Pager Basics / Fireman's Prayer

Just to clear this up; I DO NOT OWN THE PAGER! None of us guys do.
It's owned by Chester County, and issued to the Twin Valley Fire Department. Then it goes to me so long as I'm an active member.
If something happens to it WHILE RESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCY, I'm not held responsible. But if I screw up and spill coffee on it at home, that's something else entirely.


Here, I'll give you a basic run-through of how the pager works. It's pretty simple. When it needs charging you stick it into the console here (which works as a charger and speaker). The big knob to the left to the pager itself adjusts the volume.
- See that knob on the far right? That's both the on-off switch and the volume dial. Turn clockwise till it clicks, then it's on and from there you adjust the volume. Turn it backwards to lower the volume till it clicks again, and it's turned off.
- The other knob on the pager has four settings, lettered A through D. Here's what they're for;

• A- This is the setting it's often best to have it on (unless you're at the movies or something). It'll be quiet up until you get a call/dispatch. Then it's gonna beep a few times and then give you the info on what the emergency is. Good thing I'll still get the text messages on my phone, 'cause then I can be 100% sure that I get the street names right and all.
• B- This setting is where you just hear the dispatcher talking.
• C- "'C' for 'Chatter'." That's how I remember it. When it's set on C, then I can hear "just about everything"; dispatchers, people using radios from the fire engines and squad trucks, etcetera. What my lieutenant tells me he usually does is have it on A till he gets the beep/call, then switch it to C so he'll get more information. That way he can hear someone else on their radio talking about whether or not it was a false alarm or if the emergency call just got recalled (for example).
• D- Same function as the A setting, only it vibrates instead of beeping (much better for when you're at the movies lol)

Now when I tried turning it on to listen at home, over the next week after receiving this first pager me and the guys realized it wasn't working. It was shot, as they put it. So eventually I may end up getting a new pager, but till then I'll keep using my phone's emergency texts and see how often I'm even able to go help out.



(Now this is something that may come in handy if I wind up helping carry hoses... minus the "children and wife" part lol)

FIREMAN'S PRAYER:
"When I am called to duty God, wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save some life, whatever its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout and quickly and effectively to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect his property and if according to your will, I have to lose my life, please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife. Amen."

Day in the life of the Twin Valley Fire Dept.

This is how Thursday nights usually go for me;

• First, I leave home around 6:30 so I can make it to Station 69 at roughly 7pm. These days, now that I've got a "bug-out bag" prepared, I can gear up with a reflector vest, cold-weather layers and flashlights, if there happens to be an emergency call while I'm over there.
• But since it's relatively quiet around the station at first with a few people hanging around, I'll automatically go into the lounge where we have a kitchen and living room setup. First thing I check is the coffeemaker and make sure there's a full, and HOT, pot. If not, I just make a fresh one. (Not sure why I get so much enjoyment out of making the new pot myself, but I just do).
• With the living room setup is a pool table, and most of the time my friends Cody (11, not old enough to be a Junior) and Jack (he's about 16) will be hanging around and I'll invite one or both of them to a game of pool. That kind of laid back routine will usually go on until we're needed for helping with some chore or a review type of class; Fire Hydrant Basics was one such example, where a guy brought in a hydrant and explained to us all how it works.

A typical evening chore for us involves hosing down the engines and squad trucks, followed by using squeegees to get all the leftover water into the long grates that run across the floor. So whenever I go in, it's just about always safe to assume we'll be rinsing something down tonight. At least we're doing huge fire engines (which automatically makes it awesome, along with the fact you're doing it with talkative and interesting people). It's pretty fun climbing around on them to reach the tall areas with the sponges and rags.

• If we've gotten the chore done, especially the kind that requires teamwork (the kind that us kids help out with and not just leave to the grownups), then a lot of us may head back into the lounge or hang around in the big garage we were just swabbing. Of course I can hardly ever resist a good game of pool, so that's a given. Between 9 and 9:30 it's usually me and Jack at the pool table with maybe a few adults chatting in the kitchen area. Past 9:30 both of us boys usually just head out.

I do fondly remember December 1st when me, some of the juniors, and a few younger kids helped set up a Christmas tree in the lounge. We ended up decorating it with colored lights, red and silver ornaments, and a skinny fire hose in the place of garland (the garland that me and my six year old pal took the time to put up! Ah well, at least it looked cool with the hose). As a tree topper we got a black plastic fireman's helmet.
Also a couple weeks before that, me and my friend Jack made up a new game for the pool table called King of Clubs; you hit the white ball back and forth with the thick end of the pool queue, and use the Solitaire card sequence to keep score. Hit the corner pockets to gain a point/card, and you lose one if you land in the middle pockets. First to King wins.

