BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN

I have to admit, it feels good to be back home. I've been riding the "car" (Battalion 2)for the past few cycles but got to return to the Officer's seat of the ol War Wagon today. Our Department recently switched shifts for our Operations Battalion Chiefs. After all the names shook out, C-Shift North Battalion got Chief Bobby Slayton. Chief Slayton was hired on with the Roanoke Fire Department back on December 6, 1965 (I was born in 1969). He was already a Battalion Chief when I got hired in 1991. Needless to say, we are gaining a LOT LOT LOT of fire experience. There are a few more tie ins with Chief Slayton, myself and Station #9 as well. For starters, Bobby spent many of his younger years right here at station #9 (C-shift). Here's an older pic that I stole..errrrr borrowed from Mikey Overacker. That's Bobby coming down the stairs at #9. Check out some more older pics of the station from over at Mikey's site here. The other tie in is that my dad (now retired) was assigned as Bobby's driver (aide) for years. He has pretty much seen me grow up, apply and get hired on the Department and make promotions to Captain. All of our Battalions are top notch but for me, getting Bobby feels right. Anyhow, since the moves, he hasn't reported for duty. He basically had the month of December off for vacation and we were beginning to wonder if he would return at all (now that he holds the record for longest on the job with the Fire Department... Captains Givens and Swanson respectfully bumped to 2nd and 3rd). Today, he quieted all the rumors and reported for his first shift as the C-shift North side Battalion (and just in time for ol blog boy Fleitz to bang out sick). Here's the pic of Chief Slayton this morning.. So, with Bobby on duty, I'm back in the saddle of E9 (where I belong). Welcome back to C-shift Chief, it's gonna be a BLAST! OK...I know the New Year's post was a let down. Excuses are like a certain body part..everybody has one, but in my defence, I do have a good one. It was Tyrone's fault! LOL. On Holidays, other than station chores and running calls, I pretty much give the boys the day off (no training, pre-plans etc). Well, Bugg got one of the new Atari games for Christmas .."Duty is Calling.. New Age Killing part 40", or something like that. Anyway, he brought it in and we plugged her up. While I was trying to pull together all my writing skills to make the last post of 2009 a good one, Tyrone was raining death and destruction on some poor unknowing souls at mega loud volume. Writers block, shell shock and just plain mayhem. .

Regardless of the last posts quality, I felt like we've had a good year here at #9 and that the blog has done pretty good as well. I know we've had fun keeping it updated and as fate would have it, New Year's Eve was our busiest day ever for blog traffic with 798 hits! To follow up on the events of New Year's Eve and Day, Medic 9 had the honor (if that's what you want to call it) of running the last call in the City for 2009 and then the 1st for 2010. The engine had an interesting one as well. While staging for an assault, a man ran down the street to find some help for the person stabbed. Guess who he found... yep E9. When they didn't respond to his waves to "come this way" he decided he'd just go fetch em. When he couldn't coax them out of the Engine, he decided he'd just get in and make them get out. Oh yea, he got up on the side board and tried to get in the War Wagon. How'd that work out for him???? NOT TOO GOOD! Let's just say he didn't make it in and Roanoke's Finest soon had him in cuffs. The boys are fine and the patient (who was a few blocks away)received treatment after RCPD secured the scene (**TRAINING NOTE** on assault calls, stabbings and /or gun shot wounds, stage a SAFE distance away from the dispatched address and remain ALERT. If someone approaches you, LEAVE. Cops don't put out fires and Firemen don't...errrrr SHOULDN'T carry guns!). Nothing too exciting to report on today. I guess a little good and bad news. The good news is that it's NOT snowing again.

