Gary R. Ryman's Blog, page 16
December 20, 2011
Christmas Memories Part 2....Doing Santa's Work
Christmas was always special when I was growing up. We were always up before dawn to see what Santa had brought us. I truly believed in him. Once, I even thought I heard the hooves of reindeer tapping on the roof of our house while Santa was making his delivery.
One year, one of the presents I received was a multiple level gas station/ parking garage in which you could drive and park and pretend to work on your matchbox cars. My sister was receiving something called the "Imagination Dollhouse". Both had "some assembly required," somewhere in excess of a gazillion pieces.
My sister and I were sound asleep in bed, which we knew was important, because Santa wouldn't come if we were awake. Mom and Dad were getting out the hidden presents and the toys that needed assembly when the Grinch decided to pay a visit in the form of a house fire. The Plectron went off and so did my father, leaving Mom to finish putting the presents under the tree, and more importantly, begin the toy assembly.
Dad barely made it back before we woke up that Christmas morning. As usual, we were wide-eyed and thrilled with everything Santa had brought.
Years later, in the post-Santa period, Mom would regularly retell the story of that Christmas Eve, complete with uproarious laughter as she described the "millions of pieces necessary" to assemble the toys that year. She stayed up all night, the elf completing Santa's work.
An excerpt from Fire Men: Stories From Three Generations of a Firefighting Family
One year, one of the presents I received was a multiple level gas station/ parking garage in which you could drive and park and pretend to work on your matchbox cars. My sister was receiving something called the "Imagination Dollhouse". Both had "some assembly required," somewhere in excess of a gazillion pieces.
My sister and I were sound asleep in bed, which we knew was important, because Santa wouldn't come if we were awake. Mom and Dad were getting out the hidden presents and the toys that needed assembly when the Grinch decided to pay a visit in the form of a house fire. The Plectron went off and so did my father, leaving Mom to finish putting the presents under the tree, and more importantly, begin the toy assembly.
Dad barely made it back before we woke up that Christmas morning. As usual, we were wide-eyed and thrilled with everything Santa had brought.
Years later, in the post-Santa period, Mom would regularly retell the story of that Christmas Eve, complete with uproarious laughter as she described the "millions of pieces necessary" to assemble the toys that year. She stayed up all night, the elf completing Santa's work.
An excerpt from Fire Men: Stories From Three Generations of a Firefighting Family
December 17, 2011
You Might be a Firefighter if....Christmas Memories Part 1
A memory of Christmas or....you might be a firefighter if you wear the needles off the Christmas tree making sure the lights haven't overheated and dried out the branches....
I smile this time of year recalling Dad's compulsion with regards to our Christmas tree. The tree stand was topped off with water more frequently than a cup of coffee in a diner. The amount of time the lights were on was carefully managed during the evening; and he regularly bounced from his chair to check the temperature of the branches exposed by the colorful bulbs.
With the amount of time he spent feeling the tree, it was a wonder it retained any needles at all by Christmas Day. No one was happier about the acquisition of an artificial tree than Mom as she could finally leave the lights on for more than fifteen minutes at a time....
I smile this time of year recalling Dad's compulsion with regards to our Christmas tree. The tree stand was topped off with water more frequently than a cup of coffee in a diner. The amount of time the lights were on was carefully managed during the evening; and he regularly bounced from his chair to check the temperature of the branches exposed by the colorful bulbs.
With the amount of time he spent feeling the tree, it was a wonder it retained any needles at all by Christmas Day. No one was happier about the acquisition of an artificial tree than Mom as she could finally leave the lights on for more than fifteen minutes at a time....
December 11, 2011
Food on the Stove: Not Always "Routine"
A visit to the high-rise was not unusual, but the 3:00 AM hour was. Such nocturnal visits were usually for a serious fire, so we were actually a bit relieved as we made our way onto the reported fire floor and the unmistakable odor of food on the stove assaulted our noses.
Reaching the doorway of the offending apartment, we prepared to force it when it opened on its own accord. Actually it was an occupant that opened it and the confusion began.
The female resident greeted us, clad only in panties and a bra. She seemed entirely comfortable greeting two companies of firefighters in such dress. Behind her, a poker game was underway; a group of four or five men around a kitchen table. All were oblivious to the smoke, banked three foot down from the ceiling, now pouring from the apartment into the hallway.
