Spring Training 2014

We RVed the month of March in Arizona for Spring Training. It's become an annual trip for us, staying once again at Pueblo El Mirage Golf and RV Resort.

We met up with friends and family, played some golf, rode bikes, took walks,visited most of the spring training baseball fields, and enjoyed a lot of baseball games! 

Here's some highlights.

We also visited the Fire Museum in Phoenix, the Hall of Flame

To see more Spring Training 2014 pics, go to my flickr page .

A Quilt for the Retiree!

Over the years Nick has been collecting patches of other fire departments. He would exchange them by mail or while visiting an out of town department. He kept them in a drawer or two in his office at the department, or at home, until I decided to make him a quilt to display them. The finished quilt was a surprise for Nick's retirement. I only shared a small view in a previous post. Here's "the chief" and his Fire Patches Quilt!

I started the quilt a few years ago when our first grandbaby was born. The intention was that it could be hung in his office....but then life got in the way: holidays and family get togethers, big events and small, babysitting and playing with Gigi, vacations and two more granbabies. Other projects took priority and the blocks ended up in the closet of my sewing room along with several other UFO's (unfinished objects-projects)! Months later I put all the blocks together, and then completed the quilt just in time for his retirement last October.

One of our dearest friends embroidered all the ranks Nick held as a firefighter, which I appliqued on the top of the quilt. Just under the ranks, I also appliqued pictures of Nick; on the left is a picture of him on his first day as a firefighter for the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department; on the right is a picture of him when he became the Fire Chief 5 years ago. Between the two pictures are the dates he was a member of the RSF Fire Department, also embroidered by our friend, Lynn (thanks Lynn!).

As an extra special touch, online I found the 9-11 Patch Project (a project established to pay tribute to the Firefighters, EMT's, Police Officers and Military personnel lost on 9/11 or as a result of 9/11) and ordered a special tribute patch for Nick's quilt. It is seen above.
We will never forget!

Nick's Fire Patches Quilt is now prominently hung in our home for all to see.

This quilt was a labor of love for a well deserved man who dedicated his life to serving others.

Retirement is Grand!

The Fire Chief Has Retired!

(Jim Ashcraft, President of the RSFFD Board of Directors honors Nick.)

It's official! Nick has retired after 35+ years in the fire service. He started as a paid call volunteer "fireman" in Pismo Beach, California, while attending Cal Poly State University, in the mid 70's. He soon discovered he had found what he wanted to do with his life. After working with Pismo for about 3 1/2 years, and much testing with several fire departments, he was hired by the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District in San Diego County, after we were married.
So we moved to Encinitas the month before he started at the "Ranch," and "the rest is history" as they say.

He was the first Fire Chief of the RSFPD to have gone through all the ranks: fireman (now called firefighter), engineer, lieutenant, captain, Training Officer, Fire Marshall, Deputy Chief of Operations, and lastly the Fire Chief. He spent almost 20 years of his career as a chief officer.

(Nick, DennyNeville, friend, MC and fellow retired Deputy Chief, his wife, Kandi and Karen)

To say he was well respected in his profession would be an understatement. One might think I am prejudiced. But those who were at his retirement party were witnesses to the honor his professional peers and friends paid to him!(Tony Michel, friend and new fire chief of RSFFD and Nick)

He dedicated his life to serving others. He always gave his all when he was on the job. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments!The Battalion chiefs and Nick; from l to r: Gary Snavely, retired, Jim Sturtevant, Fred Cox, Mike Gibbs
and Bret Davidson)

Check out all the pictures we have of this big event and Nick's fire career on my flickr page:

Nick's Fire Career: http://www.flickr.com/photos/72308330@N00/sets/72157624595026485/

Nick's Retirement Celebration: http://www.flickr.com/photos/72308330@N00/sets/72157625553609249/

HONORING AMERICAN HEROES

As all of America remembers and mourns the horrific events of September 11, 2001, on this day, the 9th anniversary, it is fitting that we remember all those who died that day, and the families they left behind. (PICTURE TO LEFT TAKEN FROM THIS SITE)

There were about 3,ooo victims, including working people, innocent people, 72 police officers, and 343 firefighters of the FDNY, who gave their lives to save the lives of others, without any regard for themselves. They did it because that is what they do. They save lives and protect property.
Being a firefighter isn't just a job or a career. It is a true calling. Those who accept that calling know that at any given time they might be faced with such a tragedy, as 9/11 was, that they might not return to their families or the job they love. I know a bit about this because I've been married to a dedicated firefighter, and the Chief, for almost 32 years. All those connected to the fire service feel the deep pain and loss of these brave men.

