Let's See Who's Paying Attention...

I'm thinking I may have to ride with the Eights again... there's a new crew member and a new truck.

Whaddaya say, Paul?

:-)

So... snow, snow, snow. Not exactly condusive to shooting outside. Who put in the order for all this junk in the first place?!? Ugh... the only part of living in RI that I despise!

Stay tuned, kids.

Have a happy, healthy & safe holiday season and new year!

No, I Haven't Forgotten....

Hello, All -

Figured I'd post a note to let you all know that I haven't forgotten the film. These last few weeks have been filled with activity - Thanksgiving, a family wedding, all that happy stuff. Not to mention working through my EIGHTH holiday season at the bookstore. We've been lucky at my store - although business is not quite as great as it's been in the past, we are still pretty much non-stop all day long. That's great, but exhausting.

The weather here this weekend prevents any thoughts of filming outside. The place where I need to shoot my final pieces wouldn't exactly be in great shape. It'd be fine if I owned hip-boots, but since I don't, I'll wait for the ground to be solid again.

Tomorrow I'll be doing some work at the PFD Kids' Christmas Party - nothing to do with the film, but it will be a full day, I'm sure.

I'll post udates when I can. Hope everyone has a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!

Thanksgiving

Hello, all -

I know I'm a week early, but I don't know that I'll have the chance to post during the coming week. I do work in retail and it's already exhaustingly busy at the bookstore. I just wanted to take a moment to share with my faithful readers the things for which I am thankful.

1. For all of my family and friends and my "fire family", as well as all of our Everyday Heroes who watch out for us each and every day.

2. For the opportunity to make this film and work with so many wonderful people. It is something that I will never forget and will always remember fondly.

3. For the fact that I still have a job in this horrible economy.

4. For the hope of a new team of leaders running our country.

5. Most of all, I am thankful for the fact that my father has been officially declared cancer free. Pop is still sick with COPD, but lung cancer is an absolutely horriffic disease and I am so grateful for the fact that his doctors caught it early and treated him with the most advanced methods available. I know how lucky I am and I treasure every second I have with my father.

I hope that each of you has the time to take a moment and reflect upon the things for which you are thankful. Whether they be small or large, it's a humbling experience to realize just how lucky we are in this life. Even through hard times, most of us are blessed with even the smallest of things to help us get through and become stronger for it.

I am also thankful for all of the support and the friends I've made through my work on this film and through this blog. I greatly appreciate it!

I wish all of you a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving and I ask that if you're going to partake of a turkey dinner - PLEASE do not attempt to deep-fry a frozen turkey!!! It is EXTREMELY hazardous and 99% of the time results in a devastating fire or burn injuries!

Be well & stay safe, everyone.

With much love and appreciation,

Erin

Rain... Rain... Rain...

So... today and tomorrow are out for filming the opening monologue for the film, which has been re-written. Next weekend's weather looks better, so we'll have to see if that holds true. Once that's done, we can get to post-production and be on our way, folks.

Once I have the cut that I'm happy with, it will be shown to my project partners/producers and as long as all are pleased, we'll start pitching it to stations for airing.

I've had many people ask me if I plan to sell DVD copies of the film, so while I'm thinking of it, I'll address that question here.

Once this film is completed, it is no longer my property. The film will belong to the Providence Firefighters, IAFF Local 799. I explained to them that my job with this will end once it is secured for airing on television. If the Providence Firefighters choose, they will have the freedom to sell DVD copies if they wish to and I will help with any packaging, production, etcetera that they need. This project has never been about making money or making a name for myself. It is about getting their story told - regardless of the work involved in doing so.

So, when it's decided what will be done, I'll post information here.

Thanks again for all of the support and interest in the project. I greatly appreciate it!

Absolutely Fabulous!

So, I shot the interview with our extra-special guest participant on Friday. It is fantastic... I could not have asked for a better piece.

I am still going to keep the person's identity quiet for the time being. Suffice it to say that the presence of this person in the film will only serve to make it more provocative.

My thanks to the mystery person and those who assisted in getting the interview set up for me. I am absolutely ecstatic!

Be well & stay safe, everyone.

Erin

Extra-Special Guest Interview

I have finalized plans for the extra-special interview I've been talking about. It will be filmed on November 7th. I am very excited about this... but still, I will not reveal who it is that is joining the list of fine folks who have participated in the interviews for the film. Yeah... I know... I'm a tease. Trust me, it'll be worth it.

I am disappointed that a few people that I wanted to be involved will not be, however, I do understand how weird it is to allow yourself to be filmed. I will still find a way to mention those folks - even if only in the credits. Overall, though, I seem to be gathering great stuff and I'm sure that will continue.

I'll be working on the intro monologue over the next week - a re-write is needed.

My thanks, as always, to all who are keeping track and staying in touch. It's all coming together!

Be well & stay safe, everyone.

Plugging Along....

Hey, all -

I finished the remainder of my exterior shots of the stations yesterday. I also made arrangements for the extra-special interview that I talked about (I'm still not announcing it!!). That should be happening next Friday.

I'm planning to re-write my intro and hopefully film that within the next two weeks. Talked to my editor last week and I hope to be able to get together with him shortly to begin dumping the footage to the hard drive for editing.

So... it's coming along. I've got offers for assistance in getting the film aired and publicized from several sources. Channels 6, 12 & 36 are the most likely outlets at present. I've also been offered assistance from the RI Film & Television Office, so I'm sure that this thing will get aired without too much of a problem. Also, John Vilella & Walt Buteau would like to do a follow up on "Street Stories" when we're close to the release of the film.

I know it's been a long, long haul and no one wants to see this finished product more than I do. I appreciate everyone's patience, encouragement and interest in the project and I thank those who have stayed in touch and kept me on my toes with it.

Be well & stay safe, everyone and STAY TUNED... I promise... it's going to get finished!

Gettin' There is Half the Fun!

Well, folks... it's coming along nicely. I now have all of the "company tours" (for lack of a better term) shot. I filmed pieces with the Special Hazards Unit and Ladder 4 earlier this year. Today, I filmed with an Engine and a Rescue Unit.

Lieutenant Russ McDonald took me around Engine 9 on Brook Street this morning and explained the truck and what it is used for. He was awesome - even showing how to properly dress a fire hydrant! Amazing... simply amazing. I am incredibly thankful to him for sharing his 28 years of Engine Company knowledge with me for the film.

Lieutenant "Ranger" Rick Blais was the next up for duty today. He filmed the Rescue Unit segment with me. I have the feeling that's the closest I'll ever get to taking one of Ranger's EMS classes. He, too, did a phenomenal job for me and I could not have written a better segment myself.

I then went to Washington Street to re-shoot DAC Dan Crowley's interview, which went very well. It's always difficult to talk about the loss of DAC Mike Day, but the Chief did very well and I am grateful for his participation in the interviews.

All-in-all, it was a very productive day and I am really thrilled with all of the footage that I shot today. Not too much more to go - hope to be able to get schedules together and have it all shot within the next two weeks or so. As my Dad says... "if the good Lord's willin' and the creek don't rise" - I should be able to make it happen.

My eternal thanks to Russ, Ranger and Chief Crowley. You guys are awesome and I greatly appreciate the hospitality, encouragement, assistance and friendship.

Thank (Insert Diety Here)

Finally... some progress!

So this Friday, I'll be shooting at Brook Street and Washington Street stations and possibly the DOT. Thanks are due to:

Lieutenant Russ McDonald (Engine walk-around)
Deputy Assistant Chief Daniel J. Crowley (interview re-shoot) and...
Lieutenant "Ranger" Rick Blais (Rescue walk-around) (Cuz Ranger Rocks!)

I also have a little ditty worked out with a surprise guest for the film. I'm keeping that one under wraps, though. It's top secret. I think maybe three people have clearance to know about it - possibly four. Tee hee hee.

