Chapter 10
[Author's Note: Portions of this chapter talking about wildfires were written before June 30 and the loss of 19 brave firefighters near Prescott, AZ in the Yarnell blaze.]
Johnny looked at the clock and its red digital numbers displayed 5:30 a.m. and he sensed it was too early to get up. Looking over at the the other side of the room, he could see the faint outline of Roy sleeping on his side. He wanted to talk, but vaguely remembered Roy entering the room after 1:00 a.m. and decided to let him sleep. Tossing and turning in bed, he eventually faced the wall as his mind replayed what Delora said about the symbols in his dream.
His thoughts examined the concept of compassion, by countering it with anger and bitterness. His mind explored various pieces of information as he processed what Delora said in relation to his dream. He treasured Roy's friendship, in addition to the deep admiration he had for Roy's family. He loved and adored Roy's kids as if they were his own. Johnny struggled with trusting himself in how much he should share with Roy about his past. He debated about how much he should reveal about the bullying he endured as a kid and the shame he believed was in him.
Johnny was uncertain how long he laid awake before hearing activity upstairs. He mused to himself when he heard the muffled protests about getting ready for school. He recalled days when he was not particularly excited about school either. Propping himself up on his elbow in bed, he listened to the activity upstairs with amusement. Smiling, he recalled his mother and aunts rousting him, his siblings, and his cousins out of bed on more than one occasion on a school day.
Once the protests upstairs quieted, he heard someone running down the stairs and a gentle admonishment to keep it down, as the guests were still sleeping. It soon dawned him, when he remembered that the kids were sleeping over at their friends, he surmised that the noisemaker had to be Sandi. Musing to himself, "You're a lively one, aren't you, Miss Alessandra Dauphinais?"
As Johnny listened to the movement upstairs, he grew increasingly restless lying in bed. After a period of time passed, Johnny finally decided to get up and shower as he could no longer sleep. Looking at the clock, he noticed that its red digital face read 6:45 a.m. Glancing over at Roy, he resisted the urge to wake him up. He decided to let Roy sleep and slipped from the room after he dressed.
He headed towards the dining room and was pleasantly surprised to see Alessandra and Delora sitting at the dining room table. "Good morning ladies," Johnny said politely as his eyes met Sandi's. "The other kids will be down soon, I take it."
"Noooo..., they're over at their friend's houses for a sleepover." Sandi said warmly as she looked at Johnny with smiling eyes.
"Ahhh...I forgot ...So, it was you..., Miss Dauphinais, who was protesting this morning," Johnny blushed as a sly, crooked smile spread across his face.
"I hate doing speeches and I was running through one for class. Sorry..., I didn't mean to wake you." Sandi looked away from Johnny as she played with the fringe on the placemat.
"No worries...I've been awake for awhile." Johnny smiled as he sipped tea from the cup Delora handed him. "Roy's still sleeping. I suspect Roland and him got in pretty late. I vaguely remember Roy coming into the room last night."
"I see... So..., you thought you'd come and chat with Tante and me." Sandi grinned mischievously from behind her cup.
Looking at Sandi, he shook his head, smiling at her mischievous charm. He was intrigued by her deep brown eyes and lively personality. His soul struggled to keep her from getting under his skin, but her spirit was pesky, and it seemed to needle him a way that was alien to him. Deep down, he knew once he left Fargo, his chances for seeing her again were slim to none. He wanted to keep from being hurt and wondered to himself why he could not meet women in Los Angeles, that had the same spirit. She was a force he had never dealt with before and doubt he ever would again.
"And... why wouldn't I want to speak with a lovely lady." Johnny flirted as he sipped his tea.
Delora stood back in the kitchen and observed the dynamics between Johnny and her niece. She was intrigued by how the two individuals seemed comfortable with one another and it was something she had not seen before regarding her niece. Looking at the clock, she soon realized that Sandi had to leave for school.
"Sandi, you need to get going," Delora informed her niece of the time. She hated to disrupt the conversation between Sandi and Johnny. In her eyes, the conversation between the two young people before her was of respect and that was not something she always saw in the men Sandi interacted with at the station or in public.
"Can we chat later, Johnny?" Sandi asked as she looked at her watch.
"Sure can...," Johnny chirped as a smile spread across his face. He watched her closely as she got up from the table, grabbing her coat and book bag, as she headed off to class. "Good luck on your speech today."
"Thanks Johnny," Sandi smiled back at Johnny as she started to head out the door.
Delora watched from the kitchen window as Sandi pulled out of the driveway. In the back of her mind, she entertained the possibility that her niece could be attracted the dark-haired, young man sitting at her dining room table. She sensed a certain peace between the two young people.
Turning around from the window, she faced Johnny. "I see you're doing better this morning...I'm also glad to see that you and Sandi get along. She's a spirited person."
Johnny was lost in thought and vaguely heard Delora speaking to him. "That she is...," Johnny replied absentminded as he tried to find a way to keep Sandi's spirit from invading his soul. A different place and time, he would have welcomed it, but he knew their meeting would be fleeting, because he was leaving in a few days. He chastised himself as he was beginning to fall for her, "Damn...why now..., I honestly would love to get to know you, Alessandra...but I know it can never be."
"Earth to John..," Delora teased as she watched him drift into deep thought. Delora struggled to keep her giggling under control as she did not want to embarrass him.
"Huh...What?" Johnny grinned and blushed in embarrassment at Delora giggling at him. "Sorry."
"No apologies needed. How are you feeling this morning?" Delora sat down at the table near John.
"A little better..., still struggling with some of the things we discussed last night. Thanks for listening."
"You're welcome. It'll take time and that's understandable. Ummm, I'd also give Roy a chance, he does care about you and would be a good ear. Sorry, to change the subject, but I'm glad to see that you and Sandi hit it off."
Johnny thought quietly for a moment when Delora mentioned Roy. He knew Roy was a loyal friend. Deep down in his soul, the challenge was trusting that friendship on matters that were close to his heart. He nodded absentminded to Delora's words before commenting about Sandi.
