[Author's Note: The story takes place in early 1977, just prior to the Leonard Peltier trial in Fargo, ND. Elements of the story reflect the banter between Chet and Johnny regarding John Gage's Native American background in the episode, Peace Pipe. The attitudes of the people in the Fargo area, at the time of the story, do not reflect present-day sentiments. Feelings in the area are still divided regarding Peltier. AIM stands for American Indian Movement in this story.]
A Blizzard of Arrows
The monotone voice droned on from AM radio in the office, drifting into the apparatus bay. The radio commentary mingled with reports from the regional dispatch center and conversation of the firefighters working in the bay. It was a quiet day with only two runs and the Fargo Fire captain was thankful for a reprieve from the elements. The recent cold snap was especially hard on the diesel trucks. Extreme cold weather and diesel engines were not a good mix and the trucks required special attention to keep them running. Several firefighters were doing repairs on the small pumper in the apparatus bay and a small group were stretching new hose for the tower truck. Two firefighter-specialists were checking the squad and the ambulance crew was correlating information with F-M Ambulance Service and the trauma center.
After watching his crew working on a number of tasks in the bay, the salt and pepper-haired captain's attention was drawn to a news report on the radio. The report was providing details about the upcoming Peltier trial in Fargo. Focusing on the news report, he slowly shook his head and sighed heavily.
"Peltier will be tried at US District Court in Fargo for the alleged murders in 1975 of two FBI agents in South Dakota. Judge Benson has issued notice to the parties in the case that the date for the trial is early March."
The captain closed his eyes to gain a sense of calm and muttered to himself in disgust as information was released about the upcoming trial. He shuddered at the prospect of heightened anxiety surrounding case, both personally and professionally. The tension in his mind permeated the cold pressing on the walls of the station.
Sighing heavily, Captain Roland Ericsson returned to his desk and picked up the manila folder lying on in a basket. The folder pertained to the exchange program between the Los Angeles County Fire Department and four different fire departments in North Dakota: Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, and Minot. He questioned the logic of executing an exchange in the depth of winter, as the concept of harsh cold and snow were non-existent in the greater Los Angeles area. He began to read the background of the eight men coming from Los Angeles and was jolted from his thoughts by a ringing phone. Grabbing the receiver, he struck up a conversation.
"Fargo Fire Department, Station 1, Captain Roland Ericsson, speaking.."
"Hey you old dog, It's Koppang, up in Grand Forks... heard ya forgot the lutefisk again!"
"Woof! .. well, what's new... you forgot the butter!" The captain laughed at his old friend and shifted in his chair. "Do I dare ask what this call's about, Charlie?"
"Have you looked at the file of the guys coming from Los Angeles County, yet?"
"Yep, just opened the file a few minutes ago and began reading about the guys going to Grand Forks. I haven't looked at the guys who are being sent to Minot, Bismarck, or my station yet. Why do ask?" Roland queried as he studied the different men coming to North Dakota.
"I noticed that both of the guys assigned to Fargo are firefighter - paramedics. Minot and Bismarck both got a paramedic and a specialist and we got two specialists. Hmmm.. curious to see what we can learn from them. One thing's for certain, they'll be in for a harsh dose of climate shock," Charlie replied with a hint of amusement.
He waited momentarily before continuing his train of thought, "Umm, Roland...ya know with the upcoming Peltier trial in Fargo, it could make things a bit complicated for one of the paramedics."
Charlie Koppang waited for a few moments to see if Ericsson would react before commenting any further, "Gage is an Indian and with present attitudes, it might not be exactly a pleasant experience for him on some levels. Let's hope he's not a hotheaded Rez Injun connected to AIM in South Dakota. I suspect that's why they're being sent to Fargo because you have Redskins there."
Roland sighed as he clenched his fist before responding, in an attempt to control his growing disgust. His anger was rising at Charlie's comments. Charlie's position and attitudes about Native Americans was one thing that always bothered him. In the past, he had cautioned the man about his remarks as unnecessary and close-minded. Ericsson found the remarks offensive, because of personal connections to Native Americans through his wife, Delora Dauphinais, a Métis from Dunsieth.