I'll keep ya'll posted.

Primal Screaming

It is a satisfactory form of therapy, albeit loud and obnoxious.

I have not, apparently, mastered the subtle art of persuasion. The firefighter that I met with last week has declined. Which is cool - I understand that people are uncomfortable in front of cameras. I, myself, am not fond of it. I prefer a stage... it's not quite is nerve-wracking for some reason. So....

I have an e-mail out to one person, going to make some more phone calls today. I'll keep ya posted....

Deep breath... and... AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

Okay, I think that'll do for a minute or two.

UPDATE:

Finally got someone to agree to do an engine walk-around for me. Lt. Russ McDonald of Engine 9 on Brook Street will be shooting that with me next Friday. I also managed to set up an appointment for one of the re-interviews. Got a message waiting for the Rescue segment I need... waiting to hear back on that. It's coming together... hopefully.

The Subtle Art of Persuasion

Hey, all -

So, I've been working out schedules so I can make appointments. Major changes at home of late have changed the available time that I have, but I'm pretty sure I've got it sorted out now.

I met with a firefighter yesterday (who shall remain namless, at present) regarding the walk-around of an Engine that I need to shoot. I will know more shortly about that. I have some phone calls to make today about three interviews that I need to shoot and I'm hoping to get all of that done within the next two weeks. Barring any major catastrophes, that shouldn't be a problem. Very little else needs to be done after that before I can go to editing - and I'm praying that I can get to that by November 1st. That, as I've said before, will be the fairly easy part.

That's the scoop for now, guys. Thank you for your patience and for your encouragement! It was nice to meet Attleboro FF Pyne recently and to find out that he's a faithful reader here as well as on Michael Morse's blog.

On a side note - if anyone ever needed some proof as to the fact that my tenacity for this sort of thing is genetic, please click on the link below and watch the WPRI "Street Stories" piece from yesterday. Yes, Walt and John have made this a family affair! My Mom - I'm awfully proud of her determination and her will to keep the history of our nation alive. Yes, half of my determination comes from my Dad (I think beating lung cancer twice is evidence of that!), but now you can see Mom at: http://www.wpri.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=2988092&at1=News - Special Coverage&h1=Street Stories: Remembering war heroes - Special Coverage&h1=Street Stories: Remembering war heroes

enjoy!

Be well & stay safe, everyone.

Erin

Stuff, Stuff & More Stuff....

Man, life just throws a monkey-wrench into everything. "Extra" time has been tight of late - but I am determined to get this thing done and get it aired this winter. I know - I keep saying that - but now I'm just getting annoyed!

Going to make some calls this week to set up the rest of the filming I need to do. So, if anyone reading this is one of those people I keep saying "I haven't forgotten you" to, please answer your phones this weekend!

Hopefully I'll have more to tell in my next post. Stay tuned folks - I swear, this film will get made.

Update

Opted to do some re-writing this weekend. Had some other chores to attend to and needed to be close to home, so sitting here in front of the idiot box and editing my script seemed to be the prudent thing to do.

Keeping an eye on the upcoming weather situation. We'll have to wait and see what next weekend has in store for me, but at least the work is getting done.

Hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend and be well and stay safe out there!

Re-shooting in progress

Hey, all -

Well, I've recovered almost completely from my little concussive adventure. I re-shot my footage at the Department of Training on Friday (Thank you, Ranger!). I hope to be able to catch some footage of the new recruits working, but I don't know that it will happen.

I'm planning to get some more done this weekend. Things are a little hectic - my home is down one person for the next few weeks. My best friend (and still photographer) Fran is in Philadelphia for three weeks - but I think I should be able to get a couple of hours in here and there.

Thanks to all for your patience and support. I greatly appreciate it.

Now if I can just steer clear of any heavy, falling objects - sinus infections.... you know.

Be well & stay safe, everyone.

Fundraiser for Firefighters' Son

The PKD Foundation is having a fundraiser for Andrew Doughty, son of Providence Firefighter Paul and South County Firefighter Rebecca.

Andrew has polycystic kidney disease, an incurable illness that will eventually lead to a kidney transplant later in his life. He's a brave little five-year-old boy, I must say!

The fundraiser will be at:
Providence Firefighters' Memorial Hall
92 Printery Street
Providence, RI 02904

on

Sunday, August 17th

Tickets are $25.00 each and includes a meal, free beer and music.

Festivities kick off at 2pm

If there is anyone unable to attend but would like to send a donation, please e-mail me. You can mail it to me and I will hand-deliver it to Paul and Rebecca for you.Thank you in advance for any support you may be able to lend!

Be well & stay safe, all.

Being on the Other Side of Things

Not fun - I must say. Being the one that the firefighters carefully wrap up and strap into their stair chair is not a pleasant experience, despite the fact that the firefighters themselves are absolutely wonderful.

So there I was on Monday afternoon, sitting on the floor behind the cash registers at the bookstore, pre-counting the special orders in preparation for our inventory. Another employee was ringing up a customer and had to take a security device off of a CD. The key for that is underneath two display shelves behind the registers. As she pulled up to release the CD, she bumped the shelf above, which was overloaded with books - hardcovers, of course. Couldn't have been on the other side with the paperbacks. Anyway... four copies of Janet Evanovich's latest Stephanie Plum novel came flying down off the shelf and I caught them with my head. Yup - that's right - with my head.

Good thing I have a thick Irish skull... or not. You'll understand why when you read on.

So being the thickheaded Irishman that I am, I filled out an accident report and just kept right on counting, despite the fact that I felt like I had a railroad spike driven through my head. Finished my workday and went home, where I spent the evening nursing the phenomenal headache that resulted from my book beating.

The next morning when I got up, I wasn't feeling well, but I wasn't sure if it was a result of my allergies acting up or if it had to do with the beating that I took the day before. I got ready for work, drove in and as I drove along Rte. 295, my left eye started to twitch badly and I started getting shaky all over. I made it to work, parked my car and went inside, hoping that the feeling would pass. By the time I got into the employee break room, I could not stand by myself. My manager called 911 and the great guys of the Cranston Fire Rescue Department came and scooped me up, swiftly delivering me to Kent Hospital's ER.

Yup - ironic, but true. The guys, of course, were great. I tried to stay upbeat with them as they took care of me, because I know the kind of crap they put up with all of the time. It was tough, though, because when your blood pressure's through the roof and it feels like Andre the Giant is squeezing your head between his hamhocks - well, not exactly the easiest time to be jovial.

So, I've decided that I much prefer NOT being the one strapped to the gurney. It really is not a pleasant thing to go through, even when you have the nicest guys around taking care of you. No offense to my newfound rescuers from the Edgewood fire station - none at all. I greatly appreciate their excellent care and made sure I thanked them, too.

Needless to say, I won't be filming this weekend - unless, that is, I'm cleared on Friday to return to work. We'll see what happens.

Oy... I'll tell ya.... never a dull moment at the bookstore. You'd think it'd be a boring place to work!

Non-Filming Type Weekend

Hey, All -

Didn't get a chance for filming this weekend, but worked out some of the storyboarding in my notes. I'm getting the flow of the film down and figuring out how to get it out of my brain and into some intelligible sequences. The hardest parts - figuring out what footage to use - are pretty much done. I think my only stumbling block there will be with the interviews. They're all so great and I would love to use every single second of each one, but I would have to make the film about three and a half hours long for that. Not an option, sadly. Who knows, though? Maybe I can put together a Special Features DVD and have one section called "Cutting Room Floor" for that stuff.

I've been very surprised in the last couple of weeks by three or four complete strangers who have come into the bookstore where I work and mentioned the film. They apparently saw the re-airing of "Street Stories" on Channel 12. Still, that was a month ago. It does my heart good to know that so many people are looking out for it, though and are interested in seeing the finished product. Thanks again to Walt Buteau and John Villella for that!!

