FireFish
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Egg & Rag Master
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Reged: 11/19/02
Posts: 1109
Loc: Puyallup
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This is an example of why I do my Job and take a lot of Pride in it. This past April, opening day of Trout Season for Lakes was 04-29-06. I was on Duty that morning before getting off my shift at 0700. Me and my crews where dispatched on an Unknown Injury Auto. We arrived to find a Two car MVA as the result of a HighSpeed T-Bone. The gentlemen who was trapped in his car was in serious condition and extrication with our power tools was needed. He was a good size guy in a small car and the extrication was difficult, however rapid and successful. The Patient was transported priority to the hospital and we didn't know how he would fare. And to think all he was doing was heading out that morning to enjoy a day of Fishing... About a month later we received a letter at the Fire Station. It Reads...
Your names are lifted up in prayer, there are no words to articulate the many thanks I have for you all. You saved my husbands life. Central Pierce Fire, Station 61. On 4-29-06 at 0441 my husband Jim was hit by a drunk driver. You all responded to help him. He was transported to Madigan. On 4-30-06 the Madigan Doctors told us he would die, that his injuries were to bad and they could not save him. Through much prayer we believe he is still with us today. The Madigan Doctors had him flown to Harborview on 05-02-06. He has had 3 operations, 2 heart attacks & a brain injury, but is slowly comming around. Jim knows who I am and can speak clearly enough now that we can communicate. We have celebrated my birthday and our 24th wedding anniversary at Harborview. I would not have had those days if it had not been for your crew. I have had four Doctors tell me that Jim should have died at the scene. I had my Doctor review Jim's file and tell me he cannot beleive that Jim has made it this far. I beleive in my heart that it is due to the first responders, you. We have at least two more weeks at Harborview and then 4-6 weeks in a rehab center. I am told he will need 6 to 7 months to recover after that at home. I am forever thankful for your quick actions and care you gave to my husband. We have been together since High School (29 years). Thank you for making it possible for me to have more time with my Best Friend. Sincerely Jodi....
My Crew and I have a goal for Jim and that is to ensure that he can look forward to a day of Fishing that he missed out on. His rehab will be lengthy and difficult but God willing he should be doing good by this Fall. I plan on keeping in touch with Jodi and would like to offer Jim an all expense payed day with one of our Guides form this site. Hopefully he will be ready to go by this Fall and can experience a Day with a Guide chasing Fall Salmon. So me and my guys will pool our money and perhaps one of the Guides can give us a discount or we can throw all the money to the site in Jims name and give him a free day of fishing, what do you guys think. Looking for input, all Guides Welcomed... 
FireFish Out...
-------------------- It's Always a Steelie You've Hooked Until Proven Otherwise...
Member of Grays Harbor Salmon Management Committee:
1. Working to Unite Sporties to get Issues
Resolved...
2. Working Hard to Get Back Our 50% of the Bolt
Decision...
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Musicman
Online!
Thick Tail
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Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 7086
Loc: Roy
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Great story that tugged at my heart Duane....i'll contribute $25 to the effort....John
-------------------- JD
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AuntyM
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Jill of all trades
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Posts: 9986
Loc: Harstine Island
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WOW! Great story Duane. I hope it's gets push pinned to the top.
-------------------- http://www.ccapnw.org
The Monster Breathes!
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Index Hooker
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Foul Hooked
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Reged: 01/24/03
Posts: 3881
Loc: Lookin2the Sky4ho's
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i would be more then glad to spend a day fishing with the man.
if you would like me to take him just donate the money to the fire station sence you guy are the reason he gets to fish agian.
let me know Duane.
--------------------
"Don't underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups."
"Gettin' old ain't fer wimps!!"
In memory of Lonnie aka. Bigdogg2250
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chinook
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 06/20/04
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Loc: centralia
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great story and thank you for doing what you do and for doing it well.
-------------------- Freedom isn't free
I'm for equal rights not special rights
Plan for tomorrow but live for today
Team Jackson Baldwin
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Redhook
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Still a PWV
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Reged: 01/27/03
Posts: 651
Loc: Sumner, WA
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Strong work Firefish, count me in for a few dollars 
-------------------- Redhook Chinook......RIP.
Rags & Eggs: For Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
www.joincca.org
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b51
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sockeye
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Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 75
Loc: Enumclaw, WA
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I'm in too! Let me know what you need. Gotta love those second chances. b51
-------------------- There is no merit where there is no trial; and until experience stamps the mark of strength, cowards may pass for heroes and faith for falsehood."
