Tag Archives: Roanoke Fire/EMS

The fire would empty every firehouse in the city causing the Department to "call back" members for duty. Typically, those members "called back" will staff "reserve" apparatus and place stations back in service.

We caught a small job at shift break this morning... we were coming on, B-Shift was going off. It's a hell of a way to start the day.

It's EASY to get this far .... hundreds if not thousands of members get this far. The "hard" part is "keeping fire in your life".... staying "Battle Ready". Keeping the desire to learn. To train, to stay healthy, physically fit and in the shape to do the job required of you. To keep motivated. To keep the discipline to push yourself to the "next level". To maintain a positive attitude.

“Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.” "

To me, much like the Marine Corp Dress Blues; our uniform symbolizes Honor, Pride, Tradition and Respect. I'll wear it in HONOR of Chase, those who have fallen before him and those who may fall after.

I would list their names, but they have none. One of the Captains explained to me that when the Honor Guard is working "we don't have a name, we don't have a face .. we don't exist as individuals. It's not about us, it's about that family and seeing that they are taken care of".

They're not like "buff" pictures ... Nate's shots seem to "tell a story".

When our eyes met, he had a calm look on his face. He smiled at me and winked as if to say he was secure in knowing that I was in command. I don't think he had a clue how lost I was at the time or how bad our situation was but just that simple nod and wink brought me back to reality.

It's been humbling for us to watch Randy grow not only into a good fireman but now a husband as well. Both are HUGE accomplishments and I'm confident that he will do well at both.

It used to be, when we got hired; it was a given that you'd pull 30 years .... you WANTED to do 30. Now, it seems like everyone is simply reaching for the Rule of 70's and looking to get out as soon as possible.