All righty... hoping to get in some shooting time this weekend. We'll see what happens with the weather.

Stay tuned!

Got Some Filming Done

Hey, Folks - just a quick note to let you know that I got some filming done on Friday; about half of the exterior shots. Hope to get more done this week. If I can keep on track, we'll get this thing done yet!

Thanks again to all for your support and encouragement. It helps more than you know!

This Has Nothing to Do With the Film...

But my father had the last of his radiation treatments today and all seems to have gone well. Now that we've gotten through all of that mess, I will be able to complete filming. Hope to get some done on Friday this week - it'll depend upon the weather. Outdoor stuff. I'll post updates as I have them.

Another thing that has nothing to do with the film, but more with the friends I've made along the way in my journey through it... I've become good friends with a lovely girl from Baltimore, MD named Tricia Fike. She and her little boy, Liam, are wonderful people Trixie (that's what I call her) and I are both big fans of the '70's TV Show, "Emergency!". Funny how something so trivial brings good friends together. Anyhow, Liam is an aspiring filmmaker, himself. I just had to share a drawing that he made for me of a talking fire hydrant. Enjoy... I know it gave me one heck of a laugh. And thanks, Liam... because I REALLY needed that laugh today!

Fixed? I think?

I went back to Elwin Electronics yesterday to pick up my camera. Tested it there and it seems to be working properly. Let's hope for the best!

My father began his radiation treatments Tuesday, had the second today and has one more next Tuesday. I will be focusing on him until then. Once that's done, I'll try to get some filming in next weekend and get this show on the road, folks.

Thank you to those who sent e-mails of support about my dad. He seems to be doing quite well thus far - no side effects and such.

Be well & stay safe, everyone. I'll update soon.

That Screaming That You Heard

just about 4:00 PM EST yesterday was me. Yes, me. Why? Because I finally had the chance to pick up the recommended DVC tapes and really test the camera. Guess what? It's still not working correctly. Yup - that's what I said - still messed up. Mercury must still be in retrograde...

So, into my car I got and off to Warwick I went. I dragged myself through the door of Elwin Electronics (mainly because I was feeling crappy, but partly because I'm tired of this situation!) and walked up to the lovely young customer service agent, Megan, at the front desk. She's a very sweet girl and very well suited for the job (I know - I've been doing the same sort of work for a very, very long time). Anyway, when I told her that it was still not working correctly, HER heart sank. "I'm so sorry," she said, knowing that I'm trying to get a film done. "I'll assign it to him first thing Monday morning and we'll get it straightened out." She did up the paperwork and I signed off on it. She apologized profusely and I told her it was okay, but I know that she saw the major disappointment on my face. "I'll call you as soon as we know something," she said.

Funny, it sort of felt like when you bring somebody to the Emergency Room and the doctor tells you they'll call you when they know something.

So, folks... that's where we stand. Camera's back in the ER and hopefully the CAT Scan will show something and the surgery will be successful.

Camera's All Better

Got it back... seems to be fine. Just have to pick up some fresh DVC tapes and I'll be on my merry way.

My Dad will be starting his SBR treatments next Tuesday and will finish on Tuesday the 17th. Once we get through that, I'll be good to go.

Be well & stay safe, everyone.

Camera's in the Shop

Hey there, Faithful Readers... just a note to let everyone know that my little buddy has been left in the hands of the technicians at Elwin Electronics in Warwick. Poor little thing still wasn't feeling well.

Keep your fingers crossed - hopefully it'll be only a week. I do miss it so.

"Street Stories" Special

Channel 12 will air a half-hour special tomorrow, Memorial Day, that will include the piece that they shot about the documentary. It will air at 5:30 PM and will be available for viewing at wpri.com afterward, from what I'm told.

My thanks to Walt Buteau and John Villella and my congratulations to them, as well, for winning that Emmy!

Good News!

I got my hands on a backup camera and just in time, too. I got a call from Cindy Day letting me know that all four of her children would be home this weekend. This is a rarity and all four of them wanted to participate in the segment about their dad, Deputy Assistant Chief Michael J. Day, Sr., who died in the line of duty almost two years ago.

Today, I packed up my equipment and headed over to the Day home. Cindy was on the front porch working on her window boxes and brought me inside. I was introduced to Brianne and Amanda, whom I had not yet met. Stephanie and Michael joined us and we sat in their living room to shoot their segment.

I don't want to give away all that they shared here, but I have to say that this family never ceases to amaze me. They have an unbelievable strength and it is even more apparent when the five of them are together - Cindy included. These four amazing young individuals shared some very happy and very painful memories with me today, but they did far more than that; they also shared a wisdom that no one their age should already have knowledge of. From Michael, Jr., 23 years old, straight down through Stephanie, just 16 years old, these kids have a wonderful philosophy on what they have endured and what they have sacrificed. I can't wait to put the segment together and share it with everyone.

I have to admit that I cried with them. I apologized to all of them for it and felt awful that I'd done it until I had a little chat with Mike. He told me that he was actually glad that I had connected with them to that extent. In essence, he told me that it assured him that I would tell their story well because of the connection I'd made with them.

I cannot thank the Day Family enough for their participation and support with the film. I am so proud to have them be a part of this. What's more is that I know that Mike would be proud of them for it, too. He and Cindy have created four truly fantastic individuals and I will share this much... I talked with them about tributes and memorials and how they would like to have their father be remembered and after that, I told them that I thought that there could be no more perfect memorial or tribute to their father than they, themselves are. Most parents beam with pride when they speak of their children... but once you've met the Day kids - it's no wonder why Cindy is filled with pride. It's mutual, though - the kids are just as prideful when they speak of their parents.

So Much for THAT Thought...

Okay, so I went to my sister's house and looked at her camera. It's not like the one I'm using to shoot the documentary, it's like the one that we used to have. Right then. Home to call JVC...

There is a repair shop in Warwick, RI that I can bring the camera to. I'll try to get it there on Friday. In the meantime, my sinus infection has recurred (which, apparently, is something that happened to a lot of people because of high pollen counts surrounding us of late) and I'm out of work through tomorrow for that. After two days, I've finally gotten the energy (barely) to come in here and sit in front of the idiot box to check my mail & post some updates.

On another front, for those of my readers who have been keeping in touch with me regarding my father's lung cancer recurrence, I have good news. They will be able to treat his cancer and he will start treatment next week. The team is confident that they can knock it out with this new procedure called Stereostatic Body Radiosurgery. I know this has nothing to do with the film, but if you know anyone who has early-stage lung cancer and is seeking treatment, please let them know about this option. It is highly successful and does minimal damage.

Stereotactic Body Radiosurgery Lung Cancer Treatment top
Stereotactic body radiosurgery(SBR) is a novel lung cancer treatment. SBR lung cancer treatment is not surgery at all. SBR lung cancer treatment is an outpatient procedure that requires three visits to the radiation oncology department. SBR is painless and patients can continue their daily activities without difficulty. SBR utilizes multiple tightly conformed radiation beams converging at the lung tumor. A specially designed body frame immobilizes the patient and decreases the movement of the lung tumor due to breathing. With this technology, very little lung receives radiation. The low volume of lung exposed to radiation allows very high doses to be given to the lung tumor leading to cure rates comparable to surgery. Because of the low volume lung exposure SBR has a low risk of long term lung complications in the treatment of lung cancer.SBR is a promising new technology for stage one lung cancer. Lung cancer surgery remains the gold standard. SBR is usually used for patients who could not tolerate lung cancer surgery or would rather not have the lung cancer surgery. To speak with a Dr. Robert Woodburn about SBR lung cancer treatment or request more information call 219-945-1050 or email rwctg@comcast.net.To learn more about Cancer Treatment Group and the technology at Methodist Hospital Cancer Center vist the web site, Cancer Treatment Group

Be well & stay safe, everyone - and thanks so much from myself and my family for your support.

Borrowed Camera... Salvation?