It's a pretty diverse group of people; different age range and attitudes around the workplace.
(sorry ladies but those sexy/shirtless fireman calendars are lyin' to ya! lol)
It definitely keeps things interesting, I'll say that. For example the three boys who I typically play pool with are sixteen, eleven, and six. The Junior firefighters are between fourteen and eighteen (the younger kids usually have parents and/or siblings who work here, and hope to be Junior Firefighters when they're old enough). Then there's most of the adults being in their forties or fifties.
Plus how could I forget Mudge the dog???? I can never remember just who owns the dog, but still he's kinda like the mascot around here. Doesn't feel that long ago he was a small jumpy puppy. Now he's getting bigger, and he's barely any less active and/or attention-seeking.
I'm waiting for the day someone brings a Dalmatian...


I've only gotten the chance to respond and come to the scene of a fire once. But still  I keep my eyes peeled for the chance to help out. As a fire police officer I won't charging into burning buildings, but I'll be helping keep security around it and directing traffic; making sure people don't get too close to it, and helping watch the firefighters' backs while they're looking forward.

     I've considered taking the firefighting course(s) as well, but I figure I'll wait and see how this fire police stuff goes now that I've been recently sworn in and added as an official member. It'd be better to do the additional stuff at a time when I don't have a pile of homework anyway. I'll probably wait till May (after learning more) to try my hand at firefighting, if I'm still interested. Let's see how I like being out on the road first, then go from there.

   For me, this is how the routine works (especially since I'm still pretty new to the process and have to learn). I get a text message on my phone saying what the emergency is, and where it is. "Fire alarm," or "brush fire" or "car crash" etc. Then I have to call my captain and ask him if I can come learn the ropes and help out. If it gets cancelled 'cause it's just a false alarm or that it can get wrapped up in a couple minutes, I won't end up going. But if it's big enough where it'll take a while to put out and may need more team members' help, then I'll get a "yes." So from there I stick with him for guidance, and watch what he and the other guys are doing.
I just recently got a pager that I can listen to and get more information from, so I'm hoping it makes a difference with the way I'm able to respond and learn.
I may not be directing cars with a wand myself, but I'd be right there in the road with them and getting some hands-on experience. If there's one thing these guys put emphasis on, it's that they don't want you out on a scene unless you feel ready. They really want you to get comfortable with how things work before you dive in.

In the meantime I've prepared my "bug-out bag" for the purpose of a quick getaway; A small camo duffle bag with a few things that I can equip myself with, to come in handy on the road. Reflective vest, flashlight, whistle, gloves and so on (plus a deck of cards for freer evenings at the station). At some point I may yet decorate it with iron-on patches. Flag, eagle, some patriotic stuff. Guess I'll find out later.


Ok I should probably conclude this entry 'cause otherwise it'll be WAY too long. But I bet it won't be too long before I come up with more words and more pictures so... yeah. I'll be in touch!

Feeling "In The Right Field"

On the brink of graduation it is DEFINITELY too late to go back and change my major for my associate's degree at Montco. However, it feels like the perfect time to make a change as I transfer to the University of Valley Forge in the spring.

     Originally I've been majoring in Digital Broadcasting; film, media, business in TV and movies, and so on.
     Still, during the last year or so, the more I've thought about my media degree (and continuing with Photography at Valley Forge) the more my mindset has become "why am I here?" meaning "my plans have changed in the last year, I want to become a security officer, so why am I planning to finish with photography? Just to get a four-year degree faster with the hands-on stuff?"
     Sure, more of my credits would transfer and I'd be out of school sooner/easier, but it would also mean a MUCH harder transition into the work force since I don't have plans to be a photographer. Too competitive a field, too much of a gamble for a career choice. I've realized these last few years of growing up that I need a solid foundation to build upon, not a job that relies solely on luck and avoiding creative blocks.
    Our God knows very well that I've had PLENTY of those.
    More times than I can count I've looked at myself and wondered why I'm still working on a media degree when my career plan has really taken a sharp turn. You go to college to build a career don't you? Well with me right now it feels kind of like being singled out as someone who gets a degree for a hobby instead of a future.

     So, despite it being a tougher-to-study subject, I decided it would be better for me to start working toward a Criminal Justice degree when I transfer. I don't care if it keeps me at Valley Forge longer, because this can give me the know-how and experience I'd need for homeland security (as opposed to the hands-on photography stuff that wouldn't offer me anything related except MAYBE the technology behind security works).
     In fact I hope it does keep me there longer. The more time I spend at a Christian college, the closer to God and stronger in faith I'll become.
    
     I remember that particular day of my decision to change my major; I'd been flipping through the New Testament, Jesus preaching on the mountain, among other stories, highlighting verses and trying to draw closer to His Word. Anyway, when the already-developing "why am I here?" mindset became clear as crystal that day, I took it as a sign from Him. And I've since felt more at peace and "in the right field of study" knowing I have the means to prepare for whatever security field I find myself in.

