Visit To The Firehall

Thanks to Ted Seagull for this funny one.... Hey, I think this guy was in one of my recruit classes some time ago. Come to think of it he kind of resembles a guy that opened a restaurant downtown ... I think the name of the club is Koko...... something or other : )

Kitchen Grease Fire

Thanks to Bob McGonigal for this one... very dramatic footage.

# 5 Station... are you bored?

For those guys at # 5 station.... maybe you need something to "unbore" you ... : ) Try this little training exercise ... take some video and send it back to me... Good luck. Oh.. one suggestion... put Mongo in the driver's seat for extra ballast : )

Recent Promotions

August 5th, 2007 :

Captain John Quennell is promoted to Assistant Chief, Fire & Rescue

Firefighter Gary Garant is promoted to Captain, Fire & Rescue

Congrats, guys... best of luck

Another Hockey Picture

Thanks to Paula H we now have another hockey picture of old guys who were once young... I believe most of these folks were born circa 1850's or so and had to play the sport indoors by candlelight.
I know for a fact that a couple of them shook hands with Queen Victoria personally : ) If you can name the players go right ahead....

The Pope visits Alaska

The Pope took a couple of days off to visit the Rugged Mountains of Alaska
for some sightseeing. He was cruising along the campground in the Pope
Mobile when there was a frantic commotion just at the edge of the woods.
A helpless Democrat, wearing sandals, shorts, a "Save the Whales" hat, and
a "To Hell with Bush" T-shirt, was screaming while struggling frantically
and thrashing around trying to free himself from the grasp of a 10-foot
grizzly. As the Pope watched in horror, a group of Republican loggers came
racing up.

One quickly fired a 44 magnum into the bear's chest. The other two reached
up and pulled the bleeding, semiconscious Democrat from the bear's grasp.
Then using long clubs, the three loggers finished off the bear and two of
them threw it onto the bed of their truck while the other tenderly placed
the injured Democrat in the back seat.

As they prepared to leave, the Pope summoned them to come over. "I give you
my blessing for your brave actions!" he told them. "I heard there was a
bitter hatred between Republican loggers and Democratic Environmental
activists but now I've seen with my own eyes that this is not true."

As the Pope drove off, one of the loggers asked his buddies "Who was that
guy?" "It was the Pope," another replied. "He's in direct contact with
Heaven and has access to all wisdom."

"Well," the logger said, "he may have access to all wisdom but he sure
doesn't know anything about Grizzly bear hunting! By the way, how is the bait
holding up, or do we need to go back to Massachusetts and get another one?

Mongo The Drummer

This reporter has just discovered that Mongo, the beloved Simian of Southern Ontario, has taken on a new endeavor involving his passion for rock & roll. When questioned about his newest adventure the beast answered, "Well, as you know, my lovely wife, Asteroid, has always loved rock music so I just figured I would please her and look into something different for awhile."

Mongo, employed for ages by the city of Windsor Fire & Rescue Services, has always been capable of "reinventing" himself over the years. "I kind of like to fashion myself after Madonna; she's always known how to change her appeal for the next generation. Besides, I just love it when she wears those leopard style outfits...it kind of makes me homesick in a way", sniffs the Silverback.

When asked what he had in mind with this newest adventure Mongo smiled and stated, "Wow... I had a gig with Phil Collins lately and did an audition with him at his studio. Some guys recorded it into a video... wow, I sure hope it gets some airplay on Much Music... hummmm... that would really provide some new publicity! I just love it when I get the chance to play drums anywhere; it reminds me of the days in the Uganda jungles and the sound of drumbeats far off in the distance."

It is quiet apparent that Mongo certainly loves beating the drums as testified in the short video below. You can almost see the far away look in his eyes as he pounds on the skins and he somewhat resembles Ringo Starr of the Beatles. Maybe it's the hair.

When last seen Mongo was in search of some Ben Gay for his aching shoulders.

Please click on video below to see Mongo's latest rendition of "Something In The Air Tonight" accompanied by non other than Phil Collins.

Runaway Wheel

How do you explain this one to your insurance agent? Keep your eye on the loose wheel.

