Structure Fire

This is about a 20 minute video. Firefighters go inside of this fire and become trapped. Watch the fire conditions change and listen while everything goes wrong. Welcome to glimpse into my life.

FIREFIGHTERS TRAPPED-SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING FIRE: VIDEO w/RADIO AUDIO
Some of you may have already seen this from Loudoun County (VA), but if you have not, ABSOLUTELY take the time to watch this video-there is much to be learned by this professionally done investigative video: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=2384

Reality

It was a miserable January evening, freezing rain coated everything. A thin layer of ice that complicated things that always seemed so simple. I remember riding backwards in the open cab of the firetruck, back in the days when you actually rode exposed to the elements. Feeling the misty like ice fall down.

When the truck stopped, smoke was everywhere, the weather was holding the smoke down to the ground. Holding it back from rising into the sky, blanketing the ground with smoke. Reports of a child lost in the fire, adrenaline surged through everyone bodies. Firefighters stretching their own limits, risking not seeing their own family for a child they did not know. Putting their own lives on the line, hoping to save the life of a child.

I had been a firefighter for little over a year, following my comrades lead we crawled into the structure. Hose line in hand we shuffled through the living room, stopping briefly, removing a couch to make more room. A few more feet into the home, the senior firefighter was yelling pushing us out of the home. Not understanding what was going on, we reach the deck, looking back I see flame lick through the floor. He was hollering that the floor was moving, get out of the building. He saved our lives that night!

We continued to fight the fire, efforts to find the child were suspended. We felt empty, like failures, wishing we could do more. We then used a chainsaw to create doorways into each bedroom of the ranch style home. I searched the master bedroom, I had this lump in my throat, hoping to find the child, digging through the closet. In reality I did not want to find this child, scared that I would find him dead. Finding nothing I walked around the house to the next doorway. I can't quite remember who or what was being said, I knelt down to enter the room.

Smoke filled the entrance, as my knee hit the floor, the child was in my face. Another firefighter had found his burned lifeless and blackened body.

Stunned I stood there as he brushed me aside, then in the distance I hear the curdling screams of the mother as her son was carried past her. A sound that I can vividly hear today, 15 years later. A sound that I never wish to hear again, a scream that I hope that none of you reading ever have to experience.

I sometimes can't help to think back to that mournful day. A memory that I can never erase, a sound that I can't forget.

This past month I taught over 3,000 school children fire safety, a task that I believe is one of the most important of firefighters. I have been teaching school children for the past 10 years, now curious how many children I have educated in my career to this date. Hoping that by educating children that I never have to relive another experience like that January day.

Before I end today's blog, do not thank me for teaching children, that is not why I write. I am not deserving of any accolades or pats on the back. I am curious to how many lives that I may have helped by what I have taught. Instead take my writing today and apply a moment of home fire safety to your family, so that you or someone you know is not the person screaming at the sight of their child.

Leaves on the Ground...

The leaves are falling on the ground, crunching beneath our feet as we walk. The air is crisp and clean, every breath we can feel the cool air in our lungs. Holding your cold hand I try to warm it with mine. Pulling you closer to me, shoulder to shoulder as we walk. Talking, sharing, enjoying our deep friendship, feeling one with you. Glances into your beautiful eyes, your quirky smile brings me to life. The smells of fall permeate the air, the combination of leaves and grass, the moisture sealed in the coverage of leaves. Occasionally stopping, looking into your eyes, our cold noses touching, lips meeting. The sweet taste of your lips on mine, reminding me of sweet candy as child. Savoring the decadent taste of your lips, drawing in your lower lip, gently sucking and biting. My arms wrap around your body, warming you, as goosebumps explode on your extremities. A giggle, smile, sparkles in your eyes, you kick your heel with excitement. I reach for your cold hand, fingers bonded together, shoulder to shoulder, leaves crunching as we walk.

Joy of a Child

The innocence of a young child, laughter and excitement, uncontrollable jumping. The giggling laughter that makes your heart overflow with joy. Laughter uncontrollably, contagiously spreading throughout the room. The room erupting with laughter started by a child. Feeling our inner youth, we too act like the child, enjoying the unpredictable joy they share.

Their eyes light up like lights on the dance floor. The smile and laughter is the music that makes us dance. The jumping and dancing signifies the freedom of being joyous. The happiness of a child reminds us to let go of all of life's challenges. Reminding us that life is bigger than we will ever be, life is what you have created.

The First Ride !

All week long I anticipated finishing the motorcycle riding course. At the end of our first day the instructors asked if we would be interested in taking a road ride upon completion of the course. You could feel the energy in the room when all of us were asked, smiles beamed across everyone faces. Deep down inside a bit of nervousness tingled, reminding you of the dangers that lurked ahead.

