FDIC 2010 is “in the books” as they say and what a great time it was.

I started out from home at 5:00 am on Thursday, so that I could get there in plenty of time to see Tiger’s presentation. Unfortunately, I wasn’t properly credentialed, so I was not allowed into the hall until 2:00 pm Thursday afternoon.

However; I was already seeing people that I knew, so time passed very quickly.

I had the opportunity to catch up with Chief Rick Lasky. Rick and I go back to his early days as a lieutenant for Darien-Woodridge Fire Department and at that time, he was also an instructor for our Illinois State Fire Institute. Rick is one of the good guys and a vivid example of why we choose the fire service. He deserves nothing but best wishes and I am honored to know him.

Then, I saw my good friend, whom I credit with rescuing our state’s fire service programs. Dick Jaehne came to us after the sudden death of Jerry Monigold; then the director of our training institute. Through no fault of Jerry’s, our monies for programs were dangerously low. Dick stepped in and now, the Illinois Fire Service Institute is thriving and expanding and is considered one of the top training and research programs in the nation.

I had the distinct honor and pleasure of meeting many “cyber-friends” for the first time. They truly humbled me with their kind words. How is it that you can walk up to people whom you have only known through the Internet, connect in a heart-felt hug and talk like you’ve known each other for years?

Well; it happened right there on the floor at FDIC. And I would have been content if that was all that happened, but it got even better.

Rhett Fleitz (FireCritic) came out and managed to get me onto the floor and back to the FirefighterNetcast booth, where he and John Mitchell (FireDaily) were taping shows for future net casts. I was treated to a steady diet of some of the best bloggers and speakers in the fire service. Check out this list: Justin Schorr-The Happy Medic; Chris Kaiser-Life under the Lights; Tiger Schmittendorf-Run to the Curb; Ron Siarnicki-National Fallen Firefighters Foundation; Chief Billy Goldfeder, Ray Gayk, Fred Simmon; Tim Sendelbach-FireRescue Magazine and the list goes on.

Several of the pictures that you will see were taken by me with Rhett’s camera.

I also got to meet Bill Carey and to spend some time with him. He is a great guy and just a real gentleman. Don’t let his youthful good looks fool you. He is a seasoned veteran in every sense of the word.

Some crusty old jakes made the trip. 1835Wayne and Chiefy54 spent some time with me. Chiefy gave me a challenge coin from the Patriot Guard. It now resides in my jewelry box. It is very special to me to be given such a strikingly beautiful coin and I am touched beyond words by the gesture. Thanks Chiefy. And Wayne; that was a great toast to the brothers that you gave Friday night at “that” bar.

Chris Naum of Command Safety and I got to spend some with him before he did his segment with FirefighterNetcast. What a passionate guy. We have already made plans to meet in Chicago in August.

Perfesser Mike Ward of FossilMedic and FireGeezer fame was there. He always out-dresses me; he in a nice business suit, accented with a splendid scarlet Jerry Garcia silk tie and me in my Leary Foundation T-shirt and Khaki Cargo shorts. I don’t know anyone in the business that is busier than Mike. Check out his article on tea parties and the fire service.

I had the pleasure of meeting Shell. Shell has been a fan and a chat room regular since the very first FirefighterNetcast. She is a joy to be around.

And of course, I got to hang with three, lovely ladies from FireRescue Magazine. Shannon, Janelle and Cindy deserve my thanks for putting up with me. Trust me; the stigma of being seen with me should wear off by next year’s show!

Last, but certainly not least, huge props go out to Dave and his lovely wife Diane, Chris Hebert and Paul Andrews of GoForwardMedia. Thank you for the opportunity and continued support.

I lost my voice, but I found new friends, new energy and affirmation of why I do what I do.

I will close with a product review.

Best beer at Indy this year?What else-Fire Chief Ale from Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewing Company.

Get some!

TCSS.

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