It was a well-known fact that he had several Native Americans on his crew, but they had proven to be dedicated public servants and it was the most important attribute he considered. The issues surrounding the Peltier trial irritated him and he wondered if the man would get a fair trial in Fargo. Ericsson knew the man would be tried in the courts and the public arena. The reactions and attitudes towards Native Americans from some people in the local area, including a few individuals in his own department, bothered him.
Ericsson released a heavy sigh and collected his thoughts before addressing Charlie's comment. He bit his lip and controlled his emotions with great restraint while looking at FF/PM John Gage's background information, "Umm... Charlie, I really don't understand your attitude about Indians. I have no issue with the fact that he's Native, he's certainly qualified and respected by his peers as one of L.A. County's top paramedics."
Ericsson paused momentarily as he attempted to control the growing anger he felt before continuing, "If he wasn't qualified, Charlie, I doubt that L.A. County would send him and his partner, Roy DeSoto. I'm certain he'll do just fine. I've go complete faith in both men."
He listened quietly on the line, detecting Charlie's discomfort and decided not to comment any further on John Gage's Native background. He further added, "Yeah, they'll both be experiencing extreme climate shock."
Koppang sensed that he may have crossed the line with Roland and made a hurried farewell. "Well... I ... I.. need to get back to work here.. Keep in touch."
"I will Charlie," Roland replied as he quietly hung up the phone. Sighing heavily, he closed his eyes for several minutes and rubbed his forehead with his fingers as tried to control his own emotions on the matter. He wanted to maintain a sense of composure with a crew he was blessed to have.
His thoughts were interrupted by a rap on the door and Specialist / Mechanic Tad Longie poked his head into the office, "Hey Cap, can ya come an inspect a repair issue on the pumper."
Captain Ericsson looked up at the young man, acknowledging him. "Sure thing, On my way, Tad." He raised from the chair and headed out into the apparatus bay.
Meanwhile in Los Angeles County at Station 51, Captain Hank Stanley stood in the captain's office near his desk, preparing the materials needed to inform his paramedics, John Gage and Roy DeSoto, that they were being sent to North Dakota. He was pleased that both men were added to the exchange program with North Dakota fire and rescue units. Part of him was excited for the guys to represent Los Angeles County Fire Department, despite his own doubts concerning the caliber of the North Dakota EMTs, who were part of the exchange. He hoped that Hjelmstad and Johnson would work well with the department's paramedics.
While waiting for the station's paramedics to return from a run, he went to the day room, and poured himself a cup of coffee. Sitting down at the table, he grabbed the newspaper from the middle of the table and pulled the pile of paper towards him. Flipping through the pages, he turned to the weather map on the back page to get an idea about the weather in Fargo, ND. His mind raced when he realized that John and Roy would be going from 70 degrees in Los Angeles to -20 in Fargo, a 90 degree swing in temperature and that did not include the wind.
"Ahhh ... Cap, are you feelin' okay?" Mike Stoker, his engineer, walked into the day room, concern became etched on his face. He watched his captain's face turn pale and his body grew increasingly still.
Chet Kelly and Marco Lopez looked at each other and then their captain, taking their cue from Mike's concerned look. They straightened up from leaning against the counter and looked again at their captain frozen in his chair. They began to wonder what was going on in the man's head. Walking over to the table, they peered over their captain's shoulder and tried to figure out what he was looking at that could cause a shock. They noticed that the page was turned to the weather map, but they still could not make the connection. The weather outside the last several days in Los Angeles County had been marvelous, almost summer-like, and this made the runs much more pleasant to handle.
The three men looked at each other and they caught the sound of the squad backing into the bay. Chet ran from the kitchen when he heard the squad return and motioned for Johnny and Roy to come quickly. Johnny looked over at Roy in the cab of the squad and wondered what was going on.
"Ahhh, Johnny, any ideas on what's up with Chet?" Roy asked as he placed his helmet on the hook in the cab.
"Nope ... but my guess would be ... the Phantom has a joke planned or he's got ants in his pants," Johnny smirked as he finished recording information on the last run. He started to swing out of the cab where he was met by Chet prancing in front of him.
"Chet, I'm in no mood today for The Phantom or his jokes," Johnny groaned as he walked off and joined Roy, heading towards the day room. Roy stopped Johnny from proceeding further into the room with his hand. Both paramedics stopped in their tracks when they saw the stunned look on their captain's face and his still body.
