Travel story Corpus Christi, Texas from
April 12, 2006 till April 25, 2006
Day 1: Wednesday, April 12, 2006
1930 local Texan time the 10 Fireobservers who left Belgium this morning arrived at San
Antonio Airport. Peter and Filip departed a day earlier and waited at the airport. They
have been in Corpus Christi today to make the last preparations and where full of praise
for the reception by Ass.Firechief Rick Trevino. Together they prepared a promising
program for the next few days. The local media also found out that the Fireobservers where
on American soil and arranged a press-conference for the next day. It all looks very
promising but the 22 hour trip got the best of everyone and it was time to get some sleep.
Day 2: Thursday, April 13, 2006
This morning at 06.00 hours, the reveille, most were already awake and had the feeling if
they had slept a whole day. After a nutritious American breakfast we left the Three Rivers
at 0830am direction Corpus Christi.
Around 09.30 am we arrived at Headquarters where we waited an overwhelming reception by
Acting Chief R. Hooks, Asst.Chief R. Trevino, Asst.Chief A. Cardiel Union representative
C. Torres and the local press. After the presentations and some explanation about the CCFD
we visited the gear-shop for our “Bunker gear” (fire fighter vest, helmet and
fluorescent vest) followed by lunch. After lunch we went to the Refinery Terminal Fire
Company. This is a joint fire fighting service for the refinery company’s with a
commercial training facility. Again the local press made a story out of it. The reception
was warm ant the people very open. It was a very interesting tour ended with exchange of
gifts.
At the 6 'o clock news we saw a brief report of our reception at HQ.
Message of the local press:
The Belgian and Dutch Fire Observers group arrived this morning (April 13th) in Corpus
Christi, Texas at 10:00 a.m. They are a group of twelve career and volunteer fire fighters
who are visiting Corpus Christi fire department facilities as well as NAS Fire Department
and the RTFC Drill Field. Today they visited Fire Headquarters, the EOC, and CCFD EMS/Fire
Central Training Facilities, ate lunch at Fire Headquarters, and visited the RTFC Training
Field. They will close off today by reporting to their assigned stations of #1, #3, #7,
#8, #10 and #14 for the rest of "C" Shift. I had the pleasure of meeting with
two of the fire fighters (recon team) yesterday and met the rest of them this morning and
have to tell you all, they are really a nice group of guys (fire fighters) eager to learn
and see the way we do things in this fire department (Corpus Christi style). Tomorrow
morning they will visit our 911 Dispatch Centre and then the union hall between 9:00 a.m.
and 10:00 a.m. if anyone would like to meet them and visit with them. Let's show them some
good "ole South Texas Hospitality"!
Day 3: Friday, April 14, 2006
Easter weekend is very popular especially for the Mexican part of the population. They
also search for Easter eggs; these aren’t filled with chocolate but with confetti.
They expect a busy weekend, the stations will be sure to notice. Tonight we only had three
3 calls for Medic-8 and had just as many for the Engine, wondering what the night will
bring.....
In general, everyone experienced a quiet night, this morning at 0830 hours we met at
Headquarters for another well filled day. After a cigarette and a cup of coffee we visited
the 911 centre which is located at the local Police Station. There was an explanation of
the various systems which they work with and the types of calls they process.
Later we went to the Union headquarter where they made us a Mexican-American breakfast.
During breakfast Union President, Carlos Torres, explained what the Union does. The local
Spanish speaking press made a report and we made it again on the 6 o' clock news. We are
turning famous. The group is recognized everywhere (the post-office, the gas station, the
beach, the navy base,…). After the Union we drove to Padre Island. A stretch of beach
where people enjoy the sun on the roof of there car. Something we aren’t used to.
Later we went to the Naval Airstation Corpus Christi this is a big naval pilot training
facility. NASCC occupies a state of the art building and has a so called crash centre. No
effort was spared to demonstrate everything.
The also demonstrated the Airplane trailer. This trailer is designed to simulate all
airplane fires (engine, cargo, cabine, armoury,…). Back at station 1 after an
intensive day we received a fire-call but got called off early. No flames tonight…
Back at the station we had dinner (roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and beans). After
dinner some guys tried to play bagpipes, some more successful they others. Around 9.00pm
Engine 101 was called to go stand by at a fire works show after a baseball match. We were
stationed at a military base where a big cargo ship was unloaded with tanks and other
equipment that served in Iraq.
