Tag Archives: Randy Armbrister

We had several good discussions with valid points made by most everyone in the room. It didn't take long before the word "Millennials" was thrown out. Now all of us "old guys" know that the "Millennials" are, have been and will continue to be the damnation and ruin of the Fire Service.... right?

Of course, that topic in itself is a HUGE debate within the Fire Service.... leave companies together of bust em up on a regular basis. Stay and learn your territory or bounce around and always be on edge? Become comfortable with your crew or work to fit in, find each other's work habits and find neutral ground? There are advantages and disadvantages to both ....

When I watched the video, I could believe what I was watching. Well, I could believe it but maybe I didn’t understand it is a better way to put it. Now I don’t typically “Monday morning quarterback” or “keyboard command” fires but I want, and feel like I have to say something on this one.

Take Randy's new Department for example.... in my opinion ... just like others all across the Country (paid and volunteer); single member staffing and POV response is a gamble. IT'S A GAMBLE WITH FIREFIGHTER'S LIVES!

These members are our replacements.... the ones we will train to do the job once we no longer can (or have to). It can be argued that they are our most valuable resource and I would tend to agree.

My comfort (if there was any) was in thinking that at least we were able to give a mom and dad a little time with their child. I didn't even know their names back then. I didn't want to. I didn't want to attach names with faces or images inside my head. I didn't want to think about if she lived or not. Did she make it? Did we do everything we could have?

Dean Russell, the Captain from #4 C-shift; did a GREAT job of "controlling the door" until we could make the connection and get the attack line in position. His efforts held the fire to a single apartment.

A fire company which is viewed hooting, hollering, whistling or staring transfixed at an attractive female is likely to be categorized as a band of sex-depraved barbarians.

First off, I need to say THANK YOU for all the Christmas cards, and messages I received. I personally read each of them and can tell you that they helped lift my spirits (sorry I haven't replied to them all) . I cried every day after coming home to see the fresh stack awaiting me on the kitchen counter. It is very humbling to know that so many of you out there are thinking and care so much about me and my family.

It's too bad that many of the Brothers and Sisters here don't (can't or wont) see the benefit in that (as well as exactly what and why we do what we do). It's sad (and I know why it happens) but, more times than not; we're often the butt of jokes and/or smart ass comments here at home.