Bigger Than Life

I've been tempted to dig into this blog again. This seems like the time to start. 

Our recently retired Ruston fire chief died last night. He was diagnosed with lung cancer just last month. The multitude who were touched by and loved Don Torbet, we are all in shock and heartbroken. I don't have words right now. Or enough pictures of these precious faces that have been a constant, deep part of the fabric of my life for over 30 years. Don was snatched away too soon. None of us were ready to let him go, not even close. Words will come later. For now only tears. Ruston, we lost a giant of a man last night.

Ruston Fire In The News

Our Ruston fire department was featured in this News Tribune article today. Our volunteer fire fighters held their first high-rise fire and rescue drill at the Commencement condo building last night. The idea to stage a drill in the 6-story building came out of a lunch the building owners had at Don's Ruston Market. Don is our fire chief and neighborly conversation led to a great idea. Small town at it best!

Ruston Fire

I can tell I've lived in town a while now, and loved our fire department the entire time. I recognize each of these fire engines and fondly remember some of the neighbors and friends who have served on our all volunteer, highly trained squad. There is an even older Ruston engine on display at the LeMay Family collection at Marymount. From Phil Parker, Joe Mondeau and Mike Hagen to Don Torbet and Bruce Allen, we have been blessed by so many men and women who give us their hearts to make us a better community.  

Farewell My Friend

Carol Tritt 1939 - 2013

Farewell, Carol my friend. Even though the last time you visited Ruston very few recognized you, you left your footprint here. You and Gerald took a fledgling fire department and gave it a rock solid foundation that outlives you both. You cared deeply for this town that no longer knows your name. You shed tears of frustration and pain over our future. You shouted with victory when new ground was gained. You grinned with joy at every baby step as we grew stronger despite the naysayers that predicted Ruston's death. You invested blood, sweat and tears into this town and your investment has reaped huge benefits for this community you loved.

Even though your name is no longer heard on our streets, you changed our course and impacted our future in ways these new faces will never know. How like you! To invest so much so quietly - yet make such a difference. You would never want the recognition. Just the knowledge that the town you loved had survived.

You impacted my life too. You taught me about love of community, about giving and caring in the face of dissension and animosity. You taught those same lessons to countless others. You taught your family above all. You loved us all and modeled compassion and friendship like few in my life. Thank you, my friend - for your example, for changing our future and for your love. Rest in peace.

Another Reason To Attend The Family Fair

As if you need another reason to stop by what promises to be another fun-filled Ruston Family Fair and Cadillac LaSalle Car Show this Saturday - but just in case you need persuading... The fire department is bringing in the local Bloodmobile so you can donate to a great cause, then grab a snow cone, ride the wagon, let the kids play and listen to some music. Hope you can join the party!

Fire Prevention Week - Ruston Style

In addition to the free pizza last night, the Ruston Fire Department is encouraging fire safety in a variety of ways this week during National Fire Prevention Week. The department issued this statement:

The Ruston Fire Department is participating in National Fire Prevention Week (October 7^th – 13^th).  The Fire Department has several events that they will be putting on throughout the week.

On Tuesday October 9^th, 2012 we teamed up with Domino’s Pizza for pizza delivery via a fire engine.  The event was a huge success and we would like to thank everyone that participated.  Without the support of Domino’s Pizza and the citizens of Ruston we could not have made this event possible.

We will be paying the kindergartners and 1^st graders a visit and Pt. Defiance Elementary School on Friday October 12^th.  We will be teaching the student’s the importance of calling 911 and knowing the pertinent information to give the dispatcher.  We will also be working with the kids on this year’s them of having “Two Ways Out” and having an evacuation plan.

On Saturday October 13^th we will be hosting an open house at Town Hall / Fire Station at 5117 North Winnifred St... The event will be from 10:00 a.m.  Till 2:00 p.m...  We will have demonstrations for kids and adults alike, events for the kid’s, fire engine tours, and goodie bags.  

The reality is that when fire strikes, your home could be engulfed in smoke and flames in just a few minutes.

It is important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. What if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames? That's why having two ways out is such a key part of your plan. This year’s theme, “Have 2 Ways Out!” focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

Stop by on Saturday with the kids and see just how prepared your family is (or isn't)... It's worth the visit!

Order A Pizza - Get A Fire Engine

Order a pizza tonight in Ruston and it will be delivered via the Ruston fire engine. Allow the accompanying fire fighters to check your smoke alarm to confirm it works, and the pizza is free. If it doesn't work, the fire fighters will replace the battery to ensure you go into the long winter indoor months with a functioning alarm.

It's all part of Fire Prevention Week. Domino's pizza is sponsoring the program, available between 6 and 8pm tonight, Tuesday, October 9th only. To order your pizza from the local Domino's (N. 26th & Stevens), call (253) 752-2300. Warm up that engine guys, I think you are going to be busy tonight!

More Ruston Family Fair Pictures

As always, our volunter fire fighters were first to arrive and last to leave, helping set up and tear down for the fair Saturday. Along with our police officers, they were there all day long to greet, answer questions and build our community. Thanks for a job well done!