The engine officer, not normally known for his tact, performed a Kissingeresque negotiation to allow a couple of us to enter, turn off the stove, douse the offending pan in the sink, and open a couple of windows to achieve some semblance of ventilation. The poker players studiously ignored us and the woman professed complete ignorance as to the need for our presence. We completed the necessary actions as quickly and unobtrusively as possible and then left, still unacknowledged by the poker players.
We wondered on the ride back to the station if our panty clad hostess was aware of the presence of the poker players and vice versa, based on the volume of empty beer cans observed. Obviously no one in the apartment would be getting their late night snack. It was an interesting evening.
Reaching the doorway of the offending apartment, we prepared to force it when it opened on its own accord. Actually it was an occupant that opened it and the confusion began.
The female resident greeted us, clad only in panties and a bra. She seemed entirely comfortable greeting two companies of firefighters in such dress. Behind her, a poker game was underway; a group of four or five men around a kitchen table. All were oblivious to the smoke, banked three foot down from the ceiling, now pouring from the apartment into the hallway.
The engine officer, not normally known for his tact, performed a Kissingeresque negotiation to allow a couple of us to enter, turn off the stove, douse the offending pan in the sink, and open a couple of windows to achieve some semblance of ventilation. The poker players studiously ignored us and the woman professed complete ignorance as to the need for our presence. We completed the necessary actions as quickly and unobtrusively as possible and then left, still unacknowledged by the poker players.
We wondered on the ride back to the station if our panty clad hostess was aware of the presence of the poker players and vice versa, based on the volume of empty beer cans observed. Obviously no one in the apartment would be getting their late night snack. It was an interesting evening.
December 4, 2011
Shared Terms From Our Military Heritage And Words of Today
Any writer will acknowledge a fondness for words, and I am no exception. Recently, I started reading a great book on military education, America's School For War, by Peter Schifferle, and was struck by an obvious point on how firefighters use military terminology. We regularly use words such as offensive, defensive, strategy, tactics, attack, commander; the list seems endless.
Change just a couple words from a quote in this book from 1919, and it sounds like something from any fire officer training class today.
"A commander on the battlefield (fire ground) confronted with an emergency or special situation, or an officer given a tactical problem to solve in the classroom, in order to arrive at a sound tactical decision and to initiate the necessary steps to carry that decision into effect, must go through a certain well defined mental process, which includes a consideration of his task, the obstacles to be overcome, and the means at his disposal for overcoming these obstacles."
This history geek in me enjoys things like this, and closing in on the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor is a good time to reflect on the phraseology used in our para-military structure.
These are by far, not the only words we use as our own colloquialisms have been developed. Slang terminology, some well known and others more regional, such as job, bus, stick, nob, probie, johnny, Loo, Cap, and wagon; this list goes on and on as well. These are fun and special, and give tradition and soul to a department. One component of the wonderful world of NIMS was designed to standardize terminology, a worthwhile goal in some respects, but I hope it never steals the soul from the business.
Change just a couple words from a quote in this book from 1919, and it sounds like something from any fire officer training class today.
"A commander on the battlefield (fire ground) confronted with an emergency or special situation, or an officer given a tactical problem to solve in the classroom, in order to arrive at a sound tactical decision and to initiate the necessary steps to carry that decision into effect, must go through a certain well defined mental process, which includes a consideration of his task, the obstacles to be overcome, and the means at his disposal for overcoming these obstacles."
This history geek in me enjoys things like this, and closing in on the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor is a good time to reflect on the phraseology used in our para-military structure.
These are by far, not the only words we use as our own colloquialisms have been developed. Slang terminology, some well known and others more regional, such as job, bus, stick, nob, probie, johnny, Loo, Cap, and wagon; this list goes on and on as well. These are fun and special, and give tradition and soul to a department. One component of the wonderful world of NIMS was designed to standardize terminology, a worthwhile goal in some respects, but I hope it never steals the soul from the business.
November 27, 2011
Opening Day Blues
The opening day of deer season being upon us reminded me of some experiences with out-of-town hunters. At the far end of our district, near the interstate, we had would could be generously called a "gentleman's club." Strip joint was the common parlance. It was a well known establishment to most of our members. Jack, the guy who owned it, typically took good care of us.
We didn't run too many calls there. Jack ran a pretty tight ship, and trouble didn't get real far out of hand. The worst time of year, surprisingly, was hunting season.
Jersey hunters as we called them would come into town, hunting primarily state game lands; staying in nearby motels. They could be from anywhere, not necessarily New Jersey, but any non local hunter was tagged with the sobriquet. At night, they needed entertainment, hence their visits to our well known establishment.