"She's a remarkable woman from the little I've talked to her. I... just don't want to have my heart wounded, when I leave in a few days. She's infectious."
Johnny paused briefly as a small smile formed at the corner of his mouth. "I... don't know what to say... I just wish that the time and place were different. I really enjoy talking with her. She's different from other women I have met over the years. Once I return to L.A., we won't be able to talk to each other."
"Don't underestimate her, John," Delora hinted as she sipped her tea. "She's looking at going to graduate school in southern California."
"She's someone I'd like to get to know." Johnny grew quiet as he swirled the tea in the bottom of his cup.
As Johnny and Delora continued to talk, he was unaware of Roy joining them at the table. By their demeanor, Roy suspected he knew what they were talking about and on some level, he had to agree with Johnny, that it would not be wise to get involved with a woman in Fargo. He sensed the conversation with Delora was about Johnny's growing affection for Sandi. Deep down, he knew Johnny had met his match, even if it was fleeting.
Johnny was startled when he looked up and noticed Roy sitting at the table across from him, "Ummmm... mornin', Roy... Did you get your beauty sleep?" Johnny teased as Delora got up from the table to get Roy a cup of tea.
"I'm lookin' as beautiful as ever, Virginia," Roy teased back seating across from him at the dining room table. "And ready to face the day."
Delora chuckled at the two friends teasing each other. "On that note, I'll go and check on the other sleeping beauty." Delora said warmly as she placed a pot of tea on the table for Johnny and Roy, then left the room to check on Roland.
"How are you this morning?" Roy asked as he sipped his tea. "I was informed by Sid last night that you got play the stork yesterday on a run."
Johnny grinned shyly at Roy's stork reference with glistening eyes. "Yeah..., I did... I do have to say that Raya is a little cutie. Ella and Jens Aurness have a beautiful baby girl. I'm doing okay, still struggling with some things."
"I can understand that." Roy nodded as he took another sip from his cup. "The rescues last night?"
Johnny looked at him with mild interest and pondered the comment. He was not sure how to answer the question.
Roy wanted to ask about the dream that Johnny had the other night, but felt it was Johnny's place to share and left it at that. "I'm here if you need an ear, Johnny." At that point, Roy decided to change topics and not pressure Johnny. "Are you ready for the radio interview this morning?"
"I forgot about that interview today!" Johnny remembered in surprise. "I've never done a radio interview before. Huh...This trip is proving to be filled with surprises and new experiences, one thing right after another. Ahh... before I forget, I gave Sandi and each of the kids peppermint sticks from the both of us."
Johnny drank the last of the tea in his cup before continuing, "Can we talk later, Roy?"
"I'll hold you to that, partner," Roy continued to be worried about his friend. He could still see the pain in his friend's eyes and wished there was a way he could help him. "We can talk after the meeting this afternoon. Also, thanks for reminding me about the candy for the Ericsson kids."
"Meeting?" Johnny questioned. He looked at Roy with a raised eyebrow seeking more information about what he just said.
"Apparently, it's about the rescues and the events that occurred last night. It's at 2:00 p.m., here at the house with Jake, Sid, Tad, Red Wolf, and Ericsson."
"Really..., didn't know that." Johnny came to the realize what the nature of the meeting signified. He let out a long sigh before continuing, "I'm glad that Tad and Red Wolf will get a chance to deal with it, before others question them about the rescues. Haakenson from B-Crew was pressing both Jake and I for details last night, while we were at the station to leave the ambulance for a crew change."
"I agree." Roy nodded, affirming Johnny's comment. "They deserve that right to discuss their feelings first. The ramifications from the rescues could pose a significant challenge to the dynamics at the station and... the department, in ways no one anticipated."
"You're right, Roy. Last night could have long-ranging effects in ways none of us can see right now." Johnny's mind drifted as he considered Roy's comment as he raised his cup to his lips.
"It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out," Roy thought pensively before speaking, "Ahhh Johnny, I think it would be wise, if held back a little, as this is not our department."
Johnny nodded at Roy's comment. "Yeah, You're right... Not sure how Captain Stanley or Chief Houts would react to this and if they knew what the implications would be for all of us."
Roy looked at Johnny sternly before speaking. "I think they would be upset if we got too involved in the politics here. Then again, we're already involved. I think the less they know about the rescues and racial implications, the better. I would be okay on some levels with Captain Stanley knowing about what happened, but not Chief Houts."
"That's a valid point, Roy. Though, I will say that I was not exactly comfortable dealing with him."
"Nor was I, but we're both professionals and we have standards to work by. It often requires pushing our own feelings aside for the sake of the patient. Sid made a comment last night about you. He was impressed with your professionalism and humility."
Before Roy could comment further, they were joined in the dining room by Roland, as he pulled a chair from the table and Delora disappeared into the kitchen to start breakfast. Johnny could tell that Roy wanted to say something else but held back due to their arrival in the dining room. Roy gave an imperceptible nod that they should table their discussion until later and Johnny quietly acknowledged Roy's gesture.
"Good morning John, Roy," Roland said sleepily as he sat down at the table, rubbing the sleep from his face. Delora placed a fresh pot of tea on the table and started to prepare breakfast for the three men. The kitchen was soon filled with clanging pans and the sound of sizzling sausage. Delora looked out from the kitchen toward the three men seated at the table and wondered to herself about what would happen at the meeting this afternoon.
"Good morning Roland," both men chorused.
"So what are we to expect for the radio interview today?" Johnny asked as he tried to visualize what would happen.
Roy caught Johnny's gesture to change the subject. He acknowledged the action as a ploy, that would not allude to the discussion they were having before Roland and Delora arrived in the dining room.
"The interview will be at KFGO's studio during Larry Rustebakke's show. You'll both have headsets on and speak into a microphone. The interview will last about 15 minutes or so with about 15 minutes or so of call-ins from listeners with questions. It could go possibly longer if there are a lot of callers," Roland commented between bites of scrambled eggs. "The interview is pretty relaxed and straightforward."
