Allen Murray's Photo Blog

NEW PHOTO WEBSITE

2006-10-19T00:16:00.000-05:00

Hello all - I haven’t posted anything a long time, as most of you have noticed, and some have emailed. I have been very busy (new job(s), politics, etc….). I have also been working hard setting up a new format for posting my photos online. I have really enjoyed the photoblog, sharing my work, and getting feedback from everyone.

For now, I am focusing on posting my photos in a gallery setup instead of the blog. You will find a link to the gallery at the bottom of this post.

Please visit the gallery and let me know what you think. You will be able to leave comments on the photos, and the photos will be viewable in 3 different sizes. As a guest to the site you will be able to view all photos in the public are of the site. Certain areas of the site will be restricted access for registered members (registration is free) and other areas will require registration and special permission to view. The reason: I have uploaded hundreds of photos taken while on scene with area fire departments and the search and rescue team. Because of nature of some of these photos, access will be limited to members of the agencies involved or other deemed appropriate.

CCFD and FCSAR members:

You will have to register to view the photos related to your agencies. Your registration must include a username, password, and valid email address. For verification purposes, please include you REAL NAME in the registration code section. You will be contacted before you are allowed full access.

The link to the new site is Almurinc.com

Water Rescue Training - Marble Rock, Iowa

2006-08-15T22:29:00.000-05:00

The fire departments form Charles City and Marble Rock, along with Floyd County Search and Rescue, participated in water rescue training in the Shell Rock River in Marble Rock on Monday, August 14th. Above- Charles City firefighter Curt Teeter looks over the dam in Marble Rock while rescue crews prepare for training in the waters below.

Above- Rescuers wearing yellow Mustang Survival suits navigate the waters blow the bridge in Marble Rock.

Above- Suzzee Bornstein of Floyd County Search and Rescue operates the agencies watercraft as the sun sets on the Shell Rock river.

Additional photos from this training will be posted soon.

Images (c) Allen Murray, Charles City Fire Department, Floyd County Search and Rescue

The photos displayed above were taken by Allen Murray on behalf of, and with the permission from, the Charles City Fire Department and Floyd County Search and Rescue. Theses photographs, along with photographs from various other events, are provided to these agencies for purposes of training, documentation, and other uses deemed necessary and appropriate by each department.

Playing the part

2006-08-05T19:45:00.000-05:00

A 'victim' waits for rescue workers to arrive on scene of a mock accident drill near Stacyville, Iowa.

Image (c) Allen Murray, Marty Parcher, and Mitchell County (Iowa) Emergency Management Agency

Hanging the ladder

2006-08-05T19:42:00.000-05:00

CCFD Training: July

2006-08-05T19:37:00.000-05:00

Members of the Charles City Fire Department learn and practice ventilation techniques on a house scheduled for demolition.

Car explodes on cue.

2006-07-14T21:05:00.000-05:00

Firefighters from the Stacyville (Iowa) Volunteer Fire Department work to extinguish a car fire in a rural part of Mitchell County. The explosion, set off by Marty Parcher, was part of a mock accident scene used to train emergency responders from several surrounding agencies.

Image (c) Allen Murray, Marty Parcher, and Mitchell County (Iowa) Emergency Management Agency

Charles City’s new Charger

2006-07-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

Ok, so it’s not exactly that new, I just haven’t had the opportunity to get any good photos of it. The police department has been driving the new Dodge Charger for a few months now and it has generated its fair share of attention. Prior to the arrival of the new car, the city’s fleet of patrol cars was made up of white Fords.

Dousing a brush fire

2006-07-13T03:51:00.000-05:00

Personnel from Charles City Fire Department look on as water is applied to a brush fire at Sherman Nursery on June 24th.

Independence Day

2006-07-03T00:40:00.000-05:00

Seeing as how I have to work the entire week surrounding July 4th, I will miss out on almost all of the “America’s Hometown” celebration activities. If I run on no sleep, I may get to attend the annual parade, but will defiantly miss out on the fireworks. So with the help of a slow shutter speed, a radio tower equipped with lights, and a little Photoshop I have created my own festive colors.