The bad news is that it's COLD. REAL COLD. I mean 20 degrees COLD! And WINDY too! Did I mention it's COLD? Well it is! The boys always laugh at me about wearing long johns and using an electric blanket on my bed.. well who's laughing now? I've warned em too... I'm sleeping with a halagan tonight and the first fool who tries to get under that blanket with me is gonna regret it LOL. I guess that's one downside to an older house.. the windows are old too and don't have the best seal. I'm in the Captain's office downstairs and can hear the blinds blowing in the upstairs bedroom from here. It's past "drafty" up there and just about at the right temp to hang meat. Another thing I wanted to share with you all is from last day. I was riding the Battalion so that means you run out of "The Deuce" aka Station #2. Well, that's where Zack Obenchain is assigned and he took the time to stop by for lunch with his crew. He again express thanks from his family for all the thoughts, prayers and support. He said that everyone is doing as well as can be expected. Here's a pic of Zack at the kitchen table and one with me


Oh yea, for all you Tech fans out there...that was a Tenn. Vols shirt he had on...poor little "tink tink" (**adults only** look it up..you'll laugh your butt off). Ok, that's enough for tonight. Don't forget to put a "cold weather bag" on the rig tonight if you haven't already. Everyone stay safe, warm and in house. We start 4 day in the morning...SEE YA GEEKS!
Captain Wines

LOOKING TOWARDS 2010

What a year! Kind of an emotional roller coaster for the Melrose Misfits and our Department as a whole. A-shift has worked their last day of 2009 so I guess C-shift will try a "best of" or "highlight" post next day (Thursday) to kind of sum up the year. Yep, not only did the C-shift Misfits get to work Christmas Eve, we also have the honor of pulling New Year's Eve as well. Oh well, someone has to do it and we'll do our best to get a worthy post up. I mentioned an emotional roller coaster and by now, you should all know that we laid to rest one of our most respected members yesterday...Retired Battalion Chief Billy Obenchain. Rhett and Mikey Overacker have some great photo coverage of the funeral here and here. I must admit that once again I was humbled by the turn out (local news coverage here). The "Sea of Blue" behind the hearse would make any brother swell with pride. As with Brother Chris Brown's funeral, members from all around the Valley attended the service while our brothers and sisters from Roanoke County and Salem helped to fill our rigs and stations. I did not get nor compile the list of those brothers and sisters this time, but without naming each of you, please accept our sincere appreciation and THANKS! Our Honor Guard....WOW! What an awesome display of respect for a fallen brother! Just look at some of those pictures linked above. What's not so obvious was the weather and well... it sucked. Freezing cold with high wind. FREEZING COLD! Those guys never swayed at either service (Church or graveside). At the Church, somehow or another our very own Lt. Bugg and Lt. Songer (Station #10-C) had the honor of being posted by our fallen Chief's casket during the service (as they did at Capt. Brown's service). Another solid 45+ minutes on "guard" without a flinch. To each of our Honor Guard members, at both of the viewings, during the Church Service and at the Graveside Ceremony, WELL DONE LADS! You made us all proud. The stories have been told at every station today. Everything from the wooden spoon beatings to kitchen table wash downs and spiced up cigars. It was even said that he's most likely somewhere in heaven conducting a hose line drill, teaching strategy and tactics or testing a new nozzle. Fitting I'd say. Gone but never forgotten, REST IN PEACE CHIEF BILLY.
Ok, like so many other times this year, and like Billy would have expected, we got back on the trucks today. Another cold and windy day and busy on top of that. It seems as though the day has been all about vehicle accidents and car fires. On the North side, we had one rolling under a car port. A quick response and knock down by "Smoke and More, Running 4" (with our crippled War Wagon on their tail) kept it from extending into the structure. Responding companies were E4, E9, E5, L13, M4, B2 and RS1. Working fire was signaled due to the volume of fire and it's location of being under the carport, but additional companies were turned around. A good job by all members on scene. Lt. George Perdue of Lucky Ladder 13 was able to overcome the obstacle of Officers strewn in the front yard to force entry and conduct a search with negative results. Companies were up and back in service quickly with only minor injuries to an ankle and some Captain pride :-) Here are some pics

Yea, our ole War Wagon blew a radiator hose while en route but still managed to make it in, and YES....this time WE laid the line (lol).
Think I'll wrap it up here for tonight. I'll close with saying thanks for all the thoughts and prayers sent to the Obenchain family and our Department. I'd ask that you continue to keep the Obenchains and Brown families on your mind and near your heart as they continue to deal with these losses. I'd also mention a brother from the opposite side of the Country (and his Department as well) who seems to be struggling through a loss of their own. Follow Captain Schmoe's blog here ANYTHING you need Capt. we're a phone call or key stroke away.
Captain Wines