Around 1100pm we were back at station 1 and hit the sack after a can of Dr Pepper. Its
Friday night so hopefully a busy one for engine 101…. To be continued.
Message of the local press:
The FIRE OBSERVER group of fire fighters visited the Corpus Christi Fire Fighters
Association Union Hall on Friday, April 14, 2006. They were treated to breakfast and given
union tokens of appreciation for their time, efforts and obviously financial sacrifices in
visiting the United States and especially picking South Texas and Corpus Christi to visit
this year. None of the fire fighters have visited Texas before. They met with City Council
member and Local 936 friend Jerry Garcia at our Union Hall. From there the group returned
to CCFD Fire Headquarters for a brief rest and it was on to the CC Naval Air Station to
visit their fire department and the base. After that they returned to their assigned fire
stations (#1, 3, 7,8,10 and 14) for the rest of the shift. I would like to thank all
Corpus Christi fire fighters for making them feel very welcome and being very hospitable
as I am sure they will return to South Texas again some day soon!
Day 4: Saturday, April 15, 2006
First a story of our night shift at Station 1.At 1700 a BBQ was lit for typical Texan
Ribeye steak to dish and I can assure you it wasn’t small patches. After dinner the
captain had found it necessary that some sports should be done. Instead to do sports, we
were offered a visit to the baseball stadium where this evening a big game was scheduled.
At 1900 the full crew of Engine 101 and Engine 1 left towards the stadium where we were
introduced to the entire public, and I assure you it gives goose pumps! Filip and Yoeri
were filmed and projected on the big scoreboard with naming and shaming.We are becoming
famous Corpus Christi firefighters, because apparently everyone knows us from the
impressive media attention the last days. Hilarity when their faces appeared on the big
screen because Mario and Joachim where also the present at the stadium. The Friday crew of
station 3 also invited them tonight for the baseballgame. It gives an impression how the
presence of the Fire Observers at stations is appreciated. Today was a day ride along, a
whole day could be go forth with the crews on the stations. Heard various reactions, it is
a good day to all of the stations, collisions, fire, CPR the whole range passed the review
. Tonight most stations held a BBQ so most of us now know how a Texan steak looks and
tastes.
Day 5: Sunday, April 16, 2006
Tonight it was, contrary to expectations, fairly quiet at the stations. Most have slept
well and were well recovered at 1230am when they were obtained for the visit to the
aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington. Since many CC fire fighters have a second job here,
we were nicely received and we passed the register along the good side ..... The aircraft
carrier is one of the main attractions in Corpus Christi, which is very impressive and for
most a completely new experience. After the visit to the USS Lexington, for the first time
this trip we tasted a BUD in a bar on the beach. Because its our last evening at the
stations in Corpus Christi its virtually everywhere BBQ. Tomorrow awaits us the official
farewell at Headquarters and a ride to our destination, Lake Jackson.
Day 6: Monday, April 17, 2006
Tonight, in general, has been quiet at the station, except for medical calls and smoke in
an apartment building. This morning it was time to say goodbye to the station after the
exchange of T-shirts, patches, stickers and addresses some group photos were quickly made.
We were expected at Headquarters for the official end of our Corpus Christi visit .In
their farewell words Acting Chief Richard Hooks, Ass.Chief Union President Rick Trevino
and Carlos Torres were very flattering about our services at the stations and provided
assistance during the calls. It was the first time that Europeans had visited and it
exceeded their expectations. The Fire Observers are welcome to return again in the future;
a better advertising we do not want. As thank you we all got to keep our helmet, stickers
and T-shirts. After the official farewell at Headquarters we went to station 1 and took a
last group picture.
After a solid drive we arrived around 18.00 pm at Lake Jackson, Fire Chief Mike Harper and
Ass.Chief Billy Yates came to pick us up at the meeting point. The welcome said it all; it
is extremely nice to have the Fireobservers. After a short ride we arrived at the Fire
Station, what we saw exceeded all our expectations, a brand new 2-storey station with all
the trimmings. Despite being a Volunteer Department the building has all the facilities of
a full station Luxury bedrooms, showers, meeting rooms, kitchen etc. Later we went out to
dinner with the Fire Chief and Ass.Chief. , Tomorrow a visit to the Dow plant in Freeport
is scheduled.
