Jan 22, 2004

Almaden Fire Station No. 22

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Ed Silva has been with the San Jose Fire Department for 29 years, including six at the Almaden Station. His father-in-law was a firefighter before him. Firefighter paramedic Kyle Carter’s father served for 31 years. “There are a lot of multi-generational families of firefighters,” notes Silva.

Through working as a team, and spending time at the station between calls, the men spend a lot of time together and develop a close bond. “It’s like a family away from home,” states firefighter engineer John Hodges. “We cook, play, argue, and play jokes on each other-- we do everything together. We know more about each other than even some spouses might.”

Besides fighting fires, including the Pioneer High School five-alarm fire, and the Almaden Winery fire in the early 90's, which sent plumes of black smoke mushrooming into the air, the Almaden firemen are involved with the community. They serve dinner on St. Patrick’s Day to Almaden seniors, attend the Almaden Art and Wine Festival, and host school, scout, and mom’s groups tours at the station. The take pride in the trees and shrubbery surrounding the station house, which they planted along with the city.

Silva enjoys working for the fire department. “It pays well and there aren’t many negatives, except having to get up at night,” he comments. He especially enjoys the reaction from children. “A chief told me these trucks were ‘kiddie magnets,’ and now I understand,” he shares with a smile. He enjoys visiting schools during Fire Prevention Week and the funny questions asked by elementary school students.

As for the risks, the men say, that comes with the territory. But they pause a moment to recall the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, which claimed the lives of so many firefighters. After 9-11, San Jose fire engines were adorned with banners expressing their sympathy and support for their brothers who lost their lives that day. “Every engine company will have their banner represented at the Firefighter’s Ball,” says Hodges. Both Silva and Hodges both plan to attend. “All these guys went to work that day and never came home,” sighs Hodges. “They went to work, thinking it was just another day at the job,” continues Captain Robert Gutierrez, “and lo and behold, they end up losing their lives.” Hodges appreciates the support the Almaden community showed following the tragedy. “The support from the residents was incredible,” he says. “We received flowers, and food, and even a painting commemorating the event by artist Carmel Foglia de la Pena.”

The firefighters appreciate their new “Star Car” ambulance and the training the San Jose Fire Department paramedics receive. The fire department will transport an individual to the hospital if the AMR ambulance is delayed over 18 minutes, or if a person is facing a life-threatening medical situation, says Hodges. “We receive mostly medical calls and with the EMT training, people are getting better service than ever,” notes Silva. He also feels that what he does is appreciated. “When you get there, people are happy to see you,” he remarks. “They’re grateful.”