The Push

It is fire department tradition to push the apparatus into a new station. This crowd of testosterone thought they could do it on their own. God bless them for trying.

The March to Our Future

Following the closing ceremonies the members and apparatus started a five block walk to the new station. two blocks into the march the members and apparatus from Shippensburg EMS fell in behind and as a whole we continued through to the Shippensburg Emergency Services Building. Along the way there got to be more and more support from the community and from our fellow firefighters from neighboring companies. Finally arriving home.

The Closing of 129 East King Street

It was a sad but proud moment, standing in front of the old Municipal Building in Shippensburg while the leaders of the past spoke of the future. Then there was a pause. The tones sounded, the bells rung one last time and the crowd was silent. "Attention, The Vigilant Hose Company No. 1, Station 52, located at 129 East King Street, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania for the past 169 years, is permanently being placed out of service, 1319 hours, KGD 556" The silence was broken by three rounds of the house siren. Throughout this long day at the end of an even longer week, this was the only time I got a lump in my throat. This building has been my home for the past 32 years. It's hard to say goodbye.

On to the New

Today we finally opened the Shippensburg Emergency Services Building, new home to the Vigilant Hose Company and the Shippensburg Area EMS. After a historic closing of the old station we all marched to the new station 5 blocks east. Couldn't have asked for a better day. Next week will be ThemeWeek Vigilant Home. Stay tuned.

Onward and Upward

Please excuse the short post today. Me and everyone else are busily preparing the new station for tomorrows dedication ceremonies. The long story involves us needing a new home for the past 30 years, the short version started nearly 4 years ago. But since reality hit us all we have been living and breathing this for almost a year. It will be sad to say goodbye to our home of 84 years on a corner of downtown we've inhabited all of our 169 years. But it will be nice to move forward in a place that can hold us and not hold us back.

Avenue of the Arts Approach to City Hall

A view of Philadelphia City Hall from the east. Taken in my typical "Hit and Run" style. When taking advantage of a street crossing among the masses you stop half way, snap, snap, snap. And then continue about your business. In Philly you're lucky to get away with something like that. This view is looking north, up Broad Street, from the intersection with Chestnut Street.

The Big Getaway

Sunday, a week ago, started with a vehicle accident on the interstate. Units arrived to find a tractor trailer hauling fish, live fish, on it's side.  So, the guys spent the morning hosing ten of thousands of minnow off the interstate roadway. Along with a couple dozen big catfish. Also along for the ride was a few stow-away crawdads. Of course, after awhile in the fresh air the only movement was those mini crustaceans seeking somewhere to go for a swim.