Concord, NH Fire/Battalion 3

Asbestos

2009-08-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

I was recently contacted by Jesse Herman, who is the awareness coordinator at the Mesothelioma Cancer Center. He has been reaching out to fire fighter bloggers in an effort to get their message out with regards to asbestos, and in lieu of the work that is in progerss at the "Capital Plaza" complex with the asbestos removal, his timing couldn't have been any better. The following article is one he has forwarded to me. If you would like some more info on the subject you can visit their site at www.asbestos.com. They have a lot of good information to read through.

His text is as follows:

Asbestos Exposure a Concern for Firefighters

The life of a firefighter brings many potential threats that can be easy or hard to see. Kids at a very young age realize the profession itself takes a great deal of courage. But the reality of the profession, along with so many things in life, is not always so appetizing. One of the hidden threats that are not so glamorous is asbestos exposure.
Firefighters are exposed to many risks on a daily basis, but one that can go unnoticed is the danger of asbestos exposure. A naturally-occurring mineral, asbestos was used throughout the 20th century in a number of industrial, military and construction applications due to its innate resistance to fire and highly durable qualities.
The threat of asbestos for firefighters is subtle and there are seldom warning signs to allow a firefighter to know whether they are or have been exposed to asbestos. Firefighters who have been exposed to asbestos usually have been in situations where they had reasons to believe they are safe.
The mineral was mixed into paint, combined with cellulose to make fiberboard and wallboard, mixed with cement to make siding shingles and formed into felt for use as roof felting and backings on vinyl flooring. Asbestos was even used in joint compound, which was used in dozens of different kinds of applications.
Tips and Important Info

The mere presence of asbestos in a home or a building is not hazardous. Most professionals suggest leaving the asbestos alone. If a firefighter located any asbestos, the best thing to do is leave it un-disturbed, as this will not allow its fibers to become airborne.

Any home or building built before 1980 has a good chance of still containing asbestos. Even firehouses should be inspected for asbestos as many of them were constructed prior to any asbestos ban.

The inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to the development of a rare, but severe form of asbestos lung cancer known as mesothelioma. Due to the fact that symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to less serious conditions, diagnosis is a difficult task for physicians. Mesothelioma has and continues to affect firefighters who were unknowingly exposed while on duty. Mesothelioma diagnosis has been a difficult task because many of its symptoms appear in other less serious conditions.

In the case of a fire, asbestos fibers get released and when breathed in, can scar the lungs. While asbestos has been banned for most of its uses since the early 1980s, there is still a probability that asbestos fibers can be released in the air. This can only happen when asbestos-laden materials are deteriorated or broken down.

If you are a firefighter and believe you have experienced asbestos exposure, it is important to receive regular screenings by physicians to identify a possible disease. It should be known asbestos exposure does not always lead to a disease, but because the latency periods associated with asbestos illnesses can last 20 to 50 years, a regular check up is advisable.

Portsmouth St. fire

2009-02-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

Jan 30, 2009

At 2250 hrs. Engines 1, 4, 5, Tower 1, Ambulances 4, 5, and BC were dispatched to 5 Portsmouth St. for a reported couch fire. Engie 7 was assisting Ambulance 7 with a medical transport, making Engine 1 the first due piece into 7's ditrict. The BC was the first to arrive, reporting heavy smoke coming from a 2 story SFD with an attached single story "L". Engine 1 made an aggressive attack on the fire while Tower 1 performed vertical ventilation. After about 20 minutes, the fire was controled, and companies were searching for extension into the main structure. Central companies made fast work with their attack, and contained the fire to the "L" section of the house.
This was a good fire to play "What if" with, because typically Engine 1 is out of service during the night shifts due to budget restaints. Had that been the case on this night, Engine 4 would have been first due, making their arrival another 4 minutes later. Without a doudt, this particular fire would have flashed with companies very near, or worst, inside the structure, and extension would have been more probable as well. If this pracrice is continued for a lenghty period of time, the above scenario is bound to pop up at some point. Something has to happen to change this practice, and I pray that it isn't the loss of a fellow Brother or Sister..

STAY SAFE

I will attempt to track down some pictures later this week.

Chief Andrus in action?

2009-01-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

All I can say is WOW! Since the arrival of our new fire chief, there have been a few building fires in the city, at which he has been able to operate, and showcase his skills. He was caught on video during one of those fires, and this is a clip of him in action. Or at least I think it's him. It could be my good friend Brother Souther. It's hard to tell with all the gear he's wearing, and the speed at which he is moving. Anyway, enjoy the clip.

Ice storm

2008-12-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

Beginning late Thursday evening, and on into the early hours of Friday, an ice storm came through the northeast, covering everything with ice. Some areas had as much as a 1/2 inch. Everything from trees to power lines and poles were falling, creating a mess. An estimated 450,000 residents lost there power, and as of today, three days later, there are still a couple hundred thousand residents still powerless.

Between midnight and 7 a.m., battalion 2 responded to 24 bells, and when battalion 3 releived them we answered another 41 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oddly enough, there were very few mvc's. A majority of the calls were for wires down, transformers burning, and water in the basement. I think the two day total for responses from the storm are somewhere around 150. I didn't get any pictures, but WMUR 9 news has a slide show with some very impressive photos. Here is the link

http://www.wmur.com/weather/18255928/detail.html?widgetId=55963

If you have any pictures, please forward them to me, and Iwill post them on here.

Flashover demo video

2008-12-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

This is probably one of the better flashover videos I have seen, and now tha I know how to embed videos (thanks to our resident Senator), I can now post it. Enjoy the show.

Top Secret info!!!!!!!!

2008-12-11T16:02:00.000-08:00

SHHH!!! If you decide to read this article, you have to promise not to let anyone know what you know after you are "in the know"'. Especially the ones who know, cause' they don't know that we know. You know?

While working at the Manor station today, we were privy to a sneak peak at the future of the fire service. What we had seen will undoudtedly change the fire service forever (we think). We were kept in the dark for the most part, but were able to put our collective thinking caps on, and theorize about this "NEW and IMPROVED" way of fighting fires.

When fighting the beast the most important weapon in a firefighters arsenal is water. If that water is applied incorrectly, the thermal balance will be disrupted. But WHAT IF we were able to use cold AND hot water. The cold water being applied at the base of the fire, while simultaneously applying hot water to the ceiling. The possibilities of this new attack could be endless (or not), one of which could be a minimal agitation of the thermal layers. Now this is just our theory. After all, we were not permitted to hear the in-depth discusions between those involved with the experiment.

If this new technique somehow takes off unexpectedly, and you find yourself sitting in a classroom nodding off during a powerpoint presentation on the "Proper Techniques of Hot and Cold Water Firefighting", you can say that you saw it here first.

This is a look at the preconnects.

For those of you who can't recognize humor, or understand mine, that was my feeble attempt at it.

