I got some catching up to do!

Well, I am very sorry that I have not posted in a while, I need to stay on top of it better than I do. As all of you know, 9/11 was a few weeks ago and for me, I spent the day in personal reflection of that day and did my own honoring of those that were lost. There were several good Blog posts out there and my favorite one was Captain Wines' post on his blog. So I will give a shout out to him, You do a great job on that blog Capt and I always enjoy reading it. If you have not checked out his blog then checked it out here: http://http://woodenladdersandironfiremen.blogspot.com/. I did ride-out on the 18th. I rode with Ladder 3 and the day started as usual with the truck and equipment check offs. We did our station chores and then ate a big breakfast. It was a real slow day, with no calls. So we spent all day watching College Football and eating game day food. The FF/Medic on shift and myself went outside and threw the football around and kicked a kickball. The day ended, it was a boring day since we had no calls but that is part of it. I am gonna end it here and go eat dinner, I promise that the next post will be more exciting than this one.

Beau Doss

Ride out on Ladder 3 Saturday

Last week I had an Explorer class and we went over Ladders, It was a very good refresher and I also learned a few new things. The following Saturday, I rode on Ladder 3, this shift was very fun to me and was also very meaningful. It was very meaningful because for the first time, I went into work by myself. I usually ride with my dad and my mom picks me up because I don't have my own vehicle; but today my dad was off and I woke up early and drove into work. Doing this, made me fill like an actual firefighter going into work, it was an awesome feeling and I hope I get to feel the real thing one day!! The day started off with the regular truck/equipment check offs. I put my gear on the truck and then went on and looked through all the compartments(like I always do) just to make sure nothing is missing/anything that might have been added. Then I checked the radios and the Thermal Imaging Camera; then FF Dodd, who was driving for my dad, pulled the Ladder out and we set her up and tested the pump. After all that we had a quick breakfast and then proceeded to wash the trucks. We then did the daily station cleaning. Around that time Station 6 was dispatched to a Fire Alarm and Rescue 3 responded and we moved up for staging. The companies arrived on scene and declared an accidental activation. We stopped for fuel and got a quick lunch to go at Krystal. Later on that day, Station 3 was dispatched to a Fire Alarm at Grace Lutheran Church right down the street from the firehouse; Dispatched advised that the activation was coming from the sanctuary. We arrived on scene to find nothing showing and the Lt and other crew members went inside to find them about to have a concert in there and artificial smoke set off the alarm. Command was terminated and all units went back into service. Units responding we R3,L3,T6. Later on we went to the store and got stuff to make breakfast burritos and they were good. After dinner when the kitchen was clean FF Dodd and I went out and trained over the Hydrant Assist Valve and the High Rise Packs on Ladder 3 and what we would have to grab in a fire in a high rise. It was very good and informative training. That concluded my shift and I packed up and went home. Sorry no pictures this time!

Stay safe,
Beau Doss

MDA Fill The Boot!

I do apologize for not posting in a while, as I am now behind on it. I had a ride out a few weeks ago and it was probably my last ride out before school started officially. Like always, I was on Ladder 3. The day started off like normal with truck and equipment check offs; followed by breakfast and then regular station cleaning. We didn't run any calls during my time on the truck so it will be a short post. The day was pretty boring up until we went to do Fill The Boot. Fill The Boot is for MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association), to help Jerry's kids. Fire Departments across the nation participate in it. We worked the 1 to 5 shift at the local Walmart. IT WAS HOT!!

LOL! It was a lot of fun and was a very good public relations event. We ended up raising a lot of money. Afterwards the rest of my time at the 3 House was spent relaxing in the air conditioning and eating dinner. I did not take any pictures of the event but I still have some from last year. Also included is a picture of Ladder 3 sitting ready to go in the bay.

-Beau Doss