The Fill Line

December 2014

A column for firehouse reading by Thomas J. Parsons / Connect me at labwdp@academicplanet.com

While out Scoot-a-Pootin. I have often wondered if any of the firefighters would like to have an informal
type fellowship get together sometime. I was at the Ferris fire station and the idea was brought up. No Tom
Pritchett, we can include more than Toms as I figure this may be of interest to those seasoned in the service as
well as those with a valid interest in the institution of firehouse. My idea is fellowship, swap some stories,
and/or share photos or other items procured along the way. That is the invite, so respond by e-mail or a call and
well have the first meeting at the Central High fire station. Those expressing interest Ill take your
consideration for time and date and return (I wonder why when I make an r and an n and an m appears?) with
the result. See you there.
OMG Rick! I received the FAJ and see that was quite the rescue truck delivered to Fayetteville NC. What a
contrast to the Mobile-Eight in the day. Nice Pierce Truck-One for Wilmington, another contrast of that 60s
open cab Graves. I guess youll be out buffing.
On an October trip in Ohio, I was able to take time to scoot about Lake County. Since we dont seem to have a
known uniform store in Dallas, I always stop at Atwells Police and Fire Equipment Co in west Painesville.
While all the personnel are most accommodating, it was Keith Rosenberger that made the sale. Keiths positive
ability to give great customer service reflects well upon the integrity at Atwells. I noticed that Atwells trust in
God (as noted on their business card), was a positive selling point as well.
I was well received by the city of Kirtland and Perry Fire District. Kirtlands Shift Commander Rob
Gandee met me at KFD station #1 and gave me a tour of quarters. Someone is taking on the task to organize
hundreds of photos of the department to include personnel and apparatus. The station is nestled in the Holden
Arboretum property. A stop at station #2 found both the old White pumper and Dodge power wagon parked
outside hoping for cover before the winter snows fly. A new brush rig was acquired and it pulls a covered trailer
that protects a Gator off-road four wheeler for rescue or special ops. We returned to #1 for lunch as Rob and I
talked for about four hours telling firehouse history, stories, lies etc. I dont suppose that KFD Firefighter
paramedic John Hopkins thought anyone could ever talk fire service for that long.
The other highlight was when I was invited to have chow with the brothers at Perry Fire District station #2.
A shifts Fire Lieutenant Kurt West made the invite in the spring, but the time was better suited with this visit. A
special firehouse cuisine of Chriss Ridge Road Spaghetti made with a specially prepared Italian sausage, and
seasoned noodles covered with a shift secret sauce. Oven fresh garlic bread was served along with Arnold
Palmer tea (another apparent #2 firehouse secret). Kurt West was the shift loot, while dinner was prepared by
Chris Brubaker, assisted by Nick Mona. Carmen Tibaldi and Josh McBride, other members of the crew assisted
in consuming the delight. Kurts firefighter crew was most respectful, and made this out of town author and
firefighter feel right at home. When I was ready to leave, I saw the crew working as a team reviewing a
technique using special tools for vehicle lockouts. Kurt proudly boasts of the Perry Fire Districts learning and
mentoring program of in-service training. Oh, Kurt and I were talking about monkey business, and I had to
laugh as I have a Perry Fire Dept cook book (copyright 2001) that featured monkey bread, a specialty created
by Kurt, while Firefighter James MacDonald made BBQ ribs and a certain Lt Gene Lutz made chicken cordon
bleu. The book cost $8. Final note; after 20 plus years of service Perry district firefighters Joseph Kallay and
Donald Barfield retired from the Perry Fire District force this year. With things as they are, I am announcing my
full retirement effective the 31st. Maybe now I may even get out and scoot-a-poot more.
One other invite was when David & Rachel Parsons of Mul-Wal carried me by to eat some real pork BBQ at
the Smoke BBQ Grill in Painesville Twp. Is it a coincidence that the restaurant is located on Bacon Road?
Meanwhile back in Ellis County TX, I was coming back from Dallas and couldnt pass by Red Oak without
saying hi to RO Fire Chief Eric Thompson. I just caught him before he aligned for a staff meeting. Say, thanks
for the news of Glenn Heights old American LaFrance, Eric. Maybe we can get you hooked up with someone
for a historical vehicle for the ROFD.
Waxahachie TX has taken delivery of their new aerial Truck and it will be stationed at Station #3 on YMCA
Drive. The 1997 Pierce truck will be relocated to station #2. The 2014 solid red Pierce sports a 105 stick and
has a smart design layout for its compartments. It will be designated as James S. Davis Hook and Ladder, along
the lines of the Salamander Hose Company as noted on their engine assigned to station #3 as well. This brings
to three first line aerial rigs manufactured by Pierce Fire Apparatus in that part of the county. Each aerial
appears to reflect that communitys fire apparatus committee expectations for duty.