Second fire of the tour

2008-12-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

At about 0200 hrs, Engine 5 was dispatched to a single engine fire. After we had left the barn, dispatch notified us of a change in address. We quickly made a u-turn, but the extended length of our response would turn out to be costly. Upon arrival we found a single family structure with heavy char markings. Lt. Robidas had me pull the 1/2" line with a smooth bore plastic tip, which turned out to be ample enough water for this particular fire. We managed to save the support members of the structure, and the home owners will be able to rebuild with little aggrevation to their daily lives. This was Lt. Robidas's first fire as an officer, and after seeing him in action, I have no doudt he will make a fine line officer. He kept his decision makings simple, and relied on his keen instincts and expertise to mitigate the incident. Keep up the good work Lieu.

They say fires typically come in three's. If true, we can expect another one during our last night on tonight. I just hope it's a little bigger than this one.

BB's anyone?

2008-12-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

We had a fairly interesting shift today. As a whole, I think each company had at least 3 or more runs. Some of them more interesting than others obviously. I think there were a few EMS runs, four FAA (fire alarm activations), two MVA's, one being a head-on, and another on the inter-state involving a tractor trailer and a house, and last but not least, a drive by shooting.

I wasn't there for the accident on the inter-state, but I was told that the house looked like mine. Apparently a semi was taking an exit ramp a little too fast and tipped over, dumping his load in the process. The load on the semi was a modular HOME. Or at least part of one. It wasn't mine though. My house is already on a foundation, and the wheels and axels have been removed. I am hoping to get a skirt for it someday, but they are just too doggone expensive right now.
The other accident was a head-on collision with one passenger sustaining a broken arm. One of the vehicles ADMITTEDLY ran a stop sign. Imagine, someone who actually owed up to their mistake. You have to admire her for that.
The drive-by shooting in the north end involved some members of two local gangs. While members of one gang were walking along the road, members from a rival gang drove by and shot one individual in the upper lip. The weapon of choice was a BB-GUN. HA! Like I said. Some runs were more interesting than the others. I'm just not quite sure where this one fits in.

Motor vehicle fire

2008-12-03T15:41:00.000-08:00

After taking a few weeks off because of the birth of our second child, I came back just in time to see FIRE. All the rumors I've heard about fire are true. It is still hot, smokey, and allergic to water.

A father was driving with his infant son in the back seat when he noticed the car overheating. By the time he made it to parking area the vehicle was on fire.

Pump testing complete

2008-11-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to probationary F/F-Paramedic Richardson on finishing his pump qualifications on E-4. I spoke with Keith this afternoon and he informed me,(with a smile on his face), that pump qualifying was the easiest thing he has ever had to do . He also mentioned that Brother DiGeronimo's advice was the single most helpful of any he had received. That advice was, and I quote, "Just get them them the @#!*&%# water". Great advice coming from the senior firefighter/paramedic of the dept. Keith is now the MPO on E-4 until after the holidays, at which point he wil be assigned to a different station. Until than, Keith says he hopes to catch a building fire to put his new skills to work. I think we"re all hoping for that too.

More updates

2008-11-18T15:11:00.001-08:00

There are a few more people who deserve a recognotion for reaching another anniversary date. On November 12, Capt. Whitney celebrated his 20th year with the dept., Brother Piroso made it to 19 years back on October 28th, Lt. Manning has 14 years as of October 1st, Brother Richardson hit his 8th year mark on October 21st, and Lt. Robidas had his 7th year anniv date back on August 8th. Congratulations to everyone. If I have missed anyone, please call and let me know.

On a personal note, I would like to announce the birth of daughter. Maggie Mae was born on Friday, Nov. 14th at 7:40 p.m., weighing 7 lbs, 3 ozs. Both Momma and baby are now home and doing great. Thanks to all who called to congratulate. I will be taking a few weeks off from work to spend as much time as possible with the Fam. If I miss something while I am out, I would like for someone to get in touch with me, and I will post it on the site

Anniversary dates

2008-10-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

I am such a slacker. I failed to mention Brother Schottler in the "Batt 3 update" post. Jeff celebrated his 10th year on the job back in June. Pat Richardson just had an anniversary date on the 21st of October, giving him 8 years now. Congrats to both.

On a side note, I promised Batt 2's Lt Andrews that I would put him on this blog for a recent accomplishment of his, so here it is. While working an over-time shift on our batt, Lt. Andrews took part in one of our daily PE routines. (Actually, it's our only routine.) We take turns shooting free throws to see how many in a row we can make. Normally we can make it to 4 or 5. 8 to 9 on a good day. Yours truly (me) got lucky once and made 12 in a row (the first shot wasn't lucky, but the last 11 were). That ended up being the mark to beat for a couple of weeks. That is until MR. BASKETBALL himself showed up. He predicted that he would beat that mark by lunch-time. not only did he beat it, but he crushed it twice, and tied it once. He dropped in runs of 21 and 28 without any problems. To make this more impressive, he did this after working a building fire 5 hours earlier, and getting 4 hours of sleep prior to that. Nice job Lt. Andrews.

So long Lt. France

2008-10-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

Due to some new promotions within the dept., Lt. france has been transferred to battalion 4. Good officers are tough to come by. We wish him the best, and hope to see him return to our battalion at some point in the future. Below are some pictures I have collected over the past few years of Lt. France at his best. If anyone has his "kitty-cat" picture, please forward it to me.

As a follow up, I would also like to say welcome to Lt. Alan Robidas to our battalion . Alan has just been promoted to Lieutenent, and will be the officer on Engine 5 . Alan has some big shoes to fill, and I mean literally. I think Lt. France wears a size 18 ski.

See ya Collins (AGAIN)

2008-09-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

As of the 29th of this month Brother Collins will no longer be a member of battalion 3. With Lt. Holm being placed on light duty for a short period of time, FF/P DeWitt will be moved from batt1 and placed into an acting position on E-1, which gets Brother Collins a one-way ticket to batt 1. Maybe someday he'll be able to find his way back.

Congrats to Cullen

2008-09-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Brother Cullen for completing his probationary status. Sept. 22nd was his first year anniversary date. The next hurdle ahead is seeing to it that the "sophomore slump" doesn't set it.

Sorry Dumas

2008-09-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

In the last post, I stated that Brother Dumas had just celebrated his 10th year on the job, and apparently, I need to use my reading glasses more often. Davie joined the dept on September 9, 1995, which by most folks, would add up to 13 years, not 10. Thank you to Lt. France for bringing it to my attention.

Batt 3 update

2008-09-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

O.K. I will be the first to admit it. I am a HUGE slacker. I haven't updated this site in over 2 months. There hasn't been a whole lot going on really, with the exception of a few anniversaries that I would like to take this opportunity to recognize.

Lt. French celebrated his 25th year on September 3rd, FF/P DiGeronimo made 19 on August 26, FF Dumas has 10 years as of September 9th, and FF Freitas celebrated his 3 rd on September 9th. Congrats to all.

