Like many brothers across the country, I have learned a great deal by the message and movement the late Andrew Fredericks created. We will never be able to recognize the number of injuries and lives saved by Andy’s teachings. The fire service has been forever changed by one man’s dedication and commitment to firefighter safety and quality engine operations. We have used Andy’s message extensively in developing classes and training for our engine companies. We have also had the opportunity to spread the word through a Firefighter Safety Symposium put on annually in Boise. This conference usually draws firefighters from around the northwestern states and has proven to be a great training opportunity for many smaller departments.

While credit certainly will always be given to Andy for his work, this is an attempt to let some brothers know how important they are to the people who never had the opportunity to know Andy. After the loss of a friend or loved one, it seems we often find ourselves regretting not having recognized them for their importance in our lives. There are brothers amongst us right now that are carrying on as Andy’s ambassadors and are continuing to shape the fire service. To these individuals we will also always be indebted.

Dave McGrail, Denver Fire; Jay Comella, Oakland Fire; Mark Wesseldine, FDNY; and Jeff Shupe, Cleveland Fire, are just a few of the men that are carrying the torch. These brothers are dedicated to bettering our profession and keeping us safe. They contribute a great deal of time and knowledge to help other firefighters and fire departments. The resources they provide through articles, seminars, classes, and conferences such as FDIC, benefit our profession on a daily basis. If ever given the opportunity to attend one of their classes, don’t miss it. If ever given the opportunity to meet these gentlemen, take it. The knowledge you can glean from these brothers will help you improve your operations immensely. We all owe these men gratitude for their dedication.

I will never have the chance to know Andrew Frederick’s personally, but I feel as if I still know him through the incredible people who did. I thank these brothers for their commitment to us all. — Fraternally, Rick Payne, Boise Fire Department

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It has now been almost 22 months since September 11, 2001. Andy Fredericks was a good friend, co-author and just a great guy. I personally miss him very much. Andy was a pacesetter in the realm of delivering water to extinguish the fire! What a novel idea. There is just so much more to do and teach in his area of expertise. Rest in peace, my friend. We will NEVER FORGET! — Jim Regan

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I never had the privilege of meeting or attending one of Andy Frederick's classes, but he has had a great impact on my career. Andy's articles and videos on the basic fundementals of firefighting has inspired me to learn more about nozzles and the proper and safest ways to apply water on a fire. Thank you, Andy, for sharing your wealth of knowledge and making me realize how important the littles things are to making our job safer. I have become one of your ambassadors. — Brett Graves

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My name is Jason Camper, and I am a firefighter from Parker, Colorado (a suburb of Denver). I had the privilege to attend FDIC West in 2001 and took the Handline Advancing class, with Andy as the lead instructor. I was floored by his dedication and vast knowledge of hoseline work and engine company ops. It was very apparent that he thought of this work as an "art." There's much more to engine work than dragging hose. Since then, I have read as many Fredericks articles as I could find and have helped to implement some change in our interior operations based on his work. This year, I attended FDIC West and took the Handline class and Standpipe Ops class again. I appreciate the work that many of you have done in remembering Andy's relentless dedication to this facet of our job.

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My name is Matt Daly, and I was Andy's personal fire photographer who supplied him with most of his photos. This is a great tribute to Andy. I just needed to write and tell you. Thank You. — Matt Daly, FDNY

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My name is Dave Newman, and I am a firefighter in Southern California as well as an instructor for our local college fire tech program. While teaching fire attack a year ago, I showed two of Lt. Fredericks "Bread and Butter" videos, and have been intrigued by him ever since. I plan on showing the videos to the next academy class, as well as providing handouts that explain the man behind the videos. I want the individuals entering the fire service to understand the dedication that Lt. Fredericks gave to the fire service as a whole, and what a true hero he was. Not just at the WTC, but throughout his career. His work will definitely never be forgotten. Thank you.

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I just want to say that this is a great website. I have been trying to find information on fallen brother Andrew Fredericks. I personnaly never knew him. But I wear a memory bracelet with his name on it. I have found some information on the Sqaud 18 website, but this has great stuff. Thanks. — Ryan Kaliher

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