Last year my husband and I had the privilege to visit ground zero and the FDNY Firefighter MemoriaL Wall where each and every name of all 343 firefighters is forever engraved for all to see. It truly touched our souls.

These courageous firefighters (aged 22 to 63 years) deserve our honor, respect, remembrance, and gratitude, for their selfless dedication to mankind, and they should be remembered by name (A complete list with pictures of the firefighters can be seen by clicking here.):

Joseph Agnello, 35, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Brian G. Ahearn, 43, Huntington, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Eric Allen, 44, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Richard Dennis Allen, 31, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

James Amato, 43, Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Calixto Anaya, 35, Suffern, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Joseph Angelini, 63, Lindenhurst, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Joseph Angelini, 38, Lindenhurst, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Faustino Apostol, 55, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

David Gregory Arce, 36, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Louis Arena, 32, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Carl Asaro, 39, Middletown, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Gregg Arthur Atlas, 45, Howells, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Gerald Atwood, 38, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Gerard Jean Baptiste, 35, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Matthew Barnes, 37, Monroe, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Arthur T. Barry, 35, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Steven J. Bates, 42, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Carl John Bedigian, 35, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Stephen Elliot Belson, 51, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John P. Bergin, 39, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Paul Michael Beyer, 37, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Peter Alexander Bielfeld, 44, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Brian Bilcher, 36, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Carl Vincent Bini, 44, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Christopher Joseph Blackwell, 42, Patterson, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael L. Bocchino, 45, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Frank Bonomo, 42, Port Jefferson, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Gary R. Box, 37, North Bellmore, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Boyle, 37, Westbury, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Kevin H. Bracken, 37, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Emmett Brennan, 27, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Peter Brennan, 30, Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Daniel Brethel, 43, Farmingdale, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Patrick J. Brown, 48, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Andrew Brunn, 28
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Vincent Brunton, 43, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Ronald Paul Bucca, 47, Tuckahoe, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Greg Joseph Buck, 37, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. William F. Burke, 46, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John Patrick Burnside, 36, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas M. Butler, 37, Kings Park, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Patrick Byrne, 39, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

George Cain, 35, Massapequa, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Salvatore B. Calabro, 38, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Frank Callahan, 51, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Cammarata, 22, Huguenot, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Brian Cannizzaro, 30, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Dennis M Carey, 51, Wantagh, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Scott Carlo, 34, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Peter Carroll, 42, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael T. Carroll, 39, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas Anthony Casoria, 29, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Joseph Cawley, 32, Bellmore, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Vernon Paul Cherry, 49, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Nicholas P. Chiofalo, 39, Selden, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John Chipura, 39, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Clarke, 27, Prince's Bay, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Steven Coakley, 36, Deer Park, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Tarel Coleman, 32
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John Michael Collins, 42, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert Cordice, 28, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Ruben D. Correa, 44, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

James Raymond Coyle, 26, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert James Crawford, 62, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. John Crisci, 48, Holbrook, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas Patrick Cullen, 31, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert Curatolo, 31, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Edward Alexander D'Atri, 38, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael D. D'Auria, 25, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Scott Matthew Davidson, 33, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Edward James Day, 45, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Martin DeMeo, 47, Farmingville, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

David Paul Derubbio, 38, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Andrew Desperito, 44, Patchogue, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Gerard Dewan, 35, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

George DiPasquale, 33, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Kevin W. Donnelly, 43, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Kevin Christopher Dowdell, 46, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Gerard Duffy, 53, Manorville, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Martin Egan, 36, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael J. Elferis, 27, College Point, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Michael Esposito, 41, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Francis Esposito, 32, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert Edward Evans, 36, Franklin Square, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Thomas Farino, 37, Bohemia, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Terrence Patrick Farrell, 45, Huntington, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Joseph Farrelly, 47, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lee S. Fehling, 28, Wantagh, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Alan D. Feinberg, 48, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Curtis Fiore, 46, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. John R. Fischer, 46, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Andre G. Fletcher, 37, North Babylon, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John Joseph Florio, 33, Oceanside, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Michael N. Fodor, 53, Warwick, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas Foley, 32, West Nyack, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

