Just a Few Thoughts..........................

Last year at this time we shared some of the following thoughts with you learned from many good people over the years. Hope you find them helpful as we approach the New Year:

It is not necessarily important what you bring to the table, but instead, what you leave behind.

We cannot always control the events or happenings in our lives, but we can control how we react to them. Never lose sight of that thought!

If you are troubled about something, put it aside until the next day if possible, as a good night’s sleep will normally improve your outlook.

Regardless of your rank or number of years on the job, reach out to others around you and share your experience and training. Each of you has something to offer.

The CFD has a great number of new folks that are working to find their places in the organization. Be a mentor and offer them your support and constructive criticism. Remember, we were all new at this once in our lives. Think about your personal experiences then and who affected your life in a positive way.

We all believe, or believed, in our careers, that we did it better than anyone else, but in reality, you guys and girls are doing it much better, and much safer than we did, and the ones who come after you will hopefully be safer and more prepared because of your contributions.

Be kind with your criticism as it may be your turn in the saddle tomorrow.

Hope all of you have a safe and Happy New Year’s Eve. We are looking forward to continuing our work with you in 2011!

Fifty Years of Service!

This month we have been celebrating the 50th anniversary of Engine 11 being placed in service in the Charleston Fire Department. While she no longer responds to fires, (even though she could), she continues to serve our Team, our department, and the community on a regular basis, Take a few minutes and watch this tribute video documenting the restoration process and the continuation of service of Engine 11.  Special thanks to my daughter Leigh for her work in putting this together.

Click on the caption above for the video.

Remembering Chief O.G. Marjenhoff

Today, we pay tribute to and remember Chief O.G. Marjenhoff who collapsed and died in the line of duty on December 27, 1906 while operating at a fire at 97 East Bay Street. Chief Marjenhoff served as the Chief of the CFD from 1894 until the time of his death and was the second Chief of the Charleston Fire Department following its' organization as a paid department in 1882.  He also purchased the first motorized vehicle for the CFD, a Chief's car in 1905.  

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Guthke!

Today, Mrs. Delora Guthke, the former first lady of the Charleston Fire Department celebrated her 90th birthday.  Mrs. Guthke, the widow of Charleston's former Chief Wilmot E. Guthke, has been involved in, and a supporter of, the Charleston Fire Department for much of her adult life and continues to be active member of our CFD Retirees' program. She is truly a gracious Southern lady whom we all love greatly.  Happy Birthday, Ms. Delora! We hope you had a great birthday!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!



Gerald, Chris, Richie, Amanda and Sarah



Our Team hopes that all of you will have a safe and Merry Christmas! Please remember all of those less fortunate than ourselves and keep all of our troops in your thoughts and prayers that they too will have a safe and joyous holiday!

Two Chicago Firefighters Perish Today

Our sincere sympathy is extended to our Chicago Fire Department brothers and sisters in the loss of two of their own today.

CFD Firefighters Edward Stringer and Corey Ankum died in the collapse of an abandoned building. Fifteen others were injured when the building collapsed, possibly from the weight of snow and ice.  The fire had originated in another part of the building and the firefighters were searching for the possibility of homeless people trapped while seeking shelter from the snow and cold. According to Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff, the other injured firefighters were expected to recover.

Ironically, today marked the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Union Stockyards fire that killed twenty-one  firefighters.

The Passing of Two Good Men...............

Our most heartfelt thoughts go out to the families of Summerville Asst. Chief Jim Lord and St. Andrews Capt. Buddy Maupin in their time of sorrow. I had the honor of knowing and working with both of these men. Chief Lord was well-known in the Fire Service of the Lowcountry and was instrumental in promoting fire safety and prevention. Buddy and I worked together for many years at St. Andrews starting back when my son, Grant and his daughter, Michelle, were just babies.  Rest in peace, my friends.

CFD Retirees Visited by Santa!

Santa Working the Crowd!

Thanks to Sherri, Cheryl, Marci-Jo & Leigh for serving the food!

Ms. Dot Hutchinson, far left, and Ms. Delora Guthke in red.

