Bob joined in 1972 and was very instrumental in the development of this Department.  Bob also became a Fire Instructor and has taught classes all over the Commonwealth.  Bob is one of the most respected in his field.  He has shown tremendous leadership qualities and has been always on the forefront of today's fire advancements.  But you can also say he hasn't forgotten how far this all has come.

What people might not have seen was the great working relationship he had with the 2 other Chiefs in the Lower Valley he has worked side by side with. Bob, Chris Van Luevnder and Chuck Molinaro have been doing this together since the early nineties and without giving them big heads, you won’t find a better three, anywhere in this state.  They worked a fire command always as 1 and have been recognized throughout the state by some many other Chiefs.

The Lower Valley will feel a tremendous loss with Bob gone.

Bob always had time to talk to his Company Officers and would always speak his mind.  In many heated discussions on policies and procedures Bob valued our input and made what he felt was the best decision for the Department.  Even when we all didn’t agree, he never held a grudge with any of us and he continued to build on what we had started.

Bob was a friend first and a Chief second and that is something I’m sure all of us will never forget.  Well as I described my departure from being Captain months ago, as a chapter closes a new chapter begins, the way I describe Bob’s is the book gets put on the shelf and new book will have to be purchased.

The new Chief will be faced with people trying to pull the puppet strings, which Bob would never give into.  This was always Bob’s biggest headache but again he stood his ground and fought for what was right.  There always was someone working behind the scenes but Bob stood his ground and tried to accomplish what was right for the whole Department.

A big retirement/roast is being planned for Friday February 28th 2010 with several guest speakers, but more details will follow after Christmas.  Until then we all say thanks Bob for everything you have taught us, how you laughed with us, even cried with us, and for especially making us one of the best Departments in the State.  And if you see Bob in the future don’t be surprised to see him on a hose line or two, but again “That’s Just My Opinion”.

Just My Opinion (Sept/Oct.)
 Well everything must come to an end and in the Fire department it would be no different.  With a recent illness I realized it was time to re-think what was best for my Company so I’m turning over the Captain position to Chris Shaffer. 

Everyone knows these days will come and I feel pretty good that I gave my best, worked the hardest, and never short changed the Old Forge Fire Department in any form or fashion.  I made mistakes thru the years but it wasn’t from effort in trying to be the best.

So a chapter closes and a new one begins and I hope Chris will have as much passion and love for this job as I have.  Thank you to everyone who has worked with me thru the years.  I have been the blessed one with so many good friends and will never forget them either.
May God protect you all in keeping up the fight in doing what is right in very tough and scary world.  Till I see you all again.

August Edition
Well we got back from training in Maryland and as usually I always reflect on what we did and where we are going from here.  I have to say this time I laid back a little, didn’t push myself as hard as I always do with my knees pretty sore.  But what I saw was a little of the Changing of the Guard.  The younger guys and gal really stepped up.  Capt. Stull and I would set back and watch the Team members just do outstanding and pushed themselves as hard as we ever saw them work.

The most exciting person though was Chief Bob Aulisio who at 54 was without a doubt still the strongest and craziest of anyone on the Team.  He did just about everything the rest of the youngsters did.  Also another member who is getting ready to be considered in the elderly group was our Senior Chief Chris Shaffer.  Still active with the U.S. Coast Guard he still is our best swimmer by far but we sure do razz him.  The rest of the Team was again just incredible in how they kept pushing each other.

It was a good feeling coming home  realizing we are getting much better and getting a lot of experience in class 3 and class 4 water which you just don’t get here.  I’m sure we can keep getting better and we will but I know now that the young guns are coming, and coming strong, as usually “It’s Just My Opinion”.  Thank you to all who gave their weekend away from their family and keep working, it will pay off I’m sure of that. 

