Passing of Lt. Richard Brenner
December 9, 2006
Forwarded by Mike Brophy
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of a loss of a brother and friend.
Lt. Richard Brenner of Bradenton Fire Rescue passed away this morning at Blake Hospital from complications related to Lymphoma.
Rick is a 13 year veteran with the BFD who has been battling cancer for 2-1/2 years. Rick was 47 years old. Rick leaves behind Sam, his 2 y/o son.
Keep Rick and his family in your prayers.
Firefighter Dan Robinson Update
April 13, 2006
Hi Everyone!
Dan had surgery yesterday and our prayers were answered!!!!! The surgery was a success and they were able to get throught the stricture. Dan did very well through the surgery and is in great spirits. He will be in the hospital til Saturday. They are going to dilate him on Friday and this will be the start of the dilations to hopefully open his esophagus enough that he will be able to eat!! He has a long road ahead of him with speech therapy and learning how to swallow again, but he is a hard worker and I think there is light at the end of the tunnel!
Thank you for all your support, love, and prayers. It wouldn't have happened without them!
Love, Jenifer
Firefighter Dan Robinson Update
February 26, 2006
Hi,
Well, the surgery didn't work. They were unable to get through because they had been in so long and Dan was bleeding and swelling so bad that they had to come out. They were very close, about a cm, so they feel it can still be done. It is whether Dan wants to or not. He is in a lot of pain right now with swelling and muscle/esophageal spasms plus he is very disappointed. I don't know if he can accept another disappointment if they can't get through. So, we will wait and see. They said they can do it again in about 6-8 weeks.
Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.
Love, Jenifer
Firefighter Dan Robinson Update
February 2, 2006
Hi Everyone,
Well the time has come when hopefully, prayerfully, the doctors will be ableto open Dan's esophagus so he can swallow.
Dan is having a procedure on Feb. 22nd @1040 where the doc's will go in with a scope through his mouth and through the stomach tube. They will then try to "poke" through the obstruction. Dan will have a string that will be pulled through the new opening, up through and out his nose, taped to his body all the way down to where the stomach tube is and will tie off to the other end sticking out of the stomach tube. This string will act as a guide for the dilations that will come approx. 4 days after the initial procedure and continue for approx. 6 mos. The string will only have to be in 4-6 weeks. The doc said that is the worst part, then once it comes out things are pretty easy. He will also be going through speech therapy to teach his brain, tongue, mouth, and throat muscles how to swallow again. So, if I can ask all of you to say some prayers that this will work and be smooth sailing, we would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks,
Jenifer & Dan
By Kevin Smith
January 29th, 2006
It is with deep sadness I must inform you that Fire and Iron member, Treasure Island Firefighter and my close friend Joe White's Mother was killed in a car accident early Sunday Morning. More info and funeral arrangements to be announced. Please keep Joe and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Kevin Smith - President
Follow up:
I want to start off by letting you know that there will be a Memorial Service for Joe White's Mum, this Saturday (Feb. 4th) at Trinity Lutheran Church, 401 5th Street North at 2:00pm. If anybody would like to organize a ride over there, I think Joe and his family would really appreciate that.
January 10th, 2006
From Member Michael Blank
Kevin- here is the latest on retired firefighter Dennis Gast who was involved in the motorcycle accident.
Dennis is still in critical condition in Bayfront hospital's Intesive care unit. He is intubated and sedated to help the head injury he sustained. As of last, he is stable and showing some signs of improvement. There is a 24 hour "watch" made up of on duty SPFR personnel located at the intensive care waiting room on the second floor. Dennis is in room 222, but visitors are limited to strictly family at this time.
Lealman Rescue ran on the call and did a great job as usual. SPFR members would like to thank Lealman and Bayfront hospital for all their outstanding service during this time.
Sent: Mon, 12 Dec 2005 16:12:39 -0500
Subject: RE: Fire and Iron Brothers needs your help
Hey Kevin, just so you know, my number has changed, it's 458 7896 now.
Thank you for the kind words. I'm on an hour to hour basis at the
moment, I had my c7 and c6 fused by titanium and replaced the c7 with
cadaver(sp) bone. Sometimes I feel real good, sometimes I feel like
crap, most of my road rash is healed. I just went and saw my bike today
and it was totalled.
I don't know if it makes a difference, but it is part of the story. I
guess I died 4 times during the whole ordeal and nobody expected me to
live. They told my family I was in Gods hands and left it at that.
Everybody at Bay Front was so nice, of course I guess I was the odity,
everybody wanted to seeme because of pulling out the immpossible odds.