On a side note, Lt. Holm has injured his back, and will be out for an undetermined amount of time. I have been unable to get in touch of Ian, and so I am not sure of what he has going on and if he needs a hand with anything. I hope he recovers quickly from his injury, and doesn't hesitate to call if he needs help. I'll take his rail car out periodically if needed. I hear they tend to get flat spots in the wheels if they sit for too long.

Hidden fort under the bed

2008-07-27T15:40:00.002-07:00

Now before you watch this video, I just want to go on record to say that I am not a professional photographer OR videographer (if that's what they are called).

I have never had to shop for children's bedroom furniture until now, so it was interesting to see what kind of cool things they are doing with the furniture. I say "cool" if you are a kid, not so "cool" if you are conducting a search of a building, and are unaware of this kind of bed. What would you think if you found a bed like this. Just one more thing to make the job that much more difficult.

A face from the past

2008-07-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you to a couple of Hopkington Fire & rescue members (whose names will be kept secret, to protect my sources) for finding, and giving this picture of Mumfy to me. I know it took me a while to get it up here. I had to make sure this really is Mumford, because the guy in this picture has hair, and he isn't wearing a hat The date of this picture is 2001, when Mumfy became an EMT-First Responder. I noticed in the picture that he is wearing a black mourning band on his badge, and I can not verify this or not, but I believe it is in reponse to the first patient he treated. The outcome wasn't good.

We sure do miss you.

New EMS protocol

2008-07-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

The members of Batt 3's Engine 1, 5, and Amb 4 crews should be put up for a reward for a job well done last night. They were dispatched for a 20 Y/O female pt, CPR in progress. Being the highly trained bunch of EMT's and Paramedics that they are, they knew that the typical cardiac arrest protocols were not going to be effective in this case. With the quick thinking of say, a sloth, they bipassed the oxygen, epinepherine, lidocaine, and any other medicine imaginable, and went straight for the ammonia inhalant. Voilat! (spell check wouldn't work). A SAVE!!!!!
I have no doudt that after reading the narrative from this run report, the powers to be are going to be rolling out a new cardiac arrest protocol list. I just hope they get the indications correct, which are as follows: pt must have a pulse (this one never lost hers), must be breathing on her own, and her mother must be the one to perform CPR. The only side effect will be a sore chest (probably from the compressions).

Keep up the good work guys.

Swift water training

2008-07-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening we took a trip to the river for a little swift water training with the throw ropes, as well as some different techniques for crosssing in swift water. Brother Paul is using a 6' pike to navigate with, and although it may look as if Mic is keeping Lt. Holm and travis from falling, they are trying a 3 person method for walking thru swift water. It may not look like the water is moving very fast, but it was. The water felt GREAT.

Catching up

2008-07-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

I finally caught up with FF/P Richardson to take a picture for this site. Keith Joined the dept in March (along with a few others), and drew the lucky Batt3 assignment card. Currently , he is assigned to Amb 4 where he is completing his independent status as a CFD Medic.

Congratulations to Probationary FF Cullen for passing his city wide street exam last week.

I caught a few of our medics in a computer class the other day. I think Frito was trying to show them how to play "pac-man". I also noticed that they made him sit on the floor.

Broadways jumper

2008-06-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

Friday morning Engine and Ambulance 4 were sent to Thompson St. for what turned out to be a man down in the street. The patient had jumped from his 8th floor apartment balcony, and came to rest in the middle of Thompson St. after clipping the power lines on his way down. He was conscious and complaining of leg pain, and in pretty bad shape.
After the pt was transported to the ER, he was than flown to the Dartmouth Hitchcock Med Center. He died 8 minutes into the flight.

He survives a jump from the 8th floor, but can't survive an 8 minute flight in a medical chopper. Now that is irony.

A Rare Group 2 Training Video

2008-06-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

Well looky, looky, looky. I came across a rare group 2 training video that was pretty interesting.

Enjoy

Engine 1 stats

2008-06-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

From June 21, 2007 to June 21, 2008, Engine one has respoded to 2,424 calls. 1,244 of those were in their own district, with the remaining 1,180 responses to other districts. With Enhine 1 being taken out of service for the night shifts, things are going to be getting quite a bit busier during the nights for everyone else. I guess the ladder companny will have to find and dust off their medical equipments, and start polishing up on their EMS skills.

Meet Brenden McEwen

2008-06-21T04:39:00.000-07:00

Brenden is nine years old. He is the stepson of one of our 22 year union members. Brenden was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. He is NOT a candidate for surgery, and has just recently begun his chemotherapy treatment at the Cancer Center for Pediatrics at Dartmouth Hospital.

Brenden is one of five children. Like most of us, dad works two jobs and mom works one. The intrusiveness of this treatment will require mom to take a leave of absence from her full-time job, and dad from his part-time job. With the cost of fuel prices where they are, and the length of the drive to and from the clinic, the financial burden of this alone is unimaginable.

A website has been set up to allow others to follow along with Brenden's progress. The link is : www.caringbridge.org/visit/brendenmcewen I urge you to take time out of your busy day to visit the site. Brenden's mom has been posting updates to the site daily. Having never been through a challenge such as this, it is hard to imagine what Brenden and his family are going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with them every day.

If you would like to make a donation, a couple of funds have been set up.

The Brenden McEwen Fund
c/o
Merrimack County Savings Bank
167 N. State St, Concord, NH 03301

OR

Brenden McEwen Fund
C/O
Concord Firefighters
100 Hall St.
Concord, NH 03301

Bristol Va tanker explosion

2008-04-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

Here is an impressive video of a tanker exploding on I-81 in Bristol, Va. The driver of the tanker noticed his breaks were on fire, and notified 911. A VA State patrolman arrived on scene and caught the explossion on tape with the dash cam. My Brothers at the Bristol, VA Fire Dept arrived on scene to extinguish the fire when the tanker exploded. Members of Tower 3(Quint) were in the process of stretching a hand line when the explosion occured. Thankfully, at the time of the explosion, members of T-3 were on the opposite side of the apparatus pulling a hand-line. A nearby motel, along with cars in the parking lot, substained some damage from the explosion. I bet that one scared their mules.

Here is the link:

blast.http://www.tricitiesblogs.com/video/watch/dashcam_video_exit_7_explosion/

(copy, paste into your web browser)

Mumfy update

2008-04-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

On April 2, Brother Mumford resigned from the CFD. He started on April 7th with the Hopkinton Fire Dept, and from what I hear, is loving it. And why shouldn't he. In the 1 week that he has been employed, he has only had to work one shift, and in that one shift, he has only had to run one call, and in that one run, he somehow found a way to have the patient drive to him at the station. Seems as though Mumfy has made a pretty good career move.

