Thank you for taking the time to share your memories

Name	Message	Date Signed
Wil	Not a day goes by that you and your family is in my thoughts and prayers. 3 months and the pain has not eased. you are missed more than you will ever know...	8/24/2007 8:28 PM
2649	As I sit here today I find my self reflecting on all that has happened to RFD with your passing Ed. Thinking about you, me, my family, friends and with the way I have or have failed to deal with your loss and my pains. It is very obvious that your presence is still here guiding and watching over us. Believe me when I say this, we need it now more than ever. I wish I could tell you things have changed for the better since you died, but I would be lying. It hurts and saddens me to say this, it as if you hadn’t even worked here. Nothing we where promised has happened and the things we expect to be done for our well being, emotional and mental health after such an earth shattering event has not happened. As terrible as it sounds, I am just glad that you didn’t die while working a fire or an incident. That way no blame could be passed or guilt would settle on any ones mind. I fear the day we have to do this again, because I know when the service and memorials are concluded, who ever has passed on will be nothing more than a # around here. And more than likely your number you were given will be given to the kid that replaces you…. It would be very wise to work for RFD to live the life you want to live. But one would be a fool to live for the RFD!! I know from experience of my own as well as with the passing of you Ed. We are expendable to them..... One gets more respect for retiring from here than you have gotten from dieing in the line of duty. When the word care or brethren is used by them, a red flag should be flying high in the air. I trust you will be there to keep a steady breeze on that flag….You are deeply missed…and will always be remebered.... 2649	8/24/2007 3:40 PM
Bill Arnold	MTN GATE FD-retired THANK YOU ED FOR ALL YOUR KNOWLEDGE YOU SHARED,ALONG WITH YOUR PRIDE AND FRIENDSHIP,YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL THAT KNOW YOU AND ALL THAT DON'T	8/15/2007 9:02 PM
Lynsey Owens	Hey ED, i was just cleaning out my books and found the year books from St. Joseph's I remember when you came with the fire truck. well i hope you and my mom will have fun looking down on everyone. I know that the both of you will always be watching over us. Love always Lynsey	8/6/2007 4:38 PM
David Crow	"Special Ed" was a mentor and leader for so many of us who attended fire & rescue training which he instructed. Life is short, but our memories of Ed will last with us to the end. I just learned of his death yesterday... my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and fire dept family. Dave Crow, Local 2023 Los Padres National Forest	8/4/2007 7:54 PM
Eddie Andrews	I wrote you a message earlier but it didnt got through it basically said that i am on my first shift of light duty. I missed my first day of my fire career becuase mason drove the car we were rideing in off the road. I wish you could be here to see my career devolop. I know your watching out for me all the time but it will never be the same. I know everything you wanted done to the property so i will get it done for you. It wont be right away so dont get pissed. Love you always.	7/26/2007 6:27 PM
Eddie Andrews	This is my first shift on light duty. I have been sitting on a computer in a dark room doing nothing. I wish you could be here to watch my career bloom. I go on full duty next week. Love you dad	7/26/2007 5:01 PM
Smitty	God bless you J Smith Stockton Fire	7/25/2007 3:59 PM
Amanda Morgan	BIG ED.. I can't help but smile when I think about you, because you always brought a smile to my face no matter what! I will never forget the days when you drove us all to school or the fun trips we took to the lake! How about the time when it took us an hour to get gas because you had to pull in the gas station and try to back the boat up instead of doing it the simple way and pulling in straight! You will be missed today tomorrow and forever, thanks again for being such an awesome guy, and teaching me so much!!	6/19/2007 1:44 PM
