Trooper Alberto Felix Memorial Service 12/8/23

Unfortunately this is one of two processions taking place; Trooper Felix and Sgt. Abbate both were killed while doing their duties on 2023 November 30.  Trooper Felix procession was on 2023 December 8 and Sgt. Abbate's will be on Monday, 2023 December 11th.

Margaritaville

Retirement Party

 2021 March 25, Friday at about 1700 hours was the last day to one of the great Assistant Chiefs that I have had the pleasure to know and work under.

I met L. Haydu back in the mid-eighties when we both worked for Lockheed Aeronautical Space System, he was with the fire protection and I was with the plant protection (security).  

Lockheed Aeronautical Space System

Who would have thought that I would have him as my fire instructor and then as my Division Chief many years later [2014]; we've had our good times and very few bad times ~ me being myself and getting write-ups LOL.  He will be missed.  

Clark County Fire Department ~ Rural Division

Asst. Chief L. Haydu and I checking my radio

L. Haydu helmet after a live burn training

Hopefully what he had accomplished for the Rural Division does not diminished and carry on for years to come.

 

Episode: A Rant

 Well, the ending of June was interesting and just keeps on going... 

Not only have there been a death in the family* and one expecting, work has created such a chaos with the routes under the disguise of "keeping it even"; it has taken me out of my jurisdiction and forced me to get off past my schedule time off.  This morning I have already seen a hint of what taking place for the rest of my next two days at work...they redid the route and added more hits instead of eliminating, enough is enough!  Just because they can call it full-time at thirsty-two hours and get away from paying time-and-a-half for anything over eight, because it is not over forty hours [thanks to the government], they are taking advantage of all their patrolpersons by making them stay over to finish the route.  Not only do they want you to falsify information, they IMO cheat the client by not being honest in several areas such as not telling the client that their service can be interrupted by an alarm; not all the hits might be done on a given day; etc., nor sharing the daily report with them (as it was told to be my the GM that those reports does not goes to the client); and to create "two incident report per week", however, they [GM] said they are not telling us to falsify, just want two incident reports per week.  News flash, that is the same as saying it obviously ~ falsify reports, the implication is there!

Definition of Incident:

GOOGLE ~ noun: incident; plural noun: incidents...  an event or occurrence "several amusing incidents"

• a violent event, such as a fracas or assault
• a hostile clash between forces of rival countries
• a case or instance of something happening
• the occurrence of dangerous or exciting things

BLACK LAW'S DICTIONARY ~ Something dependent upon, appertaining or subordinate to, or accompanying something else of greater or principal importance, something arising or relting from something else of greater or principal importance Mola v. Reiley, 100 N.J.Super. 343, 241A.2d 861, 864.  Used as a noun, it denotes anything which inseparably belongs to , or is connected with, or inherent in, another thing, called the "principal".

Neither of these definitions indicate a broken sprinkler head, lights outs (no damages to light pole or housing), etc., but as it was told to me and others, is what they use [incident reports] to get more money from the clients.  I don't know, I guess if I was the "client", I'll be wanting daily reports and since it is done electronically, I would want it on each patrol that way I can compare what the officers are seeing on the property and what they are reporting...and if there is something wrong then ask questions.  Oh, and a peaceful individual once advised and asked to leave the premises compare to a violent individual that now wants to fight, does not warrant an incident report unless there is damage or a crime has been committed...which at that point I guess someone would be calling in the "big boys".

~~rant over.

*Family: If I say you're family, you're family regardless if you're blood or not.

COVID-19

Well, Las Vegas has gone "full open", but some businesses still have the "MASK REQUIRED" and others gives you an option on the honour system. For me personally I rather wear the mask in a store, who's to say who has or not had the vaccine.  I rather play it safe for a while, travelling on a commercial passenger jet is up in the air for me... Enclosed in a pressurized capsule (fuselage), mask or not I don't think would help.  Until then, let's wait and see what will take place and what our government will try and get away with next time.

Seven Years Ago I Was A Volunteer

 

T. Hawk McKinnon             Photo by K. McClean

Seven years ago, well, actually 2013 December 5, I received the phone call that I was chosen to join the ranks of the Clark County Fire Department Rural Division, the volunteer section of the department (CCFD is a combination department).  After a hard process I graduated 2014 April 25 from the Rural Division Academy (ELFF - Entry Level Firefighter), which I'm glad I went through that academy because in that same year they changed the teaching for the next academy...frankly I didn't think I was going to past the academy, that's for another time.

