TigerSchmittendorf.com - Latest Comments

Re: My Friend. My Brother. Denny Allen.

Mick Mayers — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:52:36 -0000

My heart goes out to you, Tiger, and to the family and your entire brotherhood. It is so painful to see someone suffering and yet we all have our reasons for wanting to be with them still, because we know how much we will miss them when they aren't here for us. But if we really believe that there is a better place waiting for us all, we should remember that he is in that better place, without suffering, and watching over us all. Remind everyone that we should continue to make him proud, just as if he were right next to us watching, because he is. We will keep you all in our prayers.

Re: A Veteran of Many Things

Glyn4596 — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:47:13 -0000

This is for Tiger. Although I don't know you or your family I believe we share a connection through your Father Earl. My respects to his memory and his service to our Country. My name is Wayland G. Wright II. I was named after my Father's brother that was killed 30 April 1945 in Luzan, Phillipines. My uncle was nicknamed "Bud". He was just 18 when he lost his life during WWII. The reason I'm writing this is because I believe your Father was with my uncle when he was killed. In fact the archive stated that Earl Schmittendorf was 20 feet away and was the only survivor in their unit in this battle with the Japaneese. This article also stated that Earl along with a Mrs E.W. Schmittendorf, a sister Irma and brother Gerald traveled from NY to Casa Grande, AZ during the late 1940's to pay their respects to my Grandmother Mittie Ellen Wright, Bud's Mother. I was so touched when I read this and after reading your comments about your Father, it made me wish I had known him too. My Father was 2 years younger than his brother and was never known for sharing so I know vertually nothing about my uncle. If your 3-ring binder mentions anything about my uncle or what happened in Luzan I would appreciate hearing from you. I was surprised to learn that my uncle was originally buried in Luzan then disintered 3 years later and reburied in Big Spring, Texas. If you care to contact me my email is: glyn4596@q.com

Re: Going Forward in the Fire Service

David E. Feiring — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:39:30 -0000

Congratulations on this venture; it is needed. Several decades ago when I was in my prime, I used the Johnny Appleseed aproach -- go, inspire, educate, and entrust. It was "mentoring in a box". You are mentoring the next generation of leaders; the fire service will benefit greatly. Thank you for your dedication.
David E. Feiring

Re: Void Space

Mike Teague — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 05:12:42 -0000

Tiger,
Talk about void space. We recently reviewed the ages of all our personnel. 70% of our people are over 40 with 23% being over fifty. I hear a large sucking sound at the top. We are finally starting to work on succession planning. 5-7 years from now we will have had an incredibly turnover. It is scary.

Re: Void Space

strtcopr — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 20:42:09 -0000

ah....I remember the bingo chairman days.......

Re: Bunk-in or just “bunk”?

Jen D — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:14:32 -0000

I was a live-in student through my college, it was a fantastic program and it gave me a great opportunity to learn. In addition to living rent free in exchange for administrative services i was also a paid on call member of the department giving me the money I needed for food and gas. I would love to see something like it catch on in more places, my hometown department has even considered starting a program now that the local community college is offering Fire Administration as a major.

Re: Live, from Indianapolis, it’s Saturday Morning!

Shelly Wilcoxson — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:55:19 -0000

Chief babe you rock !!!!!!!!1 You were such a blast to meet and talk to , lookin forward to gettin to do it again soon *hugs*

Re: The FDIC Experience: Returning Home

Shelly Wilcoxson — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:54:21 -0000

What a way to end such an amazing time ,

Side note it was a truly humbling experience to get to meet you and hang out a bit. Thanks

Re: The FDIC Experience: Returning Home

Fire Daily — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:25:25 -0000

Amazingly cool. A chance encounter that changed lives. Things happen for a reason, and we are all truly blessed. Thanks for sharing another powerful story, Tiger!

Re: It was in the cards.

mickmayers — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 07:41:16 -0000

Excellent post. I could feel exactly what you were talking about because in our own way, my brother and I were there too. I'm blessed and honored to be part of a brotherhood with people like you in it. Stay safe.

Re: LIVE: Casting a Net over Recruitment and Retention Challenges

Fire Daily — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:50:40 -0000

We are very excited to have you share your insights, Tiger!

Re: LIVE: Casting a Net over Recruitment and Retention Challenges

Fire Critic — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:16:58 -0000

I am looking forward to it!

