(added 7-27-11)
I was detailed to L-1 in the North End on the evening of July 15th. A few hours before dinner an older gentlemen and his son came in to say hello. The man was Jim McKernan, who had retired from the BFD in 1990 after 42 years of service. He "came on the job" in 1948, after serving in the South Pacific with the U.S. Navy. Mr. McKernan, now 85, spent 38 years on L-1, before going to Headquarters for two years, and finishing his final two years at the Fire Brigade.
He hadn't visited the firehouse he loves so much in 5 years. For 85, he was sharp as a tack. In fact, given that this is not my normal firehouse (I'm assigned to Tower Ladder 3) I wasn't sure of all of the streets in their still district. However, as tourists came by asking for directions Mr. McKernan was able assist them with ease.
Needless to say, I was impressed. I thought it would be great if I could get a few pictures of him next to L-1, which is a 2010, E-One, 110' RMA.
Once again, my hat’s off to “the greatest generation”!
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