"What are the nature of the calls that come into the station?" Roy asked as he munched on a piece of toast.
"I know Larry plans on asking a few question about firefighting in Los Angeles County and the paramedic program," Roland stated as he sipped his orange juice. "The calls... well... they can really run the gamut ranging from the topic at hand to what your favorite sports team is and everything else in between."
"So an in-depth discussion about the wonders of the Los Angeles Rams might not be wise in this area," Johnny teased as a sly grin spread across his face. "Dodgers?"
"Probably not, this area bleeds purple. Now the Dodgers could be entertaining ... however, it is Twins country up here."
Johnny grinned at Roland because he knew he was at a standstill in persuading Roland to change his allegiance from a being a Vikings fan to becoming a Rams fan. "At least, I'm not a Raiders fan."
"Johnny, give it up while you're ahead," Roy chided playfully shaking his head at Johnny's dogged persistence to convert and recruit new Rams fans.
"Roy, you never know, there just might be Rams fan who'll call in that I can commiserate with." Johnny mused in defense of being a Rams fan.
"Johnny, you're something else," Roy laughed as he shook his head. "Once you're on a kick, you're really stuck on it."
"Well... you never know, there might be some lonesome Rams fans up here," Johnny offered in his defense of the Rams.
Delora grabbed the ringing phone and gestured to Roland that the call was for him. Roland took the call and Delora began clearing breakfast dishes from the table. Johnny and Roy continued their debate about the Rams. She mused at Johnny's dogged persistence to hold on to the pride he had for the Los Angeles Rams.
Roy looked over at Delora with a bemused expression and tried to keep his laughter in check. Deep down, he knew it was a ruse for Johnny to protect himself and he could see that he was still hurting. Part of him was relieved that his friend was having a laugh about sports, particularly about his beloved Rams.
Roland finished his phone call and returned to the table. He stretched his arms as he sat back down. "Well gentlemen, it appears we'll need to fit another interview in today also. The Fargo Forum will be interviewing you both at the fire station at 11:45 a.m. It'll be an action packed morning, to say the least."
"Roy, good thing you got your beauty sleep last night," Johnny teased as he gestured to him with his glass of milk.
Roy shook his head and chuckled. "Well...did you get yours?"
"Yep," Johnny looked at his watched before speaking. "I suspect we're heading out in about 45 minutes.
"Yeah, in about 30 minutes or so," Roland replied. "It will allow us some time to get to the station and get settled in the studio before the show."
"Roy, do you think we should wear the sweatshirts or the pull-overs for the newspaper interviews?"
"Probably the pull-overs. We don't want people thinking we didn't bring any clothes."
"Ha Ha!" Johnny offered Roy with sideways glance.
Roland and Delora shook their heads at the playful rapport between Johnny and Roy. The foursome talked for a little while longer, before Roland gestured that they needed to get ready to leave for the radio station. Johnny slipped back to the room to put on his navy blue pull-over, along with grabbing his and Roy's winter gear, while Roland and Roy talked. After a few minutes, Johnny returned to the dining room with their coats. Roy grabbed his coat from Johnny's hand and slipped it on.
As Johnny and Roy finished getting ready, Roland headed out to the garage to start the car and allow it to warm up. The car groaned at the idea of starting in the cold and protested briefly. Johnny and Roy quickly crawled into the car as the garage door rose and a white fog drifted in front of the door. Roland pulled out of the garage and pointed the car in the direction of the radio station.
The sky was clear as white arrows permeated the world by running across the street. The wind added an additional chill to the air and penetrated the soul. The car made its way through streets littered with ice ribbons and soon turned onto 25th street. As the car pulled into the parking lot at KFGO, Johnny chuckled at a nearby billboard promoting North Dakota tourism.
"Hey Roy!.. I think the billboard is quite accurate, the mountain removal project was successful... It's flat!" Johnny pointed in the direction of the billboard.
"I think you might be right, Johnny!" Roy grinned as he started to get out of the car. "It's flat!"
The three men quickly made their way into the station to escape the cold south wind that was nipping at their nose and ears. As they entered the radio station, country music could be heard wafting through the lobby. Johnny mused to himself as Emmylou Harris's latest song was being touted as a hot new hit by the disc jockey.
Captain Ericsson stopped by the brown and tan receptionist desk that was decorated with cows and trucks running beneath the edge of the desk. Ericsson waited until she got off the phone, then spoke with the blonde-haired woman behind the desk, informing her that they were here for Larry's show. The young woman smiled and made a call to the studio to inform Larry's producer that the guests had arrived. After several minutes, they were greeted by Larry's producer, Danny Jacobson, who came into the lobby and exchanged a few words with Captain Ericsson while Johnny and Roy waited nearby, sitting on horn backed chairs in the lobby.
The lobby was decorated with the logo of the station amid the array of pictures of station personalities and country music artists. The lobby had a western style carpet with Native American geometric designs in the weave of the rug. The furniture was wood with horns for the back and arm rests completed the western decor. One wall displayed photographs of prairie sunsets and farm implements. A giant plastic Hereford bull with a cowbell and hat stood in one corner surrounded by a shock of wheat, sunflowers, a stuffed brown dog, and chickens. Flags for the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings hung above it. A poster promoting a show called Polka Party hung near the door with pictures of Lawrence Welk, Myron Floren, and the Six Fat Dutchman.
Roy elbowed Johnny, who was trying to make small talk with the receptionist as a man approached them. Jacobson came over and talked with Johnny and Roy for several minutes and soon left the room. When Jacobson left the room, Ericsson walked over and sat in a chair near Johnny and Roy.
"Interesting decor." Johnny grinned he struggled to keep a straight face.
Ericsson grinned at Johnny's remark. "Yeah, it's a bit out there."
