Help is on the Way!!

This past week, we received a wonderful surprise! We were contacted by Mr. Hulon McCraw, the Vice President of National Activities for the Antique Automobile Club of America. Mr. McCraw read about the "Raising Engine 11" project in his hometown newspaper in Hendersonville, North Carolina. His local chapter has pledged assistance to the project and he has mailed a copy of the newspaper story and a challenge to thirty-four (34) other chapters in the country to join in to support this project to honor the Charleston 9 and all of you for your dedication to duty. We have already been contacted by the President of the Charleston AACA chapter and invited to their next meeting to discuss what they can do to help us!

What a tribute by these folks to all of you! We are discussing a weekend in Charleston later in the year for all participating chapters and their members to come visit. We'll be sure to let all of you know the plans so you can join us to welcome them to Charleston.

Stay safe, my friends!

Gerald

Happy New Year!

There is much excitement on the horizon for all of you in the Charleston Fire Department family. May each of you and all of your family have a safe and prosperous New Year! We are looking forward to continuing our work with all of you.

Your Charleston Firefighter Support Team

Amanda, Roxane, LeAnne, Jim, Chris, Richie and Gerald

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.