This past Thursday night, the CFD Retirees met for their Christmas meeting and dinner at the Pinecrest Baptist Church.  They enjoyed a fine meal provided by Olive Garden Restaurant and were surprised by Santa Claus himself as he stop by to thank them for collecting a truckload of toys for Debi's Kids. Debi Chard of Channel 5 and Kiki Cooper of the Salvation Army were also there to thank the retirees for their contributions to the children.   

'Tis the Season!!

We had a blast today with the MUSC employees and the Salvation Army folks in the Debi's Kids Christmas parade on the MUSC campus.  The parade started on Erhardt Street and finished on the horseshoe in front of MUSC.  The employees donated a ton of toys that will surely brighten Christmas morning for a lot of children.  

Charleston County Recruit School Graduation Held Tonight!

Tonight we attended the graduation of the latest Charleston County Firefighter Recruit Class at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Congratulations to the twenty-four men and women who completed their training and are joining the ranks of their departments in the Tricounty area. We enjoyed spending time with them, meeting their families, and seeing many old friends as well. 

We wish them a safe and successful career in the greatest profession of all!

The Passing of a Brother..................

With sadness, we announce the death of Lancaster County (SC) Fire Services Charlotte Road/Van Wyck Fire Department Lieutenant Dillon C. Denton at age 64. Lt. Denton was participating in fire hose loading activities last evening when he informed other members that he wasn’t feeling well. Shortly thereafter, his condition worsened. He was airlifted to Carolina Medical Center where he was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. He passed away at approximately 1:30 a.m. this morning. Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.

Christmas in Charleston!

We continued our start to the Christmas season today as we participated in the Annual Charleston Christmas parade. What a way to cap off a great weekend!  The air was chilly, the streets were full of folks having a good time, and we were excited to be there!  

I Still Believe..............................

Today, I had the pleasure of participating in the “Photos with Santa on a Fire Engine” event for the Carolina Children’s Charity sponsored by our friends at the St. Andrews Fire Department.  As I watched Santa work his magic, I was reminded of how important it is to believe in something or someone.  As a child, I knew Santa existed because the cookies and milk I left out for him were always gone on Christmas morning.  Today, he didn’t let us down. As child after child made their way into his lap for a photo, I could hear each of them telling him what they wanted for Christmas. He patiently listened and assured each of them that he would do his best to fulfill their wishes and they left believing that Christmas morning was going to be special.  Thanks Santa, for making our day and, don’t forget to stop by this year. I’ll leave some cookies and milk out for you.

Remembering the Worcester 6

Today, we remember the Worcester 6, Firefighter Paul Brotherton, Lieutenant Jeremiah Lucey, Lieutenant Thomas Spencer, Firefighter Timothy Jackson, Firefighter James Lyons and Firefighter Joseph McGuirk, our brothers who gave their lives in the line of duty in the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse fire eleven years ago.  Our thoughts out to their families and to the men and women of the Worcester Fire Department.

"Fire Engines for Families" Benefit This Saturday!

The Charleston Fire Department will be taking on the Z93 Jammers (from WWWZ-FM 93.3, Charleston's #1 R&B and Hip-Hop Radio Station) in a charity basketball game held on December 4th at 2:00 p.m. The event will take place at the new Arthur Christopher City Gymnasium located on Fishburne Street in Harmon Field near The Citadel. Admission for the game is $5, with all proceeds going to "Fire Engines for Families".

"Fire Engines for Families" is a new program where Charleston City Firefighters purchase Christmas gifts for local families, who are down on their luck, and deliver the presents to the families on board CFD fire trucks.  Come out and have some fun supporting the CFD basketball team and this great cause.

For more information please contact Demeail Seabrook at 843-270-2311 or Kevin Weeks at 843-406-3858.

Engine 11 Turns 50!!

During the month of December, we will celebrate the continued service of our flagship, Engine 11, with the 50th anniversary of her being placed in service!   She joined the CFD in December, 1960, along with Engine 10, as a matching pair of new pumpers. They were the last two matching pumpers purchased by the CFD until we received the new Engines 108 and 115 recently. Engine 11 faithfully served our community until 1991 when she was sold to Stoney Blanton of Stoney's Old Time Firehouse in Colleton County. Thanks to Stoney, she was stored inside his building where we resurrected her in the summer of 2008. After months of restoration and the support of many, many people, we placed her back in service in November, 2008 where she continues to stand as a tribute to all of those who have served this City so well.  

