Reflectin' on Round 2

CKFD and Sun 3

After two months in Crown King, AZ, the time for saying goodbye finally came and went. For now… I never thought a town of 110 people could swallow me up the way it did. I really, really, really didn’t want to leave – I felt I was finally established, comfortable, immersed, cultured and valued in this little place. It would have been much harder to leave if I wasn’t coming back for the summer. It’s pretty tough to describe this place without crying all over my computer keyboard…ha are you kidding? I’m just kidding…but really. 

The guys rockin' out at the decades party

Miss that place. Miss all those awesome people I was privileged with getting to know. Miss the permanent smell of smoke, sweat and diesel stained to my body. Miss the saloon. Miss karaoke. Miss dancin’ Dan and Yogi. Miss the general store. Miss the fire station. Miss Engine 2. Miss the costume parties, dinners and gatherings with the locals. Miss the love baby…Missin’ that love.

Crown King, you got me. You make me love doing the work I do. I saw the real meaning behind what I was doing and learned the true value of fire mitigation. The small town breathes everyday because it rests on the shoulders of an amazing fire department, which I’m proud to be a part of. Everything I learned and experienced is irreplaceable. The relationships I’ve made are invaluable. Can’t wait to experience the summer in Crown King. Can’t wait to get back!

The ladies representing 20's, 90's, and 60's

My next project will be with Habitat for Humanity in Denver. Pumped for this! I think this is an awesome organization that does some truly incredible things. We are here in Denver for a transition week with the entire Corps and then all the teams head back out next Monday. It looks like our team will be doing a combination of in-store warehouse work, construction/deconstruction and even some marketing. I was actually asked to help out on a small marketing team for the organization, which is totally radical because I can apply my marketing degree directly to the project. It should be an awesome opportunity for me to get my feet wet in a non-profit business setting.

Working on Engine 2

Our team will be living in two condos right across the street from Casa Bonita. Casa Bonita = Overly Americanized Mexican restaurant/tourist black hole - home to spray tan cliff divers, cement caves, dog food and mediocre mariachi music (Yeah I know good mariachi and it isn’t at Casa Bonita). But we have to go right? It’s the American way. See ya there team.

 



Chris O’Reilly, Squad Alpha

It’s hard to believe that just eight short weeks ago our team was heading up the dirt road into Crown King for the first time.   We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.  My very first memory of Crown King is being scared half to death by an ATVer with no headlights on and a ski mask in the pitch dark on the side of the dirt road on our way in that first night.  Later we came to realize that this really was the perfect introduction to Crown King.   

This tiny town of only a few more than 100 people during the winter quickly stole a piece of my heart.  The locals welcomed us with open arms and nothing but compliments and thanks for all of our work to help keep their town safe.  It was an amazing feeling to be so appreciated and recognized for our efforts.  I have to say that Crown King has certainly given back to us more than I ever could have asked for.  The Crown King Fire Department spent so much of their precious time training our team and giving us incredible life skills that we will absolutely be able to use in the future.  They are a small but mighty Fire Department that I am proud to say I have been a part of.  I have had such a blast working with all of them, and look forward to going back in May for another round.  Over the next 2 months I will be in Boulder, Colorado working mostly on fire restoration.   I am looking forward to having different experiences with a new team, and super excited about our location, but again, I will be happy to return to Crown King in a few months.

Carly Anderson, Squad Alpha

Squad Aplha!

At times, I found myself struggling through this round.  I started with Fire 2 in Colorado Springs for Wildland Fire Fighter training.  From there I headed out to Tulsa, OK to join my team (Sun 7).  After only two short weeks, I received the call to join the Fire Management Team up in Crown King, AZ.  I found myself torn between comfort and the opportunity to do what I have come to love. 

While I enjoyed the project (burning fuels, maintaining Engine 2, working along side the members of the Fire Dept. and experiencing the community of Crown King), it was difficult for me to come into a team that was already established, has its own personalities and ties that have been created over the first round of projects. 

