Our Own Story

N

nfd2004

Joined
Jun 22, 2007
Messages
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One very Lucky Guy. I say that because I had the Privilage and Honor to serve the City of Norwich, Ct as a Career Firefighter for about 29 years. I'm sure there's others out there that have also had a similiar privilage. I hope to hear some of their stories too.

  I'd just like to share some of my memories of being on the job. But just to let everybody know, "this is NOT one of those Self Proclaimed Stories". I never got any special medals or plaques for doing something extraordinary. I was just one lucky guy that got to work as a career firefighter in one of Connecticuts smaller cities. A job I loved everyday that I was there.

  Let me start at the end first. I retired from the Norwich Fire Dept January, 2004 after about 29 years. I had worked a Christmas Eve for another guy who wanted to be with his family. I had no kids and my wife was at her mothers house in Bridgeport, so I really didn't mind working. Besides, I was scheduled to work my final day shift the next day, Christmas Day 2003. So it wasn't worth driving to Bridgeport (about 1 1/2hrs) and then back for 7 AM the next morning, my last shift.

  Christmas Eve wasn't a bad night. Maybe the usual medical calls. Then we went to a Fire Alarm going off in St Patricks Church (Norwich, not Manhattan) just as the midnight mass was going on. "What a Pain that was". This alarm made an automatic announcement over the PA System that said "Leave the Building Now" and kept repeating itself. But everybody was still in the church. After resetting a pull station, that announcement kept going off. Needless to say the priest wasn't too happy that we couldn't reset that alarm. Well I wasn't too happy that they never evaucated the building either. We found another pull station that had also been pulled, so we reset it, and that announcement was stopped. "Thank the Good Lord".

  Well Christmas Day about 4:30 pm my relief Paul Schroder (now retired Battalion Chief) comes in. Chief Schroder is probadly one of the Greatest and Funniest guys I know. "Just DON'T get him mad". It was now all over for me. The job that I had worked so hard to get was over. It was like I had just "Lost My Best Friend", and "Won the Lottery" at the same time. I went around saying good bye to all my Brothers that I enjoyed spending so much time with. My special friend,  Stuie Carter, was working an Extra Shift as Lt at Engine 2 that night. So I had to go up to say good bye to him. He has since been promoted to Captain.

  As I drove down to Bridgeport to join the family that Christmas Night, I could not stop crying. Its True. I just could NOT believe it was over. But at 56 years old the job wasn't getting any easier, and I knew it was time for me to move on. My time on the Norwich Fire Dept was up. It was a Great ride being a part of it. The years just went by so quick. I wish that I could start all over again. Most of my generation has also retired. But I still keep in touch with them as I publish a monthly newsletter called "The NFD Gossip Newsletter". I try to keep both Active and Retired guys aware of whats going on.

  My generation has been replaced with what I consider to be some of the Best Firefighters I have seen. There's been some major fires since I left, including the Peachtree Apartments fire of 120 Occupied apartments. Those younger guys make me very proud.

  As time goes on, I hope to share some of my own stories of what it was like to be a firefighter in one of Connecticuts smaller cities. And I hope that others will also tell "Their Own Stories".
 
Willy ...your dedication & enthusiaism for THE JOB is great...you are an inspiration to those who follow in your footsteps.
 
68jk09 said:
Willy ...your dedication & enthusiaism for THE JOB is great...you are an inspiration to those who follow in your footsteps.
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  Thanks Chief, that means a lot to me. But really, if I did anything right, I owe it all to the FDNY. They were the ones that I was able to learn so much from. Whether it was fighting our common 2 1/2 story frame dwelling fire, or just the everyday firehouse routine. I soon realized that it was the FDNY that offered me better training than any book or class I could have attended.

  As I look back to my very first days of riding with Rescue 2 with the late Lt Richard Hamilton back in 1968, I never realized what an effect that first exposure to the Greatest Fire Dept in the World would have on me. Then throughout the busy War Years and into the 80s. Later spending time at "The Rock" where I would watch the members train, as I tried to pick up a few new points to be passed onto our own members.

  If I had a question, one of the members would always be willing to help me out. I was blessed with a gift over these last four decades or so, to be able to witness for myself, what others throughout the world will probadly never get to see.  For this I am very Thankful and Most of All,  I Thank the FDNY.
 
In the Fall of 1974, I took the written exam for the Norwich (CT) Fire Dept. We were told at that time there was "One" opening. They also said the list was good for one year, but could be extended for another year. The night of the exam, I counted 87 pople taking the test. One opening out of 87. Not very good odds at getting the job. But I knew I sure did prepare the best I could for it.

