| On Friday, February 16, 2007 a crew from Mount Airy took Engine 12 to Baltimore City to cover for units attending the funeral of Recruit Firefighter/Paramedic Rachael Wilson. The crew was assigned to help cover the West side of the city on W. North Avenue at Engine 20 in the Walbrook Section of the city. Housed with Engine 20 were Truck 18 and Medic 8. The station covered an area including row homes, apartment buildings, old balloon frame houses, high-rises and commercial buildings. In order to hook up to the hydrants, a special adapter was given to the crew by Engine 20.
The crew encountered a lot of history as soon as they arrived. The early 1900's firehouse still had many features of the old days. Engine 12 had a space about the size of two finger widths between the mirrors and the bay doors when leaving the station or backing in. Some of the crew got to experience sliding down a "fire pole" for the first time.
Engine 20 left their Pump Operator "Dave" with us to assist on any calls and talk on the radio. Baltimore City alerts units by the use of a gong located in the station. When the gong goes off and the printer starts printing you know you have a call.
It was a very slow morning for the crew. There was a fire close by in Engine 13's area but all the crew could do was listen to the radio traffic and wish they were there. Medic 8 was barely seen all day as they were out running calls all over the city. The crew did not turn a wheel except for lunch until about 1230 hours. Engine 12 was alerted with a city medic unit to respond for a medical call several blocks from the station. While attending to that call there was a shooting in Engine 20's first-due area that was handled by other units. Engine 12 returned to quarters and awaited the units coming back from the funeral. The crew left without any other incidents but learned a lot and enjoyed themselves even under the circumstances for which they were assigned to Engine 20's station.
We would like to thank Engine 20, Truck 18 and Medic 8 on the "B" Shift for their great hospitality! |
