This is our latest incoming mail: To go to Old Mail click here
Ferg--
We're having another very nice
day here in metropolitan
Enclosed is a verse I put
together a few weeks ago--and for the most part, it fits with the tune of
"Jimmy Cracked Corn". An old
Doris and I are doing well at
this time. We're having a lengthy run of some very nice weather with the temps
in the 60's and 70's. We referred to weather like this in
It doesn't seem possible, but I
began my 19th year of retirement from SLFD on August 1 of this year. The years
have gone by at a very fast pace. If there was some way to slow them down a
bit, there'd be a lot of happy retirees out there. I've managed to stay quite
busy during that time. We made 4 trips to the
In closing, I want to mention I
heard from Wilson Sandrey a couple of days ago and he
sure would like to hear from some of the old timers. We correspond 5 or 6 times
a year and it's always good to hear from him. So, take a few minutes and drop
him a line or two. On that, will close. We hope this
finds everyone doing well and keep enjoying them retirement years.
Our best to all, Jim Dorpinghaus
A GOLFER'S LAMENT
Sung to the Burl Ives ballad "Jimmy Cracked Corn"
He went to play golf 'cause he wanted to see,
How far he could hit a golf ball off the
little tee.
He took out the driver and swung with all his might,
The ball went airborne and soared out of sight.
(Refrain) A dream golfers have
about the game they play,
A dream golfers have about the game
they play.
A dream golfers have about the game
they play,
Is to have a hole in one some day.
Sailing through the air was a cross wind strong enough,
To turn the ball left where it landed in
the rough.
To play the ball where it lay he had a great plan,
But the darned ball hit a tree and landed in the sand.
(Repeat refrain)
Using the wedgie it just didn't
seem,
He'd ever get the ball out to land on the green.
When the ball did come out all he did was cringe,
'Cause that blasted golf ball landed in the fringe.
(Repeat refrain)
He stroked it with his putter but the ball rolled wide,
Missed the hole and came to rest on the far side.
He putted back and forth and didn't give up,
'Til nine putts later it dropped in the cup.
(Repeat refrain)
Fifteen shots over par called for a new goal,
To play better golf on the second hole.
So when you play golf, don't ever tell a soul,
The best games are played at the nineteenth hole.
(Repeat refrain—if you so desire!)
By Dorp
Happy Thanksgiving!
May all of my family and friends and their loved ones enjoy
this festive holiday. And may we all say a prayer and give thanks for our many blessings that all of us enjoy.
Warmest wishes from,
Dad/Grandpa/BK/Kay (Al) Dana
Program looks to tap into local areas for future firefighters
By Kristofer Noceda
The Daily Review
Updated:
"As a little kid, I would see the red firetruck pass by and I always wanted to be in it,"
said Edward Nava, a resident of
It's people like Nava, 19, that program coordinators are looking for.
"These people, if they become firefighters, will be more sensitive to the communities they are serving because they grew up in the area," James Cobb, class instructor and engineer at the Estudillo Avenue fire station in downtown San Leandro, said of the program participants.
About 10
Aaron Freitas, a 17-year-old
student at
"The program so far has been very helpful, and I like being able to interact with the firefighters," he said. "They are enthusiastic in helping us with what they know."
Cobb is a product of the Oakland Black Firefighters Association, which he credits with helping pave the way for his career.
He wanted to bring a similar program to the United Firefighters of Alameda County and launched the first class Nov. 18.
"For Engineer Cobb to take the initiative to develop a firefighter preparatory class in a community that traditionally does not produce a lot of young adults that grow up and pursue this type of career is remarkable," said Aisha Knowles, community outreach coordinator for the Alameda County Fire Department.
The weekly classes last three months. There are about 10 volunteers from the United Firefighters of Alameda County looking to help the next wave of firefighters.
"Many of our volunteer instructors are products of some type of preparatory program," Knowles said. "Our successes in our careers are a direct result of the time and energy of caring people in this community, and now, it's time for us to pay them back for what they have passed on to us."
In addition to developing a network within the industry, participants are given pointers on how to prepare for the written, physical and oral tests needed to pass for eligibility as a firefighter.
"I'm getting a lot of inside information from actual firefighters, which is great." Nava said.
The Firefighter Preparatory Class meets from
From: James Kneeland
[mailto:neje@onlinedotnet.com]
Sent:
To: Neuerburg, Thomas, ACFD
Subject: Fw: E-Mail addresses
Subject: E-Mail addresses
Thomas,
Read with extreme interest your listing of ACFD & EDEN E-Mail addresses of Jan 08.
Entered some on my list and
have been unable to connect with many from
Would be VERY appreciative if you could contact me by I-Mail and supply me with late addresses.
Ron Anderson, Rosa Doll, James Ferdnand, Greg Fernandez, Jim Henderickson, Alvin Kleveno, Ed Laudani, Ray Moulton, Carl Scallin, Ken Silveria, John Torrez, John O'Brien, Pat & John Dailey to name a few.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks much.
