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Top Brass Thanks the Firefighters

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An Annual Tradition

EACH YEAR, THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE fully participates in the Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy events, primarily through the Fill-the-Boot campaign that runs for four days over the holiday weekend.  This is done with the full support and encouragement of the County Board of Supervisors, and the Fire Chief's office sees that every accommodation is made to make for a successful weekend.  This is a large part of why the FRD is always in the top five departments for amount of money raised each year.

One of the encouragements delivered by the Fire and Rescue administration is a reward for the station shift that raises the most donations per capita in the department.  One day is selected and the winning shift gets to sleep in at home and be with their families while a full crew of white shirts and multi-bugles show up to staff all the apparatus.  It's not very often you get to see a deputy chief pull the handline and take it in.

Joel Kobersteen, Information Officer of Firefighters and Paramedics Local 2068 tells us about this years winners:

The "Fill in" Crew:

Front row: Deputy Chief Michael Reilly, Technician Michael Macario, Firefighter Jason Pryor
Back row: Captain II Reggie Johnson, Captain II Steve McFarland, Assistant Chief Garret Dyer,
Captain Cindy Brown, Deputy Chief J.J. Walsh, Deputy Chief Keith Morrison,
Lieutenant Craig Schellhammer, Captain Tim Fowler  (IAFF Local 2068 photo)

On May 14, 2012 uniformed members of the administrative staff and communications section of Fairfax County Fire & Rescue gave the crew from Fire Station 5, C-shift 12 hours off and staffed the apparatus themselves. This was done to recognize 5/C for their tremendous job being the highest raising station and shift per capita during the 2011 Labor Day Weekend Fill the Boot campaign to benefit the Greater Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association. Station Captain Fred Brandell, who is also the Shift Captain at 5/C, inherited the "MDA Fevered shift" from the previous Station/Shift Captain Tyrone Harrington and has since run with it.

Captain Brandell's shift makes an annual pilgrimage down to the MDA Summer Camp in Leonardtown, Maryland where they show the campers around fire apparatus, swim, eat and play with the campers and staff a dunk tank along with now Battalion Chief Harrington. Fire Station 5/C has been the per capita leader for last five years, last year collecting $14,911, which works out to $1,656 per person for the 9 person crew.

Congrats to 5-C, and to the great folks in the "ivory tower" who enthusiastically show up every year to spell the crew.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue WEBSITE.
Local 2068 WEBSITE.

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Posted by on May 20, 2012 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, charity, News • Tagged: , ,

Code 3 For a Cure Rings the Bell for NASDAQ

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Kicking Off Tuesday Morning's Activities

LORENZO ABUNDIZ, PRESIDENT OF CODE 3 FOR A CURE, rang the opening bell for the NASDAQ financial trading session on Tuesday December 27.

The bell sounds and the light comes on as Lorenzo Abundiz (center)
throws the switch to begin the day's trading activity.  (NASDAQ photo)

Firegeezer readers may recall our coverage last year of the annual mission as Lorenzo drove the Sutphen fire engine across the country visiting firehouses and bringing firefighter cancer issues to the front line.

The Code 3 for a Cure Foundation conducts an Annual Mission of Hope and Honor in which a team of firefighter/cancer survivors drive a fire engine across America to share their personal cancer experiences and to encourage early cancer screenings among firefighters and the general public. The fire engine carries a memorial fire bell on an empty seat that signifies the loss of a firefighter to cancer. The names of fallen firefighters are collected from various fire departments throughout the journey, and at the completion of the Mission a memorial fire bell service is conducted at the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Code 3 for a Cure also grants the requests of terminally ill firefighters who want to ride on the fire engine one more time to encourage fellow firefighters to stay alert of the warning signs of cancer. A main goal of the Foundation is to provide financial relief to firefighters diagnosed with cancer who are facing a financial hardship. You can read about cancer's effect effect on firefighters on the Foundation's website, www.code3foracure.org/stats.html.

Firegeezer is planning to provide coverage again for the 2012 mission.  The Geezerguys were able to meet Lorenzo and see his presentation on this year's tour and we can tell you that it is a marvelous job he is doing.

