Photo: Channing Johnson for AOL
A successful firefighter is a team player who is compassionate and dedicated to helping others. Stamina, common sense, courage and faith are just a few essential traits. Though the ability to throw a few ingredients in a pot and create a nourishing and delicious meal is not an absolute job requirement, the skill can certainly enhance one's reputation and cause a sensation in the firehouse kitchen.
The Salem, New Hampshire Fire Department members at Station 1 take their food seriously. "The way to a firefighter's heart," Assistant Chief Paul J. Parisi, a self-confessed foodie, explains, "is just like any other man's...through the stomach." Not only do the male and female firefighters here enjoy cooking and eating food, they also relish talking about it -- "Like all the time!" affirms the Chief.
"Too many cooks in the kitchen" doesn't apply in the communal firehouse kitchen. "The more the merrier" is truly fitting. Lots of elbow room, plentiful counter space and an impressive inventory of equipment and utensils facilitate culinary cooperation. While one or two people might organize the meal, more participate in the preparation, serving and cleaning up.
Beyond offering constant caffeine and nutrition, the firehouse kitchen is the hub of the house. It never sleeps. It always sizzles. Locals stop in for assistance. Some bring cookies as tokens of appreciation. Politicians have also ventured through it. New Hampshire, after all, is the first stop on the road to the White House. The firehouse kitchen is as much a thruway as a destination.
It is the place to give and get information. The walls are a gallery of maps, screens and charts, interspersed with children's artwork and photographs. Dry erase boards monitor the constant swirl of activity. Though the news is usually on the television, a Patriots game on a slow Sunday may take precedence. Oddly enough, considering the busy nature of the place, the television remote has never been lost.
The kitchen exudes warmth, not just from the industrial 6-burner Garland stove, but from camaraderie and spirit, detected in every playful debate, hug and fist pump. "We do everything from marriage counseling to drawing plans for a guy's deck at home," says Chief Parisi. Announcements are made -- some good, some bad, some mundane. This is where 9/11 unfolded and it is also where chili contests are judged. There has always been comfort and celebration in and around food. The firehouse kitchen is no exception.
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Serving Folks and Food since 1964
Station 1, aka "Central" or "The Big House", is located on Main Street in Salem, New Hampshire. It was built in 1964 and some renovations were made in 1989 and then again in 2006 following a massive flood. There are multiple eateries within a few yards of the fire house. Home cooking, however, is preferred.
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The Dept. Roll is the "Who's Who" of the Salem Fire Department. This wall decoration hangs prominently in the kitchen of Station 1. The wood frame was made by a firefighter who has since retired. There are three fire stations in Salem. Station 1 is headquarters and that's where this story takes place.
Channing Johnson for AOL
Station 1, aka "Central" or "The Big House", is located on Main Street in Salem, New Hampshire. It was built in 1964 and some renovations were made in 1989 and then again in 2006 following a massive flood. There are multiple eateries within a few yards of the fire house. Home cooking, however, is preferred.
Channing Johnson for AOL
Gathering the line personnel, ranking officers, dispatchers, etc. for a group shot is no simple feat. At 9:30 a.m., just as the photographer arrives, the firefighters depart. First, there is a major natural gas leak on the south end of town. Later in the morning there are two fire alarm activations. Here's who we got: (top row) Firefighters Adam Newbery and Amber Richardson; (bottom row, l to r) Lt. Craig Lemire, Firefighter/Paramedic Fran Enos, Firefighter Dennis "DG" Galvin, Captain Stephane "Steph" Cattin and Firefighter Dave "O.B." O'Brien.
Channing Johnson for AOL
"The firehouse kitchen is the focal point of the whole station," says Assistant Chief Paul J. Parisi. "It's usually the first place you go to at the beginning of the shift and the last place at the end." The interior of Station 1 was significantly damaged during the Mother's Day Flood of 2006. It took about 8 months to restore it. Renovations included a new cranberry paint job, recessed lighting and a stainless backsplash. Furnishings were also replaced. Wall décor consists of maps, charts and wall mounted televisions. Here, function dictates style.
Channing Johnson for AOL
A House Tax covers coffee, condiments and other staples. Each month, coffee-drinking employees contribute $10 and non-drinkers pay $4; payment status is reflected on a chart pinned to the bulletin board beside the coffee machine. "Sometimes the members in good standing will tell the delinquent members that they can't use the ketchup or relish, or that they can't have a cup of coffee...typical family stuff," says Parisi with a smirk. Also on that bulletin board are mass cards from attended funerals.
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Q: When did you join the Salem Fire Department?
A: August 2008
Q: Do you cook here?
A: Yes, especially while I was on probation. [Note: a probationary firefighter or "Probie," as they are affectionately called, has been on the force for under a year.]
Q: When did you know this was what you wanted to do?
A: I was in college for three years, never feeling like I had found my calling. One day I realized firefighting would be perfect. I have never looked back since.
Q: What's it like being a woman in a mostly man's world?
A: It was different at first, but now everyone is like my big brother.
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For any member of the fire department, finishing a meal or even a snack can be a luxury.
Channing Johnson for AOL
Q: How long have you been with the SFD?
A: 2 ½ years
Q: And before that?
A: The Ryder truck company.
Q: Are you coming or going?
A: About to go pick up a Rescue truck that was fixed.
Q: Anything strange or funny happen in this kitchen?
A: We have hot food eating contests here. When we run out of chips we use jalapenos. We also have the cinnamon challenge. You might not know it but it's really hard to eat a teaspoon of cinnamon without choking.
Q: What's special about this space?
A: It's never the same.
Channing Johnson for AOL
While most of Station 1's line personnel are focused on the gas leak, firefighters from the neighboring town of Windham come over and fill in just in case another emergency arises. The Windham crew wears red shirts under their uniforms. The fist-pumper is Salem firefighter Tom Ryan.
Channing Johnson for AOL
The large kitchen/conference table is a fine place to do homework. "Paperwork is definitely a part of kitchen life," says Chief Paul J. Parisi. In addition to filling out reports and pouring over resumes (200 resumes were recently submitted for 2 department openings), there is also some fan mail from civilians. Chief Parisi joined the SFD at 19, and was called "the Pup." Twenty one years later, he has risen through the ranks. Although he seriously misses riding in the truck (Chiefs have their own vehicles), he still goes on calls. "I keep my fingers in it somewhat," he says.
Channing Johnson for AOL
Learn more about The Salem, New Hampshire Fire Department and what was involved in making this story come to life. 
