Fire Fight the Smears

Eric Vinitsky

Most sports fans recognize these words of the legendary US Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks, characterizing what it truly meant to be a member of a team. To this week’s profiled firefighter it is creed that has inspired him to serve causes bigger than himself. When the United States claimed gold in the 1980 Winter Games, Americans shocked the world. Back then, there was nothing more American than being part of a team, working together toward a common goal. Some say those values are old fashioned and if that’s the case, Eric Vinitsky of Engine 39 is a throwback and anything but old-fashioned.

Raised and educated in Savin Hill, Eric always knew that he wanted to be a Boston Firefighter. He graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a degree in Marine Engineering, where he also played baseball. With a history of military service in his family -his grandfather served in the United States Navy during World War II- and the attacks of 9/11 a haunting reality, Eric enlisted as an infantryman in the United States Army. (He would later be commissioned as an officer in 2003, rising to the rank of Captain.) Eric has been deployed to Kuwait and Iraq, where he served as platoon leader and convoy commander. His most recent combat tour brought Eric to the mountains of Afghanistan. Enduring battles with the Taliban throughout, Eric’s missions included training, supporting and fighting with the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), treating Afghan civilians’ medical issues, and supplying Afghan villages with food, clothing, school supplies and other equipment.

In 2006 Eric became a Boston Firefighter. When asked, Eric reiterated the reason he couldn’t see himself doing anything else for a living, “I love being a Boston Firefighter because I am part of a team working towards a common goal-protecting the City. We, as a group, do something that is for the greater good, not for our own personal needs. We get to help people usually on the worst day of their lives.”

Eric’s service doesn’t end after a shift or military deployment. When a fellow firefighter and the son of a firefighter were diagnosed with a brain tumor, Eric asked how he could help. He was told he needed to run the Boston Marathon and raise a few thousand dollars. His response: “No problem.”

Drew Lee

Name: Andrew C. Lee

Favorite Band: Pogues

Favorite Boston Icon: Ted Williams (the Marine)

Born and raised in South Boston, our next featured firefighter is Drew Lee of Engine 24 in Grove Hall.  Like many other Boston Jakes, Drew has proudly served our country overseas. He grew up in a neighborhood with a well-documented and much-envied history of military service, which motivated him to enlist as a Marine. Currently a USMC Captain, Drew served five years on active duty and seven years on reserve in the Corps. After being stationed at various Camps around the US, Drew has been deployed to Iraq three times, the Baltic Region and Okinawa, Japan. After deployment, Drew came back to the States and became a Boston Firefighter.

During his teenage years, the harbor was his playground. He learned to sail at the Harry McDonough Sailing Center on Castle Island and then at the South Boston Yacht Club, where he became an instructor. The ocean had such an influence on him that after graduating Copley High School (now Snowden International School) in 1993, he went on to earn his degree in Maritime Science at Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Cape Cod. It is easy to understand why his favorite Boston landmark is the USS Constitution, ‘Old Ironsides’.

Drew has been all over the world and seen many places, but Boston will always be home base. When he is not at the firehouse, Drew spends as much time as he can with his family. He enjoys taking his four children to the parks and beaches in South Boston, sharing with them his many happy memories. Family and friends are at the center of his life. Drew also spends time teaching fire safety, speaking to young children at their schools.

Known for his conditioning, Drew quietly goes about his job, prepared physically and mentally at a moment’s notice to answer the alarm. He answered that alarm on February 10, 2007 responding to a fire at 60 Cheney St, Roxbury. According to the newspaper account of the fire, ‘Drew and his crew were returning to their fire station after a nearby medical call, when they received the report of the fire. People outside the building told the firefighters children were inside the burning apartment. Lee raced up the four flights, put his mask on, and entered the apartment on his hands and knees. “All I was thinking was, ‘Get the kids out,’ ” Lee said. After pulling out the two older children and handing them to other firefighters — “It was a chain of guys and we just handed them off” — Lee kept searching. He found the youngest child on the floor in the bedroom. Drew was further quoted in the article, “It was the same size and weight as my son. I thought,’The little guy ain’t making it,’ so I just ran with him.” The child did make it, thanks to Drew’s quick reaction and the efforts of his fellow firefighters.