Simple Wood-Carver

What’s a good thing to do when you’re getting anxious or worked up? Or just in general? Pick a simple-to-do relaxing hobby to redirect your focus. I’ve had quite a few of those but there’s an interesting one that I’ve only delved so far into in the past; woodcarving.
My dad has taught me a lot about tools. Clamps, saws, razors, the list goes on. I’ve cut boomerangs and necklaces out of thin sheets of wood, but I’ve never tried whittling before.

I’ve gotten pretty good with a mallet and chisel, which is a fun pair of tools to use. Still, it’s nice when you don’t have to keep using the hammer. Especially when you’re up past midnight carving (to the point of littering my rug with wood shavings) and trying not to wake anyone up. It’s a lot quieter and more controllable to use a set of carving knives. The set I bought last week has twelve different blades you can swap, a few of which I’ve referred to as “manly spoons.” The shape of the blade you use can really effect the angles you can hold and carve with.

It’s always great to have ideas of your own, but still it never hurts to learn from crafting books. I got this beginners’ book that has a bunch of different designs and knickknacks that you can try whittling, some from little blocks of basswood.

Neither of these two carvings are from the book. These are ideas I got from some google images, to start me off simpler. The wolf is pretty much done, but still I like to touch it up a little and see if I can make it a little better. And I’m currently working on the bear (not using the mallet and chisel for this one). Making a lot of progress! Maybe, lord willing, in a few months I’ll be able to start making little statues for my desk or bookshelves.

May have to start posting more pictures/details as I go along!

"Working my way up, see what God wants..."

All righty. It's in the middle of summer, I've got no summer classes available, and I still have to wait till spring to graduate (I can only take two classes this fall and one in the spring). But anyway, during that time I've been working out what to do, praying for guidance now and again, getting ideas and starting to fit some puzzle pieces together.

I recently visited the Twin Valley Fire Dept. and was given an application. Because of this being a volunteer job, it's much less expensive than taking full-semester courses at Montco. I still have to wait till next month before they decide to take me in, and then I've got to learn more about the training that I need to start off. It shouldn't be an issue since they allow kids 14 and up to join, and they most certainly would have thicker schedules than I currently do.

So through the fire department I'm hoping to really get some real experience/know-how through Fire Police training, work with them part-time while in school, and after I graduate college Lord willing I'll be able to make Security Services. All in God's timing. But still, it can be hard to resist getting anxious about some of this stuff.

On top of all this I've got a couple years at the University of Valley Forge ahead. Two, maybe three years, starting in January. Not sure how long it'll take, but hopefully most of my credits from Montco will transfer just fine. I'm getting pretty excited to go there, getting curious about the campus life, the people, wider persepctive gained through it all...

So anyway, that's the game plan for now. Can't wait to see how it all plays out.

When I FINALLY got to see "The Jungle Book"!

I know it's not like me to go all the way to Blue Bell campus on Friday, you know, one of my days OFF. Still I had some real editing to do with my video project for class, and needed to get there early so I could get a good portion of it done and catch the 1pm shuttle back to Pottstown. From there my plan was to go to the Pottsgrove Carmike Cinemas, straight from West Campus, in time for my mom and I to see the 2:15 showing of The Jungle Book. (convenient too 'cause I was editing my own two-minute adaptation of one of the old Kipling stories)

It's almost one o' clock, I wait and I wait and I wait, and so do the half dozen other students sitting around outside.
For some reason that shuttle didn't arrive at Blue Bell campus till about 1:18, and I was getting antsy and worried about how bad traffic might be. While waiting for it to come I kept running through just about every scenario I could think of; "if we make it late [such-and-such a time] then we can see the 4pm show. If we make it to the theatre before 2:30, the trailers will still be playing..." all that kind of stuff. it was pretty nerve-wracking. I kept praying we'd make it in time so I wouldn't have to miss anything.
Hey, I'd been looking forward to this Jungle Book movie for I-lost-count-of-how-many months, and was NOT planning on skipping it today. If I did then I'd probably have to wait another week.
The shuttle arrived at West Campus at about 2:15, and no sooner did the doors open than I sprinted off the shuttle to the car. I'd already bought candy at the school bookstore, so there didn't have to be any more delays.
We went right in, got our tickets with no line, and got two seats in the Big-D theatre with ten minutes to spare.


THE JUNGLE BOOK
All right, now onto the movie itself; no secret to say I just LOVED it!
So many references to the old animated film through the music (beginning, Kaa's theme, Bare Necessities, some like that), a few character's lines were just like the old film, and still throughout this one I noticed so much stuff from the original book; the song of the wolf pack, the Water Truce, Shere Khan confronting the wolves to get to Mowgli... and a few other things that I probably shouldn't say 'cause that would mean giving away HUGE spoilers for those who haven't see the movie yet or read the book.

