Belated Happy Birthday Wishes to Lori Pooser!

Happy Birthday, Lori! We apologize for being a day late. Hope you had a great day!

Merry Christmas from The Team to All of You!

Just a Thought......

This week completed another chapter in the story of this department with the release of the ISO report changing the rating from a Class 1 to a Class 3. We know that all of you expected a change and hopefully see it as necessary to continue the progress of this department. It reminded me of my days as a firefighter when ISO would come to inspect us. While the ISO rating was an important part of determining insurance premiums, we never used it as a measure of our ability to do our jobs or the effectiveness of our department and neither should you. Don’t ever forget that the history of this department is being rewritten daily and that your spirit and determination to move this fire department forward, in the face of just another moment of adversity, is what will truly define this department. Keep the faith, my friends, for there is much good ahead for all of you. Our Team is excited to be here with you to watch it happen!

Chrissy's Gift!

Chrissy Welsch with Team members Richie, Jim, Gerald and Amanda.

Several months ago, I posted here about a young lady who had decided to save and donate her allowance to the "Raising Engine 11" restoration. She and her mother had watched by the highway as the procession for the Charleston 9 traveled from downtown to the Coliseum on June 22, 2007. When she heard of the project to restore Engine 11, she decided she wanted to help. Yesterday, Chrissy Welsch and her mother, Diane, came to the Team office so Chrissy could bring in her donation. Thank you Chrissy for your generous contribution!

"Smokin' Mack" Comes to Town!

Yesterday, we received a package at the Team office from the office of the President of Mack Trucks, Inc. in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Apparently, they had seen our website and the story of "Raising Engine 11". The card read, "To the Charleston Firefighter Support Team, Good luck in your endeavors. We are sending our corporate icon for luck."

"Smokin Mack" came with his own turnout gear and helmet and will reside on the dash of Engine 11 when it is completed. What a great gesture on the part of Mack Trucks! We appreciate their kindness in thinking of us.

Dealing with Anger

What can you do when you are so consumed with outrage at another that your own quality of life is negatively impacted? How do you stop a behavior that you know is unhealthy but has infiltrated your personality and has taken over the controls?

Ask yourself these questions:

1) Does your anger change the past?
2) Are you willing to forgo your happiness for someone who is insensitive, greedy, oblivious, or dishonest?
3) Do you believe your anger will change how others view this person?
4) Are you prepared to allow another to define your mood?
5) Are you ready to recognize people are not held to your values and that to wait for such will be fruitless?

Remember what defines you as a loving spouse and parent, as a dedicated worker, as a positive role model for your children, as a productive member of the community, as a true friend, as an honest person. Regardless of the transgression of another vow to be the better person- admit fault, acknowledge flaws, recognize imperfections, learn from your own life choices and pledge to not make the same mistakes. Refocus on your abilities to make this world better for yourself and those around you. Do not waste precious time fuming over one who is not worthy of your respect. Each time a negative thought comes to mind about this person do not dwell on it but instead make a conscious effort to give a well deserved compliment, do a favor , remember a person who has positively impacted your life, laugh out loud, help when it is not expected, appreciate what you have in your life. Never forget that you are the one in control of your emotional well being!

Amanda Custer

Salisbury Fire Department at Work!

Richie Denninger and I visited our friends at the Salisbury, North Carolina Fire Dept. this week.  As you know, they lost two of their own in March. Our Team has been honored to visit them on several occasions to represent you and to lend our assistance. They always ask how all of you are doing and send their best wishes. While in Salisbury on Tuesday, we responded to a fire with them in a duplex residential structure. The first-in companies encountered heavy smoke conditions with fire blowing out of the rear of the structure. They quickly made entry, with RIT teams in place, and made short work of this one.  Since we first met the Salisbury firefighters and their command officers, we have been always impressed with their spirit and professionalism and today was no different. Our hats are off to the men and women of the department for keeping the faith and moving their department forward in the most difficult of times for them.