First Response: TV and Firefighting

Network TV Pays Tribute To LA's Bravest

Executive Producer: Henry Winkler

(Los Angeles, CA) November 5, 1999 -- How many times have you responded to this question -- What's it like to be a firefighter? It's a tough question to answer and I'd wager that your response (like mine) is never, ever short. How can you fully describe what it's like to be members of our nutty and loving family?

If you have trouble answering this question, steer 'em to a first-rate TV Special entitled, First Response.

Not since ABC's 1971 award winning documentary, We're No Heroes"(produced by DC-based filmmakers Paul and Holly Fine) has the fire-rescue services been so accurately portrayed on the tube.
Not even close. By mixing classic documentary with new-age reality TV, the producers of "FR" have discovered the secret formula to making the definitive TV show about OUR job.

First Response takes civilians behind the fire lines into a World that is rarely experienced by anyone but the chosen few. It's this inside, personal look at life in the firehouse, and on the fire ground, that makes the show such compelling TV. In short, by inviting the viewer to become ONE of US, the producers have stumbled across the keys to the kingdom of reality TV. And they'd better hold on tight, because someone else is certain to emulate this format - very soon.

The show begins with the perfunctory signature open, but I was nicely surprised by the powerful blend of hot shots, special effects and kick-hiney soundtrack chosen by the show's editors. Then, dissolve to an unlikely program host, Chris Potter. Unlikely, because most producers would have cast a veteran actor -- a William Shatner type -- to serve in this role. But in my mind, Potter is the ideal choice, representing the youthful energy needed to make it in the Firefighting biz.

First Response is not the fire-rescue version of COPS. It is a show with substance, because the antagonist isn't another drug-dealing; wife-beating, drunk -- it's much bigger -- it's Mother Nature at her worst. The format has been attempted before in 1993-94's Firefighters, but those producers failed to accomplish the three most important goals of any good documentary -- identify the antagonist, tell the story and entertain.

LA's Bravest as Narrators

First Response tells the story not just of the antagonist, but of the people who actually work the incident. This ain't no easy task 'cause us jakes aren't noted for our public speakin' prowess. But amazingly, the producers have somehow discovered 10 articulate and attractive on-the-job firefighters to communicate with the audience. Are all LA firefighters this talented? Or is it something in the designer water that they drink during rehab?

First Response does all three very well. How? The producers use members right off the fire line to serve as storytellers. Who better to describe what it's like to do combat face-to-face with "the beast" -- the terror of racing up a steep canyon as a fast-moving blaze tags your butt -- the skills needed to perform street medicine -- of the compassion required to comfort a small child, who's just been injured in a serious MVA.

First-up is commander of Task Force 27, a veteran captain, who’s chilling description of trapped firefighters serves as the template for the show's other interview segments. As hot shot scenes illustrate his first person narrative, he speaks first of fear, then desperation, and finally joy as firefighters celebrate their own lives saved.

On scene with the
members of TF-27

As First Response blazes new programming ground the show's producers break a few rules along the way. Unlike other shows dealing in the reality TV genre' (Rescue-911 and Real-TV) "FR" acknowledges that death is often the firefighters unwelcome companion.

During several actual incidents, the camera crew records real-life drama as members of South Central LA's famed Station 66 try to block the grim reaper from collecting his next victim. The action is close-up and all too familiar; as 66's members call upon skills they've learned through training and experience. Unfortunately, they're not always successful. But even during these jobs gone bad, crew members reveal an incredible resource that can't be taught in any fire or EMS training academy -- compassion!

The visual appeal of this program is two-tiered, involving its down and dirty shooting style and the go for it attitude of the AVID editors. I've learned that when shooting the scene of any fire or disaster, the best material is often found when the camera has just begun to roll or the operator is moving from one position to another. Nothing goes to waste on "First Response" and the editors place these short and sweet gems to good use by helping embellish the longer, more conventional shots.

Breaking Convention

Lessons Learned

The underlying theme for the first episode of First Response is RISK. For the civilian viewer the show is loaded with spectacular footage and stories of bravery and dedication. But many of the scenarios simply reinforce my own belief that we, as firefighters, must begin to work smarter and safer. The quotation "I thought I killed everyone on my crew", makes my blood run cold. Later from the same fire captain, '"I'll never trade my life...for a building," makes me want to slap that firefighter's palm with a perpetual high-5.

It's one thing to be brave -- another to be stupid. Without knowing it, the producers of this show have paid us the greatest tribute by reminding us that life and family are precious commodities that can never be replaced. My hope is that others in our ranks will recognize this same tip.

Fire-Rescue as Entertainment

This Fall, TV is introducing nearly a dozen programs with the fire-rescue theme, including a new dramatic series from Spelling Entertainment entitled "Rescue-77." Both The Learning Channel and The Discovery Channel are offering 3 programs each and Canada's LIFE Network debuted its 13 part series "Inferno" just two weeks ago.

But first to the gate is First Response, so it's the show that makes the rules and to which the others will likely be compared. My hope is that broadcast TV's new programming will be as informative, entertaining and thought provoking as "First Response."

Finally a note of thanks to the Executive Producers. I love FDNY, but how many more times must we watch Rescue-1's behemoth rig exit its Midtown Manhattan station. The most likely choice for a Hollywood- based show is the one that is most often overlooked. Sure, we see LA City FD portrayed in major motion pictures and TV dramatic series, but "First Response" offers a real-life glimpse of a side of LAFD that we rarely see. Wow, the department is staffed by real firefighters -- not actors!!!

Television, Films and Firefighting: by Lou Angeli
Reviews and behind the scenes comments about this nation's most televised profession.