Picking up the pace

It's the first day back for the C-shift Misfits and it's been a long one. Heck, it's been a long week. I don't know why, but business has definitely picked up lately here in "the Noke". Our house alone has seen 5 jobs in the last 7 days. I'm not sure about the other shifts (I don't get the City text messages) but on C-shift, the Southies have had a few others that we don't run. Caught a notable one this afternoon though. Companies were sent to our local Pet Smart for a report of a fire inside, near the rear of the building. Some companies were at the far end of their district and that led to The 12th Street Express making it in first with us right behind them. Engine 5 had smoke showing on arrival and reported heavy smoke from the interior. A cool note here is that a past Misfit was on scene and helping to evacuate the building. Mark Brown (from E5) said he was met at the door by none other than former #9 member Josh Holmes (you may also remember Josh from our dish washer chronicles). Josh had removed some animals, assisted occupants and reported to Brown the location of the fire. Brown said you could tell that Josh had been working and even wanted to go back in with them. Just like old times huh Josh?
We caught a hydrant, supported the sprinkler system and forced entry from the rear. Things got pretty busy for a minute or two. Coon is off at hunt camp and tricked an A-shift Misfit into trading some time, so Big Jerry "Beans" Franks is riding backwards for us today. I was scheduled off for vacation but Opie has been crying about not having enough time off to hunt ever since his neighbor killed the "big one" out from under him, so I gave him the day. I have to admit that with Beans being from the house, it has been just like having one of my boys with me. He makes a good fit and worked his butt off today. Above, I mentioned forcing entry and I know what some of you will say ... "that's truck work". Well, I think I've mentioned it in a much earlier post, but we carry a K12 on the War Wagon. We have alot of security bars etc in our 1st due plus, we often pull the saw for car fires (to cut and raise the hood). Anyhow, the saw came in very handy again today with no ladder truck in the rear. Battalion 1 (Chief Beckner) was chomping at the bit while we cut the roll up door and then made entry with us establishing "Interior Operations". A decent smoke condition inside while the sprinkler system kept the fire in check. Still, a LOT of work. Pet Smart is located in a 26,040 sq. foot building with an estimated value near $4 million. A lot of smoke, and a LOT LOT LOT of water. Everyone there did a bang up job. Engine 5, the "Hippies" from up at the "Green House" Engine and Medic(less Winters who missed yet another one), The Big Show's Engine 1, The "Deuce" (Ladder 2), Lucky Ladder 13, Medic 101, Ladder 7, Engine 1, Battalions 1 and 2, RS1, the service truck and Fire Marshall. All total, about 32 personnel. Here's a few pics..


Here's one of me and Beans catching a breather and the War Wagon doing her thing (sure is good to have the ole Gal back)


Another interesting story about the fire involved 2 women whom I thought were medic or nursing students. These 2 Young ladies were working their tails off helping anyway they could. One even changed my bottle. Well, apparently they were not students. Bugg got the shot and the 411. He was so impressed with their hustle, he stopped and asked their story. He didn't get their names but they are actually applicants for our Department. They have participated in our recent hiring process and wanted to come out for a ride-a-long to see what it is like here and how we operate. I believe they rode in with Battalion 1. Anyway, Bugg said they did a great job and we wanted to say good luck in the hiring process and THANKS for the effort and help today. Here's their pic.

I'm gonna wrap it up here. It's late, we're sitting on 5 or 6 including the fire and a "code blue". Business is picking up at the "club" across the street so it looks like we ain't getting much rest tonight. I will add that as far as I'm aware of, all of the animals at Pet Smart survived. Pretty amazing for the amount of smoke. We will also have an update to this post in the next day or so because we have a video of another Roanoke Fire Department invention.... a very VERY high tech squeegee... you're gonna LOVE it. Stay safe and in the house.. Captain Wines

Day 1, C-shift

Where does a 4 day break go? Holy cow this one flew by! Our last day was Halloween night and luckily, we didn't have any fires but did catch a bad looking MVC. Single vehicle, with major impact, and a high MOI (mechanism of injury...my Doctor term for the post). Luckily, and just as unbelievably, the driver walked away..literally walked away as in left the scene and returned later. Anyway, here's a shot of what happens when you run a Lincoln into a steel I beam.


