Thursday, November 26, 2009

A Day of Giving Thanks

Today, I had the opportunity to help someone. My wife and daughter drafted me to go to the local homeless veteran’s shelter and serve the residents there Thanksgiving dinner. First, let me say that I realize we were just three people out of thousands that reached out to others on this great holiday all over this nation. Our vets, residents of the Good Neighbor Shelter in North Charleston, were all non-assuming men who have had difficulty of some sort in their lives. This shelter gives them a place to live while they attend classes or otherwise prepare themselves to be on their own again. It was uplifting to be with folks who enjoyed simple things and the generosity of others. I certainly appreciated the opportunity that they gave me to share this day of thanksgiving with them.

One of the blessings of being a member of the Charleston Firefighter Support Team is being able to work with the others on our Team. All are special people who have dedicated themselves to the CFD family. Sarah, Amanda, Richie, Chris, Sherry, Dr. Smith and the fifteen members of the CFD that serve as peer counselors are the Charleston Firefighter Support Team and I am honored to be associated with them. They are all true professionals in every sense of the word. They make me want to be a better person and I am thankful for each of them. Specifically today however, I want to mention one of our teammates, Christopher Wells. Chris is a quiet guy, most of the time, and is always setting an example for us as he helps others. He is a devoted family man, a great father and husband, and a good friend. Chris teaches his boys, Bryce and Casey, to be good citizens and to always do their part to support others. Whether it is the Ronald McDonald House, the local soup kitchen, or a children’s camp, Chris gives of himself regularly and he teaches his sons to do the same. Well, today Chris, I remembered one of the lessons learned from you. Thanks, my friend.
The Wells Boys, Casey, Chris & Bryce, Working on Engine 11

Looking to the Future!

On November 15, we rededicated Engine 11 to service with our Team and the CFD. Ths engine was dedicated as a tribute to all of our firefighters, "Past, Present and Future". We were honored to have Hunter Benke, son of Charleston 9 Captain Mike Benke, representing the future firefighters of the Department in this ceremony.

Hunter is featured in an article in the Post & Courier today describing his plans to follow in his Dad's footsteps. 


Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.  May you and your families have a safe and comfortable day!  Special thanks to all of our firefighters who are on duty today keeping our community safe.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

What a Day!


Today, we proudly rededicated Engine 11 to service in the Charleston Fire Department.  While it may not respond to fires any longer, we expect it to fill a great need within our Team for public education and outreach programs as a symbol of our dedication to the future of our CFD family.  Thanks to all who came out today to support us and special thanks to Chief Frank Finley for concluding our ceremony by making a department-wide radio transmission that "Old Engine 11 is back in service". 

Pine Ridge Fire Department's 2nd Annual Open House & Barbeque




Yesterday, we were honored to participate in Pine Ridge Fire Department's 2nd Annual Open House and Barbeque.  We were pleased to display the "Never Forget" Camaro to a large crowd in attendance.  There were also jump castles for the kids, demonstrations by the Berkeley County Sheriff Department's canine unit and great barbeque prepared by the PRFD crew. We appreciated the opportunity to participate in this great event. 

Friday, November 13, 2009

Engine 11 is in the House!

Today was a big day for us as we completed the "Raising Engine 11" project and moved the truck into its' new home at Station 16. We hope all of you can join us at our office on Sunday, November 15, at 2:00 p.m., to rededicate Engine 11.