With 9/11 less than a month away and all the Engine Stuff I see daily on the internet; I can’t help but think about one of the biggest impacts on my career. Andy Fredrick’s and his original cadre of instructors.
I will also remember getting off the bus at the low income housing 30 minutes from Indy. I spotted Andy immediately and thought about how lucky/fortunate I was to get this opportunity to not only attend FDIC, but have him and his guys teach me about Engine Operations and moving the 2.5″ Line Inside a Garden Apartment. After a Great Day of Flowing Water, He talked to each of us, as if we were his long lost brother. I will alway cherish my white t-shirt and will also regret not asking to have a picture taken with him. I listened on every word he spoke and read every word he put on paper for print. I will also never forget his speech and getting up so early and walking down to the convention center before daylight so I could sit front row and center. It is impact and memory that I will carry forever. I still show his speech on VHS to each new group of firefighters that are hired in Escambia. I have attached the link to Andy’s speech and I request you watch it and share it with as many firefighters as possible. He was ahead of time and we must continue to carry his message. Andy was talking about Engine Operations before it was cool and he made it COOL! I hope he’s looking down and he’s proud of what the Engine disciples are doing.
Thanks Andy!!
