Year Three.....

Two years ago, September, is when I offiically joined EPFD as rookie. I remember hanging out at station 1 for the "quarterly business meeting" and group/station bi-annual photograph.

We have another set of rookies starting this month so the "probie" torch can finally be passed along.

WOrking out of station #4 has been great but the west side is definitly on the short end of the stick when it comes to call volume.

I picked up my "Apparatus Operator" badge/sticker this week which has it pro's and con's. I get to drive and operate (pro) and I get to drive and operate (con).....only a con when there is a working fire.

Garage fire

Okay. Here it is 1:30am and I have been sitting in E41 for two hours. We were the 4th engine in and I was the operator so I am stuck back here, a block from the action. Oh well, you do what you can to help.



But the worst part is I tripped running into the station and dropped my iPhone......let's just say I am writing this with a shattered screen on my phone. This will surly cost me.

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FAO Annual

I am sitting back seat after driving Tower 41 through the obstacle course.
1. Backing in to a loading dock
2. Serpentine course in forward, backward, left and right
3. Backing into an alley that narrows to the width of the tires

Then it is off to do the same stuff in the engine.

I am finally done with this training.... Just need the Chiefs Signature.


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A whole new perspective

Last night I had the privilege of sharing our fire engine at Camp Edenwood which is a great facility hidden in the woods of Eden Prairie that provides week long camping for children with special needs. Last night we had over 20 kids, each with their own special situation. Seeing their genuine excitement in learning about the trucks and what we do as fire fighters.

One boy was totally blind and took his time to feel the truck, the hose, water to explore. Another was mute and pointed to every button, switch and pedal wanting to know more about the truck. and my favorite was Sam, she was passionate about wearing the jacket and gear. When I went to ask for it she wrapped her arms around my neck as to say....I am coming with you.

I was really cool to see how happy and how much fun they had........definitely a great part to the job.

House Blessing

Last weekend T41 was asked to join a house party. It was actually a house blessing as this house was hit by lightening last year during an evening of wicked storms.

The amount of gratitude from the family and friends for our efforts was really nice. For me, I love being able to help but to be honest it is the challenge, the risk and rush..... But to see the benefits first hand puts on a whole new perspective.



Ironically, we were pages out during the blessing for a weather standby.
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Sewing Machine

You never know what you'll come across during a response. Last night we had a call for a parking lot fire. We thought maybe a biffy fire..... But upon arrival it was a sewing machine. Turns out it was inside a plastic dumpster so there was a pool of molten plastic.

Ironically, we had a second fire pm the east of the park too.


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A lot to catch up.

I have a lot of catch up to do as it relates to the fire department. Let's see, last week:
Wednesday - Finished my FAO training & test. Thanks to LT 10, I was able to squeeze my testing on Engine 41 & Tower 41 around a PI.
Wednesday - PI on 212 just east of station. 4. Took my first right seat role and we ended up providing some patient care on three patients involved in two different cars (See photo).
Spent the weekend up at the cabin and came back to help support Eden Prairie during the annual 4th of July celebration.
Sunday: Spent a few hours in the afternoon helping kids shoot a fire hose at the "Squirt House" and a few more hours educating kids (and parents) in the "Safety Trailer".
Sunday: In between shifts I joined station 1 on car fire. Was able to be on the nozzel for the suppression.
Sunday: Came back and spent the evening on Enine 12. Ended up assisting with a medical heat exhaustion and then cardiac following the fire works.

Busy day(s).