Topic: My pseudo granddaughter - bragging here (Read 2405 times)

porthole · « **on:** April 28, 2008, 08:54:39 PM »

I'll be right up front here, I'm bragging, and proud of it.

At 0005 hours on December 18, 1989 I responded to a really bad apartment fire.

Upon our arrival we were met with a horrific, 16 unit, 2 story "through the roof" fire, with the report of a baby trapped inside.

The short story is that I located a 9 year old girl and removed her form the building. Her blond hair was matted black and she was covered in soot. When we got her to the ambulance she had no vital signs, and it was very depressing.

The medics did a great job and revived her and quickly whisked her away.

"Kat" spent 5 days in ICU and on Christmas Eve we spent the day with Kat & her family at home.

She has been like our daughter ever since, and her dad like my brother.

In this picture, evacuation orders have already been given and many of the fire fighters are exiting the building.
You can see the entire 2nd floor is just about burned away and there are 2 firefighters exiting the 2nd floor balcony.
And this is only 10 minutes into the fire!

You can't see in the picture but I was in the process of exiting the 2nd floor window onto a ladder with my "package"

porthole · « **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2008, 09:01:35 PM »

Why am I bragging?

Tomorrow, Gwendolyn Mary will be 4 months old and it is a wonderful feeling knowing that I am partially responsible for the beautiful little girl Kat has brought into this world.

SBB · « **Reply #2 on:** April 28, 2008, 09:02:15 PM »

Brag on Grand Dad, she's beautiful!
You should be proud!
Congrats!

FNGw/08SERK · « **Reply #3 on:** April 28, 2008, 09:07:50 PM »

I can't think of anything better to brag about!! Nice job Duane.

sadunbar · « **Reply #4 on:** April 28, 2008, 09:48:56 PM »

That is one heck of a story. You have a lot to be proud of... I can't say enough about the service all of you firemen provide...

thank you to all of you...

Boatman · « **Reply #5 on:** April 28, 2008, 10:15:44 PM »

Ditto on what everyone has stated. Great job and you should be proud as we are of you Duane.

HogDude · « **Reply #6 on:** April 29, 2008, 08:27:56 AM »

Wonderful Story, Duane and a great job.
I'm sure Kat and her family feel great to have you in their family.

Hugh Janis · « **Reply #7 on:** April 29, 2008, 08:50:52 AM »

Wish my job had those kinds of rewards. You're a hero Duane. Thanks for the picture and story. That will motivate a fireman for an entire career.

Vags SO · « **Reply #8 on:** April 29, 2008, 08:53:27 AM »

Way to go Duane...she is adorable..

Twolanerider · « **Reply #9 on:** April 29, 2008, 09:53:50 AM »

That's a cute kid. Already making eyes for the camera too. Obviously so very bright

.

Thanks Duane. Will read strories like this one everyday.

amigo Jorge · « **Reply #10 on:** April 29, 2008, 09:55:00 AM »

Mi amigo Duanne....this story is wonderful.....CVO family is proud to have you here!!

WFP · « **Reply #11 on:** April 29, 2008, 10:25:39 AM »

Great story! Write the book.

erniezap · « **Reply #12 on:** April 29, 2008, 12:12:35 PM »

BANDANAGIRL · « **Reply #13 on:** April 29, 2008, 12:44:07 PM »

Beautiful baby

CVOJOE · « **Reply #14 on:** April 29, 2008, 02:06:28 PM »

Brag on Duane.............great story and happy ending for one little person, and some grown-ups as well.

FLYNDYNA · « **Reply #15 on:** April 29, 2008, 02:34:24 PM »

Duane,

You are a member of a very honorable profession, and you touch peoples lives in such a positive and fantastic way. As my father is a firefighter (retired) I must say thank you with all my heart for your years of dedication. You are a modern day hero! That is one beautiful little baby, she is here because of you, I tip my hat to you sir!

Flyndyna

Gettinold · « **Reply #16 on:** April 29, 2008, 06:39:26 PM »

Duane thats not bragging in my books, but being proud and dedicated to your profession. You risked your own life to save another and you were confident that you could. My friend you brought a tear to my eye and I'm proud to know you. Now thats bragging !!!

Dave

Capo · « **Reply #17 on:** April 29, 2008, 11:20:31 PM »

Quote from: porthole on April 28, 2008, 09:01:35 PM

Why am I bragging?

Tomorrow, Gwendolyn Mary will be 4 months old and it is a wonderful feeling knowing that I am partially responsible for the beautiful little girl Kat has brought into this world.

THAT'S WHAT I'm TALKIN 'BOUT- Nice work bro! Were you a Truckie in that 1989 life?

ccr · « **Reply #18 on:** April 30, 2008, 06:33:42 AM »

You have a lot to brag about here. What a gorgeous and precious miracle. I could read a story like this every day of my life. Well done. I'm proud to know you.

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #19 on:** April 30, 2008, 08:09:45 AM »

Duane, we know we all have stories like this. It is a great feeling to have another adopted family in our firehouse life. It really doesn't get any better than this. I am glad to see you have stayed in touch over the years.

See everyone, we do get rewarded all of the time. It is not just a job it is A GREAT JOB!!!!!!

OH and BTW that little baby is gorgeous. Good job Porthole. You make alot of union brothers and sisters very proud!! Keep up the great work BROTHER!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

Seegarsmkr · « **Reply #20 on:** April 30, 2008, 01:46:11 PM »

Quote from: WFP on April 29, 2008, 10:25:39 AM

Great story! Write the book.

D that is a heroic story told by a true hero...screw the book sell the movie rights

Seegarz

ice6900 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 30, 2008, 01:52:12 PM »

the beutiful baby is the icing on the cake to a fantastic life experience

Hoist! · « **Reply #22 on:** April 30, 2008, 03:33:24 PM »

Quote from: Gettinold on April 29, 2008, 06:39:26 PM

Duane thats not bragging in my books, but being proud and dedicated to your profession. You risked your own life to save another and you were confident that you could. My friend you brought a tear to my eye and I'm proud to know you. Now thats bragging !!!

Dave

Got choked up myself, and can't say it better than Dave! Way to go Duane! Hero is what I'll call ya too!

And thank to all who help protect us!

Hoist!

Author Topic: My pseudo granddaughter - bragging here (Read 2405 times)