~fyrdawg

The next time you want to go to a city or town council meeting and complain that there is know reason that rope or other common things bought for use by emergency services should cost so much when you can buy "The same thing" at the local hardware store for a few bucks. Think about just what is on the end of the line or tool. If that doesn't work then watch this video of a public safety professional doing a rescue on the northern end of the Appalachian Trail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reloa.....6ETo-szXyGj7X8

On July 2nd, it is important to remember that if you're going to be accused of being a cattle thief, be an accused cattle thief who earned the Medal of Honor, and received a pardon from the Governor who happened to be your old commanding officer and the General who recommended you for the Medal of Honor. Oh yes and lets not forget that you also want to be the accused cattle thief who the official ballad of your state was written about.

So remember 1st Sgt. Andrew Tozier, 20th Maine Infantry Regiment on July 2nd each year for his actions on Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Medal of Honor citation: “At the crisis of the engagement this soldier, a color bearer, stood alone in an advanced position, the regiment having been borne back, and defended his colors with musket and ammunition picked up at his feet.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ambWnPSqnkI

Please remember as you go about your festivities this Christmas, please remember all of those folks who can't be at home with their family and friends. Those that are deployed halfway around the world, working their shift at the hospital, manning the engine at the fire house or sitting in the front seat of their cruiser.

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the station not a creature was stirring, not even the Dalmatian.

The crew was all nestled snug in their beds as visions of desk boxes danced through their head.

The Chief in his night hitch and I in my cap had just settled in for a long winters nap.

When all of a sudden there arose such clatter we sprang from our racks knowing what was the matter.

The engine, squad and ambulance were told to respond to the scene of a drunken scoundrel who had tried to abscond.

To the rigs we all sprang and took our assigned spaces, with slightly tired looks still fresh on our faces.

Then the doors opened up and let in the snow we all heard a sound that made our blood run cold.

Seems the engineer had just let out a yell... "This dam thing won't start, dam-it all to hell"

When what to our wondering eyes should appear, but a shiny old steamer pulled by eight tiny reindeer.

The driver was dressed in nomex all red, with an old school leather perched there on his head.

He called out to our Chief with a warm happy tone. Care for a lift boys, there's plenty of room.

So we jumped onto that rig before it rolled out of sight, as the driver called out Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

While you're celebrating the holidays in what ever manner you choose tomorrow, please take a second to remember all of those Medical professionals making their rounds in the hospital, Fire & EMS crews making emergency runs, and all the sheep dawgs patrolling their beat or on deployment around the globe.

Have a Merry Christmahuanakwansika

Fyr


https://www.bing.com/videos/search?.....&FORM=VIRE

Colonel John Glenn USMC (Ret), passed away today.

US Marine Combat pilot in World War 2 and Korea.

One of the original seven astronauts of Project Mercury.

First American to orbit the Earth.

1921-2016.

This one just seemed appropriate.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaOC9danxNo

May you have Fair Winds and Following Seas Sir.

Whiskey Tango Fox Trot

Come on people, if you demand that others accept you unconditionally. Then you need to do the same.

City of San Diego transgendered police officer denied entry to LGBT that she helped to organize, because staff was worried that her uniform would offend other attendees.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/.....123-story.html

Here's a toast to all the current and former hard chargers out there. Raise a glass and remember all those who we served with that are still here standing watch and for those who aren't with us any more.

It doesn't matter if you served in a time of war or peace, we will always respect each other. Because in the end we are all Marines and we all wrote the same check payable to the people of the United States for any amount up to and including our lives.

So stay safe out there and watch your 6 Devil Dogs.

Well it looks like I military is becoming kinder and more gentle to those of differing life style choices.

http://www.duffelblog.com/2016/04/a.....tions-furries/

To everyone on deployment, patrolling a beat, walking the tiers, riding with an Engine or Ladder Co. or responding to yet another medical emergency. Thanks for all you do and I hope you have a Merry Christmas,


Santa and the Marine, Author Unknown.

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.
Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."
With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

I came home from work tonight and found that my male dalmatian, wasn't acting like his normal lovable and spastic self. So I start to check him over and I see some red spots on the floor. After a little more checking I find a bloody gash on his chest near his sternum, and there is also a large lump several inches long located near the gash.

