September is the new January.

At least when it comes to new beginnings. Besides school getting a fresh start it seems the fire department get its start in September. We picked up 10 new rookies this month….which gave me a chance to review my first post under this blog. Actually, station 4 picked up one rookie so now we are up to…..14 or 15?

Last few weeks have been very slow. I can’t think of the last call I was on where I actually ‘worked’ a scene. However, from the training perspective it has been busy and the preparation for the Oct 9th Open House.

This week is the physical agility test (annually)…..4:58 seconds is the goal.

Bi-annual photo

 

This past Thursday we had our quarterly business review. Beforehand we had 95 firefighters, all dressed in class-A get our department and station photo.

The business review meeting covered the retirement of CH4; a few promotions and a couple of 10 year service awards (plus a 25 service year award. Listening to the accomplishments of the department over 25 years, the bonds of family and friendship and the opportunity of servicing the community just validates the reason i joined the department two years ago. I wonderer what the deparment will look like in another 23 years?

Training Operations

Wednesday evening I participated in a multi ciy training event at the burn tower in Edina. Participating cities included Edina, Hopkins, Bloomington, Edina, Minnetonka and St. Louis Park. The scenario was to test, practice and learn how to manage and function in a large scale multi-jurisdiction call.

Our scenario was a multi-family, multi-story fire (7 storey apartment fire). We were the 3rd apparatus in and took T21 to ladder and ventilate. The problem was, it took us three tries before we could actually get our vehicle positioned to reach the part of the roof requiring ventilation. Embarrassing, problematic but a good learning experience. Fortunately i was not operating but felt the pain and learned the lesson.

In the end we got the job done. Overall this was a great training experience.

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.