Ask Arp!

Editor: Could please explain Einstein’s Theory of Relativity one more time?
Arp: Sure can; If your grandparents did not have children, and your parents did not have children, chances are you will not have children.

Editor: How do you protect yourself from computer ID fraud?
Arp: Just let it happen! My uncle had his complete ID stolen so he went for a replacement and got a better one than he had.

Editor: Where do you get all your knowledge?
Arp: I go to Google and type in Google

Editor: Any words of wisdom for the young folks out there, Arp?
Arp: If people do not know when they are going to die, why do we say they died prematurely?

Editor: What is your most recent accomplishment?
Arp: I was elected President of the Fart Retrieval Club.

Editor: Any last words?
Arp: If you clone yourself who would your parents be? Even weirder; when you see photos of your parents are you looking at photos of yourself? Weird, huh?

Chief Tapak Tries Out His Wireless Mouse!

Apparently Chief Tapak of ? Fire Department has discovered a cheap means of computer upgrading. He recently acquired a "wireless" mouse from Chief Gary Percy of (I cant remember) Fire Department. Chief Tapak is pleased with the price that he paid for the new hardware. "Hey, I only paid $4,000 for this new technology. The Canadian Forces has paid at least $8,000 for a lousy hammer", claims Tapak. "Council should really be proud of me that I saved them this much money!"

When last seen Chief Tapak was scurrying around his office in search of cheese.

What If Iraq Won - Part Three

Is This True??????

How many times have you received emails about the Quran 911 and a reference to the "Eagle" cleansing the Holy Land? Or about that bag of salad below containing a live frog? Is this stuff true? Well, here's a great site to find out the truth as far as it can be investigated.

www.snopes.com

As far as the Quran foretelling about the Eagle having landed in the Middle East? Not true! As far as they know the frog in the salad is unconfirmed at this point. In the event that you do find a frog in a bag of salad.... DONT panic... seize the opportunity... frog legs are expensive these days.

What If Iraq Won - Part Two

Former Juvenile Delinquents, Serbu & KK, Discuss Their Future

Tom: Hey, have you had any thoughts about what we're going to do when we grow up?
KK: A little; why?
Tom: Well, after graduating from Beaver Creek I figured I might try Pro hockey.. that may keep me out of jail.
KK: Good idea; I'm a pretty good hockey player too... if that dont work out I can always work for Chryslers for 38 years.
Tom: Hey, if it doesnt work out we can always get a job on the local Fire Department, right?
KK: Of course, and they're not too particular who they hire right now. I'll have to make an appointment for my interview when Im not meeting my parole officer.
Tom: Wow, I forgot about mine too... but I can give him a couple of the old man's tires to quiet him up for awhile. I wonder how long I can work for the department without actually working?
KK: Well, let's see if you can go for 38 years and at the end not even show up for work!
Tom: Aha... that's the goal then... money for nothing.. haha

Update: When you call the local FD and ask for Serbu you are directed to a recording which goes something like this:

'Hello, thank you for calling the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services, you're call is important to us but Mr. Serbu cannot be reached at this time. When we locate him we will have him return your call. Remember, your call is important to us. Have a nice day. In the event you find Mr. Serbu please have him return to his office. Thank you."

What If Iraq Won - Part One

I have a series of photos depicting what would happen if Iraq won the war against the States. Here's the first.

Salad Is Good For You

Wow.. find "Waldo" the frog in the bag of salad. At least it's one way of getting your daily protein. They say they taste like chicken. (click on the bag for a larger view)

I'm Too Sexy For My Shirt

Oh look.... can it be???? Yes it is... Super Model Don Bennett swishing down the runway. Can't you just hear the beat of the music as Don works the room?

Dave Stroud Does Some Repairs

I snapped this photo of Dave Stroud last week as he pulled over by the side of the road. Apparently Dave has a great deal of faith in the strength of 4 x 4's : ) At least he chocked the rear wheel.

I didn't have much of a conversation with Dave because he was holding a flashlight in his mouth for better lighting. I could tell that he was comfortable by the way he was resting his back against one of the 4 x 4's.

Utah Firefighter Dies Battling Wildfire - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

Utah Firefighter Dies Battling Wildfire - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

Richfield, Utah-- Firefighters are mourning the death of one of their own.

Thirty-three-year-old Spencer Koyle died Thursday while fighting a wildfire in Fishlake National Forest in central Utah.

Officials say the Koyle was working on the 'Devil's Den' fire which was ignited by lightning on Tuesday.

'We've pulled all firefighters off the line tonight we have another incident team coming in tomorrow to take over management of this fire,' said Davida Carnahan with the U.S. Forest Service."