David Fontana, 37, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert J. Foti, 42, Albertson, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Andrew Fredericks, 40, Suffern, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Peter L. Freund, 45, Westtown, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas Gambino, 48, Babylon, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Charles William Garbarini, 44, Pleasantville, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas A. Gardner, 39, Oceanside, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Matthew David Garvey, 37
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Bruce Gary, 51, Bellmore, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Gary Geidel, 44, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Denis P. Germain, 33, Tuxedo Park, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Vincent Francis Giammona, 40, Valley Stream, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

James A. Giberson, 43, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Ronnie Gies, 43, Merrick, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Paul John Gill, 34, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. John F. Ginley, 37, Warwick, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Jeffrey Giordano, 46, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John Giordano, 46, Newburgh, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Keith Alexander Glascoe, 38, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

James Michael Gray, 34, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Jose A. Guadalupe, 37, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Geoffrey E. Guja, 47, Lindenhurst, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Joseph Gullickson, 37, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

David Halderman, 40, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Vincent Gerard Halloran, 43, North Salem, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert Hamilton, 43, Washingtonville, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Sean Hanley, 35, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas Hannafin, 36, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Dana Hannon, 29, Suffern, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Daniel Harlin, 41, Kent, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Harvey L. Harrell, 49, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Stephen Gary Harrell, 44, Warwick, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Thomas Theodore Haskell, 37, Massapequa, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Timothy Haskell, 34, Seaford, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Terence S. Hatton, 41, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Helmut Haub, 34, Roslyn Heights, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Michael K. Healey, 42, East Patchogue, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John Heffernan, 37, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Ronnie Lee Henderson, 52, Newburgh, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Joseph P. Henry, 25, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

William Henry, 49, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas Hetzel, 33, Elmont, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Brian Hickey, 47, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Timothy Higgins, 43, Farmingville, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Richard Bruce Van Hine, 48, Greenwood Lake, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Jonathan R. Hohmann, 48, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas P. Holohan, 36, Chester, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Joseph G. Hunter, 31, South Hempstead, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Walter Hynes, 46, Belle Harbor, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Jonathan Lee Ielpi, 29, Great Neck, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Frederick Ill, 49, Pearl River, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

William Johnston, 31, North Babylon, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Andrew Jordan, 35, Remsenburg, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Karl Henri Joseph, 25, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Anthony Jovic, 39, Massapequa, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Angel Luis Juarbe, 35, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Vincent D. Kane, 37, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Paul Hanlon Keating, 38, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Richard John Kelly, 50, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas Richard Kelly, 38, Riverhead, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas W. Kelly, 51, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas J. Kennedy, 36, Islip Terrace, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Ronald T. Kerwin, 42, Levittown, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Kiefer, 25, Hempstead, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert King, 36, Bellerose Terrace, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Scott Kopytko, 32, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

William Krukowski, 36, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Kenneth Kumpel, 42, Cornwall, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas Joseph Kuveikis, 48, Carmel, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

David LaForge, 50, Port Richmond, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

William David Lake, 44, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert T. Lane, 28, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Peter J. Langone, 41, Roslyn Heights, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Scott Larsen, 35, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Joseph Gerard Leavey, 45, Pelham, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Neil Leavy, 34, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Daniel F. Libretti, 43, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert Thomas Linnane, 33, West Hempstead, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael F. Lynch, 33, New Hyde Park, N.Y.
Firefighter, Ladder 4, New York Fire Department

Michael Francis Lynch, 30, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, Engine 40, New York Fire Department

Michael J. Lyons, 32, Hawthorne, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Patrick Lyons, 34, South Setauket, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Joseph Maffeo, 30, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