Robert Gentile	I knew Ed well... As a Teacher, as a Mentor, as an Inspiration, as a Leader, as a Firefighter, and as a Friend... I first met Ed when I was a Shasta College Student, Ed assisted and instructed many of the classes... You learned so much from Ed mostly because of his passion for what he knew and would teach to every person he came in contact with... I also got to meet Ed when I came on as a Seasonal Firefighter... I was green as Grass and one of the first fires I went on, he was there... I got put on a hose line with him and didn’t really know what I was doing... Even in a situation such as an actual emergency Ed was still always caring and always teaching... He made me feel safe and in control and we laid the line and assisted with containing and putting that fire out... I worked a few shifts with Ed at his Station picking up shifts as a seasonal as well as a Ride along during the Firefighter 1 Academy… I remember when I worked as a Seasonal that I didn’t have a lot of money to bring in what Ed considered “good food” (top romen)… So he shared with me some of his food so I ate a “good meal”… I think that anyone that has ever come in contract with Ed would feel all the same things and use all the same words to describe him… You will be missed Ed Andrews… What will all those young minds do without your Knowledge to Guide them??? But I know that I will always carry with me and teach others the Knowledge you have taught me… Thank you Ed Andrews…	6/15/2007 11:09 AM
Ryan Jones	Captain Andrews was such a good instructor, he really taught me alot and ill never forget him.	6/12/2007 11:18 AM
Jack E. Sheppard	On behalf of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, Local 3546, we deeply extend our sincere condolences to the Andrews family and the Redding Fire Department, local 1934. I had the personal pleasure of knowing Captain Ed Andrews in Redding, back in the early 70's while I was working for CDF, and Ed was just starting to pursue a career in the fire service. I will always remember his motivational drive and the pride that he had demonstrated back then, and how he has instilled those traits into others of today. Captain Ed Andrews will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. He will be well remebered for his generosity, sacrifices and dedication. Rest in peace my friend. Jack E. Sheppard	6/8/2007 1:00 AM
Susan Smallbrook	I am sorry that I did not have the honor of spending time with you. You have touched many lives. Thank you for all your footprints.	5/28/2007 6:58 PM
Neil Shaw	From a Country Heights resident, who often passed by while you guys trained, it was comforting to know you were nearby. As a recently retired Deputy Sheriff (Monterey County), rest easy my friend. Thanks to you men and women for your assistance throughout the years, the hot coffee, conversation and somewhere to get out of the rain. As someone who also has lost a brother (my brother, Robert Shaw at age 31) in the line of duty from heart disease, I am especially sensitive to the passing of Captain Andrews. No one knows your sorrow more than I. God Speed to you all and be safe out there. If you're ever out testing hydrants near 4149 Wintergreen, allow me to return a few cups of coffee someday. I'm almost always home painting. It would be my pleasure. Fraternally yours, Neil Shaw Deputy Sheriff/Forensic Artist Monterey County S.O. (Retired) 229-7948 PS: I now paint fine art portraits. If you ever want one painted of Ed (in class-A's, etc.) please contact me. No charge and with my compliments. http://www.neilshawcollection.com/portraits.html	5/28/2007 11:38 AM
Michael Henry	Every time i had an opportunity to work with Captain Andrews that is how I would address him, and that would be followed by, "Would you just call me ED." I only worked with Ed a handful of times at the station, but knew from the beginning he had a heart of gold, and always meant well. I was on a strike team with him, and we fell quite a few trees together, it was a great learning experience. I also learned from him on that strike team that for some reason, sushi, two power bars, and an MRE do not mix well. You will genuinely be missed.	5/26/2007 5:21 PM
Eric Ohde	How I remember Ed, Ed had 20+ years into this wonderful job as a firefighter and he seemed like he loved every minute. When the bell sounded and Engine 3 would go, you could usually count on that familiar call to Shascom, “numbers only please”, that was Ed. But the most dreaded day in any fireman’s career is to be trapped in a burning structure, low on air and desperate to hang onto life. If god forbid I was ever in that situation, I always thought, I hope Ed is on-duty that day to come rescue me! He is the toughest, grittiest best rescue firefighter I have ever known. I have known Ed since the early 80’s, as we skied; rock climbed and conducted a number of mountain rescues together. He rented a cool old cabin in the town of Mineral as he worked for