The one thing I will always remember about this year's party was how fussy Jacob was. He would not let anyone hold him except me. I even had to eat while holding him.
Until he met Santa....the baby whisperer!
Quinn enjoyed meeting Santa as well.
Showing posts with label fire department. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fire department. Show all posts
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Fire Station Christmas Party
Every year our fire department has its annual Christmas Party. There is usually a catered meal, and all the firefighters (active and retirees) as well as their extended families are invited to attend. The chief gives "years of service" awards for every 5 years of service. The other awards given are "Rookie of the Year", "Fire Fighter of the Year", and "Explorer of the Year" (our explorers are the high school kids). Someone always ends up playing Santa and the young children get to share their wish lists.
The one thing I will always remember about this year's party was how fussy Jacob was. He would not let anyone hold him except me. I even had to eat while holding him.
Until he met Santa....the baby whisperer!
Quinn enjoyed meeting Santa as well.
The one thing I will always remember about this year's party was how fussy Jacob was. He would not let anyone hold him except me. I even had to eat while holding him.
Until he met Santa....the baby whisperer!
Quinn enjoyed meeting Santa as well.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Ladder Truck Training
Every Monday night since October 2004, Buddy has faithfully gone to our fire station for weekly training. Since I joined the department in May of 2006, I have also attended every training except for the times I was on medical leave for my two pregnancies. But even then, I still attended the business meeting held on the first Monday of the month and the EMT training each month to keep my license current. Even on nights when I couldn't participate, I still went and watched or did something non-physical.
This week was one of those nights I was glad I came to observe, because our guys trained with a ladder truck. One of our stations that we run assist calls with recently obtained a ladder truck. This happens to be the station that several of our guys (including our chief) work at when they aren't working at our station, so they decided our guys needed to become familiar with this truck.
Our station also recently got a new engine truck. This is the new Engine 215.
Here is the ladder truck we trained with. Personally I think all fire trucks should be shiny and red, but this truck is pretty sweet.
Quinn and Jacob came along with me.
Quinn, Jacob and I left after Buddy had his turn, but not before Quinn had a chance to explore the fire trucks.
Being a member of the fire department is quite a commitment, knowing that every Monday night is spoken for. It's never something I thought I would ever do, but I am so grateful I have become a part of "The Brotherhood"!
This week was one of those nights I was glad I came to observe, because our guys trained with a ladder truck. One of our stations that we run assist calls with recently obtained a ladder truck. This happens to be the station that several of our guys (including our chief) work at when they aren't working at our station, so they decided our guys needed to become familiar with this truck.
Our station also recently got a new engine truck. This is the new Engine 215.
Here is the ladder truck we trained with. Personally I think all fire trucks should be shiny and red, but this truck is pretty sweet.
Quinn and Jacob came along with me.
These are some of our fire fighters learning in the bucket of the ladder truck. Chris, the guy on the far left is one of our Captains, but he also works full-time at the other fire department, so he knows the ladder truck well. Buddy is second from the right, in the red helmet.
Buddy in action.
Chris took all of our guys up in the bucket and extended the ladder as much as it would go. Buddy is in the bucket for both of these pictures.
Quinn, Jacob and I left after Buddy had his turn, but not before Quinn had a chance to explore the fire trucks.
Being a member of the fire department is quite a commitment, knowing that every Monday night is spoken for. It's never something I thought I would ever do, but I am so grateful I have become a part of "The Brotherhood"!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Santa Run 2009
Each year at Christmas, our fire department does something we call The Santa Run. Basically, we take one of the big fire engines, some candy canes, tins of cookies, and Christmas cards and go visit all of our retirees and families of current members with small children. This is one of my favorite things that we do. Usually we get one of the "new guys"..aka..rookies...to play the part of Santa. We have our own costume and everything. Some drivers will even decorate the truck with Christmas lights. There are plug-ins on the trucks to run different pieces of equipment, so we have a place to plug in the lights.
