Bill Shaw: 69 Years in the Fire Service

Photo Credit: Jeff Murray / Star Gazette

Bill Shaw is 86 years old, and still an 'active' member of the Elmira Heights (NY) Fire Department.  In fact, he has served on the department for 69 years!

He started when he was in high school, at 17 years old.  He was a ladder boy, and was allowed to leave high school to go on calls.  He says it was great because he then returned to school as a "big shot!"

Many things have changed over the years.  Bill remembers the days when there was little training, no gas masks, less than enough boots and a limited supply of turnout gear.  The gear was first-come first-serve.  So the first guys to the station got the boots and other equipment.

But he says firefighters today are much better equipped to respond to fires and other emergencies.  He would certainly know!

In addition, other firefighters and community members say Bill has been a terrific mentor, great friend, valuable resource and wonderful citizen!

Hats off to Mr Bill Shaw's 69 years of fire service!

Significant Wildland Fire Potential

As we and many others have said, expect this wildfire season to be active!

For current evidence, see the Active Fire Map provided by the USDA Forest Service.   As of today (6/12/12) there are 23 large incidents listed.  The most significant of these:

• the Whitewater-Baldy fire
• in New Mexico
• has burnt nearly 280,000 acres
• is less than 40% contained

And further evidence can be found in the June 2012 National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook report from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).  This report points primarily to the Southwest quarter of the US as being highly vulnerable to wildfire due to its "severe to extreme drought" conditions.

Read up and prepare adequately, you might be working some Overtime this summer!!

Get the right wildland firefighting gear early, including turnout gear, boots, helmets, gloves and more!