So, I'll be picking up my sister's video camera today. Hope to get some shooting done next week. Keep your fingers crossed for the project, folks. I'd really like to finish it up and get it aired. I've had tons of people asking and e-mailing and such and I am grateful for all of the attention. Now, though, the pressure's on!

I'll post when I have more. My Dad's going to find out on Monday what they can do about his lung cancer - if anything. I'm glad I've got something else to think about besides that, to be honest.

Be well & stay safe, everyone.

Erin

The Latest

All righty, folks - now that we've gotten through the MA Firefighters' Calendar shoot, another shoot for my niece's band "Orange Flavored Aspirin" and I've gotten over my sinus and ear infections... (yes, it's been a rough couple of weeks!)...

I'll be borrowing my sister's camera so I can get some stuff done. Hope to have it sometime this week, schedules permitting. I will post again with updates when I have them.

Thanks to all for your faithful interest in the project!

Camera Woes...

So, Mom to the rescue with two head cleaning tapes for my camera, but sadly, they didn't fix the problem. I'll be looking for an authorized service center to see if I can get the camera cleaned. If not, I'll borrow my sister's camera.

I won't be working on the documentary this week, as I am going to be helping Fran (my best friend and still photographer for the film) with a huge shoot that she's doing. Three guesses... c'mon... give up? She's shooting the Massachusetts Firefighter's Calendar for 2009! YAY Fran!

I'll post again when I've got more news.

Grampa Hexed Me

Okay, maybe that's not true. I spent several hours on Friday and Saturday shooting exterior shots of all 14 PFD stations, then went to shoot my opening monologue on Saturday afternoon. (Thanks, Michael Morse, for babysitting my camera for a little bit!) Well, that's when I discovered that my camera isn't feeling so well. The sound was all messed up and the pictures were playing back all pixelated. Great...

So...

Now it's a quest for head cleaning tapes in hopes of correcting the problem. Either that or it's my big sister to the rescue with her camera.

Gotta love it. Stay tuned, kids.

Questions Answered

One of the things that I've repeatedly said in interviews about this film is that I have no current ties to any fire departments, other than the friends I've made along the way. Recently, I've had a lot of people ask me what my affiliations are with fire and police departments. So, in an effort to disclose my ties, these are the people that I'm related to who have been civil or military servants:

1. My Dad: Richard W. Blackman - Alabama National Guard, United States Navy (also trained as a fireman, being that he served on oil tankers), Rhode Island National Guard and Civil Air Patrol, Auxilliary of the United States Air Force.

2. My Grandfathers: Edward A. Conway - United States Army, served in WWI. Providence, RI Fire Department, appointed October, 1931, retired in 1951. Thomas W. Blackman - United States Navy Seabee, served in WWII.

3. Great-Grandfather: John L. Johnson - United States Army, Served in WWI. United States Army Reserve Military Police Officer, stationed at Tennessee Coal & Iron Railroad "village" in Alabama.

4. Great-Uncle: Lewis O'Donnell - Providence Police Officer for approximately three years. Appointed in October, 1931. Quit after breaking his ankle while giving chase to a robbery suspect and finding that no one would help him. Ended up working for Winfield & Sons Funeral Home.

5. Very Distant cousins: Captain Ronald Gilchrist - Providence Fire Department (Retired). Didn't even know him until about five years ago. Jack and Bill O'Donnell - Correctional Officers at the Rhode Island ACI. Joseph O'Donnell - Pawtucket Police Department (Retired). Major Stephen O'Donnell - second in command of the Rhode Island State Police. Never met him. There are others, including a Canadian Mountie, though I have never met them.

So, hopefully this will put to rest those questions. Yes, my family has a rich history of public service - being that we're a bunch of Irishmen, that's no big surprise, really.

My passion for the subject of the job of firefighting comes solely from my own heart. I wanted to be a firefighter and was unable to do so. Now, years later, I find that I am able to help gain some public support for America's Bravest by telling their story and giving some sense of humanity to them. People take firefighters for granted - they aren't people unless you're directly effected by their work.

I can attest personally to the fact that they are human... very human. With very human feelings and very human passion for the work that they do, despite all of the negativity that surrounds them.

So no - I'm not married to a firefighter, not dating one, not related to anyone currently on the job (at least not closely enough to be thought of that way) and I have nothing to gain from this project.

I have gained, though. I've gained an adopted family - and they have been there for me through good times and bad - especially now, as my family learns of the return of my father's lung cancer. They have come out in full force offering their support, love and friendship. For that, I am truly blessed.

Possible Delays

Hello, All...

First, let me thank everyone for their notes about the Channel 12 piece. I greatly appreciate the continued support and encouragement - it means a great deal to me.

Unfortunately, I may run into some delays with getting the film finished. My father, Rick, had lung cancer just about a year and a half ago. He had a procedure done called a Tumor Ablation at that time and the tumor was thought to be gone as a result. Sadly, we found out yesterday that it is now growing again. We don't know what he is up against with treatment this time, or if he can even have treatments because of his diminished lung capacity. At any rate, this may cause delays in being able to get the film done.

I will try to keep posting to warn of any delays, but I do plan to try to keep busy with this project. It will help in the horrible waiting process when dealing with a family member with cancer.

Thanks again to all for your continued support.

Be well & stay safe, everyone.

Erin

"Street Stories" Piece

http://www.wpri.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=2333822&at1=News&h1=Street Stories: A Day in the Life of a Firefighter

Above is the link to the video from "Street Stories".

"Street Stories"

Wow - okay. I am very happy about the "Street Stories" segment that was just aired on WPRI Channel 12. I was really happy that they talked about my granddad. I was also happy that they used pieces of me talking about how firefighters never get used to seeing the things they see and some of the video they used was stuff that I didn't even know they were taping. I'm pleased.

I'm sad that they did not use the piece with me talking about DAC Mike Day - which came right after the bit that they used where I was talking about the cancer and heart issues - but that's okay.

I was pleasantly surprised and I thank Walt Buteau and John Villella of WPRI Channel 12 for their support and for making this story feel more about "My Firefighters" than it was about me. I appreciate that more than I can say.

If you missed the piece tonight, it airs again tomorrow morning (Saturday, March 29th) at 7 am. That might be good for some of the firefighters hoping to catch it, but for the rest of us... oy!



You can click on the link above if you are not in the Southern New England Area. Once you get there, click on the "Video" tab at the top of the page and choose "Street Stories". it will bring you to their homepage. I don't know when the piece will be posted for viewing, but check back if you don't see it.

Thanks to everyone for your support!

Channel 12 News... Again...

Hey, All -

Provided the ridiculous basketball junk gets through eating up the airwaves before 6 pm tonight, the "Street Stories" piece on the film will air on tonight's news broadcast at that time. If it is, once again, preempted by the games, then it will air next Friday, April 4th at 6 PM and again on Saturday, April 5th at 7 am.

Keep your fingers crossed - hopefully I can have a relaxing weekend!

Preempted

Sorry, everyone. Seems as though Channel 12 bumped us because of the basketball game going into overtime.

I spoke with someone at the station and she said that it will either air next Friday or the one after, depending upon whether the news gets preempted again or not.

So much for being able to relax about this... aaarrrgghhh!!

Thanks to those who tuned in, anyway.

Channel 12 News

If you saw my post from yesterday, you know what this is about. If not, please read that one first.

The piece will air tomorrow, March 21st at 6 pm on Channel 12. It apparently is re-run on Saturday mornings at 7 am, but who's up then? LOL

Here's a link to their video blog about the piece.


Street Stories Video Blog 3/19

Awkwardly Being Me

Okay, so if you've been following along on this fantastic journey of mine, you've seen that last year, two newspaper writers contacted me and wrote articles about the project. As I've stated before - this is always awkward for me because in my mind, the story is about the firefighters, not me. However, I do understand that THEIR story is about a woman who has nothing to do with the fire department but is shooting a documentary about it anyway.