Side note: Buddy's first year in the department, he got the "honor" of being Santa...we had to stuff him with pillows. Earlier that year, due to lots of intense fire training, he lost a bunch of weight. We called him "Skinny Santa"!!
Anyway, tonight was the Santa Run. Buddy and I used to ride this every year. A lot of our retirees are getting older and have a hard time getting out, and it was always a blessing to hear about how these guys got our department started. So many have passed away since we have joined the station. Of course, it's always fun to see the little kids light up when they see Santa.
The past two years, though, we haven't been involved. Two years ago, I was pregnant, and Buddy stayed home with me...just in case. Last year, I can't remember why Buddy didn't go, but I know I was home with Quinn. Maybe he had a meeting. But I do remember that by the time the truck came by our house, Quinn was asleep already.
Anyway, Buddy was the truck driver tonight. I asked Buddy to be sure to come by our house tonight, since I have something at school tomorrow night. I wanted to see Quinn's reaction. Buddy called and gave me a head's up as they pulled onto our street. I could see the fire truck's lights from the front door, so I grabbed Quinn and we headed outside. He was a little apprehensive at first about "Santa", and would not let Santa hold him. What's funny is that the guy who was dressed as Santa, Michael, is one of Quinn's favorite guys up at the station. Michael even came to see us in the hospital when Quinn was born.
I did manage to get this picture, though. Quinn would not humor me at all and look at the camera. He was too distracted by the lights on the fire truck. Oh well...better than not getting a picture at all.
It's fun to think, that about 15-16 years down the road, Quinn might decide to join the fire department too. Then all three of us could do the Santa Run together.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
You gotta be cool to be this H-O-T
Ok, so I've been a little slack in posting lately. What with extra choir practices for the church musical last weekend, tutoring two days after school, an almost-two-year-old who is wide open, I barely know what day it is. In fact, I wrote this post two weeks ago, and am just now getting around to publishing it.
I've mentioned before how Buddy and I volunteer with our local fire department. We both have our EMT certifications and he is a fully-certified fire fighter. In fact, he has the same credentials as someone who would choose firefighting as their career. Every Monday night we spend several hours at the fire station doing our weekly training. One week we have medical training, two weeks are spent on fire training, and the other week is our business meeting.
Back in November, our station hosted an LP Gas Burn. LP stands for Liquid Petroleum, and is used daily by many people. It could be someone grilling out on their deck with a gas grill. It could be used by a business. It could be traveling up and down the road on transfer trucks. We haven't had a training like this at our station since the first year Buddy was involved. I never got to see this, since at the time, I was not yet involved with the department.
Here are some pictures from the event.
Quinn couldn't help but notice that Daddy looked a little different once he got all his fire gear on.
What do you expect, when Daddy goes from looking as he normally does to this....
As with all fire scenes, whether it is training or an actual situation, you always have to meet with your OIC (Officer in Charge) to get assignments, information, etc. Here, our Captain (guy with clipboard) is letting the guys know which group they will be in.
You start with a couple of large tanks . I know this picture is hard to see, but there are two really large LP tanks. These tanks were actually hooked to a LP truck that pumped the LP into the tanks. Then different valves are opened and lit on fire so the guys could practice putting the fire out.
Now, there were about 30 firemen at this training, so in real life, it might not take this many people. But for training purposes (and to give everyone a chance to practice) there were several firemen on each hose. Two groups were "attack" groups, and the third group was a "safety" group. Basically, they had to push the fire off the tanks so they could get close enough to the tank to turn the valve off.
I was standing pretty far away from the setup, and the heat was so intense. I can't begin to tell you how hot it must have been closer to it.
It certainly makes for some pretty cool pictures!
I've mentioned before how Buddy and I volunteer with our local fire department. We both have our EMT certifications and he is a fully-certified fire fighter. In fact, he has the same credentials as someone who would choose firefighting as their career. Every Monday night we spend several hours at the fire station doing our weekly training. One week we have medical training, two weeks are spent on fire training, and the other week is our business meeting.