So long story short, the poor pup was rushed to the 24 hour emergency vet and they removed the debris (a 4" long by 1" wide chunk of wood), installed a drain and sewed him back up. Fortunately the wood didn't penetrate the actual chest cavity. He'll be sore for few days but he'll recover just fine.

This particular dal, loves to run through the woods at full speed and tAt is the most likely cause of his injury.

http://www.pressherald.com/2015/02/.....onal-farewell/

Dozens of officers gather to pay respects to Sultan, a retired K-9 with the Yarmouth Police Department who was taking his last trip.


"And the dog heard"


God summoned a beast from the field and he said, "Behold man, created in my image. Therefore, adore him. You shall protect him in the wilderness, shepherd his flocks, watch over his children, accompany him wherever he may go...even into civilization. You shall be his companion, his ally, his slave."

"To do these things," God said, "I endow you with these instincts, uncommon to other beasts: Faithfulness, devotion and understanding surpassing those of man himself."

"Lest it impair your courage, you shall never foresee your death. Lest it impair your loyalty, you shall be blind to the faults of man. Lest it impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words."

"Let no fault of language cleave an accord beyond that of man with any other beast or even man with man. Speak to you master only with your mind and through your honest eyes."

"Walk by his side; sleep in his doorway; forage for him; ward off his afflictions; love him and comfort him. And in return for this, man will fulfill your needs and wants --- which shall be only food, shelter and affection."

"So be silent, and be a friend to man. Guide him through the perils along the way to this land that I have promised him. This shall be your destiny and your immortality." So spoke the Lord.

And the dog heard and was content.


Author unknown

Not mine, but very appropriate after dealing with all of the white life sucking crap that has falling from the sky.

The Snowblower's Creed: This is my snowblower. There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is my life in winter. I must master it as I must master my winter life. Without me my snowblower is useless. Without my snowblower, I am shoveling. I will keep my snowblower fueled and ready, even as I am fueled and ready. We will become part of each other. We are the masters of our winter enemy. So be it, until spring is here and there is no enemy.

Written by Doug Wyllie, Editor in Chief of PoliceOne

It’s become abundantly clear in the past few weeks that the press and the public have very little real understanding of police work. And something we’ve learned over the years is that during times of stress and tension, a good chuckle is extremely effective medicine.

So, here are some things most people don’t know but cops do. Add your observations in the comments area below.

1. Most cops understand why tickets are necessary, but don’t particularly like writing them. Well, unless they happen to stop “the guy who pays their wages” and then writing a ticket isn’t so bad.

2. The vast majority cops have never shot anyone, but most cops can recite a detailed list of people who are/were deserving of being shot because they posed a deadly threat. This means that most cops have successfully defused a potentially deadly confrontation using only words and less-lethal weapons.

3. Most cops wonder if they have something better to do until the person asks in that whiny voice, “Don’t you have anything better to do?” It is then — and only then — the cop knows the answer to that question is, “No. This is good as it gets.”

4. Most cops know the driver they just stopped had more that “two beers” and can estimate with reasonable accuracy how many beers a driver did, in fact, have.

5. Most cops like donuts, but so does everybody. They are deliberately made to taste really, really good so people will want to eat them. Please pass me another donut.

6. Most cops wonder why so many members of the community choose to pick up a mobile phone and record them while the officers are rolling in the dirt with an assailant rather than offering to help the officer.

7. Most cops don’t know the color of the people they stop before the traffic stop takes place. This is especially true when those people are driving cars with tinted windows at night.

8. Most cops know that if you fix that muffler / tail light / other mechanical issue for which they’ve stopped you, the cops will stop stopping you.

9. Most cops know it is impossible stop a squad car fast enough when the drunk in the back seat says, “Stop! I think I’ve got to puke.”

10. Most cops know that the national media do not pursue the truth, they pursue a story. Their story and the truth are too often a little like fraternal twins. They are related, but cops can’t explain why they don’t look anything alike.

It seems that the Chinese have developed a real life excavator that is capable of climbing very tall obstacles and changing its configuration to best suit the terrain it's working in.