After several minutes passed, Jacobson returned to the lobby and beckoned the three men to follow him to the studio. They got up from the chairs in the lobby and followed Jacobson down the hall to a large room at the end of a hallway.
They entered a large room with egg crate foam on the walls and a large table in the middle of the room. In the corner of the room was smaller room that housed the engineer and additional sound boards and controls. Above the crescent shaped table was an array of microphones, electronic gear, and cords that gave the appearance of a spider in a giant web. Johnny and Roy sat across from the center of the table that had a sound board and switching equipment.
Jacobson instructed both men to put on the headsets in order to do a sound check for the interview. Jacobson signaled Johnny to speak first into the microphone in front of him to set levels. The producer waited for the signal from the engineer that Johnny's mic was ready. The signal was then given to Roy to speak into the mic by Jacobson and the engineer proceeded to set the audio levels for Roy.
The activity in the studio was soon joined by a balding, jovial male who entered the room and spoke briefly with the Jacobson and Captain Ericsson. The two men shared a laugh and a handshake before Ericsson walked over to the table. He sat down at the mic to Roy's left and slipped on his headset. The threesome were soon joined by the Jacobson and the balding older gentleman.
Johnny watched the activity with great interest because he had never been inside a radio studio before. He watched intently as people ran from the small room and out of the studio, returning with paper printouts and cart tapes. In another corner, a man was busy finishing his preparation of a news and weather brief. Looking over at Roy, he grinned as the headphones atop his friend's head provided a point of amusement.
"Ummmm Roy, these could come in handy back at the station." He did not dare say, what he was thinking to Roy, because the headset made him look like an alien from a movie or Star Trek. With that in mind, he selected his thoughts carefully before speaking.
"I was thinking the same thing... peace and quiet when you and Chet start up," Roy mused as a wide grin spread across his face. "Bet Cap would even approve."
"HA! HA! You're too funny for your own good this morning, Roy!" Johnny offered Roy a facetious grin. Their banter back and forth was interrupted when the bald-headed man approached the paramedics.
"John, Roy... It is a pleasure to meet you both. I'm Larry Rustebakke," Larry said politely interrupting the playful banter between Johnny and Roy. Both men looked up to acknowledge Rustebakke's greeting.
"Nice to meet you Larry," Roy said enthusiastically as responded to Larry's greeting and leaned forward to shake Larry's hand. "I'm Roy DeSoto and this is my partner, John Gage.
Johnny leaned forward and shook Larry's hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet both of you guys," Larry said warmly, "I've heard a lot of great things about both of you.
"It's our pleasure to be here," Johnny said with a lop-sided grin. "Doing a radio interview is a new adventure for me!"
"Lookin' forward to it," Roy quipped.
"It's pretty painless," Larry mused. "I'll ask a few question on firefighting and the paramedic program. Perhaps a few questions about the L.A. area and then we'll open it up for calls from the listeners. We'll start in about five minutes after a CBS news brief at the top of the hour and the weather."
Johnny and Roy acknowledged Larry's words and observed people scurrying around the studio doing last minute audio checks, checking notes, and making sure advertising tapes were properly cued. The engineer also completed lining up different songs for buffer music for several spots in the show. They both sipped water to clear their throats and quell their nerves. Roy took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as he collected his thoughts and calm his butterflies.
As the Dolly Parton song, Jolene, ended, Jacobson counted down the seconds to the CBS news brief and a few minutes later, the weather reporter was signaled by Jacobson to start his report. Ericsson furrowed his eyebrows when the reporter mentioned the possibility of a winter storm moving into the area from Colorado and Wyoming on Thursday. Roy looked over and caught Ericsson's reaction to the weather report. The idea of experiencing a winter storm was something he was uncertain about. He was aware of them, but never experienced a winter storm.
Jacobson put up his hand up in the air and signaled to Larry and they were about to begin the show. Larry acknowledged Jacobson by clearing his throat and taking a sip of water from a glass near his microphone.
Jacobson quickly cued the engineer to play the buffer music and station ID. The music had a twangy, folksy feel to its rhythm. "Thundering across the Red River Valley from its home at the Mighty 790 KFGO... 'Uncle' Larry Rustebakke brings new and interesting conversation to your radio dial. Now here's Larry." Jacobson signaled to Rustebakke to being his monologue.
"Good morning from Fargo and the studios of KFGO on this cold winter's day. I'm pleased to introduce my guests for the first part of the show. It's always a pleasure to have Captain Roland Ericsson of the Fargo Fire Department drop by for a visit. This time he has brought along a couple of friends from California. They're Firefighter-paramedics, Roy DeSoto and John Gage, who are part of an exchange program between North Dakota Fire and Rescue Departments and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. If you would like to speak to guests in a bit please call 701-237-0000."
"Good Morning!" The three men chorused back into the microphones.
"Captain Ericsson, nice to see you again. What can you tell me about this exchange program and how these two gentlemen ended up here in Fargo from Los Angeles?" Larry asked
"Good morning Larry..., It's nice to chat with you again," Ericsson said pleasantly. "North Dakota Fire and Rescue Departments and the Los Angeles County Fire Department view this exchange as a way to learn from each other. We learned about three weeks ago that Fargo was added to the exchange. I found out at that time that Gage and DeSoto were coming to Fargo."
"When did they arrive?"
"They arrived this past Sunday for one week and they've been busy riding the rigs, interacting with my members of my crew, and watching how we do things." Ericsson answered. "It's been quite an experience working with these two gentlemen."
Johnny and Roy nodded in appreciation at Ericsson's words as the feeling was mutual.
"So this is an opportunity to learn new ideas?" Larry inquired.
"Very much so... and we've learned some things from them. Hopefully John and Roy have learned some things as well."
"John, Roy... welcome to Fargo. It's good to see that you're not frozen yet," Larry teased as a wide grin spread across his face. "Tell me a little about yourselves and your role at the Los Angeles County Fire Department. How did you both become paramedics?"
