Roanoke County Wagon and Medic 7′s Crew (summer 2012)

Roanoke County Medic 9 Showing Support for Breast Cancer Awarness

Roanoke County EMS Captain Don Altice. EMS 2 operates out of Station 3 (Fire).

Today I had the distinct honor of meeting up with Fireman/Photographer Mike Sanders of Winchester, VA. Mike and I have corresponded over the years and our Fire Photography paths have crossed on numerous occasions. During our most recent conversation Mike mentioned he would be visiting the city on Business, and that a longstanding wish of his has been to take a tour of the historic “Old #1″ downtown.

A single call was made to Lieutenant Rhett Fleitz and the plan was good to go. I met up with Mike at #1 in the late morning and the tour was on. Among many things Mike and I have shared over the years is a passion for the culture, history and traditions of the Fire Service – and his reactions to the myriad of historical characteristics found at #1 further confirmed that. To be honest, it was like two kids in a candy store! I had been in #1 on numerous occasions and couldn’t wait to show Mike everything from the Ticker Tape to the upstairs bunkroom, Chiefs office/bunk area, bells, poles, flooring, ceiling… and hundreds of other pieces I knew he would “get”.

Following our visit to #1 Mike followed me to Station #5 where Rhett was detailed for part of the tour. Both Rhett and Mike have been in contact with one another over the years yet had never met. Both were excited to finally shake hands, meet one another and share some laughs and stories.

When Mike and I initially discussed his visit last week and desire to see #1 I assured him it could happen. How could I do that? I am not employed by Roanoke City Fire & EMS! I guess my answer to that is exactly what I told Mike over the phone… “Mike, trust me. From all I have experienced this is the kind of Department that is proud of its history, and wants to share it with others”.

Although Rhett was my point of contact and primary facilitator for this to happen I have no doubt anyone else would have stepped up to do the same.

At the time of our visit I made a point to show Mike the meticulously packed cross-lays on the reserve rigs being housed there. Reserve rigs! Once again, Mike was impressed.

Special thanks to the crew at #5 for their hospitality during Mike and I’s visit. You all rock.

Mike Sanders has an extensive resume relating to the Fire Service:

– Two books compiling the apparatus history of both Fairfax and Loudoun County’s
– A regular contributor to Fire & EMS Virginia Magazine
– Longstanding member of the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (Loudoun County, VA):

http://www.ashburnfirerescue.org/

– A phenomenal Apparatus photographer, who’s work can be found at:
www.mnsand.smugmug.com

Mike, it was great to meet! Come back soon! You’re always welcome my friend!

Elderly Patient fallen down a steep 150 foot embankment. Seen are units from Company 7′s Technical Rescue Team, Engine Company 3, Medic 7, EMS 2 and Battalion 1. This Incident took place in late 2012.

Today I had the distinct honor of meeting up with Fireman/Photographer Mike Sanders of Winchester, VA. Mike and I have corresponded over the years and our Fire Photography paths have crossed on numerous occasions. During our most recent conversation Mike mentioned he would be visiting the city on Business, and that a longstanding wish of his has been to take a tour of the historic “Old #1″ downtown.

A single call was made to Lieutenant Rhett Fleitz and the plan was good to go. I met up with Mike at #1 in the late morning and the tour was on. Among many things Mike and I have shared over the years is a passion for the culture, history and traditions of the Fire Service – and his reactions to the myriad of historical characteristics found at #1 further confirmed that. To be honest, it was like two kids in a candy store! I had been in #1 on numerous occasions and couldn’t wait to show Mike everything from the Ticker Tape to the upstairs bunkroom, Chiefs office/bunk area, bells, poles, flooring, ceiling… and hundreds of other pieces I knew he would “get”.

Following our visit to #1 Mike followed me to Station #5 where Rhett was detailed for part of the tour. Both Rhett and Mike have been in contact with one another over the years yet had never met. Both were excited to finally shake hands, meet one another and share some laughs and stories.

When Mike and I initially discussed his visit last week and desire to see #1 I assured him it could happen. How could I do that? I am not employed by Roanoke City Fire & EMS! I guess my answer to that is exactly what I told Mike over the phone… “Mike, trust me. From all I have experienced this is the kind of Department that is proud of its history, and wants to share it with others”.

Although Rhett was my point of contact and primary facilitator for this to happen I have no doubt anyone else would have stepped up to do the same.

At the time of our visit I made a point to show Mike the meticulously packed cross-lays on the reserve rigs being housed there. Reserve rigs! Once again, Mike was impressed.

Special thanks to the crew at #5 for their hospitality during Mike and I’s visit. You all rock.

Mike Sanders has an extensive resume relating to the Fire Service:

– Two books compiling the apparatus history of both Fairfax and Loudoun County’s
– A regular contributor to Fire & EMS Virginia Magazine
– Longstanding member of the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (Loudoun County, VA):

http://www.ashburnfirerescue.org/

– A phenomenal Apparatus photographer, who’s work can be found at:
www.mnsand.smugmug.com

Mike, it was great to meet! Come back soon! You’re always welcome my friend!

Welcome back to RoanokeFire.com. This blog was one of the first of it’s kind on the internet, beginning in March of 2005. The site went silent in 2010, when then editor/author Rhett Fleitz decided to move on to create FireCritic.com.

Please welcome Nate Camfiord as the brand new editor here at The Roanoke Fire Blog. I wish Nate the best in he endeavors as he uncovers the Roanoke Valley and beyond in photos and stories.

Nate has the ability to capture a story within a single photograph. Nate is a photo columnist in the Fire & EMS Virginia Magazine (2011-present). His work (cover photo and images throughout) can also be seen in the new book “25 to Survive” (PennWell Publishing/Fire Engineering). Two videos can be found below that also feature his work.

Here is a little bit about Nate:

After spending most of my life in the DC/Northern Virginia area I relocated to Roanoke in July of 2012. After years as an operational Firefighter/Paramedic I had to “hang up my gear” for the last time in 2011 due to a rare neurological condition. Since then my primary focus (which initially began in 2008) has been Fire Service photography. It’s been on the job training. As time passed I realized my true passion in terms of photography has been to tell “The Fireman’s Story”… in as many ways as possible.

When I moved to Roanoke I was blown away by the Fire Service in this area. I sensed so much pride, commitment, tradition, dedication and brotherhood. As I said to a friend “The Fire Service here in Roanoke is the best kept secret in the state”. I am both honored and humbled that Rhett Fleitz is willing to hand over Roanokefire.com to me. I hope that in time I can earn your trust, develop a positive reputation and tell YOUR story. It’s one that deserves to be told.

Most respectfully, Nate Camfiord

Please do me a favor in welcoming Nate to his new role as editor/author/photographer here at RoanokeFire.com. You can contact Nate at 5bucksamanphoto@gmail.com.

- Rhett Fleitz