Today I'm still with the Clark County Fire Department Rural Division assigned to Station 80 in Blue Diamond, Nevada and currently holding the rank of captain, my fire photography has been on placed on the shelf by the most part as I concentrate in making myself better at what I'm currently doing.  

With this COVID19 and the restrictions that has been placed, a lot of training programs have either stopped or have taken another turn in the cyber world.  Events that were not easy to attend due to travel and cost have become available online, some for a fee and others not, but it has brought it to a new level.  People itching to interact with each other have created Podcasts (been thinking myself of doing one) and have brought to the forefront the fire service history, the way it was, the new era, and where it's going in their opinion.  The only thing that I see lacking with this new format, is the hands-on training.

You are only a volunteer when you turn in the application and finish the process; however, once you have completed everything - It's a Job!  Something that Chief B. Soller has said, "Nobody cares if you're career or volunteer."  This I have found to be true when the calls comes out or the tones drop, you're responding to someone's worst day to help.  I was raised that if you commit yourself to something (paid or not), treat it as a job because it is.

The opinions of this author is solely his, it does not represent the opinion of any organization, group of individuals, government entity, etc., if the author's opinion just happens to be similar to someone else's or group of, that is just pure coincident.

Looking Towards 2021 - What Would Be In Stored

 

As this year [2020] comes to an end, it just makes me wonder about several things to come.  When the "pandemic" became a full blow thing in March, many of us still believed it was just a hoax and then it was a political ploy that the parties were using to fight each other; even though it was first mentioned in 2019 as the "Corona Virus" and many memes came out using the popular beer of Mexico "Corona" it was comical at first; however, by March when the country shut down and the states shut down it was becoming more apparent that this might be serious - COVID19.  Still you had your conspirators (and always will have) claiming it was all false, and with no one "true" directive or explanation from anyone, the messages given out to the public and first responders was very confusing (and still might be) and the public just didn't know and does not know what to believe.  You had within families a division where one took it to an extreme and the other a very lax approach to the directives and the information given.  Life as we know it has changed and still is changing, the "end of times" might be upon us; however, for generations that term has been used, for we do not know when Christ is coming back, but to be prepared is the main gist that I get. 

Has our Constitutional rights been violated?  Many will say no and others will say yes.  

As there been questionable acts by the government in general?  Now that's the question.  In every decade that has been a looming thing depending on what was taking place and what the populous belief.  If you're a "black-n-white" type of person when you read something... I'll let you answer that question yourself.

It seems to me that what has started in 2019 and exploded in 2020, is just going to continue into 2021, however, at what scale is the question, is the norm for us to be germophobic or is it a passing thing.  Gathering with family and friends going to be a thing of the past or is it going to be back to normal; guess that will depend on the individuals.  I am sure within families there are divisions, conspirators, etc., society has created a "me" syndrome and no one looks out for their fellow neighbor any more, except a small percentage of those "old timers" that still believe in the old ways and those that become first responders from the heart instead of a job security and a paycheck.

Only God knows what is in stored for all of us in 2021.

The opinions of this author is solely his, it does not represent the opinion of any organization, group of individuals, government entity, etc., if the author's opinion just happens to be similar to someone else's or group of, that is just pure coincident.  

SMH

SMH

Many at the beginning thought the "Corona Virus" was a hoax because the Media blew it up so well; among my First Responders, including myself, thought it was over blown by the Media and a hoax until we realized it was not.  THEN mix information started to flow again, governors making it clear they didn't care about the constitution, reports that no matter how you die if you tested positive postmortem  they were labeling it as cause of death Covid19, and now the numbers they show are believed, some of the people that were reported that died from Covid19 have left a "?" because they weren't sociable, economy being affected and people are upset and hurting financially.   Before when they (government at all levels) were saying to maintain social distance, wear a mask, etc., most weren't listening, but now that in some places they are opening up, it seems everyone is wearing and maintaining social distance, to the point that arguments have taken place.

Wow! End of 2019 Ahead

Time flies when you're busy and not really taking time for yourself to enjoy life.  It seems just recently it was June, and now we are 30 days from the end of the year. 

Recent changes; I still do my photography, but not quite as much as I would like to.  When I can and if I'm in the area, I'll still do some photos for the department even though I'm no longer their photographer, except for the Rural Division when I can I'll do some for them.  However, having my own crew, training, work, etc., it really has an impact on the photography.  Been going through some of the photographs and sorting out the ones that are going to be registered with the Copyright Office, my 3rd batch once I'm done, even though by Copyright Law, it is already copyrighted, registering it's a different ball game in my opinion.