His actions were recognized not only by his fellow firefighters, but by the Governor of the Commonwealth and in 2007, Drew was named a ‘Firefighter of the Year’. The consummate firefighter, Drew enjoys the respect and admiration of all who meet and work with him.

Jimmy Cheatham

Name:

Jimmy Cheatham

Favorite Season:
Fall/Winter

Favorite Band:
Frankie Beverly

Favorite TV Show:
Law and Order: Criminal Intent

This week’s featured firefighter is Jimmy Cheatham of Ladder 17 in the South End, a Boston Firefighter for 22 years. At 6’5”, “Big Jim” as he is often called is stationed in his old neighborhood. Born and raised in the South End, Jimmy attended Cathedral Grammar School and Don Bosco Technical High School where he was a three sport athlete, lettering in football, track and basketball. In his senior year, Jimmy helped lead his basketball team to the State Championship. After graduating from Don Bosco, Jimmy continued his education at Post College in Waterbury, CT earning his degree in 1984. After a few years in Connecticut, with a degree in hand, Boston beckoned him back. In 1987, Jimmy became a Boston Firefighter.

He states that one of his favorite aspects of being a firefighter is interacting with the public on a daily basis. Jimmy recalls a recent reunion with a woman he rescued from a house fire. “A couple of years ago, a fire broke out on Dwight Street early in the morning. As my company pulled out of the firehouse, we could already see the smoke in the air. When we arrived on scene, our team immediately began rescuing people from the building.” As Jimmy entered the building engulfed in flames, an unconscious male occupant was placed in his arms. After carrying the man to safety, Jimmy’s next task was to help get a fellow firefighter, overcome by the fire’s heat, out of the building. On his third return, Jimmy rescued a female occupant still trapped in the building. Months later, he had bumped into the woman a few blocks from his firehouse. After realizing who she was, they had an emotional reunion on the street. “I was surprised to see her, and when she told me how grateful and happy she was to see me, it reminded me why we do this job. Boston Firefighters are here for the people of this city.  Helping people- whether it be saving a life or teaching kids about fire safety- is what motivates a Boston Firefighter.”

Another story Jimmy highlights is that of a young firefighter enthusiast from his old neighborhood (pictured above). He stops by the firehouse everyday on his way to and from school to say hello, always asking for Big Jim, who gladly shows the starry-eyed kid around. “It is great to have the kids interested in being a firefighter. I am happy to put a smile on his face by simply giving him a little bit of my time. It makes a difference.”

Often the jokester, one of Jimmy’s favorite firehouse stories happened one evening several years ago. While their target was distracted, Jimmy and a few others went into the bunk area, placing his bed on empty soda cans. After waiting for their fellow jake to call it a night, they heard the anticipated crash as the bed collapsed to the ground. At first surprised and upset, their housemate was soon laughing with the rest of the group. Jimmy reveals that working together in a company makes for a family-type atmosphere, providing a bond and trust all firefighters share.

Though being a firefighter is his greatest passion, Big Jim has renewed his passion for basketball and looks forward to teaching his grandchildren how to play. He enjoys watching the Celtics and believes that with his favorite player, Kevin Garnett, leading the charge, they can bring home another NBA Championship to Boston. No matter what the fate of the Celts may be this year Jimmy maintains, “there’s one team in town that will never let this city down and that’s the Boston Firefighters.”

Deanna McDevitt

Name: Deanna McDevitt

Favorite New England Season: Winter

Favorite Boston Sports Team: Boston Bruins

Our next profiled firefighter, Deanna McDevitt, is somebody any organization would like to have among their ranks. A fourth generation jake, it was at her brother Danny’s swearing in ceremony when she realized that she wanted to become one herself.  Officially sworn-in in October of 2008, Deanna has since become a proud and trusted member of Engine 3 in the South End.

