Archive for February2013
Dreams of Dancing
…The two girls spent the day of the shootings inside classrooms that are located less than 50 miles from Sandy Hook. As I wrestled with my own demons as the events of that day unfolded, running errands, listening to news updates, shaking my head, pounding the steering wheel, ignoring horns as green lights turned red […]
The Station, Ten Years Ago
Ten years ago, The Station Nightclub burned to the ground, killing 100 people and badly injuring hundreds more. The wounds from that night in this community are raw, healing, but raw. Everybody knew somebody who was there, everybody has a story to tell about a friend, loved one or themselves, and how they just got […]
Providence Fire Prevention nearly non-existent
In 1991, when I began my career with the Providence Fire Department, we had a thriving Fire Prevention Division. Plan reviewers, inspectors, consultants, a command structure and a budget. Now, we have empty offices where those people used to be. 100 people died in a nightclub fire in Rhode Island in 2003. Laws were changed, […]
Fire Prevention?
Providence, RI, fire inspections years out of date By ERIKA NIEDOWSKI Associated Press / February 14, 2013 PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Fire records in Providence show that many bars and nightclubs in the city haven’t had required fire inspections in years — and some didn’t have sprinkler systems — despite a nightclub blaze that […]
The Mother (a love story)
She's wandering on Hope Street, a busy street by anybody's standards, no coat, blank expression, forward moving, no side glances, no look both ways, just straight ahead and oblivious. I stopped the truck in the middle of the road. "What's the matter?" I asked. No answer, no sign of acknowledging my presence, no struggle, no […]
Darwin Awards
Variety is the spice of life, and the unknown is a big part of the allure of EMS. Never knowing what you are getting into keeps things fresh, keeps you alert and makes things interesting. You have your "real" calls; diabetics, overdoses, panic attacks, asthmatics and the like, and you have your "unreal" calls, […]
Five Stages
0415 hrs. The tone sounds in the station and the blow lights fill the space with harsh fluorescent light. “Rescue 1, respond to 160 Broad Street at Crossroads for a female with tooth pain.” 1. Denial “Tooth pain? Surely they jest. This must be a mistake. I’ll just lie here, pull the blanket over my […]
Blizzard!
I'll be home for the blizzard, thankfully, stay safe out there those of you working, and those who are not please remember those who are, and their families who may need a helping hand. I spent many a storm helping others and leaving my own family to fend for themselves. Tough bunch that family of […]
Blog Information
The EMS
The problem is, whatever reminder the authorities will advise, there will always be somebody who will follow.
2019-06-12 13:15:40
Lighting things Up
Great article. I hope that those who are not familiar with the fire or EMS service can still feel the emotion of this heartwarming story. Those of us who are, certainly can, and those of us fortunate enough to know Lieutenant Blackwell feel it all the more. And, to rephrase my favorite line in this…
2019-05-08 02:39:24
Only Twenty
I spent 20 years In EMS in south jersey (Camden bridgeton then in Gloucester Twp. I currently had my career ended by a stroke from a disease called moyamoya that I was dx in 2010 I had a total of 8 strokes but this took my everything away from EMS I enjoyed and relate to…
2019-04-16 01:02:04
Chief Quetta, 10 Year Anniversary LODD
RIP, Chief. If Capt Morse liked you, you must have been good.
2019-01-13 10:20:46
The Last Christmas
Thank you Linda, I'll be stopping by your blog as the week progresses, what a nuthouse I run around the holiday!
2018-12-26 13:45:59
Now Available
Signed copies of Rescuing Providence and Rescue 1 Responding, my first two books in one new edition, from Post Hill Press. $16 - plus S&H (approx. $4)
