What a Night!

The second meeting of the CFD Retirees' "Hooked Up" program was held tonight at the North Charleston American LaFrance Fire Museum with 50 people in attendance.  We were pleased to have Chief Carr attend to welcome our retirees as we were entertained with two beautiful songs by Ms. Peggy Sineath. Peggy has long been a great supporter of Charleston Firefighters and has participated for many years with us in the March of Dimes and Carolina Children's Charity telethons with her beautiful music and voice.  We also enjoyed a wonderful holiday meal provided by A & M Brown's Restaurant in Moncks Corner.

We would also like to thank Smokey Bones Restaurant, Long Horn's Steakhouse, T-Bones Restaurant, the Olive Garden Restaurant, Charleston Silhouettes and A Little Bit of Everything for some great door prizes as well as Frederick's Florist for the beautiful flower arrangements for the tables.  Please remember all of these businesses for their support of this program. Nancy and Ted Jones, Chief Wilmot Guthke's daughter and son-in-law, worked very diligently with all of these businesses in gathering these door prizes.  Many thanks to them and to Grant Mishoe and Ray Bennett, of the Museum, who gave their time to be our hosts.

Last, but certainly not least, thanks to all of our retirees and their spouses or guests for attending and making this such an enjoyable event.

CFD Family Day At Fire Museum Reminder!

THe CFD Wives' Club will present the second annual CFD Family Day at the North Charleston American LaFrance Fire Museum, beginning at 1:00 p.m., this coming Sunday, December 14, 2008. This event is for all Charleston firefighters and their families. Food will be served and Santa will be there for the children. Please make plans to join us for a great afternoon of fun!

Happy Birthday, Lauren Mulkey & Jackie Tillman!

Remembering the Worchester 6

Today we remember the Worchester 6. Our thoughts go out to the brothers and sisters of the Worchester Fire Department on the ninth anniversary of their loss.

Excitement is in the Air!

This is the time of year to enjoy our friends and families and to celebrate the season. We have visited many stations this week and it is obvious there is much more to celebrate this year. The days of anger, mistrust and grief have been replaced with enthusiasm, optimism and hope. Chief Carr is at the helm of a department filled with renewed spirits and attitudes. While the Chief has provided the catalyst for this change, each of you is contributing your part to truly making this a great organization. Our Team is constantly amazed at your resilience and determination to overcome the loss of the Charleston 9 and to move this department forward. We have witnessed your work, both in training and on the fire ground. We have heard you speak and we have listened carefully. While the journey is long, you have all taken ownership in the mission ahead and we are excited for you. I can think of no better way to honor the memories of your fallen brothers.

Stay safe, my friends,

Gerald

Charleston 9 Wooden Carving Tribute

This beautiful tribute, carved by Capt. Ricky Koger, from 200 year old heart pine, shows an eagle with its' head bowed to the Charleston 9.
It is available for sale by contacting Capt. Koger at wavedancer4@bellsouth.net. As you can see, this is a very unique, one of a kind piece. Thanks, Capt. Ricky, for sharing it with us.

Home of Vinegar Hill Gang Burns!

Most of you know Ralph Esposito, one of our New York firefighter peers, who has given unselfishly of his time to help us since June 18, 2007. He rode to Charleston on his Harley and into the hearts of most of us during very difficult times. He has visited us several times since then to help in our program. Last Friday, while they were out on another call, the firehouse where Ralph works, known as the home of the Vinegar Hill Gang, 23 Ladder and 80 Engine, in the Harlem section, caught fire and sustained heavy damage to the second and third floors. Eight firefighters were injured while battling the blaze that saw 25 FDNY units respond. Thankfully, all firefighters, are okay. Last fall, our Team visited FDNY's counseling unit and the Harlem firehouse. The entire crew made us feel right at home. Our thoughts go out to all of them and wish them the very best during the reconstruction of their quarters. Click on the title above to read the story.