There has been some good things and bad things this year, depending on who's view you ask, I think it has been more "bad", which only means a new chapter is being created in the book with challenges and obstacles.  I've lost a lot of things during my moves since a year ago and still moving and adjusting, but I keep my eyes set on goals and guides.  However, I don't know if society has gotten worst or I'm just an old cranky old fuck, but my patients and tolerance seems to be diminishing slowly as the months goes by. 

We shall see what 2020 will bring, in fact long range scheduling due to availability, I'm already registered for a FEMA course in December 2020, completed the required annual online training of OSHA for 2020 and waiting for more assignments [as they will come monthly] and 2020 it's not here yet!

Here we are looking forward to 2020!

Firefighter, I Am

1st helmet (active)

1983, I started out as a Fire Photographer, after being part of the Los Angeles County Fire Department Explorer Program.  Law enforcement activity caught my eyes, especially accident investigations, besides studying and going through a police academy, I kept up with the photography and used it for education and training purpose offering the photos to the departments that I happen to capture at the time of the incident.

3rd helmet (inactive)

Who would have thought that by 2014, I would become part of a department as a firefighter, certainly not me.  I have heard all kind of things regarding being a volunteer firefighter and I have realized that many have no idea what it takes today.  Maybe in the past, or still in some areas, the volunteers have been looked upon as the "old man's club" where a bunch of guys just sit back and drink beer and tell stories.  Now if you do any research you will find that women have joined the ranks, they go through training, get certified, some even train with "paid" firefighters, they face the same budget problem as the paid departments (if not worst), they're in the public eyes, and once the uniform (including bunker gear) is donned you can't tell who's a volunteer or "paid" firefighter.  I don't use the term "career" firefighter like many will do to distinguish the two - volunteer or paid; reason for, you have volunteers that have made it a career to service their community as a volunteer firefighter.  I myself believe that I might be under the term "career" firefighter.

4th helmet (active) Captain

I have served the community of Blue Diamond, that I am assigned to since 2014, not only have I served the community, but have gone into other communities within the department's jurisdiction to assist at the other rural stations with coverage of their station.  I did not see myself as a firefighter, little less obtaining the rank of captain, getting certifications from FEMA, IFSTA, and various other organizations and enjoying the training that is offered within the department and by other resources.  After five years of service with the department, monthly training, the reactions of the public when you're at an incident, the public service that one might get involved for a day such as Fill-The-Boot or a Show-N-Tell at a school, no one can tell who's a volunteer or "paid" firefighter.  It's a service that I enjoy very much and continue to seek more education within the field to help the communities better. 

I've learned that many folks that will criticize what you do and make some of the statements "I won't do that for free", "that's crazy", and various other statements of negativity, in my opinion either refuse to learn or just are afraid of doing the unknown and taking a chance.  I have found that in this line of work, it is not the bravery, it is not the adrenaline, and it is certainly not a phase...you got to have heart; without heart it cannot be accomplish.  In my opinion it's like the military ~ it's not for everyone, but you won't know unless you try.

(Disclaimer: This is my opinion, my view, my own feelings and it is not endorsed or backed by any agency, organization, or department.)  

END OF AN ERA

Bonnie Springs Ranch (BSR) built in 1843 as a stopover for wagon trains heading to California on the Old Spanish Trail didn't get established until Gen. Fremont stopped in 1846 to load up with provisions and rest before continuing on his excursion to the Death Valley.  In 1952 Bonnie McGaugh and Al Levinson renovated and resurrected the ranch before opening it up to the public in 1958; 1974 Old Nevada was built based on a 1880 mining town, which provided entertainment to the public with it's western shows, saloon, wax museum, opera house, and various other buildings within the town.  END OF AN ERA on 2019 March 17, Bonnie Springs Ranch will no longer be part of the Red Rock Canyon on the outskirts of the Las Vegas Valley, either way you look at it either 61 years of service to the public or 176 years of existence in the area, it has come to an end.