  In a few weeks I got the letter. Number 3. Close, but not close enough. I wasn't too happy, so back to square one for my next test. This was about the fifth exam I had taken.

  Then in early February 1975, I got another letter. It said if I was interested in the job to call the Chiefs Office. A guy had retired and Number 2 man turned the job down. So I called and set up an appointment with the Chief for the interview at fire headquarters. If that went well, next would be my physical exam.

  I had no idea of where fire headquarters was. I decided to take my younger brother George (now retired Bridgeport F.D.) with me. We were both buffs and volunteer firefighters. When we found fire headquarters on Chestnut St, it was a very large old brick firehouse with red apparatus doors. Inside we could see an Engine, a Tiller Ladder truck, and a small Rescue. There was also a brass pole from the second floor. It was what we considered to be "The Perfect Firehouse".

  We also checked out the center of the city. It was really old, with old brick and wood frame buildings packed closely together. And while we were there, those rigs made a few runs. It was great hearing those sirens and air horns going through those city streets. Watching that Engine turn the corner, and even better seeing that ladder truck make that turn with the tillerman on the tail end swinging that big rig around the corner.

  I just couldn't believe that if all goes right, I could be a part of it. I was now 26 years old and after loosing out so many times with other test, this job actually looked like it was within reach.

 
 
nfd2004 said:
  And I hope that others will also tell "Their Own Stories".
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  You sure do there 150. And I'm sure there's plenty out there to tell.  So I hope a few guys will join in.
 
While Bill is resting his typing finger I'll throw my story in. I was very lucky that I only took 5 tests and got 2 jobs out of it. My first was in Manchester, Ct (5&2 with a rescue and 60 members) in 1979 and I was hired just days after turning 20. I spent 3 year's with these guys learning the job. While we weren't that busy of a dept. I was very proud to be a part of it. It also made me the 4th generaton firefighter in my family. When I had my first working fire I don't know who was more excited me or my dad and the guys he worked with (Hartford E-2 and L-3). Those guys were very supportive of me. After 3 years there my roommate talked me into taking the test for the East Hartford, Ct FD (5&2 plus a rescue, medic unit and 131 members). I was very happy where I worked and had no interest in changing job's but I took it for the hell of it. My wife and I weren't married yet so when they offered me the job (a 25% pay cut) I took it. It was the best decision I ever made (beside marrying my wife). I got lucky and was assigned to group 2 known as the "Super Group". Our deputy chief was, and still is the best person I have ever worked for and I worked with and for many great people. I was assigned to E-1 (Mack CF)and we got about 55 working fires a year. Not bad for a small town. We also had a tiller ladder co. and boat in our firehouse so I got to learn and do alot of different jobs. I spent 5 1/2 years there before getting promoted to driver and being assigned to E-3 the busiest company in town. I grew up in E-3's district as most guys in the house did so there was always someone stopping to say hi. I also was one of those members who caught alot of fire's and runs while working so if you wanted to be busy, you wanted to work with me (some guys didn't). I was happy to be in a firehouse I wanted to be in, worked my way up to the union's vice president but as with all good things they do come to an end and I had to retire early (17 1/2 yrs on the job) because of a job injury. I consider myself very fortunate as I made some life long friends doing a job I truely wanted and loved to do. When I retired my wife's friend told her I was the only person she knew who loved to go to work. I now work as a PD/FD dispatcher and do fire photography so I still have a hand in the job.

Patrick Dooley
http://squadfirephotos.smugmug.com
 
Thanks Pat for your story.

  I met Pat about a yar ago. A great guy who was really into the job. His father as he mentioned also worked the busy Hartford Eng 2 and Lad 3 in the Northend of the city.

  "Patrickfd" and I have alot in common. Both of us were Ct firefighters, our fathers were on the job in Ct, and Pat did some FDNY buffing during the busy War Years etc. I think one of his favorite hang outs was Watkins St and the famous Engine Co 231, Ladder Co 120, and Battalion 44.

  Thanks again Pat for your story. I hope you'll add a few more in time.
 