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fishguidebrian
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Guide/Powerline Construction
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Reged: 05/23/04
Posts: 2767
Loc: WA, near Olympia
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I'm in as well, guide or donation...
-------------------- Guiding for Fall Silvers in the Halis come OCtober and November!
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hybridcx
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Chromer
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Reged: 09/26/04
Posts: 735
Loc: washington
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i am in too let me know what you need contributed, would be more than happy to help out, i workd at harborview up until about 5 month ago they do amazing things there, at any rate let me know
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Timber
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Wet my Willie
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Reged: 06/05/01
Posts: 1975
Loc: Stumpy acres
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I'm game! no money needed lets just get him in my boat and on the water!!! Duane you can bring your boat and fish with us or your more then welcome to climb in my boat with us and go along..
-------------------- All good things come to those who BAIT
If you cant run with the big dogs stay on the porch!!
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Steelheader69
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Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
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Reged: 12/30/00
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Loc: South Prairie, WA
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I'm in as well. Great story.
-------------------- TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Project Healing Waters
CampChef Prostaffer
   
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FireFish
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Egg & Rag Master
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Reged: 11/19/02
Posts: 1109
Loc: Puyallup
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This is exactly why I thought I would post this to our group. You guys are great and can always be counted on. I'll keep you posted... Thanks for the support.. 
FireFish Out...
-------------------- It's Always a Steelie You've Hooked Until Proven Otherwise...
Member of Grays Harbor Salmon Management Committee:
1. Working to Unite Sporties to get Issues
Resolved...
2. Working Hard to Get Back Our 50% of the Bolt
Decision...
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BorntoFish
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Team Old Phart
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Reged: 12/12/03
Posts: 7149
Loc: Boise, Idaho
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FF thanks for sharing that very touching story. All too often we are either unaware, or take for granted the many ways that our firefighters [structural and wildland], emergency services, law enforcement, and military personnel touch the lives of innocent victims. I applaud you all and hope that you'll count me in if you end up needing donations....just say the word and provide a mailing address.
-------------------- CCA Member
TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Team Moose Drool
Team Old Phart
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quinaultguide
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2 salt
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Reged: 09/07/05
Posts: 25
Loc: Quinault Indian Reservation, W...
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Thank you Firefish. I have a few dates open this october and will donate a trip on the lower Quinault. I can take up to 3 fishermen. Any donations should be sent to your fire station.
Ive been a soldier, a firefighter, and a cop. I know why you guys do what you do, and its not about the pay. Feel free to contact me through my website.
-------------------- "No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.
- Ronald Reagan
<")}}}><~ Ruben Estavillo
http://www.quinaultfishingguide.com
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DaBrow
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"JUST GREAT, YOU are now teaching kids to fix airplanes?!?!?!"
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Reged: 05/30/05
Posts: 648
Loc: Lakewood WA
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Here's to you and your fellow firefighters/rescue/first responders
-------------------- We’ll raise up our glasses against evil forces Singing whiskey for my men, beer for my horses
If you love your country, THANK A VETERAN!!!
Cross into the Blue, Air Force
Out the Back at the Front, C17A Globemaster III
~Eric~
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superfly
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Chromer
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Reged: 01/07/02
Posts: 719
Loc: olympia
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Duane, I am down, no cash needed, you know I produce so set it up.
Peace Superfly
-------------------- www.superflysfishing.com[/url]
2/23 4th BDE 2 ID Good Job !!!
Now Booking for:Fall Salmon
I'm like sprint or Motorola no Service out of your range !!!!
Member Grays Harbor Salmon ManagementCommittee
Rainshadow Prostaff (Old School)
Thor-built Boats Prostaff
Pautzke Bait products Prostaff
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firedog
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dual red striper
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Reged: 05/05/01
Posts: 304
Loc: SW Washington
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Good one firefish. As you know all to often we never hear the outcome of patients. Good to hear this outcome is good and that you guys are trying to get him back on the water fishing. Keep up the great work.
-------------------- IAFF Local 43
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FishJunkie
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Tooth Grinding Egg Whore
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Reged: 02/08/04
Posts: 180
Loc: Fox Island
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Hey y'all, wanted to give everyone an update on Jim's progress.
