Usually, I write about the Chelsea Area Fire Authority Board (CAFA).
Today, I’m writing about the Chelsea firefighters arriving at my home.
And no, there are no photos of the fire engine pulling into my driveway or Fire Captain Auggie Syrovy or (Friendly) Firefighter Bill Regnier coming through my front door. The only thing I was worried about when they arrived at my house was the pervasive smell of propane.
So, perhaps I should back up here — to the start of this story.
On Tuesday afternoon, while nursing a headache that just would not go away and ironically, writing a story about the CAFA board meeting that had taken place that morning, I began to smell propane fumes in my home.
At about the same time, I realized that it was getting kinda cold in here. So, I got up and checked the thermostat, which read 52 degrees.
Yup, kinda chilly. It also dawned on me that the propane company hadn’t filled my tank in a while, so I called them. They told me to check the tank to see how much was left. I bundled up, trudged through the snow to the tank and the closer I got, the worse it smelled.
I came back inside and called the company explaining that it looked as if I was almost out. They told me they’d try to get someone to my house that day, but it likely wouldn’t be until the next day.
All the while the propane smell inside my house was getting worse, my head felt like it was going to blow off my shoulders, and all I could think was, “Is my house going to blow up?”
You’ve seen the news stories of houses going ka-boom, I’m sure. People say they smell propane or rotten eggs and then there’s a huge boom. And, bye-bye house or business.
So, I called CAFA. Fire Lt. Lance Baird answered the phone and I explained the situation and asked if they’d mind coming here to check it out and he assured me that this was their job and they’d be right here.
After covering CAFA for close to 14 years, I knew they’d have gadgets that could tell me if I was being sickened by the smell. And, of course, if I was in danger of my house blowing up.
After I hung up, I turned off the heat, evacuated the dogs and myself then stood in the driveway waiting for the firefighters to arrive.
I’m sure you can imagine all the things that were going through my head.
But when I saw that red fire engine turn into my driveway, there are no words to adequately describe the relief that came rushing over me.
Help had arrived.
They immediately put my mind at rest and explained exactly what they planned to do, then performed it methodically and professionally.
I never thought I’d be in a position to call the fire department. No one does. But when you need them, let me tell you, they arrive. And they immediately take charge. And any potential crisis was averted that day because of their actions.
A lot has been said about the fire authority this year — some good, some bad. But all the while when asked by folks if I thought the internal problems would have an effect on their ability to do their jobs, I always told them that I slept like a baby because I truly believed that if I called 911, any problems would be cast aside.
And now I know first-hand that this is true. These firefighters are well trained professionals. They know their jobs and they do them with knowledge, honor and respect.
No, there weren’t flames shooting out of the roof, and no, I wasn’t having a heart attack, but to me this was an emergency and I was scared. Just seeing these firefighters arrive made me feel safe.
And the story has a happy ending, too. The propane company did arrive while the firefighters were still here. They discussed the situation and neither left this house until everyone was sure the propane was flowing properly and that my house was quickly warming.
I hope that when you see any of the Chelsea firefighters out and about in town that you take the time to say thank you — on behalf of all of us who have experienced their emergency services. And for those of you who have not, be thankful, but know that if you ever need them, they will be there for you.
On a totally unrelated topic, while you’re enjoying the Christmas season, please consider making a donation to Chelsea Update.
It’s only through the community’s generosity and the support of its businesses that I’m able to continue providing you with all the news that’s fit to print about Chelsea. Although I thought everyone knew that Chelsea Update is my one-person operation, I’ve had several people mention recently they they hope my bosses compensate me well for all the work I do.
You, the readers, are my bosses. You tell me if you like the job I’m doing and I count on you to let me know with your contributions. Chelsea Update is NOT owned by or affiliated with any corporate entity. Whatever salary I make producing this site is dependent on you, the readers. So, if you think I’m doing a good job, please consider making a donation in any amount to Chelsea Update and mailing it to 18829 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Great story. I had to call the Chelsea Police once, possible burglar, and they were fast to arrive and very reassuring. I felt the same way: essential service, often taken for granted by taxpayers. Glad everything turned out ok.
Did you figure out if the headache was related to the smell of propane? Thank you for the story. We appreciate our firefighters – and you.
The firefighter’s gadgets did not detect unsafe levels of anything in the house. The smell was overwhelming to me but the firefighters did not smell it. However, after being outside in the driveway and after there was propane in the tank and it was heating the house, my headache went away.