This morning, I got up at my usual 6:30 (ish) and went through my usual morning routine. I was nervous - this time would be different. I was getting ready to meet with Walt Buteau of Channel 12 News to shoot a piece for his series, "Street Stories", about the documentary project. The last two instances of publicity for the project involved meeting for coffee and a super-long phone conversation, both of which were followed up by a couple of e-mails for clarification. This time involved ME being in FRONT of the camera. Allow me to digress...

I started my theatrical career when I was a toddler. No, I'm not kidding. My family used to do parties and events as a clown family and I did that with them when I was just a year or two old. My "stage name" then was "Smiley" and I even had my own signature denim hat with yellow daisies sewn onto it. I do remember a couple of events that we did, but I don't remember it well. My first real "stage" performance took place in 1976 at Providence City Hall's Bicentennial event. It wasn't a speaking part, but it was very important. I was dressed as the Statue of Liberty. Mom's Girl Scout troop, of which I was the mascot, put on a mini-cabaret of patriotic songs and at the end of it, the girls formed a "V", then split apart and I came walking out in the middle of all of them. That even made the evening news at the time. I have since done a great many stage plays and have done some film work in the past - I appeared in a cable tv documentary years ago for Girl Scouts and I've also made corporate-type videos. So, needless to say, being in front of a camera doesn't normally faze me - it's not foreign territory for me.

This morning, however, was different. I think I pinpointed the problem - once again, this isn't about ME. This wasn't an acting job - I had to be me. I didn't have the "comfort zone" of playing a character. I wasn't able to hide behind that mask of the theatre. That's kind of scary.

Anyway, the weather this morning was awful - cold, rainy... the type of day that makes you want to crawl back into bed, pull up the covers and hope for the sun tomorrow morning. Walt called me around 8:30 - we were originally planning to shoot the piece in front of the Washington Street Fire Station in Providence. Well, that wasn't such a great idea in the nasty weather conditions. Luckily, I had called my good friend, Lt. Ernie Young, last night and talked with him about the possibility of filming with him and the guys on Engine 8. Ernie, as always, was willing to help out however he could. I suggested this to Walt and he thought it was perfect, so we agreed to meet at the Messer Street Fire Station instead for 9:30.

Excellent. A stay of execution! So I regrouped and geared myself up for then. As per usual... with the unpredictability of the fire service... all was not well.

I had tried to get hold of Ernie and was unable to. That told me that they were catching early morning runs - probably rescue in nature, because when there's a drop of rain falling from the sky, all hell breaks loose on the roads. I got to the station and a short time later, Walt and John, his cameraman, showed up. We agreed to wait for them for a bit. After a few minutes, Walt began to ask me questions about the project - a pre-interview, if you will. He sat in the Eyewitness News truck and I sat in my car on the ramp at the station exchanging questions and answers. Just as I was about to suggest trying to find another venue, Engine 8 returned to quarters. I ran in and talked quickly with Ernie to let him know what was happening, said hello to "my guys" and then introduced Walt and John to them.

The next forty minutes were a bit of a blur. John had me put on a microphone - which automatically made my stomach knot up - and the next thing I knew, I was talking with Walt about the project. I didn't even realize that John was filming part of it as we spoke. Once I was aware of the camera, I just tried to ignore it as best I could and focus on talking with Walt. After talking with me for a bit, they decided that they wanted to get some footage of me filming with Ernie. I took out my camera and started to talk with Ernie, who was explaining the Engine's function and purpose to the fire service. Ernie, being a rather shy type, was a bit nervous about doing this. Initially, he tried to get Todd Jones to do it. I think we all knew that wasn't going to happen - he's even more shy than Ernie is. Ernie did agree to do it and I began to film with him. John followed me around with his camera as I filmed Ernie talking about the Engine.

So, the piece is shot. I don't know yet when it will air, but I'll post the date when I find out. We milled around and talked for a little while afterward and once I left the station it hit me again. This isn't about me - it's about the firefighters. However, as I've said before, it does gain attention for the project and people will be looking for it. Hopefully they will remember and when it's ready to air, they'll watch.

More importantly - they'll learn about the true value of these amazing men and women who have dedicated their lives to the fire service. Hopefully my admiration and respect for them will become contagious. With any luck.

Inspiration

15 Mar 08

I spent the morning very nervous, praying that this meeting today would not be a cause of upset to this fine family. I got my equipment together and tried to relax a little bit before I got going. I left home and headed over to the Providence College area of town toward the home - my meeting was scheduled for 2 PM and I was running on time. I got to my destination and found a parking space, took a deep breath, grabbed my equipment and headed for the porch. I took a moment before I rang the bell.

The door was answered by a pretty young lady wearing a high school sweatshirt. She looked to be about 16 or so, very polite, inviting me in. Cindy Day, the wife of DAC Michael J. Day, came walking toward me from down the hall. We greeted each other warmly and she said that she had some other visitors there that I may know. She led me to the kitchen, where Chris Janitto was standing with his two girls. Cindy introduced me to her daughter, Stephanie, who had answered the door and let me in. Chris introduced me to his girls, as well. They had stopped by to visit the Days during their travels. We all spent some time visiting for a little while and a short time later, we were joined by Michael, Cindy's son. Once Chris and his girls left, Cindy, Stephanie, Michael and I all sat down and we talked about the project. Cindy and Michael were familiar with the work I've been doing, but Stephanie wasn't. I didn't know how the rest of the family was going to react to what I was trying to do, but I wanted to give them the opportunity to decide whether or not they wanted to participate. Once everything was explained, Cindy and the kids began telling me the story of June 13, 2006.

I cannot fathom what these people went through that night. When Battalion Chief Ken Bock showed up at the house, Brianne, the Day's third child, went to answer the door, as Cindy was in the basement doing laundry. Brianne looked out the window, saw a Chief's vehicle and thought it was her father, Mike. She opened the door and there stood Ken, according to Cindy, white as a ghost, explaining that they had to go with him. Cindy, having been married for 22 years to Mike, knew that this was not good. Their youngest, Stephanie, was babysitting. Michael was at work. Their oldest daughter, Amanda, was away at school in Virginia. Ken told her not to worry about Michael and Stephanie - that he would have them picked up. Police officers were sent to pick them up. Cindy called them and let them know while they were en route to Rhode Island Hospital. Once she had called the kids, Cindy finally asked Ken if he could tell her what was going on. All Ken could say to her was, "he coded." Cindy knew that meant he had had a heart attack, but she wasn't expecting the worst.

They arrived at RI Hospital's ER and were rushing down the hall toward where a large group of chiefs and firefighters had gathered. Then Chief David Costa stopped her in the hall and asked her if she knew that Mike had been pronounced dead. Costa comforted the women for a few moments before escorting them into the room where Mike's body lay. While Cindy and Brianne began their grieving process, Michael was dropped off at the hospital by a Providence Police Officer. He went directly into the room and by his own account, just assumed that his father had a heart attack, but would be okay. He recounted that he didn't notice that the heart monitor, still hooked up to Mike's chest, was not actually on. He stood on one side of the gurney, reached across his father's body and took his mother's hands, telling her it would be okay, that Mike was strong.

"No, Michael," Cindy replied to her son, "it won't be okay. He's already gone."

Michael told me that just as he was about to completely "lose it", someone came in and said that "the other daughter" was there, meaning Stephanie, the youngest. The family rushed out to the hall, not wanting Stephanie to walk in until she had been told that Mike was already gone. They took her into a nearby sitting room and broke the news to her, then returned to the room where Mike was. After a while, Cindy walked out of the room and began seeing people from outside the department - civilians, family friends. She asked one woman how she knew and was told that Mike's name had been announced on the 10 PM news. Her thoughts immediately went to Amanada, who was in Virginia. She and Michael rushed outside to call her, but it was too late. Someone had already called to give their condolences. Cindy was devastated and furious that his name had been released before the family had been notified.