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Posted by on December 28, 2011 • Filed under: charity, Firefighter Safety & Health • Tagged: , ,

Morning Lineup – December 13

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Do You Feel Fit?

I came across this video that was taken in May 2009 over in London, England.  It's one of those charity events, in this case a firefighters' charity program, and shows a gaggle of off-duty lads pulling a pumper for four miles through city streets.  I never have understood how these sorts of events raise money for the cause, but I guess they do.  I also noticed that this must be a regular event in more than one place because they are using a large number of expensive-looking shoulder straps to harness themselves to the fire engine.  But pull they did!

 

But if there is only one puller, the course is shorter:

 

Bad back?  Bad knees?  Me, too.  But here's a fundraiser that we've ALL had plenty of practice for:

 

The National Car Wash Day is apparently an event that firehouses all over the UK participate in on a designated day each year to raise funds for the Firefighters Charity program.

If there is a way to raise funds by checking equipment, then we had better practice up for that event and try it out now.  I'm going to enter the coffee dash and get another pot started.  See you back in the digital day room.

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Posted by on December 13, 2011 • Filed under: charity, morning lineup • Tagged:

What To Do With That Last Patch?

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No Better Place Than This To Send It

HAVE YOU BEEN SAVING THAT LAST fire department patch for just the right moment to give it away?  Even if you have more than one left, we have found the perfect place to donate it to.  We have just heard from one of our friends up in Montreal, Quebec, about a 5-yr.-old boy who is also an avid fire buff.  Unfortunately he also has an advanced cancer that is requiring chemotherapy treatment that he is receiving.  Oh, he also had to have a kidney removed.  All this at just five years of age!

A group of helpful people who are watching over him have asked all firefighters everywhere to think about sending young Michael one of your department's patches to help cheer him up and make for a nice display on his wall.

Personally, I can't think of a better place to send one myself.  (If you're out of extra patches, cut one off the sleeve of the shirt left in the station by that guy who is on his 4-day break.)

Come on, Geezerguys….. let's pitch in and put a smile on this little fellow's face!

Mail your patches to:

Michael
c/o MaisonBrison Communications
2160 de la Montagne Street
Suite 400
Montreal, Quebec H3G 2T3
Canada

He will be happy, you will be happy, and I will be happy.  Thanks a lot!

Bill Schumm, Firegeezer

Posted by on October 13, 2011 • Filed under: charity, News • Tagged:

Minnesota Firefighters Fund Drive for New Memorial

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Pushing to the Big Finish

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Posted by on October 2, 2011 • Filed under: charity, Fire-ology, News

UPDATED: Jerry Lewis “Completes Run” (ousted) as MDA National Chairman

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It's official but carries some drama

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/–

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announces that today Jerry Lewis has completed his run as its national chairman. In May, Lewis and MDA announced his retirement as host of the MDA Labor Day Telethon.

MDA Chairman of the Board of Directors, R. Rodney Howell, M.D., said, “Jerry Lewis is a world-class humanitarian and we’re forever grateful to him for his more than half century of generous service to MDA.

We will not be replacing him as MDA national chairman, and he will not be appearing on the Telethon.”

more HERE

Lewis, MDA mum on reasons for comedian's exit

Today's Associated Press article indicates that the decision may have not been mutual.

In May, Lewis said in a statement issued through the association that he would make his final appearance on the telethon this year and sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" during a six-hour primetime broadcast scheduled for Sept. 4.

But during a session with reporters last week at a Television Critics Association press tour to promote an upcoming TV documentary, "Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis," Lewis hinted that his involvement in raising money for muscular dystrophy research wasn't finished.

more HERE

Wonder if this fall's documentary from Starz/Encore was an issue?

From the press release:

For the first time in history, Jerry has granted us exclusive rights to document the behind the scenes operations of this massive television/multimedia event.

We captured everything from pre-production to the final tote board tally.

This amazing footage reveals that his tireless efforts are a year round job, and not simply showing up to host this enormous variety show.

We also see Jerry's meticulous production meetings, his outrageously funny performance rehearsals, and countless hysterical candid moments unlike anything that has ever been seen of Jerry before.

In addition, we were also privileged to capture many heartfelt moments revealing how much "Jerry's kid's" really mean to him.

