Who has affected you in the fire service?

[JDub]

I got this from TWD. List anyone in the fire service that has helped you or made an impact on your fire service experience. Can be from your own department, house, or someone from another house or department.


2400: I don't see him much but when I do I learn something. He is the guy that could be caught in a flashover, a building collapse, have no pak on and run out of water and walk out without a burn or a scratch and still out work the rest of us.

1600: Do I have to elaborate.

3600(Dukes): Once again do I have to say anything.

Chief Sandrock: There's a guy who has the passion to fight fire and teach.

Most recently 3105: He is willing to help with anything and always has a way to help.

Then my boys from Station 201 Local 4363: Since they day I joined all of them have done nothing but try to help me. They still take the time to answer any questions or show me something new.

[FirstDue312]

1. My father, a life member of Station 312. Some kids were raised listening to Mozart to promote stimulated or thinking, I was listening to 154.220 (F1) on the scanner. Never pushed me to become a firefighter or EMT and let me choose what I wanted to do in life, but helped me to love the life that is a firefighter.

Now on to different stations...
2. Chief Bickmore - Such as passion for training, safety, and new ways to accomplish both. Runs a great house full of young guys hes helping to groom to be the "next generation".
3. Steve Wolfe - Ex-captain Station 311 - Excellent leader who wasn't afraid to push a few buttons. Trained harder than anyone I know of
4. Chief Burnett - 1600 - Learning from him at the academy was a treat. A true dedication to the fire service and his troops in the 16. Good leader and was very encouraging in FF1
5. Captain Ramsey - Dist 16 - Real up-beat guy, enthusiastic about the fire service and a passion for the people
6. Captain from 171, unfortunately I don't know his name. We did a live burn with them over the summer at the Camden County fire grounds, about 6 months after I got my black hat. He was wealth of knowledge and imparted that in a very helpful way, taught me a lot about search and rescue that day

[hp4l]

Great topic....

I gotta start with my Dad, Jim Clancy Sr. (past 2510). He brought me up in the fire service and wanted the best for me. He taught me so much yet let me learn on my own too. He was/is always there to praise me and yell at me. He let me know what was right and wrong. The biggest thing he taught me was to stick up for myself and what I believe in and to stick up for the ff's. I wish I could still be running calls with him today.

Jeff Gore - Retired BC out of Trenton and past instructor at BCESTC. I learned a lot of officer development from him. Good guy to bs with but still learn something.

Recently, 3105. For just getting to know him, I feel like we have known each other for years. The man is truly dedicated to the fire service and the training of all of firefighters. Just check out the training room on this site if you don't believe me.

[Kramer]

well, with me being newer in the service id have to say that the instructors ive had at the estc in general have been great , but to be specific id have to go with 2 guys that i no longer run with in my Past Chief/Sr. Instructor Taylor, and then my Past DC/Instructor Ricciardelli. They've shown me most of what i know, and the rest has come from my dad, even though i still run with him at 411 i gotta break the rules and give him credit because anything i need hes there for me and when he was 4100 he put everything he had into that place for little in return other than the satisfaction of knowing it needed to be done. My mom also needs credit even though she doesnt run anymore because she came in when it was still the "good ole' boys" and proved them wrong

[chief3102]

Okay, here goes, I have expanded my reply from the TWD version.

3130-The man's love of the fire service is unbelievable. Not the most politically correct, but will go out of his way to see the job though, Although we didn't always see eye to eye, the man taught me a whole lot about fire.

3100-My brother from another mother. Has helped me through thick and thin both in the fire service and personally. Would walk through the fires of hell with this guy.

3101-Undercover Brother. Shows up when you need him the most and will always leave you smiling. Always willing to do whatever is needed and then some.

3103-My fire dog. Got a fire or smell you can't pinpoint. Put Tommy on the job and its all over.

3105- Papa Cheese, The Training Guru, The Safety Nazi......whatever you call him, just do yourself a favor and call him. The man has more knowledge about fire, fire safety and tactics stored in his brain than some libraries have in books. His advanced age sometimes makes retrieving it a little dicey ;D. Just kidding, Rick is the man to go to for the answers to a lot of training and education questions you may have. Always willing to help you out.