Batt 3 pic update

2008-04-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

This group picture was taken spring of 2007. There have been quite a few changes since than with retirements and transfers.

Members who have retired : FF Giles (not in pic), Lt Wiggin (center, standing), BC Fanjoy (leaning against car), FF Moretto (back row, 2nd from left).

Members who have resigned : FF/P Reily (standing, 5th from left), FF/P Mumford (not in pic).

Members who have been transferred : Capt Whitney (kneeling, 3rd from right), FF Dumas (kneeling, 3rd from left), FF Odom (standing, 7th from left), FF Boissonneault (kneeling, 2nd from right), FF/P Collins (standing, 5th from right)

Rumor has it that Capt Whitney and FF Dumas will be returning to the group after being transferred to acting positions on Batt's 2 & 4.

A couple of other members not in the pic is FF Cullen and FF/P Richardson, both of whom have joined the dept within the past 6 months.

Mumfy moves on

2008-04-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

Last night was Brother Doug Mumford's last night with the CFD. After 7 years on the job as a Firefighter/Paramedic, he has decided to accept the position FF/P for the neighboring town of Hoptinkon. Mumfy began his service with CFD in January of 2001. We wish Brother Mumfy the best of luck.

I hope we aren't going to need that life-raft for quite some time, but just in case, you had better push it back this way when you get out Munf.

Building fires

2008-04-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 30th, the Manor stations Engine and Ambulance 5 were sent to the neighboring town of Boscawen for a reported basement fire. Companies arrived second due, and assisted Boscawen with a quick knockdown.

Last evening, April 2, Engines 1, 4, 7, Ladder 2, Ambulance 4, 7, and BC 3 were sent to Dunklee St for a reported building fire. Companies arrived and found fire on the exterior of a residential. A second alarm was toned out, but the fire was knocked down pretty quickly. and most companies were back in service within an hour.

Sorry. No pics yet.

Moretto retires

2008-04-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

With twenty-four years of service with the Concord fire Dept, Brother John Moretto has decided retire, and focus his time with the family, and his personal business. John began his service in September of 1983. We wish John a happy retirement.

Moretto : back row, second from the left

Hey John. Don't forget to push the life-raft back when you get out. Mumfy would like to use it next.

Oak Bridge Bldg collapse

2008-03-03T06:58:00.001-08:00

Saturday evening Battalion 3 companies were callled out to the Oak Bridge Condominium for a building collapse. Dispatch had reported that the pool house bldg had completely collapsed with possible civilian entrapment. Engines 1, 4, & 5, Tower 1, Rescue 1, Ambulances 4, 5, and BC 4 responded. On arrival station 5's crew found that a 40 x 80 wing of the main office and recreational center had completely collapsed. It is hard to imagine a two story building collapse without a debris pile, and looking at the pictures it is hard to tell where the debris pile is. The three outer walls fell outward, and the roof fell straight down. Most of the debris from the roof section is covered by the snow, which caused it to collapse.

The property owners had noticed that the blgd was weakened due to the amount of snow load, and closed it from any use a day before its collapse. There was also an indoor surveilance camera recording the pool area at the time of the collapse. I hope to get a copy of the video and post it on here for all to see. I took some personal video, and will try to upload that as well.

New Batt 3 member

2008-02-04T17:26:00.001-08:00

I have been slacking off pretty bad lately with this site, and I apologize to y'all, especially Freitas. Jim "freakus" Freitas has been transferred to our battalion after Brother Riley took the Dep Chief's position in Laconia. Jim was previously on batt 4, and from what I hear, he is fitting in quite nicely down at the Broadway station.

Welcome to the group Frito.

Deputy Chief Riley (that should make anyone quiver)

2007-12-29T15:35:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we said good-bye to another member of Battalion 3. Brother Shawn Riley has left the department after 10 years of service, and has accepted the position of Dep Chief of EMS for the Laconia Fire Dept, which is about 20 minutes north of Concord. Shawn began his career with Concord in August of '97 as a firefighter/Paramedic, and was involved with EMS for about 10 years before that. Both Shawn's EMS skills and bed-side manners has made him one of the best medics I have had the opportunity to work with, and he will be greatly missed. I wish him the best of luck in his new position, and I have no doudt he will be a great addition to the Laconia Fire Dept.

See ya Bro.

Round peg thru a square hole

2007-11-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

Whenever we get into some trouble, it is usually because a dare was thrown down. This time we were doing some training in a vacant building when a hole was located in a wall and the ensuing dare was put out there. "I bet you can't fit thru that!" A couple of guys went thru without any issue, such as Hoover. Than it came time for some of the big boys to take a stab at it. Lt. France made it with minimal wiggling as well as B.C. Folsom. Brother Keeler's shoulders kept him from making it, and than came time for Lt. Manning. Much to our dismay, and with the help of a couple of guys pushing on his legs, he managed to wiggle thru the hole. I guess the nurses at the ER knew what they were talking about when they said he was "losing weight and looking good".

A TRUE LEGEND AMONG US

2007-11-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

It has been a few weeks since I have posted anything on the site. My computer died, and it has been kinda slow around here. That is until today. While working an overtime shift on Batt 4 today, some info was brought to light about one of their own that I felt worth mentioning. Through some impressive investigative work, F/F pawlowski discovered a secret about F/F Duckworth's past.
It turns out that while Duckworth was the Deputy Chief for the Campton Thorton Fire Dept in northern New Hampshire, he was given the "First Responder of the Year Award". Now, I know some of you are probably sitting there laughing, but I assure you, this is no laughing matter. It takes years of dedication to achieve such an award, and Brother James should be proud of himself. The shrine in his house where the award sits, high over the entertainment stand, with the spot lights shining down on it is a daily reminder for him that he is contributing to society by the giving of time to protect them. O.K. Now I'm laughing.

Below are just a few pictures of Duckworth on the job. I hope to get some pics of the shrine, but I can't promise you anything. He is very protective over it.

Batt 3 update

2007-10-08T16:30:00.001-07:00

It has been a few weeks since our last post, and quite a bit has happened since than. For starters, 3 new FF/EMT's have been hired, and Mike Cullen got the "lucky dog pass" by being assigned to Batt 3. He is currently riding on E-4 as a fourth, and will be a part of staffing next week. Captain Whitney has been transferred from Batt 3 to 2 as the Acting Batt Chief, F/F Dumas has been mved to Batt 4 as the Acting Lt., and Batt 4's Lt Kelleher has been moved to our group as the Acting Capt at the height's. Both Whitney and Dumas will be sorely missed, and we look forward to their hopeful return in the future.

On a different note. Central stations E-1 and L-1 have been worklintg on a new promotional video for their web site. I was highly impressed. Here is the link below.

http://www.break.com/index/asian-commercials-are-weird.html

Taining pics cont'

2007-09-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Training

2007-09-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

As an old friend of mine (tall, red-headed Gentry) always said, "The more you sweat in training, the less you'll bleed in war".
Over the past two tours, we have been able to get do some minimum company standards (MCS)training in. We smoked up an abandoned home for some hose line stretches and search drills, and than we we able to play with some master streams. Below are just a few pics from both training days.