As I now prepare to depart to work with the Missouri Department of Conservation with Sun 6 (for shuffle round) I hope that by stepping back from this experience, I will be able to see more of the picture.  Though I will be doing prescribed burns on the prairies and grasslands, I know that this experience will allow me to grow stronger as an individual, leader and as a Wildland Fire Fighter. 

Sean Kerr, Squad Alpha

If there is a good piece of advice before going to Crown King, AZ, have no generalizations.  This town is one of a kind in so many ways.  The people of this town (population of 110) are so hospitable, fun, unique, and appreciative of our work for the Fire Department.  Personally, I feel like a rock star walking through town and having the locals come up and thank our team for the hard work we put in.  It feels great to have such a strong impact on this tight knit, deserving community.  

Our trainings and work on the job site was always enjoyable.  It’s mind-boggling to think that within two months our team became first responder certified, received our Red Cards for wildland firefighting, and cleared 8.97 acres of potential wildfire fuel.  A busy two months for sure but our team feels like we have accomplished a lot and grown professionally.  I enjoy the work, so much so I have strongly considered pursuing wildland firefighting in the future.

Outside of work, despite living in a town of 110 people, I never found myself bored.  Some off-hours activities included hiking and traveling to surrounding towns such as Sedona, Phoenix, and Prescott, all of which are very pretty.  Also, I found myself nose deep in a book most nights after work.  Due to our lack of TV I got into reading, which I enjoyed very much and I’m glad I had that opportunity this round.

Heading back to Crown King in mid-May will be an awesome feeling.  Word has it Crown King becomes a hoppin’ place in the summer with tons of ATVers and dirt bikers coming in and out of the town week by week.  Additionally, it will be great to reunite with our sponsor and friends within the community.  The best part for when we head back this summer? Not knowing what Crown King has in store.

Nick Connolly, Squad Bravo

When I heard that Sun 3 was going to Crown King, AZ, town of 110 in the middle of nowhere, I cried, literally cried.  I had no desire to be that far away from my home of Denver, or civilization for that matter.  But as time has a habit of doing, the eight-week spike flew by and I find myself missing the diamond in the rough town of Crown King.  Ironic isn’t it?  I think so.

Stef and Lyns at the Black Canyon

During our second round, Sun 3 received many certifications including first responder training, general recruitment class and wildland firefighting training.  I can’t help but think how much of a ball-er I am.  I can actually volunteer on a fire department.  How many girls get to say that!?  But what sticks out in my mind more than all of the classroom activities are the people of Crown King and how they welcomed our team into their family.  I made some incredible friends during my two-month stay.  I felt like I was able to live my life while serving this deserving community. 

JPR's with Rachel

During the next two-months I will be stationed in Boulder, Colorado continuing work with fire mitigation.  I am super excited about this!  I get to help out my home state, keep up with my firefighting, and to top it off Carly and Dustin are coming with me.  Third round will be an adventure in itself, but I can’t wait for the reunion in Crown King!   

Stefanie Bednar, Squad Bravo

Drills during the general recruit class

Overall, I had a great experience with the fire mitigation project in Crown King. With Crown King residing in an area of isolation, drought, and with the town being nestled in an area with coniferous trees that allow for the spread of wildfire, it is essential that fire mitigation projects be completed. Thus I feel that our efforts of removing ladder fuels and trimming trees, to prevent wildfire spread, were essential and ultimately helped make the community a safer place to live. The project sponsor was excellent in that they were competent, professional, organized and hard working. They treated us with respect and ultimately made us feel that we were needed and were part of the team (Crown King Fire Department). 

For my shuffle round I will be heading to Boulder, Colorado where I will be working on a fire mitigation project to alleviate the effects of the Fourmile Canyon Wildfire from last summer, along with other projects. I am looking forward to making definite progress in the restoration of public and protected land from this fire. Also with Boulder being a haven for outdoor enthusiasts I am hoping to have the opportunity to explore what this area has to offer.