Scariest part was the child safety seat buckled into the passenger seat .. glad the driver was alone. Anyway, that wound up last cycle. Today is our first day of this cycle and it's been busy busy all day. Tyrone has the day off hunting so at least it's a little quieter around here at the house. We started the morning helping out a good friend of the Melrose Misfits Roy Lane. I've posted several times about Roy and his work with the Kazim Temple's Fire Brigade. Well, they recently acquired a new Ladder truck for their fleet and needed a place to temporarily house her. The truck came from Clifton Forge, Va. and is in GREAT condition. What's even better is that she's an Oren! Chief Tartaglia and our Dept. graciously agreed to let the Shriners park the truck in our Historic Station #1. I had the honor of driving her down and backing her into the station and it wasn't until we were done that we realized exactly what we did. You see, their new ladder is an Oren, station #1 also houses our Local's 1937 Oren as well as a retired piece from our City fleet, Squad 1 which is ALSO an Oren. When we finished up, Station #1 had 3 Orens in her, nose to tail. I know some old Jakes who would love to see that. Oren has a pretty rich history here in Roanoke and most any of our retirees hold fondly a few stories involving one of the "Grey Ghosts". Anyway, we didn't get a picture of all 3 together (we'll post one soon) but did manage a few shots of us getting em in. I'll add too that Rhett has been corresponding with a retired Brother from Richmond, Va. (Tommy Herman)who is just completing a book about Oren Fire trucks. He said the book contains some really good photos from Roanoke and as soon as I can steal the link, we'll get it up. So, here's a few shots of the Temple's new ladder and Old Squad 1.



Here's a pic from Tommy as well. I'm not sure if this is one that made his book or not. It's one of our Grey Ghost sitting in front of "The Deuce" aka Station #2.

I'll do more on the Orens soon and I'm sure Rhett will have a piece on one of his sites in the near future despite the fact that you heard it here first ;-)
Ok, so after taking care of Roy and our Shriner brothers, it was normal runs and house work. Later in the day we had one of our bi-annual "cluster meetings" with our Chief. No real surprises other than getting to see Chief Barker in a tie. I made the Misfits wear eye protection just in case one of those buttons cut loose LMAO

Our War Wagon is still sick...think she has that pig cold or whatever it is going around, either way, it ain't good. One of our little fretters from over at the Hippie Hotel sent me this pic of her on the operating table down at the City garage today. Them County boys done her in good...Poor girl....hope we get her back soon

That's about all for tonight. Sitting on 6 or so including a GSW and kitchen fire out on arrival. Oh yea, we check our stats pretty regular (you can too at the very bottom of the page) and we notice the hits from Iraq (click the "view my stats" then find "map" in the left hand bar). We have 2 guys over there that are close to C-shift. Gary "Fish" Fisher who resigned from the Department to go and my future son in law (David Downing)who was pulled from VMI for his 2nd tour. Here's a shot David sent me the other day of him in a Black Hawk. We wanted them to know that we see them checking in on us and that our thoughts and prayers are with all the men and women over there fighting for our freedoms. THANK YOU, keep up the good work, stay safe and hurry home guys!

I'll close with the note that we are working on adding some fancy high tech "RSS' or LMNOP feed thingy or something so that you guys can follow us on "picture book" aka Face Book and that chirp chirp thing... twitter or whatever it is. Anyway, hopefully we'll have it up soon, Coon says it's "the bomb". Stay safe and in house, we're back on Saturday.
Capt. Wines

Getting back on the truck..

