Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 10, 2009

All this weekend I made 250 cookies. I was supposed to bake with my CCD class, and I was supposed to deliver them to The New Jersey Firemen's Home in Boonton yesterday morning. Only one girl was able to come Sunday night, and she made two dozen, and I made the other 226.

I had never been to The New Jersey Firemen's Home but had heard alot about it. The grounds were actually bigger than I expected, and was actually chartered in 1898. It became a home to firefighters two years later, and now holds a museum which was opened in 1985.

The New Jersey Firemen's website is http://njfh.org and their phone number is 973-334-0024. They are located at 565 Lathrop Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005.

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 27, 2009

Today is a day I will never forget. I was on my weekly Eucharistic Minister visit, sitting among five old Italians (I'm Italian too) and I got the call that I passed my test.

I burst into tears.

I thank everyone for believing in me.

PS I will always be a rookie firefighter.

Day of Silence

This blog will have a day of silence for the 25 year veteran of the Morris Plains Police Department who passed away last week. It is the habit of this blog to honor those who served our citizens. May he rest in peace.

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 19, 2009

A few nights ago I got to try the thermal imaging camera. When you go to the Academy, they mention the camera when you hit the chapter in the book but the only way you get to try certain pieces of equipment is in the firehouse or at a scene. At a scene is not necessarily the best way to learn something but if it's not busy, it's a good way you can pick up some practical knowledge.

I was lucky enough to be with a volunteer who wants to help me learn, so he showed me how to check for hotspots with the camera. Interestingly enough, we were outside checking for spots. I also got to shovel, shovel and shovel some more. I did get teased about how much I enjoyed that part, and got to work the hose in what I was shovelling. I was taught the S pattern at the Academy, but the other night it was like a light bulb went off why I was doing the S pattern in what I was hosing down.

This may seem soooo rudimentary to some; however, for those of us that are new, the only way you gain situational experience is to have someone on the scene who remembers you need to learn the way to do something that is not covered at the Academy.

I can see this same person becoming a training officer one day. Patience, skill and understanding of one's strengths are to me what makes a good training officer.

Alternatives to Foreclosure

I read this great article on Alternatives to Foreclosure. I didn't even know about the short refinance. If you have any questions please call me at 908-477-9450 or if you would like a CMA.

http://rismedia.com/2009-02-16/how-to-help-distressed-homeowners-by-offering-free-cmas/

Regards,

Denise Broesler, RE/MAX Properties Unlimited Morristown
denisebroesler@gmail.com

Lisa Bonfiglio

I read on the NJSPBA site that Lisa Bonfiglio, a member of the Morris County Sheriff's Office, recently died of cancer. I would like to express my condolences to her friends and family. I live right around the corner from the Sheriff's Office but didn't know Officer Bonfiglio. This blog will have a day of silence in her memory.

PFRS Rate-PBA Loans-Police & Fire Mortgages

For those of you looking for the PFRS Rate-PBA Loans-Police & Fire Mortgages, I understand that there are no funds available at this time, even for first time homebuyers. If you need further information, please contact Michael Campanaro at 908-868-2021 or go to http://njspba.com.

There are other programs that can help you with your first home, and with refinancing so don't give up your dream!!!