Dustin Potter, Squad Charlie

CK ladies dressed up for the song title party

I've said it before and I just can't say it enough: I love Crown King! We've had such an amazing time working with the CKFD. I had so much fun getting to know the fire crew and learning from them in the classroom and out in the field. I came into AmeriCorps not sure about what I wanted to do after the 10 months of service. A few weeks in CK and I feel so content and fulfilled. I know that it has to do with the love we're getting from the townspeople and the work we're doing. I can picture myself staying on in a full-time position with the fire department. It's weird to come back to my hometown and feel homesick for that beautiful and crazy Crown King. I just want to get back there! There's time enough for that this summer but before that happens, I'm gonna focus and enjoy this third round shuffle party. 

The whole gang at Black Canyon

I'm headed to Flagstaff, AZ for third round! Excited to stay in AZ and keep rolling forward with another physically intense project. Bobert and I will be working with North Central Arizona National Monuments to maintain trails, remove invasive plant species, and build fences. Excited to be out in the elements camping for the next 9 weeks! Also looking forward to getting to know new people and make some more great friends. The wildland fire season begins April 1st, so I'm gonna work hard to make sure I'm in shape and able to do my part during 4th round back in wonderful Crown King. 

Lyndsay Whitehurst, Squad Charlie

Post 4x4 challenge

When our team first arrived in a town with a population of 110 an hour and a half away from civilization, I was pretty upset. Accustomed to an urban or suburban setting, I mourned the death of culture and sophistication, and the basic modern comforts that had been the foundation of my day to day living, the fundamental tenets of my lifestyle.   

The name-brand stores I had come to depend on for my consumer needs had gone the way of the dodo.  My entire life, I could always be comforted by the soft yellow glow of golden double arches when I looked up in the sky. No longer.    

But my sense of incompatibility with my surroundings gradually wore off. I became comfortable enough in this foreign environment to see what the town had to offer.  And I I came to discover the beauty of nature and the landscape, the peace and serenity of sunset in the mountains, and the rich history of a true-life, gold-rush western town.

The ecology of the Crown King area is rich and diverse in part because there are three distinct biomes present as you travel further up the mountain into town, gaining in altitude: a desert environment, barren of trees but full of cactus, burrowing reptiles, and low brush; a semi-arid area, with large, often prickly bush densely packed with occasional areas of high grass; shifting into an alpine biome populated almost solely by ponderosa pine forest at the highest altitudes. It is quite a thrill to hike from an area with heavy snowfall, dense woods, and chilly temperatures down into an area with 70 degree temperatures and cacti and back again in only a few short hours!  It is also interesting to note that, in a region entirely devoid of leafy hardwoods, streams harbor dedacious trees along their banks (the so called riparian zone). In the wintertime one can trace the path of a river by following the line of shocking white against a backdrop of green in a valley.  

I was surprised to hear that during the summer months, the town’ population increases fivefold. The local economy is almost solely driven by tourist dollars. In the summer, Crown King is cool oasis of pristine wilderness for nearby Phoenicians (residents of Phoenix), where temperatures average more than 15 degrees hotter than Crown King.  But tourists do not seek crown king exclusively for a climatic getaway. 

The area features some of the West’s most thrilling and challenging off-road trails. Off roading culture permeates Crown King , and for good reason: the drive up to town is a challenge in itself. 

The winding switchbacks up the mountain, often bordered by sheer cliffs with 200 foot drops, almost necessitate a vehicle with four wheel drive, and a high ground clearance to negotiate a rutted, washboard road.  A sharp blind turn bordering a sheer cliff- face ¼ way down the mountain has earned it the nickname “dead man’s curve” by the locals for its history of swallowing up unwary drivers. Indeed, at the bottom of cliff lies a pile of five mangled and rusting vehicles, even the shattered remnants of a camper. On Main Street, one can observe an endless variety of 4x4 vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Convoys of dune buggies, trophy trucks, trucks outfitted with monster tires, rollbars and lift kits, and mud-covered jeeps bejeweled in exterior lighting hit the trails each weekend. Dirt bikes and atvs line the street outside of the saloon in a place where horses once stood, waiting patiently for their masters. 