This thing is just cool.

http://www.nocarnofun.com/check-thi.....mer-check-out/

Well it's November 10th again, and that means one thing. It's the day of the year when you should say thanks and congratulations to any Marine you may see or know. 239 years ago today, the Continental Congress authorized the raising of two battalions of Marines and the foes of our country have been learning to fear them ever since.

Was my time in the Marines, the funniest most happy happy joy joy time of my life? Hell no! There was a lot a misery and pain, connected to a lot of growing up. But even if I knew it would all be the same, I'd do it again in a heart beat.

Why? Because I've known since the day I EAS'd out, there isn't anything that will confront me in life I can't overcome.

Semper-Fi

Fyr


"Today you are Marines, you're part of a brotherhood.
From now on until the day you die every Marine is your brother.
Most of you will go to Vietnam, some of you will not come back.
But always remember this.
Marines die, that's what were here for.
But the Marine Corps lives forever, and that means you live forever."

R. Lee Ermy
Full Metal Jacket

When you think about the terrible events of the past two days in Canada, please remember that we have been fighting that kind of terrorism for centuries. And many brave souls have paid the ultimate price to protect those of us back home.

From Lt. Presley O’Bannon and his Marines fighting the Barbary Pirates in Libya in 1805 to the 220 Marines, 18 USN sailors and 3 US Army Soldiers who died when their barracks was attacked in Beirut 31 years ago today, brave people have always fought against the dangers of Islamic militants.

This fight even carried on the United States today, when a uniformed NYPD officer was attacked on the street by a hatchet wielding assailant.

So please say a prayer for those who are doing their best to defend you from these terrorists, but remember that you may very well find yourself in the sights of one of these terrorist's right here at home. Does that mean that you need to stop living your life? No. It means that all of us need to take responsibility for our own safety and be ready to do what we must to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Semper-Fi

Fyr

The actions of some in Canada over the last two days should be a reminder to everyone that the evil and violence happening in the Middle East can and will effect us at home, when we least expect it.

First an Islamic militant runs down two Canadian Soldiers in Quebec, killing one of them and severely injuring the second. The militant is later shot and killed in a confrontation with law enforcement.

Now a gunman attacks the ceremonial guard at a military monument in Ottawa, then steals a car and drives to the Canadian Parliament and gains access to the building before being shot and killed in a gun fight with the Parliament's Sgt. at Arms and other members of law enforcement.

If you've ever wondered why we need to fight these individuals over 'there', the answer is simple. If we don't fight them 'over there' we'll have to fight them 'over here'.

Rest well Cpl. Cirillo, you're watch is over.
Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion.

Semper Fidelis

Fyr

Hello all,

Due to a work situation, my roommates will not be able to attend the convention. As such I now have some available room space.

I will be arriving on Thursday and leaving Monday, and I currently have a double occupancy room and one of the beds is currently empty.

So if you're interested here are the rules. No underage drinking and no use of controlled substances. Sorry I don't need to loose my job over someone else's play time.

Please send me a note if you're interested.

Fyr

My spouse purchased a Kimber Solo back in May, with the intention of carrying it for personal defense.

The first time we took it out it utterly failed to function properly, the Magazine would drop out almost every time it fired and the times that the magazine didn't drop out pistol would fail to extract, eject or feed properly.

We took it back to the shop we bought it from and their gunsmith went over it, and he replaced all of the magazine release components. We took it to the range again and the magazine only fell out a couple of times :( but it continued to fail to extract, eject and feed. So it went back to the shop who shipped it out to Kimber.

We got the pistol back from Kimber and it still had the same malfunctions, so back to the gun shop it went. Lets just say that the reply from the Kimber service department was less then enthusiastic. To put it bluntly, their attitude sucked. As far as they were concerned, the pistol had gone back once so now it was our problem. Then the customer service rep went on the say things like the gun works fine it simply must be too much gun for my spouse, that perhaps a weaker cartridge might be in order.

Lets just say that their attitude didn't impress the owner of the gun shop, and he decided to make things right with us. So he let my spouse pick whatever gun she wanted within the same price range to do an even swap. They even through in some accessories to make up the price difference.

So to make a long story short, I'll never spend another dime on any Kimber product. But I'll happily continue to spend my money at Howell's gun shop in Gray Maine.

p.s.
Her new toy is a Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight revolver with Crimson Trace grips.