Fair treatment

2007-09-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Monday, Sept 10th, Local 1045 organized a march to coincide with the city councilor's emeting. We didn't have anything scheduled on the agenda during the meeting, rather, it was just a march to let the city know that we, the firemans local, are tired of being stepped on and lied to. There was an amzing turnout of support, especially considering the rain. There was a head count of 110 marchers, ranging from L1045 members, retirees, members of the L3195 (Officers union), as well as brother from the Bedford, Manchester, & Nashua Depts. There were also some representatives from the teachers union, electrical union, and the PFFNH Pipes and Drums.
Some of us were able to go into the chambers during the meeting, and we can testify that our presence outside was by no means overlooked. If it is true that there are strength in numbers, we must look mighty strong and united now.

2 more LODD's

2007-09-04T05:07:00.000-07:00

Two more brothers die in the line of duty, and as I think about them, I can only wonder what their day must have been like before this tragic event occured.

They both probably woke up that morning with plans for the day. Maybe working a part-time job, doing some work around the house, or spending some time with the family. Eventually they would have to kiss and hug their wives and children good-bye, and go to work for their evening shifts at the fire hall. Once there, they would gather their personal gear and place it on the apparatus, and systematically check the equipment on the rigs to ensure that everything was ready for whatever lies ahead of them during the shift. Coffee is made, supper is prepared, a few of the world problems are solved at the kitchen table, and someone is probably the butt of a good joke (sorry junior guy). Than the tones go out for a possible building fire in their first due district, and everything is placed on pause at the station until this 911 emergency is taken care of. Neither one had any idea they wouldn't be returning to the station to finish their supper, greet the oncoming shift the next morning, or once again, kiss and hug their wives and children.
This can happen to anyone of us.

Our thoughts amd prayers go out to the families of Brothers Payne and Cahill, and to the Boston fire Dept, where their presence will be forever missed.

Just another day on the job

2007-08-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the second day of our tour, and it turned out to be a fairly busy one. It started out with the Mighty 7's being sent to the Nationl Guard to meet a black hawk, which was flying in a hiker that had fallen the night before on a trail up north, and suffered some neck and facial injuries. That was followed by a plethera of MVA"s, EMS's, and box alarms. It being the first day kids went back to school should have been no surprise for the number of runs. Some were to schools for alarm activations, and the 7's had two seperate incidents with kids being hit by a car while riding their bikes (back to back runs). Only one of them suffered any serious injuries, that being a broken collar bone, but they couild have been a whole lot worst. Neither of them were wearing a helmet. Amidst all of this, the Broadway boys managed to squeeze in some training.

Pawlowski's firstborn

2007-08-23T08:09:00.001-07:00

Mike and Melissa are the proud parents of a baby girl. She was born Aug 21, and is 8 lbs. 2 ozs. Momma and baby are both doing great, and they are expected to be going home Thursday the 23rd. Good luck getting any sleep now.

Batt3 & 4 transfer

2007-08-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

FF/Para Cole (without make-up)

Batt 3 lost another one of its members to a transfer. FF/Para Collins was sent to Batt 4 and FF/Para Cole has been moved back to Batt 3. We bid Collins farewell. Cole left group 3 about a year ago, and has returned home. Now that he is back, we have two "queen mothers".

Driver/Operator training

2007-08-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a make-up day for those on Batt 3 who hadn't completed the Driver/Oper training from a few months back. Lt Manning took out a few cones, and thanks to brother johnson, CPR was performed, and the cone is expected to make a full recovery.

Matson's firstborn

2007-08-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Matson family on the birth of their firdtborn son Alex the 4th. Little Alex was born Aug 18th at 11:30 p.m., weighing in at 7 lbs. 8 ozs., and 21 inches long. I had a chance to stop by and see him today, and he is a real cutie. It's a good thing he looks like his mother.

There is a story to go along with the bottom 2 pictures. According to the nursing staff at the hospital, rumor has it that sometime during the night, little Alex tried to pull himself up and out of his crib, breaking the railing in the process. The nurses sitting out at their desks heard someone mutter the phrase "Oops! I'm sorry about that. I can fix that for you." When they went in to see what had happened, little Alex was seen sitting upright in the crib with Carhart's on, and a leatherman in his hand. I couldn't find anyone to confirm nor deny this rumor, but it sounds like something a Matson would do.

Congrats mom and pop.

New Link

2007-07-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

To the right of this post is a list of links. I have added a new link to the "Concord Fire Alarms" web site (www.kvf642.com). If anyone has any interesting sites to visit, just put the address in the "comments" below and I will put it on here. Keep in mind that this is a family program.

Brotherhood?

2007-07-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening the Manchester NH Fire Local 856 hosted a march at city hall. The local, much like many others across the nation, are working without a contract, and they recently had a vote of "no confidence" in their fire chief of 162 - 0. A request went out to other locals across the state for a show of support, and bodies for the march. There were in the ballpark of 170+ marching, along with the PFFNH Pipes and Drums performing in the midst. It was good to see members from our local 1045 show up. As often as the word "Brotherhood" gets thrown around today I would have expected quite a few of our members present, but only 10 managed to show up. That is only 8%. Thanks to Brothers Moretto, Verville, Clark, Pepin, Cole, Sirois, Boissonneault, Collins, and Sister Folsom for representing Local 1045.

Boissonneault transferred

2007-07-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

Batt 3 bids farewell to brother Boissonneault (boss-in-no). He will be transferred to Batt 1 effective July 10th in order to slow the over-time train down a bit. The move is supposed to last no more than 6 months, but I think we all know how that will work out.

Bissonneault is on the left. It "looks" like he really doesn't wanna leave Keeler's side.

2nd residential bldg fire

2007-07-04T08:00:00.001-07:00

Our second day of the tour and we catch another building fire. This one was in the Heights district. Engines 1, 4, & 7, Ladder 2, & Amb 4, 7 & the Batt Chief were dispatched to a basement fire with occupants out except for one who was still trying to put out the flames. When 7's arrived along with the BC there was light smoke showing. A handline was stretched into the basement, but before a drop of water was used the fire had alreaady been put out. Not by the occupants though. This was a typical City of Concord fire. After the flames climbed the wall and reached the ceiling, the water pipes above the fire came apart and effectively snuffed out the fire.

On a side note: Now that Lt France is no longer stationed at the Central station, it appears that the rest of the gang has given up on meat products and decideed to eat a little healthier. The salad looks really good, but I don't think there's gonna be enoughg to go around.