Jim Kneeland
Retired firefighter's good deeds remembered at service
By
Jason Sweeney The Daily Review Article Last Updated:
Knight succumbed to cancer Oct. 24, a year after retiring from the Alameda County Fire Department. He was 59.
Knight was honored at a funeral service at
Also in attendance were state Sen. Ellen Corbett, D-San Leandro; Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, D-Hayward; County Supervisors Alice Lai-Bitker and Gail Steele; and San Leandro City Council members Surlene Grant, Joyce Starosciak, Diana Souza, Jim Prola and Michael Gregory.
Knight's career spanned 41 years, beginning in 1966 as a
volunteer with the
A
"We don't take anything with us but our good deeds," Wafaa Aborashed said during the funeral procession. "Luster has a bag full of good deeds."
Aborashed is executive director of
the Healthy San Leandro Environmental Collaborative, which works to educate and
organize residents whose health and environment are affected by pollution. She
said Knight volunteered with her organization and helped to locate ground
contamination in
Each holiday season for the past 20 years, Knight helped
round up toys and turkeys for the
About 1,500 boxes are given to local families each holiday season, Padilla said.
"Luster was funny. He was that gentle giant who just loved life," she said. "We were his family — the fire department and the community."
"The thing I remember most about him was that he greeted everyone with a smile," he said.
Current Chief Sheldon Gilbert said Knight would enter a room full of firefighters with his "trademark smile and chuckle" and leave the room having collected $20 donations to be put to use helping children.
During the funeral service, Chaplain Larry Vold said Knight
grew up in rural
Knight will be buried in
In
He is survived by his mother, Louise Knight, of
Donations to Knight's family can be sent to the Alameda
County Firefighters Association,
From: Payne, Robin, ACFD
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 1:41 PM
Subject: BCN
I am now the new BCN representative, if you have any concerns or have had any problems PLEASE let me know. I am at station 6 B shift. While talking to BCN’s regional manager he wanted people to know that if you are retired BCN can and will assist you in whatever you my need. If you have any questions regarding programs that you would like to see BCN offer please e-mail them to me. If you know of any people that have retired and had any problems with BCN please have them call me or e-mail me.
That is all,
Paramedic Payne
Robin.Payne@acgov.org
This picture was taken about 1977. Luster's snoring could shake the building!!!!
He was always there to help out on all the charitable causes, when the rest of us wouldn’t do it. I don't believe anyone can replace him.
God must have a fund raiser going in heaven!!! Rest in peace Luster, you will be missed!!!
Ralph Johnson
I have been blessed to have known Luster since 1987. I
was just a kid working at local
Luster always came to see me, even if it was just for a
visit. He always had a smile on his face and a funny story to tell. He traveled
back and forth to
In his free time, he was always volunteering and giving back
to our community. He even got me involved in the Davis Street Community annual
toy and turkey drives. I remember one volunteer day with Alameda County Fire, it was raining and cold as we handed out the
He just retired officially not even a year ago, and told me of all the big plans and places he wanted to go. When he me told of his illness, I was shocked. He went through all his treatments and keep in touch with me. Once he was feeling better, he called me and asked me to plan a trip back home for him. He proclaimed, "the doc says I am Ok now darling". A few weeks later he phoned me from the hospital and said he couldn't travel just yet...
I learned earlier this month that his illness was terminal. After speaking with his brother last night.. and hearing that he passed, I haven't been able to stop thinking about what an amazing man we have lost. Luster has had a wonderful positive impact on my life and he will be greatly missed. He will live in my heart forever.
Denise King
From: Gilbert, Sheldon, ACFD
Sent: Fri Oct 24 21:01:49 2008
Subject: The passing of Luster Knight
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I tell you
that at approximately 1930 hours our beloved Luster Knight lost his battle with
cancer and passed away. There are no words that come to me to adequately
describe how much Luster has given to the ACFD and the communities we
serve. We are working on plans for a memorial service to celebrate
Luster’s life next Thursday at the
Sheldon
10/18/2008
from Ray Jannson:
To: Rich Ferguson
From: Ray Jannson
I have submitted to the San Leandro Museum on West Estudillo Ave. all of my pictures of the old fire equipment, plus fire history material and other articles and equipment with misc. fire pictures. In addition, I gave them my old fire models with pictures of those old time fire trucks.
They are beautiful (to me), authentic looking pieces of metal artwork from 1887 to 1920. They were made for me in the 1980’s by Fred Biscotti of the Castro Valley FD. They are all about 16” long except the longer ladder truck.
- Union Hose Co #1(SLFD). Hayes Hose Cart 1887 w/specs.
- SLFD first gasoline driven fire pump that was horse-drawn, 1906 w/specs.
- SLFD first motor driven pumper 1913 Seagrave w/flat nose.
- SLFD second fire pumper, 1920 Seagrave (called “Old Betsy” by the new guys).
- 1909 horse drawn tiller ladder truck built in SL for the San Francisco FD in 1901.
Thanks to Fred Biscotti. He did a magnificent job of creating these unique pieces of FD History.
Ray Jannson
From: William
Date: 10/13/2008
To: rich@bresnandistributor.com
Subject: posting a e-mail
Hey rich, how do I post an e-mail?
