"The Embers" Newsletter - June 2007

The June 2007 Edition of "The Embers" newsletter is now available on line.

Don Gilbert Health Update -- May 27, 2007

On Wednesday, May 23, John Whiteside reported that, "Don had a procedure to extract a gall stone from his ducts done today. (He) got back to his room about 13:15. I visited him at 17:30 and he was awake and chatting with me. No one had seen, or talked to his doctor, or had any data on the computer about Don’s procedure’s results. Guess we will have to wait til tomorrow. He hopes to go home soon."

Since that report, Don has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. He has been talking with friends on the phone and is in good spirits. As one would expect, he's chomping at the bit to go out on a fire run. However, doctor's have told him to take it easy, not lift anything, and start building strength with short walks.

May 21, 2007 -- SJFD Tier 4 Response

Monday afternoon (May 21, 2007 @ approx. 12:30), John Whiteside responded in Support Unit 2 to a Tier 4 on Communications Hill, 547 Adeline, near Communications Hill Blvd. and Hillsdale Ave. Also on scene were FASCV members Fred Oehm and Mike Chappell. SJFD responded with Engine 13, Water Tender 13, and B-13 (first units on scene) along with Engine 18, Water Tender 18 and help from CalFire and 2 copters. Also reported on scene were Engine 12, Brush Patrol 12, Engine 19 and all the stations with wild fire type engines, because it was a Tier 4.

This fire was a significant challenge as winds had just begun to kick up and humidities dropped rapidly. It was all flashy fuels that burned rapidly requiring a lot of resources to be thrown into structure protection. In the end, SJFD and CalFire did an excellent job of curbing this blaze. The fire was estimated to be 25 to 30 acres in size.

Additional information can be found here on the SJFD Informational Blog and an amateur video of the fire can be seen by clicking on this YouTube link:
Fire - Communications Hill.

-- Thanks to FASCV President John Whiteside, SJFD Photog. Craig Rose and SJ Fire Explorer Captain Kenny Needham for their input

RSVP Time Draws Near

Remember, if you are attending the next FASCV monthly meeting (to be held May 31, 2007) at the South San Francisco Fire Dept. Training Center (which includes a dinner provided by the SSFFD firefighters), you must RSVP to John Whitaker by this Wednesday - May 23. Click on this link for details: "June Meeting Details"

May 20, 2007 -- San Jose Tier 2 Response

Sunday afternoon (May 20, 2007 @ 18:55), John Whiteside responded in Support Unit 2 to a Tier 2 at Watson Park, Jackson Street at N. 22nd Street. John happened to be at the station doing maintenance on the support unit when the call came in (the second Tier 2 of the afternoon, by the way). When Fire Communications Leader Randall Larson arrived to take "Com 26", John said he "...was available if Chief Kevin Conant wanted us." He did, and we helped with dinners.

-- Thanks to John Whiteside for this information

Don Gilbert Back In Hospital

John Whiteside reports that he has received a call from Don's wife, Ginger, who says that Don is back in the hospital. It seems that one of the earlier gall stones had "escaped" and gotten lodged in his "ductwork". Ginger reported that the doctors will "...do a procedure tomorrow (Monday, May 21) going in through his mouth to handle the stone." That does not sound like fun. Everyone, send Don your positive thoughts.

-- Thanks to FACV President John Whiteside for this information

May 06, 2007 -- San Jose Tier 3 Response

Sunday afternoon (May 06, 2007 @ 14:57) John Whiteside responded in Support Unit 2 with John Whitaker to a Tier 3 grass fire in San Jose. The fire was burning at the end of Wendover Lane, near the intersection of Wendover Ln. and Nieman Blvd. in San Jose's Evergreen District.

Many homes were threatened but most had the proper "fire-safe" construction along with plenty of defensible space. This was a wind driven fire that in some older neighborhoods might have done tremendous damage. Quick work by SJFD and natural bare earth across the head of the fire was what stopped the spread.

For further details, check out this link to the SJFD Blog. Additional photos can be seen by going to this album link.

-- Thanks to FASCV President John Whiteside and Craig Rose for this information

Don Gilbert's Health -- As of 09 May

Monday - 07 May:
John Whiteside reported that he visited Don Monday afternoon after receiving a call from Don's wife, Ginger. Don looked great, sounded good and has been walking. However, he is “wired” with tubes all over. He had an MRI which ruled out the gall stones. Don said that the blood clot has been dissolved. They now say he has E Coli in his blood stream and are treating him for that. Don thinks he may go home in 2 days, but John has trouble believing that.

Wednesday - 09 May:
Don had gall bladder surgery today. Per Ginger, the bladder was “rotten” and the doctor said it was lucky they got to it now. It was gangrenous...with a stone the size of an egg! Due to this condition, they had to perform major surgery and Don will be recovering for 3-4 weeks. John Whiteside reports that he will try to see Don tomorrow (Thursday) and should have more to report.

-- Thanks to FASCV President John Whiteside for this information

Don Gilbert Health Update

As some of you may know, long-time FASCV member Don Gibert has been under the weather lately. Doctors' diagnoses, and speculation, have been "all over the place" during the last few days, so here's the actual details as reported by John Whiteside:

1. The latest diagnosis is that Don has e-coli in the bloodstream.
2. They've ruled out the gallstones of previous diagnosis.
3. A previously suspected blood clot has been taken care of.
4. Don is in Room 436, bed #1 (by the door), at Santa Theresa Hospital. He can have visitors, and visiting hours go until 8:00 p.m. He should be home in a couple of days.

Let's all wish Don a speedy recovery!

Important RSVP Reminder

If you plan on attending the May 31st joint meeting of FASCV, the Phoenix Society and the Peninsula Fire Buffs Club, remember to RSVP to John Whitaker no later than May 23. Due to the nature of the meeting, attendance is limited to "members-only". Remember that this meeting takes the place of our June monthly gathering.

For details on the meeting, follow this link to the original announcement - June Meeting Site Announced

South County Fire Recieves New USAR

The South Santa Clara County Fire District has just received their new OES USAR unit. It will be referred to as "OES 327". The rig is based on a 2007 Spartan cab and chassis with a Westates build-up. It is brand new with only 150 miles on the odometer.

Currently housed at South County Station 1, the unit is still being outfitted with a full compliment of rescue equipment. Although called a USAR, the rig also has a pump with a 1,000-gal. tank and has AB foam capability.

Additional photos of the USAR can be see at this link - OES 327.

- Thanks to FASCV member Mike Chappel for the photos and information