2015

The Fill Line

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March

A column for firehouse reading by Thomas J. Parsons ------------------------------

While out scoot-a-pootin. The January meeting of the NCTTRAC Zone IV met at the
Ennis Hospital. Tom Pritchett AC FFD was the host while Lin Whetstine LP FPC gave an
assessment of Hypothermia. The class was most informative, and topics like hypothalamus
and J-wave were discussed. Other topics included thoughts of how warm do you keep your
ambulance, and what type of blankets do your first responders have with them to use
before the ambulance arrives? Then summer arrives with a new challenge?
The Pedernales Fire Dept. serving Spicewood TX reports a $30,000 blaze was caused by a
pig. A PFD Lieutenant did not state if the fire was intentional when the pig chewed through
wiring, as the fire displaced three people. The pigs future was undetermined.
In less than a month, the Rice TX VFD began to erect a shelter bay and has mounted the
tanks from the old duce plus installed piping on their newly acquired tanker. I know places
where the organization would still be talking about it. Corsicana TX Central Station at
times has the end station crowd in for business, and the fire and squad apparatus can
present themselves for some unique photo opportunities. While in town recently, I captured
three engines and two squads digitally for historical preservation.
The Mile High Hook and Ladder of Denver, Colorado sent an envoy to review the current
status of my volunteer department, the Central High Rural Volunteer Fire Dept. after
reading my review of Texas rural firefighting in Backdraft Magazine (vol 5/issue 2).
Members Kira OKeefe and Darren Jacobson made the trek to Texas and captured the
visit digitally to share with the other members of the MHH&L in a fabulous pictorial in the
Roto-Ray, the clubs periodical. (No guys, I didnt forget to add your visit in the Fill Line).
I discovered a unique station located in Addison, Texas. The building is off Addison Rd
north of Belt line, and located alongside the airport. Here is fire the accumulation of the
administration/structural/airfield station all in one. I was met by fire/medic Debra
Schwartz who graciously gave me an overview of the station and their apparatus. Housed
here is; one rear-mount truck, two engines, squad, and two ambulances as well as a Crash
truck for the airfield. In addition there is a vintage Seagraves engine with a builders data
plate showing 8-29-30, which is in the process of renovation. The on duty staff was most
hospitable and of course the exchange of fire stories was endless. Say Rick, fire/medic Rick
Johnson said he knew Brian Buss at Fort Bragg (small world). I was able to tour the front
and crew area (kitchen and TV area) and was most impressed by the 25 year old station
that is immaculately maintained through the efforts of its membership. This is a must visit
house, not only because of the array of equipment but because of its crew's ability to make
a visitor welcome and exhibit great pride which reflects upon their department.
I had to return through downtown Dallas so decided to stop at the DFDs Oak Lawn,
Cedar Spring Street fire station #11 that recently had a $100,000 remake on their kitchen.
This effort was through a program called Adopt-a-Station, as Stephan Pyles designed the
kitchen. The building is a 1909 facility with much charm and cultures unknown to most of
todays firefighters. I talked with DFD Capt. Blankenship (between responses), who reported
that it was once only a two-butt kitchen. The serving area has tables and benches for the
firefighters to eat meals. One wall was full of pictures of the area, the station, and the

members capturing its history. The members, who show much pride in their house, are
also involved in various projects and have done much to preserve their building. The facility
is a must visit, as you can park off Reagan Ave behind the station where there is an unmetered lot. The unique firehouse adds much charisma to the diverse neighborhood and
environment in this section of Dallas.
I must include that Captain Blankenship is also president of the Dallas Firefighters
Museum and mentioned to me that a 1922 American LaFrance pumper is up for sale. To
inquire about it contact him at firebrew20@aol.com . The museum, always worth a visit, is
in the process of renovations, so parking is best across the street at the fairgrounds.
It is always a good time for station visits and tours, and dont forget take the camera. But
remember crews have responsibility so dont be a pest, and reschedule a visit if you have to.
Question of the month: March. In the film False Alarms, featuring the three stooges, what
LA City firehouse was used as the backdrop for their station activity?
Answer for February . In the pilot show Emergency, John Gage was assigned to Squad 10.
The Firehouse Kitchen Chief Burns returns just before lunch with a frown on his face. Gal
dang public information office said the whole thing about the city being in a crunch and the
station reassignments was a bit of cow phooey, he grunts. Chief Burns suspects Lt. Hart of
starting the stink. Curbs brings the red and white numeral five from the engine to give back
to the chief. Sometimes things change enough the more they stay the same.
The sink has stopped up and Dink offers to get a plunger as Curbs pours another cup of
coffee. Captain Snut quietly stows the retirement papers, as he will play wait and see. Todays
lunch is some of Reachs fry-bake chicken and it appears that Chief Burns is now planning
on being a part of the feed. Of course the nosey chief opens pots and pans, thus making
himself a pest while Dink clears the drain. Gal dang it all Reach, youll make someone a
good wife someday. Reach bites his lip as he sets the temperature of the oven.
Books comes up from the engine room with a tire tube around his helmet, as he tucks a
flashlight, and a couple sprinkler wedges inside the rubber. Books says he is ready for
anything and now wears the helmet to show off. Gotta be ready, and keep my hands free to
hump the line you know, so I put the light up here outta the way. Curbs thinks he is going
to get a neck injury and insist the idea be run by the union for approval.
The ticker taper comes to life as it taps out box 33. Dink sets the soiled plunger on the stove
top.
Similarities? After building a scale firehouse, I continue to seek ideas for lettering. Will the
words above the bay say Engine Five or Station Five, or maybe The Tammy Sees Station, or
Alert Engine, Chemical, or a H&L Company. Of course Rick knows I suffer from Bishops
Syndrome as I try to align the name to fit the latest station visited. The more places I visit,
the more confusing it can get. I find multiple cultural differences that seem to make each fire
department visited most unique, and the differences have become more numerous than the
similarities. Will that station have union paid, true volunteers, part time, or be a combination
house. The results seem endless. I have been most fortunate to visit the endless combination
of various type fire departments in this country exchanging ideas with some real neat people.
Stop by a firehouse while you are out, and see what ideas can be carried back to your home
station to share.

Prayer Portion.
I got a report of an off duty firefighter assisting my parents with cleaning the snow from
their drive. The idea that he looks after the elders is a blessing for them, and will certainly
come back to bless him in many ways. We are told to love our neighbors as part of our
ministry. Praise God for such willing neighbors, are you one?
We ask prayer for our neighbors and our crews as we conduct our own ministries. We give
thanks for any opportunity to serve. How are you doing? We can focus on our task at hand,
but dont be afraid to give to anothers life through your actions. Praise God.

Thats all for now, meanwhile and well see you out while scoot-a-pootin. Connect with me at phone:
972-878-0562, or e-mail me at: labwdp@academicplanet.com Remember! Dont leave the

station with out your FILL LINE!