"Chet, what kind of practical joke did you pull on Cap now?" Johnny growled as he noticed the blank expression on the captain's face.
"Innocent... this time, honestly. The Phantom was not present, nor knowing, on this matter," Chet replied innocently.
"Right... You've never been innocent a day in your life, Kelly!" Johnny retorted in exasperation as he looked at his friend while shaking his head at Chet's feigned innocence.
"Ahhhh Cap?" Roy questioned as he approached the table with caution, "Are you okay?" Roy walked up and waved his hand in front of the Cap's eyes.
"Ummm... yeah... ahhhh... Just shocked, ... that's all," Cap stammered distantly as he tried to shake off the shock of what he read from his mind. After his initial shock faded, he folded the newspaper to the weather map and placed it under his arm. "Umm, John, Roy, can I speak with you both in my office, please."
"Um... sure, Cap," Johnny stated in mild confusion. He grew concerned about Captain Stanley's behavior as he followed Roy and the captain out of the day room.
As the three men left the day room, Mike, Chet and Marco exchanged a few words and confused looks with one another. They wondered what was going on, because this was very unusual behavior from their captain.
Johnny and Roy looked at each other and wondered what was going on as they followed Cap to his office. The captain closed the door behind them and they continued to watch his demeanor for any signs of what was happening. The captain settled on the corner of his desk and motioned to the paramedics to take a seat.
"Remember about a month ago when I was telling you about the exchange program with North Dakota?"
He paused for a moment to register the paramedics reactions to his question, "It was originally going to be six men from the county, but arrangements were made to send eight men. You were both on the reserve list and have been selected to go to North Dakota in the exchange. You'll both be going to Fargo."
Johnny and Roy looked at each other and back at their captain. "Cap? That does not explain the expression on your face when we came into the day room," Johnny said distantly. "What caused you to react the way you did?"
Cap handed Johnny the folded newspaper and watched as the two paramedics studied the map. "Look at the map, particularly where North Dakota is located, guys. The temperature in North Dakota is -10 to -25 at this present moment. When I spoke with Captain Ericsson this morning, he advised that you guys should bring warm clothes due to the present cold snap. This is unusually cold for them."
"Why now and why not during the summer?" Roy asked as he tried to wrap his mind around the idea of cold. "The cold's going to be a new experience for me."
Cap pondered the senior paramedic's question for a moment before speaking, "Roy, I wish I knew the answer to your question. I'm as puzzled at the timing of the exchange as you are."
Captain Stanley shifted to the front of the desk and pulled out two envelopes with their assignments from the drawer, along with flight information. He leaned forward and handed the information to Johnny and Roy.
"You'll both report to headquarters on Sunday and fly out from LAX to Minneapolis and then to Fargo for one week. Chief Houts is gathering some sweatshirts bearing the department logos for you both. You're also to take your badges with you. Johnny and Roy, I ask one thing of you two,"
"Yeah?" both paramedics chorused.
"All I ask is that you both represent Station 51 and Los Angeles County Fire Department with respect, courtesy, and professionalism." Cap stated with authority as a broad smile spread across his face, "and one more thing... Johnny behave yourself around the ladies."
Johnny shot back with a sardonic grin and chuckled at Hank's request.
"Sure.. we can do that," Roy replied. "Well Johnny, you got your orders."
"Thanks!... I think," Johnny replied with a hint of suspicion.
"Um, Roy, how are you going to break the news to JoAnne?" Johnny asked facetiously. "I can only imagine the 'Honey, to do' list for this trip."
"Careful Johnny, you... just... might get recruited," Roy smirked as a grin spread across his face. "Besides, it would do you good to help others."
"What do you mean by that, Roy?" Johnny retorted incredulously. "I'm your pal, your amigo, I'd do anything for my best friend. Plus, JoAnne adores me!"
"Really?" as a wicked grin spread across Roy's face.
"Roy, you've got your work cut out." Cap chuckled as he watched his paramedics playfully spar.
Roy looked up at his captain and gave him a knowing grin as Johnny did his best to ignore the comment.