311 & 312- Carl, Boothy, Pete W, need a mountain moved, call these boys. All the members there will be right there for you.

2400- Man doesn't know the word quit. Stand back and watch him and his boys and shake your head in awe. Ace in the hole on the fire grounds.

3600- Brother looking out for you. Had some initial trepidation when first began working with him, but the man is the real deal.

Chief Leary 1000 Ret.- Cliff was a fireman's fireman. looked out for his men like few others. Really miss the old guy.

[3101]

Oh Boy!!!

That list is so long and distinguished and I would be afraid to miss someone but here it goes. Unfortunately some of these people are either no longer in the fire service or are deceased.

Jim Devenney, Captain Station 311
John Devenney Chief, Moorestown Fire Department
Dave Constantine, Sr. Chief, Moorestown Fire Department
Dave Constantine, Jr. Chief, Moorestown Fire Department
Rick Bickmore, Sr., BCTOHSOAAGG, Moorestown Fire Department
Tom Poole, Battalion Chief, Moorestown Fire Department
Ed Plaskett, Fire Commissioner, Moorestown Fire District # 1
Scott Reed, Chief, Riverton
Bill Ruggiano, Chief, Lenola Fire Co.
Steve Knobbs Deputy Chief, Lenola Fire Co.
Bill Dukes, Chief Mt. Laurel F.D.
Bob Gallos, Chief, Mt. Laurel FD
Cliff Leary, Chief, Maple Shade
Jimmy McComas, Chief, Maple Shade
Joe Lehman, Chief Fire Coordinator

There are many many more that have influenced me in one way or another during my 30 year firefighting career, but I can't mane them all.

Suffice it to say that the list will be ever growing. If it stops growing, something is wrong.

[ficus]

The #1 person that has affected me in the fire service was Jody Clauss...he was my past chief in Delran and one of the best firefighters and/or person i have ever met...however within recent months of my service in Cinnaminson the B-Shift has pretty much taken me under their wing. Your My Boys B! But on a serious note they help me out alot with my knowledge in the service.

[1900]

Well my time in the fire service has been affected by many both good and bad....the good to make my want to strive to be like and the bad to never end up like...

I guess my grandfather and uncle got me started when I was little...they showed me we are here to help people, no matter who, no matter what...not because its our job but because thats who we are...and that we are there for a reason and to get the job done, cause being there is just not enough...

Definately Scotty and Chuckie Oatman...these guys train alot, know alot and put it to use...Ive been in some bad spots with these guys and weve always knocked the balls out of it and made it out without a scratch (all three of us discovered what pre-flashover is together -3 helmets)...Ive been on the worse wreck ever with these guys and at times never spoke once to each other during the whole rescue and never had a problem smooth....

Herb Sprowl...showed me what dedication to an organization was...

Jeff Frake, Mark Watkins, Jeff Danka, Len Dotson, Dave Shaffer, Brian Glendon, Bruce Flynn, and im sure im missing a few,,,these guys have seen some fire...

As I made Chief I routinely turn to others for assistance and advice...

Chief Bill Dukes has helped me out with anthing and everything for years...

Chief Burnett I never hesitate to call for advice and assistance...

Chief Constantine again I never hesitate to call for advice and assistance, I have also had the oppurtunity to work on some committees with...

Chief Lehmann guy does more then most will ever know.

Chief Pratt we have most all of the same goals and thinking to better and forward both of our departments. Always thinking together of making things better..

Chief Adams definately has a different way of looking at things, and they make perfect sence, just not what everyone wants to hear.

Chief Welling...I never hesitate to call for advice and assistance.

Chief Devlin...as well will call for advice and assistance....

Bob Rose and Mike Reed have taken time to show me alot of cause and determination throughout the years.

And guys I definately turn to for training and assistance and wish were closer to my town...Brian Gardner, Marc Friddell, Ray Reis, Jaime Clark, Greg Offt, Dave Harris, Sean D., Chief Richards, Chief Conard, and im pry missing a few....