Born and raised in South Boston- where hockey is King, or this case Queen-Deanna was a rising star in her youth hockey days. In high school, she was recruited by Milton Academy where she not only captained the lacrosse and hockey teams but was named Most Valuable Female Athlete in her senior year. She also received the Boston Bruins’ John Carlton Memorial Award for the top scholar-athlete in Massachusetts high school hockey. With all the ingredients – scholar, athlete, leader – Yale University was the next stop for Deanna.

A member of the Women’s Ice Hockey team for four years, Deanna was voted MVP during her junior and senior seasons. Her senior year she was one of 5 finalists nominated by the American Hockey Coaches Association for the Hockey Humanitarian Award.

Deanna was also active off the ice. While at Yale, she was selected as an Association of Yale Alumni Community Service intern for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. She also volunteered with Yale-New Haven Hospital, the Peace by Peace Program at Yale, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hockey Ministries International and Career High School in New Haven, tutoring inner-city students.

After graduation and prior to becoming a firefighter, Deanna had been a prep school hockey and lacrosse coach. Most recently she was named head coach of the Women’s Hockey program at her alma mater, Milton Academy. Deanna also plans to play in the Boston Fire Department Hockey League this winter.

With all that Deanna has accomplished, one of her proudest moments came after she graduated from the Boston Fire Academy, and was pinned by her father and brother. Motivated by her family legacy and her involvement in athletics, Deanna admits,  ”I could not find another profession that combined my love for physical challenges, service to others and teamwork in the way that the firefighting profession does. I am proud to be a Boston firefighter and to serve with my Dad and brother.”

Mohan Pilwah

Name: Mohan Pilwah

Favorite New England Season: Fall

Favorite Boston Icon: Ted Kennedy

When there is an emergency and a Boston Firefighter answers the call, the citizens of Boston know they are getting help from people who are prepared for any situation. Mohan Pilwah of Engine 51 in Brighton is our next featured firefighter and is no exception.  Mo embodies many of the admirable qualities of a Boston Firefighter as he brings with him not only years of experience as a firefighter, but also an impressive military background and a unique global perspective.

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Mohan Pilwah moved to Boston at age 12. He grew up in Dorchester attending the Frank V. Thompson Middle School and later Brighton High School. Tradition and history are two of the pillars in Mo’s life. The history of Boston and that of soldiers such as Colonel Shaw and the 54th Regiment memorialized in bronze across from the front steps of the Massachusetts State House inspired his call to duty as a member of the Army Reserve for 12 years. The tradition of the Boston Fire Department inspired his call to serve his City.

Mo received his initial firefighting training in the Army in 1999. Although he has been a Boston Firefighter for over 3 years, he has shown his dedication to helping people as a firefighter in many other places. He has received training not only by the Boston Fire Department, but also at the Barnstable Fire Academy and at Louis F. Garland Fire Academy at Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas. After his training, he was stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base, and then became a full time firefighter at Otis Air Force Base.

Overseas, Mo served a 16 month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom mainly in Crash Fire Rescue. There he responded to a wide range of incidents involving IEDs, car accidents, medical calls, small arms fire, rocket and motor attacks, to basic fires and aircraft crashes. “Being able to help people caught in the worse possible predicament, knowing I had the skill and training, gave me a sense of pride and accomplishment and left me wanting to do more”, he said.

In November of 2006, he graduated from the Boston Fire Academy and officially became a Boston Firefighter. His extensive experience and training has made him a valuable asset and respected brother among his peers. Mo stated, “It is one of the oldest departments in the United States, and I respect its traditions and history. It is very self rewarding being part of an organization that is bigger than me and that serves so many people, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.”

Mo Pilwah currently lives in Roslindale with his wife and their 3 year old daughter.

Greg Kelly

Name: Greg Kelly

High School : Dom Savio Prep

Favorite Band: Dropkick Murphy’s

Duty. Honor. Country. The call of military service to the United States has beckoned many of Boston’s firefighters in their formative years. This week’s featured ‘Who We Are’ profile, Greg Kelly of Ladder 10 in Jamaica Plain, is among them.

