CVFD - Blog

THEY SERVED ALL OF US

1/28/2023

Thirty-seven years to the day that the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded, killing all seven crew members on board, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in pursuit of space exploration.

The United States Space Program has been beneficial to the fire service in many ways.

In 1971, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) collaborated with NASA in Project FIRES (Firefighter Integrated Response Equipment System), a coordinated effort to leverage PBI and other technology developed for astronauts. This partnership led to better protective suit fabrics and international standards that help firefighters stay as safe as possible while in harm's way.

These standards later became codified in the National Fire Protection Association's official standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and they continue to help protect firefighters by ensuring that the suits they wear when fighting fires conform to tough specifications

Words pale in the shadow of grief; they seem insufficient even to measure the brave sacrifice of those you loved and we so admired. Their truest testimony will not be in the words we speak, but in the way they led their lives and in the way they lost those lives – with dedication, honor and an unquenchable desire to explore this mysterious and beautiful universe.

The best we can do is remember our seven astronauts – our Challenger Seven – remember them as they lived, bringing life and love and joy to those who knew them and pride to a nation.

They came from all parts of this great country – from South Carolina to Washington State; Ohio to Mohawk, New York; Hawaii to North Carolina to Concord, New Hampshire. They were so different, yet in their mission, their quest, they held so much in common.

We remember Dick Scobee, the commander who spoke the last words we heard from the space shuttle Challenger. He served as a fighter pilot in Vietnam, earning many medals for bravery, and later as a test pilot of advanced aircraft before joining the space program. Danger was a familiar companion to Commander Scobee.

We remember Michael Smith, who earned enough medals as a combat pilot to cover his chest, including the Navy Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals – and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, in gratitude from a nation that he fought to keep free.

We remember Judith Resnik, known as J.R. to her friends, always smiling, always eager to make a contribution, finding beauty in the music she played on her piano in her off-hours.

We remember Ellison Onizuka, who, as a child running barefoot through the coffee fields and macadamia groves of Hawaii, dreamed of someday traveling to the Moon. Being an Eagle Scout, he said, had helped him soar to the impressive achievement of his career.

We remember Ronald McNair, who said that he learned perseverance in the cotton fields of South Carolina. His dream was to live aboard the space station, performing experiments and playing his saxophone in the weightlessness of space; Ron, the nation misses your saxophone and we have built your space station.

We remember Gregory Jarvis. On that ill-fated flight he was carrying with him a flag of his university in Buffalo, New York – a small token he said, to the people who unlocked his future.

We remember Christa McAuliffe, who captured the imagination of the entire nation, inspiring us with her pluck, her restless spirit of discovery; a teacher, not just to her students, but to an entire people, instilling us all with the excitement of this journey we ride into the future.

We will always remember them, these skilled professionals, scientists and adventurers, these artists and teachers and family men and women, and we will cherish each of their stories – stories of triumph and bravery, stories of true American heroes.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

12/31/2022

This is the time of the year when each of us should pause and reflect on all that has happened during the year that just passed. What was good? What was bad? What really did not have an impact upon us? To whom did we bid a fond farewell.

We need to understand how important it is that we learn to take the bitter with the better. We can neither change nor redo what has occurred in the year we are left. But it is possible for us to waste all of the experiences we have had if we fail to assess what has happened and use it as the basis for what we wish to accomplish in the year which lies ahead.

We must approach each new year with a clean slate, so to speak. Nothing is promised. Neither is anything guaranteed. We all have the opportunity to carve out a new road along which we can travel in the coming year.

We must then awake each day to the challenges which each of us will face at that time. Each day of the year will provide an opportunity to fill in the blanks in our plan for future success. Once this has been done, we can then begin to work to accomplish things on a day-by-day, case-by-case basis.

The message is simple: we all can change. We can plan new beginnings. We as Americans are privileged to live in a country where new beginnings are something which is encouraged. They are the very basis of our history as a nation.

Think about it. How many of our families came from foreign lands to build a fresh, new life here in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave? Many of our forefathers set out to find a new land, just as many set out explore new opportunities and create new lives for themselves and their families. Many of them came past the Statue of Liberty and entered our great nation through the portals at Ellis Island.