And I gotta mention the Forest Fire side, since the hottest fire ive ever been on/in was in the back of a brush truck with a flannel and hard hat...

- My uncle...we have been on it all...taught me ALOT about forset fire behavior...and has taken me in to run down a whole lotta fire...

- Sammy Moore I have been in some bad spots and seen things I will pry never see again, man I wish we had cameras and video then

- Billy Edwards hottest fire ive ever been on...

- John and Walt Earlin if there excited its BAD...been there once when they were, I honestly didnt think we would ever stop that fire...

- Dicky Emmon Sr and Jr. know a ton about fire and are going to get it...

- Scotty Dog very active and proactive guy.

Sorry if I forgot anyone its late.

[hp4l]

Looking back on this thread, I know that there are many people that I could list but I would be here forever. Two people that come to mind right away though are Chief Jeff Silagy of Fort Dix FD and Deputy Chief Rich Plowman of Medford Station 251. Chief Silagy and I used to run together in Medford and I learned a lot from him there and at the BCESTC. DC Plowman is one of the guys that I am still closest with over at 251. We go over calls we've been on and his son is going to go places in the fire service and I can't wait for that to happen.

[pcs200]

my biggest one growing up was my popop "YOK PORTER", 3130,J Swan Sr, my DAD Rob SR, and the staff of cinn city, old and young!

[smiley]

wow a lot of people


my dad. growing up in a firehosue enviroment.
3100-great guy and great trainer.
3101-funny guy knows his stuff
3103-didnt give up on me and helped me
old 3105-great trainer i had fun in his training seminars.
new 3105-helped me out and didnt quit on me either
all the guys from 312 and 311
1600 fun with him at fire school
captin ramsey fun time at him with fire school too
2700-great guy funny also knows his stuff
farnsworth-helped me study didnt give up on me and still doesnt everytime i say something
and my buddys from school and fire school

[popmick27]

Let me just say that the list is long. I want to start with the most recent of them all.....Westampton Fire Department Acting Chief/Captain Wylie Johnson III,Senior Firefighter/Training Instructor Craig Farnsworth, Engineer Pete Witkowski, Safety Officer, Melissa Whitley, Fire Police Captain Wylie Johnson Jr. Lieutenant, Barry Hunt Sr., and all members of this department......Florence Fire Department Past Chiefs and officers, C. Lester Smith, John Dulo, J. Hobart Wainwright, Lonnie Hughes, Albert Jacoby, Francis [yank] Thompson [deceased], Joe Gebely, Mark Valenti, Leonard Jacoby, Charles Burg, Susan Kurts-Burg, Ronald Kovacs [deceased], Richard Stark, George Yurcho.....Chief Ed Egan, and Ray Rude of Bordentown Township, Station 321, Chief James Liberatore, Burlington Township Fire Department, and others that I may have missed, Last but not least Pennsauken Fire Department ....Station 11-1 Past Chief Norman Figuoroa, and his officers. All of you are the best that you can be and have earned my respect.

[thecutman]

Ok here it goes, gotta few old timers on here too.

My first influence was my pop, one hell of a fire chief and you always knew where you stood with him. He was a straight shooter and still fought fire with the boys even after he was Chief. The man knew fire and was tactically a great Chief, an awesome teacher and one hell of a dad.

Next is my brother, while we do not always see eye to eye we have been in many hairy situations together and although we got the crap kicked out of us we usually knocked the sh!t out of it. Taught me first hand what roll-over was (Smith Reality) and (River Street) 2 x too close. When dad was Chief searching the bedroom and pulling the woman(god rest her soul) out of the trailer in richards with the quickness (balls hot, kept going looking for the kids that were out (thanks to Wortham for the protection of a line that night) . Smashing your mask with the mic in the mobile estates job. Too many extrications to name, but the five fatal I heard it in your voice that night. We have many experiences together. Although he is moody he is one hell of a firefighter and has keen instincts about what is going to happen. Excellent Chief Officer, but still a better fireman (hard worker).