Back in November, our station hosted an LP Gas Burn. LP stands for Liquid Petroleum, and is used daily by many people. It could be someone grilling out on their deck with a gas grill. It could be used by a business. It could be traveling up and down the road on transfer trucks. We haven't had a training like this at our station since the first year Buddy was involved. I never got to see this, since at the time, I was not yet involved with the department.
Here are some pictures from the event.
Quinn couldn't help but notice that Daddy looked a little different once he got all his fire gear on.
What do you expect, when Daddy goes from looking as he normally does to this....
As with all fire scenes, whether it is training or an actual situation, you always have to meet with your OIC (Officer in Charge) to get assignments, information, etc. Here, our Captain (guy with clipboard) is letting the guys know which group they will be in.
You start with a couple of large tanks . I know this picture is hard to see, but there are two really large LP tanks. These tanks were actually hooked to a LP truck that pumped the LP into the tanks. Then different valves are opened and lit on fire so the guys could practice putting the fire out.
Now, there were about 30 firemen at this training, so in real life, it might not take this many people. But for training purposes (and to give everyone a chance to practice) there were several firemen on each hose. Two groups were "attack" groups, and the third group was a "safety" group. Basically, they had to push the fire off the tanks so they could get close enough to the tank to turn the valve off.
I was standing pretty far away from the setup, and the heat was so intense. I can't begin to tell you how hot it must have been closer to it.
It certainly makes for some pretty cool pictures!
If only all of our Monday night trainings were this exciting. And I'm sure the guys are glad that the LP Burn was rescheduled for November. We were originally supposed to do this back in the summer!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Fire Prevention Week 2009
This is a public service announcement from your friendly, neighborhood fire-chick!
October 4 - 10, 2009 is Fire Prevention Week. I thought I would share some information about this year's theme, and also give you some handy links, as I know some of you are homeschool mamas. Others of you may simply want to share this with your families, if it is not being included in your child's school. And some of you may just want to read this because it makes good sense to be prepared.
Fire Prevention Week was established to honor and remember the "Great Chicago Fire of 1871." This is the same fire that, according to legend, started because Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern, which caught the barn on fire, which caught the city on fire. While this is not entirely true, 250 people died, and thousands were left homeless. Over 17,000 structures and over 2000 acres were burnt. The fire began in the night on October 8th, but did most of its damage on October 9th. Fire Prevention Week always falls around those two dates.
Some other interesting facts about fires...
In 2008, US Fire Departments responded to almost 400,000 home fires.
Every 81 seconds, a fire department in our country is responding to a fire.
Two-thirds of all home fires are in homes with either a malfunctioning fire alarm or none at all.
Cooking continues to be the leading cause of all home fires.
This year's theme is "Stay Smart: Don't get burned" and focuses on ways you and your family can keep from being burned in a fire.
For example, does your family have a home escape plan? Did you know you need at least two ways to get out of your house? Do your kids know how to get out of their room if they can't leave by the bedroom door?
Do you put all hot foods in the center of the table so they can't be pulled off by little hands?
Do you check the temperature of the bath or shower water?
Are lit candles out of reach of little hands?
Do you allow food cooked from the microwave time to cool before serving it?
Are all smoke alarms are tested by an adult each month...and work every time?
Is there a smoke alarm on every level of your home (and in every bedroom?)
Do your children know what the alarm sounds like, so they would recognize it in the middle of the night?
Visit the Fire Prevention Week website here. On the left side there is a link for teachers, or for kids and families. And those of you who homeschool (or teach in a regular school) will see the lessons are split by age and grade level. There are some pictures you can print off and color as well as helpful sheets for planning an escape plan.
As always, I'm not trying to scare anyone, but it's always better to be prepared! Our department, thankfully, doesn't have to go to too many house fires, but when we do, you can bet that those people weren't expecting their home to go up in flames either.
October 4 - 10, 2009 is Fire Prevention Week. I thought I would share some information about this year's theme, and also give you some handy links, as I know some of you are homeschool mamas. Others of you may simply want to share this with your families, if it is not being included in your child's school. And some of you may just want to read this because it makes good sense to be prepared.
