Fire Station Open Houses
After beginning my weekend of fun Friday night with the car show at City Hall - see previous post - Saturday began by taking in a couple open houses being conducted at fire stations around town.
First stop was the newest station - the Metro station at the Enclave apartments on on Sakioka. I wanted to see this one because, in Interim Fire Chief Tom Arnold's plan for restructuring the fire department, this station might be closed down.
As I wandered around looking at the equipment and talking with the staff I noticed this plaque which marked the dedication of this station nineteen years ago. As I read the names I got more than a little nostalgic. Back in those days, when Sandy Genis was Mayor, Jay Humphrey was Vice Mayor and Joe Erickson, Mary Hornbuckle and Peter Buffa formed the remainder of the council things got done without the rancor we see today. Yes, back then we had adults in charge, guided by the steady hand of City Manager Allan Roeder.
My wife and I had a nice visit with several members of the CMFD and also chatted with other visitors to this beautiful station.
Next stop was at the Civic Center Station near the City Hall/Police Department complex. This location is closer to apartments and condos, so there were more residents visiting when I was there.
From what I could tell, everyone had a fun time visiting these stations and talking with firefighters. Thanks to Chief Arnold and all the men and women of the Costa Mesa Fire Department for this terrific opportunity to learn more about fire safety and to see the equipment used to keep us all safe.
Labels: Allan Roeder, CMFD, Jay Humphrey, Joe Erickson, Mary Hornbuckle, Peter Buffa, Sandy Genis, Tom Arnold
posted by The Pot Stirrer at 10/07/2012 11:25:00 PM
8 Comments:
The station at Lions Park, right next to Donald Dungan Library, is my favorite. I've taken my grandkids there, the five- and eight-year-olds, and the firefighters are as accomodating, friendly, and enthusiastic as anyone could ever be. They're always ready to give the kids coloring books, and demonstrations of the equipment (including the firemen's pole, jaws of life, SCBA, and the rest of the tools they have). When we went, they seemed a little homesick -- sometimes they have to work six twenty-four hour days, due to understaffing, and they don't get to see their wives and kids for a week at a time. The job is a lot like soldiering in a combat zone: long periods of sheer boredom punctuated by episodes of stark terror -- but they do a wonderful job, and do it well. It's gotta be rough on them. If I had a job where any day might easily be the last of my life, I'd want to get home to wife and family as often as I could. We owe these fine people a lot for just being there and being ready to put it on the line for us all.
great chance to get to mingle with the rich chefs in our city. let's do it again.
firehousechili:
"great chance to get to mingle with the rich chefs in our city. let's do it again."
Again, Jimmy? Those men actually support their families. How dare you besmirch them on any level?
Great writeup, Geoff of our fine CM Fire Dept.
Our firemen are the best, and as Terry pointed out, are away from their families for long periods of time. Thank you to all of them for keeping us safe.
You saved my neighbor's van from burning with your quick response time to the smoke billowing out from the back of it- a rag with paint thinner( he's a painter) was the culprit. With the residences packed together on my street, all of us on this side were at risk. There is no clearance around any structure here. Great job all of you!!
Shrek 6,
Jimmy has proven over and over that he has no clue what our public safety officers do on a daily basis.
God forbid he should ever need their services. What will he say then?
kwahlf wrote:
"Shrek 6,
Jimmy has proven over and over that he has no clue what our public safety officers do on a daily basis.
God forbid he should ever need their services. What will he say then?"
Oh, sorry guys. I was making my 8th meal of the day and fell asleep while the stove was on. Riggy called with my day's marching orders and I woke up to find the place in flames. My wife went to work as usual and luckily wasn't here. I'm gonna get in a golf cart now and go around town disparaging what you and the cops do. Please lock the door on your way out.
Did anyone get a look at the Money Maker?
That is the chair that firemen sit in
The longer they sit the mo money they make
Amazing to see people that sacrifice their lives everyday to protect those around them, most of whom they don't even know.
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