"Who else was selected in the lottery for North Dakota?" Johnny asked as he leaned forward in his chair with his elbows resting on his knees.
Cap leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, "Well, there are four paramedics and four firefighters going to North Dakota. Naparov from Water Rescue, Brice from 110s, Thompson from 15s, Montieth from 75s, Sprague from 60s, and Reynolds from 8s."
Cap paused momentarily before continuing, "Naparov is going to Bismarck along with Reynolds. Brice and Sprague are going to Minot; Thompson and Montieth are going to Grand Forks and you two will be going to Fargo. Both of you'll be working with the Ambulance-EMTs and the fire department. The two EMTs from Fargo will be riding with the paramedics at different times of day on all three shifts."
Johnny nodded thoughtfully as a sly grin spread across his face. Roy looked at him suspiciously, before commenting, as a sense of dread filled him. "I know that look, what are you plotting?"
"Who said I was plotting anything? It should be entertaining to see how Brice handles the cold and how North Dakota handles Brice, the walking code book." Johnny mused at the image in his head.
Roy and Cap shook their heads as they did not want to ponder the implications of that exchange.
"Ahhh..., it's lunch time and I can smell Marco's chili... Let's go!" Cap herded the two paramedics out of his office and towards the day room. The three men walked into the day room smiling, causing Chet and Mike to stop in their tracks.
"Miracle workers!" Chet smirked watching them enter the day room and head to the table, "I see Cap has made a full recovery."
Chet's comment elicited a howl from Henry who was stretched out on the couch. Chet smirked back at the baying basset hound, "..and that's enough out of you!"
"I suspect, I should let you in on the news," Cap announced as everyone started eating lunch. He was hoping they would be able to get through lunch before being sent on a run.
"Roy and John have been selected to represent the Los Angeles County Fire Department in an exchange with North Dakota Fire and Rescue Units. There are eight paramedics and firefighters going to North Dakota. We'll be getting two EMT's from Fargo in the exchange," he continued.
"My cousin is a firefighter stationed at the Grand Forks Air Force Base," Mike offered between bites of chili and fresh bread. "When I last heard from him about a week ago, the area was having a brutal cold snap with temps around -20 as the high temperature one day. He said it got as cold as -40 near the Canadian border."
Mike paused briefly before continuing, "The wind can make the temperatures as cold as -50 to -60 and literally suck the life out of a person. Cars won't start, the fuel in a diesel engine turns to sludge, and it's incredibly difficult to fight fires in those temperatures because of frozen water lines. Frostbite is a very serious risk at these temperatures. I suggest taking long underwear and heavy socks."
Cap pondered what Mike said and slowly shook his head as he began to really wonder why they were so anxious to do the exchange in a brutal cold snap since the men from LACoFD would not be used to such extreme temperatures. "Just be careful John and Roy, I want you both back in one piece, and I would heed Mike's advice."
"We will Cap," Johnny responded between bites, "We will.."
"Who else is going from the department, Cap?" Marco questioned as he ladled more chili into his bowl.
Cap swallowed his food before continuing. "Naparov from Water Rescue, Brice from 110s, Thompson from 15s, Montieth from 75s, Sprague from 60s, and Reynolds from 8s. Naparov is going to Bismarck in relation to water rescue."
Mike pondered Cap's comment before adding his own thoughts. "My cousin said that the fire department in Bismarck wanted insight in setting up a water rescue unit because of the Missouri River and its proximity to Lake Sakakawea."
"That would make sense," Johnny replied as he wiped his mouth. "The rest of us are paramedics and specialists. It'll be entertaining to see how North Dakota reacts to Brice."
Johnny's last comment elicited snickers from everyone at the table.
The discussion of the trip was interrupted by the tones for an impending run: "Station 51, Station 35, Unknown rescue and fire at 14524 Carson Boulevard, intersection Cedar Road. Time out 1249."
The week passed quickly and the eight men from LACoFD arrived at headquarters for their orientation about the exchange with North Dakota. The group listened patiently as Chief Houts laid out details regarding the exchange and what was expected from each of them as representatives of fire department. The chief expressed his hopes that their experience in North Dakota would be rewarding for each of the selected men as an opportunity to learn new ideas and professional enrichment. The men were given sweatshirts and pullovers with the department logo and Station number on the sleeve.
