I wanted to test out this video plugin. The video above is an amazing documentary about a guy (my hero) who built his own log cabin in the wilderness and lived off the land.
Let me know if you have any problems viewing this video. If this works, I intend to feature a documentary or special film once a week as a feature of the blog.
Thanks,
RW,
Well today was my first call. I was just about to get ready to meander over to the hall early for the training drill we do on Wednesdays, and I hear the tones go out. Sure enough I jumpped into my clothes and ran out the door. Fumbled for my key to lock the house, and then ran across the road to the jeep. One of my shoes even flew off I was running so fast. I grabbed it and put it on in the jeep. Flipped on the lights and off I went. Everyone pulled over for me, and I was even waved through a red light by people who stopped for me. I still stopped to ensure it was clear of course.
I was the 2nd at the station, and was originally told that since I was a probie, I likely wouldn’t get on the truck (which is understandable). But none the less, I geared up just incase. Only 3 people including me showed up, so I was told to get on the truck. As we pulled out, 3 others showed up, so we had a full crew. Turned out to be a difficult to reach fire in between some retaining bolders on the shore of the river. I stayed by the truck as a ‘gopher’.
Then it was time for Drill. Tonight we burnt some tires. I was on the nozzle first, along with George who was my line-man. We approached the fire with the water off to see if we could stand the heat. We could. So Rob taught us about different methods for putting the fire out and also using the water to create a wall with the fog stream setting. We then backed away – and switched places. This time I was on the line. Honestly the line is a lot harder then nozzle. You have to try to keep the weight of the line off of the nozzle person, and also move the line (which means pulling it when advancing, and pulling it back when retreating). A charged hoseline is heavy… Don’t let anyone else tell you different.
I think overall I did okay – there were a few noobish mistakes – but… I am still learning afterall. However I was never officially debriefed. During overhaul (cleanup) I ended up on the wheel barrow which got tangled in the wires from the bunt tires. I also ended up getting some debris in my eye during overhaul which the paramedics had to be called out to tend to. It wasn’t anything serious, but you don’t mess around when it comes to the eyes.
All in all, it was a good day. However it was exhausting. I was a lot more confident with fighting a fire. I’ll tell you tho, it does wear me out. I still need to get into better shape!
“Whacking” (verb) or “Whackers” (noun) is a slang term used mainly in the HAM Radio community. Whackers are typically people who like to deck their cars out with emergency equipment, in order to satisfy a carnal need to feel powerful. In most cases, Whackers are people who actually have no power at all, and are not actually affiliated with any official group.
Many people I know are whackers, and indeed I myself was one at one point. We all (or most of us at least) grow up eventually and either become official, or move on. In my case,while I agree that originally in my early years, I did it for the feeling of power, there was also a huge incentive to help people. The good feeling I got for making someone bad day, a little more bearable, was something that kept me going in rough times. And I am sure many whackers feel the same way (some of the ones i know however – cough – RESPOND – cough – do not seem to follow that same methodology).
As I grew older I became more interested in just being there to help. And the more dangerous situations I made safer,and the more lives I possibly saved, in addition to the adrenaline rush that comes with the line of work made it almost addictive.
These days, I am much more laid back. I generally won’t rush to a call unless I was specifically dispatched, or I basically saw it happen ahead of me. That being said, I still enjoy going out at night on a weekend, and monitoring every emergency channel under the sun, in the area – while either driving around ‘patrolling’ or ’staging’ at a strategic ’safe’ spot.
Technically this would be called ‘Whacking’. But to me, it is entertaining. I get to hang out with a friend, have an excuse to just drive around and get out of the house, and listen to all the entertaining shit that happens on the radios. If we happen to come across something, we will take whatever action we deem to be safest in that situation. If we hear something nearby that sounds interesting, we will ‘take a ride’ over to check it out. All the while keeping our eyes opened for people matching descriptions of possible suspects or whatever.
Due to the fact that I am now a Volly firefighter in Training, my friend “Frank” is a Military Police Officer, and my friend Mike is a Volunteer Paramedic, and Peace Officer; we are technically I suppose no longer whackers. But the activity still entertains us. I would much rather drive around looking for stuff to happen, then sit in a bar and drink beer. Call me strange, believe me I am used to it 
But that is what I enjoy.
So I am working on fixing up the Jeep, as it is now a response vehicle. I currently have 2 LX4 LED modules bolted onto the front grill which flash blue/blue. I also have my LED Arrowstick in the back window, and some Whelen Vertex HAW LED lights in the rear tail lights. To control these lights I have hardwired some switches in the dash.
Items I still have to install, but haven’t had the time to install yet, are my PA300 Siren (for the E-Airhorn), a 400 Watt Inverter, a UHF MaxTrac, and a built in power supply for my laptop. I also have some LED Strip Lights, for the interior which I need to install with hot glue. I also have 2 spotlights, which I hope to use as Ditch Lights, which need to be mounted in the rear passenger window frames somehow. Fuse system installed.
Items I still need:
So really, barring a LED Lightbar (which is completely optional – and will likely wait until I have a job), there isn’t much more that I have to spend on. Just a lot of work to do before winter.
I would also like to get Dueler A/T D693 tires for the Jeep before winter, and get the bearing fixed.
Family Fun Night on Sept 12th, 2009 was fun, as the name would suggest. I had a great time hanging out with some of my fellow volunteers.
Things got a little crazy… At times.
And of course things got hot (and sweaty)…
I ended up getting into my bunker gear to roast hotdogs with, and mend the fire, while another volunteer decided that a cardboard heat shield would protect him well enough from the radiant heat. Luckily for him, it worked! Sadly the hot dog pictured in this photo was in the heat for far too long, (about 30 seconds) and ended up coming out completely burnt.
All in all, it was a fun night, and lots of laughs were had. Would of been more fun, I am sure if more people showed up.
One major pet peave of mine is cyclists who ride on the wrong side of the road. Sure there is the argument that this method lets the cyclist see whats coming towards him, so he can react. But the problem is that drivers don’t expect it.
I have had 3 close calls at hitting cyclists in my lifetime while driving a vehicle. The 3rd happened today. I was conducting a completely legal and safe U Turn. and almost hit a cyclist coming the opposite way on the other side of the road. Luckily we both stopped several feet from each other.
The point is, that sure, okay, vehicles driving straight will see you. And you will see them. But vehicles turning corners, or U Turning, may not see you.
I know it feels more dangerous riding in the right side of the road, but in reality it is a lot safer. I am sure if you searched for stats online, you will find that most accidents involving cyclists have happened to wrong way cyclists. I know this because I have searched for these stats and found the results very interesting.