Recently, I sat behind the wheel and imagined all the action she has seen over the years. Many good men have driven and served on her in her history and she has pumped untold gallons of water. With some good luck and tender care, she will continue to serve us well in the coming years.

Take some time this month to attend one of the parades or just stop by Engine 116's quarters to take her picture.  It will be well worth your time.

CFD Retirees' Meeting Set for December 16!

The December meeting of the CFD Retirees' "Hooked Up" program will be held on Thursday, December 16, in the Fellowship Hall of the Pinecrest Baptist Church located on Ashley Hall Road.  Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. followed by a special program. All CFD Retirees and a guest are invited to join us! Don't forget our "Debi's Kids" toy drive. Each man is to bring a gift for a boy and the women are asked to bring a gift for a girl.  We are looking forward to seeing all of you there!

Charleston 9 T-Shirts Are Here!

Our latest order of Charleston 9 t-shirts has arrived.  Please contact Gerald Mishoe by e-mail at gerald@scfirefighters.org or by phone at (843) 609-8300 to order. They will make great Christmas gifts and all proceeds will go to continue to support our Team programs.  

What A Night!

Last night we were treated to an exceptional performance of the play, “The Guys” by members of the Charleston Southern University Players at the Lightsey Chapel on the campus of CSU. The play depicts a story of a FDNY Fire Captain who is tasked with delivering the eulogies for eight of his men lost in the World Trade Center attacks.  Realizing the enormity of the task, the Captain seeks the help of a local journalist to write the eulogies. Amanda Kizzee and Ryan Westen were amazing in their roles as they took us through the memorable evening.  Both of these young rising stars reached the hearts of all in attendance and we are truly thankful for their work. Special thanks also go to Thomas Keating, their Director, and the entire theatre group for making this production possible.

Respect for Our Brothers and Sisters

This past week, we all shared in the sorrow of our brothers and sisters of the Columbia Fire Department in the loss of Firefighter Chance Zobel and the serious injury of Firefighter Larry Irvin. While the events of this week bring us much sadness, they also provide a reminder that life is so very fragile and that we are all fortunate to be a part of this great organization we call the Fire Service. The outpouring of support and respect for these firefighters and their families was truly something to see as Fire Service personnel from all over South Carolina and from many other states came together to honor these men. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to go out to the entire Columbia Fire Department family in the coming days.

St. Andrews Fire Department to Host Santa Claus!

On Saturday, December 4th, the St. Andrews Fire Department will give all kids, big and little, young and old, the opportunity to have their photo made with Santa Claus on a fire engine. Come to the St. Andrews Headquarters Station on Ashley River Road near Sam Rittenberg between 11:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m. to meet Santa and have your photo made. All proceeds will go the the Carolina Children's Charity.

Click on the above headline to see the flyer for this event!

Charleston Firefighters Receive Knights of Columbus Award!!

Captain John Winn, Jr., Engineer Robbie Barrineau, and Firefighters Steven Drexler and Douglas Anderson were awarded the Knights of Columbus Firefighter of the Year award this past Sunday, November 7, in a ceremony in Charleston. Following is an excerpt from the letter of nomination written by their Asst. Chief Robert O'Donald:

"On the early morning of January 2nd, 2010 several 911 calls came into the CFD dispatch reporting a fire in a dwelling at 94 Gordon Street. Charleston dispatched a full alarm assignment consisting of Engines 108, 109, 106, 115, 103, Ladder 104, Rescue 301, Battalions 103, and 104.