Fred was in the fertilized egg business. He had several hundred young'pullets,' and ten roosters to fertilize the eggs. He kept records, and any rooster not performing went into the soup pot and was replaced.

This took a lot of time, so he bought some tiny bells and attached them to his roosters.

Each bell had a different tone, so he could tell from a distance, which rooster was performing.

Now, he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report by just listening to the bells.

Fred's favorite rooster, old Butch, was a very fine specimen, but this morning he noticed old Butch's bell hadn't rung at all!

When he went to investigate, he saw the other roosters were busy chasing
pullets, bells-a-ringing, but the pullets, hearing the roosters coming,
would run for
cover.

To Fred's amazement, old Butch had his bell in his beak, so it couldn't
ring. He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one.

Fred was so proud of old Butch, he entered him in the Brisbane City Show and he became an overnight sensation among the judges. The result was the judges not only awarded old Butch the "No Bell Piece Prize," but they also awarded him the "Pulletsurprise" as well.

Clearly old Butch was a politician in the making. Who else but a politician
could figure out how to win two of the most coveted awards on our
planet by being the best at sneaking up on the unsuspecting populace and screwing them when they weren't paying attention.

Well it's official, I've just completed 18 weeks of fun and enjoyment at camp cop. It was rough at times, and a real blast at other times. I can honestly say that I'll really miss some of the other officers I sweat and bleed with. I'd also like to say thanks to everyone out there, that kept me motivated to keep going when things got hard after I blew out my knee.

So now it's back to work, so I can continue doing the job I've loved for the last 9 years.

*hugs*

Stay Safe and CY6

Fyr

It never seemed like this day would come, but here we are. We're 17 weeks in and we have just one left to go. So that means that next Monday will be my last 4 a.m. drive to the academy each week, plus I'll be able to have contact with my friends on a regular basis like a normal person.

This week included a trip to the annual State Law Enforcement Memorial. The reading of all of the fallen officers names, while the public safety pipe and drum corps played Amazing Grace was very moving.

I also passed my final physical fitness test with no issues. It took me 24 seconds longer to make my run, but I guess I can live with considering I spent the previous 6 weeks on light duty.

We also finished our practical evaluations. We were broken into 2 man teams and my Team (Team Angry Old Man), finished in second place.

I whish I had a way of video taping our arrival on Monday because it should be quite interesting. One of our cadets who competes in cowboy action shooting will be arriving in the appropriate garb, wearing his competition rig and sporting a Ruger Vaquero. I on the other hand will be doing something quite a bit different. You see the Senior Cadre made a comment to me and it's one that I'm more then equipped to carry out. He told me a couple of weeks ago that we needed a mascot....... So on Monday I'll be wearing in my Dept's G-Shep suit.

Huggs

Stay Safe & CY6

Fyr

Ok, so week 16 is completed and the end is so close I can almost taste it. Oh yeah and the doctor cleared me for full duty...

This week has been kind of exciting. We're pretty much just did practical training scenarios and it was kind of exciting. Of course writing the incident reports after the scenarios, isn't that much fun. But that's just the way things go.

The only thing I know for sure about next weeks schedule is that our class will be attending a law enforcement memorial at the capitol, and that we have to take our last physical agility test. With any luck I can beat my times from the last test, I just hope I don't blow out my knee like I did on the last test.

Stay Safe and CY6

Fyr

Well we're getting closer to the finish line, and I'm doing my best to not have any issues during the home stretch. This week was our reset after being broken into three separate groups for the previous three weeks, and everything seemed to go ok. No major issues and we didn't get the much feared return to hell week.

Otherwise we did a crap ton of simunition scenarios, and most of our classes transitioned into practical application time stuff and not the academics that we've been working on for majority of the academy.

We also received word who our partners would be for the much anticipated practicals week. Let's just say that my team has been nicknamed team AOM (Angry Old Men). My partner should be fun to work with and at least he's old enough to get my movies references.

Friday this week, was also family day and the missus came up for the day. Evidently the day had an effect on her, because on the way home she stopped off and bought herself a nice shiny new Kimber Solo. So now I just need to get her into a concealed carry class.

Huggs and Stay Safe

Fyr