Fire Prevention Week was established to honor and remember the "Great Chicago Fire of 1871." This is the same fire that, according to legend, started because Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern, which caught the barn on fire, which caught the city on fire. While this is not entirely true, 250 people died, and thousands were left homeless. Over 17,000 structures and over 2000 acres were burnt. The fire began in the night on October 8th, but did most of its damage on October 9th. Fire Prevention Week always falls around those two dates.
Some other interesting facts about fires...
In 2008, US Fire Departments responded to almost 400,000 home fires.
Every 81 seconds, a fire department in our country is responding to a fire.
Two-thirds of all home fires are in homes with either a malfunctioning fire alarm or none at all.
Cooking continues to be the leading cause of all home fires.
This year's theme is "Stay Smart: Don't get burned" and focuses on ways you and your family can keep from being burned in a fire.
For example, does your family have a home escape plan? Did you know you need at least two ways to get out of your house? Do your kids know how to get out of their room if they can't leave by the bedroom door?
Do you put all hot foods in the center of the table so they can't be pulled off by little hands?
Do you check the temperature of the bath or shower water?
Are lit candles out of reach of little hands?
Do you allow food cooked from the microwave time to cool before serving it?
Are all smoke alarms are tested by an adult each month...and work every time?
Is there a smoke alarm on every level of your home (and in every bedroom?)
Do your children know what the alarm sounds like, so they would recognize it in the middle of the night?
Visit the Fire Prevention Week website here. On the left side there is a link for teachers, or for kids and families. And those of you who homeschool (or teach in a regular school) will see the lessons are split by age and grade level. There are some pictures you can print off and color as well as helpful sheets for planning an escape plan.
As always, I'm not trying to scare anyone, but it's always better to be prepared! Our department, thankfully, doesn't have to go to too many house fires, but when we do, you can bet that those people weren't expecting their home to go up in flames either.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Fire Prevention Week
Since Buddy and I are both Volunteer Firefighters/EMTs, I feel led to mention that October 5-11, 2008 is Fire Prevention Week.
Fire Prevention Week was originally created to commemorate The Great Chicago Fire, that did the majority of its damage on October 9, 1871. Legend says that "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow" kicked over a lamp, setting a barn on fire, which in turn set the city on fire.
This year's theme is Prevent Home Fires. Cooking fires are the #1 cause of fires in the home, mostly due to unattended cooking.
Does your family have an escape plan in place? Do you know where the family would meet should the unthinkable happen? Do your kids know 2 ways to get out of their bedroom? (Hopefully there is a window.) Do your kids even know what the smoke alarm sounds like?
This would be a great week to sit down with your family and talk over some of these questions. Come up with a family plan....wouldn't you rather be prepared, instead of something like this catch you off-guard?
The next time you ride by your local fire department, stop by and take a look around. Our members love showing the trucks to families that stop by.
To learn more about Fire Prevention week, or to get ideas, lesson plans, etc, just click here.
Fire Prevention Week was originally created to commemorate The Great Chicago Fire, that did the majority of its damage on October 9, 1871. Legend says that "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow" kicked over a lamp, setting a barn on fire, which in turn set the city on fire.
This year's theme is Prevent Home Fires. Cooking fires are the #1 cause of fires in the home, mostly due to unattended cooking.
Does your family have an escape plan in place? Do you know where the family would meet should the unthinkable happen? Do your kids know 2 ways to get out of their bedroom? (Hopefully there is a window.) Do your kids even know what the smoke alarm sounds like?
This would be a great week to sit down with your family and talk over some of these questions. Come up with a family plan....wouldn't you rather be prepared, instead of something like this catch you off-guard?
The next time you ride by your local fire department, stop by and take a look around. Our members love showing the trucks to families that stop by.
To learn more about Fire Prevention week, or to get ideas, lesson plans, etc, just click here.
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