Read more HERE

Mary Elizabeth Williams, writing in Salon.com yesterday, makes another point:

Times have changed. There are other ways to use charity to fight disease now.

There are even more efficient ones, one that couldn't have been remotely imagined when Lewis donned a tux and picked up the microphone all those years ago.

But there will never be another combination of schmaltz and sincerity of its kind again. And the word "telethon" without the words "Jerry Lewis" in front — it's like "New Year's" without "Dick Clark."

Inevitable? Yes. Hard to get used to? Absolutely.

What's Labor Day without Jerry Lewis?

We will never walk alone.

Edited to add:

from Steven Zeitchik and Deborah Vankin in today's Los Angeles Times: Jerry Lewis ousted as MDA telethon host

"It's probably time for him to retire," Tom Arnold said. "But he should get to say goodbye.

"If they'd promoted this as Jerry Lewis' final telethon they could've gotten guys like George Clooney, which would've opened the door to God knows who. It would've been a big deal, and showbiz loves big deals."

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on August 5, 2011 • Filed under: charity, culture, entertainment, Fire Rescue Topics, Funding & Staffing, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

You only get one shot

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Detroit:  Selected of God Choir

Brian McCollum (2011 August 02) Chrysler, Eminem hit rev up city again with latest 'Imported From Detroit' effort. Detroit Free Press

A stirring gospel version of Eminem's "Lose Yourself," performed by Selected of God choir, will be released Tuesday on iTunes and Amazon.

Sale proceeds, including song royalties, will be funneled by Chrysler and Eminem's song publisher to three Detroit nonprofit groups.

Organizations that stand to benefit are the Abayomi Community Development Corporation, the Yunion mentoring service and Robert Shumake Foundation.

They join four other groups, including the Marshall Mathers Foundation, that already receive proceeds from sales of "Imported From Detroit" merchandise such as T-shirts and hats.

Cameo of Detroit Engine 9 Firefighter at 3:38 in video.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on August 2, 2011 • Filed under: charity, Command & Leadership, News, Urban Commander, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Morning Lineup – July 1

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Friday Morning – Let's Ride

In the Upcoming Events posting yesterday, we added the upcoming Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial Ride for Remembrance.  This is the third year we've promoted their annual fundraiser and I always point out the wonderful job that all the firefighters and fire departments in the state have done in building and maintaining their very impressive memorial in Wisconsin Falls.  In 1996 legislation was enacted creating the official state memorial for fallen firefighters and an appropriate site was selected in the Ben Hansen Park in the centrally-located city. 

Ever since then, the state's firefighters have been contiually organizing fundraising activities and using them to build a terrific memorial site including a bell tower that houses a fire bell dating back to 1892 that came from the city of Superior.

Just over two years ago they completed the visitor center and interpretive display that is built to resemble a fire station.

The Ride of Remembrance is held in a different area of the state each year and normally has 500+ motorcycles with over 700 participants from several different states who travel the 100-mile selected route.  One firefighter from Dallas has been in every ride so far.  This year's ride begins in Oconomowoc, continues to Whitewater, Edgerton, Albany and ends at New Glarus where a short memorial service dedicated to FF's who have passed away during the year will be held.  And this year for good measure, they are having a wedding!

The cost for the July 24 event remains the same, $30 per person or $50 for a two-up, and that includes lunch and the evening meal.  CLICK HERE for detailed info and the registration form.

And even if you're unable to make the ride, I urge you to go to their WEBSITE HERE and click around looking at the fantastic park that they have created.  It's worth the few minutes of your time.

Before we mount up and ride, we've got to get this equipment checked out.  I'll start some holiday-weekend coffee.

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Posted by on July 1, 2011 • Filed under: charity, morning lineup • Tagged: ,

Code 3 Heads For The Last Leg

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Cruising the I-10 Westbound … Part Two

Leaving Houston, Lorenzo continued on I-10 to El Paso where he met up with Code 3 supporter and crew member Pete Trapani for the trip back to California.

Welcome, Pete!

Along the way they stopped at the Las Cruces Fire Department for a short visit and then headed west again.

Just west of there they came upon a large multi vehicle accident in the opposing lane of the roadway.

