PaulBrown
08-06-2000, 07:26 PM
"IFBA 2000: Buffing The Gateway City In Style"
by: Amy Steelman-Angeli and Lou Angeli
<A HREF="http://www.firefighter.com/firetv/videoflirts.html/">Fire-Rescue Media</A>
(St. Louis) -- For a few hundred of this nation's most dedicated Fire Buffs, the past 4 days will leave an indelible mark, sore feet and fond memories. St. Louis' famed "Box-8 Club" played host to the 2000 edition of the International Association of Fire Buffs annual meeting -- that group's largest event ever.
From camaraderie to laughter to fellowship, Fire Buffs have been an integral part of the fire service family since the days of Ben Franklin. One of the most famous was San Francisco millionairess, Lillie Coit, who was so enthralled with her own Knickerbocker Fire Company, that she often attended high society functions in her leather helmet and uniform, smoking a cigar. Like Coit did in the 1800's, the fire buffs' fascination with things firefighting helps promote the fire service to the outside world. And for that, all firefighters are indebted to them.
It had been several years since we'd seen the Box 8 Club members, many of whom we had worked with during the Great Flood of 1993. But seeing them again was as comfortable as slipping back into an old shoe. They made us feel right at home.
There wasn't much time to sit around and reminisce though, because the Box 8 folks had activities planned for every moment of every day. And we have it from reliable sources that the attendees all had a wonderful time. There are a few who remain unaccounted, and are believed to be lost in the Anheuser Busch testing room at the brewery in South St. Louis.
The beautiful backdrop of the Adams' Mark Hotel, in the shadow of the St. Louis Arch, only added to the flavor of this international event. And international it was, with members attending from as far away countries like Canada and The Bronx.There were dozens of accents, but no matter what the twang, discussions all had a common thread - the fire-rescue business.
Of course, no trip to St. Louis would be complete without snapping some stills of STLFD's lineup of famed Quints, especially the new-aged Smeal 75 footers that are currently being delivered. And St. Louis' Bravest served as the perfect hosts, opening their homes (the city's 30 plus firehouses) to people they'd never met - but likely will never forget.
On Day 2, several bus loads of attendees were treated to a Barbecue, prairie style, at Metro West Fire Protection District, which covers the busy suburbs west of the city of St. Louis. Again, another great photo op with display apparatus from several departments in West St. Louis County. There were similar photo events in St. Louis' northern and southern suburbs as well.
There was "constant staffing" of the buffs' hospitality suite at the Adams' Mark, and to stroll from table to table was a lot like walking through CNN's newsroom. Folks were busy sharing first-hand news from major departments around the country, with the big stories being the western wildland blazes, DCFD and San Francisco's new chief.
Speaking of CNN, our good friend Vito Maggiolo (CNN's DC-based assignment editor) somehow bagged the Republican National Convention, and opted for the week long visit to St. Louis. Now, that's what we call creative scheduling.
Our pick for Buff of the Year is a lovely woman named Maria - a crossing guard and life-long resident of the South Bronx. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to FDNY, and in some ways better explains the department's tactics and procedures than the folks in administration. (For those of you who've read "Report From Engine Company 82", Dennis Smith refers to Maria in one of the novel's chapters.)
Funniest of Show goes to a Canadian named "Gordy", a Toronto area resident who came to St. Louis as part of the 51st state's contingent. "Gordy" is a laugh a minute riot, and still insists that his wallet was eaten by one of the Budwesier Clydesdales during a visit to Grant's Farm.
In all seriousness though, these Fire Buffs are much more than aficionados. Nearly all are members of clubs, like Chicago's 5-11 Club, and nearly all support the firefighting effort in a very tangible way. They are the second alarmers, responding to blazes aboard canteen units to provide firefighting crews with nourishment. And in most major cities, like St. Louis, they play an important function within the Incident Command system. They are an integral part of the Rehab Sector - and as such enhance firefighter safety and well being.
We tip our helmets to North America's Fire Buffs, and offer a snappy salute to St. Louis' "Box 8 Club" for hosting a grand event for these very special members of our family. God bless you all.
-30-
by: Amy Steelman-Angeli and Lou Angeli
<A HREF="http://www.firefighter.com/firetv/videoflirts.html/">Fire-Rescue Media</A>
(St. Louis) -- For a few hundred of this nation's most dedicated Fire Buffs, the past 4 days will leave an indelible mark, sore feet and fond memories. St. Louis' famed "Box-8 Club" played host to the 2000 edition of the International Association of Fire Buffs annual meeting -- that group's largest event ever.
From camaraderie to laughter to fellowship, Fire Buffs have been an integral part of the fire service family since the days of Ben Franklin. One of the most famous was San Francisco millionairess, Lillie Coit, who was so enthralled with her own Knickerbocker Fire Company, that she often attended high society functions in her leather helmet and uniform, smoking a cigar. Like Coit did in the 1800's, the fire buffs' fascination with things firefighting helps promote the fire service to the outside world. And for that, all firefighters are indebted to them.
It had been several years since we'd seen the Box 8 Club members, many of whom we had worked with during the Great Flood of 1993. But seeing them again was as comfortable as slipping back into an old shoe. They made us feel right at home.
There wasn't much time to sit around and reminisce though, because the Box 8 folks had activities planned for every moment of every day. And we have it from reliable sources that the attendees all had a wonderful time. There are a few who remain unaccounted, and are believed to be lost in the Anheuser Busch testing room at the brewery in South St. Louis.
The beautiful backdrop of the Adams' Mark Hotel, in the shadow of the St. Louis Arch, only added to the flavor of this international event. And international it was, with members attending from as far away countries like Canada and The Bronx.There were dozens of accents, but no matter what the twang, discussions all had a common thread - the fire-rescue business.
Of course, no trip to St. Louis would be complete without snapping some stills of STLFD's lineup of famed Quints, especially the new-aged Smeal 75 footers that are currently being delivered. And St. Louis' Bravest served as the perfect hosts, opening their homes (the city's 30 plus firehouses) to people they'd never met - but likely will never forget.
On Day 2, several bus loads of attendees were treated to a Barbecue, prairie style, at Metro West Fire Protection District, which covers the busy suburbs west of the city of St. Louis. Again, another great photo op with display apparatus from several departments in West St. Louis County. There were similar photo events in St. Louis' northern and southern suburbs as well.
There was "constant staffing" of the buffs' hospitality suite at the Adams' Mark, and to stroll from table to table was a lot like walking through CNN's newsroom. Folks were busy sharing first-hand news from major departments around the country, with the big stories being the western wildland blazes, DCFD and San Francisco's new chief.
Speaking of CNN, our good friend Vito Maggiolo (CNN's DC-based assignment editor) somehow bagged the Republican National Convention, and opted for the week long visit to St. Louis. Now, that's what we call creative scheduling.
Our pick for Buff of the Year is a lovely woman named Maria - a crossing guard and life-long resident of the South Bronx. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to FDNY, and in some ways better explains the department's tactics and procedures than the folks in administration. (For those of you who've read "Report From Engine Company 82", Dennis Smith refers to Maria in one of the novel's chapters.)
Funniest of Show goes to a Canadian named "Gordy", a Toronto area resident who came to St. Louis as part of the 51st state's contingent. "Gordy" is a laugh a minute riot, and still insists that his wallet was eaten by one of the Budwesier Clydesdales during a visit to Grant's Farm.
In all seriousness though, these Fire Buffs are much more than aficionados. Nearly all are members of clubs, like Chicago's 5-11 Club, and nearly all support the firefighting effort in a very tangible way. They are the second alarmers, responding to blazes aboard canteen units to provide firefighting crews with nourishment. And in most major cities, like St. Louis, they play an important function within the Incident Command system. They are an integral part of the Rehab Sector - and as such enhance firefighter safety and well being.
We tip our helmets to North America's Fire Buffs, and offer a snappy salute to St. Louis' "Box 8 Club" for hosting a grand event for these very special members of our family. God bless you all.
-30-