During the riding course the instructors challenged the students to face their fears. Accelerating across a parking lot, expecting you to reach 3o mph and being able to stop with in 10 feet. Hands shaking as you twisted the throttle, pulling on the clutch, pressing the gears, building up speed knowing that your going to have to stop quickly. Worried that the motorcycle would slide out of control. The instructors instilling the confidence that all of us could accomplish this fearful task. Always challenging us they decided to change the straight approach technique, making it more difficult by adding a curve, and the instructors themselves stepping out in front of us, like a animal jumping out of the woods. Never doubting that we could get these machines to stop safely.

Sunday afternoon, the class was completed and all of us excited and nervous at the same time. Our first group ride awaited us, sitting patiently for the lead instructor to lead us through the countryside. Nervous about riding on urban roads that heavily traveled the instructor led us down the frontage road.

The rumble of fourteen Harley Davidson's, sounding like thunder rolling along the roadway. One by one we followed each other, staggered in formation. As the bikes left the parking lot the rumble of acceleration was heard near and far. The power of this 728 pound machine could be felt between my legs. My body was pulled through the air on this machine, giving me the ride of my life.

Accelerating faster I could feel the wind resisting me as I twisted the throttle. Holding on a bit tighter, my body relaxing, the vibrations of this big bike calmed my nerves. Before I knew it I was cruising at highway speeds through the countryside. The sun was bright and we could see for miles, curving and twisting along the roads. Taking in the beautiful scenery as rode along, enjoying the environment. Much different than when we ride in a car, protected by glass and metal, limiting your senses.

The sweet smells of fresh cut grass and the pungent smell of manure. The bright sunshine hidden by trees overlapping the roadway. The hot sun beating down on your back, the coolness of the shade provided by trees. Enjoying the beautiful surroundings that we are given to live. Feeling the raw power of a machine underneath you, guiding you through the countryside. The rumble and vibrations that soothe your senses. Knowing that you have control over this machine that provides so much pleasure in your life. Riding along a stop sign lies ahead, a decision has to be made.

Which direction shall I turn? If I go left that will take me back to where I came from, straight or right will continue my journey. I look left then right, and continue on in my journey. Enjoying those things that give me such pleasure.

Not looking back I continue on, being able to enjoy the land in which we live, home of free and land of the brave.

Testing the waters

You were sitting on the couch across the room, the lights were dim, music filled the air. She stood in front of me as I sat on the couch, admiring her beauty. Her skin tanned and soft, waiting to patiently to feel her silkiness. She stood between my legs, slowly removing her clothes, smiling at me, knowing you were watching. Being discreet yet revealing at the same time, using her body to shield your complete view.

Her body moved with the music, slowly and seductively, knowing how to get my attention, she slowly moved in closer to me. She then put her body against mine, telling me that I smelled good, slowly pressing her bare breasts to my chest. The closer she came to me, her perfume raised my senses. Her lips grazed my ear, then my cheek, with that slight moan that makes the hair on your neck slightly raise.

Afraid to touch her, not knowing how you felt, not wanting you to feel insecure. I could feel you watching, wondering what your thoughts were, afraid to touch her. Resisting every temptation in my body, her breasts felt sensual on my cheek. Her skin felt so soft, her touch drawing me in even closer, tempting me, wanting her, wanting you.

She then asked me to touch her, with slight hesitation my hand touched her breast. The ice was broken, my other hand reached out, both of her breasts in my hands. Small, soft, perky, enjoying their feel, wanting to share it with you. My hands then ran down her sides, the hip bones protruding, using the back of my hands, feeling her body. She leans back in enjoyment, smiling at me, showing me her interest. Briefly she looks at you with a smile, checking for your approval, receiving it she leans back into me, pressing against me, feeling my enjoyment. My hands begin to run down her back, sensually touching her shoulder blades. Slowly moving them to her soft ass, slightly squeezing not wanting to let go.

She gives me a small kiss and a whisper in my ear, again goosebumps raise on my neck. The whole experience feeling as if we found natural hot springs. Unsure if the water is safe to enter, we test it first, slowly entering until we are submerged in the pleasurable hot spring.

Pleasure

I sat their and watched you touch her softly, first with hesitation, then I saw your quirky smile. Her hand slightly touching the side your face and down your collar bone then to your breast. Meanwhile she was dancing her body on yours, rhythmic to the music, your bodies rhythmically massaging each other. Her lips on your cheek, softly kissing, your smile showing the excitement. Moving to your breast she pulled back on your top, succulent kissing of your nipple. Her tanned complexion against your white breast. Her soft lips kissing, her wet tongue circling, her eyes looking at you. Running her hair across your chest, each movement making you smile.

As she lifts herself looking into your eyes, she smiles back at you, looking too at your pleasure. You can feel the energy in the room. As if lighting was racing across the sky, waiting for the thunder to rumble. Instead of thunder, it was the smile of pleasure.