I'll start by saying that our Department as a whole as well as the Brown family continues to receive much needed prayer and support. For that, we are all grateful. The "Big Show" posted a thank you note on their site found here. It was discussed at our Union meeting last night that some calls are still coming in asking where you can send cards etc. The address is as follows.. (address has been removed until approved by the family, we will add it back following authorization). It should also be noted that donations can be made to Captain Brown's daughter's ( his "girls" ) college fund. Checks should be made to Stephnie Brown c/o Caroline and Hannah's college fund. Donations should be sent to the Daleville, Va. branch of SunTrust Bank 72 Kingston Drive. Daleville, Va. 24083 Phone (540) 992-6972 to the attention of Tonya Brown.
OK, in our last post I added a clip from Ladder 49 and in it, the Captain (John Travolta) told the men that getting back on the truck was the way to honor their fallen. "Brown's Hounds" down at #1C have done so and so will we with our postings. Our regular readers know I can get long winded but, I'll try to be brief tonight. I want to try to catch you up on a few of the recent happenings here at Station #9. Back on Oct. 13th our brothers from A-shift posted on a motel fire they had up Melrose. The were pretty humble with the facts though. They were 1st in to our "technically" 3rd due. Multiple companies were out of service for one reason or another. The call was received with a report of a handicap person trapped! They arrived with smoke and flame showing and WENT TO WORK! Fire knocked down, exposure doors forced and rooms searched before the 2nd due made it in. Luckily, the victim was able to self rescue just as they arrived. Reminds me of the other fire service movie Back Draft ... John Wayne time boss..

HELL OF A JOB THERE BOYS!! HELL OF A JOB!
Ok, on to C-shift, we've had several more nursing students ride along with us and I promised them a pic on the blog ( told em we'd make em famous). Sadly, this will all soon end because the part-time Medic Unit will be moving over to "The Deuce" aka Station #2. Here, Medic #101 has been parked outside and with cold weather approaching, admin felt the need to move them inside. The good news is that they'll be back when we move to our new home, hopefully sometime in March 2010. So here's our latest students Megan Caldwell and Virginia Vaughn at the top and Rebecca Dunham and Margy Bacon below.



Yea yea I know..it's a hard life here at #9 but someone has to do it. Our very own "Ninja Cook" has been making remarkable improvements. With a little guidance from yours truly, he even baked a few pies. Our old friend Officer Combs (aka "Evil Knievel" or "Awful Kanaful" now that he's assigned to a motorcycle) couldn't believe Opie was baking so he stopped in to sample the results.



You can't tell be the expression but he did have 2 slices lol. In our last post, I listed the names of the County and Salem brothers and sisters who covered our rigs during the funeral. I'd like to point out again the ones who covered here for our B-shift Misfits. They were Geoff Tuck, Ron Stone, Matt Bradshaw and Brandon Carroll all from Roanoke County Fire / Rescue. The City's own Captain R.T. "Skippy" Flora (from Lucky #13-B) also missed the funeral to cover as the Officer here. Again, I want to thank these guys before busting their balls...and you know I gotta. You see, there's always been a little friendly "competition" if you will between the City and County. Good, clean firehouse fun. Well, C-shift worked the tour the following day and at 07:30 when Lt. Bugg went out to check and prep our War Wagon, SHE WOULDN'T FIRE. The County boys worked a 1/2 day on her and she just laid down a QUIT! I don't know if they tried to take her in the woods or up in the mountains somewhere looking for brush fires or what.. but she wouldn't crank. We had to pull her out with the "Cowboy Cadillac" and call the hook. Oh the shame of it all..LOL

You guys know I'm just kidding and again want to thank you for everything you did. They actually made a few runs and caught a kitchen fire. Speaking of catching one, we did that ourselves today. Looked BIG. HEAVY black smoke from 9 blocks out. Marked it a worker from that far away. Got there (a junk yard) and there was so much fire and smoke, thick, black smoke, that I really couldn't tell what was burning. I had the boys pull the 2 1/2 and they WENT TO WORK! Man am I proud. Wheels, Tyrone and Opie did one hell of a job knocking her down. In the end, it was 2 cars, 1 van, a motor home (next to a building) 6 industrial loader tires (400 lbs each), vehicle tires, gasoline tanks, and general rubbish burning. Looked worse than what it was but a good job by everyone involved. Also on scene was E4, E5, L13, E3, L7, M9, M4, BC2, ST2 our PIO, FM1, and Chief 1 (who opened the hydrant). Here's a shot moping up..