Next is Chad B. . We have been in some bad situations and some good (River Street says it all) (Bills Bargains) (Eastampton Gardens WOW) some nasty fires and we seemed to put some crazy sh!t out. Makes you wonder huh? Numerous extrications together and always worked well with each other never disagreed and always got the job done. Trained on numerous items together, worked on grants, specs, SOG's you name it a go to guy when in need. Excellent radio presence and command, tactical decision making, never minds asking opinions and open to criticism. When I was Chief I worked with Chad as command or Operation on too many jobs to recall and we always worked well together.

Pratt. good Chief, progressive thinker, numerous jobs either with Steve or working on a crew under his command. Numerous jobs in the trailer parks, farms, been on some good fires that we usually had the upper hand on. Many, Many extrications (38 and 206) before the turn lanes, now those were the days. Good command presence and decision making. I was usually on the initial attack line and taking orders from Chief Pratt.

Wylie, progressive Chief always looks at the big picture. Taught me some ladder tricks (not many ladders needed on trailers where I was from). Thinking about the future before it smacks us all in the face. Worked on numerous items with Wylie, grants, guidelines, training, works for my business teaching, truck specs...tools off both sides biatch!! The mills street fire (first due in someone Else's box HA!) and knocked the lil job. Eastampton Gardens on the line bell ringing I am not leaving! Ha again.. great job by you two(PW) opening up and assisting with a great stop.

Here is an old one Roger Brisco. Wasn't there long but I learned quite a bit from him about fire and will always remember him as the can opener man. He could cut the side of a trailer faster with that tool than most could with a saw.

Two other old heads, Chris Irick and Rich Allen the old vincentown days. Same thing they had good command skills and I never had a problem working with either of these guys. I was usually on the line (many of them trailer jobs) and I never had a problem working under their command.

Haines, although you talk allot of Sh!t / I still want you on the line when the sh!t hits the fan. I know you got my back we have been in some nasty jobs together.

Bryan Wortham, fought allot of fire together on the initial attack line(Stonegate, Creek Rd, Numerous Trailers, East Mae Ave, Roberts Rd, Smith Reality, Huff Street, Paducha Road, Monmouth Road, Sherwood Village Apartments to name a few of the slammin jobs that I remember) Lots of extrications and learned a lot of bad habits together that my dad and brother made us change. Talk about trust packing up on the back step while en-route to the call holding each other on while one gets ready and switching(crazy but did it until 1996 when we got the new rig), falling off and getting back on (thank god for buzzers and the fact that we only had to hit it once).

Jeff Frake, been in some good jobs with Jeff and always respected the man. Good fireman.

The Flynn brothers Bruce, Mark and Kenny taught me what extrication was about from 1988-1991. I learned allot about what I know from these guys. They were the original rescue in the northern burlington area for years and are a wealth of knowledge.

Bruce again, been in some banging jobs and all the sudden the guy behind me was Bruce, where did he come from!! Always around when least expected.

Chris Clark, good guy to work with always looking to better where he was. Assisted me with quite a few projects at 342 and he always did a good job. Learned what I did wrong managerial wise becuase he would point it out faster than others!! Always told me how he felt and I respect that.

The funny thing is that almost everyone on this page has been on the job together and for one example Sybron Chemical in 96 when I was chief I think everyone of them (exception of the old heads) that I named was there and working together Great bunch of guys to work with.

I wish I could build my own fire department with some of this talent, in a place that see's fire. Now that would be some fun sh!t.

[rp42]

Chief Ben Franklin, Chief Alan Brunanacini, Chief Billy Goldfeather, Henry Gratacap, Chief Hugh Halligan, Commisioner Llyod, Chief Edward Croker, and EST LLC.

