Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving 2006

I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and say a special thanks to all who had to work to protect us today.

I thank God for all that I have to be thankful for. A great Nation, a wonderful family and all of you.

Stay safe out there!

Turn Back The Clock pt. 21

Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service

I recently received a copy of the 1974 Annual Report for the Birmingham Fire Department. It is packed full of information and pictures of what the department was like in the early 70's. Below is an excerpt regarding the new medical rescue program Birmingham had started. I'll have much more in the future.


In 1973, the Birmingham Fire Department started a new emergency medical rescue program for the citizens of Birmingham. By the end of 1974, 33 firefighters had completed the 480 hour course recommended by the U. S. Department of Transportation and conducted by the Regional Technical Institute of the University of Alabama in Birmingham. An additional 40 hour extrication school was provided at the Birmingham Fire Academy drill field.

Mayor Seibels and Chief Swindle dedicate second of three rescue units in service in 1974...




Retired Battalion Chief (then a Lt) Buddy Wilks. His partner was David Bryant who retired from Birmingham and Tarrant. This was Rescue 10, the first rescue unit, running out of Station 1 at the time...



Taking a patient's blood pressure...






Applying an air splint...












LifePak 3...






Full arrest...



Training with the new LifePak...