Update on my friend, mentor and HERO Fresno Fire, CA Captain Pete Dern:
Former Army Cobra Copter Pilot (PIC), 25+ year veteran of the Fresno Fire Department. Fire Captain on the USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team.
On Sunday March 29, 2015 Fire Captain Pete Dern was leading his crew across the roof of a single-family-residential structure fire to provide vertical ventilation to remove smoke and gases and provide for the safety of the interior attack crews when a catastrophic ...
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!['I walk a line, a thin red line that few will ever understand.
It's a thin line filled with blood, sweat, heartache, pain and lots of tears.
It can be rewarding, and it can also be sadly tragic.
I walk a line where brothers and sisters stand side-by-side, arms reached over each other’s shoulders confidently assured that it’s our meaningful bond that holds this line.
That thin line can be damaged, bent, scratched, taken for granted and even forgotten about.
But that line, that thin red line is always there and will always and forever prevail.
Although it can sometimes be burnt, it will never be tore down or completely destroyed… neither by man nor nature.
It’s a thin red line that burns deep within the hearts of young and old firefighters and at some point has affected everyone’s life.
Not many will ever truly understand this line.
Few have ever walked it. Most never will.
So until you have walked a mile on that line, please empathize and don't criticize.
We walk on a line, a thin line… a thin red line.
Collaborative work by:
Captain S. Pelphrey
Salyersville Fire Department, KY
Captain Jonathan Lusk
Fresno Fire, CA
Publisher “Brotherhood of Fire”
“Brotherhood Strong”
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Photo: Sillouted image of Firefighter is of recently critically injured Fresno Fire, CA Truck 4 Captain Pete Dern.
Please have a moment of silence, say a special prayer, or do whatever it is you do to send positive energy to Pete Dern, and to the men and women of the @[319960938364:274:Fresno City Firefighters - Local 753]
We are hurting'](https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p118x90/11094684_931847333515591_7443273918758597583_n.jpg?oh=759c12ee52f6c7aa2992c475ead51bcc&oe=55AB8160)
!['Fresno Fire, CA USAR - Truck 4 visiting our beloved and downed man Captain Pete Dern at Community Regional Medical Center Burn Unit
"Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p118x118/11060101_931560120210979_5479580051530563024_n.jpg?oh=f4c3cd690ae11d954c03dfdef59e5b2b&oe=55BE1069)
!['Update on my friend, mentor and HERO Fresno Fire, CA Captain Pete Dern:
Former Army Cobra Copter Pilot (PIC), 25+ year veteran of the Fresno Fire Department. Fire Captain on the USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team.
On Sunday March 29, 2015 Fire Captain Pete Dern was leading his crew across the roof of a single-family-residential structure fire to provide vertical ventilation to remove smoke and gases and provide for the safety of the interior attack crews when a catastrophic roof collapse over the garage dropped him into the inferno.
Fellow Fresno Firefighters rescued him within minutes but sadly and unfortunately he suffered 65-75 percent burns across his body including second and third degree burns.
His most severe burns are to his hands and a full thickness burn to his left hip.
Pete is heavily sedated with enough medication to keep him pain free but not in a coma. He is intubated and breathing on a respirator. He has already undergone the first of many more surgeries to come.
The burn doctors say it will be a minimum of 4 - 6 months in the hospital. However he is still not out of the woods. The majority of the people who sustain this much burn trauma succumb to infection and do not live.
It's been an very difficult and emotional last 24+ hours.
I just got back from a hospital visit with him. He was conscious and alert but could not speak because of the breathing tube.
Pete is a dear friend and of one of the most competent, skilled and experienced firefighters I know. He's also one of the best people I know on the planet. Badass Brother with a gold heart.
The overwhelming show of support both personally and for my department from across the nation and around the world has been nothing short of humbling and reminds me once again that despite all the tragic and terrible things we encounter and endure this is still... and will ALWAYS be the best job in the world.