Re: Two years gone by now

Sean Crotty — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:12:14 -0000

Two years.....WOW! His legacy lives on in so many firefighters in this county. You know what's funny- in my Emergency Management Leadership Class I had to write a 3 page paper on an outstanding leader from the first decade of the 21st Century. I finished it yesterday afternoon- just before class.
When I began, I struggled to narrow it down from 3 to the one I had to write about, but once I finally did, I went to work. I completed the task, then a friend called, asking me to borrow a training CD that they wanted to use for a training. I located it, and inside the CD was a note from Bob- "Hey kid-the time is now for you to step up. Come join us". It was at that time that I realized I wrote about the wrong person. Not enough time existed for me to rewrite it.
I know the many ways he influenced my life over the last 19 years...and they continue to surface.
Nice piece though.

Re: This Week’s Run-to-the-Curb Kids

Fire Critic — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:59:07 -0000

Tiger,

The link is broke in the following sentence:
I’ve created a page at RuntotheCurb.com that will feature future firefighters — what I call ”Run to the Curb” Kids.

Thought you might want to know.

Re: Fifteen years ago; in a land far, far away…

Tiger Schmittendorf — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:25:36 -0000

I should have described this a little better. He was sitting at a table across the way from us, not at our table.
My embarassing comment was joking that he looked and dressed like a typical volunteer firefighter. I stuck my foot in my mouth on that one.

I never spoke to the man until some time after the dinner in Washington when we took up his cause.

Thus the lesson: don't judge a book by its cover...

Re: Fifteen years ago; in a land far, far away…

Fire Daily — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:16:53 -0000

Thanks for your post, Tiger. How fortunate you were to have had the experience to break bread with such a great example of a firefighter. I can see why you made the remark, but I'm sure it was meant as a compliment. How did he take it? It seems like he never told you about his experiences- you had to wait until the speaking event.

Re: A December to Remember

chiefreason — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:26:02 -0000

Tiger:
Ten years ago, I went to a fire summit just after the Worcester tragedy and the local union was selling hats and shirts to raise money for the families of the victims. I still have the hat.
Just recently, I got to see my friend, Chief Mark Wessel from Keokuk IA FD and he is looking very fit. More importantly, he has a great attitude as he continues to travel to tell the story of December 22, 1999.
What is interesting to point out is that at Keokuk's memorial for their 3 fallen firefighters, an honor guard from Worcester was there. THAT is brotherhood.

Re: Reversal of Fortune?

chiefreason — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:42:34 -0000

Tiger:
I would agree that, nationally, we are seeing alot of the same headlines, but something very strange and very close to me happened last week.
A career department that I actually emulate in my fictional stories of Jake and Vinnie just accepted a new contract from the city. They received a modest increase in wages, but will pay for a portion of their insurance; something that they have never had to do. The retirees who are retired now will continue to receive their current level of medical coverage to age 65, but starting in 2010, new retirees will be paid a lump sum for medical coverage to age 65. Medical coverage is a huge portion of the expense to run a public safety department. I believe that contribution to retirement plan remained the same, I'm not sure.
My point is that this fire department has never had a lay-off, but have increased the size of the department. They saw the writing on the wall and worked with the city administrator to create a contract that they could ALL live with. They are not over paid by any stretch, but they have been out in front of the community with their assistance programs and their community activism. The citizens appreciates and supports them. They aren't perfect little angels, but they remain mindful of their "status" in the community.
Perhaps, we are witness to too much give from one side or too much take from another. Maybe it isn't even about money, but festering problems from the past coming back to haunt. Maybe some on the various city councils have been waiting for this moment to settle an old score. Maybe everything is lined up just right for a massive cut to services.
Or maybe, public safety has gotten too damned expensive because of greed; on everyone's parts. Why is it that I can buy a fire engine peddle car from a vendor for $75 and the exact same peddle car advertised in a fire specialty catalog is $100? That is what is at play in the fire service; from fire vendors to firefighters. Go where the money is or in the case of some cities; go where it isn't.
Your skills are going to be needed; now more than ever.
I see it coming.

Re: A Veteran of Many Things

Tiger Schmittendorf — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:12:34 -0000

Matt -

My father served with the 127th Infantry Regiment - 32nd Infantry Division as well. I have one of his "Red Arrow" patches.

Thanks to your Dad for his service to our country.

Rose -

I'm glad you have such proud memories of your Dad. Writing about them helps to endure their legacy and service. Thanks for sharing.

Re: A Veteran of Many Things

Matthew — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:48:58 -0000

My Father, Staff Sergeant Donald C. Boyd, served with the 32nd "Red Arrow" Division, 128th Infantry Regiment, Cannon Company. He fought on Leyte, Luzon, the Druiniumor River, and the Villa Verde Trail where he drove an M7 Priest, carried an M1 Garand, and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism. He is currently recovering at home from recent triple bypass surgery in Swanton, Ohio. A short interview and recent images of my remarkable Father may be viewed at this link. http://carol_fus.tripod.com/ar...