The three men chuckled at the remark about Johnny and Roy not freezing. Roy mused to himself as he considered it rather amazing that neither of them had gotten frostbite yet. Johnny gestured to Roy to go ahead first and speak. Roy looked at him with a sideways glance and started speaking.
"Well both John and I trained initially as firefighters for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. I joined the department after a stint as a medic in the army," Roy commented.
Roy took a deep breath before continuing, "Several doctors in the county wanted to work at putting medical providers in the field, with the goal of providing care to people who were sick or injured at the scene. The paramedics render medical attention under the direction of doctors at a base hospital. I was in one of the first classes that trained paramedics before we could legally practice in the field. Los Angeles County Fire Department has one of the first paramedic programs in the country along with Miami, Seattle, and Columbus, Ohio,"
"So you weren't allowed to practice initially?" Larry questioned.
"No... we weren't able to due lack of legislation. We had to wait for the law to change so we could practice in California. It was a challenge to get the law changed. No one had heard of a paramedic nor really understood their role in emergency medicine. It should be noted that only select people are trained as paramedics."
Roy paused briefly before continuing, "During this time, I was able to work as an instructor, and John Gage was in one of the first classes taught in 1971. There were only a handful of us at the time and a few doctors connected to the paramedic program in a county of 6.5 million people. Now..., it's spreading across the country and no two programs are the same, due to needs and resources of a particular area," Roy stated thoughtfully.
"John, how did you get involved with the program?" Larry asked.
"It was during a rescue of an electrocution victim from a high voltage power line that I wish there was more that could've been done to help the person. I initially trained as a rescue man and was persuaded by Roy, that a paramedic was a step in the right direction to helping people who were injured or sick," Johnny stated.
Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "I was recruited by Roy to become a paramedic and he was one of the instructors in a 12-week course at Rampart General Hospital in Carson under the tutelage of Doctors Kelly Bracket and Joe Early, along with nurse, Dixie McCall. When Roy went back to fieldwork, he tapped me as his partner at Station 51 and the rest is history."
"So... you both have been working together as a team since 1971?" Larry queried.
"Yes, at Station 51 in Carson. We've seen the program grow and evolve through the years. Technology and treatment of some injuries has changed also. We've also seen people inspired to take CPR and first aid classes through educating people about EMTs and paramedics."
"Johnny's right... we're even starting to see women train as paramedics. San Francisco has several female paramedics right now as we speak," Roy interjected.
"We were in Santa Rosa County in central California last year, where we met a sheriff who was interested in developing a network of EMTs and equipment distribution in a rural county with rugged terrain to offer assistance in helping patients in remote areas. It shows the potential of providing services based on need and seeing that help gets to where it's needed in a timely manner," Johnny stated.
Jacobson signaled Larry that a break was needed for commercials and the news. "Gentlemen, we need to take a commercial break and we'll be back for more discussion and calls from our listeners."
Jacobson signaled the engineer in the sound booth to play the commercials and cut away for a local news brief and farm updates. Roy took a sip of water and swallowed before he leaned over towards Johnny.
"Nice job pardner," Roy said as he grinned at his old friend.
"Thanks Roy! You're not doing to bad either!"
"Well gentlemen, we have a lot of calls and we'll address them when we go back on the air,' Larry said as he sipped on some water. Jacobson walked up and handed Larry a note. A broad grin spread across his face when he saw what the note entailed. Larry leaned over to show Ericsson and both men nodded, approving the nature of the note. Johnny and Roy watched them with great amusement and suspicion as they both wondered what was going on between Rustebakke and Ericsson.
The news brief played along with several commercials promoting a farm implement dealership and a new store opening at the mall. As the commercials came to an end, Jacobson signaled Larry with a countdown that they were about to return to the airwaves after the commercial and news break.
"Welcome back to the show and my guests today are Captain Roland Ericsson of the Fargo Fire Department and visiting firefighter-paramedics from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, John Gage and Roy DeSoto," Larry commented as they went back on the air. "Due to the volume of calls that have already come in for our guests, we'll turn the show over to the callers. Are you ready gentlemen?"
"Bring it on...," Johnny encouraged as he looked over at the other three men seated at the table.
"Yep," chorused Roy and Ericsson.
"Our first caller, please go ahead and tell us where you're calling from..," Larry stated as he pressed the button on the sound board in front of him.
Noise and jostling could be heard as chairs scraped the floor in the studio, in addition to voices clearing in the background. After the commotion quieted, a voice came across on the line.
"Hello, this is Captain Hank Stanley in Los Angeles County at Station 51 in Carson."
"Hey Cap!" Johnny and Roy chorused back in glee as large smiles spread across their faces.
"Cap, we haven't froze up here ... yet!" Roy offered. Snickers could be heard in the background in reference to Roy's remark about freezing.
"Umm... Cap, how did you find out about the show today?" Johnny was incredulous as he shook off his surprise at hearing Captain Stanley on the phone.
"Stoker's cousin. He called Mike last night to let him know about the show after he heard a promo that you guys would be on. So..., we decided to call-in. Johnson and Hjelmstad are doing well and enjoying the reprieve from the cold weather. They're on a run, so they're missing out on the fun. We do have one question, What's Uff-da?"
"To answer your question, Captain Stanley, uff-da is a colorful euphemism that can be used a compliment or to signal a large project. It's sometimes used as as substitute for common swear words," Ericsson offered. "It's commonly used up here."
"Ahhhh, that is what it means," The men at 51 chorused back over the phone.
"Stoker stumped Spook...," Johnny smirked. "I thought it would never happen."
"Spook will never be able to live this down," Ericsson quipped as a grin spread across his face.
The phone was passed around in Captain Stanley's office as Johnny and Roy chatted with each one for a few moments. "Hey Gage! Enjoy your stay," Chet crowed over the phone. "Who's Spook?"
''Chet, Spook is an entity and a force that can't be explained," Roy quipped. "Only experienced."