To all my fellow Americans, I hope you have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Waiting for the 6 o'clock news

2006-06-29T19:07:00.000-05:00

Several television station converged on the front lawn of the Floyd County Court House in Charles City after an announcement of an arrest was made involving the Evelyn Miller murder case. Danny Slick faces a federal indictment for making false statements to a federal agency. Click here to read more.

Emergency Drill

2006-06-28T13:54:00.000-05:00

Above - Floyd County Sheriff's Deputy Darin Crooks looks on while personnel from the Charles City Fire Department and AMR Ambulance participate in an emergency drill.

Images (c) Allen Murray and Charles City Fire Department

'Flame of Hope' stops in Charles City

2006-06-28T13:41:00.000-05:00

Charles City Police Captain Brad Gibson spoke at a ceremony in Cental Park as part of the U.S. Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg Team's stop in Charles City. The final leg of the Torch Run began in Chicago on June 24 and will end in Ames, Iowa where the 2006 Games will be held. The Torch Run event is Special Olympics’ biggest grass-roots fundraiser.

750 GPM

2006-06-28T13:36:00.000-05:00

Firefighter Training

2006-06-28T13:34:00.000-05:00

Keeping It Closed

2006-06-27T17:44:00.000-05:00

Living History

2006-06-22T00:41:00.000-05:00

I was organizing some of my photos and found several I had intended to post but failed to do so. This image is one of them. It was from this year’s Charles City Military History Days. Obviously it has been worked on in Photoshop. I use to play with photo manipulation software a lot, but had decided to put more thought and effort into photography while actually taking the pictures. After working with the selective coloring photograph (see below), I started toying with other ideas for post-processing. It is fun to experiment with all the different option available in the digital darkroom.

On Scene With CCFD

2006-06-21T23:04:00.000-05:00

Above - Firefighters from the Charles City Fire Department wait outside the Floyd County Memorial Hospital while other firefighters check the status of an alarm received from that location.

[[Here ya go - the only photo worth saving
from Joslin Street]]

Images (c) Allen Murray and Charles City Fire Department

Peddle Tractor Pulls

2006-06-20T23:27:00.000-05:00

Cameron Murray eases her way towards the full-pull line at the sanctioned peddle tractor pulls held during the Century of Tractor Power event in Charles City. This was Cameron’s first attempt at the peddle tractor pull and finished third in the 6 year old division.

Sunrise Over Pond II

2006-06-20T18:15:00.000-05:00

Ok, its not as good as the last post, but there is still something about it I really like. Your thoughts?

Sunrise Over Pond

2006-06-20T06:22:00.000-05:00

Fisherman drowns in Nashua

2006-06-13T13:27:00.000-05:00

The body of a missing fisherman has been found down stream from the Cedar Lake dam in Nashua, Iowa. Search and rescue teams from around the area were called to the dam early Monday morning after a 30 year-old man was seen slipping below the water while fishing.

Cadaver dogs try to pick up a scent along the face of the dam. Water below the dam is reportedly over 20 feet deep.

Charles City Firefighters work to calculate the rate in which the water above the dam is raising after rescuers stop the flow of water over the dam.

Photojournalist Bryon Houlgrave works the scene Monday afternoon while rescue team continue searching the Cedar River.

Images (c) Allen Murray, Floyd County Search and Rescue, and Charles City Fire Department

Rescue workers work to free victim

2006-06-11T01:07:00.000-05:00

Members of Floyd County Search and Rescue work to extricate a 23 year-old female pinned inside a Chevrolet Blazer. The victim was airlifted from the scene by University of Iowa Air Care helicopter.

Also assisting at the scene were Floyd first responders and fire department, AMR ambulance, Floyd County Sheriff's Department and reserves, and Iowa State Patrol.

Additional photos can be found here

Images © Allen Murray and Floyd County Search and Rescue

Barbed Wire Sunset

2006-06-04T18:21:00.000-05:00

Twenty-One Miles Per Hour

2006-06-03T22:26:00.000-05:00

I was out storm chasing a few days ago and was trying to position myself (and my camera) in front of a storm cell which had a history of sharp lightening, high winds, and hail. (No, I never claimed to be the smartest guy out there, but I really wanted some good photos!) I headed east, running parallel to the main part of the storm. As my luck would have it, I meet up with a friendly farmer. My sixty miles per hour speeds were quickly reduced to twenty-one. I began to get frustrated, muttering not-so-nice phrases as if someone somewhere could hear me. The opportunity to get the good storm chasing photos was quickly fading as my time and gas were about depleted.