Bobby Kole, Squad Delta

A Day of Service Off the Hill

           On Friday February 25^th, Sun 3 traveled off the mountain down to Prescott, AZ for their first Day of Service.  The Corporation of National Community Service in Washington D.C. requires that all AmeriCorps NCCC teams perform two Days of Service over their ten month term.  So what is a Day of Service?  A Day of Service is where a team serves an organization other than the team’s sponsoring organization and recruits volunteers to assist that AmeriCorps team with the service work.   

Sun 3’s sponsoring organization for the Day of Service was Open Inn/Turning Point Youth Crisis Center.  The center provides outreach, crisis intervention, emergency shelter and transitional housing for runaway, homeless and at-risk youth and young adults. 

The assignment for the Day of Service was to deconstruct the previously standing garden and construct three separate garden beds in addition to building a compost pile container.  Building the gardens and compost container was a blast!  It was a nice break from the daily fuels reduction grind and really felt good to see the final completed product at the end of the day.  Open Inn/Turning point was an extremely hospitable Day of Service sponsor and our team hopes to work with the center in the future. 

The volunteers recruited for the event all had AmeriCorps backgrounds including current AmeriCorps VISTA’s and AmeriCorps NCCC alumni.  Everyone enjoyed bagels donated by Einstein Bagels and snacks provided by Open Inn/Turning Point.  

 

In my opinion, the Day of Service was excellent.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the work and it feels great to have a positive impact on a very deserving organization such as Open Inn/Turning Point.  Hopefully our next Day of Service will go just as well if not better and have a helpful impact on a deserving organization and those who choose to serve with Sun 3. 





 








-Nick

 

Lovin' Life and Findin' My Heart in Crown King

Here we are, finishing up the last week of the second round of AmeriCorps NCCC. Life in Crown King is cozy but exciting. We've established ourselves as a part of the fire department and this community.
It's been 7 weeks and this place feels more like home than where I grew up. I can walk down to the saloon on my own for breakfast and as soon as I walk in I've got company and conversation that will last my whole Sunday. Here in Crown King, talking about weather gets you talking about someone's day which turns into a chat about their life. I've shared so many laughs, tears, and sighs talking about what has led us to this place. Crown King attracts honest and genuine people that work with all they have and love with their whole heart. As soon as you cross over Magic Bridge into town, leave your judgment and labels on the side of the dirt road. They won't help you and can't make sense in a place like this.


We work hard all day and the people of this town never stop showing their appreciation. A typical day begins at 0745 with our squads preparing each of the department vehicles for service. I'm on Squad Charlie and we're assigned to the Command and Rescue unit. At 0815 we start the PT regimen that chief provided us with. By 0845 we brief with the whole crew about our assignments for the day and we're out there working by 0900. When we get to the work site we decide who will swamp for each sawyer and who will build piles, cut line, and burn the slash. Lunch is at 1200 and our squads are back at Station 1 by 1630 so we can close up the vehicles for the night. Around 1645 we debrief the day's tasks and discuss any issues that may have come up. When we're lucky dinner, is ready around 1800 and from there everyone has personal time.

It's rare not to smell like diesel and wood smoke, but I've come to love it. I get such a big smile on my face to watch the team file into or quarters for the night with soot all over their faces and singed hair on their face and head, our greens and yellows (our protective Nomex wear) covered in dirt and ash and our boots muddy and wet from the dirt and snow. Dinner conversation involves all of the silly comments made during the day and funny experiences. My account of the day usually involves how I got all the new cuts and bruises that cover my body. Sore and exhausted, even a 5 minute warm shower feels like heaven. After you get cleaned up it's time to go out for the night!