Hey... Dead Person - Lay Down!!!

Hey, is this person dead or just being resurrected?

Copter on Idaho Wildfire Mission Crashes, Four Dead - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

Copter on Idaho Wildfire Mission Crashes, Four Dead - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

A helicopter on a wildfire mission crashed in the Payette National Forest, killing the pilot and all three forest workers aboard, authorities said.

A firefighting team found the wreckage late Sunday afternoon, about a half hour after the helicopter went down on a forest road 100 miles northeast of Boise, forest spokesman Boyd Hartwig said."

Wisconsin Firefighter Dies in Blaze - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

Wisconsin Firefighter Dies in Blaze - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

'We're supposed to be the people that save and not lose,' a choked up Fire Chief Jeff Stauber said Monday morning at a news conference about the death of a 17-year veteran firefighter. 'It's devastating.'

Engineer Arnie Wolff, 55, died Sunday in a house fire on Green Bay's east side, five days before he was to earn a promotion to lieutenant.

Chief Stauber says firefighters were called to the home at 438 Edgewood Drive minutes before 12:30 Sunday afternoon. Two firefighters entered through the home's back door. The floor collapsed and they fell into the basement, which was filled with burning debris.

Stauber believes the fire was contained in the basement and was 'fully involved' -- and firefighters were unaware of it until the collapse.

The other firefighter, Jo Brinkley-Chaudoir, was able to escape through a basement window, Stauber said. Fire crews could not enter the home to search for Wolff immediately because the burning home was too dangerous."

Pennsylvania Firefighter Dies at Fire - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

Pennsylvania Firefighter Dies at Fire - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

Flags in Mifflin and Snyder counties in Pennsylvania are flying at half-mast today in honor of a volunteer firefighter who died in the line of duty Saturday.

Denny Hayes, 59, a member of McClure Volunteer Fire Co., was about to start operating the pump panel on the engine when he collapsed. He was treated by paramedics on the scene and rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

His fire company was on a mutual aid call for a working trailer fire in nearby Decatur Township when he collapsed."

Ohio Mourns Loss of Firefighter - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

Ohio Mourns Loss of Firefighter - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

The Whitewater Township Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its officers.

The department said Lt. Paul Montavon was responding to a call when he died. The department would not say how Montavon died, but that it was a 'non-traumatic' death.

Montavon was a 33-year veteran of the fire department and also worked as the department's fire marshal."

North Carolina Firefighter Dies of Heart Attack - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

North Carolina Firefighter Dies of Heart Attack - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

The USFA has reported that Garner, N.C. firefighter Larry Wayne Fanning, 57, died Aug. 2 at home of a heart attack several hours following work as a standby at the station during a medical response call.

Fanning was a 16-year veteran with the Garner Volunteer Fire Department. His funeral was held on Thursday, Aug. 10 in Dublin, Virginia."

Massive recycling plant fire darkens Windsor skies

Massive recycling plant fire darkens Windsor skies:

AMHERSTBURG, Ont. -- A fire at an Amherstburg property Tuesday afternoon sent thick, black plumes of smoke into the sky that could be seen over 50 kilometres away.

Nearby residents were being warned to stay indoors as the fire in the 7700 block of Howard Avenue raged on land next to the offices of Libby Terminals and Motor Lines, a trucking and storage company.

The fire, which appeared to be in large plastic crates, quickly covered almost one hectare — the area of two football fields.

Volunteer firefighters from two Amherstburg stations rushed to the blaze and quickly called for backup from LaSalle and the Windsor Fire and Rescue Service’s hazardous materials crew.

Firefighters were warned the burning material was believed to be high-density polyethylene and polypropylene and that the smoke could be toxic.

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety burning high-density polyethylene can release potentially harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, acrolein and formaldehyde.

The Ontario Ministry of Environment sent staff from its Windsor office to the site to assess the situation and had air monitoring equipment on standby, said spokesman Mark Rabbior.
© The Windsor Star 2006"

Leamington Is Looking For A New Deputy Chief

Apparently Leamington is looking for a new Deputy Chief. I got this photo from their website and noticed some peculiarities about it. Please notice the section within the "circled text."

Engine 10 Rises

For those who have visited Ground Zero and paid particular attention to Engine 10 & Ladder 10 Station across from "The Pit" it was hard to erase from the mind. Here are some recent pics and a couple of "flashbacks" of the station. Thanks to Gord Mayer for the updated photos.