the National Park and for the Lassen Park Ski Area in the winter. Mike Anderson and I used to stay with Ed and his bull terrier named Strider. Ed would stoke the fireplace with “large logs” retire upstairs and leave Strider, Mike and I downstairs sleeping with 3 foot flame lengths dancing in the big ol’ rock fireplace. When the powder snow came, the little kid in Ed really came out! He would yelp with joy and had a smile from ear to ear. We had a lot of fun in those days in the mountains. Ed gave up a heli-tack foreman job with BLM in Las Vegas in 1983 to become a “tanker slug” for Redding Fire. The tankers were these crappy brush rigs that were just about worthless as they were ugly. Ed went from flying to fires throughout Nevada with a crew, to being at the bottom of the heap as an underpaid and under appreciated seasonal for us. He knew what it would take to get hired and he jumped through the hoops. He was forever teaching classes and trying to get us to get into the 20th century on wildland and rescue techniques. We had a lot of fun, a lot of trials and some major disagreements over the last 25+ years, but no one would come to your assistance faster than Ed. When he described something he frequently got choked up because he was so passionate about what he believed was right. He made me mad at times, and we butted heads, but in the end it doesn’t matter because those are all so trivial and he is gone. I miss you Ed, you truly were a true friend, one hell of a firefighter and you gave back so much in life. Keep watch over us up there, and hopefully we can all make you proud. Your friend, Eric O.	5/25/2007 7:00 PM
Vicky Ward	I am going to miss you Ed. Baseball won't quite be the same without you.......I'm sure you will be keeping busy up there building baseball fields up there for kids who didn't get a chance to play here. One more thing..... Go easy on Blue! Your friend, Vicky	5/24/2007 4:28 PM
Henry Clayton	As a previous volunteer firefighter, I know the risks of this very demanding profession! I didn't know Capt. Andrews, but an old and good friend works with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family and co-workers...Remember him as a hero!..thank you for letting me share this special time with you...God Bless you all !!! Henry Clayton	5/22/2007 11:04 PM
Linda Morris	My condolences and deepest sympathy go to Mr. Andrews' family, friends, and the entire fire department, for your loss. Also, the entire community of Redding has lost an incredibly dedicated hero. Captain Andrews is in heaven now, I am positive, and looking down on all his fellow comrades. He's not far away and you will find that from time to time situations will arise and you will either hear his voice or laughter in your head or feel a gentle tap on the shoulder and you'll know it's him. Let us not say with sadness that he is gone, but rather say with gladness that he was once with us. Thank you so very much for allowing me to participate in this special guest book.	5/21/2007 6:45 PM
Mark Anderson - San Ramon Valley Fire	I am sorry for you loss - Ed was an instructor at Shasta College that I still remember 20+ years later. He was also concerned with the fire department family - I saw him at more than one memorial service over the years.	5/21/2007 2:56 PM
Mark Anderson - San Ramon Valley Fire	I am sorry for you loss	5/21/2007 2:53 PM
Jim Bryant	Ed; It's hard finding the words to express how much we will all miss you. I still can't believe your no longer with us(physically). Just know that you have impacted our lives like no other can. I will always remember how great you treated everyone around you and will try to do the same in my life time. Thanks for being Ed. Your Brother Jim	5/21/2007 2:32 PM
Mike Sawyer	Ed, Thanks for always being so willing and exited to share your vast knowledge of the job you loved so much. You are one of the nicest guys anyone could meet and it was my honor to have been able to work along side you. I only wish you could share more of your stories and philosophies with us. I'll miss the way you speak out of the corner of your mouth with pursed lips when you think someones a little off. The Redding Fire Department will never be the same for any of us. We can however, take comfort in knowing that when the bell rings and our lives are on the line, you'll always be watching over us. You were a short man with a huge spirit and even bigger heart. Rest in peace my friend, you are always in our hearts. Mike Sawyer	5/21/2007 12:23 PM