A little farther along they hit the open desert and dust storm warnings.

And the sign was right!

 

Eventually they arrived in Tuscon, Arizona, where they were met by TFD representatives.  After Tucson, it's on to Hollywood and the closing ceremony!

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Posted by on April 18, 2011 • Filed under: charity

Code 3 Aims for Home

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Cruising the I-10 Westbound …. Part One

After leaving Alabama, Lorenzo headed across Louisiana. 

It was hot and humid as he drove by some Louisiana swamps, and then on to Baton Rouge District 6 for a stop and visit.

There we met with Chief Kevin Sanchez, and FF’s Josiah Jones and Anthony Collins. They were a great group of guys and fun to be around.

The next stop for Lorenzo was Houston, Texas.

There he re-united with the crews of station 33 where he had been able to stay while undergoing treatment at the M.D.Anderson Medical Center for his battle with prostrate cancer.

The guys there gave him a great big welcome and then set about taking care of the apparatus. With a good once over and wash and detail it was looking great.

While in TX Lorenzo stopped by the Medical center for a blood draw by local phlebotomist Gifford Okapah boi.

After giving blood, he attended a fund raising BBQ at the site of old Station 27 that the Houston Dept. is trying to re-model into a cancer care house that FF’s can stay at while undergoing treatment at MD Anderson.

He was greeted there by Chief Lorenzo Diaz, and Harold Reese, plus lots of community support.

Remember that the end of the mission is on Monday April 18 at the City of LA Memorial.

 

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Posted by on April 17, 2011 • Filed under: charity • Tagged:

Falkenhan Bull & Oyster Benefit May 13

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Be there.

Baltimore County Fallen Firefighters Foundation

 

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on April 13, 2011 • Filed under: beer, charity, culture, Line of Duty, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Code 3 Enters the Flatlands

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Georgia, Florida, Then Heading West

 

After spending the night sleeping in the engine at a parking lot between two nice motels, Lorenzo was up and headed toward Florida.

A quick stop at a bakery called the Bread Wagon before leaving Georgia, then it's open road toTallahassee. 

Crossing into Florida, the weather was holding for the 3rd straight day. 

When we arrived, Tallahassee had a great turnout to great us.

We visited there with them and then prepared for another long driving day. 

Heading out with an escort, we turned West for the beginning of the road toward home.

Next we cross into Alabama. Along the way we encounter our first wildfire of the season.

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Read about the Code 3 For a Cure mission and their annual tour around the U. S.
at their website:  http://www.code3foracure.org/

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Posted by on April 11, 2011 • Filed under: charity • Tagged:

Code 3 Takes to Georgia

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Ahh…More Warm, Beautiful Weather

Tuesday was another beautiful day for traveling.

Lorenzo headed south from Charlotte, North Carolina, across South Carolina into Georgia to meet up with Capt. Keith Harris in Fayetteville.

Into Georgia and Through Atlanta

Capt. Harris is our contact with FF Chris Landreau who was featured HERE in Firegeezer earlier. Capt. Harris met us when we arrived in Fayetteville.

Captain Harris added names to the memorial bell of others who have paid the ultimate price.

After visiting the Fayetteville, Lorenzo knew he had a long drive ahead of him, so he hit the road to get closer to Florida and his next stop in Tallahassee.  One of the things that he make sure of is to always make the effort to Eat Healthy when you're on the road.

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Posted by on April 10, 2011 • Filed under: charity • Tagged:

Around the World in 267 days

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They are home

BBC News London (2011 April 10): Fire engine round-world charity record bid ends: A charity group are in line for a Guinness World Record after travelling around the world in a fire engine.

The 25-strong team crossed the finishing line in Greenwich, London, at the same spot where they began their journey last July.

Steve Moore, 33, of Wimbledon, London, led the expedition in memory of his father Garth, a firefighter from Dorset who died of lung cancer aged 63. He hopes the team will gain the Longest Journey By A Fire Engine record.    (…)

The Follow That Fire Engine team have raised at least £95,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The trip was self-funded by the crew and all donations will go to the charity.

Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday said: "This is an extraordinary world record attempt which shows ultimate dedication and drive."