Day 7: Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Today the visit to the Dow Freeport location was scheduled, these are three separate
sites: plant A, plant B and Oyster Creek. At 0500ameveryone was woken it promised to be a
warm day and we wanted to be back in Lake Jackson on time. Our host Billy Yates took us,
after a hearty breakfast at IHOP (International House Of Pancakes) in tow to Dow. It is
incredible how much industry is located here, as far as the eye can reach we saw
installations. After a check-in procedure we all got a visitor badge and our access to the
Dow site granted. Once we arrived at the Dow plant-A Fire Station the local press
appeared, a journalist and photographer from the local newspaper heard about our presence
and would like to do a story. Seen our past experience this also wasn’t a problem. At
the station there was time to take a look at all the equipment, take some pictures, test
the truck and exchange information with the fire fighters. As told before we couldn’t
be luckier and use a wonderful accommodation. Lake Jackson Fire Department has, apart from
the station we stay in, 2 more stations each stationed with 1 engine. They also have an
old-timer Chevrolet that is used on special occasions.
Day 8: Wednesday, April 19, 2006
For many of us fatigue begins to strike; yesterday evening the most were around 21.30 in
bed. This morning it was up at 06.30 so that we first had a good night's sleep. Scheduled:
Hazmat Station 22 at Houston and the Houston Fire Museum.
Tonight, the Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department invited us to a BBQ, an offer we
can’t refuse. To give it all an official character, all volunteers are invited,
including wives and children.
This morning breakfast again at IHOP, Fire Marshal Randy Crim accompanied us and arranged
some things for our visit to Houston. This morning was the visit to Station 22 Houston
Hazmat were we met District Chief Blake White. After a brief welcome, we had the
opportunity to view the station and one of the vehicles. The rest of the vehicles had
virtual training on the Houston Fire Training Academy, since we also were interested in
this spot that also got arranged. For the visit to the Houston Fire Training Academy, a
Hazmat vehicle of station 22 was our escort.
At the Fire Training Academy, new fire fighters are trained for their job at the fire
department of Houston. The Academy includes a drill tower, a burn building, a virtual
training simulator and numerous other training items.
Our next stop was the Houston Fire Museum. The Fire Museum in Houston is located in a
former station, the building is renovated in the beginning of the 90’s, the interior
is left unchanged. It breathes the atmosphere of the past and shows how the department was
housed that time. At The Fire Museum we walked straight into the arms of the Houston Fire
Department PIO (Public Information Officer), who was very enthusiastic about the aims of
Fire Observers and the non-profit nature, he invited us to do a ride-along program the
following year. Perhaps this offers perspectives for the future ...... Today we celebrate
the happy fact that our veteran "Pepe Lucien" has become 6o years of age.
Wednesday was the time for the official farewell part. As earlier mentioned we were
offered a BBQ and presents were exchanged. Fire Chief Mike Harper, 1st Asst.Chief Billy
Yates and Randy Crim have spared no effort to make us feel at home at Lake Jackson, we
thanked them extensive. Small statues, Belgian chocolates, a Belgian officers hat, a
Gallet helmet a shield of Bree FD where their share. We were thanked with a ship load of
T-shirts, stickers, coffee cups, pins, patches, calendars and many other things. The
farewell was one with a very personal nature, there are friendships forged and they
invited us also to work in the future to come back. We knew that Pepe Lucien had his
birthday on April 20 and we would not let get past, he was finally 60! Thursday evening at
the farewell BBQ with the Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, we have the opportunity
to set Lucien in the sun. Fire Marshal Randy Crim was involved in the conspiracy and had a
beautiful birthday cake provided with Pepe's photograph, a fire engine and our
congratulations on his 60th birthday. Except for the cake we had a beautiful model from
fire wood provided. Under false pretences was Lucien lures away from the BBQ, meanwhile
the present fire fighters and their families informed about the going to come. When Lucien
returned in the main hall everybody sang "Happy Birthday to you", I know Lucien
not very long but saw that it something to him. Mission accomplished!
Day 9: Thursday, April 20, 2006
Thursday morning we left Lake Jackson. Billy Yates and Mike Harper were present say
goodbye. It would be a 2.5 hour drive to College Station eventually it was 1100am, before
we were on the spot. Jeff Saunders, district chief USAR, was our host and welcomed us at
gate-B. TEEX has two parts: the Fireschool and Disaster City. Almost all conceivable
scenarios can be practiced under real conditions. Today the fire part of this trip is
completed. But with a visit where many fire heart will pound a little harder. TEEX is
Texas Engineering Extension Service, The establishment that we visit today is:
Brayton Fire Training Field:
The location where training in a realistic and large-scale, not to mention real life, is
provided. This requires you to come to Texas Engineering Extension Service's Brayton Fire
Training Field in College Station, Texas.