Craig Martin	Normally, I would address him as Captain Andrews, but it would only be fitting to call him Ed. Having not had the chance to share as many memories of Ed as the rest of RFD, I cannot hope to add to the great volume of things said in his memory. I would like to pay my respects with an excerpt from an essay written a long time ago. "I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but those who know the work a fireman has to do believe his is a noble calling. Our proudest moment is to save...lives. Under the impulse of such thoughts the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even of supreme sacrifice." -Edward F. Crocker, Chief of Department FDNY 1899-1911	5/21/2007 12:20 AM
Shawn Plummer	Ed; yes there truly was only one Ed, but deep down I think we all knew that we needed Ed, to coach us, guide us and to teach us not only about baseball or firefighting but mostly about life, and last but not least we needed Ed to show us all how to laugh! Ed was one of the most caring and giving people I have ever had the honor of calling my brother my friend! There are many things that I will forever miss about Ed, so many things that words cannot describe. Ed you truly were a great Firefighter and an even better man. Ed I will forever miss you! Forever your Friend and Brother S. Plummer	5/20/2007 8:01 PM
Jeff Vanatta	Plain and simple. Ed was Ed and there will never be another Ed. He was our brother and will be greatly missed. Ed, you deserve the right to rest now, so just kick back and watch over us all. God bless and rest in peace.	5/20/2007 3:36 PM
Mike Gould	Ed........ Where do I begin? The first time I met Ed was at Shasta College. Steve Reilly and I were just out of high school and our first exposure to Ed's tales were in a Fire Command class in 1982. Then in 1984, the city got a bright idea to torment the paid guy's and hire a bunch of kid's to drive Tanker 25 & 35 around the city spilling red & silver hydrant paint while responding to vegetation fires. Ed was one those hires; along with Coleman, Clark, Herzberg, Holst and myself. After returning to Redding Fire from Sacramento, I had the fortune or misfortune (depends on how you perceive it) of working opposite shifts from Ed on Engine 5. My morning would start with checking Engine 5 to see what equipment Ed had moved since the prior shift; please note, this happened each shift. While also working at Station 5, Ed had a habit of asking me to come in early for him (0500) so he could get to the Ski Park. However, I would then become his 0500 alarm clock, "Ed, are you going to get up and go to the Ski Park?" Then this would entail him talking with me for an additional hour or so while he got ready, at this, I reminded him "Ed, I am not coming in early to just talk to you!" On the other hand, Ed was always willing to shift or time trade with me since there was no CTO. After a few years apart, we managed to work opposite each other at Station 1; this time as Captains. Captain Kofford and myself devised a "4 Step System" that was implemented when we relieved Ed each morning. Removed Ed's PPE's. Adjust seat (because of vertically challenged Ed). Adjust headset (he was "Big Ed" for more than one reason). Reprogram King HT to Redding Fire Frequency (remove Group 10, Tone 6...) While recently reading Ed's bio, I found he had held many different careers and positions, which reminded me of when Retired Captain Crowley would say to Ed "Ed, how many jobs have you been fired from?" Which Ed would say "I was never fired from any of them, I would quit and find a new one!" This is a fitting quote for Ed: Never let a few facts get in the way of good story! You were truly one-of-a-kind and there is only one you! Rest assured Ed, you are sorely missed; but you and your memory will live on with us and the RFD! Thanks for being a great person to be around and smiling each day you came to work! Mike Gould...	5/20/2007 3:06 PM
Jason Foley	Although I didn’t work with Ed my whole 2 1/2 year career with the RFD. I had some unique experiences with him. My first day as a Redding Firefighter I had Ed as my captain, he took my around every single picture (past or new)in station 1 and explained them like he was the one taking the picture. My first day as an acting engineer. I had Ed as my captain on engine 3. First time driving on my own, I couldnt have asked for a better direction giver, number finder or knowing we would be safe because RPD was coming to every call :). My first day as an upgraded engineer at station 5 for peters. I had Ed as my captain. I will never forget eating lunch at black bear with Ed and little Eddie. That conversation station will be forever embedded in my mind. Every time I saw Ed he would say to me " Foley when are you going to knock that grin off your face, every time I see you, you have a smile from ear to ear!" I would just tell him "It doesn’t get much better than being a RFD fireman." Ed you were an awesome captain, mentor and friend. I will never forget my first for every part of my career with you. You will be missed more than you will know. And ED behind my tears.......I STILL HAVE MY SMILE ON MY FACE! Good Bye	5/20/2007 2:12 PM