Ready to respond

Helping set up the Divas dunk tank

Fire department displays and root beer floats fundraiser

National Night Out Tonight

Ruston typifies the sense of community and connection that are sometimes lost in the big city. One way that communities large and small build connections is National Night Out Against Crime. The goal is get to know your neighbors and local public safety officers to help fight crime. But the benefits reach beyond the statistics, building stronger communities that know and care about each other.

Ruston Police confirm there are two block parties registered for tonight, both scheduled from 5-9pm:

• North 49th and Baltimore
• N. 53rd and Highland

Everyone is encouraged to potluck some dinner and stop by to meet your neighbors, along with members from our police and fire departments. It should be a gorgeous evening to mingle and enjoy the great town we are.

Beautiful New Paint Everywhere!

It appears the inspiration of newly painted Adirondack chairs has brought new color to the fire house next to town hall too. The freshly painted house is on display along with the beautiful chairs from 4 til 7pm through Friday at 5117 N. Winnifred. The chairs will be auctioned off with a wine and light fare event at the community center (5219 N. Shirley Street) on Saturday evening beginning at 6:30pm. The News Tribune has a nice story on the event (here). Stop in to peruse the chairs and then make your bid on Saturday! Below are just a few of the specular 2012 chairs.

First High-Rise Rescue For Ruston Fire

All's well that ends well... Ruston Fire Department performed their first high-rise rescue today at the Commencement building. As any building under construction, glitches come up and are fixed. Today's glitch was a stuck elevator on the 5th floor, with a person inside. Ruston Police were first on scene with the fire department close behind. Fire personnel had to improvise tools to get the doors open and soon had the trapped man out and on his way. The elevator repairman arrived shortly thereafter, and one can expect the elevators will run well from now on.

The Ruston Fire Department trains for many different kinds of emergencies, some of which are thankfully never needed. The department has been preparing for potential emergencies with a new, tall building in town. The department's new skills and training were put to good use today. And now the department knows what tools to order to have on hand just in case this ever happens again, rather than rely on the resourcefulness of our fire fighters! As someone said at the scene today, neighbors helping neighbors... such is life in Ruston on a busy weekend.

Cliff Rescue - In Ruston?

The Ruston Fire Department got to use some new skills on Friday when they used ropes to rappel down a steep hillside (or cliff to some) to rescue a woman and her two beagles. 

When the woman's dogs disappeared over the edge of the hill at the end of  N. Orchard Street (near this picture), she climbed down to collect them herself. Once down there, she realized she could not safely get back up without risking falling much further down the very steep hill. So she called 911.

Once there, fire chief Don Torbet tied off and rappelled down. He helped get the dog owner into a harness so she could be pulled up. Firefighters made a makeshift harness for the dogs out of a bag and soon had all safe at the top of the cliff. All is a days work, although cliff rescues are not too common in Ruston.

Help Set A World Record

Ruston Fire Department has an ambitious goal; to put Ruston in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest ratio per capita of residents trained in CPR. The first class is tomorrow and there are only 12 slots open. There will be more classes offered later and there is no cost. More details are available on the town web site here. To register email rustonfire.@rustonwa.org

Ruston Fire

Ruston Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire at 4921 N. Pearl Street at 2:09 pm yesterday. They arrived to find thick smoke, but thankfully everyone had made it out of the building safely. The house sustained heavy damage. Four people are displaced and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

The fire investigator is on scene today, so Chief Torbet was reluctant to share any more details until the investigation is complete. Thanks to the entire crew for another job well done!

Ruston: Where Dreams Come True (Opinion)

The banana's were getting old. Tonight they needed to end up in muffins or the garbage. With a 9 year old girl in the house, baking was the preferred option. I enjoy this age, old enough to help but still eager to participate. The tween years will hit soon enough when being around family will not be cool.

She made 'em herself tonight. All I did was read the ingredients. She recalled earlier baking events where she needed help with measuring or running the electric beaters. When I mentioned I was taking most of them in to work tomorrow for the construction guys, she asked if she could take some to the fire department.

We'd see the fire fighters at Town Hall earlier this evening. They train faithfully every week, staying current on the skills and knowledge. But what makes small town departments like ours so special is the personal touch, the accessibility and connection to the people of the town.

So we hurried the warm muffins over to Town Hall, hoping to catch the guys before they headed home. We found one young man who graciously took the plate of treasures. It turns out the rest of the team was still out practicing around town. She left with a big grin knowing she had done good.

But that was not the end of the story. A couple hours later the whole department shows up on our doorstep in the fire engine and aid van to say thank you in person to the little baker. She jumped out of the tub soaking wet to wave at the gang from the upstairs deck and was greeted with smiles and a few blasts from the siren as they drove off.

The family was left laughing and telling each other how much we love living in Ruston. This is the stuff that makes us different from Tacoma. As great as our bigger neighbor is, it's the deeper connections that set us apart - that sense of give and give back that build our community.

The 9 year old summed it up: That's what they do, they make dreams come. Maybe not always, but they sure did tonight. I love this town and its people...

Fire On Shirley Street

Here are a few of the shots I took today as the house on Shirley Street was burned in a training exercise today. There were many spectators and lots of excitement as we watched the spectacular display of just how fast and furious a fire can be. Thanks to Bates Fire Training and our Ruston Fire Department for a job well done!

