Twenty-three years had passed since DJ’s late father, Don Sr., had donned his uniform, and now it was his turn. He was a proud member of Engine 4, working alongside a dedicated team of firefighters. The city of Newark was still bustling with life and stories, but the faces and the challenges had evolved.
As the engine roared to life, sirens blaring, DJ sat in the rear jump seat, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The red truck raced through the city streets, responding to a house fire nearby. Inside the engine with him were Captain Tony Justice, the seasoned Driver and Engineer Rick Santiago, and two fellow firefighters, Liz Brown and Bishop West.
The engine screeched to a halt in front of a two-story wood-framed residence. Smoke billowed from the structure as several occupants hurriedly evacuated. Captain Justice took charge, relaying critical information to dispatch.
“Engine 4 is on the scene, establishing command, 110 Renner Avenue. We have a working house fire, the 1st floor of a 2-family wood-frame residence. We got heavy smoke on the top floor!” Captain Justice’s voice was firm, a commanding presence in the midst of chaos.
He turned to DJ with urgency in his eyes. “DJ! Come with me. Let’s conduct a primary search. Liz, Bishop, stretch that 1 3/4” hand line through the front and put this motherfucker out. Rick, wrap and pump that hydrant!”
The crew swiftly moved into action. DJ and Captain Justice prepared for a hazardous interior search while Liz and Bishop geared up for the firefight.
As they entered the smoke-filled structure, Santiago coordinated the water supply, ensuring a steady stream flowed to the firefighters inside. The heat was intense, and the roar of the flames was deafening. Liz and Bishop charged into the inferno with the hose line, disappearing into the thick smoke and flames.
Amid the chaos, teamwork prevailed. DJ and Captain Justice continued their search. Room by room, inching forward, DJ had a TIC (thermal imaging camera) in his hand.
Captain Justice’s voice came through the crackling radio static. “You see anything, DJ? Use that TIC and check for extension.”
“Nothing at all, Captain. The fire stayed in the area of origin, and it looks like the residents all self-evacuated. They’re gonna need relocation,” DJ reported.
Captain Justice nodded in acknowledgement. “Yeah, that hot-ass fire will make you get out quick. Good job!”
Their voices reached the dispatch, informing them that the primary search was negative and the visible fire was under control.
Outside, the fireground was a frenzy of activity. Other companies had laddered the structure and shut off utilities. EMS and police had arrived to provide support.
DJ and his fellow firefighters emerged from the house, their bodies coated in a thick layer of soot and sweat, their eyes reflecting the intensity of their work. It was dirty, wet, and gruelling, but it was what they were born to do.
They encountered members of Engine 7 and exchanged good-natured banter. DJ couldn’t resist a quip, “Hey 7, next time at least act like you wanna get here and put the shit out!”
Laughter erupted, a testament to the camaraderie among firefighters.
As they continued to jest, Fire Chief Tina Harrington approached, a symbol of authority and respect.
She acknowledged their dedication. “I see you guys still getting it done, huh? Great work to all of you. Rehab and get back in service.”
Captain Justice replied, “Roger that, Chief,” and turned to his crew. “Okay, folks, let’s get this done.”
DJ couldn’t resist a last playful jab, “Okay, Captain Company man!”
Captain Justice chuckled, “Man, screw you, DJ!” as the rest of the crew continued packing up, ready to head back to their headquarters to be debriefed.