And yes, we kept it out of the building..just melted the door a little. If you noticed, I said "Wheels" Tyrone and Opie. Wheels (an A-shift Misfit) is covering for Coon so he can attend the Va. Tech Chokey game...oops I mean Hokie, must have been thinking about the Ga. Tech game :-) Anyway, I hope the tailgating was fun cause at this point, Tech is LOOSING. Thanks to Wheels for making the trade, and "well done" today humping that 2 1/2". Wheezy's off on vaca, no doubt at Allsports catching the game. We're back on Halloween so, see ya then. Stay safe and in house, thanks again for all the support. Captain Wines.

Thought this was Friday...

I was actually sure it was but damn if it hasn't gone like a Monday! Pulled a tour last night for a brother over at Ladder 7 so he could go to the Zac Brown concert. Good tour and thanks to the brothers of B-shift over there for taking care of me...that Burrows is one heck of a cook. Anyway, due to the extra shift, I was a little late getting to #9. I roll in about07:20 to a sight that completely stopped me in my tracks. Everything was backwards.

The War Wagon was parked in the medic bay and the box was sitting in her spot. WTF??? Captain Bedwell met me in the bay shaking his head. When they returned from a 04:00am run, they found the door "ajar". Ajar my butt.....more like BROKE!

Anyway, the men went to work, got the door most of the way up but not enough to put the Engine back to bed. Some quick goat thinking, and the Medic unit was able to fit under the door while the Engine was parked in the other side. Now, some of us remember the Ladder (Ladder 9 ) running out of that side but I don't think I've ever seen the Engine run out from over there. Anyway, it was strange to see. Overhead door made it out quickly and soon had everything back up and operating so we swapped again and at least had the apparatus looking normal. Just when I thought things were coming back to how they should be, I kept noticing some bright red rosy cheeks and an ear to ear grin. I had almost forgotten. "Bedford", "little Brooklyn" Brad Creasy was trading a little time today. Bedford and I worked together when I first made Captain back at the real...errrrr old #3. Those were some GREAT times, went through a lot of doors together and made plenty of bonds and memories along the way. It was good to have him back on the truck with me again and I feel like he enjoyed the day here at #9. Here's his mug shot

Wheezy was off getting his "learn on" at EMT-I class, had to transfer Coon over to "The Deuce" for the remainder of the shift, order supplies, wash out, mow the grass ugggggh! I thought today was FRIDAY! Opie was cooking, we had 9 for lunch and a broken stove. By now, you all should know what this does to our little "ninja cook". Yep, the stress level was through the roof. The result?? Red Bone Brauts ummm ummm (ok I know brauts don't have bones but you get the point). We had 9 because Medic 101 had a student. Ooops, not a student, another nurse ride along. This time, a little different than when the last rode. This time, we had the boss... Candi. I wrote a little about the program in the post when John rode. One of our local hospitals sends new hire nurses out for tours with us so that they can see first hand what happens on the "other side" of the emergency and what it takes to get the patients to them. A really great program and concept. I think it will benefit our medics just as much as the ER personnel by creating a better understanding and communications between the two. Anyway, Candi came out to ride and even stayed the entire shift to evaluate how the program is working. I think she found some areas that are doing well, and a few minor areas that need "tweeking". She seemed very excited and pleased and I'm sure she will work to ensure this program continues, expands and delivers positive results for everyone involved. We also had a new hire ridding 101 today. Cassie was hired part time about 1 month ago and has only worked about 3 or 4 shifts. Today was her first with the C-shift Mis-fits. We didn't catch a run with her but she seems to handle herself well around the house and I'm sure she'll do fine. Here's a pic of Candi and Cassie moving out to the veranda after dinner.

Not much excitement for the gals run wise, that is right up until time for their shift to end. Just before 21:00, a fire alarm went out for another one of our local hospitals. No big deal, we run it ALL THE TIME. The next tone was for 3rd alarm companies! WHAT?? Holy crap talk about your heart in your throat. Straight to a 3rd! Thankfully, the incident was quickly brought back to a 1st alarm assignment and the brothers and sisters on the South side were able to handle.
Just a few more quick notes and I'll quit. A few Sundays ago (Sept. 27th) was "Big Joe" Riley Peters last day on the job. Big Joe was known for many things throughout his career but I think most memorably for his pumping ability (as FF and Lt.) and how he handled the old "Grey Ghost" engines. Any of the brothers who worked with or around Big Joe will tell ya that he could drive the wheels off those old Orens. I'm sure he'll be missed by many and we wish him the best of luck and a happy retirement.. he's EARNED it. Here's a shot of him at his last assignment, Engine 11, B-shift.

