I believe that I have the coolest job in the world, every kid’s dream. Just imagine being a video guy and a firefighter too!
Well I did both this past week. ScribeMedia sent Drew Ravani and myself to cover a story of interest and fun. The conference was called, “Fire 2008.” It was the 102nd annual NYSAFC, fire industry, rescue, & EMS Expo. The event was held in Lake George NY.
This assignment reminded me of days gone by, when I tooled around as a volunteer Firefighter in Rockland County NY, specifically the Hillcrest Fire Company #1. I’m technically still a member but at the moment, inactive… The state conference is a aggregation point for Firefighters and officers, not only from New York but also nationally and internationally. It’s a place where new friends are made and old acquaintances meet to share technical and safety information, also yesterday’s tales of exploits.
With over 280 exhibitors, there’s loads of cool new equipment to play with. Including fire trucks, public safety equipment, tools, new firefighting technologies, and emergency medical services (EMS) equipment.
The show’s main exhibit area is adjacent to Million Dollar Beach on the shores of Lake George. The educational programs were held several miles up the lake at the historic Sagamore Hotel over looking the picturesque Adirondack Mountains.
The weather was A-1 perfect. We received permission to film from the top of a 109 foot Tower Ladder, really cool, especially since I haven’t even been up on a footstool since 2002. A bit bouncy up there, I was reminded of high school physics, Newton’s third law, “for every action there is an equal and opposing reaction” especially when Drew swung around quickly to get the wide-angle lake shot. The views where awesome… after a few nervous out takes I finally caught my breath, it was just long enough to spit out my open lines.
Covering the event was an honor, I sat in on some excellent educational sessions and interviewed our nation’s finest Fire Chiefs and officers — just to be around these tough brave souls was inspirational, not unlike meeting a favorite hero.
Some of the guys I got to interview included the legendary Alan Brunacini A.K.A. “America’s Fire chief,” Chief John J. Salka Jr. of FDNY, and the author of “First in Last Out,” Chief Chikerotis of the Chicago FD the author of “Firefighters From The Heart,” Washington DC’s Chief Dennis L. Rubin, Farmington Hills Michigan Chief Richard A. Marinucci, and Lieutenant Mike Mason from Downers Grove, Il.
I even got an exclusive with NY congressman Steve Israel. Israel is on the House Appropriations Committee and is promising an increase in fire & first responder funding. We’ll see.
Anyway, it was an experience that now resides in my memory bank. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.