I'm greeted each evening at the saloon with bear hugs and kisses on the cheek. I spend my time playing pool and doing the two-step to old country songs. I am never lost for a sympathetic ear, strong shoulder, or friendly voice. I'm having the time of my life learning, working, and living in Crown King with these wonderful people. I hope every Corps Member can find a way into their community's heart and vice versa. The service we do is worthwhile, but the connection with the people is what will enrich your experience and life during AmeriCorps and after.

 This life is so good. I'm surrounded by a sense of purpose and accomplishment. If you're searching for love and meaning, I hope you can find somewhere like Crown King. It's all right here.

Lynser

The Journey of an Alternate

During CTI (Corps Training Institute) back in early November, I had the opportunity to try out for the Fire Management Team.  After an essay, interview and a physical fitness test I was told that, while I didn’t make the team, I was an Alternate for the team. 

I joined Sun 7 as we departed Denver to work with Houston Parks and Recreation down in Texas.  We grew together as a team, learning how to live and work side by side.  Part of me forgot, but in the back of my mind my biggest fear was leaving the team that I had learned to love and joining a group of nine individuals that I barely knew. 

As the round ended and the second round of projects began, I parted ways with my team to join Fire 2 (Fire Units Fire Management Team) to take and complete the S-130, S-190 and L-180 classes (Intro to Fire Behavior, Intro to Wildland Fire Fighting, and Human Factors on the Fireline).  It was there that I fell in love with Wildland Fire Fighting and began looking into it as a possible career. 

As I returned to my team and began doing Tax Preparation work with the Community Action Project of Tulsa, Inc, I knew that at some point in the year I would be called up.  I never expected to be called two weeks later. 

Things happened so quickly that I felt blind-sided by the call.  Although I was angry and upset about how things happened, I knew that I had given my word that, if called up, I would be willing to step up to the challenge.  And so I packed my bags, then got hit by a snow storm. 

After being delayed for a number of days, my team dropped me off at the airport with a mixture of emotions, from sorrowful to encouraging.  I boarded the plane and made my way out to Arizona and eventually up to the mountain town of Crown King. 

Though I have only been here for a week and a half, I already feel like part of this team, this family.  Yes, there have been rough spots and I have had some difficulties adjusting to a new team, place and project, but I know this is where I belong.  I draw strength from the experiences that have brought me to this moment, all the love and support that my team (Sun 7) has poured out and the knowledge that things happen for a reason. 

I look forward to the experiences that being a part of this team will bring. 

God Bless and PEACE

STKerr

Weeks 2 and 3 in Crown King, AZ

                Out here in the western ghost town of Crown King, our team has begun to settle down and become comfortable with our new home.  Getting to know the locals and becoming accustomed to our duties at the Fire Station have become routine.  During week two, out team was split into four different squads.  These squads work together week in and week out with fuels reduction, work around the station, and going out on calls.  The first training our squads received was basic fuels reduction.  The Crown King Fire Department receives grants to reduce wildfire fuels on private properties.  Reducing of fuels includes cutting down brush, dead trees, and trees that have been taken over by invasive species that would fuel a wildfire.  Once these are all cut, they are eliminated by small burn piles that are set up while working in the forest.  Now see Crown King is very hilly, so most of these burn piles are built on slanted terrain.  It’s pretty dang cool cutting down trees and working hard with a fire burning behind your back. 

 

Beyond working in the field, Sun 3 became certified by the American Red Cross for First Responder.  The class was provided by the CKFD and lasted 60 hours over 6 days.  Since our team all passed the class and received the certification, we will be able to go on medical calls for the fire department and be able to assist in providing care to people in need.  It’s pretty cool and defiintly a lot of responsibility and high pressure, but our team can handle it.  The curriculum included how to take a person’s vital signs, how to correctly bandage a patient, apply a splint, perform CPR and use an AED, etc. 

