For decades and decades, young children have always been enamored, curious and excited to see fire apparatus. Whether it was/is an engine, truck, rescue or even a “buggy,” we all loved to see the flashing lights and hear the sirens. For some, this is where their “connection” ends. For others, they follow through and join the fire service. And some of those children find other paths in life yet are still enthralled with their local fire service and do what they can to follow them and shoot photos of active fire scenes correctly and legally. These are the “Fire Buffs.” And in some communities, Buffs even support the firefighters with cold drinks, hot coffee and sandwiches, if the department does not have it own canteen or rehab support team.

My guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” Andrew Cunningham, has been buffing for over twenty years with the Wheeling WV Fire Department. Andrew shares how it started for him and how, year later he and his co-founder created the Wheeling Fire Buffs. And it bears mentioning that there are indeed stories where those who started as buffs, went on to eventually join a fire department and turn their passion into a way of life. 

You can find Andrew’s photos and more on the following sites:
1.    www.Facebook.com/WheelingsBravest

2.    www.whgfirebuffs.com

3.    www.youtube.com/WheelingFireBuffs 

4.    www.flickr.com/photos/197635805@N08 

Take a listen – you just might learn something 

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For the Firefighter Behavioral Health Initiative: If you need mental health assistance, you can reach out to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance at their website: www.ffbha.org at 847-209-8208 or [email protected] or you can text the word, “BADGE” to 741741, or speak with your officer or clergy. THERE ARE ALWAYS PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP YOU!

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As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., and listen to the audio version on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org  or on your favorite podcast platform!