 

 

 

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Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on April 10, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, charity, culture, Firefighter Safety & Health, News, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: , , , , ,

Martha in Paris

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Last full day!

Follow That Fire Engine

If you're at a loose end tomorrow please come down to the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich to welcome back Martha and the Follow That Fire Engine crew. An epic 9 months, 30,000 miles and over £100,000 raised for three amazing charities! Martha will be making an entrance at 1pm!

10 hours ago via iPhone

<<<<<<<<<<  >>>>>>>>

Martha in Paris about seven hours ago:

It appears that Martha will make the final deadline.

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Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on April 9, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, charity, News, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , , ,

Code 3 Heads South

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The Sutphen Sails From the Snow to the Sunny South

Lotsa leaves, no snow!

Lorenzo left the Fairfax County area and headed South. Finally it was a good weather day for travel, in fact it was a hot day by the standards of the journey so far. He made a short stop at the Reva, Virginia, VFD where he met with some of the FF’s and their families.

Then the long trip to Thomasville North Carolina, (just south of High Point NC). There he had a warm reception and met with all the FF’s and had a good visit with FF Robert Nichols and his family.

Robert is a cancer survivor who has returned to full duty even with what some would consider a disability. Robert plans to join the mission next year and do part of the journey with Lorenzo.

As Lorenzo was getting ready to leave, Thomasville left first…. responding to a call.

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And it's on to the next stop.

Read about the Code 3 For a Cure at their website:  http://www.code3foracure.org/
 

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Posted by on April 9, 2011 • Filed under: charity • Tagged:

Code 3 For a Cure Hits Long Island

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Lorenzo Continues Eating Across America

A firefighter from East Allen Township got on board and helped Lorenzo navigate his way through New York City over to Queens. 

Then they joined up with a group of FDNY guys for a long procession to Long Island and ending up at Plainview. 

After arriving in Plainview they had some time to share the Code 3 message and then a giant BBQ.  Man those guys can cook. 

The next morning Lorenzo started the long hop to Knoxville, Tennesse, with a stopover in Fairfax County, Virginia, to meet with Firegeezer guys at Fire Station 411.  That visit was POSTED HERE the other day.  Then it was on to Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia.  Stay tuned.

Read about the Code 3 For a Cure at their website:  http://www.code3foracure.org/
 

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Posted by on April 7, 2011 • Filed under: charity • Tagged:

Code 3 For a Cure Lands in Pennsylvania

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East Allentown Greets Lorenzo

When Lorenzo guided the Sutphen pumper into East Allen Township, Pennsylvania, a few days ago, there was a big welcome awaiting him. 

After driving through (still more!) snow, he was directed into the firehouse where the crew pitched in and gave the pumper a good wash job.

Chief Frantz grabbed a brush and showed the young 'uns how to do it.

After finishing, everyone took a moment to admire their work.

After cleanup and while waiting for the storm to finish passing over, several of them went to the ice cream shop for a malt.

The next morning Lorenzo got a ride in the tower while Chief Frantz fixed the firehouse breakfast.

After chow, one of the firefighters climbed into the cab and joined Lorenzon for the drive into the Big Apple.

Next:  Lorenzo lands in Long Island.

Visit Code 3 For a Cure's website HERE.
Kathy Ireland is watching for you.

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Posted by on April 7, 2011 • Filed under: charity

Code 3 Makes a Geezer Stop

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Taking Time to Meet With Some Firegeezers

WHILE TAKING THE DEADHEAD RUN from Long Island to Knoxville Sunday, Lorenzo stopped off at Fairfax County, Virginia, Fire Station 411 to meet up with three of the Geezerguys and the crew from A shift at the firehouse.

A Bright and Shining Lorenzo With 3 Geezerguys
(l. to r.) Bill "Firegeezer" Schumm, Mke "Fossilmedic" Ward,
Al "Bonzo" Mullins and some of the crew from A Shift.

It was a good chance for Lorenzo meet with us and say hello in person.  He was at the firehouse for a couple of hours where we were able to get acquainted and he could talk a bit with the firefighters about being vigilant with your own personal actions to prevent cancer and ways to detect any potential problems early on.

Firefighter Mark Pitzer Set Up the Traditional Wings Pose

We also got to inspect that quality pumper that Sutphen is providing for this year's mission which is just passing the half-way point.