Located just next to the campus of the university, very large and the place where each
year more than 45,000 student rescuers of all 50 states and more than 45 countries come.
Specific training on 132 different models for all possible forms of aid courses.
For the fire department there are several lay-outs with real fire training.
Day 10: Friday, April 21, 2006
After our night in Waco, we went off, with a stop in the outlet centre Hillsboro, to Fort
Worth / Dallas. Friday, the fire section concludes with a visit to the Stockyards. It is
an authentic piece of Texas were over the past years the livestock was collected and was
introduced to several destinations. Present cattle are driven through the streets twice a
day for tourists. The Stockyards became a renowned nightlife Dallas and surrounding areas.
There are always occasions to remember to drink to, we had a few...... Pepe's birthday
(Lake Jackson, where we had Pepe's birthday celebration was a "dry county, alcohol
was taboo), Philip pass for Petrochemical and Company Protector. Sometimes there are items
that you can’t know in advance. We didn’t know that in the person of Guido we
had a gifted guitarist among us. What we didn’t knew in advance that he would perform
live at the "White Elephant Saloon" at the Stockyards with the famous Country
Singer Brad Hines. CCR, Steve Miller and many other acquaintances passed the review. It
was a performance to remember Except Guido other European musicians were present. It was a
German company from Bavaria. Brad, Guido and the Germans just jammed............ As a
farewell to our cozy evening at the White Elephant saloon, we were all called on the stage
for a group photo with Brad.
Day 11: Saturday, April 22, 2006
Today Dallas was scheduled. We started at 10.00am from Fort Worth. After a 40 minute drive
Dallas came in sight.
The Six Floor Museum is an exhibition arranged on the assassination of late President
JF.Kennedy. From a window on the sixth floor of this building Kennedy was deadly wounded
with three shots by Lee Harvey Oswald on Elm. Kennedy died to his injuries in a Dallas
hospital at 1pm.
The Reunion Tower is a striking point in the skyline of Dallas, the tower can be visited
and offers a beautiful view of downtown Dallas. Since we stayed two days at Fort Worth and
returned from Dallas in time, there was still time to see the Stockyards in daylight. The
Stockyards area is also known for its rodeo hall, almost every night there are a lot of
rodeos. Where else than Texas, you can eat beef ribs ......... the whole group tried, and
liked it very much! Billy Bob's is the place to be at the Stockyards, however, since the
following day a long drive was scheduled and Mr.Bob $ 15 entry per person, we decided to
skip him this year. Two days Fort Worth / Dallas filled with beautiful moments, but today
it was time to go.
Day 12: Sunday, April 23, 2006
Fredericksburg in fact is an old German enclave which currently can be found in the
streets.
Since we are in a German enclave it seemed us great to try a German restaurant. Once
inside, we were surprised with the music of Frans Bauer, the name sounds German but we
feel this is really a Dutchman! This didn’t spoil all the fun, hostess Gertrude had
found her partner in Steven and schnitzels were excellent quality.
General Nimitz, at the time of the battle of the pacific admiral, was originally born in
Fredericksburg. His father ran a Fredericksburg hotel / brewery which was built in the
shape of an aircraft carrier.
Day 13: Monday, April 24, 2006
Monday around noon we left Fredericksburg and we went off to our final destination:
"San Antonio". Here our trip through Texas started over two weeks ago and here
it will end before our return to Brussels.
Who does not know the name Davy Crocket and the story of the Battle of The Alamo? The
Alamo was a mission where Crocket and 8 other brave stand for days against a major force
of Mexicans. They were defeated but the slogan "The Alamo" lives on to this day.
At the time we visited The Alamo there were ceremonies in memory of the battle, many
attendees were dressed in old uniforms. One of our group, Mario Lampaert, even came in
contact with a great-grandson of the late President Washington, which is certainly a
unique occasion.
Day 14: Tuesday, April 25, 2006
The Corpus Christi trip is over and everyone is satisfied and can to return to family and
friends.
Travel report by Frank Dumez & Filip van Acker
Translation: Jan Van Cauwenberghe
