After work, I stopped over the Lucky Sign Shop to pick up the Union Board for the final graphics. The typical Friday party was already in full swing. These guys do all the vinyl graphics for Mikesboards.com. These projects are all about having a good time. They put out some great work. If you want your graphic signs done right, call 610-459-5825.

Today I had the privilege to deliver a plaque I built for a Chief Officer in my local community here in Delaware County, PA. This plaque was designed by his 2 sons Tom and Matt as a gift to recognize his long and distinguished career that still continues today. Here is a little bio provided about Assistant Chief Tom Murray Jr. - Tom Murray joined the Broomall Fire Company in 1969 at the age of 17. He is currently in his 42nd year as an active volunteer firefighter. Throughout his career, Tom has held many positions within the Broomall Fire Company. He has served as a Chief Officer for 25 years and currently holds the position of 1st Assistant Chief. Tom is certified as a Fire Protection Specialist, Fire Officer IV, and Senior Field Inspector with the PA State Fire Academy. He serves as chairman of the Delaware County Emergency Services Advisory Committee. in the past, Tom has also held the position of President of the PA Association of Arson Investigators. Tom is currently the Chief of Police in Marple Township and serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Delaware County Police Chiefs Association. He currently resides in Broomall with his wife Ellen and four children, two of which are active members of the Broomall Fire Company. It was an honor to build a plaque that recognizes a person who epitomizes selfless dedication and service. I truly believe that the volunteer firefighter is dying breed in todays society. Such dedication to one's community is rarely found in the younger generation. To be recognized by your family must be truly rewarding. So for that Tom...Congratulations! Respectfully, Mike

Today I made my way to St. Mary's County Maryland to deliver the Bay District 9 board. After the rainy 3-1/2 hour drive as well as going the wrong direction over the bay bridge thanks to missing a highway exit, i finally made it there. The Board was well received. We took a few photos and the guys showed me the actual train horn they have installed on their tanker/engine. its pretty wicked and very original! they even have a huge led light mounted above the windshield so it seriously looks like a train is coming. its pretty much the most badass thing i have ever heard from an Engine. Hopefully they will send me a video clip to post. Please check out their website at www.bdvfd.org. Thank you to all the members of Bay District for allowing me to build a board for your station.

Tonight I had the privilege to deliver the Boothwyn Fire Co board. This board is built as a memorial for a fallen brother Steven G. Powers, otherwise known as "Tater". It was truly an honor for me to build this project. It was well received by the Fire Company. There will be more pictures and a story to follow which i will post soon. I would like to thank the members of the Boothwyn Fire Company. Respectfully Mike

This Picture is from 2004. This is an old school Lenni picture. This is mostly the Lenni Fire family with a few adoptions from Green Ridge who were in attendance. This was dubbed the Lawler 2004 Luau. The crew commonly convened at the Lawler household during our childhood. It made for some great memories.

Today, Ryan Schmidt, a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, and a past Lieutenant of the Lenni Heights Fire Company married his Fiance Shannon at Saint Francis DeSales Church in Lenni, Pa. This event was attended by many long time brothers and previous members of the Fire Company. The reception was held at Kings Mills in Aston, PA. A great time was had by all. Ryan and Shannon immediately departed to Orlando, Fl for their honeymoon. I have been a close friend of Ryans for the last 18 years. It was an honor to serve as his best man. I wish Ryan and Shannon a very long and joyful life together. More Pictures to follow. In the attached picture from left to right: Little CJ, Lima Fire Co. Asst. Chief George Pettit, FF Craig Mohler, Myself, Lieutenant Ryan Schmidt, Alex, FF Doug Schmidt, Christiana Fire Dept. FF Jack McPartland, and Past Batt. Chief Bruce Hemingway.

Steve, Thank you guys for the opportunity to build a board for you! I look forward to traveling out to Station 41 real soon. All, please read the letter below from Union Fire Company. This Fire Co has a tremendous amount of history to share. Also, click on the camera to view pictures of their antique apparatus and their new station upgrades as well as click on the link below to their website.