Residential building fire

2007-07-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

On July 2nd Engines 1, 4, 5, Ladder 2, Ambulances 4 & 5, & the Batt Chief were dispatched to a single story residential for a building fire. E-5 & A-5 were the first to arrive, reported smoke showing, and laid a line in. Lt. France reported a working fire in the basement and 5's crew stretched a handline into the basement. After venitlating the building the base of the fire was located and knocked down. All the occupants were out of the home and the only loss of life was that of an 8 mo. old python. I am hoping to get some pictures soon and wil post them the moment I do.

Chichester mutual aid fire

2007-06-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bfp007YZVf0/RoBvv0sxzDI/AAAAAAAAATA/Z_Nt4O7B4NQ/s1600-h/P6250005.JPG">
At about 3 p.m. the Heights Engine and Ambulance 7 were dispatched to the town of Chichester for a refridgerator fire. The address was just across the city line so we had a good shot of being the first on scene. Loudon's fire chief was the first to arrive about a minute ahead of us and first reported "nothing showing" and than updated it to "smoke showing" just prior to our arival. A 14 year old resident of the home was there when the fire broke out, and after removing a couple of pets, phoned 911. The fire was contained to the refridgerator, which made for easy extinguishment with an 1 3/4" line from E-7: however, smoke damage was pretty significant throughout the home.

June 1st I-93 MVA

2007-06-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

I finally got some pictures of an MVA battalion 3 members went to on June 1. It was a single motor vehicle accident with three status 3 pts and one status 2 (who was pinned). Engine 1, Eng 4, Ladder 2, and ambulances 4, 5, 7 were dispatched.

FDNY L-146 LODD

2007-06-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

Another tragedy on the heels of the Charleston LODD'S. Firefighter Daniel Pudjak of FDNY L-146 died while operating at a building fire. He was attempting to vent from a ladder when he fell several stories.

This should be a reminder to all who are on the job that fighting fires is a dangerous profession, whether you are on the line inside or just breaking windows from the outside, and we should do everything in our powers to ensure that we ALL go home after our shifts are complete.

Charleston, SC LODD

2007-06-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

" Fireman's Prayer"

When I'm called to duty God, wherever flames may rage

Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child before it is too late,

Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert, to hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently, to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling, and to give the best in me. To guard my every neighbor, and protect their property.

And if according to your will I should lose my life,

Please bless with your protective hand my children and my wife.

Capt. Billy Hutchinson, Capt. Mike Benke

Engineer Mark Kelsey, Capt. Louis Mulkey

Engineer Brad Baity, Asst Engineer Michael French

Firefighter Brandon Thompson, Firefighter Melven Champaign

Firefighter James Drayton

NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN

Batt 3 Retirement dinner

2007-06-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

Last night members from Batt 3, along with some of the retirees, met at the Red Blazer for dinner to honor Brothers Wiggin and Fanjoy and to present their clocks to them. It was good to see the two of them, and to sit a spell and enjoy their company once again.
If anyone has a few more pictures please forward them to me and I will post them.

Tropical storm Ken

2007-06-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

First of all, let me start off by saying on behalf of all the members from Batt 3, welcome to brothers Folsom and Holm. Capt Folsom has been promoted to the position of Battalion Chief and FF Holm to Lieutenant.
Most , if not all, of the members on group 3 have been speculating about the changes BC Folsom might make once he becomes the "Boss" on our awesome Battalion and I came up with the following analogy:
The weather channel has just determined that Tropical storm Ken is about 200 miles off the east coast and the projected path covers most of it. As the storm moves closer it intensifies and is a little more predictable. At 50 miles out it becomes a category 3 hurricane and gaining momentum. The place of landfall has been narrowed down to about 100 miles. Now a category 4 storm, it is evident that there will be some damage done, but the extent is still unknown. Which brings us to real time. The storm has landed and moved further inland. As a result from the fury of the storm, an offshoot windshere named Jonathan was spotted moving due north towards Penacook. The Jonathan storm has given the impression of doing no damage and simply dying in place. FEMA has been dispatched to offer some relief to those affected by the storm. As a preemptive safety measure, all Concord fire stations east of the Merrimack River have blown the bridges, battoned down the hatches, and are preparing for any secondary storms that might occur. Be sure to tune in June 9th for a FEMA response and assessment of the amount of damage left in the wake of this unprecidented storm.

The Retirees

2007-06-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

As of May 30, 2007, Battalion 3 lost two more members to reiterment. Batt Chief Fanjoy and Lt. Wiggin both ended their careers with the CFD after 59 years together on the job. Lt. Wiggin joined the dept in January of 77' and BC Fanjoy joined the dept in Sept of the same year. They will truely be missed.

BC Fanjoy 3rd from right, Lt. Wiggin 4th from right (top row)

"Runnin' Like Crazy"

2007-05-25T05:01:00.000-07:00

Batt 3 had a pretty busy day yesterday, but more specifically, the Broadway boys did most of the work. They ran three MVC's, 3 medicals, a couple of Box alarms, rescued a kitten from the inside the wall of a home, (Engine 4 even transported the little fellar to the Vet hospital), and to finish the day off, responded to and transported a newborn who was born just prior to their arrival. Way to go guys, and just keep on "Runnin' Like Crazy".

Batt 3 group picture

2007-05-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

On Friday may 25th, the members of Batt 3 met at Central station for a group picture. Come the end of May we will be losing BC Fanjoy and Lt Wiggin to retirement. Oh what a sad day it will be.

BC Fanjoy is on the far right with his elbow on the BC's car and Lt wiggin is in teh center with the hat on

CFD 2007 Awards Night

2007-05-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

Last night was the Concord Fire Dept's awards night. Awards are handed out to membeers in the dept for categories in "helping hands", "Incident related", "Service related", "and Fire Officer/Firefighter of the Year". The night began with a refreshment session outside followed by the ceremonies inside the Audi. The CFD's Honor Guard posted the colors with Batt 2's Lt. Andrews playing the pipes. (I love the sound of the pipes). The dept's Rev Johnson gave the invocation followed by opening remarks from Mayor Donovan and Chief Vezina. The awards were than presented and the night ended with an awesome multimedia presentation.
A big thanks to the CFD Relief Assoc., Friends of the Audi, and the family and friends who put so much into making the evening run smoothly.
I hope to have a complete list of the recipients of the awards within a day or so.

Chichester forest fire

2007-05-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

Engine and Forestry 7 were dispatched to a forest fire in the town of Chichester on May 9th. Once we arrived on scene Capt Whitney made the decision to do a "garden stretch" up and over the embankment and into the woods. A 1 3/4" preconnect was carried into the woods while a 2 1/2' was stretcthed to the top of the embankment (which was no easy task). The old addage is "Little fire little water, big fire big water". Guys were having to do a double take at the site of a 2 1/2" going up that hill. Our quadrant of the fire had about a 1" layer of foam over it and there was no chance of a rekindle.

hello baby Sarah

2007-05-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of baby Sarah with momma and pappa. Thank you Pappa Keeler for the great pictures

Congrats Keeler Family

2007-04-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

Well what do you know. Brother Keeler has just beccame a new DADDY to a healthy baby girl weighing 7 lbs. 10 ozs. Both momma and baby are doing fine and I hope to get out and see them tomorrow and get a picture or two to show her off.

