in-the-line-of-duty

TODAY ... these brothers are fighting to recover. TODAY ... their families sacrifice and suffer. What will YOU do to help TODAY?

Here in "The Noke", we have a GREAT working relationship with our Brothers in Blue (Police Department). You never read it in our paper or see it on the news but we see a lot of shootings, stabbings and just general assaults. Having a good and trusting relationship between Fire/EMS and Police is crucial on these types of incidents.

The thing is ... you have to do more than just talk about Brotherhood, you have to act. You have to do something (ANYTHING..big or small) to make a positive impact on the Service and aid our fellow Brothers / Sisters. Rhett and I try to do so everyday. Zach founded and entire company on that principle.

The " Illusion of death " .... HA ! There is no "illusion". Death is VERY real and nobody knows that better than those of us in the Fire / EMS service. We see it often .. sometimes daily. What we see is not the drama coated "Hollywood" death but the REAL thing. It's not pretty!

These men were a part of our Department, our "family", OUR "Brotherhood" . They are a part of our history ... our traditions.... the subjects of great stories, unbelievable acts and even some good firehouse pranks.

The occupants were in a panic, fearing they were trapped; but Randy had it knocked down within seconds and with less than 500 gallons of water. Our County Brothers will be ecstatic to read that we even got the "brush rake" off the rig. Randy quickly got to the "head", extinguished and began "cutting a line" .... LMAO ... if we only had a " PULASKI" tool.

Chief Houff was the Battalion here on C-shift as well and even though he works for the County, we got to see each other a lot. Not just work either .... Chief Huff stayed by Billy's side everyday of his fight. It was a true testament to BROTHERHOOD.

If we put the fire out, there will be nothing to "flash". If the fire is extinguished, it can not weaken or burn through lightweight trusses / construction. When a fire is no longer burning, it can no longer produce the toxic gas and fumes that kill trapped occupants.

Blogging is one thing but members all across this Country are honoring these men in the same way.... by getting back on the truck! Police Officers are on duty tonight on the Va. Tech Campus. Brothers of IAFF L-1009 are staffing the rigs in Worcester, Ma. and the Mount Vernon (NY) Fire department stands ready to take in the next call.

It's been a terrible and horrific week for Public Safety. Please continue to keep the Departments, family and friends of our fallen in your thoughts and prayers. Also remember that all across this country, members are pulling a tour.... today, tonight, tomorrow and everyday day / hour after. That's how we honor the fallen ... by putting our boots on, getting back on the rig and doing our job!