"You're correct on that that point, Roy," Ericsson mused as a grin spread across his face. "Explanations don't work regarding Spook."
Captain Stanley came back on the phone to sign off, "Well..., we'll see you guys next week. Have fun and stay safe."
"Nice talking to you guys," Johnny grinned. "See ya next week."
Larry ended the call when Captain Stanley hung up. "John and Roy, sounds like you work with a lively bunch." Larry mused.
"They're a good group of guys to work with," Johnny offered.
Larry pressed another button on the flashing soundboard, "Caller, go ahead."
"Hello Larry, great show today. This is Jimmy Asleson from Halstad and I'm a volunteer firefighter up 'ere. I was wondering if the guys from Los Angeles find it harder to fight a fire up here in the cold? I'll get off and listen."
Roy gestured to Johnny to take the call first. "Jimmy, to answer your question, I'd have to say it's challenging because of the elements. I noted firefighters up here deal with cold temperatures, ice, and snow while fighting a fire. In comparison, we deal with extreme heat and tinder dry conditions, while fighting a brush fire in the canyons and wild lands of the county. I would have to say the challenges are similar yet different," Johnny responded.
Due to the climate, the weather dictates how we approach our jobs. I could see where cold and snow can affect water delivery, setting up lines, and even responding to a call here in North Dakota. In Los Angeles County, we contend with terrain and the Santa Ana winds in the spring," Roy countered.
"What are the Santa Ana winds?" Larry asked.
"They're winds that come off of the desert areas and they can be hot or cold. When they blow from the east in the spring, they can sometimes become compressed in the canyons and can gust as fast as 80 mph. The winds can really whip the flames of a wildfire putting firefighters and civilians at risk in a very short time," Roy responded.
Roy paused briefly before continuing, "It's a fire that can eat a lot of ground very, very quickly and it doesn't leave a lot of time for evacuation. I've seen some fires where 100 acres were burned in a very short time. Building regulations dictate how some buildings are constructed, in addition, to keeping lots cleared of dry, overgrown vegetation."
"I didn't realize that they moved that quickly," Larry stated solemnly. "We do have some wildfires in northern Minnesota and in the grasslands out west, but not on the same scale. I understand that forest firefighting units in northern Minnesota will sometimes go to the western states to help with wild fires."
"They move very, very rapidly," Johnny countered. "It is always a concern when it comes to the safety of the firefighters regardless if they are on your own crew, another department, or an out-of-state wildlands crew. Safety is also a concern for air crews dropping water and chemicals on the fires. Wind drafts from the hottest part of the fire can wreak havoc with the stability of a helicopter. I have a lot of respect for the individuals who fight wildfires on a regular basis. Anytime you fight a wildfire, you always hope to come home."
"So when you are fighting a wildfire, are you a firefighter or a paramedic first?" Larry asked.
"Sometimes both..at the same time," Roy offered. "Sometimes we render aid to evacuees and firefighters overcome by smoke. The goal is to fight the flames to protect property and lives. Property can be replaced but lives cannot, whether it's a civilian or a firefighter." Johnny nodded solemnly at Roy's comment. Captain Ericsson caught Johnny's reaction to Roy's comment and suspected they were both aware of death in their own ranks from the ravages of a wildfire.
Larry picked up on the change of mood and shifted gears from the topic of discussing wildfires. "Let's take another call, gentlemen. Caller, go ahead," Larry said as he pressed a flashing button on the soundboard.
"Hi Guys, My name's Brandy Jones and I live in North Fargo. I'm a transplant from San Bernardino and I really miss my Rams. I was wondering what you guys do when you're not on duty and at the station when you're not fighting fires or rescuing people?"
Roy and Ericsson did their best to stifle their laughter while shaking their heads. Johnny grinned maniacally with his arms held up in victory. He was right and he knew there were Rams fans in North Dakota. If Brandy only knew what had transpired earlier in the day, she would be laughing also.
"Brandy, if you were in the studio right now, John Gage is sitting here with a very large grin on his face, while Roy and Captain Ericsson are shaking their heads trying not to laugh. My producer even has his hand over his mouth, trying not to laugh." Larry watched the unfolding scene before him with great amusement as he tried to remain professional, and maintain a straight face. "Do you gentlemen care to explain?"
"Morning discussion at the breakfast table about John's favorite team and the unlikelihood of hearing from a Rams fan up here," Ericsson offered as he tried to control his snickering. "Apparently, we're wrong."
"Yep, We've been proven wrong, Captain Ericsson," Roy responded while trying to keep a straight face. "To answer part of your question Brandy, we play cards, watch television, read, and talk. There's the occasional misadventure and practical joke at the station that provides relief from tense situations and creates good, clean fun."
"Good, clean fun if you aren't on the receiving end," Johnny interjected playfully.
Roy continued after Johnny's remark, as a smile spread across his face. His friend did have a point, he was often the butt of Chet's jokes. "Outside of being at the station, I enjoy swimming, going to a Dodgers game, and spending time with my kids... Johnny?"
Roy gestured to Johnny to take over the discussion as he shook his head smiling. "Brandy, it's nice to meet a fellow Rams fan." Johnny gave Roy a triumphant grin and a thumbs up. "The naysayers have been proven wrong, there are Rams fans here in North Dakota. I predict they'll be in the Super Bowl next year. Besides the Rams and Dodgers, I enjoy camping, hiking, reading, and fishing. Also, Roy and I have worked on restoring an old fire engine during our free time."
"John, I like your attitude about the Rams!" Brandy squealed. "Thanks for answering my question."
"You're welcome!"
"Gentlemen we need to take a break and pay a few bills. We'll be back in a few minutes with more of your calls for our guests." Larry said as the twangy music began to play. When they were off the air, Larry let out a belly laugh at the Rams story. Roy and Ericsson joined Larry in laughing about the call.
"I can only imagine that discussion this morning. I would like to ask a question or two about the engine you restored when we go back on the air," Larry said breathlessly.
