The Pyromedic - Capt. Michael Heeder

A sabbatical is defined as any extended period of leave from one's customary work, esp. for rest, to acquire new skills or training. With everything going on in my real place of employment, I just couldn’t sit and enjoy my writing, so when I get that way, I have to take a break. It is good to be back. During the month of June my department, along with departments all over the country, participated in the National Firefighter and EMS Worker Safety and Survival Week. We covered topics ranging fro… Continue

Gus was a good ole girl. This past Memorial Day weekend, while we all paused to remember those soldiers who gave their lives for their country, my family paused to remember a beloved member of our family who died on Sunday. Gus was a chocolate Labrador retriever puppy we found and adopted from the Humane Society back in 1994 when my son was just a toddler. She was named Gus because we were told she was a he – but after discovering the mistake, we opted to make it “Gustina”. Gus had a large ba… Continue

OK, OK - I know - it has been a while since my last posting. There has been a lot going on, so here is a touch of the latest... My son David, who is now driving, has been promoted to Lieutenant in his JROTC at Interlachen High School. He, like me, appreciates how much more enjoyable it was before vecoming an Officer, but he is excited about what lies ahead. Coming up this week he will be inducted into the National Honor Society. Rock on, Dude. Meanwhile, Bear continues to play the clarinet in… Continue

So have you ever spent time vegging out in front of the TV only to find yourself watching one of the National Geographic or Discovery shows on wild animals in Africa? Occasionally I find stories of wild animals, but I think my favorite is the hippo. Why the hippo? Because the hippo is the perfect animal personification of a house fire. We have all been there. The caller reports smoke coming from the house and we arrive to find a little room and contents fire. It looks like no big deal. After a… Continue

Back in 2004 I wrote in a newspaper column I have that we as firefighters have gotten away from “you’re welcome”. The topic recently resurfaced and I couldn't help but think about it again.

I do not normally listen to talk radio. I like my music, eclectic as it is, but recently I tuned in to a talk radio station to hear a conversation that really struck a chord with me.

We have gotten away from “you’re welcome”.
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