That was only the beginning of what was to come. Chief Costa and union President Paul Doughty worked together with the Day family to prepare a funeral for Mike with full departmental honors. It would be a difficult week for the family, but they had the support of an entire fire department and their blood relatives, as well. Firefighters did all of the work around the house - cooking, mowing the lawn - you name it, it got done. Battalion Chiefs chauffered the family around to get clothing and flowers for the funeral. They were never alone.

What is truly amazing about this family, to me, is the grace with which they dealt with this situation. Cindy was strong, elegant and realized that although she, her own children and their extended family were grieving, so were the firefighters. The people on duty at Washington Street Station that night worked on Mike themselves, trying desperately to save him. She knew that they would be devastated, as well - he was family to them. She told her children to try as hard as they could to be strong, that their fire family would be grieving, too. Stephanie volunteered to read a prayer during the funeral mass and Michael asked to give his father's eulogy. Whenever I mentioned not knowing where they got their strength from, they all had the same answer - Mike (or Dad). Mike was "the rock" of the family - their go-to guy. The children stepped up and did what they had seen their father do so many times before.

The hardest part of the entire thing for them? Again, their answer was the same across the board. Watching the firefighters and seeing the pain on their faces. That feeling of helplessness that they just cannot digest. Cindy added one more item to that - the firefighters' wives. She said that they each had that look of "my God, this could have been my husband". Cindy told me that she told every single one of them to hold on to their men - appreciate them now and do not take them for granted.

Once all of the ceremonies were done and Mike was laid to rest, the family finally set about their own grieving process. They still had all of the support that they needed, though. Ken Bock came to Cindy and asked her about the renovations that Mike had been in the middle of when he passed. He had gotten some of the work done on their home and was preparing to do some more. She explained what was left to do and Ken told her not to worry about it. He showed up that weekend with an army of firefighters. They ripped out walls, painted, built an island in the kitchen, did tile work, redid the basement - everything that Mike had intended to do was done.

There is so much more to this story and after talking with the family - for a full six hours, by the way - I have been moved, humbled and inspired by their strength. This family is truly amazing and I am honored to include their story in this film. Michael and Stephanie each want to film a segment for it - I'll be in touch with them soon for that. I could write for another two hours about all that they shared with me, but a good deal of it will not be shared - it was simply me listening to a family remembering their loved one. It was an afternoon and evening filled with sad and funny and amazing tales of a great man and his incredible family.

I guess the only way I can sum this up is to say that Mike, I'm sure, was very proud of his wife and family and all that they built together. I'm sure that somewhere, he still is proud, too, of all how far they've come since his passing.

My eternal thanks to Cindy, Stephanie and Michael for sharing so much with me - and for their support and encouragement with this project.

Update on the Film

Hello, all...

For those who have been wondering what the hell happened to the film... I haven't quit with it. Things have been a little hectic with my actual, paying job, which has put a bit of a damper on everything. However... that being said...

I have some outside filming that needs to be done. However, I have not been able to do it because it's either been raining, snowing, or thirteen degrees outside on my days off. Some of the filming also requires another person to work with me operating the camera. I also need to contact three people for filming, which I will be doing this week.

So, fear not - the film will be completed. It's just been tough with scheduling and weather conflicts.

Keep visiting for updates!

Be well & stay safe out there.

Interesting... Very Interesting...

I've learned my lesson. If I am at an emergency room for some reason, there will be firefighters that I know who will see me there and get a little nervous. For that matter, there will be firefighters who know me and will stop to say hello - even if I don't know them.

On Friday morning, while working at the animal hospital, my best friend (and photographer), Fran, was bitten quite severely by a cat. The bite is at the base of her thumb on her right hand. She was seen at a walk-in, treated (basically) and released to return to work. The doctor at the walk-in faxed a prescription and Fran said she'd pick it up after work. Apparently, no one really understood just how serious this bite was. It is very, very deep and cuts into the muscle of her hand. I picked her up from work, we stopped on the way home and got her medication - doxicycline. When she got home, she took her first dose.

A few hours later, she noticed a red line traveling up her arm. NOT a good sign. The area around the wound was turning a deep red. We talked about it and I was ready to take her to the hospital right then. We finally decided to call over to the JFD and ask if we could bring her to the station to have a paramedic look at it - we were trying to determine if the line was actually an impression on her skin from the sweatshirt that she was wearing or if an infection was brewing. They ended up sending the rescue out to us and the guys said that they thought she could wait until morning, but if it was worse, to go back to the ER. She was actually scheduled to work on Saturday morning and planned on going in. We woke up around the same time - about 5:15 AM and her hand was worse, and so was the line up her arm. We decided to take her over to RIH. We ended up there from about 6 AM until after 2 PM. She was given IV antibiotics.

While we were there, a handsome young guy in a PFD uniform rounded the corner. I didn't recognize him, but he recognized me. He pleasantly stopped, backtracked, waved and gave me a "how are ya?", smiled and walked away. Fran asked me to make a couple of phone calls a few minutes later and I went outside to do it. I walked down toward the Rescue bays and found that the young man was still there - I think he was riding on Rescue 3, but I could be wrong. He saw me and got out of the rig, approaching and introducing himself to me. His name is Matt Tadry - very nice guy. We talked for a few minutes, of course inclusive of why I was there. He wished us well and off he and Captain Raymond went to go back into service for their next call. As I stood there, I realized that my friends, Zach Kenyon and Michael Morse were also scheduled to be working. I figured I'd give them each a buzz and let them know. I didn't get to see Zach, but Michael did end up at RIH - and stopped in quickly to wish Fran well. I caught him for a minute before he left, too.

It's funny - I don't really think about this stuff ahead of time and I guess I didn't really expect it, either. It was nice, though, to know that whether or not I know them, these guys know that they have an automatic friend in me. It made me feel good in the midst of a scary situation.

Sometimes they don't realize that they're helping us - it is just who they are. Hopefully, that will show itself in my film.

It's Official - I'm A Dork.

10 Feb 08

But as usual, my dorkieness (I know that isn't a word) paid off.

So as I said in my last post about Fire Alarm, I filmed this great segment with Larry Warner explaining the Form Four Console (the box alarm board). Yes, I was all excited about that segment. Then I sat down to review my footage at home.

I'm watching the footage and all of a sudden, just when I'm thinking, "oh, good, Larry's part is coming up...", I see some lovely footage of my own feet walking across the floor at Fire Alarm. Then some great shots of me sitting down in the chair and some fantastic images of the counter beside me.

Yup - that confirmed it - I'm a dork. I THOUGHT that I had hit the record button when Larry was talking about the console, but apparently I didn't depress it completely. Then when I THOUGHT I had shut it off, it was recording. Duh.

So, I get in touch with Larry and we make plans to reshoot that scene. He sent me an e-mail in response thanking me for "pretending" to film him. LOL At any rate, I went back this past Friday and reshot the scene with him. I was introduced to two dispatchers, Ronald Dinocco and Paul Cunha. I took some footage of Ron dispatching a call and of Paul taking a call for help (an auto accident on Brook Street, if I recall... thought the location was interesting). {Yes, that is an inside joke with my Boys at Fire Alarm!} ;-) Apparently, my presence with camera in hand is said to have made a wonderful impression upon certain dispatchers who shall remain nameless. I was once again assured that I could return any time - preferably every day or at least six days a week.

Well, I now have the footage I needed and it's lit much better, as well - and I gained some more live call footage with some more members of Fire Alarm. They really are an awesome group and it's been a pleasure to work with them.

As I was leaving, Capt. Bill Moise was there. He had thought I was going to hang out for the night and shoot some more video. It probably wouldn't have been a bad idea, but I was tired, so I let the boys get back to their work.

