By Frank E. Vaerewyck, “The Firehouse Foodie”
For September 11th, events were being planned all over the country, especially in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. That one day in 2001, changed the world forever, but do you really remember how we felt that day? The main street media and soft at heart have taken the pictures and videos away because they are too harsh to see. That day can be recalled as a “where were you memory” for my generation, much as the assassination of President Kennedy was for my parents’ generation and many others who are reading this today. That fateful day in history, when we in the fire service lost 343 of our brothers, still runs deep as a scar for us. Though we may have not known them personally, when a firefighter dies, it affects us deeply. When the Charleston 9 lost their lives in the Charleston Super Sofa Store fire June 18, 2007, we all held heavy hearts.
On June 28, 2013, 19 City of Prescott Firefighters were killed in the Yarnell Hill fire when an out of control wildfire over ran them, but the Firefighters that died in New York City didn’t die because of a fire going horribly wrong, they died due to the buildings collapsing after a horrific terrorist attack and just as they did, we know we have it in our hearts to run in like they did and save as many as we can, it could have been anyone of us, and we know this.
Though 9/11 is not at the forefront of most people’s memories, for some it is relived every day. For the people that were there and survived, the families that lost loved ones, and those that made it out of the towers alive, 13 years is not enough time to put it behind. In my humble opinion, 9/11 should be a national holiday, but since that has not happened as of yet, it is great to see our fellow brothers and others that feel much like I do come together and support programs like the Remembrance Project.
The Remembrance Rescue Project, according to their website, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit created by firefighters to restore, preserve and share Rescue Trucks 4 & 5 from 9/11 as educational tools, historical artifacts and memorials. The Project works with fire departments across the country to host the Rescues throughout the year. The Project coordinates with host fire departments to facilitate 9/11 educational programming, memorials and remembrance events. The Project strives to keep the memories alive of those lost on September 11th and all firefighters killed in the line of duty every year. The Project is 100% operated by firefighters from across the country volunteering their time. There are no paid members within the Remembrance Rescue Project. Donations are used for fuel, maintenance and travel costs for the Rescues. You can learn more and support the Remembrance Rescue Project at www.Remembrance.co and “That’s Bringing the Firehouse Home!”
Biscuits and Gravy
Ingredients:
1 Can refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits
12 ounce package of pork sausage
3 cups milk
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
Heat oven to 350°F.
Open biscuits and bake as directed on can with a baking stone or cookie sheet.
In large skillet cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, stirring frequently.
Using a wire whisk, stir in flour, salt and ground black pepper, gradually stirring in milk, cooking until mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Half warm biscuits and place on plate, serve sausage mixture over warm biscuit halves. Enjoy.
Frank Vaerewyck has had a passion for the fire service that has spanned 20 years. He has been a volunteer and career firefighter and is currently a firefighter/EMT with the Manassas (VA) Volunteer Fire Company. He has passed on his passion for the fire service through instruction and mentorship. That same passion he has for the fire service is shared with his love of food. In 2006, Vaerewyck won an Iron Chef-style competition sponsored by a radio station in Richmond, Virginia. That is where he also furthered his education by attending a Culinary Arts Program. As the Firehouse Foodie, he has been compiling recipes to be included in a cookbook that will give others the opportunity to see their hometown heroes not just as firefighters, but as the firehouse chefs they truly are.
