Random Thoughts
Joe Duggan
Firefighter
City of New York (NY) Fire Department
I`d like to take this opportunity to thank Tom Brennan for his article “Pearls, Oysters, Phoenix, Ashes” (Random Thoughts, December 1995). I am a firefighter with Engine Company 233 in Bedford-Stuy-vesant/East New York, Brooklyn. Recently I was involved in a “mess” from which I learned a valuable lesson.
In November 1995, we responded to a second alarm on Livonia Street around the corner from Engine 290`s quarters. To make a long story short, we stretched a line to the rear of the fire building and prepared to advance into the basement through a window. I had the nozzle and began to knock down the fire in the basement, just prior to pushing into the building. I donned my SCBA and jumped into the basement.
Unfortunately, I only “cracked” the supply valve of my air supply. Consequently, my air malfunctioned, and I lost the supply to my mask. (The valve froze, requiring me to give the nozzle to my backup while I struggled with the bottle.) Anyway, I felt like a clown when it came time to advance, and for about two weeks I was really angry with myself.
My lieutenant told me not to worry, that these things happen! This brings me to the point of my letter. Brennan`s article hit home. It reinforced my view that as long as we learn from our mistakes, it can only make us better firefighters.
Once again, thanks to Brennan for an inspirational column. Random Thoughts is always the first section I turn to in the magazine.
