Spitfire Ready to Roll!!

Our  new Team motorcycle, "Spitfire" is about done and is ready to join Engine 11,"Big Red", "Lil' Red", and the "Never Forget" Camaro in  our public outreach programs promoting the CFD and our firefighters.  We still need to mount the axes and some other "equipment" to completely finish it and that should be completed this week.  First public showing will be at the Bessinger's Car Show on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, beginning at 6:00 p.m., on the Charleston 9 Memorial Highway. Come out and join us!

The Ride for Clay

Clay Dixon, an eight-year-old local boy, has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Yesterday, we were honored to participate in the “Ride for Clay” sponsored by the Red Knights Motorcycle Club here in Charleston. All proceeds from the ride went to help offset Clay’s mounting medical bills. Clay wanted to ride on a fire truck in the event and we were there to see that he got his wish. A huge crowd turned out to ride and participate in the party at the end of the day. The ride began in Mt. Pleasant before traveling to Kiawah Island and on to Wadmalaw Island for the finale. Special thanks to Captain/CFST Peer Counselor Joe Johnston and his entire crew at Station 17 for hosting a stop on the ride and Battalion Chief/CFST Peer Counselor John Winn and Captain/CFST Peer Counselor Pete Salvo for their participation.

Thanks, Clay, for making OUR day!!

When the Music Stopped........

This was shared with me by a good friend today and I thought I wouls pass it on......

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins.

LSA Anaconda is at the BalladAirport in Iraq, north of Baghdad.

I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom at all military bases, we stood to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going well until three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem, the music stopped. Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and yell for the movie to begin. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place. Here in Iraq, 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again and the Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. at again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect 1000 Soldiers standing at attention to do?? Frankly, I expected some laughter, and everyone would eventually sit down and wait for the movie to start. But No!!... You could have heard a pin drop, while every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly, there was a lone voice from the front of the auditorium, then a dozen voices, and soon the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: "And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."

It was the most inspiring moment I have had in Iraq and I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you. Remember them as they fight for us!

On the Job in Charleston

Today, CFD crews responded to a structure fire at the corner of Huger Street and Rutledge Avenue where they encountered heavy fire and smoke in the second floor of a two story wood frame building.  After an aggressive attack, the fire was brought under control. During overhaul, the second floor gave way and three firefighters rode it down to street level. A "Mayday" brought some anxious monents before all three were extricated without any serious injuries.  Click on the caption above for some video of the initial attack.

"Spitfire" is Coming to Life!

Several weeks ago, we told you about "Spitfire", our new Team motorcycle, that we are building. Well, today we received the gas tank and other fenders back from Stacy Designs after Stacy worked his magic on them. It won't be long now before our bike is on the road to accompany Engine 11, "Big Red", "Lil' Red" and the "Never Forget" Camaro in our public outreach programs. Stay tuned for more photos of the build as we move along with this project!

A Message from a Friend.....

Yesterday, I received an e-mail that from Jon Marsh, a good friend and firefighter in Horry County, and I asked him if I could share it with you as it speaks volumes.  Thank you, Jon.

"Although we'll never forget the tragic event leading to the passing of the Charleston 9, we must also remember the progressive improvements that the Charleston Fire Department aggressively and consistently pursues. What a terrific team of people they are, who make the CFD tick on, minute by minute, day by day. Each of you are an inspiration to the fire service nationwide. I remain in admiration of your entire department from Chief Carr to your fantastic support group, all of whom are genuine caring people. It was a pleasure to see you and your wife at the conference, and very touching to see the presentation of the awards received by your department brotherhood. God knows you all have suffered more emotional pain than could ever be imagined. Be that as it may, through God's grace, each of you no matter retired or probie, will be, if not already, stronger with a greater appreciation of life and of love for the brotherhood and all mankind."

Your friend,
Jon Marsh
SC Advocate NFFF
HCFR

As We Remember.........