However I am home now, sore sometimes and sometimes not. Unfortunately
I'm not making any money obviously which doesn't pay the bills, but I'm
not complaining, it could have been worse, and I will be out riding
again as soon as I get a bike.
Thank you so much
RED
Brother Ron Russell in Hospital
November 8th - 2005
As you may or may not know, Ron Russell underwent a surgical procedure his morning at the Largo Medical Center. While I am happy to report he came through surgery without incident (but lots of pain) he now
faces a long recovery with lots of therapy. I'm sure he would appreciate your words of encouragement. His mailing address is as follows:
Ron Russell
8115 38th Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33710
Thanks!
Lyn Dexter
Mark and Teri Wood
From Jason Happe
October 6th, 2005
Help me cogratulate Mark and Teri Wood. They have gotten married on their 10 year anniversery of their first date. (Tues. Oct 4) They are spending a week in NC, and yes they have their "scooter".
Note from Firefighter Paul Gonnelli
August 8th, 2005
Just to let you know that I have not been able to attend any activities due to some health issues. A couple of weeks ago I had 28 stitches in my lip and nose from sun cancer , Tuesday I had a heart cath, and next week I have to go in the hospital to have a couple more stents put in. Hopefully I can be riding in a couple of weeks.
Be safe,
Paul
(Note from Kevin - Paul would like to converse with some club members. His phone number is 727-937-3899)
Firefighter Dan Mantessi is now at rest...
by Scott Harnish
August 5th, 2005
Lt. Dan is at peace and rest, his battle is over.
Last night (8-4-2005) Lt. Dan had his family and friends at his bedside when he lost his battle, he was not alone and went peacefully and with dignity.
Dan wants ALL of us to celebrate his life and rember the GOOD things in his life.
In his honor, on his 51st birthday we will honor his wishes and have a " Celebration of Life "
The Memorial Service will be on Saturday August the 13th at 1300 hours at he Church by the Sea located in Madeira Beach. A memorial service and LAST CALL will honor his dedication as a Professional Firefighter.
A Celebration of his life will follow at he City of Madeira Beach Fire Dept.
His daughters have asked that instead of sending flowers, that donations be made to the
" Fallen Firefighters Fund " at http://www.firehero.org/
I would like to personally thank each and EVERY member for the hard work and support you have shown.
Respectfully,
Scott & Jodie Harnish
Firefighter Dan Mantessi Update
by Kevin Smith
July 30, 2005
DanMantessi has been having a tough time of recent and has been in and out of the hospital. Dan would like to hear from his fellow friends and firefighters. Please contact Mad Beach - Station 25 and/or Scott Harnish (727) 434-4331 for more info on dropping him a line, e-mail or visiting him. Remember, not only is Dan a fellow firefighter, but he is a Honorary Fire and Iron Member voted on by you!! Please reach out and say "HI" to Dan.
Lt. Dan's Run
Jon and Michelle Barrow
June 26th, 2005
Outstanding job done by you guys on Lt. Dan's run. Michelle and I really enjoyed ourselves. It was her first time back on the bike after months and months of spinal injections and therapy. Great route to ride. We are moving towards 3rd Annual Run for Dave now and hope to have some neat stuff for the raffle/auction. I am not a firefighter or emt but really appreciate the effort it takes to do that. I also was ran down in the 70's by a 4 wheeler and you and yours got me out of that mess in almost one piece.
Thank you.. Kevin, I will see you in a week or so to discuss the items we are gathering up. Expect some more of the metal motorcycle replicas, etc.
Stay safe on the streets my friends,
Jon and Michelle Barrow
jab1911@aol.com
Firefighter Dan Mantessi Update
by Scott Harnish
June 10, 2005
Good morning Kev,
I went to see Dan yesterday. He is at St. Pete Gen., they had to put in a chest tube and he is on very heavy antibiotics and pain meds to fight the infection from his port. He will be in for at least a few days if not longer.
He says that he needs some rest and relaxation. He also said that the ride was "ABSOLUTLY AWESOME" and he never expected the turnout and support that was there throughout. He said he wants to thank everyone for being there. He said the sight of all the bike following him and the airhorns at Station 23 brought HAPPY tears to his eyes. I explained that we had a very successful benefit and that he would be suprised at the results. I did NOT tell him how much money was raised or about the 5K from Bill Edwards. I felt this is a moment for ALL of us to enjoy at an informal presentation. I will be on vacation for a week from this Saturday through next Saturday.
Dan asked that we get together after he gets out, and after I get back from vacation for a presentation of the funds. We can meet somewhere one evening and present his money.
THANK YOU for contacting Bill Edwards and getting such a large donation. THANK YOU!