July edition
So everyone is always thinking how do we fix what is broken.  Well here goes my rendition of what would work in Lackawanna County.    A 2 year plan will be put in effect to get the ball started. 
1.   All Boroughs in Lackawanna County will sign off on an agreement that will give the new policies teeth.  Any Fire Company not working to achieve completion will automatically lose any funds from said Borough.
2.   A Fire Commissioner will be put into place and give quarterly reports to the County Commissioners and Boroughs.  This position will have the power of looking into grants, consolidations, and even closing of firehouses. All districts will report to him as well the Lackawanna County Communications Center.  This position will be paid and fulltime.
3.   A finance and purchasing person will be put into place and will be responsible for meeting with each District on their needs, and will have to meet with all Boroughs so each can plan what is needed in their budgets.
4.   4 Districts will put into place with having 4 District Chiefs with 8 Deputy Chiefs.  They will put together the following procedures for firefighting, rescue and special operating procedures.  The Districts would have to be realigned so each section isn’t extremely larger than any other one. These positions will carry some type of pay.
5.   In each district there will be Engine Companies, Ladder Companies, Rescue Companies, and the introduction of true Squad Companies. There also will be special operations units as dictated. 
6.   Once Companies are put into place a Captain for each rig with his 2 Lieutenants will be appointed. Instructors will be brought in to implement training procedures for all Company Officers.  Standardization will be vital in each rig, with them being very similar but still might carry some specialty equipment as seen needed for each District.  This will take additional 6 months to implement from the start. 
7.  All Firefighters in each Company will then have 6 months to complete a program to get everyone the same page to begin.  Additional training will then be scheduled by Company Officers and these reports will be sent into said District Chiefs. 

8.  4 levels of firefighters will be put into place.  From junior members, to exterior, to interior, and specialists will be the 4 levels. An incentive program must be put into place that rewards members that meet all goals and even extend some type of bonus for meeting national certs.  Example would be having members that move from each Level will receive a different pay scale for calls responding.  An additional amount will be paid for each National Certifications achieved by each member on a one time basis in pay.

Now this is just a quick start to fixing a system so broken, but it would have potential.  I’m sure there will be Fire Companies not in agreement but to fix a problem you sometime have to get rid of dead wood.  In this County there are too many people going in opposite directions, because they don’t want to do what is right.  You need to get everyone on the same page and that is the main problem to the whole system.  I always hear someone saying, “well it works in your area but ours is to different”.  What is so different about what we do?  When you can answer that for me then you will find the true problem. 

So inclosing I ask you to think what will be the best way to save a sinking ship, and yes the Volunteer Fire Service is a Sinking Ship.  Some are taking on water a little quicker than others; you just don’t know you’re getting wet.  So let me know what you think and remember,” It’s Just My Opinion”.

Just my Opinion (June Edition)
Well have you ever asked yourself WHY you do this?  I mean if you have been involved in the fire service have you ever looked in the mirror and asked WHY you do this.  I have asked myself from time to time and I guess my answer hasn’t really changed but what I have seen is somewhat puzzling by others. 

I can’t read people’s minds but I do feel I’m a good judge of character and also being in business where I deal with people every day, I can read people pretty good.  Some firefighters (including my own company) I know they love the rush they get going into a burning building and putting out that fire. That part is good but how many really like the training. The day to day part of making sure the equipment, maintenance, and or their personal gear is ready to go.  Have you ever have someone say to you I can’t find my gloves?  I have and usually those guys are the ones that don’t walk back into the firehouse from call to call. 

I think some firefighters get their rocks off just saying they are firefighters.  Go to a training class and watch the guys that talk the most, or always have a better way to do it than the instructor.  These are the people out there that want to talk a good game but really don’t have clue.  Watch them on the fire scene and you will see them usually all out of sorts, not really ready to do anything, mostly sitting back afraid to get involved but when the call is somewhat under control they are back in the forefront.

I also think some people take this as a hobby.  They like the idea of belonging but don’t want to treat it like it is job.  I hate to tell them it is, in more ways than one.  You see just because you don’t get a paycheck handed to you; you take peoples lives in your hands every time you leave your house.  There is no better satisfaction than helping someone out, or if you are lucky to save a life there isn’t money that can top that. 

