Some Random Pictures

Some pictures I took back on Memorial Day Weekend. Had the best time spending the day with my Dad.

Going to try and get down to DC and take some pictures at night of the Christmas Tree & some other stuff.

My Dad & I

Vietnam Nurses

My Dad

The Washington Monument

Korean Memorial

Korean Memorial

World War 2 Memorial

Korean Memorial

Vietnam Memorial

 

Yours Truly !

BURN

BURN - Official Theatrical Trailer (2012) from BURN on Vimeo.

Got to see this about a month ago in Silver Spring and now it's playing in DC...   Gotta see this again...   Taking my Dad to see it.....

Great Documentary on the Detroit Fire Department

Firefighter Within!!!!

Never give up.

Never give in.

Fight 'til you lose or fight 'til you win.

Never let up.

Never let down.

Never let the frighten see you frown.

Wield your weapons.

Conquer your fears.

Work 'til your sweat replaces their tears.

Learn from your losses.

Savor your wins.

Prepare for the next one.

And battle again.

THAT IS THE FIREFIGHTER WITHIN!! 

 

 

Supreme Sacrifice

This is what the Brotherhood is all about right here!!

 

 

 

 

 

On the road with Steve Hartman - CBS Evening News

 

 

These Firefighters in  a Lansing, Michigan firehouse have made welcome a mentally-handicapped man - for almost 60 years!!!  

 

God Bless ALL!! 

 

 

BROTHERHOOD RUNS DEEP IN OUR VEINS. 

A True Hero!!!

Well it’s been quite some time since the last time I’ve written a blog but wanted to share this....

Yesterday I attended the funeral for Adrian Morris, A Police Officer from the Prince Georges County Police Department who was killed in the Line of duty on August 20^Th 2012.   He was chasing a suspect Southbound on interstate 95 and lost control of his cruiser.  He was ejected in the crash when the vehicle he was driving overturned and hit a guardrail just south of Powder Mill Rd.   

I have to say that this funeral is one that will leave a lasting impression on me for a very long time. To see those Police Officers, Honor and mourn him in that way was truly humbling.  The Police Chief said, "Adrian made a lasting impression on his co-workers and the community, The Prince George's County Police Department was a better department because of Adrian and His loss leaves a tremendous void."

There were so many things yesterday that were just amazing to me.  That sound of those Motorcycle Police Officers escorting the family to the church and then to cemetery. The sound of Bagpipes echoing through the cemetery. The Honor Guard playing Taps. The 21 Gun Salute and the Fly Over of the Police Helicopters from every Agency in the area and to see those Police Officers from Other states and every agency in Maryland was simply impressive. I’m still lost for words….   The only thing that comes to mind is…. AMAZING, simply AMAZING!!  

When I say I had cold chills running down my spine, that doesn’t even begin to explain exactly what I was feeling.  It was TRUE Heroes Funeral.  Ive been in the Fire Department for over 20 years and have been to several funerals Police and Fire but this one tops them all!

The entire day yesterday I kept thinking to myself about one verse in the bible - John 15:13 -

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” 

And that is exactly what Adrian did that day!!!!


It was true Honor to attend yesterday and I can honestly say that the brotherhood that Police Officers and Firefighters share is one very strong bond.  Yes we may joke and play around about our jobs but when it comes down to it..  We stand beside each other arm and arm for one another, no matter what it is for!

 

R.I.P Peace Brother - Your fellow Officers have the watch from here!

 

 

Missing You MeMa !!

It's been 5 Years ago today that my sweet Grandmother (MeMa) passed away. It hasn't gotten any easier over the years. The more time has gone on, the more I wish I could talk with her. I know she would have been proud of me just having my 23rd Anniversary with the Fire Department.




It was about this time in the evening when I got the phone call from my Dad that she has passed. One phone call that I will remember for the rest of my life. I had been at the Hospital that day and had been sick that week and finally felt good enough that day to go to see her. I'm glad I did.... One of the hardest things I've done in my life was to say goodbye. I've always hated goodbye's, So from now.... I will just say "I'll see you when I see you"



So many things have happen over the last 5 years that I wish I could just get some advice from her just one more time. Just wish I had one more day that I could hear her voice, touch her hand and tell her How much she was loved by everyone she had ever met. She was a true inspiration and touched so many lives for the short time she was with us.


I know she is in a better place and not suffering anymore.


This song here was one of her favorites and I wanted to share it....


I LOVE YOU MEMA!!

Sunset . . . . . . .

Driving home from Ocean City for the day and this is what greeted me coming across the bridge... The most Beautiful Sunset Iv'e seen in many years.. I think the last sunset I remember being this pretty was on Christmas Day back in 2008...

I Love the Color's ! ! !

HOME ; Dierks Bentley

Love this song!

Catching Up. . . . . . .

Haven't really been blogging at all lately.. A few post here and there, just trying to figure life out at 42 and where I'm headed! Can't really complain about much. Still have my days that I miss my grandmother. Saw a posting on Facebook the other day and I Re-Posted it.... It said - Wants to go back to the time where Me Ma's (My Grandmother) band-aids and ice cream could fix anything. Missing her A LOT these days! ~ ~ Really wish I could pick up a phone and just talk to her one more time. I've been trying to make it to church more often. My parents became members of a local church in my hometown. On the weekends I'm off I try to make it. Sometimes I just cant roll myself out of bed in time to make it. I do plan on going this weekend.

No SUPERBOWL plans yet... Not really sure if I want to do anything. May just sit at home at watch for the commercials. WooHoo! We will see what happens...

I finally got fit tested so I can get back to being a Volunteer again. Just trying to find the time to spend at the H.V.F.D. Looking forward to running some calls back in the old stomping grounds. It's been awhile since I've actually ridden there. The annual banquet is coming up real soon, That's always a good time. Looking forward to having a night I cant let loose and have a few drinks. Don't have to worry about driving home. We're all getting rooms! ;-)

Work has been going great. With everyone under one roof since Walter Reed closed it isn't that bad. We have a few people that complain but that is in any firehouse. I ran for Union President and lost by only a few votes. Kinda glad I didn't win because the president we have now is doing a remarkable job... I could have never did it. Just had my 23rd Anniversary on the JOB on the 23rd of January. 2 more years and I'm eligible to retire... I'm not going anywhere yet. I'm having way too much fun!

Checking out the Apparatus first thing in the morning and had to grab a Picture...

So the Captain takes the seats out of the utility truck to install some lights and I could resist the opportunity to sit down and play on Facebook.

New Tattoo on my Left Arm...

:-)

So until next post..... Adios and Vaya Con Dios

Better Than I Used to Be...