That donation put the icing on the cake.
I will give ya a call today.
I will have my phone with me, call if you have any questions or concerns.
Scott
Riviera Beach FF/PM Death
by Ray Fletcher
October 26, 2004
It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic loss of Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Cole.
Firefighter/Paramedic Cole met an untimely death on Tuesday, October 26, 2004, as a result of injuries he received during a motorcycle crash.
Mr. Cole began his professional career with Riviera Beach Fire Rescue on January 15, 2002, where he diligently served until his untimely death. He will be surely missed by his family, friends and co-workers.
Any questions please contact: Riviera Beach Fire Rescue (561)845-4104 or Brian Gordon (561)685-1857
There will be a viewing Sunday October 31, 2004, from 1400 to 1700. The viewing will be held at Lorne and Sons Funeral Home located at 745 NE 6th Ave. Delray Beach. I-95 to Atlantic Ave, travel east to NE 6th Ave, turn right (South) and the funeral home is less than a half of a mile on NE 6th. The phone number is 561-276-4161.
On Monday, November 1, 2004, at 1230 there will be the funeral. The funeral will be held at Emmanuel Roman Catholic Church located at 15700 South Military in Delray Beach. We request that if you are attending the funeral on Monday, please arrive at 1115.
Thank you Brothers and Sisters and please keep the Cole family within your prayers.
Lt. Dave Wolfangel
by Kevin Smith
July 22, 2004
I saw Dave Wolfangel today. He is looking good and in great spirtits. Dave is still involved with the Fire Service through his continued participation in IAFF Local 2266. I told Dave about the Poker Run and he looks forward to seeing all of you at benefit/summer bash at Fast Eddies (Last stop on the Poker Run) on Saturday, Aug 28th.
~~
James Parker
August 7, 2004 = Update...
By now you all probably know I had abdominal surgery on July 15.
I was told I would on only be in the hospital a day or two. The
surgeon found on entrance, that a lot scarring and several organs adhered
to each other. This due in part to my previous radiation treatments
which left me 'medium well'. The surgery took 3 hours longer than
expected. I spent the night in ICU and was sent to a regular surgical bed
the next day. I had so much swelling it took a week to get out. I
can still only have liquids at this point, but it will get better.
This past week I have had terrible fight with my blood pressure with
hypotension. I am feeling somewhat better and hope to make the
august 28th ride...keep the faith
James Parker
July 15, 2004
by Kevin Smith
Member James Parker is having abdominal Surgery on Friday, July 16th, 2004. If members could keep him in their minds and hearts, please give James a call over the next week or so to give him your best wishes.
jparker6@knology.com, Hone Phone No. - 727-343-3795, Cell No. - 727-420-5952
~~
Mike Brophy
by Jon Pearl
July 15, 2004
I talked with Mike this past week and he's going into the hospital this week for some major back surgery. He's had some longstanding problems with his back and with the inclusion of some steel rods running the length of much of his spine, he should enjoy a richer lifestyle in the future - without much of the constant pain.
Mike can be reached at MBrophy601@aol.com
~~
Lt. Dave Wolfangel - Update...
by Kevin Smith
May 7, 2004
I saw Dave Wolfangel today and he was in very good spirits. Dave is done with radiation and is continuing with his regimen of Chemotherapy. The good news is that the tumor has not grown any bigger. I informed Dave that "Dave's Poker Run" is going to become an annual event (August 28th this year) to benefit Dave, his family and any other Firefighter that is stricken with Cancer. Dave wanted to let all his friends know that he will be having a "Swingset Erection" get together (for his son Austin) at his house on Sunday, May 16th from Noon till ?? Please call Dave or Sue ahead of time and let them know if you will be able to attend 393-5867.
~~
Firefighter Dan Robinson - Update...
September 27, 2004
Hi Everyone! Well we weathered Hurricane Jeanne with no problems, hope all of you that were affected did well too. We got back from Houston 9/15 and we're sure glad to be back. Dan was unable to get the swallowing problem
fixed while we were out there, and it looks like he will have to wait anywhere from 6months to 2 years to have the esophagus repaired.
The good news is that Dan is returning to light duty work at the Fire Dept on Monday 9/27!!!
We want to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, help, and donated time during this very trying 9 months and ask that you continue to pray for Dan as he starts back on this new road.
We love all you,
Dan & Jenifer
Firefighter Dan Robinson Update...
May 23, 2004
Hi everybody!
Wow, I can't remember when I wrote last, so pardon me if I repeat myself!