Ray Johnson	I attended a Colt League Baseball Game today and was touched by the tribute and moment of silence given in Ed's memory. Not only was Ed a great firefighter, he was also a great role model in the Redding Community. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He always gave of himself more than anyone I know. I will miss him, not only around the fire halls but also around the ball parks. Ray J	5/20/2007 1:20 PM
Ryan Hoberg	Most Firefighters write a last name or employee number on equipment/gear. On the side of Ed's department issued yellow flashlight he simply wrote... "Ed's" I worked with Ed for several years upon being hired at RFD. Ed taught me many things, but one which I will not forget... Work hard even after the glory of the firefight is over. This was Ed, he would drag hose 'til there was no more, rake ash 'til it was cold, pull ceiling 'til it was void and never complain once. When faced with pressures, personal or professional, it would not affect the way he treated people. Ed had a passion and it was being a fireman. Ed was many things through the years but most of all he was a fireman. I think about the simple memories... -02:30 AM, going to a medical on Engine 1, Ed was certain to let out several loud yawns directly into the headset. -I can hear your slippers dragging across the dorm of Station #1. -Invite HQ over for lunch Ed, we'll all get the bill! -RS-1, how can I Help? I'll tip the delivery boy. -Chef Ed, we'll cook today. Green hashbrowns anyone? -You guys want a smoothie?... 'hey you guys got $5 bucks I can borrow?' "Say again the numbers" If I could request numbers again it would be #265. One more fire, one more morning run, one more firehouse laugh. When I think of you brother, I think of you smiling... Rest in Peace my friend, you won't be forgotten. "Dozer Ho"	5/20/2007 11:56 AM
John Boshell	I had the pleasure of working with Ed on the Haz-Mat team and also with Private Industry. I always told Ed don't over do it with the students they are not Firemen. My fondest memory of Ed was driving with my son John from a baseball game that he had pitched in which his team had lost. While driving home he said I know what I need to do is get with Ed at the station and practice pitching. All my children loved Ed and he was always there for everyone. John Boshell	5/20/2007 11:27 AM
Rik Valles	I learned plenty from Ed Andrews; In a scholarly sense, he taught me Vertical Rescue. Today, I can still tie most of the knots that I learned from him. Example, the rabbit jumps out of the hole, goes around the tree and back down the hole. Square Knot!!!! He taught me all you need is a flat head screw driver and a hammer to open a car door. Auto Extrication!!! He taught me as a new firefighter if you cut a main support truss in a burned out building cut it with your arms extended and make sure your body is not underneath it when it comes crashing down. He taught me spell checkers on computers are only right some of the time. He taught me that the only thing in this world with more pages than an Oxford Dictionary was his resume portfolio. (I've seen it. It is impressive.) He taught me to face adversity in a positive way. He taught me to stand up for others when I believed they are being wronged. And the last lesson learned. May 14, 2007, the day my sister got older... the day I buried my grandmother... the day Ed Andrews took his last breath... Always, Always treat people like there is no tomorrow. In retrospect, Ed just wanted to be appreciated! So I say, look around old buddy, your wish is granted. Rest in Peace!!!!!!!	5/20/2007 9:25 AM
