e loss of Steve.
Scott Visyak Engineer/Paramedic RRU <CDFScott49@aol.com>
Indio, CA USA - Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 01:28:20 (PST)
Mr.& Mrs.Marshall, I had the privilege of being Steve's captain at Phelan F.F.S. when he started with C.D.F. Steve had come highly recommended and I had no idea what I may really be getting as a new Firefighter. My first thought was; his guy is a little older than normal, hope he can handle my gruff manner of supervision. In a very short time, it was clear that Steve could handle me, and anything else that this job can throw at you. First off, "THE MAN COULD HIKE!" Steve was one of those C.D.F. mountain goat types, someone you would forever wish to have on your crew. The steeper the hills, the more Steve liked it. There's a hike we use quite often and I used to try beating him to the radio tower after giving myself a early start. What a fool I was, Steve would ALWAYS past me with a smile on his face. He wouldn't even be breathing hard! There are few people around that could ever out hike Steve. I don't know of anybody that ever had an ill word to speak of Steve. Being your son, I'm sure you know that side of him. But when your speaking in terms of C.D.F. employment, this could be difficult. Fire department people talk long words about each other, and I never heard a single derogatory remark about Steve. He had that special gift of being friendly with everyone. Station life with Steve was really great. Steve and I liked eating the same, meat and vegetables. Early to bed and early to rise. One of the few that would make coffee. But what really set Steve apart from most all Firefighters is that he could FIGHT FIRE! One thing that means so much to any captain; having someone you know is going to take it to the end. I've had a lot but, Steve turned into one of the best nozzleman I've seen. We had several good fires together and many times I would get terrible with my manner of supervision if he didn't do things just right. But Steve always handled it. He became my most trusted. I don't know if he ever talked about the Grand Prix fire, but it was the last time he and I fought fire together. I have been on a good many fires over the years, but this fire will always standout. I put your son in grave danger one night and he stood with me without any complain and any firefighter in the world would have envied his heart and skill. I could talk for many hours about Steve. I will think of Steve for the rest of my days. I will hope that others that have known Steve learn his traits.
Steve Ferradino <slferradino@yahoo.com>
Pinon Hills, CA USA - Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at 21:29:26 (PST)
Mr.& Mrs.Marshall, I had the privilege of being Steve's captain at Phelan F.F.S. when he started with C.D.F. Steve had come highly recommended and I had no idea what I may really be getting as a new Firefighter. My first thought was; his guy is a little older than normal, hope he can handle my gruff manner of supervision. In a very short time, it was clear that Steve could handle me, and anything else that this job can throw at you. First off, "THE MAN COULD HIKE!" Steve was one of those C.D.F. mountain goat types, someone you would forever wish to have on your crew. The steeper the hills, the more Steve liked it. There's a hike we use quite often and I used to try beating him to the radio tower after giving myself a early start. What a fool I was, Steve would ALWAYS past me with a smile on his face. He wouldn't even be breathing hard! There are few people around that could ever out hike Steve. I don't know of anybody that ever had an ill word to speak of Steve. Being your son, I'm sure you know that side of him. But when your speaking in terms of C.D.F. employment, this could be difficult. Fire department people talk long words about each other, and I never heard a single derogatory remark about Steve. He had that special gift of being friendly with evA USA - Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 12:42:45 (PST)
To the Marshall Family, I am sorry for your loss, having worked with Steve the last few weeks of his life, I began to know him. He was happy to be at work and had a great attitude towards learning the job. Even after the diagnosis, he would tell me he would get through this and looked forward to returning to work. Please be thankful in knowing you had a good son, I am thankful for having met him. Fire Captain Martin Gill
Martin Gill <fire7fish@aol.com>
Big Bear, Ca USA - Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 07:58:48 (PST)
My deepest condolences to Steven's family, friends, co-workers, and the entire CDF/Riverside Co. Fire personnel. My heart is deeply saddened at yet another loss of one of our brothers.
Brian Kornegay <oneputt@pacific.net>
Ukiah, CA USA - Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 02:42:49 (PST)