- Baloo's hilarious!
"Baloo" Clip - Disney's The Jungle Book
He has the best laid-back attitude "you're doing great!" while Mowgli's getting him honey and getting stung by bees in the process ("You said they didn't sting." -Mowgli)

"King Louie" Clip - Disney's The Jungle Book
- The newer version of "I Wanna Be Like You" was better than I expected it to be, frankly. King Louie as a Gigantopithecus is pretty cool, definitely intimidating when he first introduces himself and when he's chasing Mowgli through the ruined city (aka The Cold Lairs as they're called in the book).
(this soundtrack version plays in the credits but it's not as long in the movie scene) Christopher Walken - I Wanna Be Like You (2016) (From "The Jungle Book"

- Shere Khan the tiger... oh my god!
"Intro to Shere Khan" clip
Let's just say there were several moments throughout the film where my mindset was just "Ok I'm actually getting scared right now..."

- The credits in this movie are fun to watch 'cause it has a big book opening with animals moving around and interacting with it in some comedic ways. Good thing I was curious and felt like sticking around for that.


I definitely recommend The Jungle Book for those who love the old Disney classics as well as the new stuff (and the original text) 'cause it has just the right combination of both. It's very funny, also intense, suspenseful, emotional, enjoyable, and overall a fun movie to see.
Before you start asking the age-old question, YES it WAS worth the wait. And I do plan on seeing it again soon. Very soon.

2nd Degree PART 2- The Ceremony

Thursday March 24th.
This was the day of the ceremony, and it was at the Pottstown ATA school at 7pm.
That, of course, meant I had to miss my 3:55 class at Mont Co. If I waited till afterwards to leave, I'd be late for sure. That was a risk I was NOT willing to take. I hadn't missed a single class this semester, so I could just use this as one of my free absences.
I couldn't miss my early morning class though, which was ok since the digital photography class is more enjoyable. Plus my girlfriend Jenny wanted to come to the ceremony by taking the 3pm shuttle from main campus, so this way I could meet up early and take the shuttle to west campus (closer to home) together.

Jenny had brought her camera, so before leaving home in the evening we took family-of-four pictures with me in my uniform. I'm still not the most patient when it comes to posing for photos, but at least there weren't very many.

We arrived at the ATA school plenty early, so the four of them could get decent seats in the small lobby. The place was decorated with the big flags hanging from the ceiling, a small table with a decorative cloth (and incense burner) on it, and spread out neatly on the floor were everybody's new black belts; each with a small plate and candle sitting behind it. My Second Degree Black Belt, with my name sewn in red letters, was in the second row. The first row was solely my friend Riley. It was all in alphabetical order so we sat right where we were supposed to.

Since we'd gotten there early and the other kids (I was the second-oldest seated there in front of the instructors) were all sitting with our neatly folded belts, I passed the last ten minutes or so by talking to a couple of them.

Finally, it all got started just before seven. There was some tranquil music/sounds playing, most of the lights were out, and the other instructors took turns lighting the candles in front of them from Mr. Morgan's candle. After that, Riley lit his. Then my row of three went up to light our candles from the instructors' directly in front of us.

While that was going on, the sounds playing went into a narration of Eternal Grandmaster Haeng Un Lee reading the Scrolls of Songahm (here's the link so you can read what it said). We sat there listening to him speak, practically still as statues. Sometimes I'd look straightforward, later shift my eyes to the floor or to the now-lit candle in front of me.

The Songahm Scroll thing lasted maybe five minutes. We blew out our candles, and Mr. Morgan gave us a really good pep talk before calling each of us to come forward. One by one, starting with my friend Riley, we each grabbed our new belts from where they sat in front of us, walked up to Mr. Morgan, and he tied the new belts on us as the old ones lay across our shoulders. After that, we shook hands with the instructors and cheered on the other students who received their new belts; first and second-degrees alike.

One of my classmates from the adult class, I remembered (in fact a LOT of us remembered) had tested on Saturday with a broken foot. She was called out positively for that, and applauded louder than others for that black belt attitude and motivation. She also received a bouquet of flowers from her parents right then and there when she got her First Degree Black Belt tied on.

 When we were all seated again, there was another thing Mr. Morgan gave us with our candles; A ROCK. Very symbolic, it was. We would feel the rock and he'd ask us about how it felt. Rough, and smooth. Just like the taekwondo journey, and life even. Some smooth easy spots here and there but also a lot of rough ones.
Just some food for thought there...

PICTURE TIME! After the ceremony (it was less than a half hour, I was pretty surprised) we all got into group pictures, making poses, smiles, fighting stances, GRRR faces and so forth. Didn't go on long though and nobody was picky. Later I took some family pictures, took a couple with Jenny and with Mr. Morgan too.

All in all, successful and feeling-accomplished evening :) took FOREVER, but I've made it another belt rank up.