That's enough for tonight, everyone stay safe and in the house... Hookie game tomorrow and back on Sunday.
Capt. Wines

Too nice to be here!

WOW! What a nice day. Wish we were anywhere but here on day's like this one. Most of us at #9-C sucked it up and came on in. Others (whom I wont mention...COON ) had someone else pull the tour. Special thanks to our A-shift brother Matt "Wheels" Wheeling for covering the shift while one of our members attended a tail gate, beer, wings and corn hole fest...errrrr I mean Va. Tech family oriented football game lol. I hope he enjoyed the game, he's a huge fan and the odds were that Tech would most likely win considering who they played. I think it was Craig County High School or something like that. All kidding aside, they played Marshall and dominated. Check out the details here. The "other" Va. team got spanked again (sorry Bugg). I don't even know who TCU is but they topped UVA 30-14. See their video here. And hey, since we're one the subject of football, check this out. Todd Stone, Chris Price and Richard Lipes are getting together a Public safety team to play in the North American Football League. This is the REAL DEAL guys. Not this "flag" or "adult touch" stuff we've been hearing about. Adult touch... gets me thinking more of hookers and midgets than football. This is full contact, real football. Anyways, Rhett has a post about the league and the October 20th team meeting over at his site, found here. Or you can also check out the direct link to the NAFL. Capt. Stone dropped in today to #1 get his picture on the hottest Fire Department blog in the city and #2 to drop off a flier and tell us about the league. I've already told him to count me in! I can't wait and encourage anyone who even thinks they may want to be a part of this to at least attend the team meeting Oct. 20th to get full details. Check out the link, and/or call Todd, Chris or Richard with questions etc. Here's Todd's mug shot

I said most of us made it in today and I guess 4 out of 6 ain't so bad. Coon off watching the fooz ball and Opie down waddling in the sand. I'm not real sure how he gets so much time off but somehow, he's managed to suck another cycle. The best part of his time off story is that he thinks I'll give him a day in hunting season..LMAO! After wasting this week?? Prime hay weather and he goes to the beach? He HATES sand! Hates it! The rest of us stuck here on duty LOVE the beach. Think we can get a day off? Nooooo. As close as we can get to any sand in North West Roanoke is the residue from Bugg scattering stay-dry absorbent on MVA's.Just ain't the same. Anyways, Coon I hope you enjoyed the game and Opie, I hope you didn't forget your water wings. Most of our day here was spent out in the community at Pub-ed events. We were invited up to a local Church this morning for a very nice event. We spent the time showing off our rigs to the children and adults alike. Here's a few shots.... Wheezy and Tyrone giving "Box" tours (showed em band-aids and such) and me running em through the War Wagon.


Everyone had a real god time. The only bad thing about the event was that the City's finest (RCPD) were also invited. Most firemen know that Police Officers entered the service because they couldn't pass the Fire Department test... and if you don't believe that, let me prove it. This Officer looked educated. He seemed smart. I TOLD him...watch Tyrone. There were a lot of people at this event and it's easy for him to get out of my sight. So, with his Policeman intellect, what did he do? Let him in the car! YEP, and one of those hot rod Dodges to top it off. Purchased by local drug dealers and PIMPED. I thought the wheels were 24's but I was quickly informed that they were only 22's but they keep their Sh%* clean Yo! The last time we posted about Tyrone and a cop car, he was in the back seat. If you missed that one, catch up here. This time however, he made it to the front. Check him out...