On another note, I can remember seeing wild horses, burros, and various other animals in the Red Rock area back in the 90's, but today you only see a hand full of burros if you are lucky, no wild horses since BLM has removed them, the area is slowly but surely getting develop and the "valley" has been choking the area at a steady pace, the little town of Blue Diamond has seen some changes within itself (just two miles south of Bonnie Springs Ranch), and still developing.  Nevada State Route 160, has gone through a major face lift and still currently going through another one; I expect Nevada State Route 159, to be the next highway in the area to get a face lift once the developer starts to build where Bonnie Springs Ranch is located currently.  The "Oasis of the Desert" is no longer an oasis, it has been choked.

Tracks of the replica Old Train

Built in 1974, Ol' Nevada with Model A Car Club

Shooting Gallery inside Ol' Nevada (closed)

Rainbow Mountain under a full moon seen from BSR

Rainbow Mountain under a full moon seen from BSR

   

Can't Keep A Good Man Down

From my last post where I stated I was let go from my job, two days after the incident I landed a job that is stress free! I get to hear wild animals at night and once in a while see them too.  It's temporarily since the place will be closing in March sometime, but you never know what you will see roll up to it like an old Ford Model A club.

It's A New Year

Today, 2019 January 26, has been a great day!  I was treated by my love one to dinner and a concert.  An invited break from everything that has already taken place and we're only twenty-six days into the year; not only have I had to look for a new place to live after being in one place for over ten years, but as luck would have it...or some will say God has a plan and has closed a chapter...I have been let go from old my job after being with the crew since 2004.  Hindsight, the old company sold to another company back in 2016, and many of us have said and felt that the new company will get rid of the old crew one way or another; we have seen the injustice that had taken place such as new employees not knowing what "on time" means, work ethic out the window, thin skinned, and twisting everything to the point where they are not at fault, but playing the victim regardless if it is a lie.  Yet, the old crew with one simple mistake and no record on their file, are simply terminated.  Experience is out the window and loyalty as well.

Due to my upbringing I strongly feel that God has a plan for me, it is in my belief and opinion that He had placed me where I was and am to this day, He was the one that opened the doors and has closed some and His guiding me in the next adventure of my life.  Without Him I strongly believe I would not be typing this nor breathing.  I give Him thanks every day for what I have, for being where I am as a Volunteer Fire Captain, being the person that I am, and having the people that I have in my life.  Therefore, 2019 will be an interesting adventure has it has already started to show and testing of my faith.  The day I was let go, I read what the accusations were and laughed, for everything that they have said were lies, then I remember that my Saviour was crucified after the being falsely accused of the "crimes"; I was never given the opportunity of facing my accusers as our Constitution states, which tells me the integrity of the company is false and bias.  In fact, it allows me to seek and let God guide me to my next adventure. 

I'm Not Dead!

As you can see, I've have been busy and not on here by the last Blog posted in 2017!

Quick recap: promoted to Volunteer Fire Captain with the Clark County FD Rural Division; achieved Fire Instructor I; have a photo project for one of the Chiefs; working and trying to relax all at the same time...oh, and trying to keep up with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Some photos can be seen and or purchased at my page and I try to keep it up to date, so keep checking it about every other month.

Welcome To My Fucking Life

Welcome to my fucking life. Single, but my heart is taken; loner; hermit; got a daughter, but I have more of a daughter from a friend's daughter; misunderstood; people think when I speak there's something between the lines - not; I have a hard time expressing myself be it verbal or written; I keep things to myself instead of voicing them; I rather hold my feelings inside instead of making them known afraid it would be taken the wrong way, which in turn it leaves me wondering what if...; they say I'm weird; I unintentionally deceive people so they don't get close; I read too much into something; over think things; expect the worst; very very few people I trust; family is number one (this includes those I call family); my imagination takes the better part of me; I can't sleep at times and when I do, I still don't sleep the brain stays overly active; I see things most don't; I don't trust anyone (except my extreme short list); in my opinion after I'm dead I'll be surprise if after a month anyone would remember me; I'm afraid of relationships and yet when I think I want to give it a try I talk myself out of it; I don't like changes especially once the rules are set; I'm afraid that if I speak my mind & voice how I truly feel I get ignored or shoved to the side until I leave...guess I'll be this way my entire life; probably one reason I feel like an outcast; therefore, I hide behind the camera(s) & in the rural areas.  Yes, I love someone, but I'll keep my thoughts and feeling to myself & let my actions to show it - which gets me in trouble because it's misunderstood and I rather just walk away then try to explain and myself.  You figure with all the rejections I have received in my life time I'll be immune to rejections...naw it still cuts deep.