Erick Mattson	Where do you start with Fast Eddy.............I could write a small novel. I have more stories in the 3 years I worked with him than I probably will have with any other person in the department (Well maybe not Howard!) My first experience with Ed was riding back with him in his pickup from a funeral in Oakland as a newly hired firefighter (Thanks Darryl and Steve Dec 98). I think that was the first time that I met Capt Andrews. We talked about fire department theories, ideas, and how he would run the department. Ed told me all his stories about working Heli-Tac in Las Vegas and flying to some big fire with just him and the Pilot.......I was filled with all of Ed's logic for 4 hours........Wow was I impressed!?! I later had the opportunity to work with him at station 1. Ed was one of the nicest, hardest working guys I got to work with. He always enjoyed joking around and would always enjoy a good practical joke (even if he was the brunt of it!). Like the time we had a tour and Ed did not know we knew it was his 50th birthday and had the kids sing happy birthday. I never saw him that embarrassed before. He loved the kids at the stations and giving tours. Ed was always predictable going to calls and the patented "Say again the numbers........." was typically followed by me telling him "apartment 5" just before SHASCOM came back with the same answer. Then there was always the time responding to calls that he had his stuff piled up and I would make a left turn and send it on his lap. He would just look at me with that grin and pile his stuff right back up for me to make the next left. I cannot count the number of times I drove to his house to get something he forgot. We always found time to go to the little league games and the high school games. Ed would be out talking with all the parents and showing support for his kids. I especially liked going to the homecoming games and flying the flag for the school with T-1. Ed taught several kids how to pitch in the hose ally at station 1....even at the expense of my truck bed. "Oh!" Then when Jane would call the station it was just as famous as "Don Please"----------"Oh Hi....Is Ed There?" It seemed as though she was surprised that someone other than Ed would answer the phone. The other game that was fun to play with Ed was to answer the phone before he could.......he strived to answer on the first ring before anyone else. It was our version of quick draw Howard, Hoberg and Me. Cooking/ HT's/ Edisms/ Truck Driver/ Clothes in the Bathroom/ Oatmeal Cookies/ Smokey Sausages/ Want a smoothie/ Answering Phone calls strait from the shower........do I need to say more. Ed will always have a spot in my heart, my families, and we will truly miss him. He always took time to play with my kids at the station, talk to my wife, and rescue my family when there was home emergency. Ed put it best one day at the station when we were discussing how many Steve's, Mike's, Eric's, etc..........we have in the department and Ed promptly, boldly, and with a big smile responded: "But there is only one Ed!" There IS only one Ed, So True, So True. Thanks for the Memories "Two Wheel Mattson"	5/20/2007 9:10 AM
Rod Moore	What I will remember and miss about Ed, Hard Working Hard Charging Hard Headed Soft Heart Giving Caring Respectful Along with all the Ed-isms that made him special and unique!!! Ed you will be truely missed God Bless Rod	5/20/2007 8:45 AM
Donavan Lacy, Redding Fire	When I heard the news, I didn't want to believe it. Everyday that I wake up, I keep hoping it was all a bad dream. Ed has been through so many, potentially career ending injuries; but he always came back. It is hard to believe he won't be coming back. I have many fond memories of Ed. I will never forget how happy he was when he found out he was going to be a Strike Team Leader Trainee. Us (Ed's crew) on OES-296, and He and Chief Henrich were enroute to a fire in Colfax; East of Sacramento. Ed wanted us all to pinch him, as he was so happy, he wanted to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Ed was so proud when he put on the RS1 class here in Redding. Hind site is always 20/20; after seeing what else is out there, Ed's class was a class act! The one thing I will remember the most about Ed is his desire to take care of his crew. At times, it was to his own detriment; Ed's heart was always in the right place. When Ed was going through tough times at home, we never knew it. When he got in trouble at work, he never took it out on his crew. Rarely did I see Ed's crew having a bad day; and if they were, they were still laughing about it. While working with Ed at Station 1, he always said that taking care of his crew was his top priority; he did so in action. I will never forget Ed's laugh, his smile, and his desire to do good things for everyone! Ed was a good man, a tough firefighter, and an excellent partner. I only wish I was half as good as he!!! I will miss you Ed... Donavan Lacy	5/20/2007 7:51 AM
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