[soon2bfdny]

Chief Norman, Chief Dunn, Tony Callerel, and the cast from Backdraft

[snowbunny]

For the better part: The boyz from Sta 321: Lil Ray,
Roz, Rudey, Jimmy D, Jimmy Jones, The Kinsley Bro's Johnny & Timmy, Maynard, Dave Lackey (deceased) Big Ed Egan, Pop Newman, Squiggy & Kenny. The guys from 402 & D40 FD: Mitres,
Carey's, Fuzekas's esp. Young Fuzzy, Kobie (deceased), the Jacoby's Al,Lennie & Lil Al, the Estelow's Chuck, Todd & Scott &
Mickey Marion.

Aside from a lot of people that I am sure that I forgot to mention, I did learn a very HARD & TOUGH message. You Never know who you can TRUST, in the fire service (unfortuneately). When your heart is on your sleeve & you work diligently for a position over the years, earned the respect, training & especially the ability. Then to get SCREWED by a so called friend & compadre it SUCKS !! BIG TIME & I will NEVER forget the person that did it to me.

So when you think they are a friend there to help & guide you through the service, be VERY CAREFUL. Not just fire can burn you ! Never - ever turn your back or guard down !!

In the end I will win ! Mark my word.

[fp43301(RET)]

Many hav inpired me i will go through a list and explain why

Chief Welling- a great mentor , great chief and a all around smart man. his knowlege fabricates to everyone who sits and listens to him and even though im only fire police . i have learned a great deal about tactical thinking on firegrounds. exeptional chief

Deputy Chief Sean Vena- Takes alot of time with me to make me a better person and officer. MR ICS. MR CP43. MASTERS IT . Correct that operations is overkilled at incidents..... smells and bells. An exeptional emt and chief

Burlington County Fire Police Captain Steve Perkins

Good progressive thinker .taught me alot about adanced concepts in fire police. Always takes the time to help out

BC FP 2nd LT wylie johnson jr: Great thinker . runs a good clean incident. makes me feel like im a part of the 272 family without running there.

[fp43301(RET)]

continuation of people

Past Capt Adam Zebroski(431) - Probally the most aggressive and smart firefighter i have ever seen .Not only is he safe on the firegrounds he is a natrual born leader in the fire service. Truck work, engine work, rescue , he doesnt hesitate not even one bit . he has assisted me in traffic control to . he is making the 43rd proud up at the FDNY.

Lonnie Hughes john dulow (401 fp)- Took me in a and taught me alot. i annually do there 4th of july celebrations. future county officers in fire police...

Capt Steve Getz 431- Future Chief mark my words. picks up on everything he was ever taught. exeptional emt and vrt. takes fire by the balls . he will go far in what ever he does

LT DAVE KLOTZ- Hardest trainer i know, great ff

Barry hunt 272 fp lt - has taught me alot about crowd control in city environments. great fp officer

Capt Steve Axner/ Past Capt Ed Nelson- 431 Fire Police Taught me everthing i know in the basics of fire policing. great friends and mentors

Don Spaeth- Firest person i ever fire policed with

Thank you all

[njt4276]

Bill Coleman and John Schuck. Both have passed on but left me with a thorough knowledge of driving and pump operations.

Deputy Chief Levesque, Chief Devlin, Chief Diamond all have taught tactics and have worked untiring in the service of their departments.

[ENG27SQ]

My father, Brought me into this service, couldn't be more proud of me as I am of him for the years he's done and the tasks he has over-came and accomplished. All the times going to West Trenton to watch training just made me want to become a firefighter even more.

2900 Known this man since I was 5 years old. Coached me through everything that came to me when I first joined.

1710 Heard a lot of this Chief, now know the truth behind it as he is my chief now. This man takes the job with pride and knows this job inside and out

1600As many have said, this has to be one of the best instructors in this area. Chief Burnetts information always finds its way to sinking into your head and making you think.

1604 The bulldog, as I heard in Fire I in 2006. Captain Ramsey is one heck of an instructor, really has his way of examples and demos to get you to understand things. Definitely an inspiration to watch during training.

17102 This guy has to be the youngest Captain I know who is as active in training that I've ever seen. Makes us feel like a part of the team but also isn't afraid to get in on the work and get the job done with teamwork.