We love you Pete and want you restored. Long road ahead for all of us.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are very heavy in Fresno, CA
"Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Jonathan Lusk
Captain - Fresno Fire
Publisher "Brotherhood of Fire"'](https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/p118x118/10421231_931535600213431_3790538800517463541_n.jpg?oh=0823da2cfeba075539b9dc2faf180c3a&oe=55733EB0&__gda__=1436343639_18cd7ee504f1fff99bc974845debc02d)
!['An explosion ripped through a building in the East Village of Manhattan in New York on Thursday March 26, 2015, reducing two structures to rubble as FDNY firefighters scrambled to contain a 7-alarm inferno through the afternoon.
A total of 19 people were injured in the explosion, which occurred in the basement at 121 Second Ave. near St. Mark’s Place at about 3:20 p.m.
Fire quickly engulfed that building and spread to an adjacent structure. Victims could be seen running from the chaotic scene -- some of them screaming with severe burns -- as more than 250 firefighters responded to battle the blaze.
God Bless the FDNY
"Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p118x118/11054796_929647280402263_5825924274166440978_n.jpg?oh=2d643322ccf91b301193a74cba57f2a8&oe=55B90ABE)
!['On the bottom left is Shane Donnelly from Dublin, Ireland.
Some time ago Shane had a patch project. Shane and his Dad requested our help and many fans from “Brotherhood of Fire” responded and sent him patches for his collection.
As you can see the collection for a 10 year old from Dublin, Ireland is quite impressive. With our “Brotherhood of Fire” help Shane has got OVER 700 patches and still counting!!!
Harrison Reiff… (the little man with the SCBA mask on) is a 8-year-old boy from Ephrata, Pennsylvania who has been recently diagnosed with leukemia. His lifelong wish is to become a firefighter.
So get this… on March 21st, 2015 Harrison was brought on as the youngest member of Ephrata Pioneer Fire Company!
Here is a VERY COOL video news coverage of the story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=HBwLwBc4hGg&app=desktop
So now Shane wants to return the favor. Shane has many doubles and wants to send them to Harrison to help “jump start” his collection.
We're also now asking the “Brotherhood” to come together (if you will) and help show Harrison how much he is loved.. World Wide!!!
Here is the facebook page for Harrison:
https://www.facebook.com/HonoraryFireFighterHarrison
Patches and/or T-shirts can be mailed to:
Ephrata Pioneer Fire Company
Attn: Bill Rockey
135 South State Street
Ephrata, PA 17522
He wears a 9/10 in boys (youth) sizes, but any size shirt is welcome!
This message received from Shane’s grateful Dad, Derek Donnelly, firefighter/paramedic, Dublin Fire Brigade:
“Please give a HUGE shout out of THANKS to your page followers for their generosity. If they want to keep sending more Shane would love it, as he now wants to completely cover ALL the walls in his room!!! I'll message our address to anyone who requests it. Thanks again!!”
Shane,
Thanks for wanting to help out another little brother… it’s what our “Brotherhood” is all about… and you “get it”!
“Brotherhood Strong”
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p118x90/11082612_929606973739627_7464412330249766739_n.jpg?oh=140f69ceafa2202cdb571c65b6dc3d7b&oe=55AF0A62)
!['Today is the one-year anniversary of the wicked "2014 Boston Brownstone Fire", a nine-alarm fire that took place on March 26, 2014 at 2:42 p.m. in a four-story brick row house at 298 Beacon Street in the Back Bay of Boston.
Two Boston Fire Department firefighters died fighting the blaze: Lt. Edward J. Walsh, 43, of West Roxbury, and Michael Kennedy, 33, of Hyde Park. Lt. Walsh was from BFD Engine Co. 33 and FF. Kennedy were both from BFD Ladder Co. 15.
The fire also injured eighteen others, including thirteen firefighters. The fire was believed to have been started by welders working at a nearby iron railing.
The plaque dedication for Lt. Ed Walsh & FF Mike Kennedy took place on Sunday, March 22, at 10AM at the quarters of Engine 33 & Ladder 15.
Uniform of the day: Class A Uniform
Rest easy Brothers.
We have the watch
"Brotherhood, and Boston Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/p118x90/10432155_929138860453105_8833247258405475721_n.jpg?oh=021785d19100915a433412d92184604f&oe=55B9EA96&__gda__=1438127024_710d51ffd0a160eca2bb1981c92f4699)
!['It is with great regret and sadness to report Cincinnati Firefighter Daryl Gordon was killed in the line of duty this morning during a four-alarm apartment fire.
