Jim Zukauskas Honored Today!

As we posted day before yesterday, Jim is leaving our Team to take another position in DMH.  At a meeting of his peers today, with his other teammates in attendance, he was presented an award by Chief Tom Carr of the Charleston Fire Department for his dedicated work as a member of the Charleston Firefighter Support Team since its' inception in June, 2007.

Congratulations, Jim!  We all wish you and Patti the best in the future.

Jim Zukauskas is leaving the Team to be involved in another program within the Department of Mental Health. He has been a valued and dedicated member of the Charleston Firefighter Support Team since its' inception in June, 2007. Jim's expertise will be sorely missed and he has agreed to continue to help us with special projects in the future.

I would be remiss if I did not personally thank Jim here. He has provided me with much advice, support and friendship during our time together on the Team and I will miss him.

From all of us, we wish him the best in his new position.

We are pleased to have Sarah Braswell, a new clinician/team member taking over for Jim as he moves on. Sarah brings a great deal of experience and expertise to the Team and we will have more about her in a later post.

Super Fly!

Today I was in a local gas station pumping fuel into my truck when I noticed an old stake bodied truck parked next to me. It obviously had seen better days but looked as if it was still serving the purpose for someone. Despite the faded paint and a beat up body, it had a large decal on the doors that said Super Fly. I was interested to see who was driving this vehicle and waited a few minutes until an elderly man, he was probably about my age :), shuffled out of the store and to the truck. While both he and his truck had seen better days, he had obviously envisioned himself as Super Fly at some time in his life.

I think that we all should take some time to enjoy some fun, to be Super Fly, Superman or whomever. They say that time waits on no man, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy the trip. I plan on squeezing all that I can out of this experience we call life. I hope that I will run into you along the way.

With Deepest Sympathy.......

It is with regret that we inform you of the passing of Captain Ernest McElveen, CFD Retired. Captain McElveen retired in 2000 after 35 years of service to this community. We extend our condolences to his entire family. Visitation with his family and friends will be this Sunday evening, February 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Stuhr's West Ashley Chapel with funeral services on Monday, February 9, at 11:00 a.m., also at Stuhr's West Ashley Chapel. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Gardens in North Charleston.

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!