Radio@Firehouse.com

Radio@Firehouse.com: Walking the Floor in Baltimore… At Firehouse Expo - PART I


Join Through The Smoke Host Chief Billy Goldfeder for unique candid “on the floor” discussions with firefighters, chiefs, vendors and others for a full range of rapid fire discussions. You’ll hear from well known friends such as FDNY’s Chief of Department Pete Hayden (Ret) and FDSOA’s Mary McCormack.

And in a very special chat, listen in as Billy talks candidly with Chief Danny Krushinski. Chief Krushinski was the IC of that heroically tragic LODD when East Franklin (NJ) Firefighter Kevin Apuzzio lost his life while attempting the rescue of a trapped victim last April 11th. Chief Krushinski’s heartfelt thoughts and comments regarding their loss will impact all who listen. And listen further as the Chief’s Wife, Lisa Krushinski provides her unique perspective on the tragic loss…

From vendors to attendees-all have a unique perspective on their view of fire service issues… and this episode of THROUGH THE SMOKE provides you with a sampling of it all!"

Nevada Firefighter Collapses in Station - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

Nevada Firefighter Collapses in Station - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

A firefighter from Las Vegas collapsed and died Aug. 8 during a physical training exercise at his station.

Richard Washington Jr., 49, a career firefighter with the Clark County Fire Dept., was treated by fellow personnel at his station, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

However, Washington was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at a local hospital."

Media Help

Hey... see the arrow below this post???? Hit that little blue circle for a menu to see movies... and then ...hit the one that says "View Movies " ... pretty easy.. even Rambo can do this for goodness sakes!

An Elephant's Memory

I love these stories that make such a touching point.

Elephant's Memory-Touching Story

In 1986, Mkele Mbembe was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from college. On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed so Mbembe approached it very carefully. He got down on one knee and inspected the elephant's foot, and found a large thorn deeply embedded in it. As carefully and as gently as he could, Mbembe worked the thorn out with his hunting knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot. The elephant turned to face the man and with a rather stern look on its face, stared at him. For several tense moments, Mbembe stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, nodded his head; turned and walked away. Mbembe never forgot that elephant or the events of that day.

Twenty years later, he was walking through a zoo with his teenaged son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Mbembe and his son Tapu were standing. The large bull elephant stared at Mbembe and lifted its front foot off the ground then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man. Remembering the encounter in 1986, Mbembe couldn't help wondering if this was the same elephant. Mbembe summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder. Suddenly the elephant trumpeted again,wrapped its trunk around one of the man's legs and swung him wildly back and forth along the railing, killing him.

Hummmmmm… Probably wasn't the same elephant.

Freddy C Trips The Light Fantastic

This reporter has just discovered some hidden talents by none other than Fred Caverzan. Fred “Astaire” Caverzan, as he has become affectionately known, smiles as he dons his Patten leather tap shoes. When questioned about his new passion Fred proclaimed, “Well, I’ve been dancing for years actually. I used to trip the light fantastic usually around midnight after the rest of the guys had gone to bed.”

Apparently Fred was using the washrooms for his midnight excursions and then came out of the water closet to prance his way across the apparatus floor at the Departments’ headquarters building located on Goyeau St.

“I’ve always felt that as the hands of the clock on the apparatus floor struck midnight I was whisked away in the moment”, Fred sighed. “Why, I’ve always felt the need to dance the night away whenever I watched the old Arthur Murray dancing show during the 50’s on our old black and white television. I can even remember my mom looking at me a little strange at times when I would twirl on my tippy toes in front of the TV.”, laughs Fred. “Hey, I used to think Alice Lon on the old Lawrence Welk show was just absolutely wonderful. I tried to imitate her dance steps whenever I got the chance.”

When asked about his plans for the future Fred smiles and winks, “Don’t tell a soul but I’ve contacted Wayne Pestru (another dancing aficionado) and we’re getting together to see if we can get a job on one of those luxury first class ocean liners and teach people on board how to dance. Why, I can do a mean Rumba and my Fox Trot is second to none!”

When last seen Freddy was doing his imitation of Steve Martin’s ballroom dance with Gilda Radner from the Saturday Night Live show.

Bush's Declaration Of War

I have a feeling this is what really happened!

Pig Roast '06

Here are a few pics from this years Pig Roast... looks like the boys had fun : )
I think someone took liberties with the motel sign in the first photo.

South Carolina Assistant Chief Collapses, Dies at Fire - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

South Carolina Assistant Chief Collapses, Dies at Fire -

The assistant chief at Sheldon Fire District died early Wednesday while supervising his crew as it worked a large home fire at Brays Island Plantation.

Lee Walters, 54, collapsed about 20 minutes into the efforts to extinguish the blaze, and he was taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to authorities."