The Fill Line

July 2013

A column for firehouse reading by Thomas J. Parsons

While out scoot-a-pootin. The old computer was down for a bit, but thanks to Erik Hatfield and the techs at
Big Time Computer Outlet in Ferris we are back and rolling. For me this is the best reason to buy local, for the
service alone. Time off line was minimal, and the positive service attitude was most appreciated (and free)!
While in Ferris I was able to stop at the Ferris fire station and finally met up with Chief Scott Mitchell.
Despite his efforts to try and read the latest Firehouse Magazine, he gave me some time to exchange some
ideas. In a nutshell, we did have a nice visit and I was able to attain some valuable information on fire gear. The
duty crew was busy with a renovation project, but thanks to them and Chief Mitchell for their hospitality. I
meant to ask about their duty uniforms, but forgot, but maybe someone can give me some insight on their
departments purchases, company and pricing. Thanks!!
Here is a thought. With complexity that the fire service has created within, with the extended knowledge
required for rescue (paramedic), engineer, inspection, and any other specialty I may have missed, is it time to go
into specific fields of expertise as we gravitate though this career? Instead of a barrage of subject matter for
promotion, perhaps only site specific information for the required position. I think of doctors who must have a
base of knowledge, but go into specific areas after their internship, or as so I understand. I think of what is
needed to know to advance and how much is lost after the fact. Case in point, as a fire service instructor it was
the thing to become qualified in many electives to be able to teach and touch as many subjects as desired to
maximize the effort. However, when it came to renew the specific classes, I found that I was most interested in
only two subjects and just renewed them, as the others were simply overkill. I guess after reading the
qualifications to attain membership with a certain city department, I wonder just how much knowledge is
actually required to do the job. I know education is the big blow in society, and your input will vary. I am just
tossing it out to see what you think. Let me know.
With some family in the Denver area, I have been curious about any fire buff connections and found out about
the Mile High Hook and Ladder group by way of the Denver Fire Museum. They are affiliated with
SPAAMFAA, are quartered in Littleton. After correspondence (or the constant bugging of) with club secretary
Kira OKeefe, I was invited up for a visit during their annual muster at the Arapaho College campus June 15. To
entice the invitation, I was asked to ride in their parade route in one of two fire pumper trucks. After an easy
decision, I decided to attend the event.
I arrived at the college and found a good parking lot (after strong suggestion by campus police not to park
along the street due to a possible parking ticket). I ambled toward the muster area. Here, Darren OKeefe met
me (sorry I didnt wear that CFD shirt, Darren), and he directed me to an awaiting vehicle to ferry us to the
apparatus staging area. I found Kira who offered the officer seat on her 1951 open cab (yes Rick, open cab)
Pirsch engine. At precisely 0900, the Waukesha engine of the Pirsch came alive and the parade of about 30
apparatus left for a ride through Littleton proper and arrived at the college. The apparatus was staged for
maximum photo opportunities. In addition there were several activities, which included the Littleton Fire
Department with an auto extrication demonstration, and an airfield crash truck from North Metro station #65
showing the capability of a P-19. A former Laramie Wyoming engine pumped to a local district aerial truck and
a vintage former Denver Seagraves pumper with deck gun spraying water into the rather warm Littleton
afternoon to provide hydration to the masses. I must mention any time an apparatus was moved from staging to
an active operation, a safety vest attired member of the MHH&L was present in the front and rear of the rig for
safety during the move through the large crowd that attended the event.
There was strong community family style participation that allowed the kiddos to use hose lines and ride two
apparatus around the park area. The community gave great support (not sure how many came out). One of the
local car dealers by the name of Ralph Schomp gives great support to the effort and he even owns a mid 50s
American LaFrance engine. Littleton Fire Department had their brand new Pierce pumper-rescue engine on
display, the final effort of their in-house planning for a rig with new technology and safety features. A VFW
group supplied a cook out and the Denver Fire Museum had a display for potential visitors to their facility.
I cant begin to share my appreciation for this wonderful group of fire buff and vintage fire apparatus owners.
The group was above the best in their preparation of the day with planned displays and activities. The results
reflect the highest standard of operation. Their hospitality alone was truly heads above some organizations I
have visited in the past, and they can be proud of their efforts. Good going MHH&L. Hope to see you next year.
More poot next page!
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Scoot-a-pootin continued. Finally, I planned to drop by the Littleton Fire Department and visit with good
friend, Department Chief John Mullin. You may recognize the name as he was past chief of the Woodlands
Texas Fire Department. (I hope that HEB coffee brought back some good memories). Chief Mullin was most
accommodating and we shared some timely ideas on the fire service past and future. If in the area, the Littleton
Fire Department has some of the most gracious people on their rolls and any fire station visit finds a group that
are willing to make you welcome. If at station #11, check out that new engine, and visit the Pole Cats.
Keep the hoses dry and well see you out while scoot-a-pootin. Connect with me at phone: 972-878-0562, or
e-mail: labwdp@academicplanet.com
Question of the Month: July? What three fire apparatus builders introduced a cab forward design in 1959?
The answer for: June It is fire station #8 of the city of Dallas Texas, opening May 15, 1970. The ghost was
that of Battalion Chief Frank J. Bachman who died in an accident when responding to a call December 11,
1945.
Read The Firehouse Kitchen. If you dont have a copy, order today from Amazon books or the publisher:
www.rosedogbookstore.com (call 1-800-834-1803). Thank you!