William Mahoney, 38, Bohemia, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Joseph E. Maloney, 46, Farmingville, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Charles Joseph Margiotta, 44, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Kenneth Joseph Marino, 40, Monroe, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John Marshall, 35, Congers, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Peter Martin, 43, Miller Place, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Paul Richard Martini, 37, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Joseph A. Mascali, 44, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Keithroy Maynard, 30, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Brian McAleese, 36, Baldwin, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John McAvoy, 47, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas McCann, 46, Manalapan, N.J.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. William E. McGinn, 43, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Dennis P. McHugh, 34, Sparkill, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert Dismas McMahon, 35, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert William McPadden, 30, Pearl River, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Terence A. McShane, 37, West Islip, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Timothy Patrick McSweeney, 37, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Martin E. McWilliams, 35, Kings Park, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Raymond Meisenheimer, 46, West Babylon, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Charles Mendez, 38, Floral Park, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Steve Mercado, 38, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Douglas C. Miller, 34, Port Jervis, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Henry Miller, 52, Massapequa, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert Minara, 54, Carmel, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas Mingione, 34, West Islip, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Paul Thomas Mitchell, 46, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Louis Joseph Modafferi, 45, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Dennis Mojica, 50, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Manuel Mojica, 37, Bellmore, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Carl Molinaro, 32, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Montesi, 39, Highland Mills, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Thomas Moody, 45, Stony Brook, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Vincent S. Morello, 34, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Christopher Mozzillo, 27, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Richard Muldowney, 40, Babylon, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael D. Mullan, 34, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Dennis Michael Mulligan, 32, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Raymond E. Murphy, 46, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Robert B. Nagel, 55, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John Napolitano, 33, Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Peter Allen Nelson, 42, Huntington Station, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Gerard Terence Nevins, 46, Campbell Hall, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Dennis O'Berg, 28, Babylon, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Captain Daniel O'Callaghan, 42, Smithtown, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Douglas Oelschlager, 36, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Joseph J. Ogren, 30, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Thomas O'Hagan, 43, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Samuel Oitice, 45, Peekskill, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Patrick O'Keefe, 44, Oakdale, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. William O'Keefe, 49, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Eric T. Olsen, 41, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Jeffrey James Olsen, 31, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Steven John Olson, 38, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Kevin O'Rourke, 44, Hewlett, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Otten, 42, East Islip, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Jeffrey Matthew Palazzo, 33, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Frank A. Palombo, 46, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Paul Pansini, 34, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

James N. Pappageorge, 29, Yonkers, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert Parro, 35, Levittown, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Durrell Pearsall, 34, Hempstead, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Glenn C. Perry, 41, Monroe, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Philip S. Petti, 43, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Kevin Pfeifer, 42, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Kenneth John Phelan, 41, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Christopher Pickford, 32, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Shawn Edward Powell, 32, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Vincent Princiotta, 39, Orangeburg, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Kevin Prior, 28, Bellmore, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lincoln Quappe, 38, Sayville, N.Y.
Firefighter , New York Fire Department

Lt. Michael Quilty, 42, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Leonard Ragaglia, 36, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Ragusa, 29, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Edward Rall, 44, Holbrook, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Adam David Rand, 30, Bellmore, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Donald J. Regan, 47, Wallkill, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Robert M. Regan, 48, Floral Park, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Christian Michael Otto Regenhard, 28, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Kevin O. Reilly, 28, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Vernon Allan Richard, 53, Nanuet, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

James C. Riches, 29, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Joseph Rivelli, 43, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Edward Roberts, 31, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, Engine 214, New York Fire Department

Michael Roberts, 30, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, Ladder 35, New York Fire Department

Anthony Rodriguez, 36, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Matthew Rogan, 37, West Islip, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Keith Roma, 27, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Patrol

Nicholas P. Rossomando, 35, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Paul G. Ruback, 50, Newburgh, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Stephen P. Russell, 40, Rockaway Beach, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Michael Thomas Russo, 44, Nesconset, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas E. Sabella, 44, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Christopher Santora, 23, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John Santore, 49, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Gregory Thomas Saucedo, 31, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Dennis Scauso, 46, Dix Hills, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John A. Schardt, 34, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Thomas G. Schoales, 27, Stony Point, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Gerard P. Schrang, 45, Holbrook, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Gregory Sikorsky, 34, Spring Valley, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Stephen Gerard Siller, 34, West Brighton, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Stanley S. Smagala, 36, Holbrook, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Kevin Smith, 47, Mastic, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Leon Smith, 48, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Robert W. Spear, 30, Valley Cottage, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Joseph P. Spor, 35, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Timothy Stackpole, 42, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Gregory M. Stajk, 46, Long Beach, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Jeffrey Stark, 30, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Benjamin Suarez, 36, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Daniel Suhr, 37, Nesconset, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Christopher P. Sullivan, 38, Massapequa, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Brian Edward Sweeney, 29, Merrick, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Sean Patrick Tallon, 26, Yonkers, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Allan Tarasiewicz, 45, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Paul A. Tegtmeier, 41, Hyde Park, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John Patrick Tierney, 27, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John J. Tipping, 33, Port Jefferson, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Hector Luis Tirado, 30, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Manuel Del Valle, 32, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Peter Anthony Vega, 36, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lawrence Veling, 44, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