Once they had a few beers in them, opinions would start to fly which would occasionally offend their Pennsylvania brethren. Attitude adjustment would ensue.
Following this, our ambulance would be needed for a ride to a local emergency room. On arrival, we would typically find the offending hunter lying in the parking lot in front of the building. They would intone on how they had been assaulted or had other criminal acts committed upon their person. We would enlighten them.
"You fell down the front steps," we would explain to them. They would disagree, and we would repeat the explanation.
"If you had kept your mouth shut, you wouldn't have fallen down the front steps," we would explain. Eventually they would give up, or at least decide it wasn't worth the argument.
It was always fun to see the grins on the Pennsylvania hunters as we explained the malady that caused the injury to the out-of-town boys.
We didn't run too many calls there. Jack ran a pretty tight ship, and trouble didn't get real far out of hand. The worst time of year, surprisingly, was hunting season.
Jersey hunters as we called them would come into town, hunting primarily state game lands; staying in nearby motels. They could be from anywhere, not necessarily New Jersey, but any non local hunter was tagged with the sobriquet. At night, they needed entertainment, hence their visits to our well known establishment.
Once they had a few beers in them, opinions would start to fly which would occasionally offend their Pennsylvania brethren. Attitude adjustment would ensue.
Following this, our ambulance would be needed for a ride to a local emergency room. On arrival, we would typically find the offending hunter lying in the parking lot in front of the building. They would intone on how they had been assaulted or had other criminal acts committed upon their person. We would enlighten them.
"You fell down the front steps," we would explain to them. They would disagree, and we would repeat the explanation.
"If you had kept your mouth shut, you wouldn't have fallen down the front steps," we would explain. Eventually they would give up, or at least decide it wasn't worth the argument.
It was always fun to see the grins on the Pennsylvania hunters as we explained the malady that caused the injury to the out-of-town boys.
November 21, 2011
If We Bought Our Personal Cars Like We Buy Fire Apparatus...
I have mentioned previously the excessive interlocks and safeties increasing the now astronomical cost of fire apparatus. This, however, is only part of the problem. In the other portion, we are our own worst enemy.
A military term for it is gold plating. Disingenuously, we call it meeting our needs. Custom hose bed arrangements, specialized compartments, light packages rivaling the Radio City Christmas tree, and that is before we get to pumps and tanks. "Custom" engines costing in the $400,000 range are unsustainable for all but a very few departments.
This picture makes me think about what it would be like if we purchased our personal cars using the same methods we use for fire apparatus. The typical sedan, SUV, or pick-up has three levels; a basic, intermediate, and luxury level. Each step up seems to add a half dozen options, but it's not an ala carte menu. As bad as new car costs are, I can see what would happen…..
Chief B enters the local Ford dealership.
"I'd like to spec out one of those new Taurus's you have," the Chief says.
"Great Chief, step right over to my desk."
"I like your base model, but I need a special trunk, as I only load my suitcases one way."
"Can do, Chief."
"Also, I need four head lights instead of two, and these special brake lights. The hazard flashers will have to be moved because of the special trunk."
"No problem, Chief."
"The sun roof needs to double in size. I like lots of upward visibility."
"That will entail special reinforcement and a re-design of the roof, but I'm sure our engineers are up to the challenge."
"Great, then I'm sure the fifty gallon windshield washer reservoir won't be a problem for them."
"We'll make it work, Chief."
"Okay, then, how much do you think my new Taurus will run?"
"We should be able to do that for around $350K and have it to you in 18 months..."
A military term for it is gold plating. Disingenuously, we call it meeting our needs. Custom hose bed arrangements, specialized compartments, light packages rivaling the Radio City Christmas tree, and that is before we get to pumps and tanks. "Custom" engines costing in the $400,000 range are unsustainable for all but a very few departments.
This picture makes me think about what it would be like if we purchased our personal cars using the same methods we use for fire apparatus. The typical sedan, SUV, or pick-up has three levels; a basic, intermediate, and luxury level. Each step up seems to add a half dozen options, but it's not an ala carte menu. As bad as new car costs are, I can see what would happen…..
Chief B enters the local Ford dealership.
"I'd like to spec out one of those new Taurus's you have," the Chief says.
"Great Chief, step right over to my desk."
"I like your base model, but I need a special trunk, as I only load my suitcases one way."
"Can do, Chief."
"Also, I need four head lights instead of two, and these special brake lights. The hazard flashers will have to be moved because of the special trunk."
