The Township 5: Video

Olmsted Township Fire Department from dlayphoto on Vimeo.

I couldn't just sit around and watch this happen. I couldn't watch 5 guys get laid off because the powers that be were sacrificing safety for financial solvency. I couldn't watch 5 guys go through what I went through nearly a year ago and get fired, laid off, or whatever buzzword is happening to denote that you are no longer working where you work. It was a travesty in my eyes to just sit back and watch it happen, especially because some of these guys were some of the first firefighters I ever shot, while on-scene for a live fire training. I had to do something.

So when I called and asked to come out and get some photos, Olmsted Township Fire welcomed David Lay and I with open arms. Our mission was to show what would happen when 5 guys were no longer there to keep the fires out and get the sick to the hospital. I was shooting the stills, David was shooting the video. We wanted to show you the faces of the men leaving, because they are not just a number on a community's spread sheet, they are a person, with a family, and with a major mission to serve the community regardless of the politics involved with their employment.

Take a look at the video, share it, because this is a problem in not only the small community of Olmsted Township, but all over the United States. Awareness is what will save us. 

Lighting the Fire

My favorite part of some of the live fire training I have been to is the very beginning. The first evolution starts and the first team goes into the structure and gets on their gear in the dark. Then breaking the darkness is a flare that lights up the fire. For the next 8 hours or so, there will be a fire burning, and evolution after evolution, the crews will run in, and practice putting them out.

Warm

Sometimes I like to get close because it scares me. The 1100 degree fire is just begging to melt the plastic parts of my camera right off. I could come away with burns if I fall into the building. All of these just push the adrenaline into my veins.  I can't imagine the rush you get from strapping on a tank, securing your helmet and kicking in the door.  Feeling the power of a charged line.  I am just the guy on the sidelines taking pictures.  That's my rush.