Heroic Ukrainian firefighters appreciated
The brutal carnage inflicted on Ukraine by constant Russian bombardment and artillery fire is considered by many NATO nations to be war crimes against innocent men, women and children.
It seems every day multiple news outlets share images of destroyed and burning civilian buildings.
In virtually every image, firefighters are shown bravely extinguishing fires, rescuing survivors and retrieving bodies from the smoldering rubble, which might still contain undetonated explosives.
These heroic firefighters put their lives on the line night and day, knowing full well the bombing might continue at any moment. Exhausted, they go from one fire to the next, 24 hours a day.
Sadly, many of their own homes have been destroyed as well and members of their families are likely among the 7.3 million people who have fled the country to become refugees in foreign lands.
The firefighters are just as heroic as front-line soldiers protecting their homeland from aggression.
Ukraine’s leadership implores Western nations for more weapons, ammunition and fighter jets. Firefighters, too, need assistance from other nations, especially personal protective equipment (PPE).
A recent CNN photo showed a group of firefighters extinguishing a stubborn blaze in Lviv, near the Polish border. Emblazoned on the back of a firefighter’s
PPE jacket was the word EDMONTON. For the past eight years, the Edmontonbased group, Firefighter Aid Ukraine, has been providing PPE to Ukrainian fire departments.
Other critical first-responder equipment has also been donated. Most recently, 12 tons of much-needed PPE and assorted supplies were shipped on one plane.
Meanwhile, some South Shore homes and businesses are flying Ukraine’s blueand-yellow flag in support of Ukrainians.
The blue represents the blue skies above Ukraine and the yellow represents the country’s wheat fields. Ironically, blue symbolizes calm, while yellow symbolizes joy.
STELLAR SERVICE
Remaining on the topic of firefighters for a moment, some devoted South Shore volunteer firefighters have protected their communities’ residents and properties for at least 50 years.
Both founding members of the Dayspring and District Fire Department, Wilfred and Jean Feener of Upper Lahave have each served continuously for 56 years – a remarkable combined 112 years.
Wilfred served as chief on two occasions and is now a driver and pump operator. Jean is a valued member of the auxiliary committee. The couple’s son, Mark, is the department’s current chief.
B-TRAIN BOOZE-UP
When people drive impaired by alcohol or drugs, they become dangerous to themselves and others.
Then there’s the Bridgewater individual who allegedly took driving while impaired to a new level. The driver was at the wheel of a B-train transport truck when stopped by the RCMP on Hwy. 4 and charged with impaired driving. Breath samples tested more than three times over the legal limit.
He was also issued summary offence tickets for failing to perform a pre-trip inspection, operating a Btrain on a highway other than a B-train route and failing to have daily logs in his possession. The individual appeared in Sydney Provincial Court on April 5 and the matter was set over for plea on May 4 in the same court.
In Nova Scotia, B-trains can be as long as 90 feet with some specialized rigs stretching out to 132 ft. Can you imagine a fully loaded truck that size slamming into another vehicle on the highway?
DISTRACTED MOTORISTS
During a one-day period late last month, the RCMP charged 35 people with using a cellphone while driving. Drivers were issued tickets, which carry fines of $237.50 and four points on their licences. All these offences were committed at various locations within the Halifax Regional Municipality.
I see this all the time; people either driving or stopped at traffic lights. Invariably, I’ll glance over at vehicles beside me and observe drivers with their heads bowed toward their laps, as if they are napping, praying or whatever. C’mon, folks, we all know you’re texting, checking messages, dating profiles or whatever. Quit it!
By the way, men who accuse women of being Chatty Cathies on their cellphones would be wise to zip it. Of the 35 individuals charged by the RCMP, 24 were men.
In addition to cellphone use, I’ve observed many other nasty distracted-driving habits, some occurring on busy 100-series highways: applying makeup, plucking eyebrows, eating a burger while holding a can of pop with the other, reading books and newspapers resting against steering wheels, shaving, even brushing teeth. I’m sure readers could add their observations to this already long list.
The RCMP reports distracted driving puts everyone on Nova Scotia roads at risk. It can lead to reduced reaction time, impaired judgement, and serious or fatal injuries.
TRAILER TALES
Here’s the latest goings-on in the wacky world of Nova Scotia real estate.
A 25-year-old, 14 ft. by
64 ft. single-wide Kencraft mini-home in Beaver Bank was listed for $119,000. After just 17 days on the market, the home sold for $200,000, $81,000 above list price. The three-bedroom, one-bath home sits on a $425-permonth leased trailer park lot.
A new water heater and shed were included in the sale. Sweet.
There are other examples of surprising mini-home sales, including one listed in the low $200,000s that sold, following a bidding war, for more than $300,000. The mini-home sits on a leased lot in Hammonds Plains.