Thursday, July 10, 2008

FROM A GRATEFUL DEPARTMENT

Since so many Firefighters and Police Officers read this site regularly I would like to first thank Mr. Costigan for allowing me the opportunity to utilize his site to say thank you.

In the early morning hours of July 3rd, the City of Elyria experienced probably its largest fire emergency ever. The initial concerns of exposures and just the sheer magnitude of the fire gave the initial Incident Commander, Assistant Chief Tim Mitchell and I upon arrival, a huge challenge.

The only way that this fire was mitigated successfully was due to the teamwork of all the departments that responded. I do not want to miss anyone or any department so upon my return to work Monday I will be sending out letters thanking each department. I would right now however like to publicly thank the following individuals:

Chief Jeff Young, Sheffield Village Fire: Chief Young’s quick arrival and his aerial’s rapid set up definitely saved two local companies located on the North Side of the tracks.

Lorain FD Pumper # 3, I don’t know your names yet Brothers but your work definitely saved the occupancy directly across the tracks, your crew worked singularly for many hours.

Chief Bob Walker Wellington Fire District: Upon my arrival I knew I needed help and experienced help in setting up sectors and ensuring the firefighters safety. There was one person who immediately came to mind, Chief Walker. Chief Walker acted as the South Side of the building’s safety officer and his sage advice both during and after the incident has been much appreciated. I can’t say thanks enough.

Chief Frank Root Avon Fire: Chief Root set up Shuttle operations and got us the water we needed in protecting the exposures and keeping the huge fire brands down to a minimum.

Chief Phil Slack Eaton Twp. and Assistant Chief Wayne Simms Carlisle Twp: For their assistance in the shuttle operations, one thing for sure we are not used to in Elyria is moving water and you guys certainly kept that water shuttle moving.

Chief Mike Conrad Sheffield Lake: Chief Conrad responded to our Cedar Street Station and was the City’s on-duty command officer running calls for the rest of the City. This fire damn near depleted our command staff and Chief Conrad’s response was much appreciated.

I would also like to thank Mr. Tom Kelley and the County EMA, Tom’s response with the “Green Machine” helped us organize radio frequencies and gave me a place to “clear my head” and think. Tom, THANK YOU!!!!

And finally, THANKS to all the Elyria Firefighters who responded, as you know, I have been around this department my whole life and have seen many emergencies; none though have made me more proud to be associated with this Department. Thank You for making this incident run so smoothly.

Chief Joseph Pronesti
Elyria Fire Department

SCENE PHOTOS

12 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are a class act Joe. You make Elyria proud!

9:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The citizens of Elyria are proud of the EFD. They save lives everyday and this is just one more reason to say that we appreicate you and all your efforts. We support you!

11:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Joe,
Very classy. I live close to G.I. and I watched you guys all work very good as one big team! I thank you and all the other firefighters for the day to day services and protection you guys provide us. You do Make Elyria Proud!
Thanks!

6:28 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is a true example of what real leadership is all about.

Chief Pronesti is a great leader for the EFD.

Debb Coon

6:30 AM  
Blogger MarvO said...

Chief Joe

I want to Thank You...

Sometimes it's the little things that stand out the most.

That you was willing to publicly Thank those who came to the aid of Elyria...

Its been a long time since that quality of Man has been in command of our Fire Department. You make us Proud !

7:58 AM  
Blogger silverdud said...

very cool.

10:40 AM  
Blogger Dirtdigger said...

Our Elyria Firefighters are very dedicated people; they put their lives in jeopardy performing City Service jobs under staffed every day. Yes it is very seldom they have a Fire to fight, but as we see with the General Industry Fire it only takes one like that to God forbid kill or cause an injury a Firefighter.

A big thank you to all the City and Township brave Firefighters put their lives in jeopardy to help fight the big Fire of the century we can’t thank you enough as well.

Now we read in the Chronicle that the Ohio EPA has found some asbestos which should be no surprise, we know what that stuff causes when breathed in. My question is how much was known by the city to be in there? The City Building inspectors did inspect the building and condemned it right?

Given all that seems to be going on in this City concerning the closing of Station # 2 as well as the reduction of our Firefighters force, maybe it would be a good idea that the State Fire Marshal office should conduct some kind of test, survey or what ever you want to call it on if the fact that Station #2 being closed could have made a difference in containing the start of the fire to its origin.

11:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You go, Chief!

1:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please disregard dirtdigger, as he obviously has no class by posting those questions in response to your thanking those that assisting during a major time of need.

Elyria is very lucky to have a Chief like you, as you obviously believe that it is necessary to allow others know just how gracious you are for the assistance received.

3:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

On behalf of E.F.D. ENGINE CO 3 we got your back Chief Pronesti. Everyone Goes Home!!

J.Castle
Engine Co. 3 Lorain Blvd. @ Bell

3:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chief Pronesti, Way to break in your new position! You and the troops did a hell of a job! And to Dirtdigger, What do you mean they rarely have a fire? You need to stick with loraincounty.com where people just may believe what you say. Haas

4:40 PM  
Blogger Dirtdigger said...

Yes I did ask questions, but they were questions that are on every ones minds. My thoughts in asking the questions were to get answers for those brave Firefighters because they are understaffed therefore I am think about them. It isn’t about me or you, but you seem to make it a personal issue to slam me and I am going to leave it at that.

4:43 PM  

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