2007 Nor' Easter'

2007-04-18T05:09:00.000-07:00

Being a southern boy myself, I am the last person you want to explain what a "Nor' Easter'" is (yahoo it for yourself). What I can say is that it is a storm with a lot of wind with rain or snow, and in this case it was rain. The "Mother's Day Storm" of 2006 was much worst in comparison, but this storm claimed its fair share of victims. As far as fatalities, I only know of two in Maine (tried to cross a washed out road and was seept downstream). There were a lot of unhappy homeowners though.

Batt 4 was on duty when an audible was sent out for Batt 3 personel to return for manpower. 12 members came back in and staffed Rescue 1, and forestries 1, 4, & 5. along with Batt 3's BC

roaming arounf in a command vehicle.

A job well done by all who participated. A lot of basements were pumped out and more than 500 sandbags were placed around homes to help prevent water damage. For more pics from the storm you can go to www.wmur.com.

20 YEARS of SERVICE

2007-04-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

A congratulations goes out to 5 members of the CFD for reaching their 20 years of service mark. Brothers Marcotte (F/F Batt 3), Verville (F/F Batt 1), Saltmarsh (Bureau Comm), Cournoyer(F/F Batt 2), & Freire (Lt. Batt 1) started thier careers with the CFD on April 13, 1987. Rumor has it that when these guys were in rookie school one of them asked for a cup of coffee, so the decision was made by their training officer to walk to the nearest Dunkin Donuts, which was about a half-mile away. This would not turn out to be any leisure walk however. Instead, these guys were made to carry a 35' exetension ladder both there and back IN THE SNOW!! I wonder if any of them asked for anything after that.

I-393 MVA

2007-04-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

On April 8th 0130 Hrs, Engine 7, Ambulance 7 and Ladder 2 were dispatched to I-393 for an MVA. Dispatch notified us that the vehicle had gone over the embankment and the NH State Patrol was on scene reporting that all the occupants were out of the vehicle. Upon arrival we found a small sized dodge pick-em-up truck had jumped the guardrail and rolled down the embankment and came to rest on the its side in a swampy marsh pit. The vehicle had three occupants who had self-extricated themselves, two of which were found lying on the ground against the trucks bed and a third who was standing along side them. Due to the location of the patients and the difficulty involved with moving them to the ambulance Engine 7's Captain Whitney requested Engine 1, Ambulances 4 & 5, and the Batt. Chief respond to the incident for more manpower. The patients were located approx. 70 feet from the roadway, down an embankment with about a 45 deg angle, therefore, the decision was made to relocate Amb 4, 5, and 7 to an adjacent apartment complex and the patients would be carried via backboards and stokes basket, which was a distance of about 150 yards. Patient 1 had a partially amputated foot, patient 2 had multiple lacerations to the head from glass, and Pt 3 had a 2 inch laceration above his right eye along with neck and back pain. The last pt was removed from the scene and transported after about 30 minutes of our arrival on scene. Engine 7's crew cleared the scene at 0330 hours once the vehicle was removed.

A CHANGE FOR THE WORST

2007-03-29T11:13:00.001-07:00

I had hoped this blog would give peolpe a safe place to voice their opinions, whether it be secretly or up front, on whatever issue I post about, maybe even poke some fun at someone or myself, as if I don't receive my fare share of pokin'. I have a feeling this next topic will get a few folks talking or even vent a little.
The New Hampshire State Senate is on the verge of implementing some BIG changes to the retirement system and the end result will be the loss of seasoned leaders in the fire service in the CFD as well as many other fire departments across the state. Now let me just start out by saying that there are those out there who are more educated in the changes than I am and hopefully they will weigh in on the subject later.
For anyone retiring after July 1, a loss of round about $5,ooo or MORE a year (on the average) could be in the mix for them. If they will be living on a fixed income, that would be about $125 dollars a week loss from their income. OUCH!!!!! Factor into that inflation, rising cost of health care, and other unexpected expenses one could imagine, the decision to retire (as opposed to waiting a few more years because they "STILL LOVE THE JOB AND AREN"T READY TO LEAVE IT") is simple but tough. Go now and take advantage of the system that's in place or wait til later and take the hit financially. The state senate doesn't care about what happens to people after retirement and the residents of New Hampshire that depend on the fire service, as well as the Police dept's, probably don't know much about how it will affect them each and every day.
Here's how I see it playing out. Just in the Concord Fire Dept. there is atleast 8-10 guys who have the time and age to retire today. They range in rank from Battalion chief, to Captain's, to Lietenant's. Just in a rough estimate, that represents approx. 250 years of on the job experience, knowledge, and leadership. GONE!! Can they be replaced? Sure they can, but who is going to suffer because of their absence. EVERYBODY!!!! The guys still on the job will continue to get on the trucks and put their lives on the line, and maybe the next person in the officers seat will be able to look out for the saftey of his crew, and maybe the unlucky citizen who dialed 911 because their life is on the line will have a company responding with enough experience, knowledge, and training to rescue them from whatever IDLH atmosphere (immediately dangerous to life or health) they are in. Every department in the country is playing the financial warfare game with their city councils and every dept is trying to cut back and find ways to save money. One of the areas that suffers is training. With fewer guys taking classes to improve their skills coupled with the loss of guys who took those skills when they left makes for a bad reipe for disaster. Yet we are still going to get on the trucks and do what we have to do.
That's just my take on it. I hope I am wrong, which would be the first time by the way, (that's humor for those of you who didn't recognize it). I guess we'll find out in a couple of months.

2nd alarm building fire/ Beacon Street

2007-03-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

On Friday March 16th Battalion 3 along
with members from Battalion 1 responded to a
building fire on Beacon Street. BC (battalion chief) arrived on scene and reported smoke and fire coming from the eaves. Engine 1 and ladder 1 along with BC were first to arrive.

I hope to have more info along with some pictures within the next couple of days.

Crews went into a defensive mode due to the extent of structural damage.

ICE RESCUE TRAINING

2007-03-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday March 6th probationary

firefighters Boissonneault (boss-in-no)

and Odom got a chance to do a little

ice rescue training with the sled

They both will have completed

their probationary status on

Ryan, you had betted not lose that axe.

Keeler & Boissonneault enjoy a special

moment on the ice.

Travis, a chainsaw, & ice. Need I say more.

Ryan, are you sure you're going the right way?

A bad case of "Rileyism".