Upon the arrival of first due Engine 108, the officer reported a fire in a one story, single family, dwelling. Engine Company 108 forced open the front door and advanced an attack line inside and started to extinguish the fire. The other units arrived and started performing the duties of their individual assignments. Engine 106 and Ladder 104 started a search of the dwelling to check for the possibility of any occupants needing assistance. Engine 106’s search crew made up of Acting Captain Robert Barrineau and Firefighter Douglas Anderson made their way through the house searching and found an unconscious male victim. It appears that the victim had been asleep in his bed when he somehow became aware of the fire and attempted to exit the dwelling. With egress through the front door blocked by the growing fire in the front room, the victim made his way through a hallway to a rear room where he apparently became overcome and was found laying in a corner of the room. Upon locating the victim, Acting Captain Barrineau advised the search crew of Ladder 104 made up of Acting Captain John Winn Jr. and Firefighter Steven Drexler. Acting Captain Winn radioed their findings to command and advised that they were bringing the victim out. The four members worked together carrying and maneuvering the victim through the house and to the front yard.

Once the victim reached the front yard Battalion 103 assigned Engine 103 to patient care and they assisted the rescuers with providing oxygen and artificial respirations to the victim. Charleston County Emergency Medical Service units arrived and Engine 103 provided a driver and an EMT to the EMS unit. The victim was transported to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Hospital. The victim was stabilized at MUSC and then flown to the burn unit in Augusta, Georgia.

The above description does not include all of the individuals involved with this incident but it was truly a team effort. From the dispatchers quick notification, the Firefighters efforts, the CPD’s support, to the EMS and MUSC’s care and transport, these efforts all came together to provide the best service available to a member of our community, in their most desperate time of need.

While still recognizing the team effort that was made, the individual actions of Acting Captain Robert Barrineau, then Acting Captain, now Captain John Winn Jr., Firefighter Douglas Anderson, and Firefighter Steven Drexler combined to ensure that this incident resulted in a positive outcome."

Captain John Winn, Jr.



Engineer Robbie Barrineau

 



Firefighter Steven Drexler



Firefighter Douglas Anderson

Congratulations to Captain Winn, Engineer Barrineau, and Firefighters Drexler and Anderson for a job well done!

CFD to Play FDNY in Hockey!!

The Charleston Fire Department Hockey Team will take on the FDNY team at the Carolina Ice Palace this Saturday, November 13 at 4:00 pm. The FDNY Team came to town last year and were sent packing after a 13-0 shellacking by our guys. Come out and cheer the Team on as we hear the FDNY is looking for revenge! You can purchase tickets from any CFD Hockey Team member before the game for $ 5.00.  Tickets at the gate will be $ 10.00.

Our Parade Nevers Ends!!

Today, we began our “Heroes Salute Heroes” program to honor all of our veterans in our community for their service to our country by participating in the annual Veterans' Day Parade downtown. The Fire Service has many military personnel within our ranks, many veterans themselves and others who are reservists that have been activated, some multiple times. Today, we were pleased to have veterans and volunteers from the Good Neighbor Veterans' Center riding with us on Engine 11 as our guests of honor.  When we arrived on the parade route, the organizers asked if we would be willing to be the last unit in the parade as they wanted to have some “flash and noise” for their finale.  Well, old Engine 11 is always good for some “flash and noise” so we were happy to accommodate them.  As we rolled down the streets of Charleston, with Capt. Kevin Storo wheeling Engine 11, we were excited as folks applauded and cheered for our old truck.  But, the highlight of the day was getting to meet and shake hands with veterans who lined the sidewalks, many in the uniforms, and some from World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Afghanistan and Iraq Freedom campaigns. It was truly a great feeling to be able to thank all of them for their service to us and to our country.  

Rust, Rubber, and Memories

Today we made the decision to draw our attempts to restore Truck 9 to a close. Time and the elements have taken their toll and she was too far gone. Some may say that “it’s only a truck” and therefore the decision should not be such a big deal. Well, it’s not about the truck itself but instead what it represents in the memories of those of us who worked with it over the years. I’m sure some of my SAFD friends have their own reflections of the many years this old pickup was in service and I’ll share of few of mine with you. I remember when it was new and then Capt. Henry Duren was our Training Officer. He would take us out to drill and we would fill it up with wet hose to be washed, dried and repacked. He was an amazing man, a good friend, and he taught me more about firefighting than anyone else in my life. I also remember the time it snowed heavily and we tied an old aluminum jon boat behind it and pulled each other around the headquarters station and I remember when I was promoted to Training Officer and proudly drove it the first time as Captain. Most of all, I am taken back to the night in 1973 when my Dad, then Chief of the Department, suffered a fatal heart attack and I tore out of the fire house in it, laying rubber through the apparatus room to get to his side. Yes, you see, it was more than a truck, and sending it to the crusher was not an easy decision. We have parted it out and it will live on in other trucks of my friends. I can tell you that I will smile each time I see one of them rolling down the road.

