What a Day!

Today, we proudly rededicated Engine 11 to service in the Charleston Fire Department.  While it may not respond to fires any longer, we expect it to fill a great need within our Team for public education and outreach programs as a symbol of our dedication to the future of our CFD family.  Thanks to all who came out today to support us and special thanks to Chief Frank Finley for concluding our ceremony by making a department-wide radio transmission that "Old Engine 11 is back in service". 

Pine Ridge Fire Department's 2nd Annual Open House & Barbeque

Yesterday, we were honored to participate in Pine Ridge Fire Department's 2nd Annual Open House and Barbeque.  We were pleased to display the "Never Forget" Camaro to a large crowd in attendance.  There were also jump castles for the kids, demonstrations by the Berkeley County Sheriff Department's canine unit and great barbeque prepared by the PRFD crew. We appreciated the opportunity to participate in this great event. 

Engine 11 is in the House!

Today was a big day for us as we completed the "Raising Engine 11" project and moved the truck into its' new home at Station 16. We hope all of you can join us at our office on Sunday, November 15, at 2:00 p.m., to rededicate Engine 11.

CFD's First "EMS" Unit?

This photograph was found recently by some folks cleaning out an attic here in Charleston. It was apparently taken in the early 1950's. The man on the far left is Chief Olsen. Anybody recognize any of the others? Click on the photograph to enlarge it.

A Man and His Truck(s)!

I’m reminded in some way regularly that it is life’s simple pleasures that really define our day. I have written here before about my friends and “breakfast buddies” at Ms. Eva’s in Summerville. As the youngster in the group (I can’t claim this very often), I always enjoy sharing a good story with the guys. This week, I took a photograph of Engine 11 in with me to show off our work and realized how much people appreciate the fire department and what you all do for our communities. It seemed that everyone at the table had a fire truck story to tell. Some were about their childhood excitement at seeing a fire engine roaring down the street, another about a fire truck that belonged to the State Ports back in the 30’s and never seemed to run when they needed it. I have written here before about Mr. Henry, ninety years of age and still driving. Well, today, Mr. Henry came into the restaurant and told me he had something he wanted to show me in his car. Mr. Henry, you see, is a collector of many things, mostly knives of all shapes and sizes but, today, he wanted to show me two of his most prized collectibles, two tin fire engines complete with great detail. It is true, we can’t ever have enough toys!

Car & Motorcycle Enthusiasts Take Note!

I received an e-mail inquiry today from a member of the Houston Fire Department. The HFD has a car club, "HFD Street Machines", made up of over 400 members of the HFD. Recently, they lost one of their members, Kendall Currie, in a motorcycle accident and they are having a "Cruise-In for Kendall" on October 31. It looks as if they will have t-shirts avaliable for those of you that are interested in donating to their cause.

Visit their website at www.hfdstreetmachines.com for more information.

Engine 11 to Roll on November 15th!

The rededication ceremony for Engine 11 has been set for Sunday, November 15, 2009, beginning at 2:00 p.m., at the Charleston Firefighter Support Team offices located at 2090 Executive Hall Road in Charleston.

The "Raising Engine 11" project has been a year long journey that has involved many individuals, businesses and organizations that came together to show their support for all of our firefighters. No public money was used in this restoration.

We hope that this fire engine will stand as an enduring example of the community support for our firefighters and our Team's commitment to "Memories of the Past - Visions for the Future".

Please make plans to join us for this very special ceremony in honor of all of our firefighters, "Past, Present and Future".