The Chief stopped by today!

KaBoom!

Morale.

BULL!

WOW! What a pile of manure.

Look at that guy spreading all that manure.



Yea, our new Battalion stopped by for a BRIEF visit today an gave me the official word that we've been hearing for the past few days anyway. We've mentioned in recent post that some moves may be coming. Well they came! B-shift got their news yesterday and we got ours today. I assume A-shift will get theirs tomorrow. Big shake ups across the Department and especially here at #9 and #5. I wont use the names of the brothers or sisters involved, but I will tell ya that a lot of the moves leave you wondering. As for here, they've split the C-shift Misfits in half. Coon, Opie and myself will be packing our bags Monday and reporting to the Hippie Hotel on the 16th. My birthday of all days! Yea....I'm ECSTATIC! I really don't know what to say just yet. I know what I want to say but don't want to tarnish or take away from the purpose of this blog. Our intent here has been to stay away from the political and personal opinions and show a glimpse of life inside our firehouse. That said, the firehouse IS OUR LIFE. This is not a 9 to 5 job. We're here 24hrs at a time. This station is our home and the men here are family. This profession forms a special bond between its members unlike any other... our lives depend on it. Our profession was built on Honor, Pride and Tradition and it's difficult to see some of that fading. The moves hurt. We've built a great company here at 9C (and I know we're not the only one in the city). We've worked hard and sacrificed to get to this point. The boys especially. OUTSTANDING work from each of em! To have that all taken away for no given reason....Grrrrrrrrr OK, OK, I'd better stop here. I know I'm not the only disgruntled member tonight and I also know that some are happy (a select few WAY more happier than others) but I also know that each of us will report to duty our next day and do the job we love to do. Me, I'm going into the construction business. I'm gonna build a FIREHOUSE over on Williamson Road!
OK, off the rant.... we had another visitor today. This one was MUCH cooler than the first. A brother from the Conway SC Fire Department stopped by. Jason Perzan says he has been following the blog for some time now. He has family here in Roanoke and is down for a visit. He said he wanted to drop by and meet the guys to see if we were really like portrayed on the blog or if it was all a rouse. LMAO he had to pick a C-shift day...He knew each member by name right away...well all except for Tyrone and he didn't recognize him without his swim suit on. He knew past stories and mentioned several pics and videos. A very nice visit. He got the tour and a t-shirt. I hope he enjoyed it as much as he seemed to. Thanks again for stopping in Jason, come on back anytime. Here's a shot of me and Jason

And hey, it's no wonder he found us...we're leading the polls for the 2009 Fire/EMS Blog of the Year over on Firecritic. If you haven't yet, take the time to check it out. All of the candidates are GREAT reads. Oh yea...while your there VOTE.
We got an update from our newest dad Richard "lips" Lipes. Here it is in his own words.." Thank you for the well wishes, the baby was a bit early, he weighs 2lbs 9oz and is doing well in the NICU. Mom is doing well also. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. R. Lipes"
We also want to pass along the passing of Captain Loren Thompson's father. Loren is assigned to station #2C. The viewing was tonight from 19:00-20:30. The brothers / sisters from the Deuce were able to make the trip. The funeral is tomorrow @ 14:00 at Arritt Funeral Home in Covington, Va. Keep Loren and the Thomson family in your thoughts and prayers.
Enough...Captain Wines

IT'S ON ! and "meet our members" part 2

Ok, some of you may have caught on that Rhett and I have a friendly little game of fretting going on. We are actually close friends and enjoy the jabs at one another. Lately, it seems as though we've been "one upping" him as far as our posts / blogs go. Even though he thinks he's an "arther" (an inside joke), he really has a long way to go. Of late, he's been caught twisting the facts, doctoring post times and dates and is often out right guilty of plagiarism and copyright infringements. Well, today, he's taken it a step further and involved "almost" innocent bystanders. When I say "almost", it's because the little Hippies should have known better. You see, today I stopped by Roanoke County's newest fire station #1 for a tour (WOW!!! but I'll get to that in a minute). When I got there, Capt. Witt told me that Rhett (riding OIC on City Engine #3 today) had stopped by earlier for a tour and took a few photos. Well, not to be out done, I too got a few shots around the station and had intended to beat him to the punch as far as posting them. I called in a favor with the Hippies at the Green house to help me in my efforts but got double crossed instead... PLUS Rhett took a little jab over on his precious Fire Critic site ..you know what that means..

