“The blaze was a stubborn, dangerous and heavy smoke fire–but every man faced this with the highest courage that men can attain. There was work to be done, and these brave men did that work without a look behind..” from the Firemen’s Grapevine. Nov. 15th 1939 The Gray Building Fire, Los Angeles, Ca. 1939, courtesy […]

In the early days of America’s war with Japan, the U.S. Marines assaulted the atoll known as Tarawa.  As a young Marine I was taught to revere the name, remember the sacrifice.  It was an incredible sacrifice for a rotten hunk of coral.  But the men that stormed Tarawa, young and old Marines, felt it […]

Well, Brother.  Glad you could join me for a cup. ..I know, it’s a little strong..the probie made it.  He’ll learn. So I’ve been cogitatin’ on things for a few months now.  The summer came and went and if you remember, I was all fired up about not getting any good fishing in.  But little did I […]

I had intended to post my speech here today.  But the editing is all messed up and I don’t have time to fix it.  I will repost after I return home.  It has been an incredible honor to be asked to speak today.  Needless to say I am humbled and a little quiet today.  My […]

Did you know who the procession was for last Friday?  Did you hear the drums beat, the pipes calling, take note or shroud your badge?  No?  Not the usual coverage, I agree.  A slightly more subdued affair.  Still I would have liked to have known. This past Friday, the New York Fire Department members gathered […]

Several years ago, I didn’t know anyone in the Chicago Fire Department. Now, I would call at least one a good friend. The world has been changed and along with it, so has the American Fire Service. If a brother wants to be a part of the nation of firemen, he or she can be so easily..