2007-03-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

Well, the last couple of days, which were the first two days of our tour, have been fairly busy. It has been mostly EMS and master box alarms. The heights reposnded to an industrial accident involving a bull dozer and the outcome could have been a whole lot worst had it not been the quick response by one of the workers on the scene. Apparently a bull dozer rolled backwards (unattended) and was about to pin a guy between it and a pick em' up truck when at the last second the driver of the truck lurched forward. The guy did get squeezed but was thrown about 10 feet before the dozer could pin him. He suffered some minor injuries and we can't figure out why he didn't break any bones. The Lord was definitely looking out for him. Firefighter/Paramedic Mumford (Ambulance 7) took an officer and firefighter from Engine 7 to assist him in the back of the ambul. to the hospital. He doesn't do that very often, as in maybe once every four or five shifts. On Monday however, he took a third with him on 4 of the 6 Ems runs he had. Firefighter/Paramedic Riley (Manor station Ambulance 5) should be proud of him.

What will the next "call" be like

2007-03-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

Hey there y'all. Other than having another snow storm since the last post, not much has been going on, which is the way we like it. That's not to say we wouldn't mind a fire here and there. It is always fun to write about a "good fire" or a trauma call that played out in text book style, but not every shift is like that. Yseterday's shift was no different. We had a couple of EMS runs with an occasional "box alarm" here and there. The more down time we have the greater the chance of getting into some kind of mischief (which is fun). There was one call that has stuck in my mind however, and it didn't involve anyone from the CFD. It was a call we hate to hear and count our blessings that we don't have to respond. While sittin' around the station shootin' the breeze with some of the guys from the on-coming shift (which is one of my favorite times of the day) a call went out to the Hooksett Fire (20 mins south of Concord) and the Tri-Town ambulance for a report of a 5 month old in cardiac arrest. I wish I could report to you that the child survived but I just don't know. It only took a few minutes for the EMS personnel to arrive and they wasted no time in transporting. I only write this post in hopes that as you read this you would take a moment and send a prayer out for the family and friends, as well as for the EMS responders. It takes a long time to recover from a call like this one, and for the family involved it will be a lifetime. Cherish every moment you have with your children, I know I will.

Just for fun I threw in a picture of my son Dj, who is now 16 months old. What a handsome fellow. Dj's pretty cute too. HA! HA! This picture was taken last summer at Yosemite Nat'l Park.

GROUP 3, Shoveling HYDRANTS?

2007-02-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

It has been about two weeks since I last posted anything, and that's only because there hasn't been too much going on. Just the typical "smells and bells" and EMS runs. But than we finally got some snow and it was enough to bury the hydrants. Battalion 2 was lucky enough to enjoy one day of shoveling and we (Batt 3) spent our first two days of the tour digging out the REST of the hydrants. I can't speak for the other 3 districts but the Heights are almost finished with ALL of our hydrants. Mybe the pictures below will put an end to any rumor that group 3 never shovels hydrants. HEE! HEE! (That was humor for those of you who didn't recognize it)

P.S. As a courtesy to those who might visit this site and read some of the "posts" I am asking everyone to sign your name to your post. Any post that is negative in nature will be deleted if there is no name attached to it. If you have something to say and wish to stand by your words than leave your name.

Thank you,

Bickercat

30 years of service

2007-01-25T18:59:00.000-08:00

Cogratulations to Lt. Wiggin (A.K.A the Bedford Mauler) on reaching his 30 year mark with the Concord NH Fire Dept. Lt. Wiggin joined the department on Jan.25, 1977 and will continue to serve until a later date. He enjoyed the rank of firefighter until he was promoted to Lieutenant in 1998 and is now the officer on Engine 5 in the Manor Station.

Below are just a few pictures of Lieu's time on the job. I wish there were more but the camera wasn't discovered until half-way through his career.

Mighty 7's first due

2007-01-24T02:50:00.000-08:00

View from Ambulance 7

View from Engine 7
Capt. Whitney with a halo over his head?
Around 3 P.M. Jan 23rd CFD Battalion 3's Mighty 7"s were dispatched to a barn fire in the town of Pembroke. Engine 7 responded from the quarters while Ambulance 7 came from Pleasant St at the Concord hospital. First reports was that of a fully involved barn. Once crews were on scene it was discovered that the barn was attached to the house as well. E-7 ended up being first due with A-7 arriving as the second piece on scene. Two 2 1/2" lines were stretched and both were placed at the entrance to the barn and with little progress being made E-7's deck gun was put to work. Entry into the home was made by members of the Pembroke Vol Fire and no extension was found. The incident eventually reached a "third alarm" which brought a compliment of apparatus from the Bow Fire, Hooksett Fire, Concord Fire, Pembroke Vol, Boscawen Vol, Allenstown Vol, Chichester Vol, and Loudon Vol . Another successful building fire with everyone safely going home to their families.

7's started the shift treating a 7 month old child who had fallen down a flight of stairs and ended the shift with a rockin' building fire. Who doesn't want to be a fireman.

I hope to add more pictures taken by some off duty guys.

Ordinary Box alarm

2007-01-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

Tower 1

Engine Co. 4's Lt. French has finaly seen the light

Every box alarm is pretty much the same. Box comes in, companies go out, and they usually expect to be cancelled soon thereafter because of smoke from cooking or any other mundane reason. This time it could have been a whole lot worst. A box alarm came in from a large elderly retirement facility. Engine four's crew arrived first and found the alarm panel reading "third floor detector". When they got to the third floor they found a hallway filled with smoke and fire in an apartment "grease fire". A quick knock down with a dry chem and a lot of smoke removal and the incident was under control. Five to ten more minutes of uninterupted burning and we would have had a different situation. Koodo's to Battalion 3 Broadway companies.

I only had time to snap a few pictures from the outside but I hope to have some interior pictures in a few days.

A "thank you" goes out to Brother M. Johnson for taking a few shots with my camera.

2007-01-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Dave and Carol on the birth of their second son, Alexander David. Alexander joined the family at 0156 hrs on January 15th, and he weighed in at 7lbs. 8 ozs. I personally think he looks a lot like his daddy.

A big "Welcome to the CFD Family" goes out to little Alexander .

Waiting for the baby

2007-01-10T06:29:00.000-08:00

Brother Dumas and his wife are expecting their second child. Her due date was the 8th and here we are two days later and still no baby. Hopefully I will be able to report about the birth of their second son soon. I told them about a fool proof remedy for having the baby. A box of maccaroni and cheese and all the A-1 steak sauce she handle. I guess they would rather wait. For momma's sake I hope they won't have to wait too much longer.

2007-01-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

Wow!!! Our first post on the blog and what do I get to write about? A toy store fire, and NO it's not the French's fire, and NO there's not that much fire involved. This time only one light ballast caught on fire.

Brother Johnson was kind enough to pose next to what could be the new engine 7. It has an unbelievable sticker price and it has proven that it can operate efficiently on the fire ground. The lack of hose bed height might be an issue but I have a lift kit from my Ford Gremlin that would fit perfectly.