As it was getting dark, we had to say goodbye for the time being so that Lorenzo could get some more miles in on the long hop to Tennessee.  This morning (Tuesday) he is passing through North Carolina with a firefighter cancer survivor who is riding along for a while and heading down to Georgia to meet up with Chris Landreau, the Coweta County firefighter that we featured HERE on March 15.  You may recall his brave battle being memorialized in a song that's available on iTunes.

Time To Hit the Road.  Adios, Brother

We will have the report from Long Island for you shortly.

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Lorenzo Shows Off The Latest Piece of Equipment For the Mission

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Read about the Code 3 For a Cure at their website:  http://www.code3foracure.org/
To read about their tour stops so far this year, go to the Categories box on the right sidebar and click on Charity.

Posted by on April 5, 2011 • Filed under: charity • Tagged:

Full contact “rampage”

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What has Captain Wines gotten into?

Check out his Charity Football post at Iron Firemen.

Discovered that there is a National Public Safety Football League team in metro Washington DC.

They play Los Angeles Heat Saturday night!

Thats right Generals fans, the details are ironed out and the press release is created.

Tell your friends, family and coworkers, the LA Heat are coming to town and we need all of DC, Maryland and Virginia to come out and support the Generals.

Gates open at 5:30 with kickoff proptley at 7pm. Pick up some Generals gear, get some great food and watch some hard hitting action.

Check out the attached press release for more information. (HERE)

April 2nd, 2011, 7 pm Kickoff

George Mason High School (www.masonathletics.org)
7124 LEESBURG PIKE
FALLS CHURCH, VA. 22043

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>

DC Generals webpage

National Public Safety Football League

 

 

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on April 1, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, charity, entertainment, fun, Line of Duty, News • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Martha unloaded in Spain

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A Unique Way to Move a Pumper

Day 257: 29 Acacia Road

High Point:

Martha being lifted off the flat rack by 4 fork lifts whilst another pulled the rack from underneath her. Only in Spain.

Low Point:

6 flat tires and two flat batteries

Evil dog of the day:

our new friend at the warehouse with different colour eyes.

Creepy. Legend of the day:

Eric Holzweiss. Is there a cooler freight forwarder in the world ?

Amongst all the carnage today we were overwhelmed yet again by people’s generosity. At one point there were over 10 Spanish fellas working on the truck whilst Eric and Jose were speaking on the phone to every man and his dog.

Eric first got on board due this his association with Globalink but embraced the expedition through out and out generosity, and the all too common association with cancer.

Eric’s mum is one of the lucky ones surviving breast cancer 9 years ago. Always nice to hear a happy ending.

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Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on April 1, 2011 • Filed under: charity, News, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: , , ,

Code 3 For a Cure Gets Back On The Road

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A Little Backtracking, Then Heading East

On the Road Again, but don’t ask Lorenzo to sing it for you, trust me on this.

Gene, you have to get out of the cab now  (Chief Bostic)

Thursday after getting a send off from Sutphen by Chief Bostic, Lorenzo headed north to Kenton, Ohio, for a visit there,and so they could add the names of their members who have passed on to the Memorial Bell.

Kenton Fire Chief (upper photo) and the Kenton duty crew.

Adding names to the Memorial Bell

From Kenton he moved on to Sylvania, Ohio, to spend some time with the crews and Code 3 crew member Jeff Young another cancer survivor who was on duty there.

Friday it's on to East Allentown, Pennsylvania.

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Posted by on April 1, 2011 • Filed under: charity • Tagged:

Code 3 Needs To Detour

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….When the Engine Trouble Light Comes On

Arriving in St. Louis approaching the State Capital and the Gateway Arch.

We haven't received the photos from the St. Louis stop yet, so we'll catch up with those later.  Lorenzo had a great visit with the St. Louis Firefighters, but because of a warning light on the engine coming on, he decided to head straight for the Sutphen plant in Dublin, Ohio, to take care of the engine,  We know how important it is to take care of our equipment. Unfortunately, we had to skip a couple of our planned visits.  

