Just about every firehouse has on display a set of patches from local and sometimes out of state fire departments. Because most firehouses have these, they can be taken for granted. The next time you go to drill or a call stay an extra moment to look at the collection of patches because they really are more than just a wall decoration.

Patches are obviously symbolic often showing the core mission of that department (rescue, engine, EMS). The most important aspect though is the fact that at some point a firefighter from another department shared that symbol out of respect and in an effort to connect two departments. Perhaps it was a mutual aid call from years past or good friends that went to the academy together or even just a visitation from an out-of-town firefighter. Regardless of the reason the presentation of a patch to another department represents an acknowledgement, admiration and an extension of the fire service family.

As firefighters we should always put effort into the recognition of other departments. Beyond trading patches and other ceremonial gestures, the next best way to establish a connection is to visit a memorial. Firefighters should visit memorials to honor those that have fallen before us and to a certain extent paved the way. Although I have visited several memorials while on vacation and participated in Fallen Firefighter ceremonies, it was only recently that I visited the 9/11 Memorial and museum in NYC.  

This was my first visit which to a certain extent is contrary to my own advice, but is partly the motivation for this article.  My perspective on 9/11 and the memorial is multifaceted since I experienced that day as a civilian but now visit the memorial as a firefighter. Walking around the museum and fountains where the twin towers once stood was certainly emotional and I took as many pictures as possible. There truly is only one word to describe the 9/11 Memorial – surreal.  

For me, there were two standout sections. The first filled with multiple artifacts and displays was certainly mind-boggling but what sends chills down your spine are the emergency dispatch transmissions and last phone calls from those trapped in the towers that are playing in the background. The other standout was a short 12-minute film about a group of unsung heroes of the day. With all forms of travel shut down it was all the boat captains who transported any/all survivors trying to save their lives. In spite of the solemn atmosphere in the theatre I felt a sense of pride and cracked a subtle smile full well knowing that my cousin, Jack Saltarella a tug boat captain by trade assisted in evacuating people off of Manhattan Island.       

The last method which is in my opinion the best way to establish a connection between departments is a personal visit to an unfamiliar firehouse. The reason of course would be the personal interaction. Can there be much better than having a cup of coffee with fellow firefighters and sharing experiences and best practices?

With that in mind I wanted to share another recent experience – this time while on vacation in Alaska. Beyond being a trip of a lifetime, I wanted to make sure to visit the fire department in Anchorage and for several reasons. First and foremost, my Fiancé had family who was a past Chief and out of respect wanted to see his old firehouse. Secondly, Alaska is head and shoulders different (and I dare say better) than any other state. To give readers an idea there are moose walking the streets of Anchorage every day and don’t think the fire department hasn’t drilled to be ready to extricate when a motor vehicle collides with one of these amazing animals.

We decided to visit the main firehouse (one of fifteen in Anchorage) prior to watching the 4^th of July parade. We were greeted by three Anchorage firefighters (Mason Peace, Nick Green and Sean Carney) who could not have been more gracious in showing us their apparatus and firehouse. Their engines were not much different in terms of hose lays, amount of hose on each etc…The call volume was high due to the fact that there literally is no call type that Anchorage Fire doesn’t deal with including all medical, motor vehicle accidents and extrications and of course fire – including wildfires. It's always great to talk to other firefighters to not only support but potentially learn something new. Not wanting to keep them from their duties and to get a good view of the parade which featured their own Truck 1, we left with some shirts etc… to make sure we supported them in more ways than one. Here is more information on their firehouse and department https://www.muni.org/Departments/Fire/Pages/Default.aspx. 

Beyond the symbolism of exchanging patches and going to and participating in memorial services and visiting firehouses these connections can also serve as a method of self-training. While talking to other firefighters several states away you may come across and procedure that could work for your own department. It could even be as simple as a different hose lay in the bumper compartment or it something more complex such as a better way to handle a vehicle fire – especially now with more and more electric and hybrid cars on the road; just another tool for the toolbox!

One of the greatest things about the fire service would be how varied each firehouse can be while at the same time being so similar. Firefighters should never stop learning about their craft, about the ones that came before us and always strive to make personal connections. To put in the time and effort to visit a memorial or a random firehouse and it will almost guarantee to make you a better firefighter, officer or chief.