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Hot Times at the Fire Station.

8/3/2017

4 Comments

 
Picture
     While we were at the beach I spent a great deal of time working on my new Moonlight Harbor series, which will be set in a small beach town on the Washington coast. (Gee, I wonder where I got that idea.) I had a chance to visit our local fire department and take a tour. Lt. Corey Kuhl was a great tour guide and filled me in on the life of a fireman.
     We all love our firemen, of course, but I came away with new respect after hearing the many dangers they face. Including the risk of cancer from all those carcinogens that erupt right along with the flame. They soak right into the skin, so a fireman is risking death in more than one way when he rushes in to save your burning house. Thankfully, our little fire department has invested in a detox booth, which looks like a sauna, that will enable the firemen to get rid of those toxins they've picked up. After a fire they spend thirty minutes in the booth before showering, and their gear goes in a special washing machine for bio hazards and carcinogens. After that it's put into a special drying cabinet.
     The men take their job seriously, and are proud of their new fire station. They did the work on the cabinets and decorations themselves, and I loved the flag they'd hung, which was made from old fire hoses. Their workout room is still a work in progress (pardon the pun), and is a testament to how seriously these men take staying in shape. With all the heavy equipment they have to strap on their backs it's no wonder. The station's six bays are filled with an impressive array of vehicles - fire engines, a ladder truck, aid car, a rescue boat and a surf rescue jeep. And something that looks like a Hummer for Godzilla to drive called The Hulk. The thing is huge, and is taken out if there's a fire on the dunes.
     Our fire department, probably like many in isolated towns across the country, could use more help, but it's hard to get volunteers at the edge of the world, especially when, these days, volunteers need to take almost as much training as the professionals. Still, they appreciate volunteer help for events they put on for the community (yes firemen believe in being involved with the people they serve), so if you're looking for a place to volunteer you might consider contacting your local fire department.
     As for calling 911, I learned that, when small communities are sharing medics and hospitals are forty minutes away, it may take a while before help arrives. Understaffed fire departments do their best, but truly, if you want to make sure those emergency services are there when you need them, make sure you vote yes on propositions that benefit your local fire department. The one who will benefit the most is you! After talking to Lt. Kuhl I'll be voting for any proposition that favors our beach town's fire department, that's for sure.
4 Comments
Virginia Lloyd
8/5/2017 07:19:56 am

Now my mind is twirling about the new series and how firemen or fireman will be a part of the new book!

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sheilaroberts@sheilasplace.com link
11/12/2017 08:39:52 pm

LOL Virginia!

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Dawn Powell
11/12/2017 09:07:47 am

Hi Sheila,
I too have a home in this very same beach town. It is our weekend getaway and I treasure it dearly. It is truly a special place to me.
When I make the turn into town, all the stresses of my daily life seem to vanish. The beach definitely has a healing effect. Our little Shih Tzu Bentley loves it too. Especially all the walks we take around our neighborhood, by the bay, and on the beach (of course).
My husband and I had an encounter with the local fire department two and a half years ago after purchasing our home. My husband was painting the back of the house and heard our neighbor fall. He came to get me and we ran over and took care of him until the fire department arrived. Two weeks later our neighbor came over to thank us. He said that he was taken into surgery as soon as he arrived at the hospital and was in intensive care for a few days. The doctors told him he was very lucky that we found him right after the fall because due to the extent of his head injury, we were able to save his life. I thank the lord that we were there at that exact moment. It was our first encounter with this new neighbor and the local fire department. Our neighbor has since moved away, but I will never forget him and will always remember that we were able to be there for him. I am so grateful for our local firemen and paramedics. They do so many amazing things for so many people. I feel inspired after reading your post about our beach fire department and plan to look into volunteering to help out with some of their community activities.
I love reading your books as do many of my friends and co-workers. I spend a lot of weekends on the coast and would love to get together with you sometime for coffee or tea.
Dawn Powell

Reply
sheilaroberts@sheilasplace.com link
11/12/2017 08:40:43 pm

That would be great Dawn. You can always reach me by messaging me via my Facebook Like page. :)

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