Taking a break with the big-rigs

Lorenzo can tell that God is watching over him

Long drive headed East on the 28th and ended up spending the night in a motel in Centerville, Indiana.    

From there it was an easy drive on to Dublin and our friends at Sutphen. 

Alissa is our angel at Sutphen and she takes good care of us. 

They are putting Lorenzo up in a nice motel while they go through the engine to make sure nothing is wrong with it.  So with a layover on the 30th,  Wednesday was a down day with the layover in Dublin.  Lorenzo rode around with the duty BC to visit the stations and talk with the on duty guys there. 

Dublin B.C. 91

Springtime in Ohio

This is a great chance to rest up a bit and do some baking for the guys.  The way to get a fire fighters attention is to feed them right.  Retired Chief Gene Bostic took care of Lorenzo and set him up with his ride for the day and a place to bake the California Vanilla Bread. 

Lorenzo and Chief Bostic

Baking California Vanilla Bread

They liked it!

Lorenzo will be back on the road Thursday morning to continue the mission.

Thank goodness for Waffle House!

Lorenzo had a special self-treat when the Mission Engine passed the 12,000 mile mark

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Upcoming Schedule

March 31 – East Allen Township, Pennsylvania (two nights)

April 2 – Plainview, Long Island, New York

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Posted by on March 31, 2011 • Filed under: charity • Tagged: ,

Code 3 … Doin’ The Wisconsin Swing

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Up To Madison And Then South Again

As reported yesterday Lorenzo made his way up to Madison, Wisconsin, to visit with the firefighters there. They have been following along the journey on Firegeezer, so they were ready for Lorenzo when he stopped there.

The Madison Firefighters presented Lorenzo with a great donation for the foundation and are working on our IAFF leadership for some recognition.

(above) Capt. Baba Presents a Generous Check to Lorenzo
(below)  Capt. Baba, his bride, and their pooch.

From there Lorenzo turned south and headed through Rockford and Bloomington, Illinois, and on to Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District.

Chief Letterie and the crew put him up for the night and placed an envelope of names in the memorial bell.

This morning they made him a big breakfast of bacon and eggs and he is on his way to St. Louis, Missouri.

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Upcoming Itinerary (subject to adjustment)

March 29 – Michigan City, Indiana, Lansing, Michigan, Sylvania, Ohio

March 30 – Toledo, Columbus, and Dublin Ohio

March 31 – East Allen Township, Pennsylvania

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Posted by on March 28, 2011 • Filed under: charity • Tagged:

Code 3 Rolls On To Waukegan

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The Banner Gets Delivered to Kevin's Wife

Several stops along the way to Waukegan to visit and get the engine serviced.

First in Sycamore, Illinois, for a stop and banner signing,

Then on to Woodstock, Illinois where the guys signed the banner,

From there is was up the road to McHenry for another stop. Code 3 met up with Mike Piccolo and his wife Kaity where Mike serviced the engine to make sure it was good to go.

Mike Piccolo and Lorenzo

Arriving in Waukegan, Lorenzo removed the banner to in preparation of giving it to Katie Oldham in memory of Kevin. The Waukegan FF’s and Lorenzo had a great opportunity to visit and share stories about Kevin before Lorenzo moved on up north to Zion, Illinois, for the night.

FF Matt from Zion and others took Lorenzo out for some great Pizza complete with Jalapeño’s and of course Lorenzo saved me a piece…yea right.

Today we move on north to Madison, Wisconsin, for a visit before turning due south toward Rockford and Bloomington. The road is a lonely place when you are traveling by yourself, so Lorenzo keeps his wedding picture of he and his wife Peggy on the dash with his helmet.

On some legs of the trip Lorenzo has company when a firefighter rides along for a while and helps with the driving.  If there is a fire fighter out there who wants to jump on board and help Lorenzo with the mission, please contact us through www.firefighters@code3foracure.org.

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Schedule for the next few days

March 28 – St. Louis, Missouri – Lafayette, Indiana

March 29 – Michigan City, Indiana, – Lansing, Michigan – Sylvania, Ohio

March 30 – Toledo, Columbus, and Dublin, Ohio

March 31 – East Allen Township, Pennsylvania (two nights)

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Posted by on March 28, 2011 • Filed under: charity • Tagged: