Editor in Chief - John McMahon Ret. Deputy Chief

The Gloved Hand

By James Preston FF/NREMT-B

It was a cool fall evening, the tones broke into the silence. I was off to the station. Signal 62, to the north end for a reported structure fire! This was a place we had been many times before, usually for burnt food on the stove. But, as always, I was gearing up as we turned the corner entering the complex. We could see it wasn't food this time.

People were running around screaming, "There's a fire on the third floor!". We were the first engine on scene and the residents told us there was no one in the building. As we pulled the 1 3/4" through the door leading to the stairwell flames were pouring from the third floor windows.

By now other apparatus were beginning to arrive and we had help. A second line and a second team joined us as we made our way up the stairs. We operate as automatic mutual aide for two departments working this fire so we had worked with these firefighters before.

As my team approached the fire room there was heavy smoke and visibility was zero. We worked our way into the room, extinguishing the flames engulfing the living room. We vented the windows and visibility improved quite a bit. Now the second line was with us. The search of the other apartment on the floor had been completed.

This team was led by a Captain with whom I had fought the creature many times. I had great respect for this Captain and would go anywhere with this person.

We continued into the bedroom, taking down the fire. Then we began pulling down the ceiling and we could see that the fire had worked it's way into the attic. As we continued working to get the rest of the fire I suddenly felt the floor begin to give way. I felt myself falling. It happened so fast that there was nothing I could do. In an instant, I saw a gloved hand reaching out and grasping me by the forearm. I was stopped from falling, only going through the hole to my knees. As I was pulled back to my feet, not a word was spoken. Only a glance was exchanged and we went back to work. We evacuated the room and got to the rest from another room.

After the call was over I went to my savior to say thanks. With the gear off I went to Sue and gave her a big hug. "Thanks for the lift", I said. And we laughed about it. I didn't mention earlier that this firefighter was female because it shouldn't matter. I still don't know how she did it 'cause I am no small guy; But she did!

When I needed it most, it was the gloved hand of a firefighter that saved me from a fate unknown. For that I will always love her.

When the gear goes on, we are not men or women; We are Firefighters!

Stay Safe my Brothers and Sisters and Take Care of Each Other.

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