54-year-old Daryl Gordon apparently fell down an elevator shaft while trying to rescue residents at the "King Towers" complex.
The fire call went out around 5:45 a.m. Gordon was later carried out on a stretcher.
At the time, Cincinnati Fire Chief Richard Braun told the The Cincinnati Enquirer that the firefighter was in "dire straits."
Two other firefighters were injured - one with second-degree burns and another with minor burns. All residents in the complex were saved.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with Daryl's family and the Brothers and Sisters in the Cincinnati Fire Department.
Rest in Peace Brother
Until we all meet again on the “Top Floor”
Thanks for making the “Brotherhood Strong”
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/p118x90/11071130_929130923787232_8596490870423652003_n.jpg?oh=45cc9ad618263595cc6455a24eb89131&oe=55B7CDCF&__gda__=1436366506_01fbf971eb862c0ed91fa4b9107f2747)
!['"To My Family"
I once thought firefighting was a thing I'd like to do,
So I took the tests and passed them, despite protests from you.
With some romantic notion, I imagined I could be,
The one who made the rescues that everyone would see.
But it didn't take too long before I knew why I was there,
As I pulled that child from its room, whose face was filled with fear.
And over all the years that passed, the things I had to do,
Left oh, so precious little time that I could spend with you.
His hockey games I couldn't make, the football games I missed,
The times you had to go alone, the nights the kids weren't kissed.
His first Mass as an altar boy, the night you fixed the heating,
Those times I wasn't there to take you all out Trick-Or-Treating.
How many Sunday dinners did you have to eat alone?
How many Birthday greetings did I send you on the phone?
And all those rainy seasons when we had to take vacation,
'cause somehow, when it was sunny, I was always in the station.
When I wasn't there for Christmas, to see our children's faces,
When to share Thanksgiving dinner meant to eat in different places.
All the nights you stayed up worrying 'cause you heard us going by,
How you always said, "Be Careful" every time I said, "Goodbye".
The many summer weekends that we couldn't go and play,
And the many winter weekends that we couldn't get away.
The times we had to cancel plans we'd counted on all year,
'Cause someone had been injured, and I had to be right here.
All the stories I would tell you of the things we had to do,
Never once did I consider how they had affected you.
Like that four-alarm with so much heat, my collar started smoking,
And the time my tank ran out of air, and I had started choking.
Or the time the roof came crashing in . . . we jumped clear with a shout,
While the flames lapped at the ladder's tip as they pulled my brother out.
I run into blazing buildings, I run up to burning cars,
I try to stop the bleeding from the fights at local bars.
I work as I've been trained to, giving children CPR,
I use the Jaws of Life on what I'm told was once a car.
But it all somehow seems worth it, and I know that you don't mind,
when I look back at the things I've done, and smile at what I find.
The time I breathed the breath of life into that little child,
The family that we rescued makes that fire now seem so mild.
That time I almost drowned, in freezing water, filled with doubt,
Tearing at that sunken car, 'till I finally got her out.
The look of thanks I saw within the eyes of that old man,
As he sat beside his rescued wife, and gently stroked her hand.
I know that we're short handed, just three men on every truck,
And that isn't very many, so you never count on luck.
The pump man, standing by his pump
Makes sure there's always water.
Then the two men left go racing in,
with hoses, where it's hotter.
And on the ladder truck you find, again there's only three . . .
One officer . . . one driver . . . and I guess that just leaves me.
The driver mans the platform, as the ladder starts to rise,
Then he stands a silent vigil, with his eyes glued toward the skies.
His job's the most important if you really want to know,
'Cause he's the one who'll bring me down when that building starts to go.
That just leaves two to hit the roof, and ventilate the smoke,
'Cause fighting fire you can't see, or find, just ain't no joke.
It's because we're so short handed, we work many extra days,
And our families only see us through a distant, smoky haze.
Then we're criticized for overtime by every Tom and Bob,
But we keep on fighting fires, 'cause God Damn It, that's our job.
By: Ernest A. Chiaradonna, Sr.
Chelsea Fire Department
Chelsea, MA L937
Strong words Brother!