Hopefully you all know that I'm just busting balls with our brothers in blue. Here in the City, they do a heck of a job and always have our backs out on the street. That said, a little more fire vs police comedy can be found in Fireman Jake and Policeman Perry videos. Rhett has some here or if you've never seen the videos, google it and go back to episode #1.
I'll close on a more serious note today and hit Rhett's feel good piece o dung bloggie like site again. HE covered an article in today's paper concerning the closing of The Second Alarm. Todd Harris currently works at Lucky #13 with Rhett here on C-shift and Gary has been retired for some time now. The bar was been open for 30 years and has been home to many a good Jake from the Roanoke City Fire Department. We're thinking of deciding on a date and time one evening in the near future and filling the place with firefighter's so Gary and Todd can close hers doors in FD fashion. Let us know under comments here or over at Rhetts site if you think you can spare the time to throw a few beers back and give her a good send off before the 26th.
Enough for tonight... stay safe and dry. Capt. Wines

Drastic change from last day

Today has been extremely pleasant compared to last day. Beautiful weather and everything at a good pace. Not too much to blog about thus far tonight but I'll see what I can pull together. First I wanted to follow up on something I posted last day. Talk about a class act, this evening I received a phone call from Greg Doss. If you read last day's post, you'll remember that Gregg had family here in the Roanoke Fire Dept. and is now working himself on the job in Franklin Tenn. I also mentioned that he is their Union President and wrote about him because of his offer to help with anything I may need while I was down in Nashville. Well, he read the post and thought enough to call up here to speak with me personally and thank me for the posting.... TO THANK ME! Hell, he was the one offering help. Anyway, we had a great conversation. He grew up around Vinton and even volunteered there in the old days with a lot of guys who are now on the job or recently retired from here. The Obenchains, Tommy Overstreet, Mike Armstrong, and Chris Trussler. He grew up visiting old station #6 ( Peanuts was assigned there )just as I did as a child and shared memories etc of all of the men we both remembered so fondly. Capt. Swanson, Lawrence Breeding, M.H. Poindexter and more. He also told me that he is also kin to Tommy Hogan (now retired.. Tommy is Greg's mother's brother). So anyway, the fact that he took the time to call was fantastic and it reminded me of one of the slogans on our stations 2009 St. Patty's shirt. The slogan is Gaelic and reads "Braithreachas Thar Gach Ni" meaning "Brotherhood above all else". Here's a pic of the shirt. you can also view both the front and back (without the slogans) here. I was browsing through Rhetts site over at VaFirenews.com and found what looks like is going to be a great gathering for Firefighters up in Richmond on the 26th of this month. The event is hosted by the Halligan Bar and Grill. Check out the link here . The good news is that it's close to us here in Roanoke. The bad news is that it is scheduled on the weekend of our 2nd annual Officer's seminar. Anyway, it looks like something I'd like to attend, check it out if you can. I also found a pretty cool pic over at Firegeezer . Check this out... Talk about a "Deck gun"...boy if we could get one of those!!! Read the related article here. We had a few visitors today as well. The Buckaroo brought my wife and oldest daughter by for a Popsicle. It's probably a bad idea to post a pic of one of my girls cause I know how firemen think. So, give her a break....here's the pic (left to right, wife Donna, the Buckaroo, and oldest daughter Randi-jo). We had another visitor but I don't think he had as good of a time as the Buckaroo or the girls. We posted once in the past about the rats around here. Oh the stories we could tell. Here's the past post and here's a shots of his cousin...RIP. I guess I should also add here that technically, neither of the two should be considered rats. These are more like little field mice compared to the rats we have. This one was even too small to grill and had not nearly enough hide to make it worth while to skin him. Guess we need to wait till they get their winter coats on LOL. I'll end for now with a short video. One of our part-timers was in the back of the bay this evening praying. I know he was praying because tomorrow is Sunday and all of the members here on C-shift know I don't like the boys sleeping in chairs (in plain view of the public) when we have 18 beds and 2 couches upstairs. Anyway, he was praying and two of our neighborhood kids found him.

Gonna wrap it up here..it's GAME DAY! Va. Tech is playing Alabama and we hope to catch a little of it. The entire day has been planned to end with the game. Even the meals. One of our favorite bars...errrrr cafe even delivered some GREAT hot wings. If you have never been to All Sports, you're missing not only a great time, but great food as well. OUTSTANDING ribs, wings, burgers, wraps you name it. Affordable and ice cold beer...ahhh I meant milk, tea or cool-aid. We hit the Salem location mostly but there's one on Grandon Rd in Roanoke as well. Check out the link here and stop in for a glass or twenty with us some day. That's it for now, stay safe and quiet tonight. GO HOKIES!!!
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