I got involved with the fire service in 1968.  At that time I joined the local volunteer fire department Aviation Hose in the Clason Point / Soundview section of Da Bronx.  A few months after joining I met Lt. Hugh Lewis of the FDNY who was looking for members to join the Civil Defense Auxiliary Fire Corps.  After signing up for this I got my first introduction to the FDNY.  I was active with both from 1968 ? 1977.  During that time I also got my NYS EMT in 1970.  At that time, the volly's obtained an ambulance and provided ambulance service to the same local area that we responded to with the FDNY. In 1977 I moved to New Jersey and became involved in the local volunteer First Aid Squad and spent 3 years with them.  In 1980 I joined the South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Company which has 3 engine houses and runs 5 Engines, 1 tower ladder, 1 heavy Rescue and 3 brush trucks and a tanker / pumper / foam truck.  I was actively responding with them until 2003 when I had to go inactive due to injuries.
 
My father joined the Fire Bell Club back in the 50s and we always had a fire radio (Hallicrafters) in the house.  When I was a kid, my closest firehouse (E 248) was not "buff-friendly" so I used to hang out on my bike at E 281/L 147.  I used to go to the store and no errands for them; great house with great guys.  In the early 60s, I worked at First National City Bank at Flatbush and Church Avenues, half a block away from E248.  I would bend the rules at allow one off-duty firefighter bring in the paychecks of all the guys working that day tour and cash them.  In return, I was invited to have lunch at E 248 every payday.  Since I lived in the neighborhood, I would follow their runs and help pick up hose after fires.  One day, after draining and  repacking hose, I was invited to ride the back step to quarters and have coffee or hot chocolate.  Next thing I knew, Captain Bob Lindgren asked me to sign some papers, gave me turnout gear, gave me a locker, and said I could ride whenever I wanted.  I'll never forget being at a worker when two brothers from E 248 came out to the street and hauled me inside.  They told me it was time to "take a feed."  From then on, whereever the company went, I went.  I also became the aide to the aide of B 41 for they were in quarters as well.  I would type fire reports in the office and assist the aide whenever possible.  I was there officially from 1964 to 1973: saw a lot, did a lot, stayed out of trouble, and enjoyed every minute.  Moved to Fairfield CT and joined there as a volunteer in 1973: drove Rescue 15 for many years.  Moved to Stonington CT in 1999 and joined there as a volunteer as a member of the Fire Police company.  Still working and responding with result that I am usually first on the scene and give a size up via radio for the incoming troops.  Also work closely with four other neighboring departments.
 
OK, here we go. I'm kind of a youngin compared to a lot of folks here. I was born after the War Years, so I didn't get to see a lot of what was going on out there. My earliest memories of the job were of Rescue 4 shooting up and down Queens Boulevard in the mid 1970's, cruising along in their 1971 Mack. My grandfather was a buff, and frustrated fireman. Something about him not meeting some requirements after returning from WWII. So, he became a Corrections Officer. My father, on the other hand, was true blue NYPD. He also had a knack for the photography. I remember drawing pictures of Rescue 4 with my grandfather on one of those little blackboard pads with the paper you pulled away that erased the picture. I think it also helped that R-4 was first due with 292 to his house. In 1976 we moved from Sunnyside, Queens to South Richmond Hill, Queens. Engine 308, first due.

My first visit there was in 1978, they were driving a 1970 Mack, and I remembered the gold leaf numbers, a tradition there that continues to this day. As I got a little older, wanderlust took me over and off I went. Dalbert Hinkson, Ronnie Nash, Jimmy Hall, Ralph Scerbo, Bobby Metzalaar, Jimmy Ferretti, and John "51 alfa" Mazzullo took me in and showed me the ropes. By this time, they had the 1979 Mack, which was still in use as the Hi Ex Foam Unit till a few years ago.  By the time I was 10, I could tell you who was coming into a box by the siren or horn. I knew most of the 10-codes and was able to work the teleprinter, and be able to tell who was first due or second due. Another big influence was a little TV Show called Emergency! I can remember dropping everything at 5pm on Saturdays and turning on WPIX Channel 11. Say no more.

In the summer of 1985, BC Henigan of the 51 took me to a Box up north of Atlantic Avenue, missing out on what turned into a 5th alarm along Atlantic. Soon after that, the Crack wars infiltrated the neighborhood and my father decided it was time to go. Up to Lake Carmel in Putnam County we went. The first thing I did after we got settled was hop on my bike and find the firehouses. I got to Lake Carmel's firehouse, and looked at the rigs. Knowing one of these days I'd be riding one. In 1987, at the age of 14, I was allowed to join Lake Carmel's Explorer Post. Thus began my journey in the Fire Service. From teaching Fire Prevention to school kids with the Fire Safety House, to drilling on Sundays.