As we mark our third memorial this week, please take time to observe this day in a way that will be appropriate for you. Some may attend the memorial service while others may choose to spend quiet time relaxing with their families and friends.

During the last three years we have learned much about the Charleston 9 from their friends and families and we know that they were fun-loving family men who lived and loved as we all do. Remember them for their contributions and sacrifice but be assured they would want you all to take care of yourselves. As members of the CFD, you have worked hard and contributed much to the future of this department and that, in itself, may be the ultimate way to honor them.

Stay safe, my friends,

Gerald

Charleston 9 5K Run to be Rescheduled!

The Charleston 9 5K Run scheduled for this Sunday, June 20th has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date according to CFD Local 61 President Bill Haigler.

Team Presents Program at Annual Fire Rescue Conference

Members of the Charleston Firefighter Support Team presented a program as part of the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association Annual Fire Rescue Conference in Myrtle Beach today.  Amanda, Chris, Richie and Sarah teamed up to share information with participants on behavioral health and issues pertinent to firefighters and their families. 

Battalion Chief Phil Hawkins Inducted into South Carolina Firefighter Hall Of Fame

We are proud to share with our readers that CFD Battalion Chief Phillip V. Hawkins was inducted into the South Carolina State Firefighter Hall of Fame yesterday at the SC Firefighter Association's Annual Fire Rescue Conference in Myrtle Beach. Congratulations to Chief Hawkins for this great career achievement!

An Honor for Richie!!

Today, during the general session for the Fire Rescue Conference in Myrtle Beach, our own Richie Denninger was recognized for his work on our Team by being given a Life Membership in the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association. Very few folks are Life Members of our Association and the honor is well deserved. Richie has been involved in our program since the beginning and has been instrumental in the success of the Team. Congratulations to Richie for this honor recognizing his dedication to our firefighters and their families.

"Chariots of Fire" T-Shirts Now Available!

Our new "Chariots of Fire" t-shirts are now available.  The shirts are light gray with the C9 logo on the front and the "Chariots of Fire" mural, depicting 5 generations of Charleston fire engines, on the back. This mural illustrates our theme of Memories of the Past, Visions for the Future".  They are $ 15.00 for sizes up to xl and $ 17.00 for xxls and xxxls plus postage, if you need one mailed to you. Drop me an e-mail at gerald@scfirefighters.org or call me at (843) 609-8300 if you are interested.

CFD Breakfast Set for June 18th

Members of the CFD have organized a breakfast on the morning of Friday, June 18, 2010, beginning at 6:30 a.m., at Trotter's Restaurant on the Charleston 9 Memorial Highway. This breakfast will allow us to get together to remember the Charleston 9 on the day of the third Memorial Service. Each person will be responsible for the cost of their breakfast and it is open to all CFD members, ACTIVE and RETIRED.

3rd Annual Charleston 9 Memorial Service

The Charleston 9 Memorial Service will be held at the Sofa Super Store site on the evening of June 18, 2010, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Members of the Fire Service and the general public are invited to attend.

Funeral Services Set for Engineer Sammy White

The wake for Engineer Sammy White, CFD Retired, will be held at the Palmetto Mortuary, 1122 Morrison Drive, in Charleston on the evening of Friday, June 4, 2010, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. His funeral will be on Saturday, June 5, 2010, at 11:00 a.m., at the Wesley Methodist Church, 446 Meeting Street in Charleston. Burial will follow at the Sunset Memorial Gardens on Ashley Phosphate Road in North Charleston.

Shakin' and Bakin' at Dorchester Dragway!!

We competed at Dorchester Dragway on Sunday with our Camaro and, after qualifying, we were knocked out in the first round. We were competing against some very fast cars and we knew it was going to be a tough afternoon. However, after a run of 5.21 seconds at 133 mph in the 1/8 mile, they knew we were there. We'll turn up the wick and go after it again next weekend.