They went on to create the lives which have led through the decades to the nation we enjoy today. But what was it like for them? What were their hopes and what were their fears?

As we begin the new year of 2023, let us approach the new year with equal parts of joy, anxiety, and anticipation. This year is laid out as a blank slate for each of us. Nothing will appear on that chalk board which is not written by each and every one of us. Let us all choose well.

For you. For us. Together.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

12/11/2022

The true meaning of Christmas is giving, sharing, loving, and reaching out to those who have touched our lives. It is a time to count our blessings and be grateful for them.

The people of our community have given, shared, loved, and reached out to each other for much longer than many of us can remember. For many, many years. In 2020. In 2021. And, the year 2022 was no different.

From the illnesses inflicted by COVID, to the destruction that Hurricane Ida inflicted on our community, and through many trying times before and after, there was a common tie that kept us all together: when anyone of us was in need, we all came together to help each other meet those needs.

The men and women of the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department would like to wish every one of you a very happy holiday season, and together, we look forward to a happy and prosperous new year.

For you. For us. Together.

GIVING TUESDAY

11/29/2022

Today — November 29, 2022 — we’re uniting for a worldwide celebration of generosity.

GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to come together through generosity in all its forms by sharing acts of kindness and giving their voice, time, money, goods, and advocacy to support communities and causes.

Consider making a donation to the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department.

We’ve been here for 39 years, and we’ll be here for many more.

For you. For us. Together.

donate.choctawfire.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

11/23/2022

Gratitude begins when you savor the good things that happened. It deepens when you appreciate the bad things that didn’t.

For every bit of good fortune, you can imagine an alternate timeline of misfortune — and be thankful for the hardships you avoided.

#happythanksgiving

VETERANS DAY

11/11/2022

Today, we honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, who fought for and defended each of the ideals and principles that our great nation was founded upon.

Thank you, Veterans, for the sacrifices all of you have made and continue to make for all of us. #veteransday #1111

FIRST RESPONDER APPRECIATION DAY

10/28/2022

It's easy to make a dollar. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.

There's so much to serving our community that we pride ourselves in, and everyday, we try our best.

Today, on First Responder Appreciation Day, we would like to say ‘Thank You’ to everyone who answers the call.

For you. For us. Together.

FIRST RESPONDER APPRECIATION DAY

10/27/2022

National First Responders Day takes place on October 28th to commemorate the heroic acts of the men and women who are there first on the scene of emergencies. It’s about showing appreciation for firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, police, and others who risk their lives to save others.

On May 18th, 2017, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tom Cotton proposed the establishment of National First Responders Day as an official observance. It was only on June 7th, 2019, that the resolution passed in the Senate, designating October 28th as National First Responders Day.

First responders are ready every day and night to respond to emergencies that could be life-threatening to them. National First Responders Day makes sure that we don't forget their selflessness and the sacrifices that they make for all of us, in some of the most dangerous occupations that someone could have.

On October 28th, we should all take a moment to show them how much we appreciate their service.

FIRE PREVENTION

10/10/2022

Assistant Fire Chief Willie Andras helps Leah Hebert spray water from the fire hose at todays ‘Fire Prevention Week’ activity at the Choctaw Branch Library.

Members of the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department were at the Choctaw Branch Library this afternoon as part of the library's annual 'Fire Prevention Week' program.

Assistant Fire Chief Willie Andras showed the audience the various tools that the fire department uses when responding to calls, and even donned his turnout gear to demonstrate what a fully outfitted firefighter looks like.

After some fire safety tips were given, the audience was invited outside to view our apparatus, which were on display. Members of the audience were given an opportunity to hold the fire hose and spray water from one of the apparatus.

Thanks to Luticia and Jolene at the Choctaw Branch library for inviting us over.

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

10/10/2022

On World Mental Health Day, we aim to make mental health & well-being for all a global priority. Reach out if you need help.

The 988 hotline is available nationwide, connecting callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Click HERE to visit the World Health Organization website.

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