Pennsylvania Chief Dies Responding to Fire

Pennsylvania Chief Dies Responding to Fire - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"The Elizabeth Borough fire chief died while headed to an overnight fire at a vacant bar. The flames started around 1:15 a.m. Wednesday at a bar on North Water Street at Lower Mill Street. Chief Lenny Bailey lived across the street and was on his way to the fire when he apparently had a heart attack. He was given CPR at the scene, but later died. The fire marshal is calling the fire suspicious. Bailey was also a councilman."

Miracles Still Happen

Everyone once in a while we need to stop and express our gratitude publicly, to give credit where credit is due.

Some of the Windsor firefighters may have been at the funeral service in Burlington for Firefighter Wayne Topping and knowing we were in the area noticed we were not present.

Well, we were at the HIU (Heart Investigation Unit) of Hamilton General Hospital recovering from a miracle.

Jeannie (my wife of 8 weeks) was admitted for a simple angiogram due to some significant changes noted by her cardiologist. Some of you may know she has coped (very well) with cardiomyopathy (heart disease) for about 30 years.

When the angiogram was preformed the cardiologist reported to her that they had found her problem and that they were going to fix it. When she asked if he meant “now” he replied “oh yes”. It is normal for this cardiac unit to proceed whenever possible to correct a problem while the patient is right there instead of making another appointment. Jeannie reports that during the procedure the doctors and staff were fantastic, always checking her condition and very attentive to her but she did hear the talk of “stents and sutures”. After the procedure we discovered that miracles still happen in a matter of moments. Jeannie’s main heart artery (LAD), the one that is responsible for sudden death heart attacks with usually no chance for CPR, was more than 90% blocked and the doctors began edging a catheter balloon in by millimeters, enlarging the balloon, followed by an 8mm stent. Just as they had almost reached the other side of the blockage the artery tore. This is where credit is due, the doctor and staff calmly, efficiently and, we believe directed by God, inserted a 2^nd stent (12mm) and sutured the artery around both stents in a mater of moments.

We thank God the physicians and staff for this miracle. Jeannie’s goal has always been to dance at her grandchildrens' weddings; recently we danced with them at ours. Less than 48 hours ago it looks like that goal will be a go.

We would appreciate you saying thanks for the miracles your have in your life, either big or small, and of course would appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts for a continued rapid recovery.

South Carolina Shines

Well, well, well... Let's all hale the next generation shall we? Who says the future is doomed??? Just imagine Miss Teen South Carolina in the White House.
Ok, now that I've had my fun ... where did I leave my car keys????

SANDWICH TOWN FESTIVAL

September 14, 15, 16

14^th Gala Dinner at McKenzie Hall $55

Each Ticket Has the Opportunity to Win a Weekend in Toronto by VIA Rail

(Winner will be drawn Sunday evening)

Entertainment by ‘General Brock’

Fireworks @ 9:30 at the foot of Mill St

15^th @ 11:00 AM Parade 40 Entries Including Caribbean Dancers and Steel Drum Band

@ 2:00 Reenactment of Slaves crossing to freedom, complete with Bounty Hunters, Participants assisting the slaves will be 1^st Nation, Dutch & French. This event is being filmed for release throughout North America.

16^th Continuing with all venues.****

Steak Dinner Bedford United Church

**** Throughout the 3 day events

Special Events all day activities for kids, on going Gospel choirs, and continuous entertainment

Free Hot Dogs for the kids.

Food, Rib Dinners $15.00 Chicken Dinners $12 @ the Mill

Multiple Vendors at the Riverfront

Contact Information & Tickets for the Gala

Counselor Ron Jones

Office 519-252-1005

E-mail rjones@city.windsor.on.ca

Proceeds towards the restoration efforts of Sandwich Baptist Church

Fallen Firefighter's Entourage

On the morning of Friday August 24th a Burlington ON firefighter died while performing an extrication exercise. Wayne Topping, 45, collapsed before a panel of judges after completing a scenario with his teammates at a competition in Indiana.

The message below from the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services dispatch supervisor describes Wayne Topping's final ride home from the United States.

It is at times such as these when we as firefighters, retired or active, realize what a proud profession we all are a part of.

