Everybody Loves Sparky the Fire Dog!
Just as much as kids love firefighters, every kid (well, almost every kid) loves Sparky.
Recently I had the chance to catch some Run-to-the-Curb type kids interacting with their favorite Fire Dog, learning all about fire prevention and safety and making new friends. Thanks to Sparky, I’m sure these kids will be running to the curb to watch the fire trucks go by, just as soon as they’re old enough.
I opened up Internet Explorer where my home page is literally my home page: www.tigerschmittendorf.com and I clicked on the FireEMS Blogs icon in the upper left hand corner to see what my fellow bloggers were up to tonight.
I was drawn to a blog from the “Raising Ladders” site that caught my eye, titled: “Finally, a first due job… and a pretty good one, at that.” I didn’t think much of the title when I first read it until I got into the rest of the story. It was the author’s first real working fire in his career.
His story, along with my story telling experiences earlier in the evening, got me to thinking: “I remember my first time…”
There’s a lot of talk these days about what we’re missing in the fire service. And with all this discussion of leadership, of mentorship, sharing, caring and passing down values, traditions and the rich heritage of firefighters, Ithought it appropriate to revisit a very personal blog I wrote two years ago today, January 22, 2010.
When we talk about people who have influenced our careers and our lives, many people often refer to that person as someone who they didn’t realize had made such an impact on them until they were no longer in our lives. My friend Bob Newell was one of those people.
I guess I had taken Bob for granted. I had underestimated how much of an influence he had been on me, how much he was someone who’s friendship I cherished. His death, and these realizations really took me by surprise. (more…)
St. Paul MN Fire Chief Tim Butler is blogging about his fire academy experiences
I don’t remember how and when I stumbled across this particular blog, but it’s a good one.
St. Paul, Minnesota Fire Chief Tim Butler has written a blog about his experiences with the fire department since being appointed to the position two years ago. What’s so unique about this chief’s blog is that it details his adventures in participating in the latest recruit academy executed by the fire department.
The chief indicated early on after his appointment that he fully intended to experience everything his firefighters have experienced. In that vain, he prepared himself for and is actively engaged in the academy.
I was very impressed with his attitude as he wrote “We (sic) must share a common bond – a common culture – and a shared base of experience and perspective. We all must be confident in each member’s ability to operate safely and effectively on an incident scene or when representing our department to the public.” (more…)
What kid doesn't want to be a firefighter?
I was a Run-to-the-Curb type kid. What’s your story?
I’ve created a page at RuntotheCurb.com that will feature future firefighters — what I call ”Run to the Curb” Kids.
This week’s RttC Kids include 2-1/2 year old Collin Manning, son of Williamsville Firefighter Chris Manning as well as a photo of my daughter Kathleen and her friend taken about 15 years ago (don’t tell her I posted this.)
Visit RuntotheCurb.com to meet this week’s future firefighters and tell us your story.
I stumbled across this post from FireCritic (Fire-EMS Blog Network) and was dumbstruck. I haven’t thought of John Jordan in a long, long time.
In May of 1994, as Managing Editor of The Fire Fighter Newspaper and as a guest of VFIS, I and three other local firefighters (Dave Sherman, Jim Guy and Ric Dimpfl) traveled to Washington DC to attend the National Fire & Emergency Services Congressional Caucus Dinner coordinated by the Congressional Fire Services Institute.
Several hours before the dinner started and before I ever met him, John Jordan taught me a very valuable lesson: Don’t judge a book by its cover. (more…)
Getzville Firefighter Ryan Russell with two very appreciative fans
You’ve read my previous references to “Run to the Curb” type kids in “Fortune Tellers” and in my other writings. Now I’ve created a whole new web site just for telling my stories and to give you a place to share your stories too.
Run to the Curb.com is a work-in-progress blog I just created and a possible online book project too. There I’ll share my experiences, my stories and my thoughts on our need to be better story tellers.
And, I want to hear your stories too. You can share your childhood experiences and your connections to the fire service and in doing so, share the brotherhood, history and traditions of the fire service with fellow firefighters — and those who wish they were.
Check back often as more stories are added and we build this legacy document together.
Run to the curb. Tell your story. Tell your fortune. We can’t wait to hear it.
“Life’s an adventure.” That’s the message that Doyle 1 Volunteer Firefighters, EMTs and Rescuers are sending in a new effort to encourage more citizens to become part of emergency services in Cheektowaga, NY.
Their goal is to motivate their residents to “Start Your Next Adventure” at Doyle 1 Fire/Rescue/EMS. Armed with posters, billboards and other marketing materials, Doyle 1 is promoting the many flexible volunteering opportunities they offer. (more…)
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