Mike, I am writing this to extend my most sincere thanks and gratitude. A project that started in February and lasted until September is by far something I did not predict however was definitely worth it in the long run. Words cannot describe how great the board turned out. Working with you was a pleasant experience, and we as a Company are grateful for your dedication and hard work. Below is a little history and information about the Union Fire Company, both past and present. The Union Fire Company boasts a proud history of 221 years of service. The Company was organized on April 6, 1789 and later became incorporated by a special act of the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1840. It still operates today under the same name and charter as when the Company was established, making us the 5th oldest continuously operating fire company in the nation. The Union Fire Company, or the ‘U’ as it is affectionately called by our members, is located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Carlisle is approximately 20 miles southwest of Harrisburg, our state capital. The company provides service to the Borough of Carlisle, South Middleton Township, North Middleton Township, Dickinson Township, West Pennsboro Township, and other nearby areas. The U has a total coverage of approximately 67 square miles and serves a population of about 48,000 people. The areas are very diverse, including urban, rural, and industrial developments. Dickinson College, Carlisle Airport, Interstate 81, and Carlisle Regional Medical Center are in our first due area. The Union Fire Company is a volunteer organization. We are one of the busiest companies in Cumberland County, answering approximately 800 alarms a year, with around 30 of those calls being “working” fires. The company specializes in engine company work. We have two engines, one being a rescue engine (Engine 141) and the second a quint (Engine 241), one tanker, a brush truck and a utility. Approximately 30 active volunteers handle the call volume on a daily basis supplemented by one paid driver that is on duty twenty-four hours each day. Recently, the second floor of the fire house had a much needed remodel. It was completely gutted and a new day room, kitchen, meeting/training room, offices, private bathrooms with shower, and individual bunkrooms were added. Each individual bunk room is furnished with a bed, locker, flat screen T.V., computer desk and a chair with access to high-speed internet. Because of the close proximity to Dickinson College, Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), and Shippensburg University, we hope to attract firefighters moving into the area to attend college and looking for a home away from home. Being one of the oldest fire companies in the nation, we wanted something that would represent the history and tradition of our company, as well as something that reflected what we are about today. I think we hit the nail on the head with the design and finished product of our board. Looking from the top of the board, it is an historic header with the scroll work and gold leaf that resembles the sign above our fire company’s museum, which houses our 1929 American LaFrance pumper. As you continue looking down the board, you see the picture of the fire hydrant with the gold leaf scrolled off of each side. That fire hydrant picture is actually a back lit stained glass window on the second floor of the museum that can be seen during the day or night from outside of the firehouse. The chrome tipped hooks and brackets make for a brilliant transition to the bottom of the board, which represents the modern ‘U’ look. It has our Keystone patch on the left, and our apparatus striping going from left to right. The board is something that will add to the nostalgia of our company, and show how tradition and pride in the fire service is not such a bad thing, and something we want to continue within our company for years to come. Again, I appreciate all of your hard work and help. If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. Regards, Lieutenant Stephen TruesdellUnion Fire Company No. 1 www.unionfireco.org

Tonight i had the privilege of delivering a board to the crew of FDNY Rescue Company 3. This rig runs the Bronx and Harlem sections of New York City. This company averages 1800 to 2000 runs a year. They also house a new collapse unit as well. In 2009, they opened this new station house at 1655 Washington Ave, Bronx. According to the crew, it cost the city roughly 23 million dollars to build, and it definitely shows. This station is outfitted with great living quarters, wood and metal shops, and training props. Below the main floor under a manhole is a confined space trainer. Above is a rappelling/rope rescue training area. Next to the house is a brand new EMS station (18). Please check out the attached pictures to this story. In Typical Fireman hospitality, the guys from R3 welcomed us in to meet the crew. After Unveiling the board, we took some pictures with the crew and rig. The guys then immediately went to work mounting the board at the base of the stairwell to the floor. The guys even gave me the privelage of placing their names at their particular riding assignments for the first time. After the board was hung, Firefighter Chris Smith gave us a tour of the new house, hooked us up with a few T-shirts, and gave us a brief of their operations for this story. After all this, the guys invited us to stay for a great steak and potato dinner. As usual for firehouses, it was a hell of a good dinner. After dinner, we sat around just talking to the guys for a while and then called it a night. I would like to thank FF Chris Smith and the guys for an awesome dinner and a great time. Im glad you guys really liked the board. It was an honor to build this board for your new house. I hope it's used well. I hope to take you up on the offer to stop back and maybe catch a ride. Nights like that is the reason i do this. Now that im in the Incident Management Division in Staten Island, im right down the road. Give me a call if you guys need anything. Respectfully, Mike Everyone, please check out their website at www.fdnyrescue3.com

Just found this old school funny lenni picture from way back. This was taken after a job in 64's first due. brings back a lot of good memories. from left to right: Me, Brenden Cameron, Keith Lawler, Johnny Rowley, Marc Henry, Dave Macneal, and Justin Diehl. Sadly, we lost Dave in 2003. He was a brother and a true friend that will always be remembered.