Bill Moore
Alameda County Fire Patrol, 1971-1987
4782 Chama Ct
Las Vegas,
NV 89121
Hi Bill,
You send it to me, and
if I think it is something all of the retirees want to know about I will
send it out and post it on the New Mail portion of the web site.
FERG <><
I’m seeing names of people I’ve worked with come up in the e-mail. I just wanted to post my data so some of them , if they with, may contact me or a contact if they ever make it to las vegas.
Bill Moore
10/10/2008
from Vince Martin:
Luster Knight update:
Dear ACFD Family,
Luster was released to return home on Tuesday October 7, 2008. He was set up with a Hospital bed and pain therapy prior to arriving home. Early Wednesday Morning 3451 responded after 0300 hrs and again at 0630 hrs to assist with pain management, as the second response required emergency transport. Luster remained in ER on Wednesday and has been assigned a room for continued pain therapy up until now. His family was informed that Luster had already been told he has terminal cancer and the remaining treatment is to make him as comfortable as possible. 3453 visited last night, as Luster was heavily sedated and sleeping. Luster has a sister, brother and two nieces at his bedside and his mother is arriving this afternoon. I am requesting that we allow his family to have their moment of personal time with Luster and adjust to the sudden news which caught them off guard, while figuring out how to let him know that they are aware of his terminal diagnosis.
There may be some needs which arise in the near future as I’ll keep you informed. Chaplain Vold met with the family yesterday, as it was much appreciated.
Continue to keep Luster Knight and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully submitted,
Vincent T. Martin
10/2/2008
from Bill Robertson:
Hi Rich...
If you would post this on the Bresnan I would appreciate it
very much. I have finally made the move that I knew was going to happen.
As Of tomorrow, October 3, 2008 – Friday, My new stomping grounds will be
in Petaluma. I will be living in an independent living place called Valley
Orchards. It is only about a 5 minute drive to where my wife is at
and just a stones throw from my sons. I will not have a computer for
awhile so will be unable to communicate except by mail and cell phone until I
make other arrangements. For any of my old friends who wish to contact me
the address will be: 2100 E. Washington St #201, Petaluma, Ca.
94954, after having been at Clear Lake for over 26 years in retirement.
Would love to hear from any of my old friends.. Thanks a million and good
luck to all. Another Old Sucker who won’t give in... Bill Robertson
9/18/2008
Daily Review from Kay Dana:
Plan would move county fire operations out of
Dublin site pitched for new, more spacious headquarters
By Karen Holzmeister
The Daily Review
Article Last Updated: 09/17/2008
SAN LEANDRO — The Alameda County Fire Department wants to consolidate its top operations and maintenance services into a former Chevron document warehouse in Dublin, Fire Chief Sheldon Gilbert said Wednesday.
The disclosure came during a meeting of the San Leandro City Council's finance committee.
Gilbert said the department wants to merge fire administration, training, emergency medical services, the motor pool, apparatus maintenance, storage, central supply and the reserve officers' program at a new complex.
The programs now are spread among a variety of sites from San Leandro to Livermore, including department headquarters at San Leandro City Hall. But the department is outgrowing office space and aging training, classroom and storage facilities, Gilbert said.
The benefits of a new complex, Gilbert said, would include more adequate space, better coordination, streamlined operations, better use of supplies and merged services, and room for future expansion.
Under the plan, 18 county-operated fire stations between Berkeley and Livermore would remain open. But countywide services based at some stations could be moved to Dublin or any other centralized location selected by county supervisors.
The supervisors will discuss the proposal at their meeting Tuesday.
A 20-year lease for a portion of office and warehouse space at 6400 Sierra Court in Dublin would cost the county $29 million, Gilbert said.
He said the property would be remodeled for county use. The 200,000-square-foot warehouse complex was built in 1971. Chevron sold the property for $20 million to 6400 Sierra Court Investors in May. This week, David Robison, one of the property owners, said 85,000 square feet of the site would be converted into a go-kart racing center.
Similar space at the former Kellogg's cereal plant at 2020 Williams St., in San Leandro, would cost $38 million for 20 years, Gilbert said.
The fire department has the equivalent of 380 full-time employees, both sworn firefighters and non-sworn employees.
The number of people working, training or attending meetings at the new facility at any one time could range from several dozen to 150, Gilbert estimated.
The county fire department formed in 1993, and absorbed the San Leandro Fire Department in 1995. Dublin contracted for fire and emergency medical services starting in 1997, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory was added in 2002.
8/17/2008
from Jim Kneeland:
This morning I received a phone call from Paul Bramell informing me of the passing of Captain Charles Bramell this A.M.
Charlie was Ret form Oakland F.D. & was the training officer at the tower ( C.C.C. , USMC Guadualcanal in WWII )
Father of 5 children. Charlie has been ill for the past few years since the passing of his wife Alice.
They both will be missed
I just got word about the 6th Annual ACFD
Retirement Party, October 11, 2008, 5:30 Open 7:00 Eat. The
Please RSVP Station #1 any shift – 510-276-9240
Check our calendar for flyer.
FERG <><