More Poot. Ferris TX Fire Chief Tim Birdwell reported they are in the process of updating the inside of the
station and have a new floor in place as well as some book shelves and more is planned. He tells that a couple of
Dallas retired firefighters have purchased the Sutphen engine, and are using it as a public relations vehicle. I
was also able to see old friends Tom Leverentz, Tom Pritchett, and meet some new members as Ill lear n
names. Tom Leverentz is in line as the Fire Marshal for Ferris. Toms son is also active with the FFD and word
is he is reportedly really into being active with the institution of fire dept. By the way, thanks Tim Birdwell for
assisting me in finding those lost issues of the Fill Line.
Speaking of meetings the Ellis County Firefighters Association met at the Waxahachie College site and had
quite the discussion of the direction the firefighters association needs to take in the upcoming year. It was
decided to try the old approach of food and fellowship to be held in Ennis. Some new direction may be in the
way of giving the association new definition. I say this, as the county officers have their association, and with
firefighters, what is the main idea of having an association. One fact that was brought up was the group was not
having the fun it once had as comrade is missing somehow. What has happened to the numbers (other than not
stripping a district to attend a meeting).Training and other aspects of the business of the association was
discussed. If you have ideas, January 2015 will be the next meeting, date and location TBA. Meanwhile
Kameron Rabur n suggests checking out the web page with its latest updates.
Keep the hoses dry, and well see you out while scoot-a-pootin.
The answer for: Nov. While Emergencys Station #51 was KMG 365, in reality are the call letters are for LA
County fire station #98 in Bellflower. The radio call letters for the show Emergency county dispatcher was heard
to be KNG 941 on an early episode.
Question of the month: Dec. The address was #5 Bulfinch Street, West End. This Boston fire station had what
first installed here for their department. (Hint: The year was 1880.)

The Firehouse kitchen. Reach began some egg sandwiches while Curbs the coffee king begins a pot of
coffee. Books begins inventory of the engine and notes a long crease along the right side compartments. With
the cool morning Dink will check the furnace for its proper operation. Lt. Hart is almost out the door when he
returns to the office to tell Captain Snut about an employee multiple choice surveys that was due last shift. Just
mark C, and all should be fine, notes the loot. Actually Lt. Hart made the survey for his own recognition. The
loot is out the door as the good Captain gathers the surveys to complete during breakfast completely forgetting
the comment about marking C.
Pencils in hand the gang starts to fill in the questionnaire. Thoughts prevail such as, Should the apparatus
be painted red, thats a no brainier, just repaint that stupid green color on the rig in the baymark B, or,
Does your gear make you feel protected. hip boots and my leather lid have been traditional, and if it aint
broke, duh?...mark A The inquire includes from working with others of differing gender and race, to
acceptance of management decisions. Another no brainier, I can work with anyone, but no one works with our
present chiefsmark D? The gang completes the survey without marking any Cs, and begin to plan their day
as Chief Burns comes into the room.
I see you guys have done the survey, trumps the little chief. Some who-dad has crawled out from under his
rock and wants to recreate the department again, Gal dang it all. I can assure you with Ms. Fedderson at the
helm, historic station #13 will remain static. Dink beams, Uh, Omigosh! With his effort put into making the
green machine, it being the little chiefs last visible effort during his time at the helm, will remain a green fire
engine, crease and all. Things look promising for the New Year for the most part, as Chief Bur ns says Merry
Christmas and puts the completed papers into his jacket pocket.
Prayer portion. Ellis CO Sheriff Johnny Brown requested prayer for long time peace officer Charles
Sullins, who is battling cancer. We include the family as well. This is the season to reflect upon family and the
true meaning of Christmas. It was God who gave his one and only son for our salvation, the greatest gift ever,
all we have to do is accept it. We pray for His healing touch in the unknown request, and we give thanks for
each instance, be it His will.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone. See you out while scoot-a-pootin.

Remember! Do the important stuff, but dont leave the station with out your FILL LINE!
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