Echoes

Today was filled with ghosts for me; not the spooky kind - but echoes of the past bubbling from the subconscious. Maybe it was the talk of Phil Parker this week that softened that wall between my past and the present, but watching Gerald and Carol Tritt's old house burn today awakened long buried memories.

More of my heart was tied to that old house than I'd realized. Many of our early days in Ruston were spent in the living room that burned today, many a political strategy session was waged under the old apple tree in the back yard. Gerald and Carol gave 110% to this town for over a decade.

I could almost hear Gerald in the adrenaline-pumped voices of the young firefighters today. I could see the gleam in his eye in the sparkle of excitement in those men and women who learned more burning his old house than they could ever learn in a classroom. I could sense him doing a high-five with those huge flames as they shot heavenward from the roof.

Ruston has changed so much, most of it for the better. But there are so few here now who share the memories of this town's past - who lived and walked these streets over a lifetime. That's not a bad thing, but it makes the echoes more precious, more fragile. So to Gerald and Carol, thank you for all you gave to this town. We have not forgotten your sacrifice. Your old house served the department you loved very well today...

House Burn Tomorrow

These details on the house burning were handed out to the neighborhood earlier this week. A series of small fires will be set and doused starting tomorrow morning and the final burn will start in early afternoon, from about 8:30 am to 5 pm.

DETAILS: Parking will be restricted along Shirley Street. Folks with respiratory problems are encouraged to stay indoors during the exercise. Public viewing will be available at the Ruston School parking lot AT 5219 N. Shirley Street. There is hope to take video from inside the burning structure and post it on the Town's web site eventually.

Bates Technical College Fire Training is running the show in partnership with Ruston Fire. Crews have been practicing and training all week on the building. This offers invaluable training to our great volunteers. Thanks to the owner and builder for giving our guys (and gals) this great opportunity!

Former Fire Chief House Set To Burn

The former home of one of Ruston's fire chiefs is set to be burned to the ground as part of a training exercises for the same department he once led. The burn is scheduled for this Saturday, February 19th.

Gerald Tritt and his wife Carol once lived in this house on N. Shirley Street across from Ruston School. Gerald helped rebuild the department in the 1980's after the department was disbanded briefly. His wife Carol formed the Firefighter Auxiliary to support department efforts, such as raising the funds to purchase a much needed medical aid van. Gerald died a few years ago, but his legacy lives on in a well-trained, committed volunteer fire department.

One of the best ways to train is with live fire. Ruston Fire Chief Don Torbet reports his fire fighters are "pumped up" and ready. Bates Technical College fire training school is the lead agency on this effort. As you will recall, some Bates fire fighters live in the bunk house next to town hall to help provide 24 hour coverage for Ruston - and valuable training for the Bates students.

This burn has been in the planning for months. North Shirley Street will be closed all day from 52nd to 53rd. You can view the fire from the parking lot at the Ruston School building at 5219 N. Shirley. It will be a busy day in the neighborhood, but immensely valuable to our fire department, helpful to the family who will rebuild a new home here and exciting to watch. I think Gerald would be proud to know his work continues to benefit his department.

Pint For A Pint and Other Holiday Fun

The Ruston-Point Defiance Business District announced several fun events for the holiday season, in conjunction with the Ruston Fire Department:

~ FUSE Cafe Imbibery & Events Blood Drive ~ Cascade Regional Blood Services Bloodmobile
Friday, December 3rd from 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Location: FUSE Cafe Parking Lot at 5037 N. Pearl
Donate blood and receive a pre-paid coupon good for a pint of beer ~ "a pint for a pint". Pre-register at FUSE Cafe, Antique Sandwich Company, Don's Ruston Market or call (253) 722-8712. Before you donate be sure to eat well, drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids and bring picture ID.

~ Ruston-Point Defiance Business District "First Friday"
Friday, December 3rd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: All businesses
Visit each of our unique businesses and receive a holiday treat on our very first "First Friday" event! Some of our shops are staying open a bit later than normal to meet our neighbors and share the holiday spirit.

~ Ruston Fire Department "Visit With Santa"
Saturday, December 11th from 12:00 to 2:00 pm
Location: Ruston Town Hall at 5117 N. Winnifred
Take pictures on Santa's lap as you tell him what you would like for Christmas and he'll have a special treat for you! Santa will arrive on the Ruston fire engine after making the rounds through town with lights and sirens.

~ Ruston Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 11th at 5 pm
Location: North 51st and Winnifred
Stick around after visiting with Santa for the traditional tree lighting in front of Don's Ruston Market. Enjoy music and warm cider provided by Don's.

~ Ruston Fire Department "Toy and Food Drive"
Friday, December 17th
Location: Your front porch or Town Hall (5117 N. Winnifred)
Please place your donation of unwrapped new toys and/or non-perishable food on your front porch, clearly labeled for RFD pick-up. There is also a drop off box at Town Hall if you prefer to bring your donations anytime. All of the fire fighters thank you. Last year was a huge success and we hope to go over the top this year with your help!