When I was a child, my dad would be out at daybreak on Saturday checking out his fleet of two or three cars.
Visual walk around, pop the hood to check fluids-belts-hoses, determine tire pressures and clean the windshield.
I think I just discovered where my fetish started about clean windshields in rental cars!
FossilMedic’s Saturday Morning:
Sitting in a coffeehouse with a killer broadband service, updating and synching my digital fleet.
Thanks for all the Birthday wishes
I am humbled by all of the Facebook posts yesterday.
Congrats to JC for 35 years!
The best part of yesterday was attending Captain Heider’s retirement party. JC and I worked on the same shift at Fire Station 8 in the mid-seventies.
I also got to share in some of his legacy at “The Pride of The Highway“
JC spend a third of his career as the shift leader at the largest and most fire-fighting station in the department. For the three years I worked down the hill at Engine 9, Station 11 ranked #1 in first due structure fires. (We ranked #2)
Station 11, C shift, was huge. Growing from 12 to 17 employees (including a Captain and 3 Lieutenants) JC’s by-the-book approach maintained effectiveness in a facility that provided engine, truck, heavy rescue/hazmat, boat, brush, BLS ambulance and paramedic ambulance services.
When I transferred to Tysons, many 2 am status checks would show Engine 11 on an ALS run and Engine 29 investigating an activated alarm system.
Legacy of a Consistent Commander
Many of the firefighters that were on the receiving end of a “got a minute?” or “see me in the office” message from the Captain shared their stories last night. JC had a lasting effect on these guys as they became company and command officers.
Had a laugh as one of his subordinates, now a senior chief, pointed out that JC managed to NEVER get assigned to a committee. In a department that does almost everything by committee, that is a very impressive achievement!
He never wanted to be a chief or administrator. JC accomplished what he wanted, believing that as a shift leader (Captain) he could have the biggest effect on firefighters.
It was clear last night that many of the hundred-some firefighters who spent time at “Bus Station 11″ during Captain Heider’s 12 year assignment (1989-2001) received a career-long effect.
As the firefighters that worked with JC at Station 17 get promoted, the legacy will continue.
Mike “FossilMedic” Ward
Also on FireGeezer…
- Pasadena to reduce fire company staffing – June 12, 2011
- One month in Bladensburg – January 29, 2012
- Anaheim Paramedic Engine 8 to close next week (update) – June 8, 2011
- Kenny Hedrick 1992 PGFD LODD – January 12, 2011
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