I'm beginning to wish I could hang out with these guys all the time! :-)

Woo-Hoo! Fire Alarm's Done!

25 Jan 08

I did, in fact, make it to Fire Alarm today, which is housed on West Exchange Street - down behind the building that I will ALWAYS call The Civic Center! (I REFUSE to call it by the "new name".) Anyway...

I arrived at 11 am and was brought to see Chief Jim Taylor. He brought me over to the room where the dispatchers are and as we walked in, my friend Kevin Gomes turned around in his chair. With a huge smile on his face, his first words to me were, "did you bring food?"

I knew at that moment that the day would be a fun one!

I was happy to see that Jim and Kevin were not the only two of my friends there today, but Larry Warner was also working. I was introduced to Capt. Bill Moise and Dispatchers Bob Papa, Sr., Mark Kearney (the new guy) and the world-famous John Lanzone. (Okay, maybe not WORLD famous, but famous in MY world.) Let me explain...

I have been listening to the PFD scanner for a few years now and the first time I listened, there was this one guy who cracked me up. He seemed like he was the kind of guy who was really great at his job - very professional - but able to bring a little levity to the situations when needed. To most people - even firefighters on the Providence Fire Department, he's just a voice that directs companies to go to where they're needed. It seems to me, though, that he's more than that to most people on the department.

Back to the filming. I got my camera set up and did some lighting tests. I was concerned about low light levels, but I think I managed to overcome that. A good portion of it can be corrected in post-production, anyway, but any good photographer takes care of it at the time of the shoot (yes, that's Fran talking!). Ya work with what ya got, folks. I finally got everything set up how I wanted it and it started out slow, not a lot going on. That didn't last long, though. The phones started ringing and I started filming. During a quieter moment, Larry Warner (who just made Lieutenant - YAY LARRY!) explained the board that handles all of the box alarms in the City. (Box alarms are master alarms inside commercial buildings and high-rises, as well as the pull-boxes that are on telephone poles that you can pull for emergency situations.) I talked about the job with each of the guys at one point or another, during the in-between-call times.

What was truly amazing, though, was watching John Lanzone. This guy's been on the job for thirty-two years and is masterful at what he does. You can rattle off any random street name in the City of Providence and he can tell you which companies would be dispatched to it, right off the top of his head. I watched as he dispatched calls to various companies and as he finished dispatching on the box alarms (possible fire calls), I noticed that he would start writing down other available trucks. He explained to me that he does that in case there is an actual fire and another alarm needs to be sent out. He's pre-planning, even though the likelihood of an actual fire is fairly small. He does this every time, just in case. Even after all these years on the job, he never EXPECTS that a call will be a false alarm. He anticipates what will be needed and gets it together on a piece of scrap paper, off to the side. It really is amazing to watch.

Once I got into the groove of what I was doing and the phones started going, I was able to follow a full call, from the phone being answered through the dispatching of units to the scene. The call comes in and is answered by a one dispatcher, in this case, Mark. Mark speaks to the person, gets the pertinent information and before he even hangs up with the caller, the "run card" is on the second dispatcher's computer screen. In this case, it was John Lanzone. He finds the available companies and tips the alarms via a switchboard for each station. He then announces the call over the voc-alarm system, which I've talked about before.

"Attention Engine 2 and Rescue 5 a still alarm." He pauses. "That's Engine 2 and Rescue 5, respond to eleven-twelve, that's eleven-hundred and twelve North Main Street at Radiation Oncology for a report of a man having difficulty breathing." He pauses again and repeats the information, adding, "he has just had a radiation treatment and is now having difficulty breathing." Several seconds later, a voice responds to John. "Engine 2, received." John keys the voc alarm. "Rescue 5?" A moment later, they respond. "Rescue 5 received and on the way."

John turns and begins explaining some of the Standard Operating Procedures to me, but his ear is always tuned to the radio. There is also a foot pedal that keys the radio, so even if his hands aren't close to the button, he can still step on the pedal to respond. As he's speaking with me, a call comes back. "Engine 2 on the scene." John immediately steps on the pedal, turns to the microphone and responds. "Engine 2 you're on the scene at 12:42." He turns back to me and picks right back up where he left off. "Engine 2 to Fire Alarm," a voice announces. John's footpedal immediately activated. "Go ahead, Engine 2," John responds. "Be advised, patient is an elderly male. He has had a radiation treatment we're getting further vitals. We have him on O2 now." John wastes no time. "Received, Engine 2. Rescue 5?" They respond. "Rescue 5 received." He returns to explaining the operating procedures to me. A few moments later, his explaination is cut off by Rescue 5. "Rescue 5 on the scene." Again, he steps on the pedal. "Rescue 5 you're on the scene at 12:46."

It's an incredible little dance that these people do. All the while, phones are ringing and other things are going on, which is why there are multiple dispatchers in the room. When everything hits the fan all at once - and believe me, it does - there are enough people there to handle all of the traffic, even if there are multiple companies at multiple locations.

I was told about the night that the Motiva Pier went up in flames, a stormy night that was already crazy. Once that fire started, all hell broke loose and what's worse, the power was knocked out and the computers at Fire Alarm were lost. John Lanzone was working that night and more people were called in to handle the multitudes of calls going on that evening. While Motiva was burning, there were downed power lines, motor vehicle accidents - all kinds of insanity. John was handling a good deal of the traffic from the mobile incident command unit because of the loss of power.

What did I learn today? It takes a whole hell of a lot of work to be a dispatcher for the fire department. They aren't just some schmuck with a radio who calls out a company to respond to a call. You have to be on your toes and ready for anything. It's the heartbeat of the Fire Department... where it all starts and where it all finishes.

"Engine 2 in quarters and off."

"Engine 2, you're in and off at 13:10," Lanzone responds.

"Rescue 5 transporting to Miriam."

"Rescue 5 to Miriam 13:11."

And when Rescue 5 is finished with the run to Miriam, they will let John Lanzone or Larry Warner or Kevin Gomes or Bob Papa or Mark Kearney know that they are available and they or one of the many others at Fire Alarm will respond.

"Rescue 5 available..."

On and on it goes, folks. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They're always there, waiting to listen to us, waiting to send the firefighters out to help us and manage communications during the runs. It's truly an incredible operation.

My deepest thanks to Battalion Chief Jim Taylor and all at Fire Alarm for letting me hang out with them today. John Lanzone - thanks for giving me a crash-course in dispatching. I am honored to be able to say that you trained me!

Oh, and Kevin... I hope you actually did share that chocolate cream pie I came back with later on.

Stuff

So, I should be filming at Fire Alarm this Friday - barring any insanity in the meantime. That will put me so much closer to post-production! I still have a little more to do, some dependent upon weather conditions, others dependent upon scheduling, but we're nearly done with the tough stuff.

I realized the other day that I am, in fact, dragging my feet a little bit. I almost don't want it to be finished. But now, it's so close I can taste it and I want to see the film myself. Yes, I know more about what it looks like than anyone else, but I still want to see the actual, finished product. I'll pick up the pace a little bit and hope for the best.

There is one thing that just sparked the proverbial fire under my butt - I read one of the entries on Michael Morse's blog just now. It's called "Comfort One". I've not heard this term before, but apparently it's a protocol that is in place for terminally ill people. It's a sort of DNR sort of thing, the patient wearing a bracelet and calling only for supplemental oxygen and providing of comfort by EMTs in the event that they are transported to the hospital. Michael, as always, pulls you into the story, speaking of the patient having been transported numerous times by him to the hospital during his courageous battle with cancer. At the end of the piece, he reveals that he transported the patient to the hospital - Hasbro Childrens' Hospital - because the patient is only eight years old. Tears rolled down my cheeks - pain in my heart not only for the child who has only had eight years on this earth and God only knows how many of them were good and his family, who must certainly be dealing with unfathomable pain - but also for Michael and the other First Responders who went to that boy's home.