The Firehouse kitchen. Firehouse #13 was closed due to a brown out. Captain Snut quickly decides to take a
day of leave, while Curbs is detailed to Engine Eight. Books and Reach are both detailed to Truck Two, and
Dink goes to Squad Four, all quartered at the big house. It was soon decided by the engine captain that Curbs
is completely useless, since the high expectations of the Cap and Curbs are worlds apart. Curbs seemed to be
affixed to the end of the dinner table unable to be too far from the coffee pot. When the time extends past the
second break, Curbs is threatened with a job slip to which Curbs returns the favor with several calls to the
union. Reach and Books fair better with the anticipation of riding a vintage reserve mid ship aerial and doing
some real truck work. Reach would take the can, while Books takes the hook, as both charge into burning
infernos that require guts, courage, and determination. Their hip boots are folded down along with their open
collars that reek of heroism, the obvious result of watching too many old FDNY documentaries. The boys hang
off the tailboard, and side of the aerial, but after several calls, the final blow comes when both are riding the
turntable with just their leather helmets and Tees with legs and hip boots dangling off the side. The truck Loo
decides these guys are either having too much fun, or are making a mockery of safety. The brothers do it in
the Bronx, Books relates to the Loo. Of course to Books it seems irrelevant the film was made in the late 60s.
In reality, most of the calls of the day are false or service calls along with a cat in a tree; where Books calls for
a cop and a gun, why waste their resources on such a menial task. The effort goes sour when they find the Loo
has cats and is a member of PETA. Yea, people eating tasty animals, groans Books, and he is immediately
sent back to the truck and told to remain quiet. For Reach, another set back is when the stick is extended to
about 50 and he is directed to climb to a point to open a roof or something. The result was height fright
Reach only getting about a third way up the ladder only to become sick and tossing his lunch all over the
aerials cab and turntable, much to the disgust of the MPO. To compound the problem, the rig has an open cab.
Dink however prevails with his assignment until he questions the higher ups with their somewhat dated way
of dealing with clinical things like the way they hook up IVs and perform CPR. The senior whip tells Dink that
this is policy while Dink questions that as well as the level of cleanliness of the squad, and the integrity of
station eights squad personnel. In reality, Dinks day had just begun.
The shift passes with no bodily injury to any firehouse #13 member, though those thoughts cross several
minds of the truck, engine, and squad members of the big house. The union is disgusted with Curbs constant
whining, and Chief Burns who gets an earful from both the union and the house stations officers before the end
of the day.
It is decided that firehouse #13 will remain out of the brown out program.

Prayer portion. We give thanks for John Mullins back healing. We thank the Lord for such needs, both
physical and financial, the result of His touch those things not seen nor understood in a confused world. He is
the Healer, and the constant. Thank you Lord. We praise Your Holy name! Jesus is the answer. Praise God!

Remember! Dont leave the station with out your FILL LINE!

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