Jacobson stifled his own smirk as he gave Larry the countdown that they were returning to the airwaves. Larry quickly pulled himself into professional mode before going back on the air. "Welcome back to the show, I want to address a comment John made before the commercial break."
"You're a Rams fan?" Johnny mirthed.
"Nope, I'm a card carrying Vikings fan," Larry smirked back. "I would like know more about the engine you and Roy restored." Johnny smiled and snapped his fingers in mocked disappointment that he was unable to recruit a new fan. Roy looked at Johnny and shook his head.
Johnny nodded at Larry before speaking. "No problem, Roy and I were on a fire call to a salvage yard and we spotted an old fire engine from what we thought was the 1920s. We purchased the old engine for $80 and had it delivered to the back lot at our station. As we started to work on the engine, we learned it was a 1932 Dennis Fire Engine. Since it was a British made engine, hunting for parts made it a challenge to repair and rebuild the rig. The steering wheel on this engine is on the right hand side."
"That would've been an interesting challenge," Larry surmised.
"The biggest challenge was finding the correct fittings for the engine bloc because it was built in Great Britain and there are not many of them in the United States," Roy offered. "It proved to be a real journey as neither of us knew anything about restoration work."
"It truly was a learning experience," Johnny added. "It was a beautiful showpiece when we finished and we even drove it in a parade.
"Do you still have the engine?" Larry asked.
"No, we donated the vehicle to a museum," Roy offered.
"Very interesting," Larry commented. "I think we have time for a few more calls." Larry pressed the button on the sound board, "Go ahead, caller."
"Hey Larry.. Interesting show today. This is Neil Mueller from Casselton. Welcome to Fargo, John and Roy!" Earlier you mentioned rappelling and climbing. I was wondering if they got that training at the fire academy?"
"Hello Neil, Thanks for the warm welcome. When John and I enrolled in the academy we trained first as firefighters by hauling hose, learning techniques and procedures, in addition to a variety of drills including attaching hose to a hydrant." Roy paused briefly and took a deep breath before continuing. "It's was only after we completed our probationary period as a firefighter do we get more advanced training in other specialties such as search and rescue, ladder, or additional linesman training."
"Neil, after Roy and I finished our probationary period, we both trained in search and rescue work. This includes extracting accident victims from vehicles or buildings. Some of our rescues require us to rappel or climb on a variety of surfaces ranging from rocks to glass," Johnny added. "Aside from the training we received from the department, Roy and I also trained at a National Park Service ranger station in the Sierras for additional climbing and rappelling training."
"A follow-up to Neil's question, do you guys have to continually train to stay up-to-date?" Larry asked.
"Yes, we do," Roy replied. "Reviewing what we know and staying up-to-date on firefighting techniques is an ongoing process. Keeping on top of changes through drills and sessions is key for us to do our jobs as technology and methods change."
"This is especially true on the paramedic front as we have to keep up our certification and learn new treatment approaches and drugs. We also have to keep up with changes in equipment as emergency medicine has advanced," Johnny added.
"Caller, go ahead," Larry stated as he pressed the button.
"Hello John and Roy, this is Brett Stoker at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. I was wondering how Captain Ericsson viewed the differences between Los Angeles and Fargo departments?"
"Good question...As much as there are differences due to population, climate, and terrain between the two stations, there are many similarities. One fact remains true and that is protecting life and property from the devastation of fire," Ericsson responded. "The past few days have been a learning experience with John and Roy."
"Brett, you wouldn't by chance be Mike Stoker's cousin?" Johnny asked.
"Yes, I am... I listen to Larry's show when I can. Mike speaks of you guys regularly. Glad to see that you're not frozen yet, John and Roy!"
"We'll tell Mike we spoke with you. Thanks for calling Brett!" Roy added.
Larry looked up as his producer signaled that he had 10 minutes left of this portion of his show. "I think we have time for two more quick calls from our listeners. Caller, go ahead."
"Hello Larry, a warm welcome to our guests. This is Jim Salmonson from Finley and I was wondering if your guests have worked with volunteer fire groups?"
"Yes, we have worked some volunteer outfits in outlying areas of the county and also with some of the wild lands fire groups. They're starting to train volunteer EMT's to help render basic care in some areas," Roy stated.
"That's why it's important for rural areas to have the training and equipment to help people who need it," Ericsson added. "Adding to what John and Roy have said earlier, volunteers aid and compliment the professionally trained crews. They serve in areas that aren't always accessible."
Roy and Johnny nodded in agreement with Ericsson's comment. Roy grew increasingly aware of how important volunteers were in a rural area.
"We have time for one more call from our listeners for our guests. I apologize that we weren't able to get to everyone, but the hour has flown by fast. Caller, go ahead," Larry said.
"Welcome to Fargo, John and Roy! This is Connie Hendrickson from Wahpeton. I was wondering what your most challenging rescue was and your most rewarding rescue call."
Roy suggested to Johnny to take the call first. "The most challenging rescues are cranes or other high places where you have to struggle to maintain your footing and help the patient. Most rewarding calls would be helping kids and bringing a new life into the world," Johnny replied thoughtfully. "Roy?"
"Good question and I haven't really given it much thought in the past," Roy commented as he gave the question some consideration. He paused briefly before continuing, "Hmmm... most challenging rescues are motor vehicle accidents and some of the home incidents because they can be unpredictable and you never know what might occur. I have to agree with John, the most rewarding calls are those helping children and bringing a new life into the world."
Johnny nodded at Roy's answer about most challenging rescues. He knew his friend was right about incidents that happen a person's home. Those type of calls were always unpredictable ranging from fires and falls in the home, to issues regarding domestic abuse and bizarre rescue scenarios.
"The hour has flown by quickly and I would like to thank Captain Ericsson for bringing his California friends, John Gage and Roy DeSoto, by for a visit," Larry grinned as he offered his thanks on-the-air. "It has been a fun and interesting hour, thanks!"