John T. Vigiano, 36, West Islip, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Sergio Villanueva, 33, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lawrence Virgilio, 38
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Robert F. Wallace, 43, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Jeffrey Patrick Walz, 37, Tuckahoe, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Michael Warchola, 51, Middle Village, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. Patrick J. Waters, 44, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Kenneth Watson, 39, Smithtown, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Michael Weinberg, 34, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

David M. Weiss, 41, Maybrook, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Timothy Matthew Welty, 34, Yonkers, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Eugene Whelan, 31, Rockaway Beach, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Edward James White, 30, New York, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Mark Whitford, 31, Salisbury Mills, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Lt. Glenn Wilkinson, 46, Bayport, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Capt. David Terence Wooley, 54, Nanuet, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

Raymond York, 45, Valley Stream, N.Y.
Firefighter, New York Fire Department

WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER AND BE THANKFUL FOR ALL THESE HEROES DID!

4th of July

Nick as Grand Marshall

Nick, above with Gigi, was the Grand Marshall for the Rancho Santa Fe Annual 4th of July Parade, and the whole family got to ride in the parade!

We got to ride in a 2004 Ferrari! (What a thrill, although we only went about 4 mph!! ) Nick was honored for his 31+years of service to the community as a member of the RSF Fire Protection District and the current Fire Chief.

Here's the whole family in front of the RSFFD Antique Fire Engine. What an exciting event for us-we are all so proud of him!

More pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/72308330@N00/sets/72157624457886231/

CG&GQC and OPAM Completions & APRIL TO DOS

MARCH PROJECT FINISHES

March was another productive month!

One Dozen Pillowcases donated to the Con Kerr Cancer Pillowcase Project.
A summer blanket/quilt--lightweight, pieced top, flannel back and no batting for a new baby girl born to one of my husband's firefighters and his wife.
A machine Appliqued Pillow, for a very good friend, made from a McKenna Ryan pattern.
A vinyl covered fabric bib (an Amy Butler Fabric) for my granddaughter, Gigi

I also finished two blocks: one for a block exchange, Live Piecefully and one for a quilt for a woman I work with at the quilt shop. During March I have been knitting a cardigan sweater for Gigi-I have all the pieces done (2 fronts, back and sleeves); now I just have to sew them all together.

PROJECTS TO DO DURING APRIL

1. This adorable spring dress for my granddaughter, Gigi2. I hope to finish this quilt, Twisted Star, by Sue Bouchard, a Quilt in a Day pattern, which I started last year (mine is in red, white and blue patriotic fabrics:
3. A table runner or two, including his one by McKenna Ryan
I may end up doing more if I am really productive at my next Brown Bag Quilt Retreat which is this coming weekend (April 9th-11th) !! YEAH FOR QUILT RETREATS!

My Version of the "Madness"

SPRING "MADNESS"

March and April look to be busy months, a kind of "madness" (no NOT basketball !) with all that will be happening. At the quilt shop I work at we've got the upcoming San Diego Cruisin' Quilters Shop Hop starting this Saturday, and I'm working a lot of extra hours and long days!

Then there are the planned getaways or happenings: a trip planned to Peoria, Arizona for Padres' Spring Training, for a long weekend, followed by a weekend Women's Retreat with my church. The next weekend we will celebrate Easter, followed by another weekend(YES! another) Brown Bag Quilt Retreat in Buellton. The third weekend in April we will have wonderful great friends and house guests to shower Angelina and Alex's baby Micah. To cap off the month of April we will be hosting a retirement party for two retired firefighters from Nick's fire department and then the last day of April is the Annual Appreciation Dinner put on by Rotary of Rancho Santa Fe for Fire and Security personnel!! I'm exhausted already.