General Notification

FYI - just because... I know I don't have to, but I am.

Recently, sometime between 2100 hours on 2016 December 5th (Monday) and 1000 hours on December 6th (Tuesday), I had discovered that one of my cameras is MIA. Short and to the point, photos that were taken on the 5th and prior are no longer in my possession, I did not have a chance upload to my computer the photos that were taken on 2016 December 5th and those that were already on the SD card I only have them on my computer and/or on my webpage (http://www.photographybytmckinnon.com)

Rural's Division 2016 FINAL

The Clark County Fire Department Rural Division every year at the end host an appreciation banquet for it's active and inactive members. The CCFD had thirteen rural fire stations manned by volunteers in the communities where they are located; however, in 2014 they decided to try something new by inviting people from outside of the community to join, the pilot program kicked off April of 2014, and it has grown since then. CCFD now has fourteen rural fire stations being manned by volunteers both from the communities these stations are located and by the Non-Resident Volunteers. The NRV lives in metropolitan area and volunteer their time, gas, etc., to travel to the rural areas to help out at the stations they are assigned and or go to other stations in the rural areas to help out; I'm proud to say that I am one of the first from the pilot program in 2014 and enjoying it very much, besides being the Department's photographer (2013 to present), here is a video composed by the Rural Division, and yes some of my photos are in the video and they do give credit to the photographers that help supply the images for this video.

Feelings

That moment where you feel like you had screwed up, but no one is telling about and you have that weird feeling something is going to happen and you're not going to like it.

Time Flies

It's unbelievable that I have been volunteering for the Clark County Fire Department (Las Vegas, Nevada) as a Fire Photographer for about 4 years, as Firefighter in the Rural Division for about 3 years, and as an instructor for the Nevada Division of Wildlife since 1997.  I would have never thought that my life would have led me to such excitement by moving to Nevada in 1992, during all this time, I had volunteered for the Bureau of Land Management (1993-1997), driven a tour bus, trash truck, 18-wheelers, served arrest warrants, process service, been a bouncer, been a laborer, driven fork lifts, been part of the motion picture industries, done security (well still do), worked at casinos, and out of all the things I've done here in Vegas...the fire service has been most fun.  Even though there is training at least once a month, if not more, the online studies that has to be done can be overwhelming, I would not trade it for nothing!  I have friends and love ones that sometimes worry about me because it seems I never stop or sleep, but life is good!

Yes...like most folks out there, I believe it's normal to think about it, just some just give in and don't look at the big picture; suicide has crossed my mind several times (no given time frame), but I sit back and think (or over think) at where I've came from, what I'm doing, and the ones that love me in their own little ways being friends or relatives or adopted relatives...I can't see myself putting them through the suffering and for some having that feeling of blaming themselves for "not helping", "not seeing the warning signs", etc., if it was not for God opening my heart, showing me what I have, and the ability to look back to what I have become and the love that flows through all of them (friends and relatives)....I think I would not be typing this right now.   To all of you that know me personally...thank you and I love y'all; to those that have stolen my heart, yes more than one person, but especially one very, very, very, close (and I'm scared of LOL), y'all have my heart unconditional!

Letter To The Chief

A letter to the Chief from a station....  [The names have been altered to protect the innocent.]

"ALERT.....ALERT.....ALERT  All Hands On Deck!!!

While working on our computer system a couple of days ago, Mario Williams, (VFF and computer whiz), needed to gain access into the ceiling to provide proper cable for us to have Internet capabilities.  In so doing he needed to remove several ceiling panels discovering that our entire ceiling is covered in Rat and Mouse poop.  In several areas as much as several inches thick.  I can assure you that in all the years I have been a member of VFD, never once have I had the occasion to look in the ceiling, so the discovery does not surprise me, although quite interesting.  I suppose we could do nothing, however, Just knowing that every time we enter the Office area, just over head lurks a pile of Rat shit that, at any moment, could come tumbling down upon us causing any number of infectious diseases and disastrous circumstances, (Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh MY!!)  Perhaps we should have the HazMat Team come take a look.  I, for one, will take Mario's word and not go looking.  What do you think????

See ya, Luv Ya, Bye Bye.

VFD member"

Dedication

On 2015 May 30th another class has graduated from Clark County FD Rural Division training, joining the ranks to serve their communities. Congratulations to ELFF 15-1!

More photos can be seen at http://www.photographybytmckinnon.com located in the Fireground Photography Galleries.