After graduating from Dom Savio Prep in East Boston, Greg dedicated 15 years of active and reserve service as a Marine and Army Green Beret. More recently, he returned from Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Although the Blue of the police service was considered, he knew that fire engine Red blood ran through his veins. Originally from Dorchester, where he resides with his family, Greg is a third generation Jake. He is also a member of the Technical Rescue Unit.

On only his second shift as a firefighter, he felt the searing heat and deadly challenge of a fire. His unit had just returned from a call where a woman had burned her face from using hair spray while cooking over the stove. Just as they were backing the trucks into the fire house, they were called to a fire. When they pulled up to the fire, it was fully involved. The district 10 chief ordered his team into the building to locate and rescue a missing elderly woman.

Greg recalled, “One by one I watched the firefighters from my truck disappear into the smoke. Fumbling with my equipment, I lost them in the smoke. I crawled ahead in an effort to catch up. With my nose an inch from the ground, I located what I thought was a pair of boots belonging to my captain. Then I felt a whack on my left arm. I looked to my left just as a member of Ladder-10 was placing the head and shoulders of a badly burned but alive elderly woman into my hands!” They all made it safely out of the house. Greg was amazed at how his coworkers risked their lives and he respected how they dealt with their job. No training could have prepared him for his first real fire, but with the help of his unit members, he was able to save someone. It was this experience that made him realize he was meant to be a jake.

He contemplated, when asked about his feelings today and said, “There is nothing like making a good rescue, but every day is rewarding because every time we go out the door it is to help others. Whether it is a medical call on an elderly neighbor, extricating trapped patients from a car wreck, a hazardous materials spill, a technical rescue with specialized equipment, rescuing someone from a burning building, or getting on a train bound for New York City (like hundreds of us did on our days off) to help the FDNY dig for their brothers and fellow citizens on 9/11, our job is to help. We are always there when Boston needs us.”

Chantette Maria Stallworth

Name: Chantette Maria Stallworth

Nickname: Chant

Favorite New England Season: Fall

Favorite T.V. Show:  Forensic Files

She is proud to wear the traditional uniform of the Boston Firefighter, but don’t be surprised if this week’s ‘Who We Are’ profile has some advice improving your style.

After attending Brockton High School, Chantette Stallworth, assigned to Ladder 29, Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in 1988. Her creativity is not confined to visually pleasing fashion design. Chantette also expresses herself vocally as a member of the Bethel Baptist Church Choir in Roxbury. She also is in involved in the church ministries.

A lover of music, Chantette not only sings, but she also loves to listen to a variety of music. She is a big fan of the funk and R&B band, The Ohio players, and especially loves their hit songs “Fire”, “Skin Tight” (1974) and Sweet Stick Thing (1975).

Chantette balances her creative side with her dedication to her challenging profession as a firefighter. She is a team player both at her job and in her community activities. She gets inspiration and exercise by being outdoors. Golfing and cycling release the stresses of the day. When she wants solitude and time to reflect, she has a favorite ‘secluded fishing hole’ that she escapes to.

Boston is her home and she loves its history. She spends time walking the Black Heritage Trail and frequenting the Museum of African American History on Joy Street to learn everything she can about her heritage.

Chantette is proud to be a Boston Firefighter and says it still “feels surreal”. The hardest parts of the job for her are not only running into a burning building, but experiencing the tragedies that result. “When you know we’ve done everything possible to get someone out of a fire, and they still don’t make it, you continue to ponder what else you could have done.” Although dealing with tragedy is difficult, Chantette goes into work everyday confident that she is ready to help who ever and when ever she can.

Abraham Lopez

Name: Abraham Lopez

Age: 37

Favorite Sports Team: New England Patriots

Favorite Boston Icon: Teddy Bruschi

Red!  Fire! … Watch the Screen! Contain! Contain! These are the words of a linebacker in football. They, of course, could be mistaken for words used at a fire. For this week’s featured profile, they both apply.

Growing up in Dorchester, football defined Abe Lopez’ youth. From the Roxbury Raider Pop Warner football program to a varsity letter at East Boston High School, Abe contained, pursued or stopped cold the opposition. A two way player, he also protected his quarterback as a guard. Now he stands guard at Engine 52 on Blue Hill Ave. in Mattapan.

