Update

I attended the Fresno Fire Chief Foundation - Epicurian Delights Fundraiser yesterday. I was able to sell some books for the cause. I'm quite happy about that. A couple connections made let me know I'm still on the right path with this book. A fire fighter originally from Dallas spoke with me for quite a while. He helped me man my table and encouraged me to get some refreshments. He touched me though. He told me he would not be able to read my book. He told me he couldn't look at photos, etc. That means he is one that has seen too much. Guys like him I won't forget and will keep them all in my prayers always.

Heroes of Every Kind

The other day I was in a Toastmaster's meeting. A lady gave a speech on how 9/11 changed her life. She spent years in the airline industry. When 9/11 hit, she was a flight attendant for a company that few private/corporate jets. She often met notable people. When 9/11 hit, she was called upon to do tasks she never thought she would. Places she was flown accompanying FEMA, CIA and FBI personnel. The flight attendants and even the pilot was not allowed to know where they were going at times. They would only be given coordinates. Just fly these people here. She said they were trained to deal with terrorists and the policies for dealing with terrorists had been around so long the terrorists knew them well. They knew how flight attendents would react in certain situations. She said they new about Bin Laden. They had been tracking him for five years. And right after 9/11, suddenly flight attendants were calling in sick. No wonder right? Any way as she described the things she went through those early days after the attacks, it became clear that all her expert training had kicked in. In Toastmasters we are asked to always write comments for speakers. For her I wrote, my belief is God knew who He place in what positions to help guide, keep calm and assist in certain processes. Her training and God given abilities kicked in. Just like Captain Sully's did as he landed the plane in the Hudson.

Updates

Well I haven't written anything in a while. I'm not used to keeping up blogs. I attended the Firehouse World Expo in San Diego in February. It was low attendance. The basic thing was meeting people though. I met two FDNY members there. One had just been honored as Rescuer of the Year. He was overwhelmed by my display, my posters and memorial memorabilia I had with me. I gave him and his friend the last two hero medals I had. I also met John White. Founder of Fire Fighters For Christ. It was such a pleasure to meet him! I believe I made a few other good connections.

I recently had one speaking engagement - a woman's church group. The same week I had several visitors. I had the opportunity to host a couple Ireland fire fighters - members of Fire Fighters For Christ - at Pelco and give them a tour of the memorial and museum. The weekend following, I had visitors from New York. A gentleman who is FDNY retired and his wife. Local fire fighters helped me honor them. Learning their story more deeply really tugged at the heart strings. The Brownie Lady also came and helped make the time so special. Then she and I hit up some of the local fire houses and did what she does best. Showing love and appreciation to our local bravest.

And that is what I have been up to. May you all stay safe and may God richly bless you.

Time to get back to work promoting.

Firehouse World Expo - San Diego - Feb 17-19

Just letting everyone know I'm preparing to exhibit at the Firehouse World Expo in San Diego in a few weeks. I'm excited about it and hoping this will open up some doors and lead me to some great contacts.

Who is a Hero

As those who are in the Fresno/Clovis area have seen, there have been many changes at Pelco. Today I gave what will probably be my last "kiddie tour". It was kindergarten and first graders. They are shown only the museum, memorial and security office. Today one of the little girls was accompanied by her father. When we were in the museum and the video started, he moved to the hallway out of site of the video. I saw him looking at displays. I walked over to him and he started talking to me. He is in the military. He did not tell me what branch but said his job is to load explosives. He told me the video was very hard for him to watch. He has done 9 tours! "People have forgotten" He told me. "People have forgotten what happened. After 9/11 there was a unity we don't see now." As the tour continued, I stole moments away to find a way to honor him, to look for one of the hero medals Pelco gave to the fire and police from New York. I was successful in finding one. When I tried to give it to this most deserving and obviously weary service member, he refused. "I was just doing my job. I'm no hero. (I have heard this so many times from those that are the only ones this title could apply to). I have just done my part. I'm not one of the fire fighters."My partner with the tour has been also deeply involved with our memorial. Between he and I , we were able to convince him to accept this small token. He thanked me that there is someone that understands and remembers. I've not been the same since I met him. Pray for him and the rest of our service members for all they have seen and faced and need to process. And pray for their continued efforts. I also pray for all fire, police and EMS workers. You do so much.

In remembrance - John Costelloe

Sad news. On December 18, 2008. John Costelloe took his own life. I never knew him, but he was a dear friend of a dear friend. And for my friend I'm posting this. He was 47 years old. He was FDNY Retired. He was an actor, member of the Screen Actors Guild. He appeared in Shazaam, Die Hard 2 and The Soprano's amongst many other projects. And I know he was a good friend to my friend. John you have left many behind that love and miss you. Rest in peace.

Letter from Clovis Fire