I know so many people out there who think that firefighters "get used to it". If they only knew... if they only knew how many times firefighters have nightmares about things like this. If they only knew about how a firefighter - days, weeks, months even YEARS later can be driving down a street and see, hear or smell something that reminds them of that little one that they carried out of a scene and burst into tears, pain tearing at their heart. They just don't understand that it never goes away... it just gets tucked behind that brick wall, into that storage unit where all those little ones live forever - they never really die. They live with all of the other horrors that these brave men and women face every single day.

Would YOU ever be able to get "USED TO" this?

Bless them all... each and every one.

Clarification...

As an addendum to the post about Paul Doughty, I want to just take a moment to say that he is not the only firefighter I know that has amazing experience. There are so many others... too many to mention. The point of this post is known to some - others will figure it out.

To the others, the importance of the statement must remain a mystery. It's all part of the plan to make this film work to change the minds of people who are unaware of what firefighters do and who they are.

Okay. 'Nuff said.

Image... It's All About Image....

He's not only the Union President, he's also a Firefighter.

You know, there is something important that must be remembered in the midst of all of the media madness and political mudslinging. Union President or not, Paul Doughty is - FIRST AND FOREMOST - a firefighter.

If you ever saw this guy's credentials, you'd fall over. His involvement in the job of firefighting goes far beyond the fact that he is a member of the PFD's Special Hazards Unit. Federal Emergency Management, Urban Search And Rescue, Heavy Rescue, Incorporated - the list goes on and on, up to and including being an all-around great guy and a good friend.

He's not impressed by his own career. He'll tell you he's just doing his job - he's just a firefighter and that's all there is to it. He's not in it for the glory; he's not in it to be called a hero; he's not in it to be praised by those he helps.

"Has anyone ever come back to find you just to say thank you for helping them?" I asked the question, paying close attention to his immediate reaction. I think the best description of that reaction would be amusement.

"I'm still waiting," he replied. "But that's not important. We know that we help people. We don't need thanks."

I disagree, but I can see his point. I think they should ALWAYS be thanked for what they do.

Who knows, Paul? Maybe you'll get that "thank you" someday - hopefully the film will inspire someone to seek you out just to say that.

Be well & stay safe, my friend.

She's Not Just My Photographer...

she's also my best friend of thirty years.

Fran Paliotta and I met at a Girl Scout meeting in 1978. It took a couple of years, but we became best friends. Over the last thirty years, we've gone through some pretty amazing things - good, bad and indifferent - but we were always there for each other through it all. When she went to photography school in Boston two years ago, I supported her endeavor and did all I could to help her to achieve her goals. She completed the program - finishing with honors and as a Recommended Photographer from the New England School of Photography. It was a gruelling program and she paid dearly for her exhaustive work, battling pneumonia just before the start of her final term. I was incredibly proud of her and her achievements and still am. She becomes a better photographer with each image she creates. I was so happy when she had decided to get on this track because I had told her when we were kids that she should get into photography. She always had the eye for it, she just needed the technical training to hone the skills.

When I began work on this project, I talked with her at length about my plans and about how I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but I knew what I wanted to accomplish. Fran, being Fran, immediately offered to help in any way that she could, whether it be with advice, photographs, music (yes, she's also an accomplished composer and pianist) or just to be there as a support net. Well, I took her up on all of those offers. Her largest contribution, though, has been her photography and it's awesome.

I have dragged this poor kid to bunches of firehouses and had her take images that I'm sure she never would have taken on her own. She's never complained, though - just shot what I needed and donated them without a second thought. You might think it's not such a big deal to take some pictures... but that's not what she does. She talks with me about what I need and then creates the very images that I'd seen in my mind's eye. Her talent for doing that never ceases to amaze me.

Fran has been incredibly generous and I am eternally grateful to her for her support of and participation in my project. See, it helps that she's my best friend because she knows... she sees into my heart and knows that this project means the world to me. It is a labor of love in the utmost sense of the phrase. She knows how important it is and even though she initially had no interest in the subject matter, she has ended up making some great friends, too. She's even donated her time and photographic talents to Local 799, having photographed a Poker Run, the Family Outing and most recently the PFD's picket in East Providence. The firefighters have been great to her and have accepted her into their circle, just as they did with me. THAT makes this all the more wonderful for me because after thirty years, she's more like family to me than anything else.

So, thank you, Frannie - you're the best friend a girl could ever hope to have. I don't know what I would have done without you through any of this.

Here are a few of her images that will be seen in the final film.

Thanks, Eric Norberg & Danny Rinaldi!

A couple of Eric & Danny's images. Thanks, guys... you rock!

Thanks, Joe Arsenault...

A couple of the images that you'll see in the final film... Thanks, Joe!

A Plethora of Photographs!

Ah... the sweet feeling of accomplishment. With each moment of "oh, crap, how am I going to pull THIS one off?" comes the moment of "thank God somebody spent so much time doing this crazy stuff!".

I had posted a note on the Local 799 website forum asking for photo submissions for the documentary. Along comes Joe Arsenault, donating about 15 shots of a truck rollover at the Roger Williams Memorial. Fantastic shots... even shots of the poor schmuck's foot all bent up and stuck under the frame of the truck. No blood, no gore - just great, documentary-style stills of what occurred that day. Beautiful stuff for the Hazards segment. So I went to the Broad Street station and met Joe, had a nice talk with him and that led to him referring me to Lt. Eric Norberg of the West Warwick Fire Department. I was told that Eric had been photographing fireground images since the late '80's and had a ridiculous number of photographs. Hmmm...

So, I contacted Eric and found out that he and Dan Rinaldi of the PFD Hazards Unit had partnered up in taking all of these photographs. The guys generously offered to have me go to the Washington Street Station and review their collection - or at least part of it - then stay for a dinner cooked by the amazing chef himself, Danny. (What a treat THAT was!) So, I went to the station and met with Eric and Dan. They produced four albums chock-full of great images spanning several years up through the mid-nineties. Phenomenal stuff... and then they offered to let me use whatever I wanted to. I thought I was going to pass out. They had no idea how much work they had just eliminated for me! I had visions of sending myself into debt trying to buy images from the Providence Journal Bulletin. Well, that fear has been completely dispelled. For the simple act of giving them each a CD of the images that I scanned, they are donating whatever images I need for the film.

You know, life is tough sometimes and there have been times on this project when I thought that I would tear my hair out with frustration. Delays, scheduling issues, illnesses (on my part - not major, but enough to put me out of commission for a week or two here and there)... on occasion, it was enough to make me say I wanted to abandon the project all together. Then something like this happens... I post a note, someone responds and then they lead me to another who can help in the process. It all seems to come together just when I'm starting to believe that it's falling apart beyond repair.

So... my sincerest thanks to Joe, Eric and Dan for their incredible generosity. Bobby Alvarez has some images, too... I still need to talk with him. It's a beautiful thing, really, when it all seems to fall into place.

Wonderful World of Ladder Companies...

Lou Sackal - God love him. He walked me around Ladder 4, answering questions, opening compartments, showing me what the Ladder trucks carry and telling me what all of it was for. Then, despite the fact that it was freezing cold outside, he offered to pull the truck out and raise the ladder up so I could get some footage. He's a sweetheart - and a life saver!

Lou and I had never met. Jay Fabrizio, my right-hand man, had spoken with him for me. I needed someone to do just what I described above. Jay had left it up to me to explain the project to Lou, which was cool. It seems to make things easier and make people feel a bit less nervous if they get to know me a little bit first. I know it was a bit of an awkward situation for him and I know that he was a bit nervous, but he did a beautiful job of explaining the purpose of the ladder company and the apparatus and equipment they use.

I am eternally grateful to Lou and Jay - my Ladder Segment is complete, now.

Honest, folks - we're chugging along and getting it done. Now that the holidays have passed, maybe I can get my butt in gear and get this film finished!