Along with all those activities I do hope to complete a few projects in March:

(1) quilt and bind the quilt I am making for my niece Amalia and her new husband, Rick;(2) a machine appliqued, McKenna Ryan pattern for a "special" pillow for a very special friend

(3) a baby quilt for a new firefighter's daughterand (4) several cheerful, colorful pillowcases (similar to this one) for children who are sick with cancer or other serious illnesses for the ConKerr Cancer pillowcase project,
known as A Case for Smiles.Many quilt shops in southern California and all across the nation are participating in ConKerr Cancer by hosting" sew-ins" for making the pillowcases, collecting the cheerful pillowcases for the children who are sick and then donating them to local hospitals.

The pillowcases are really easy to make and basically take one yard of fabric (3/4 yd for the pillowcase body and 1/4 yd or so for the top border trim. If you have a heart for helping others by way of using your talents and love of sewing, go to the ConKerr Cancer website for information about the project in your area! If you'd like a free pattern just email me and I can send one to you.

Firestorm 2007

As you know, since Sunday night (10/21/07), San Diego has been burning, in fact much of Southern California has been burning in the worst Firestorms California has ever seen. It's also the worst wildfire Nick has seen or fought in his 30 year career with the fire service. The first two photos are in Del Dios, part of Nick's district.

The Witch Fire named after the starting point of the fire, Witch Creek, between Julian and Ramona, burned its way southwest due to the fierce Santa Ana winds and low, almost non-existent, humidity.
It has burned more than 198,000 acres, and it, along with 9 other fires in San Diego county, caused the evacuation of almost 500,000 people. It burned heavily in Nick's district of Rancho Santa Fe, burning 6 homes in their 4S Ranch area of Rancho Bernardo,(this photos is of 4S Ranch) around Lake Hodges, and the area of Del Dios, where they lost 23 homes. Fortunately, the Santa Ana winds died down and switched to westerly winds, so the fire didn't destroy any more property in Rancho Santa Fe.

While the fire no longer burns in the RSF area, there is still the possibility of hot spots flaring up which firefighters have to attend to> RSF firefighters continue to assist fighting the fires in other nearby areas.

Amazingly, amidst this immense tragedy, while many San Diegans have rallied together volunteering their time, making donations of necessities, taking in their neighbors, to help the evacuees, there has still been some controversy. Rather than supporting the tireless, selfless efforts of the thousands of firefighters and law enforcement personnel, some evacuated residents of Ramona were screaming mad wanting to get back into their community before officials had thought it safe. Officials have a lot of criteria that is considered before repopulation of an evacuated area is done. It is astonishing to read some of their selfish, irate comments on a San Diego news blog page, many of which are ignorant at best.

Some of those same angry residents were screaming they would never evacuate again. Evacuation has more to do with the safety and well being of everyone, residents AND firefighters who are putting their lives on the line to save the lives and property of those in a fire affected area!! The firefighters have a most difficult job to do; they never give a single thought to the danger they might be in as they fight fire. People asked to evacuate need to cooperate and allow them to do their job. They also need to let the officials who know all the facts to make the educated decision as to whether it is safe for anyone to return to their community safely. There is a system in place for the safety of the all. Too often well-meaning residents often get in the way of the firefighters doing their job!!

Firefighters dedicate their lives to serving the greater good of mankind and they fought this fire from the beginning with little rest for days. They don't do it for political gain, or personal glory. They do it to help others! They have to make quick decisions in the worst of circumstances. Often their hands are tied if a fire is moving too fast, particularly when driven by fierce Santa Ana winds of sometimes 50-100 mph, or if it is too late to save a structure. They then must decide what to try to save.

All family members of every firefighter know all to well about the dedication and sacrifices each and every firefighter makes every day of a career in the fire service. While it can't compare to the mental and physical exhaustion of a firefighter, those of us at home experience a mental anguish and exhaustion of our own. Reports of controversy in the middle of a tragedy such as this are both maddening and frustrating for all connected to the fire family. The fire service and law enforcement have done a phenomenal job on this, the worst Firestorm San Diego has experienced, and they deserve everyone's thanks and praise!! It is heart warming to know they do receive it from the majority of San Diego!

As of today, Oct. 26, 2007, officials have said the Witch Fire is 45% contained. Although fires were burning around us, our home and area were not threatened, here in San Marcos. We have had a lot of smoke and ash, of course, nothing more.

Check these links for lots of unbelievable photos:
from FoxNews in SD--
http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=ea431094-6c02-455e-bfcd-464c9c3129b5

http://photos.signonsandiego.com/gallery1.5/071019ramonafire?page=14