A couple of weeks ago on a Sunday night, we were heading to a two-alarm fire in Huntleigh, MO. Regularly, I drive the truck on Friday nights which is generally the busiest night, so I have worked with fire departments from all over St. Louis County and the City. This particular area we were heading to do not see fires very often so listening to the scanner on the way, I was not sure what to expect.
As Red Cross volunteers, we have two jobs at a fire scene: 1) To assist the family, and 2) To help make sure the emergency workers stay hydrated. The American Red Cross in the St. Louis area is much different from other Red Cross chapters. Because of the donors we have here, we are able to supply this service to the emergency workers. Every day, there are firefighters all over the area putting their lives at risk for us.
At this fire, I stood there with my son, Daniel, and Mary who is a new member of our team. We all realized how different the scene was. When there is a two alarm fire in that area, you get cities from all over. We saw trucks from Frontenac, Kirkwood, Rock Hill, Glendale, Brentwood, Ladue, Crestwood, and Des Peres (sorry if I forgot someone). There was more than one chief, teams that rarely do fires together, yet it seemed so put together and organized. The Frontenac police officers were extremely polite! And to the EMT workers who brought us towels to dry off with after the rain dumped on us – a HUGE thank you! We marveled at the teamwork we saw at the scene. Teamwork is very important during a fire, a disaster scene, and our daily lives.
Coming up on September 12th, St Louis will be holding their Great Fire Engine Rally. The parade at the Riverfront starts at 10 a.m. There are many activities throughout the day. Bring your family by and say thank you to your local firefighters!
Ann Christmas is a Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteer.