Because Firefighters share similar values, personalities, job and even life experiences they develop deeply meaningful relationships with each other. ...
The Brotherhood in the County of Vermilion River, Alberta Canada - Lloydminster Fire Dept lost their Chief this last weekend due to a massive heart attack.
Rather than just guess and speculate about what happened in Fresno last Sunday, read the official initial informational summary released by the Fresno Fire Department :
More details will be released as they are obtained and confirmed:
!['"A Fireman’s dream"
A fireman stood at the pearly gates
His face was old and worn
He meekly asked the man of fate
Admission to the fold
"What have you done" Saint Peter asked
"To seek admission here?"
I was a fireman down on earth
For many many a year
The gates moved open sharply
As Saint Peter tolled the bell
"Come in and take a harp" He said
"you’ve had enough of hell."
Author: Sam Sino
Art: "Belly of the Beast" by artist and retired Las Vegas Firefighter Alan Albaitis.
See more work by Alan Albaitis here: www.fireart.com
"Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p118x90/1623470_935694879797503_3553913784362990238_n.jpg?oh=79b8a6e669aa08a30049fa4cf41078f1&oe=55B4813E&__gda__=1438068433_4c1f64effc949e59d28404966ec1c092)
!['"Brotherhood Funny"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/p118x90/11130264_935197576513900_1568868132556235306_n.jpg?oh=4d4796f584713ad3c7b4e5924d81c2fe&oe=559BB232)
!['The Brotherhood in the County of Vermilion River, Alberta Canada - Lloydminster Fire Dept lost their Chief this last weekend due to a massive heart attack.
Rest in Peace Chief
Until we all meet again on the "Top Floor"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/q81/p118x90/10986967_935143086519349_8596514399264681503_n.jpg?oh=b721af57bf35d6722080df039a16b49d&oe=55A73B28)
!['“A Firefighter’s Secret Prayer"
Dear God,
Bless my hands so that they may find that one lost soul, which reaches from the rubble, relying on my strength to set them free.
Bless my eyes oh God, to see through the smoke and flames, to change the fate of someone who is in need.
Bless my ears to hear the faint cries of a child under a bed, or in a dark closet, wanting to be found, yet unable to realize the danger that lies in wait.
And dear God bless me, to use the wisdom of my years to protect me in my quest, so that I may return home to my children and my spouse.
In God I pray,
Amen
Author: Chief Jeff A. Stricklin
Strong words Chief... "Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Photo credit: Unknown'](https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p118x90/11130126_935110136522644_7573941823115768988_n.jpg?oh=d821df1b275f06f3eaa9bba0d6d7f2ab&oe=55A2E601)
!['Powerful photo of a April 5th, 2015 house fire in Southwest Fresno.
#HealUpSuperman
Courtesy: Ulyssa Garcia, via @[201632649857811:274:Sara Sandrik Abc30 Action News]
"Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/l/t1.0-9/p118x118/11061759_935106079856383_2703467234557508440_n.jpg?oh=e133f2376ebf4d2c88fd29fffcdc2c15&oe=5597B0DA)
!['Duke or Wisconsin ?
Who do you think will win?
Who are you rooting for?
"Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/s200x200/11148615_935102936523364_5673151467897144893_n.jpg?oh=8dfeda28bc4b6a8966a3cf025b02aa9a&oe=55B88C33)
!['"Proud to be a Fresno Firefighter"
I've been told before that one of the best things about this department is the people. Several times in the past few weeks I have been reminded that this is true.
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of standing beside 70 members of our department as they showed support for Dan Corrigan’s family at his funeral in Santa Barbara. I felt terrible for Dan’s family and proud of our people.
Then this past Sunday I received the horrible phone call about Pete. When I got to the hospital, I saw friends clustered around in little groups, speaking in hushed tones outside the ambulance bay, firefighters with soot stained faces and a distant stare.
Then someone procured chairs, drinks and food, people began talking and sharing the story. As I listened to the story, I was impressed how our people kept their focus and took smart, decisive action.
Since then, it has been humbling to watch as people have organized help, logistics and fundraising. I know Pete and Kelly have appreciated the kind words, hugs and moral support.
Finally, I wondered how we would fight fire, knowing our friend was wrapped in bandages and breathing through a tube after falling into a fireball. While I was sitting in the hallway outside the burn unit I heard the answer.
Less than 24 hours after Pete’s injury, our people aggressively entered a well-involved structure and rescued a wheel chair bound civilian.
Thank you for reminding me that our people are the reason I’m proud to work for Fresno Fire.
When we came back to work, I was wondering how my own crew felt and how we would operate on the next fire.
This is a tough time. Sit down and talk to your crew. Keep your heads in the game. Discuss how you are going to operate on emergency scenes and watch out for each other.
A counselor once told me that when things are in crisis, make sure all of your basics are covered and control the things you can control.
On the fire ground keep asking yourself these 4 basic questions…
1.) What is above me?
2.) What is below me?
3.) How is my water? (Water source, amount of water, hose kinks, nozzle)
4.) How is my PPE? (Wear your SCBA, buckle your helmet, check hood coverage, confirm the condition of your gloves, turnouts liners and boots)
and hey….Be careful out there…
VT
* This photo is of Fresno Fire Captains Bob Van Tassel (aka VT) and Pete Dern. Two reasons I am proud to work for Fresno Fire, CA. This post was originally an email sent by VT, intentioned to be read by internal members only.
I asked and received permission by VT to share/publish this. It speaks to not only how I am feeling/thinking but I also believe it can be used as a lesson / reminder to other brothers and sisters in the fire service about what it truly means to be in this brotherhood, and what is most important on scene of a fire.
VT is proud to be a Fresno Firefighter, and I second that emotion.
“Make Yourself Hard to Kill”
Stay safe, and stay “Brotherhood Strong”
Jonathan Lusk
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]- Publisher
Fresno Fire – Captain'](https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p118x118/10492363_933998879967103_6720571359997323409_n.jpg?oh=8871ca5df9ebbfd57c1494d2e7e98ccb&oe=55B47DD7)
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