From the eagle tribune
Atkinson firefighter helps battle blazes in Alaska
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON — A longtime local firefighter is among 10 from New Hampshire who are headed to Alaska to fight wildfires.
Jeff Murphy has been a member of New Hampshire's wildland fire team for at least 20 years and has traveled all over the Midwest and western states fighting wildfires, according to his brother and Atkinson fire Chief Mike Murphy.
"He's well-respected throughout the state," Mike Murphy said.
The latest trip to Alaska will take Jeff Murphy to an area outside Fairbanks where thousands of acres have burned this summer due to hot, dry weather.
Jeff's son, Shane, also has fought wildfires over the last several years as far away as Canada, Georgia and Idaho.
"It's a cool way to see different parts of the country and not just the cities," said the younger Murphy, who is a full-time firefighter in Salem.
While battling wildfires, the crews regularly check the humidity and have lookouts to make sure nothing catches them by surprise, Shane Murphy said.
"They're pretty conscious of all the safety stuff," he said.
Shane Murphy would have loved to join his father, but to be a member of the wildfire team, the 24-year-old said you have to be ready to go at a moment's notice. That has been difficult for him to schedule over the last few years, he said.
New Hampshire's firefighters are joining crews from Massachusetts, New York and the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests.
The crew flew out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport on Tuesday and is expected to stay about two weeks.
Mike Murphy said the crews are often sent to remote areas where it can be difficult to speak with family members by telephone.
"It's tough to know when he's going to come back," he said.
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20 comments:
who pays for this?
"who pays for this?"
That's it? That's your first response to a man who is risking his life. An Atkinson resident who is trying to do the right thing.
It is no wonder people hate to get involved with cynicism like this.
You should be asking, "How can I help?"
Some things you cannot put a price on. I feel ashamed this came from an Atkinson citizen.
I would assume the State of Alaska will pay for this, and be glad to have Jeff and all the others there to the help.
Yes, WHO paid for this? I have every right to ask this question and since everything else was addressed in the article EXCEPT this, YES. WHO PAID?
I'm ashamed that I cannot ask a question in this town without someone attacking me for asking a SIMPLE QUESTION.
YOU MUST BE A TOWNIE HIDING SOMETHING.
I'm not ashamed. I have the RIGHT to ask this, what is wrong that you do not get it? Attacking me is ignorant of you, though expected.
Yes, you have a right to ask a question, even a stupid one. And what is there to get. An Atkinson fireman is traveling a couple of thousand miles away and putting his life at risk because he feels it is the right thing to do.
First response, "who pays for this?" That my friend, is not what one would normally be called, "Getting it."
So, you want ignorant - look in a mirror. You don't feel ashamed, fine. If your greed continues to outweigh you compassion, keep those brilliant questions coming.
Your are very rude and ignorant. The question is neither stupid, nor do I have anything to be ashamed of by asking this, nor do I like to be bullied. Did you read the article?
"It's a cool way to see different parts of the country and not just the cities," said the younger Murphy, who is a full-time firefighter in Salem."
Some even do it for the free travel!!!
"It's a cool way to see different parts of the country and not just the cities," said the younger Murphy, who is a full-time firefighter in Salem."
Oh my god, what an irresponsible thing for a young person to say. His motivations should be definitely questioned, maybe with a bright light in his face. (That is sarcasm for the sarcasm inept).
Never mind the Navy uses the phrase "Join the Navy and see the world" which, by the way, we all pay for. Guess they should be flogged for wanting the free travel.
Still a stupid question, and if you don't like be bullied, stop asking them.
Do you think you have a right to bully people just because you don't like their question? Too bad about you, but it's not going to stop anyone.
First, what did you think of the question? Was it appropriate? Do you think it was in good taste? Do you believe his defense made sense?
It was not my original intent to bully anyone, including the first poster. However, he kept defending a question I felt was in poor taste and using a defense that made no sense.
So, after pointing these things out, he said he felt bullied. Well, guess what, bullying is one of the foundations of this blog. It happens in virtually every post. And the more stupid the remark, the more its bullied. Even those who make sensible responses are bullied.
So, yes, if I feel someone has said something stupid, insensitive, inappropriate, etc., I'm going to call them on it, and if they feel they are being bullied, I say welcome to the Atkinson Report 2.
so who's payin for dis?
hey bullie boy, i don't hear u?
What is his problem? Why can't the guy ask who's paying for this? I don't see what is wrong with asking any question, he wan't rude, he just asked!
Nothing wrong at all for asking a question. But look at his reason for asking it:
""It's a cool way to see different parts of the country and not just the cities," said the younger Murphy, who is a full-time firefighter in Salem."
Some even do it for the free travel!!!"
He thinks the guy is volunteering to fight fires, risking his life, for the free travel. That makes it a stupid, and I think selfish, question.
But, it's apparent everyone thinks its fine for him to feel this way. Fine. I expect nothing less here.
The previous postings have to be some of the most useless nonsense I've ever heard. It isn't a debate. Its two people with too much time on their hands. There are real problems to solve in town. Getta life.
"most useless nonsense I've ever heard."
You obviously have not been following this blog for very long.
"The previous postings have to be some of the most useless nonsense I've ever heard. It isn't a debate. Its two people with too much time on their hands. There are real problems to solve in town. Getta life."
Take a pill.
Take all the pills.
Pass some of the pills your taking and I'll try em out. You're sure having a good time on plantet wackjob with those little helpers.
Better than putting up with the likes of you.
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