"No problem, Chief."
"The sun roof needs to double in size. I like lots of upward visibility."
"That will entail special reinforcement and a re-design of the roof, but I'm sure our engineers are up to the challenge."
"Great, then I'm sure the fifty gallon windshield washer reservoir won't be a problem for them."
"We'll make it work, Chief."
"Okay, then, how much do you think my new Taurus will run?"
"We should be able to do that for around $350K and have it to you in 18 months..."
November 15, 2011
Please vote for Gary for Best Local Author
Please vote for Gary Ryman in the Electric City Best Local Author 2011 poll at:
http://varsity570.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=39856
Voting ends Wednesday, November 23 at 11:59 p.m.
November 13, 2011
Keeping Township Officials Aware of FD Operations: An Alternative Approach
The Chairman of the Board of the township supervisors lived down the street from me. While I always suspected, I never asked him if he was happy when I took my white helmet off. His sleep likely improved.
I suspect this because of a little habit I developed following his election as supervisor. While he was always supportive of the fire department, he didn't really understand a lot of what was involved, particularly the time commitment. I therefore developed a method by which to increase his understanding in this area; perhaps one which was a bit unorthodox.
There is typically not much traffic out here in the country, particularly in the middle of the night. Directly in front of his house, however, it was the Capital Belt way at rush hour. If I had to get out of bed, I thought he should know, and be aware that we were up protecting the fine citizens of the township. As I approached his house, regardless of the time and actual traffic, the siren would be switched on to yelp, and as I passed, back off, clearing that magical traffic that always seemed to be present in front of his home.
Yes, I suspect he noticed a difference in his sleep habits when I got out a year or so before he did. Maybe someday I'll ask him.
I suspect this because of a little habit I developed following his election as supervisor. While he was always supportive of the fire department, he didn't really understand a lot of what was involved, particularly the time commitment. I therefore developed a method by which to increase his understanding in this area; perhaps one which was a bit unorthodox.
There is typically not much traffic out here in the country, particularly in the middle of the night. Directly in front of his house, however, it was the Capital Belt way at rush hour. If I had to get out of bed, I thought he should know, and be aware that we were up protecting the fine citizens of the township. As I approached his house, regardless of the time and actual traffic, the siren would be switched on to yelp, and as I passed, back off, clearing that magical traffic that always seemed to be present in front of his home.
Yes, I suspect he noticed a difference in his sleep habits when I got out a year or so before he did. Maybe someday I'll ask him.
November 11, 2011
Life Shield Security & Fire Safety
LifeShield.com
November 10, 2011
Fire Safety Tips from a Lifelong Firefighter: Infographic
November 10, 2011
Fire Safety Tips from a Lifelong Firefighter: Infographic
October kicked off National Fire Prevention Week. The week long observance was started in 1920 to commemorate the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire and educate families about fire safety. Although National Fire Prevention Week is always held during the week of October 9th, fire safety is a year-round concern.
One of our home security writers had the opportunity to chat with Gary Ryman, a lifelong firefighter and author of Fire Men: Stories From Three Generations of a Firefighting Family. Ryman began his career as an EMS at 16-years-old. After two years, he transitioned into the fire department and has been fighting fires ever since. As part of October's fire safety initiative we asked Ryman to share his best fire safety tips with us.
November 8, 2011
Heidi Ruby Miller reviews "Fire Men"
GoodReads
November 7, 2011
Fire Men review
by Heidi Ruby Miller
[image error]
This fast-paced memoir reads like a novel. Gary Ryman draws in his readers with storytelling that is as captivating as a five-alarm blaze. His attention to historical facts and details makes you feel like a member of his family and his company. There were moments of fist-clenching tension countered by misty-eyed sadness and heart-warming anecdotes. I not only learned something from Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family, I felt something, too.
http://www.fire-men-book.com
November 7, 2011
Fire Men review
by Heidi Ruby Miller
[image error] This fast-paced memoir reads like a novel. Gary Ryman draws in his readers with storytelling that is as captivating as a five-alarm blaze. His attention to historical facts and details makes you feel like a member of his family and his company. There were moments of fist-clenching tension countered by misty-eyed sadness and heart-warming anecdotes. I not only learned something from Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family, I felt something, too.
http://www.fire-men-book.com
Gary R. Ryman's Blog
- Gary R. Ryman's profile
- 3 followers
Gary R. Ryman isn't a Goodreads Author
(yet),
but they
do have a blog,
so here are some recent posts imported from
their feed.
