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January 1: Some days the photos just jump in front of me. 2022 began with a structure fire and a crash. I didn't get any photos at the fire. At the crash scene, however, a heavy fog rolled in while we waited for the power company to clean up the downed wires. Medic 4 looked… Continue reading Project 365/’22: Day 1
5/8 - In the checkout line, wondering why Nostradamus looks like an angry Sean Connery. 5/9 - Charter Hose No. 1 5/10 - Beth learning to handle a manual TLR, in this case a Super Ricohflex. 5/10 - The Vegetable Garden @ Castle Hill 5/12 - Requiem for a picnic table. This one came into… Continue reading May randomness (P366)
Slightly less than a year ago, I departed for my first shift of 2011 through thick fog. It broke dramatically that morning, signifying hope and promise. If I try to be objective it was a decent year. 362 days later I'm still working a good job with a good employer, my family and… Continue reading The fog of life
A little over a week ago it began as just another day at work. Yesterday it ended with thousands of firefighters, a hundred bagpipes, and the obligatory television cameras. (turn your speakers all the way up) Career or volunteer, big city or small town, FDNY or Oquossoc, ME; when the… Continue reading Worcester, again
Long standing readers of NfMH will know that I commonly use the designation Engine 68 in my writings. Engine 68 is entirely a creation of my imagination, using experiences and impressions from my days on the engine as well as my interactions with other fire units. The 68 is simply a random number from my… Continue reading Frankenstein’s Engine
I found myself engaged in a bit of reflection today, for various reasons. Then I stumbled across this: Code Red I haven't seen that video in a long time. It looks so old now. I was in Providence attending college and buffing the PFD when it was filmed. In my heart the PFD will always… Continue reading Code Red
Jasmine lifts her head to look as I enter the room. Most of our cats have been with us long enough to know the familiar rustle of the plastic bag, but this is only the second time she's seen it. Blue wool. It's kept wrapped in plastic from the cleaners and locked away in an… Continue reading Blue Wool
My fire department has been trying for years to get a second station built. Between funding and politics, it just hasn't happened. The Town is again studying the issue, with a committee slated to report back this fall. In support of the committee's efforts, another firefighter and I have been asked to muster our vast… Continue reading 10 minutes
Or perhaps it's moron sleep? A recent post over at Life Under the Lights triggered a memory. CK, I would say you were nuts, but I've been there. I have sleep apnea. I suffered with it for years before finally getting diagnosis and treatment. It would probably be more accurate to say that Mrs. Mack505… Continue reading More on sleep
"Hometown Fire Department, this line is recorded. What is the nature of your emergency?" (Yes, our Red Line still goes BRRIIIIIING. It's also still red and was built by Ma Bell. It's a wonderful throwback to another era.) Elderly Voice: "I burned some popcorn in the microwave, and I don't want the fire alarm to… Continue reading Operator, what’s the number for 911?
Notes from Mosquito Hill 