“Brotherhood Strong”
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Photo: @[119458184801168:274:Bill noonan fire fotos]
Post credit: Mark Chiaradonna - FIREHOUSE Forum
Elizabeth Connelly posted this photo In honor of her dad for his 42+ years of service on Boston Fire Dept. Recently retired, this picture is from his early days on Engine 14.
Much love and respect for Boston Fire
RIP Lt. Edward Walsh, 43, and firefighter Michael Kennedy, 33
LODD 3-26-14'](https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/q83/p118x90/17631_928668017166856_4365056699884541521_n.jpg?oh=83f1a306b7b6bf822a7d823d6edb1d75&oe=55B61B8B)
!['I walk a line, a thin red line that few will ever understand.
It's a thin line filled with blood, sweat, heartache, pain and lots of tears.
It can be rewarding, and it can also be sadly tragic.
I walk a line where brothers and sisters stand side-by-side, arms reached over each other’s shoulders confidently assured that it’s our meaningful bond that holds this line.
That thin line can be damaged, bent, scratched, taken for granted and even forgotten about.
But that line, that thin red line is always there and will always and forever prevail.
Although it can sometimes be burnt, it will never be tore down or completely destroyed… neither by man nor nature.
It’s a thin red line that burns deep within the hearts of young and old firefighters and at some point has affected everyone’s life.
Not many will ever truly understand this line.
Few have ever walked it. Most never will.
So until you have walked a mile on that line, please empathize and don't criticize.
We walk on a line, a thin line… a thin red line.
Collaborative work by:
Captain S. Pelphrey
Salyersville Fire Department, KY
Captain Jonathan Lusk
Fresno Fire, CA
Publisher “Brotherhood of Fire”
“Brotherhood Strong”
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Photo: Sillouted image of Firefighter is of recently critically injured Fresno Fire, CA Truck 4 Captain Pete Dern.
Please have a moment of silence, say a special prayer, or do whatever it is you do to send positive energy to Pete Dern, and to the men and women of the @[319960938364:274:Fresno City Firefighters - Local 753]
We are hurting'](https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/s480x480/11094684_931847333515591_7443273918758597583_n.jpg?oh=3aedefdac0ca8076d35ec3d408ca818a&oe=55AF56E1)
!['Update on my friend, mentor and HERO Fresno Fire, CA Captain Pete Dern:
Former Army Cobra Copter Pilot (PIC), 25+ year veteran of the Fresno Fire Department. Fire Captain on the USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team.
On Sunday March 29, 2015 Fire Captain Pete Dern was leading his crew across the roof of a single-family-residential structure fire to provide vertical ventilation to remove smoke and gases and provide for the safety of the interior attack crews when a catastrophic roof collapse over the garage dropped him into the inferno.
Fellow Fresno Firefighters rescued him within minutes but sadly and unfortunately he suffered 65-75 percent burns across his body including second and third degree burns.
His most severe burns are to his hands and a full thickness burn to his left hip.
Pete is heavily sedated with enough medication to keep him pain free but not in a coma. He is intubated and breathing on a respirator. He has already undergone the first of many more surgeries to come.
The burn doctors say it will be a minimum of 4 - 6 months in the hospital. However he is still not out of the woods. The majority of the people who sustain this much burn trauma succumb to infection and do not live.
It's been an very difficult and emotional last 24+ hours.
I just got back from a hospital visit with him. He was conscious and alert but could not speak because of the breathing tube.
Pete is a dear friend and of one of the most competent, skilled and experienced firefighters I know. He's also one of the best people I know on the planet. Badass Brother with a gold heart.
The overwhelming show of support both personally and for my department from across the nation and around the world has been nothing short of humbling and reminds me once again that despite all the tragic and terrible things we encounter and endure this is still... and will ALWAYS be the best job in the world.
We love you Pete and want you restored. Long road ahead for all of us.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are very heavy in Fresno, CA
"Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Jonathan Lusk
Captain - Fresno Fire
Publisher "Brotherhood of Fire"'](https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/s480x480/10421231_931535600213431_3790538800517463541_n.jpg?oh=50b764c722d79ed24564e62d7d2516aa&oe=5570DE8E&__gda__=1438160233_8facb9d45ba5f30398e04b8dfce65c42)
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