Friday, February 3, 2012  Hey,
Typical mop-up work after a fire changed in an instant for West Point (Indiana) Fire Chief Gary Cheesman.
 
"The instant it happened, 'oh my goodness, I just lost an eye for a vacant house'," Cheesman said.
  
The fire with suspicious origins broke out January 23 near Attica. West Point Volunteer Firefighters fought the fire from the outside because it was vacant.
 
Chief Cheesman said the house had hundreds of rounds of ammunition inside. Firefighters had heard bullets explode as they worked the fire, but thought none of the possible projectiles were traveling beyond the structure.  
 
The fire was knocked down and he had walked to the back of the house to discuss what firefighters should do next. Because he was running the pumper and was wearing a radio headset around his head, he wasn't wearing his helmet. That's when it happened.
 
"There was a bang that went off," Cheesman said. "It felt like someone punched me." A primer cap from a .223 caliber bullet entered in the corner of his eye by his nose and lodged behind the eyeball.
 
"I thought I lost it," Cheesman said. "I thought 'this old house, that's worth nothing, and I lose an eye over it'."
Anywhere else on his face and doctors think he would have had just a scratch.
Paramedics rushed Chief Cheesman to the hospital.
 
Surgery last week has helped improve the Chiefs vision as it's getting better, but it's still blurry. Doc's told the Chief they are hopeful his vision will clear completely in 4 to 8 weeks and he'll be back on the job.
 
Chief Cheesman said he's been overwhelmed by the response sincerity fighters and friends since January 23. He hopes his story serves as a reminder to everyone who work in potentially dangerous situations, to always wear all of your protective gear-including eye protection.
HERE is much more: http://www.wlfi.com/dpp/news/local/freak-accident-nearly-claims-eyesight-of-volunteer-fire-chief
Take Care-BE CAREFUL
BillyG
The Secret List 2-3-12 / 2233 hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com