I would have never thought Rhett would put Innocent people in the line of fire nor would I have ever believed that the Hippies at #3 would have gotten the balls to mess with the misfits again... especially after the last spanking we gave em here LMAO. Anyways, the Hippies got the post up first and I'm sure Rhett will soon have an award winning (in his own mind) post up as well. Not be stopped, I too will proceed as planned and post on my tour of the palace. Here's our local news coverage of the stations opening here and here's a picture of the building

The building is AWESOME! OMG if we had stations like that here in the city. Helmets off to the County on a job well done. Modern EVERYTHING! Check out these shots of the kitchen, day room and bay...



YES, that's leather recliners! I just had to give one a test ride

Oh..sorry, that one's a little blurry. Let me see if I have a better shot...

I gotta admit, I was speechless when I walked into that station. All kidding aside, I hope Rhett got some good shots and creates a decent post (if ya need some help Rhett just call me...u got the digits). As for the Hippies getting in the middle of it.... it's coming ;-)
Ok, on to our 2nd installment of "meet our members". Tonight we'll get you a little closer to Tyrone (Ben Obaugh). Tyrone was hired 9-22-03. His 1st assignment was to Lucky 13 and soon after became a Misfit. He is married to Jill who is bound to have a special place reserved in heaven. Together, they have 2 children (and future firefighters) Jackson and Noah. He's a Veteran, and a past Marine. He's an avid outdoorsman who often hunts with his bow or uses open sights on his riffle. He scares easily and believes in zombies. All in all, a great guy to work and live around. Above all, he's a devoted husband and father. Heres a family shot

Now, Tyrone is often portrayed as a "jokster" the "funny" or "crazy" guy around the station but I really don't understand what would give anyone that impression...He's perfectly normal in these shots.... right??




He's been featured in several of our videos.. check out these links from our past
here and here
He is a BLAST to work with but also a damn good firefighter and paramedic. He too rotates between the Engine and Medic and has become proficient with his skills on both levels




I gave him his nickname because he thought he was fretting me. He was here when I got the assignment. Well, to break the tension of a new Captain / crew etc. I may have fretted him just a touch. In return, when asked what his middle inital "T" stood for (Ben T. Obaugh), his reply was "Tyrone". Like I would believe a skinny white boy from Highland county would be named Tyrone...anyow, it stuck and he's been Tyrone ever since. Besides, he looks like a "Tyrone".... well groomed and handsome!

SO there he is.. well all we can show ya on here anyway. It's rainy and cold here tonight. Bugg's in the seat while I fill in for the Battalion. We'll update if anything comes up. Thanks for following, use the comments to let us know what you think. We're back Friday and Sunday. Until then, stay dry, safe and in the house. Capt. Wines

Vacation is over, C-shift back to blogging

You know, 13 days doesn't seem near as long as it use to! I must admit that I missed being around the boys but also REALLY enjoyed the time and got alot done while off. I wont bore you with all the vacation details (if you can call the hay field and cows a vacation) but I do want to mention the trip to Nashville. I mentioned in C-shift's last post that I was heading to Nashville and the trip had some really neat tie-ins to the Fire Department. The trip was a bus trip and I was assigned to be the driver. My dad (retired Roanoke Firefighter) organized the trip and told me I was driving so it's not like I was hired on. So, the 1st tie-in to the FD was the fact that my Pop was there. The 2nd tie-in would be that Lawrence Breeding (retired Roanoke Fire Dept. Lieutenant/ worked 1965-1991) and his wife were also on the trip. Lawrence worked opposite shift of Pop for years at #6 and I have several fond memories of visiting both the Old and New Station while they were working. He was also one of the best softball pitchers the Department had back when they carried 2 teams (red and blue I believe). Anyhow, it was great to see Lawrence again. The next Fire department tie-in is pretty cool and I want to extend a huge THANK YOU. Apparently, one of our regular readers is Greg Doss. I do not know Greg personally but, he is the son of Daniel Ray Doss... better known as "Peanuts Doss". Peanuts worked here from 1959-1966. Greg is also the nephew-in-law of now deceased Joseph Myers who was also on the job here in Roanoke from 1956-1962 until leaving on disability (I believe he went blind). Like you would figure, Greg found his way to the job and is now working in Franklin Tenn. He also happens to be their Union President. Apparently Greg read that I was heading to Nashville and contacted Rhett Fleitz in an attempt to reach me. He wanted to let me know that I had a place to stay or anything else I may need when I arrived. Guys THAT IS AWESOME! That respect and courtesy has been given to brothers across the country within our brotherhood for a long time but it's really cool when it comes to you like this. . Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to meet up with Greg but wanted to again say THANKS for the offer and let him know that the same applies when he visits family here in Roanoke. I did however spend some time with Firefighters while down there. Pop made 2 very special friends years ago while on the job here. He was working at old Station #1 when two brothers from Nashville stopped by for a tour. Since that day, every time we're in Nashville or they pass through here we always meet up. This time, now both retired, Battalion Chief Wayne Vick and Captain Willie Bernard met us and treated us like kings. A boat ride with dinner and a show on the General Jackson as well as cake and gifts for Pop's 60th B-day. Thanks guys for another great time... hope to see you soon. OK, thats it for the trip, now let me get to Station #9 stuff and the happenings of a very busy day for C-shift. We had some scheduled training today out at a Roanoke County empty warehouse. The training was RIT and MAYDAY focused and it was some of the better training we've had in a while. Our brothers in the County made a really nice mock-up for a floor collapse scenario. You followed a hose line, ascended some steps and then ... CRASH! The floor collapsed under you. Our masks were blackened so there was ZERO visibility and you made a soft landing into a box full of "noodles". From there, the training focused on how each member would transmit the MAYDAY. VERY VERY VERY good training. Here's a sequence of pics.