 The one that gets me the best is the guy who hasn’t come around in months or even the ones that haven’t done it for years.  At a local restaurant a person I knew for 20 years who belonged to a now defunct fire company talked how much he missed it. How it was in his blood, how he needs to get back into it.  Know I’m not saying some of that isn’t true but if you knew him you would know when he was supposed to be involved he also was one of those guys that lay back, never did much.  I walked away thinking how can you make comments like that and know in your heart that you really have no intentions of coming back. 

The fire service is filled with a lot of these types and even a lot more who like seeing other companies having problems.  It takes a lot of work to keep everyone happy and a lot of work but it doesn’t take long for it to be destroyed.  Most people don’t see through these types initially and usually takes you to get burned from it.  I know I have but once was enough and if you’re honest up front with everyone, you we see some success come of they were you are treated and respected.

I hope everyone will take the time to look in that mirror and really ask themselves Why you do it.  Enclosing I Love the rush of going in and knocking down the fire, I love the challenge it presents when you pull up and have to outsmart the Red Devil, I Love when what you do as a Unit works and works well, I Love the smile on a child’s face after you see them at the store and they remember you, I Love  being in control of taking a Team into any type of battle whether it is Fire or Water, and most of all I LOVE BEING COUNTED ON TO DO A JOB I STILL LOVE TO DO.   So what’s going through your mind I would love to know, call me or see me anytime but remember “It’s Just My Opinion”. 

Just my Opinion (May Edition)
As summer approaches it will be time to go to Harrisburg and see what’s new in the Fire Apparatus world.  For as long as I remember looking at new ideas in Apparatus and Equipment always sparks the interest in what just might be out there. If you happen to go look were the longest lines are and it will give you a better perspective of what’s wrong with the fire service, “Just My Opinion”.

Also with summer approaching its time to get back into the water.  With several training classes scheduled it was refreshing to get back at it.  I hope to keep all Team Members active and we are always looking for new people to get involved.  Doing this type of training is very difficult but very rewarding, but that’s “Just My Opinion”.

And finally if you haven’t seen the video of the PG firefighters entering a mall store when a gas explosion occurs.  First and foremost let’s pray for the firefighters recoveries, and ask all our selves how easy this could happen to any of us.  This is always taken lightly, never thinking this can happen to us, well ask the PG boys or even the 21 Chief what they think.  The firefighters did their job by making sure the mall was evacuated, but could you imagine if they didn’t?  Do we always treat these calls as serious as we do when a smoke report comes in?  I hope people watch that video and do take it serious, I know I will but “That’s Just My Opinion”.

Just My Opinion (April Edition)
First I want to start out by hoping anyone who has seen the Red Cross in action especially this year, it has been a pleasant surprise on how they have been so helpful on fire scenes.  They have really made great strides in doing whatever they can to take care of us on Fire Scenes.  Hats off to them and just saying thank you for a job well done.

Also from what I’m hearing that several substantial changes will be happening at the Communication's Center within a month or so.  It’s good to see progress and I’m sure the hard work of the advisory board is paying off.  Even give Tom Dubas credit for pushing ahead with several key projects.  We needed things fixed and now that seems to be happening, I think but  “it’s just my opinion.”

Now the big one, we have secured a really nice walk in style Rescue that will serve Swiftwater Team for years to come.  When we set out on this adventure over three years ago I never thought this would happen.  With all the road blocks we encountered I couldn’t have dreamed this would turn out this way.  The vehicle is going to provide the Team the opportunity to grow and have room for more equipment as time goes on. We feel with the effort, everyone is making in training and now somewhere to put all the equipment in one vehicle, this will only make us stronger.  Hopefully more people will want to join in our efforts and expand our Team.  Also I thought it would only be fitting bringing the Rescue name out of retirement since we ran an Engine and Rescue up until 1994.  Its fifteenyear absence will soon be forgotten as the Big Mack rolls on its first call.  A lot of driver training and re-organizing of compartments will happen, I would think all summer. 