Charleston Firefighters To Run 10K in Savannah!

On Saturday, December 4, 2010, the Charleston Firefighters Association - Local 61 will be joining the Savannah Firefighters Association - Local 574 and several other firefighter unions from around the Southeast, to run the 2010 Savannah Bridge Run. We will be running the 10K event in bunker gear, in order to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. For those of you who are unfamiliar, the WWP is a non-profit organization set up to raise awareness and funding for the support of our injured veterans. If anyone would like to participate in the run or make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project via Local 61 and the run please let Local 61 know. Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated. All the money raised by Local 61 will be combined with the money raised by the other participating unions and donated to the WWP after the run. Go to www.local61.com for more information on the event.

"The Guys" to Benefit our Team

On November 20, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., the Charleston Southern University Players Theatre group will be presenting the play "The Guys" to benefit our Team and to honor all firefighters and first responders in the Tri-County area.

"The Guys" is a play by Anne Nelson about the aftereffects of the collapse of the World Trade Center. In the play, Joan, an editor, helps Nick, an FDNY captain, prepare the eulogies for an unprecedented number of firefighters who died under his command that day. The play debuted off-Broadway at The Flea Theater on December 4, 2001, directed by Jim Simpson and starring Sigourney Weaver and Bill Murray.

Since 2001, "The Guys" has been presented in 48 US states and in the Czech Republic, Argentina, Japan, Italy and Poland. Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon presented it at the Edinburgh Festival. It enjoyed a commemorative rerun at the Flea Theater in 2006 on the 5th anniversary of 9/11. In parts of the theatrical run the two roles were played by Anthony LaPaglia and Sigourney Weaver. They also star in a 2002 film adaptation, for which Weaver was nominated for a Golden Satellite Award for best performance by an actress. The play was published by Dramatists Play Service and Random House in 2002. The audible.com recorded version, which featured Bill Irwin and Swoosie Kurtz, won an Audie Award for best recorded play of the year.

Please come out and join us for this memorable evening.

Successful Rescue Today!

Most of you know I am a softie for animals and today I was brought to tears by the crews of CFD and the SAFD as they responded to a house fire on Piper Avenue in the Air Harbor Subdivision.  First in companies were met with fire and heavy smoke conditions is a single family structure.  They were informed that two of the resident’s dogs were still inside. Following a quick knockdown, they initiated a search and found both of the animals. They brought them outside breathing but in bad shape. Using their pet masks, they worked to successfully revive both of the pups.  The dogs were then transported to a local veterinarian hospital where they are expected to fully recover.   Nice work for all involved!!

NIST Report to be Released This Week

The long-awaited report on the Sofa Super Store Fire by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will be released this Thursday morning in a special meeting with members of the Charleston 9 families. Following the meeting with the families, the report will be presented to the members of the department before be given to the news media in a press conference.  This is the last of the reports on the SSS fire following the Routley Panel, OSHA and the NIOSH reports released in the last two years.      

CFD Officer Candidate School Set For November 2nd

The next Officer Candidate School for the CFD will begin on Monday, November 2. The two week class will be attended by 21 Engineers from the department and will include sessions ranging from shift dynamics, report writing, haz mat operations, crew resource management, incident management, strategy and tactics, building construction, basic computers and health and wellness, including a session on behavioral health presented by our Team. We are excited to be a part of this program and we're looking forward to participating.

Congratulations to Debbie Winn!

Congratulations to Debbie Winn, wife of CFD Battalion Chief John Winn, on her promotion to Captain/Shift Supervisor for Charleston County EMS. She was pinned yesterday by Chief Winn in a promotional ceremony here in Charleston.

With Deepest Sympathy......................

We are saddened to tell you of the passing of Ms. Thelma Drayton, mother of Charleston 9 member James Earl Drayton.  Ms. Thelma was a sweet lady who many of us came to know during the days after the loss of the Charleston 9.  Our most sincere sympathy goes out to her entire family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wmsmithmcnealfh.com. W.M. SMITH-MCNEAL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2 Radcliffe Street, Charleston, SC will announce funeral services later this week. 

Heroes Salute Heroes

During the upcoming holiday season, we want to show our appreciation for our active duty, reserve and retired military personnel. Our theme will be "Heroes Salute Heroes" as we reach out to recognize those that keep us safe and have given of themselves to keep our country free. We encourage you to join us in extending thanks to each of them for their service.   

"Hope, Determination and Power"

Two years ago, we decided to rebuild our Camaro drag car as a tribute to the Charleston 9. I personally put a great deal of thought into whether it would be appropriate to build a tribute race car. I conferred with many friends and sought the advice of my teammates before proceeding. We believed that this car would be a way we could not only tell the story of our brothers, but we hoped it would be a way to engage other folks in our counseling program. When we unveiled the completed project to the Charleston 9 families, and to the crews of the companies that lost members, I continued to be unsure as to whether it would be accepted in the spirit that it was intended. At the unveiling ceremony, we received much support and heard comments such as, “this is the first event where we have not been looking at monuments or markers” or “I don’t know much about race cars, but this car seems to represent hope, determination and power”. Since that time, we have displayed the old hot rod at many events in many different locations. I continued to be moved by the people, young and old, firefighters and citizens, who look at this car in awe and walk up to place their hands over the names of the fallen. As time goes on, some people who view the car and its graphics have not heard of the Charleston 9 and that, in itself, is one of the reasons we will “Never Forget”. The sacrifices made by these men have changed the way business is done in the Fire Service, everywhere. We are light years ahead in firefighter safety and health now but there is still much work to be done. While I’m sure we would all do anything to reverse the events of June 18, 2007, we can do much to see that these men did not die in vain and that their memory lives on. This weekend, a young fellow came up to us at the dragstrip in Union County and asked, “Who’s the firefighter here?” I explained to him my position with our Team and counseling unit and he said, “I knew there had to be a firefighter involved in this, because no one else would put this much time into a car about the 9.” He went on to tell me that he had left the Fire Service due to the stresses of the job and that he appreciated what we were doing. He then shook my hand and gave me a hug. A hug from a man I had never met, a brother firefighter.

Miracles Do Happen!

Tonight, while enjoying the band at a local restaurant, the saxophone player spoke  of the 33 miners rescued today from being trapped 2000 feet underground for sixty-nine days. The entire crowd erupted into applause and cheers for the rescuers who risked their lives to bring these men back home safely to their families. If we believe that there is a power greater than us and miracles do happen, then today's events in Chile are a testament that God puts us on this Earth and provides us to with knowledge, courage, determination and hope that we can be part of those miracles. The response tonight, by  a small crowd of folks from Moncks Corner to the news of success thousands of miles away, made me thankful to be a member of this community and this great country.

An Amazing Week!

This has been an amazing week for our Team.  We have been able to participate in  many outstanding Fire Prevention Week activities and we have made many new friends. Today, we completed it by attending the wedding of Jen Poston, daughter of CFD Battalion Chief and our Team Peer Counselor John Poston. As the wedding ceremony was beginning this afternoon in a beautiful setting at the Wide Awake Plantation, I was maneuvering around to get a photo of Chief Poston and Jen as he walked her down the aisle.  As I looked at them through the viewfinder of my camera phone, I was taken back several years ago when Jen was battling a serious illness and we had gathered together at Station 13 to serve barbecue to raise funds to help offset her medical bills.  While we all had a good time that day, her health and her future were certainly on our minds.  Today, it became apparent to me what we mean when we speak or write of the CFD family.  We do function as a family, sometimes arguing and experiencing frustrations, but we also share in each other’s accomplishments and good times.  We appreciate your allowing us to be a part of the everyday life of the CFD as we move into the future.  We have a saying on our Team that our hope is that we make people feel better about themselves.  Thank you for returning that favor.

North Charleston Fire Prevention Show

We completed our Fire Prevention Week activities today with a great show in North Charleston.  Thanks to the members of the NCFD for their hospitality.