Other senarios within the training included a "Denver" type drill that kept you thinking ROAM (rules of air managment)which was also a VERY good refresher.


We attended with our brothers from station #7 and I think everyone learned something and enjoyed the session. Thanks to the Training Division for the opportunity and to Roanoke County for letting us in the door. Retired Lt. Mikey Overacker was also on hand to snap some pics. I don't think he's posted yet but check in on him to see when he does at Roanoke firefighters.com .
After training, we ended the streak of this being a "902 house" by picking up the War Wagon from the radio shop...gosh we missed her. Then before we even had a chance to eat, the running began. We helped the medics tie up a guy from "planet heroin" up Melrose. Talk about a fight. Two sets of spider straps, plus 2 sets of hand cuffs to the back board. In the ER, this dude got cardioverted twice (without a line or Valium), 18 of adenosine, and a femoral line and NEVER FLINCHED! Nor did any of it work. Even the Doc was amazed. Here's a shot of the scene showing the War Wagon back on the streets of North West.


Plus Roanoke's finest...or the Po-Po as they're know around here lining up to help.
We have also ran a code and several other medical calls today. Just a full moon, run filled shift thus far! WE did take the chance to stop by my old home "old" station #3. It was sold to an architect firm that is remodeling while keeping alot the way the building use be. I have to say, from the outside, she's looking pretty good. See some of her history and what she looked like here from Rhett's site (before she was closed and the "Hippie Hotel" built) and then here are a few shots I snapped this evening.


I can't wait to see what they did inside. OK OK, as usual the post is running long and the calls wont quit so Im gonna try to wrap this one up. I did want to add a link to a recent post from over at Fire Critic. You have to check this one out but if you don't follow the directions and read the post before the video it wont make sense. The original post is from the blog "Report on Conditions" by JoeSchmoe. Take the time, you'll LOVE the video. Here's the post and link from the Critic.
That's all for now, it's 23:30 and the tones keep hitting. Well see ya Saturday, until then remember.... reading is fundamental. Capt. Wines

A WILD one for C-shifts last day

It's been another one of "those" days but the good thing is that in just a few short hours, Im outta here for 13 days! The morning started off with promise. The brothers of A-shift all met here to go on a little float trip. With a group like the one gathered I was kinda glad we were working. Here they are planning to leave

All those men and just 1 canoe?? And how bout the fella with the crazed look aflexing his muscles?


Wonder how it all worked out?? Sounds like a movie I once seen...

'Deliverance' - 'Dueling banjos' scene
Uploaded by scorpioman1357. - Explore more music videos.

LMAO!!! Squeal like a pig boy!

OK OK I'm just funning (but we do owe em one for the post they made on us). The guys made it back just fine and said they had a really good float despite the fishing being a little off. And, all kidding aside, that's what makes this house such a good one. All the shifts do things together on their days off. It makes a great bond between the brothers and only makes us stronger when on duty. Ok on with the day... We started off with EMS con-ed..WoooHooo! BORING!!! Although the boys did enjoy seeing me in the back of a Medic unit

Just a glorified taxi to get me back to the ol War Wagon :-)
After class, it was lunch, a wash down for both pieces and brass polishing in the house. Then it was wreck after wreck. We had a decent storm roll through this evening here's a view looking from the County towards the City and one from my seat.


The good thing about the storm??? We found our long lost Cop pal Combs. He must have taken a shot to the head in that last scuffle he was in because he now thinks he's Evil Kenivel. Guess that cushy promotion has made him soft.. when he was beating the streets ( and perp's heads)he would have never "ducked for cover". Put him on a Harley and he turns soft on us... what do ya do?

Guess he was still getting wet so he decided to relocate. How does this look running out of the house? As much as I begged, he wouldn't let me or Tyrone take her around the block.


