September 23rd – Salem and Roanoke City take in a 2-Alarm job on Conehurst Blvd. Units on the Assignment: Salem Engine Companies 1, 2 and 3, Tower Ladder 1, Salem Battalion Chief, Salem Rescue. Roanoke City Engine Companies 13 and 4, Ladder 5 and Battalion 2. Roanoke County Air 9 also assisted on scene. All photos courtesy of D.A.

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https://www.facebook.com/RoanokeFire

Tomorrow morning I will be embarking on my first FDNY-343 110 story climb. I was unable to make any of the numerous events this past weekend and there aren’t any close by tomorrow. Time to make some calls – which I did. The tallest building here in Roanoke is the Wells Fargo Tower downtown, featuring only 21 floors, which means 5 trips up + 5 more stories. The first thing I had to do was contact the company who owns the building to get permission to climb the stairwell. They were MORE than cooperative and accommodating. In fact, the individual I spoke with was AT Ground Zero on 9/11/01… and she was profoundly moved to learn that Firefighters around the world dedicated themselves to such a solemn commemoration to their fallen brothers on an annual basis.

I was intent on completing this in full gear and air pack. Problem: I didn’t HAVE an air pack. As with all my experiences with the Roanoke Valley Fire Service I made 2 phone calls and the problem was solved.

I pray I can make it, pace myself correctly, hydrate appropriately and arrive with plenty of carbs ready to be burned! I also hope my neck can hold out. I know it’s gonna hurt. I’ll do my best to push through. I don’t mind doing it alone. It allows time for me to silently reflect on the fallen….

Again, thank you to ALL who helped facilitate the necessary resources to make this happen. You have my utmost respect.

Nate

Yesterday I had the pleasure to visit the City of Salem Fire-EMS’s Station #2. I recently posted on the blog that I wanted to provide increased coverage to Salem Fire-EMS. Shortly thereafter I received a message from Fire/Medic Jeremy McAlexander saying
“Come on down brother!”. Upon my arrival I could’t have received a warmer welcome and genuine hospitality! These brothers were great – and hilarious! There was no shortage of “Firehouse Brand” humor, something I think we can all appreciate and relate to. Photos were taken but the bulk of the visit involved learning about the department. What struck me most was just how much initiative and work the personnel assigned to this house had done to improve the living quarters and adorn the house with symbols of brotherhood, pride and tradition! Solid work!

In future articles I hope to portray a more comprehensive “view” of Salem Fire-EMS as a whole. I look forward to further visits to FS2 as well as Firehouses #1 and #3. Thanks again gents!

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Prior to become an EMS Captain (2) Roanoke County Fire and Rescue’s Don Altice was a Lieutenant at Wagon and Medic 7′s quarters.

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First off, I want to thank all those who have supported the blog’s transition from Lt Rhett Fleitz to myself. In time I hope to capture and report upon more and more news regarding working incidents along with scene photos. My apartment (here in the “peaceful” SW) was recently burglarized and among other items stolen was my $500 digital scanner, which was just recently programmed (by a brother from Bedford) to monitor City radio traffic. I am looking to rectify this as soon as possible. Please be patient brothers and sisters – I have big plans for the blog, and hope to make a progressive transition as soon as possible. Stay low, and stay safe – Nate

PS: PLEASE feel free to message me with any feedback or suggestions!