Dan finished all of his treatments April 30th. The healing process has been very slow (although the doc's told us it would be about 3 weeks before he noticed any changes)
and it was almost 3 weeks to the day when Dan said he felt "a little better". It was good to hear since it has been a long time since he could say that.
Dan is still whispering but it is getting to be a loud whisper and sometimes you will hear a real voice. His mouth and tongue are still pretty burnt and extremely painful, but the burns on the outside of his face and neck are completely healed with no scarring!! I would have never believed it if I didn't see the before and after. The doc said that the mouth burns and voice should come back by the end of June.
I am still trying to put some weight back on him, but you can only put so much in a feeding tube, and with the residual effects of the chemo, his stomach isn't quite up to accepting a whole lot of liquid food yet.
Dan took a short walk with me while I walked the dogs, I think the dogs were surprised.
It will take some time, but the walks will get longer and his strength and endurance will follow.
Dan will have a repeat PET scan at the end of June to make sure that nothing has come back and then we will have to make some tough decisions about whether to have the surgery or not.
Again, thank you for all the cards,calls, thoughts, and prayers and I will keep you posted. You can also call the house @ 546-8565.
Jenifer & Dan
~~
Firefighter Dan Robinson Update...
April 30, 2004
Hi everybody!
Yep! We are definitely clapping our hands today because Dan has finished all of his treatment!!!!!! Today was his last radiation treatment and we saw the Dr. on 4/28 and he said Dan doesn't have to have anymore chemo. Now the healing begins. He is fatigued and still has nausea and the thick mucous in his mouth that they say will last for quite awhile but will continue to lessen with time. Dan's neck has 2nd degree burns from the radiation and because of that he does have a slight infection that is he is getting IV antibiotics at home. His voice is really quiet and raspy from the vocal cords being cooked, but they will heal up with time. He still can't have visitors for 2 or 3 weeks until his immune system builds back up and his voice recovers
The doctors will do another pet scan in about 8 weeks to make sure that no tumor is present and then Dan will have to make the decision about whether to have some surgery to remove the lymph nodes and surrounding tissue.
So, that's about it, we thank all of you for your cards, calls, prayers, and good thoughts. Its still a long road ahead, but hopefully the worst is over.
Jenifer & Dan
~~
Firefighter Dan Robinson Update...
April 5, 2004
Hi Everybody,
Just a little note to let you know that Dan can't have visitors for awhile. We went to get chemo today and Dan had a temperature and his blood counts were low. We saw the Doc and he thinks Dan has an infection in his mouth, so he put him on antibiotics, and we have to be very careful that Dan is not exposed to anything. They gave him a shot to help his blood count and he will get that for the next 3 days. He still has to get radiation every day. He is really feeling miserable with the thick mucuos/saliva that is just relentless. 19 more days of radiation and counting!! You can call us if you want, but right now we have to be very careful Dan doesn't get sick. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!!!!
Love, Jenifer
~~
Firefighter Dan Robinson Update...
March 31, 2004
Hi Everybody!
Dan is doing as well as can be expected. He has had his 13th radiation treatment and has 22 more to go. He is still getting chemo every Monday, but at a lower dose. It doesn't seem to make him as sick as the full strength dose (makes sense!). Dan tried an experimental drug the first week of radiation that is supposed to protect his salivary glands, but it made him so teriibly sick he had to stop.
Dan lost his taste from his taste buds after the 3rd radiation treatment ("everything tastes like salt and cardboard")so he has been receiving nutrition through his feeding tube. The Dr. said the taste buds come back between 3-6months after radiation stops (at least he won't know how bad my cooking is!)
This past week is when the sores in his mouth started along with mucositis (extremely thick saliva). Of course this is not very pleasant and it hurts to talk. This will get worse and will continue throughout the radiation treatment and up to 3-4 weeks after it ends. Thank goodness for good pain medication!
Okay, enough with the bad stuff. Dan was very happy today because he got to get his trach out!!!! Yeah!!!!! What a pain that was for him. Dr. Espinola said because there was no tumor, it could come out and so now he just has this big bandaid looking thing on his neck, but he can talk and breathe like a normal person!!!!
Dan's benefit ride and party held on March 21st was a HUGE success. Approximatley 250 motorcycles participated in the ride from St. Pete down to Sarasota and then back up to the Green Iguana where there were approximatley 500 people! It was so heartwarming and touching to see how the brotherhood of firefighters and bikers came together and showed their support for Dan. Everyone was so generous with their donations, including all the vendors for their donations of merchandise and facilites. We want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts!
Well, again and as always, thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. At this point, I am still taking Dan to radiation myself, but through all the offers, I know if I need a break you all are there for me.
Take Care and God Bless
Jenifer & Dan
~~