The group soon boarded a van carrying coats and other winter gear as they headed to LAX for the flight to Minneapolis. Johnny patiently counted off the minutes until they parted company with Brice and his analysis of the rules book, which lead to a lecture of comportment directed at him. Roy watched Johnny from the corner of his eye to make sure he did not give Brice any additional ammunition for lectures.
The plane climbed over the Rockies headed towards Minneapolis where the group would splinter into smaller groups, as they headed to different gates for destinations in North Dakota. Roy looked at his tickets and noted that he and Johnny had a three hour layover before heading to Fargo. He shivered at the first hint of climate change. The plane was somewhat cool over the Rockies, but as they entered the central and northern plains, the plane took on a chill he could not explain. Johnny also noticed it and looked over at Roy. It was a sense of cold he had never experienced before and he was not quite sure how to deal with it.
As the plane approached Minneapolis, the pilot announced the time and air temperature.
"Welcome to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. It is 1:30 p.m. Central time. The weather conditions are clear and the present temperature is -12 below. Enjoy your stay."
The plane landed and taxied to the jet way to allow its passengers to leave the plane. Roy and Johnny grabbed their jackets from the overhead bins and slipped them on before grabbing their carry-on bags. They parted company with the others in the terminal as their flights were leaving sooner than his and Johnny's. They both bid their fellow firefighters good luck on their visit to North Dakota.
"See ya in a week!" Roy called out as the other six headed for their respective gates. The guys waved back and echoed similar sentiments to Johnny and Roy.
"Johnny, wanna grab a cup of coffee before he head to our gate?"
"Now ... You're talkin'!" Johnny showed his enthusiasm as he began to relax after Brice's departure. The two paramedics walked towards the concourse that would lead them to the gate for their Fargo flight. As they neared the proper concourse, Roy gestured to Johnny to stop at a Caribou coffee for a bit before going to their gate.
Roy looked at his friend as they sat down at a table and he gave his friend a playful sock. "Hey, just wanted to give a thumbs up for holding your tongue with Brice."
"Thanks Roy!" Johnny replied as he sipped his coffee. "Ahh, did you finish the 'Honey, to do' list before we left?"
"Yes, I did and thanks for helping." Roy commented as he sipped his coffee. Roy watched his friend's reaction and chuckled. As quirky and neurotic Johnny was at times, he was a loyal friend that he could count on when he needed it. "I even pampered her this past week."
"No problem, that's what friends are for!"
Roy's last comment piqued Johnny's interest as he sipped the warm brown liquid, "What form of pampering did you do for JoAnne?"
"I took her out to her favorite restaurant and made her breakfast in bed,"
Johnny smiled at his friend. "Roy, I didn't know you were a romantic fool."
As he smiled at his friend's comment, he could not shake the feeling that there were eyes looking at him.
Johnny's sudden unease was not missed by Roy. He reached over to a table near them and grabbed an abandoned paper. Scanning the paper, he caught the headline on the front page of the Minneapolis Tribune:
"Peltier trial scheduled for March in Fargo."
After scanning the headline, he folded the newspaper as he came to an understanding about what was contributing to Johnny's discomfort. The sense of prejudice hit home for Roy, as he realized why some people were staring at Johnny, it was because of his Native American heritage.
"Johnny, you know how I feel, just remember that. You're my friend and I'll always be there for you." Roy tossed the paper back on the empty table near them.
Johnny took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before he spoke, "Thanks, I appreciate it. Maybe that's the reason the exchange is happening now to avoid any chance of me being hurt later in the spring, near the time of the trial. I've been following this on the news, it's inescapable."
Deep down, Johnny became acutely aware of the animosity towards his Native heritage in a way he had not experienced since he was a child.
"That's very possible. I've also been following issues surrounding the Peltier case," Roy replied as he looked at his watch.
Johnny was surprised and humbled by Roy's admission.
"Well..., we better head to gate 53 to catch our flight." Roy watched as Johnny stood up at the table and he could see a hint of sadness etched in his friend's eyes.
"Hey Johnny, I'll be there for you. You'll be okay," as he laid a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Thanks Roy." Johnny nodded softly as the two friends headed towards their gate.