Sunday, at an annual barbecue usually hosted by Jim and his wife Jodi, Jim's friends and family decided to go ahead and have the barbecue in Jim's honor. I and some of the crew that were involved in Jim's rescue were present for the festivities. I took the opportunity to read off the replies to Firefish's post to the crowd of about 60 people who came to honor Jim's tenacious will to recover. All of the well wishes and offers to take Jim fishing were received with oohs, ahhs and many thank you's. Several of Jim's family members approached me afterward and told me how amazed they were at the generosity of the people who replied. I told them that's not uncommon for this crowd, and I felt very proud to be associated with all of you nut jobs....thanks for being there for a fellow fisherman, you have really set an outstanding example.
When I was done reading the replies, with his wife protesting, Jim made an temendous effort and stood up from his wheelchair to shake our hands and say thank you eye-to-eye....it was very moving. Jodi said that he'd been telling her that when he met us, it was his goal to do that and one crew member couldn't help welling up at the sight of him.
The replies I read off made a huge impression on Jim. He told us that he'll let us know when he's ready. I told him we'll be waiting for his call. Thanks for bieng the awesome community that you are. It just goes to show that you don't have to live next door to be 'good neighbors' any more. Attatched is a pic of Jim with his cronies from his Cowboy Action Shooting club as they presented him with a stack of John Wayne movies to watch while he recovers.
Thanks guys.
-Jim (FishJunkie)
-------------------- Ya want a beer with those eggs?
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Fishhead5
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I'm hung like Einstein and smart as a horse
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Reged: 10/20/00
Posts: 1707
Loc: Shelton
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-------------------- Fishhead5
It is not illegal to deplete a fishery by management.
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Redhook
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Still a PWV
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Reged: 01/27/03
Posts: 651
Loc: Sumner, WA
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Thanks for the update Junkie 
-------------------- Redhook Chinook......RIP.
Rags & Eggs: For Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
www.joincca.org
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philpac33
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soft plastics pioneer
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Reged: 11/06/02
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Loc: offut lake/lacey
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right on just about says it all..i can open a seat if he needs one when he's not busy with "real" guides..i'll work hard to make sure he can get a fish or two..pm
-------------------- "i've fallen, and i can't reach my beer!"
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JandLfishing
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king
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Reged: 09/18/06
Posts: 132
Loc: Auburn, Wa
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Fire Fish, being the owner of a guide service I would like to donate a day of fishing to Jim and your crew who helped save him. What a great story.
-------------------- Tight Lines,
Jerry Brown
Fetha-Styx Rods Pro-staff Member
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Musicman
Online!
Thick Tail
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Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 7086
Loc: Roy
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Way to jump in on your 2nd post and be so generous! Nice going!
-------------------- JD
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FireFish
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Egg & Rag Master
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Reged: 11/19/02
Posts: 1109
Loc: Puyallup
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Thanks for the offer Jerry and welcome to the Board. I will keep you and others updated on Jim's progress as he continues to rehab. At some point in the future, we'll get him out fishing. It may not be until next summer for summer runs, but that's OK. Thanks again... 
FireFish Out...
-------------------- It's Always a Steelie You've Hooked Until Proven Otherwise...
Member of Grays Harbor Salmon Management Committee:
1. Working to Unite Sporties to get Issues
Resolved...
2. Working Hard to Get Back Our 50% of the Bolt
Decision...
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luv2fish
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Laptop!!
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Reged: 10/06/03
Posts: 2486
Loc: Lewiston, ID.
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You the man Duane!! Let me know how I can help. I'm all in!!
-------------------- Slammin' Salmon Guide service
Wright & Mcgill Prostaff
Gamma Prostaff
Alaska Nitro Baits
Team Moosedrool
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Brewer
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Then They Turned @ Last To Me, We Shall Call You Brewer, The Slayer Of Salmons You Shall Be'
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Reged: 12/01/02
Posts: 3263
Loc: The Mass Production Zone.
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just out of curiosity why is this still pinned up?
--------------------
Brewer's reel cleaning service is up and rolling. Contact me through PM for info and address.
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Greg_G
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Reged: 04/08/07
Posts: 1017
Loc: Oregon
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How is this guy doing?????
And that story really got to me... Great job Firefish
Greg
-------------------- Greg G.
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FireFish
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Egg & Rag Master
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Reged: 11/19/02
Posts: 1109
Loc: Puyallup
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I need to follow up on this again and see how Jim'S doing. i'll try to contact his wife Jodi and get some info. Thanks for asking...
FireFish Out...
-------------------- It's Always a Steelie You've Hooked Until Proven Otherwise...
Member of Grays Harbor Salmon Management Committee:
1. Working to Unite Sporties to get Issues
Resolved...
2. Working Hard to Get Back Our 50% of the Bolt
Decision...
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