Week four is currently in session and acreage is beginning to rack up with fuels reduction.  Sun 3 is making a strong and powerful impact on this more than deserving town of Crown King.

Nick-

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. the AmeriCorps way!

In this crazy program we signed up for, Martin Luther King Day is designated as “a day on, NOT a day off.”  When you’re working as hard as we do out in the forest, the last thing I wanted was to give up my earned government holiday.  Oh well.  I was dragged two hours down the hill to Prescott to volunteer with the Vista branch of AmeriCorps at their Day of Service.  There were many project sites to pick from and I ended up working at a youth home refurnishing kitchen cabinets.  My teammates went out to different locations, so it was just myself with a crew of people that I did not know.  To my great surprise, I ended up having a wonderful day.  The event was kicked off with a few keynote speakers who shared their experiences about growing up in a segregated nation.  After the introductory remarks, I headed to Turning Points Youth Inn.  Here, I put some of my handy skills, like sanding and painting, to work.  Quickly, people were looking to me as the point person on the project.  It felt great to be able to put my leadership skills into action.  At the end of the day, all the kitchen cabinets and drawers had a fresh coat of new paint on them and I had a couple new friends.  I don’t think I could have spent my time in a better way that day.  My teammates had equally good experiences and all the sponsors we worked with that day invited us back.  It’s a great feeling to be appreciated and needed.  I think I will try to spend all my MLK days like this.                                                                                                                     

                                                                                           -Stef

From the Arch to Arches!

Here we are in beautiful Crown King, AZ. Left Denver on Saturday morning and drove straight through to Moab, UT. It was beautiful clear weather and everyone enjoyed the drive through the Rockies. Sunday morning we got up early so we could hit Arches National park before starting the long trek to Crown King. They sell t-shirts here that say "I survived the drive to Crown King" and here's why: I was leading our two government trucks up the 26 mile road to our new home in the pitch black. Among the sharp turns and steep slopes were ATVers riding along without their lights. Needless to say, it was a white knuckle 70 minute drive to an old mining town that houses the oldest saloon and brothel in Arizona.





Made it safe and sound into town and checked out our new digs. We now live in a house that was built by the CCC back in the day. So exciting to know that those who began the tradition of service in our country and after whom our organization is modeled are the ones who constructed our living quarters.We have three bedrooms, a finished attic and basement, living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom. Can't tell you how grateful we all are to shower indoors for the next 2 months :)


This first week has been intense! We are working directly with the Crown King Fire Department and Chief Lombardo to become certified Wildland Firefighters. So far we have learned how to "turn out" in less than a minute, how to don a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, how to refill the SCBA tanks, proper uniform maintenance and care, how to safely treat patients when blood born pathogens are present, the chain of command within the fire department, single man carry, strap someone to a backboard, ride in an apparatus, take vitals, how to tag a hydrant, how to run with a hose on your shoulder and attack a fire, and how we will operate during various incidents. We've also been assigned to our squads for this round. We have 2 on "Rescue 1,"  2 on water tending, and 6 on the fire engines. We are all excited and anxious to learn more about our new roles.

Crown King has hosted numerous AmeriCorps NCCC teams in the past. In fact two members of Chief Lombardo's staff are former NCCC Corps Members. Chief impressed upon us all the importance of our work. The work and preparation of past NCCC teams were instrumental in saving the town from the "Lane 2" fire.

I absolutely love this town, snow, mud, and all! This lifestyle is so much fun. We get to the fire house at 8 learn an incredible amount of information and leave around 5, then some PT, dinner and dishes, and on to the saloon for a soda, internet access, and a game of pool. Weekends mean out-of-towners and Karaoke. Lots of amazing trails for hiking, biking, or as is the norm around here: ATVing. I'm so happy with our situation and the new friends we've made. It's gonna be a great spike, and it's exciting to know that we'll get to come back for our last round in the summer.

-Lynser