In 1991, I was voted in as a Probationary Firefighter with Lake Carmel. It was one of the proudest moments of my life, at the time. Soon after, a number of things forced me to leave Lake Carmel for a while with my enlistment in the United States Coast Guard. I would come back occasionally, and take in a few runs.

Just before my enlistment ended, I was sitting in the Engineers Office of Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook, when my father called me. The FDNY was giving an exam for Fire Dispatcher. He asked if I wanted an application. I told him to pick one up for me, and I mentioned it to my fellow Coasties. One happened to be a Reservist, Neil Wilson, who was a Lt. in E-321. He tells me, "Take that test!!!" Three days after my enlistment ended in 1996, I drove down to the city and hopped on the 4 train and took the test. Got my list number later that summer, after also completing my EMT certification. I had also applied for FDNY * EMS, and was waiting to see who called me first.

March 19, 1997, I got the call from Novelle Hopkins(RIP) from Personnel telling me I would be starting April 7th. I called my dad, who had since retired to tell him the good news. He passed on three days later. April 7th, swore in, and got started. 6 weeks of learning the Manual system, and Starfire from some great teachers. Warren Fuchs, Harry Doyle, and Lloyd Moskowitz, being taught in the sub basement of 65 Slosson Avenue. Once I got to the platform, I thought I knew a lot from being a buff. I knew nothing.

And here we are nearly 15 years later. Just recently, I celebrated what could be considered my 20th, or 24th (If you count the Explorer years) Anniversary of involvement in the Fire Service. I have a ton of people to thank. I have also been blessed to have visited not only the Fire Station where Emergency! was filmed, but being able to sit in the actual rigs used in the show, and had the opportunity to meet a number of people from the show, most importantly, Randy (Johnny Gage) Mantooth, and Capt. Mike Stoker. (LACoFD Ret.) One thing thatstays with me to this day. Driving past the Queens CO and asking my dad if it was still in use. He said he didn't think so because the FDNY didn't use telegraph anymore. And not even a month after he died, there I was taking calls for a fire in Rosedale. Funny how things turn out.
 
Thanks very much to all those that have told their stories. I certainly have enjoyed reading them. I guess whether we are a career firefighter, a volunteer firefighter, a fire cadet, buff, dispatcher, or working for EMS, we all pretty much have a lot in common. As time goes on, I hope that you will be able to tell more of your stories. I know that I have a few more to tell.

  As a firefighter, I never had to fight a fire on the 40th or 50th floor of a building. In fact, the eighth floor was as high up as I ever went. And with very few exceptions, I can't relate to catching two working fires in the same night, or making 20-30 runs a shift. Or how about those massive brush fires out there in Cal., etc. Brush Fires the size of almost an entire city. When it comes to fighting fires like that, those firefighters out there are in a Class all by themselves. And they sure got my respect.

  I'd like to go back to "Johnd248"s earlier post. Both John and I were Volunteer firefighters together then, (1970s). I sure enjoyed talking to him at the time because he could relate so well about the FDNY. We were good friends. I then became a career firefighter in 1975 and left the volunteers. Three decades went by and I hadn't seen John. Then,  because of this web site, I soon learned that John D had moved to within 15 miles of my home. We reunited again after those 30 plus years. He didn't change at all. Still a Great Guy. John now has a son of the Fairfield (Ct) Fire Dept who is a Lt. I know he's very proud of him.

  "Johnnyd248" had mentioned how Captain John Lindgren was a big help to him. Capt Lindgrens son is also a retired member of the FDNY and a frequent visitor to this site. Through this site, "Johnd" was able to share some of his memories of Capt Lindgren with his son. I believe he even had a picture of him to share.

 

 

 
 
FDNY150 said:
In the summer of 1985, BC Henigan of the 51 took me to a Box up north of Atlantic Avenue, missing out on what turned into a 5th alarm along Atlantic. Soon after that, the Crack wars infiltrated the neighborhood and my father decided it was time to go. Up to Lake Carmel in Putnam County we went. The first thing I did after we got settled was hop on my bike and find the firehouses. I got to Lake Carmel's firehouse, and looked at the rigs. Knowing one of these days I'd be riding one. In 1987, at the age of 14, I was allowed to join Lake Carmel's Explorer Post. Thus began my journey in the Fire Service. From teaching Fire Prevention to school kids with the Fire Safety House, to drilling on Sundays.
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would that have been the 5th in the old fork and knife factory where the Pathmark is today with the old clock tower??
 
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