On behalf of my wife, Jeannie, who's ideas fueled the concept of The Phoenix Blog, and myself we share in the sorrow of fire fighter Topping's family and the brothers and sisters of the Burlington Fire Department



Don't know if you had heard about this FF or not. But his body was brought back to Canada today around noon. He had a police escort (Michigan State Police) all the way to the bridge where he was met by the Windsor Fire dept and Burlington fire fighters and OPP. They had a ceremony of sorts where they draped his casket with the Canadian Flag before escorting him out of the City with the OPP escorting him. Engine 5 stood at the corner of Huron Church and Cabana and LaSalle stood on the other side of the street.

As he drove on the 401, he was met by Lakeshore Fire Dept who escorted him to the County Lines where he was then escorted by Chatham Kent. After that, it was London and St Thomas.

Sometimes it just makes you proud to be here!

Burlington firefighter dies in contest

BURLINGTON -- An Ontario firefighter who died suddenly during an international fire extrication competition in Indianapolis, Ind., will receive a full fire department funeral.

Wayne Topping, 45, collapsed before a panel of judges after completing a scenario with his teammates from the Burlington Fire Department on Friday morning.

The married father of two sons and one stepson was originally from St. Thomas, but moved to Burlington several years ago.

Topping joined the Burlington Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in 1998 and became a full-time firefighter in 2000.

He was recognized twice with an award for best medic in his two years with the department's auto extrication team.

The funeral is tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Fire Alarms and Children

Here's a disturbing video regarding fire alarms and how they could not wake kids up during an alarm.

Arkansas Firefighter Dies From Fall

A volunteer firefighter from Arkansas was killed Friday morning from injuries sustained in a fall from a bridge.

Lt. Paul D. Baker, 39, of Turtle Creek Volunteer Fire Department, lost his footing while involved in an extrication of a patient from a single-vehicle crash on the I-30 bridge over the Saline River.

Baker fell about 40 feet, landing on the river bank.

Some rescue personnel from Benton and Turtle Creek ran to assist him, while others remained with the seriously injured, trapped patient, said Benton Fire Chief Ben Blankenship.

Ontario Deputy Chief Killed in Crash

Ontario Deputy Chief Killed in Crash - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

Addington Highlands deputy fire chief was killed in a fatal collision Sunday afternoon responding to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 7.

William Salmond, 65, was driving a fire department tanker truck, heading eastbound on Flinton Road to respond to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 7 in Kaladar.

As the truck approached the intersection with Highway 41, Salmond was unable to stop the vehicle and it went through the intersection, struck a parked, unoccupied vehicle and rolled into the east ditch. Salmond was ejected from the vehicle.

North Carolina Chief Dies at Firehouse

North Carolina Chief Dies at Firehouse - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

SWEPSONVILLE, N.C. -- Funeral arrangements are set for Saturday for the deputy fire chief found dead in his bunk here Wednesday morning.

Jerry Donley, 45, had been engaged in a firefighting operation on Monday, and reported for duty on Tuesday as scheduled. He cleaned up equipment from the fire, and responded on EMS calls during his shift.

Latest Update On George

I copied this from the Fire website regarding George.

Update - George Copeland - Wheeling About

August 7th, 2007 :

I went to see George the other day. George was nowhere to be found. I called him later that evening and George said he was outside riding around on his new motorized chair. He is moving his right arm enough to operate the joy stick on the chair. The staff has been working with him in therapy from 8:30-4:30 each day. He still has tingling in his legs and is encouraged by that. He feels he has some new freedom with his chair and every opportunity he has he leaves the hospital to enjoy the sun. There is a maze of sidewalks around the property and he uses every part of it. George has a good positive attitude. He says wherever the road goes for him he will still not loose hope. He always has visitors from the guys at the firehall and he thanks them. The staff all love him and speak highly of George. What's not to like. He has always been a charmer. George always enjoys his visitors. He does get tired after his therapy during the weekdays. He enjoys his Saturdays and Sundays as there is no therapy on those days.

Global Warming Consequences

Now here is what could really actually happen if we don't start to pay attention to "Global Warming"..... Save the Polar Bears from this terrible consequence!