I’m extremely proud to share this effort with Chief Aulisio and Capt. Bill Stull who with my own company members were the driving force in keeping all this possible.  We will do a separate article about the new rig and how we secured funds to buy it soon, but again I never thought this dream would come true but it did.  You can get things accomplished without all the negativity and hope this shows that, but as usual “It’s Just my opinion”. 

I do believe the two men running the Communication Center are good men, descent men, even trying to do what they think is best, but I do feel they have more of a sense to stonewall ideas then implement them.  I think they let people go do a lot of work in the field preparing things, but if you don’t agree with them one hundred percent, well then it gets another title for another project down the road.  I really can’t see how this can be fixed because even a meeting with the County Commissioners didn’t seem to shake things up.  I only hope we can get thru some of this red tape and get it to run like it should, a lot more efficient, as I always say “It’s Just My Opinion”.

Well for people wondering if the band is getting back together, there have been some dates being posted.  I only hope cooler heads prevail and a permanent working relationship comes out of this, for the system is always at its best with the best players in the game, but again “It’s Just My Opinion”.   Hopefully will we have a………………………… na not this time, more on this one soon!
 

Then at the critique the other night there actually was some good dialogue going.  Even though not everyone agreed most people left with some new ideas and thoughts to take home and ponder.  In the past people always thought these things were for ripping others for mistakes, but the opposite is only true.  You can learn so much from these meetings by keeping an open mind.  This is “Just my Opinion”.

I must say I’m still very surprised on how many Companies I still see with guys with beards.  What part don’t they get!!! I just lose respect for that Department and have to really wonder if they can’t control that issue, how can they control life and death decisions.  I think some people treat this like a club and don’t have the stones to stop this from happening.  You can’t be afraid of losing people when you don’t have them in the first place, especially if they can’t follow the rules.  This one isn’t just my opinion it’s the NFPA’s too.

I also wonder how many Companies have put in a seat belt policy.  We have been doing it for 2 years now and it is second nature to our guys.  It is something that will save your life and is especially good for your family at home that you support. Why not do things safe all the time not just once in awhile.  Again it’s “Just My Opinion”.

And finally on the rumor mill I’m hearing that not only is the band going to play again it might turn into another Woodstock. Stay tune for more developments on Concert dates and I guarantee when it happens, you won’t want to be left out in the cold all alone.  Well till later stay safe and remember it’s “Just My Opinion”.

I read in the newspaper were 95 Rescue is thinking of building a new station.  This will give them much needed room in there ever expanding Department.  But what really made sense was the idea of merging with the other company in town.  With both Fire Companies a stone’s throw away from each other this would be very logical and could only benefit the Town they both serve.  Again this is “Just my Opinion”.

 I would love to see this before we all retire in Old Forge, one big Station.  Everything rolling out of one Station centrally located in town.  What makes sense is where they are thinking of putting a Community Center next to its new park and walking trail.  A road would have to be put in connect the Heights section and that seems pretty easy to do, but again I don’t see much excitement in this from Borough Officials.  If some thought was put into this maybe more grants would come available to the Borough with a combined Building.  Again this is “Just my Opinion.”

Now for the rumor mill, I think there might be a small chance two companies who did work together for a long time might actually start working together again in a smaller capacity.   Hopeful cooler heads will think this thru and accomplish the good out of this, not the bad which has harvested for the past year.  I would like to see the band getting back together as they say, but again it’s “Just my Opinion.”

And finally always remember when a shark is in the water, he normally wouldn’t prey on you unless he senses fear and a taste of blood.  In this business we sometimes give the sharks more credit than they deserve by not getting to the facts and letting things fester and get out of control with the rumor mills.  PLEASE STOP FEEDING THE SHARKS so they will just go away.  Well enough for now and again it’s “Just my Opinion.”