Thank you to Firefighter Ken Collins and the members of Union Local 2493 for allowing me the opportunity to build a memorial board for your Department. It was an honor to be involved with such a project. Best of luck! -Mike

Thank you to the Hollywood Volunteers in St. Mary's County Maryland for the opportunity to build you guys a board. I know a few members took alot of time to submit thorough design ideas, and the product is a direct result of your enthusiasm. Im very proud of how this board turned out. below is a little bit about Station 7. A special thank you to Chief 7 for providing this background. Please check out their website at www.hvfd7.com

Mike,

    First let me thank you again for working with us on making the board. It turned out really well and has been a hit around the station. You wanted me to send some info with the board to put on your web page. Here is some fast facts about Hollywood.

    Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department has roughly 100 Firefighters operating (2) Class A engines, (1)  2500 Pumper/Tanker, (1) Heavy Duty Rescue Squad, (1) Heavy Duty 100 Ft Tractor Drawn Aerial, (2) Brush Units, (1) utility, and (2) Duty Chiefs vehicle's. The department is all volunteer and relies on county and state tax dollars for half of our 1 million dollar budget. The rest of our budget comes from department fund rasing (weekly bingo, banquet hall rental, and annual carnival).  

    The Department responds to approximately 800 fire calls annually and protects a town of about 10,000 people. St. Mary's County, were Hollywood is located, is about 45-50 miles south of Washington DC and has a population of over 100,000 and responds to over 13,000 fire and AIMS call annually. The department responds to approximately 3 dozens working fires and 3 dozen pin jobs during the course of a year.

    The department was started in 1956 by a few local business men who felt the need for fire protection in the area.

    Our first due area is mostly residential with some light commercial. It is home to the one of two airports. One of which is owned by St. Mary's County and the second by the federal government (Patuxent River Naval Air Station). The main thruway thur St. Mary Three Notch Road run from north Charlotte Hall and south to St. Marys City and passes thur our entire first due area. We are home to several defense contractors, and 2 balk fuel storage facilities.

    We provide mutual aide to the following areas, California, Leonardtown, Mechnicsville, Charlotte Hall, Solomons, Lexington Park, Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Lusby, Avenue, and surrounding communities.

    We operate out of a multi million dollar station the was constructed in 2000-2001. This is the third station to be used by the department.

    Hopefully this is what you were looking for. It has been a pleasure working with you. You run a first rate company. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Years. Good luck with your transfer. Keep in touch.


Fire Chief Robb Albert

After some recent inquiries, Mikesboards.com has teamed up with Paoli Contractors, Inc to make custom tables for your department's kitchens. Ray Paoli, owner of Paoli Contractors,Inc has been a craftsman for over 30 years. He specializes in custom millwork.  

This is a basic model of what we have to offer. Each table's design is only limited to your imagination. You can choose any design features, any wood species, laser engraving, vinyl graphics, etc. You can also have your company logos sandblasted into the material and then covered with solid glass. These tables are built with high quality craftsmanship that will last for years to come...

This specific table is made out of solid 8/4 hard maple. It features hepplewood style legs made from 16/4 solid maple as well. Exterior finish is clear laquer. All woodwork is domino joined. fabrication is virtually indestructable! Call now for a design and quote!

Today, I traveled to the Harrisburg area to display work for the 2009 Pennsylvania Firemen's Expo. Afterward, Dan from firecompanies.com and I headed over to Progress Fire Company to deliver an assignment board as a gift from Dan for all of their years of working together. The board was well recieved. Thank you to Dan Ioven for making this possible and allowing me to build this board to display it at the show. I would also like to thank the Men of Progress Fire for their hospitality. I wish i could have stayed for dinner and I hope to take up the invite for a ride in the Tower. In the words of "Pop-pop" after being corrected, I would like to wish the members of 32 a successful future and much "progress in PROgress!".

This photo album was presented by the Green Ridge Fire Company to it's sister co, the Aston Beechwood Fire Company during their annual banquet. The ABFC had been putting together photos of Fire Chief Eusden after his recent passing in May of 2008. This album is made of Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry), and labeled with gold turn and metallic gold graphics. It was an honor to help pay tribute to 72-9 by building this album. Chief Eusden was a member of ABFC for 41 years and currently serving the position of fire chief. Rocky was a true asset to the Fire Company and community for many years and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.