

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 4, 2010

I have sold many homes in my life but none have made me feel like the one I am selling now. This house was our biggest, had the best property, alot of good karma, and yet provided the most stress because we simply couldn't keep up with the mortgage after awhile (let's not even go into the situations with my daughter in the house that almost made jump from the roof).

Seriously, I read all the time, and hear all the…