"It was great being here," Johnny concurred as a grin spread across his face.
"It was our pleasure," Roy said appreciatively. "It was fun."
Jacobson gave the signal to the engineer to play the buffer music before signaling the guys to remove their headsets. When they received the signal, Johnny and Roy removed their headsets and rubbed the numbness from their ears. Larry leaned over and shook hands with Captain Ericsson. He reached under the table and pulled two brown paper bags from under the table.
"John and Roy, It was a great pleasure to have you both on the show today," Larry commented. "In the bags are a few things that we put together to welcome you to Fargo."
Johnny and Roy thanked Larry as they each took a bag from Larry's hands. Johnny looked in his and spied a t-shirt, cap and a myriad of treats including a package of Bison Chips.
"Thank you, this is most unexpected," Roy stated after the element of surprise wore off.
"It was great having you guys here," Larry said in appreciation. "it was fun."
Ericsson looked at his watch and gestured to Johnny and Roy that they needed to to head out as Larry sat down in front of his sound board as the news brief, weather and farm updates were winding down. Jacobson showed them out of the studio and informed Ericsson that tapes would be made of the interviews for John and Roy to take back to Los Angeles.
As they walked out of the studio, they grabbed their coats from the coat rack and headed to the lobby. The sounds of Larry's show and call-in segments about a local event spilled into the lobby. Ericsson pulled a small camera from his coat pocket and gestured to Johnny and Roy to stand on either side of the bull. Both men complied with the request and stood near the bull. They both wondered how they were going to explain this to the guys at 51s. After several pictures were taken, Johnny decided to take the hat from the bull and place it on his head. A large price tag hung from the brim of the hat just as Captain Ericsson snapped the picture while a wide grin spread across his face.
"Now we can call you... Johnny Pearl," Roy smirked as the tried to keep a straight face with great difficulty.
"Funny, Roy!" Johnny snorted in playful disgust at Roy's struggle to keep a straight face. He placed the hat back on the bull after the picture was taken.
"Come On, Johnny... or, is that Minnie," Roy smirked as he gave Johnny a playful pat on the shoulder.
"Careful pardner," Johnny cautioned playfully as they headed to the parking lot. "Spook has instructed me on the fine art of making a snowball."
Roy shook his head facetiously as he got into the car. He knew Johnny's ruse as he could still see the hurt in his eyes. He had to give him credit, he did know how to put on a good front when he needed to, in a setting that was alien to him.
Ericsson started the car and let it warm for several minutes before pulling out of the parking lot. Roy and Johnny snooped a bit further in their bags. Roy looked at the green and gold North Dakota State University Bison T-shirt, KFGO cap, and Bison chips. Ericsson looked over and grinned at the puzzled expression on Roy's face as he wondered what the Bison chips were made of, as they were a myriad of shapes covered in chocolate.
"It is a product named for an area college's sports team, North Dakota State University Bison," Ericsson offered with a sly smile as he kept an eye on the road. "They are chocolate covered potato chips. They're also called chippers by the locals."
"I've never seen such a thing," Roy commented. "It was very nice of them to do this."
"Tell them thanks from me also," Johnny tendered as he placed the items back in the bag.
Ericsson drove the car to the back lot of the station and pulled into a parking spot. The wind blew the powdery snow off the fence rail creating a mini blizzard as the car came to a stop. The guys quickly made their way into the station to escape the cold and headed to the office to shed their winter gear. Ericsson was intercepted by a member of Crew C, informing him that there was a reporter and a photographer from the Fargo Forum waiting for them in the day room. Ericsson acknowledged the information from the man and gestured to Johnny and Roy to follow him.
The threesome entered the day room and Captain Ericsson proceeded to introduce Johnny and Roy to the young woman sitting at the table reviewing her notes. Johnny looked at the young woman and was reminded of a certain blonde reporter named Christy who rode with the squad some years ago. Deep down, he was hoping she was not the same kind of person.
"Hello gentlemen, My name is Susan Jansen and this is my photographer, Hal Germundson. I'd like to get a few pictures of you guys with the rigs and Captain Ericsson. In addition, ask a few questions about firefighting and paramedic work in Los Angeles County. I've read your backgrounds and you're both highly respected." Jansen stated as she extended her hand to shake theirs. "Shall be begin?"
The group entered the apparatus bay where Germundson snapped pictures of Johnny and Roy standing in front of the squad, with and without Captain Ericsson. He shot several pictures of Johnny and Roy alone standing in front of the squad in several different poses. The last set of pictures were of Roy sitting in the cab looking out through the driver's side door and Johnny and Captain Ericsson standing on either side of him, encasing the Fargo Fire Department logo on the door of the squad. Germundson also shot several pictures of Johnny and Roy standing next to one of the ambulances.
Susan Jansen interviewed Captain Ericsson for several minutes while Germundson finished photographing Johnny and Roy with the ambulance and its crew.
"I had the opportunity to interview of the members of your crew, Captain Ericsson," Susan stated. "Your crew thinks very highly of Gage and DeSoto, along with you. It's nice to see that."
"Thanks, I appreciate your kind words," Ericsson thanked the young woman for coming to the station. He watched from a distance as the young woman finished her interviews with John and Roy. The entire interview and photo session lasted 15 minutes. Ericsson thanked the young reporter and photographer for coming.
Captain Ericsson walked up behind John and Roy, "Let's get some lunch and relax a little before the meeting."
Roy and John nodded in agreement as both sensed a certain unease with Captain Ericsson. Johnny reacted to the Captain's unease and grabbed Roy's elbow to have him hold back.
"Is everything alright with him. He seems distracted?" Johnny asked.
Roy pulled his elbow away from Johnny's hand. "I was wondering the same thing. I suspect it has to do with the impending winter storm and the upcoming meeting this afternoon.
Johnny looked at Roy with concern after his comment and slowly nodded. The two paramedics seemed to understand the enormity of the meeting and followed Captain Ericsson out to the back lot.