Jay Lowry's Blog – December 2008 Archive (3)

Lieutenant Steve Hagan of the Blenheim, South Carolina Fire Department died after returning from an EMS call today.



It has been a difficult two year period here in South Carolina. The deaths of nine Charleston firefighters plus the additional deaths in 2007 and 2008 hover over the state. The latest, Lieutenant Steve Hagan of Blenheim Fire Department in Marlboro County, occurred after a response to a call.



Blenheim is located near Bennettsville, South Carolina. The… Continue

Last night a great deal of the past flowed through my mind as I contemplated how lucky I've been to be around the fire service. No greater group of people exist than firefighters. While there is always contention it's family. What other passion can you say that about?

Never forget each day is an opportunity to live the dream. Don't wait until it's late, too late, to discover your passion for the job.

Patience is a virtue we are told and who are we to argue with the virtuous. It makes perfect sense for much of life is spent waiting. In firefighting, where patience is a 24 hour tour, the mantra is all good things come to those who wait. While true in many areas it is manifestly untrue in training.



Face it. Firefighters don't get the numbers of fires the brothers and sisters did in the period of 1960-1990. Thus, in view of reduced call volume, training becomes more vital. It can't… Continue