After high school, he served as a Corporal in the US Marine Corp for 5 years where he was deployed to areas in the Far East. Upon his return, he joined the ranks of the Boston Fire Department in 1997. Abe currently resides in Roslindale with his family.

Abe has now been fighting fires and responding to crises in the city of Boston for 11 years. He has previously been stationed at Engine 56 in East Boston and Engine 28 in Hyde Park. Abe says that he likes “working with good people, who are always there when you need them to get the job done, no questions asked.” Abe enjoys the relationship he has with his fellow Boston firefighters.

Obviously a football fan, the New England Patriots is his team and the now retired Tedy Bruschi, his favorite player. Abe enjoys learning history, especially about Boston. His favorite channel is the History Channel. In his spare time he likes to exercise and listen to music.

Like most firefighters, when asked about their job, he responds modestly. He believes he is just doing his job. One event that Abe is very proud of actually occurred while he was off duty. In 2002, he was at a friend’s house when he heard commotion outside. He went to check what it was, and when he got outside he came across a woman who had been struck by a hit and run driver. Immediately, he rushed to the woman to help stabilize her using all of his emergency training. He applied pressure to the wound, and created a tourniquet to her injured legs. Although she was badly hurt, she survived thanks to Abe’s quick response and emergency treatment at the scene.

Abe loves Boston and is glad he has an opportunity to give back to the city he grew up in.

Patty Donovan

Name: Patty Donovan

Favorite Boston Landmark:  Swan Boats and Castle Island

Favorite Boston Sports Team: Red Sox

Favorite Band: U-2

Favorite Movie:  Me, Myself and Irene

Firefighters are not only husbands, sons and fathers; they are wives, daughters and mothers. In 1984, Patty Kenneally paved the way for that reality, becoming the first female firefighter in Boston’s history. Currently residing in South Boston with her husband, Jimmy Donovan, as well as her daughters, Aislinn and Mya, and her son, Liam, Patty Kenneally Donovan is our featured Boston Firefighter for this week’s section of  ”Who We Are”.

Becoming a nurse was her dream, but an instinctive decision to take the firefighters exam in 1982 gave her an option that, until then, she had not given much thought to. Opportunity knocked and she barged through the door.

After passing the written exam, she went through the grueling ’strength test’ and passed. After clearing the physical and psychological exam hurdles, Patty’s career path was set. On October 31, 1984, Patty was sworn in as a Boston firefighter.

Now a 25 year veteran, she is currently a member of the Arson Squad and has served as the female liaison to the department for the last ten years. Her career assignments began at Engine 50 in Charlestown, to Engine 4 in Beacon Hill and Engine 3 in the South End.

When Patty was assigned to Engine 50 in Charlestown upon her completion of drill school, the press was very interested in her unique story. The fact that Patty was the first woman line firefighter going through the academy naturally drew attention from the press, as a human interest story. “The media wanted to do stories about me and I didn’t want my picture all over the place if I failed.  Commissioner Stapleton (BFD Commissioner at that time) told me that there would have to be some media coverage, but I would have a say in when they could be there”, Patty said. “So, they were allowed onto Moon Island on the first and last week of drill school, but after I left drill school I wouldn’t have any control over their coverage”, she recalled.

That was the initial obstacle Patty had to overcome.  More important to her, however, was establishing that she was capable of doing the job. “Over time I proved myself to my coworkers and I fit right in”, she proudly stated.

Patty has a special commitment to children. “You are their hero. The kids look up to you and aspire to be like you. It makes you feel good inside when you help people and make a difference”, she said.

Along with spending time with her family, Patty volunteers as a soccer coach, a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout Leader, and is a member of the St. Brigid’s School and Boston Latin Schools’ Home and School Associations. Children not only look up to her as a firefighter who helps people in need, but also as a mentor.

She believes that being a firefighter has fulfilled her life even more than the nursing profession might have. Trained for life-threatening emergencies, Patty Donovan gives her community a sense of security, knowing that her skill and dedication is there when they need it.