Re: A Veteran of Many Things

Rose M Newsom Sestokas — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:26:35 -0000

I think that you are one of the lucky ones. Not too many people today can look back at their parents life and have so much to be proud of. My father was in the Army Air Corpts. He was discharged just two days before the flight team he was with received orders to Korea. I hate to say this, but I am glad he got out when he did. As it is, the flight team was out on a mission when the entire group of men that my father trained, laughed and dreamed with were all killed. My dad was the only one out of those men to live because his tour was up. I thank God every day for that. Daddy was not so lucky when it came to Vietnam. He was called to serve the Air Force in Dang Nang, also know as rocket city, for almost his full year. He went over in January of 1967. He was injured in June of that year and stayed at his station until he was medi-vaced in October. He was shipped home to Tacoma WA where he under went surgery to repair his right shoulder at Fort Lewis. We then came back into the south. We lived in South Carolina until he retired. At his retirement he asked if he was going to get any disablity because of his shoulder. He was told that he didn't complain enough to get the disablity. He did go in one time. the doctor told him that there was nothing to do and that he had to just live with. So he did. When Daddy retired in 1970, he did what he had always wanted. He had a store in a little town near a great fishing and hunting area. He made many friends and never went to a job other than the store again. My sister and mother and I helped to run the store, But in 1972 we both got married and my sister went to Chicago. I stayed for awhile in the little town until my husband was stationed at Clark AFB for two years. When we came back, we were stationed at Shaw AFB in SC again. We stayed there until and after my husband retired. I was able to see the love in my father's eyes and heart when ever my two boys would come around. I never had a baby sitter that he liked, so I told him that he would have to do the job. He was all for it. My boys learned how to fish before they even really knew about life. All Daddy would say, was "Get your Boat Coats boys" and they would. He would close up the store any time the fishing was good or during hunting season, if it was a good day to hunt. Daddy didn't say much about when he was in Dang Nang, but I remember the tapes he would send home in place of writing letters. It helped more to hear his voice than try to read his hand writing, if that is what you wanted to call it. Dad had many friends and he lost some too. He never put off for tomorrow if he didn't have too. Daddy died this last June 20,2009. The last 2 to 3 years were hard on him and the rest of us. Like I said, he didn't talk about his time in Dang Nang, but in his sleep and when he was not aware of, he would have flash backs. The screaming, orders, everything. He never remembered any of it. Within the last few days of his life, he had a look in his face that I had never seen before. He went very quietly and painlessly. Today my husband went to a local High School for a Veteran's Day event. At this event he wore one of my dad's hats that had pins in it from where he had been and what plains he worked with. When they called for any Vets that had been the Veitnam "Conflict" to please stand up, My husband was the only one. Him with my father's hat. I know he was there too. The thing these kids today don't know is the fellowship that is born when you spend time with people from all over, and put their lives on the line for them as they did for you.
I had a good father and am very proud to say that he served the United States of America and would have dies for it too. It is people like your dad and mine as well as hundreds more dads and moms too, that we thank today. I am proud of my dad and my husband of 37 years. Dad died just 12 days after his 81st birthday and just a few weeks after he and my mom celebrated their 61st wedding anaversary. Thank you DAD and to all the DADs out there.

Re: Fortune Tellers

Tiger Schmittendorf — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:01:21 -0000

Thanks Jeremy -

I love your phrase "Stay Stoked." It succintly defines the attitude adjustment we all need from time to time.

Stay Safe. Train Often.

Re: Fortune Tellers

Fire Daily — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:33:24 -0000

"Our contagiousness, our ability to spread our fever for the fire service, our “love for the job” as Chief Rick Lasky calls it; is critical to the survival of the fire service as we know it, now....Invigorate that kid-like level of enthusiasm in others and you’ve got a new firefighter fulfilling their lifelong dream – or an experienced firefighter fanning new flames of eagerness for what we do."

You have addressed the topic about which I feel most strongly.

We must all remember that attitude is contagious, and we would all do well to revisit that emotion we had when we first got the call that we were accepted onto the department. Live every shift with that attitude. I call it "staying stoked".

Thanks, Tiger. And stay stoked!

Re: Going to the Show! See You in Indy.

Ckemtp - Life Under the Lights — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:54:40 -0000

And don't forget plenty of Tanqueray Gin, not so much vermouth, and some olive juice on hand. Oh, and cheap beer.

Come to think of it, I've got a great hotel that would probably be amenable. I lived there for a few months last summer on a deployment.

Oh, I forgot to ask if I could come. Congrats Tiger! Could you beg them to put in a class on EMS 2.0 for Happy to teach?

Re: Going to the Show! See You in Indy.

Fire Daily — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:53:45 -0000

Very cool. Congratulations!