The other good thing about the storm? Just like at the Hippie Hotel, we now have a pool too. I posted in the past about their "pool". Learn about it in this post or here.



At least Tyrone had on some of his SWR gear (that's a life jacket he's wearing). I mentioned wrecks, and we've had a couple good ones. The 1st took us all the way to the County. A 4 vehicle chain accident with minor injuries handled with the Brothers from Medic Unit #4.


The 2nd looked worse but also netted minor injuries. This one was handled with the Brothers from The 12th Street Express Engine #5, Engine #13, Medic 4 and Medic Unit 101.


I know, I know this is a long one but just a few more quick notes and I'll stop. We had a visitor the other day and it took me a while to get the pic where I could post it. Retired Chief Southall stopped by at lunch. He retired as Chief of Operations. During his career, he worked through the ranks and made it as high as "acting" Chief of Department. He was also stationed right here at #9 for a good while. He said he has a lot of good memories from this house. Stop back ANYTIME Chief.

We also want to say CONGRATULATIONS to Lt. Dean Russell (from up at Lucky 13)and his wife on the birth of their new daughter. Moma, baby and even Deano are all doing fine. OK, I'll stop here, just a few more hours until Capt. Bedwell from B-shift relieves me early so I can get a head start on my 13 days off. Heading to Nashville. THANKS Capt. Yall check in on the boys next cycle and make sure they're behaving. If they're not, GET OUT OF THEIR WAY! They're dangerous LOL. Everyone stay safe, and keep em in the house tonight.


UPDATE: Apparently today was the last one on duty for Captain Charlie "CHUCK" Fotchman. Chuck left #11 station tonight at around 6pm to go into retirment. I believe his last day on the books will be Sept. 1st. I worked as Chuck's Lt. at station #6 and really enjoyed the time. Most of his career was spent at #2 on C-shift. I searched Rhetts blog and could only fine 1 set of pics. Here is the link, Im sure there will be more from other bloggers soon or if you have some send em to us and we'll get em up. Either way, GOOD LUCK and ENJOY the good life Chuck!
Capt. Wines

Time to beef up the ol armor

Well, this is North West but the ol slogan of running out of "the knife and gun club" wont exactly fit anymore. We run our share of shootings and stabbings, everything from 22 cal to AK's and AR's. Hell, they advertise em in stock just up the street (click the pic for a larger view and read the sign).

But today we had a first. A live grenade. WDBJ7 made a brief mention of it on the 6 o'clock news or check out their report of the incident here. Nothing too exciting really, no detonation and best of all, no injuries. The Engine was called to assist PD which ended up being of Cities finest along with the State Police Bomb Squad. Nearby businesses were evacuated and safety zones established. Then, the waiting game. Here's a pic of the scene

It's not often we get the State guys in our neck of the woods (it's usually the feds..ATF or DEA). They did have a cool rig and only needed a 40 acre field to turn it around.

We also called in our little hippie friends from the Green House or Hippie Hotel as we like to call it. Medic #3 came and sat with us for a while just in case.

Then we got to thinking... just in case?? What if this thing really goes off?? What Medic do we have again??? Oh yea, it's #3. Then we got realistic..better call in some professionals.

LOL...just kidding #3, you guys (AND GAL) do a great job. Well after a hour or so of deciding what to do (other than NOT letting the Firemen remove and dispose of it)the bomb guys loaded up the pesky little explosive devise and hauled it off to where ever they haul stuff like that off to. We took up and headed back for lunch and Air conditioning. Oh, I guess I should also mention that we had a mixed bag of members today. Wheezy was off once again getting his EMT-I learn on. Opie is somewhere in Dollywood starring at Dolly's....errrr...ummmmm well he's in Dollywood and Bugg banged out sick. So, that meant we got the "banned blogger" Rhett Fleitz backwards on the Engine until class was over and "quiet as a mouse" McDonald for 24 on the Medic. Here's our 2 fill-ins


We also had a "ride a-long" for a few hours tonight. Add him and Medic Unit 101 and that meant 8 people around the table for dinner. We were thinking about running up the street to steal a church pew (kinda felt like the Waltons) but then we figured out if we stole a pew it would have to come from a church (I don't think #3 has a pew). Now we are "Misfits" and we will pilfer just about anything we need (or want bad enough) but stealing from a church?? Don't worry, we didn't! That ain't how we roll. We made due with some rolly chairs from the office and sat down to a really nice meal.

After dinner and cleaning the kitchen, it was up to our theater room for Popsicles and a movie. "Last House on the Left" is worth the watch...it works out in the end! I'll leave ya with Larry's shirt from shift break. I don't know where he gets em but I love em.

That's it for now, keep em in house and be safe. Capt. Wines