I didn’t want to return home without something to show for my time and effort. That’s when it hit me. I could steal some of Bryon’s creativity! I had wanted to try something similar to a photo Bryon posted back in September. It is a scene all to familiar to those of us living in rural areas.

I took several shots, experimenting with different compositions and settings. I didn’t want an ‘exact’ replica of Bryon’s shot, so I decided to not include the steering wheel. I also wanted to play with the placement and focus of the speedometer. I would get a good frame setup, and then realize several raindrops had accumulated on my windshield. After clearing the window, I would have to recompose the shot. It was much more difficult than I thought it would be.

Overall I like the way my version turn out. I am kind of torn on the softness of the speedometer. I like it blurry, but wonder if it would have been strong if it were sharp. I also could have done without the raindrops in the photo, but I figured since I was out trying to catch a storm maybe a few water spots were appropriate.

Bryon- I hope you don’t mind that I used your idea. If so, I apologize.

To all - Be sure to check out Bryon's photo

Red Red Radishes

2006-06-03T19:17:00.000-05:00

At the Market

2006-06-03T19:02:00.000-05:00

Mary Whiteside (left) purchases fresh tomatoes from one of the many vendors at the Farmer’s Market in Charles City. Offered at this year’s market is the traditional selection of locally grown produce, baked goods, honey, and eggs. In addition, visitors will find a selection of organic fruits and vegetables, handmade furniture, plants and flowers, and various craft items.

The Charles City Farmer’s Market is held on Wednesdays from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to noon and is located on the west side of Central Park in downtown Charles City.

Road Closed: Selective Coloring

2006-05-24T23:26:00.000-05:00

(click photo to enlarge)

I am usually not a huge fan of selective coloring. I have seen more examples of attempts gone bad than well executed finished products involving this process. I was recently viewing the website of a portrait photographer who used selective coloring in several of her works. I think I learned a few things from her portfolio.

1.) Rarely does the manipulation of a poor quality photo result in a great finished product.

2.) When used, post-processing techniques should enhance the subject of the photo, not completely distract from it.

In what appears to be a senior portrait, the photographer converted an underexposed image to black and white, and then selectively colored various items in the photo. None of the items were related to the subject or tied into a theme. In another photo, selective coloring was used to place emphasis on an article of clothing representing a particular college. The photograph looked nice, and the use of post-processing tools was handled well. The image would have made a great promotional photo for a brochure. However, my attention was diverted from the graduating senior (who in my opinion should have been the primary subject) to the college logo.

Above is my attempt. Let me know what your thoughts are on the photo, as well as your feelings about the use of selective coloring and other Photoshop techniques.

Hiding in the Flower Garden

2006-05-23T22:30:00.000-05:00

Wildwood’s Wildfowers

2006-05-22T22:21:00.000-05:00

(Click image to enlarge)

I haven’t had much time to spend outdoors taking pictures lately, and when I have, the weather hasn’t cooperated. I managed to make it out for a couple of hours this afternoon. Unfortunately it was extremely sunny, and I have little luck shooting in full sun, something I will need to practice more on. I have been trying to work on my DOF and achieving the muted background effect. I seemed to accomplish that in the photo above. I also really like the way the yellow centers of the flowers really stand out. My biggest complaint (which, in my opinion really hurts this photo) is the lost of color and details in the petals. The flower was mostly an extremely light shade of purple and in direct sunlight. Obviously the combination washed out a little more then I would have liked.

I would really appreciate some feedback on this, both technical and composition.

My settings were as follows:
1/550 sec. - F/6.3 - Focal length: 57mm – ISO-64 (digital)

Slight crop and minor color correction in PSP9 (in attempt to add color to ‘white’ areas)

Thanks!!

Outdoor Classroom

2006-04-28T23:40:00.000-05:00

Students from Lake Mills watch on as reenactors demonstrate fighting techniques used during medieval times. Students from Iowa and Minnesota converged on Charles City (Iowa) on Friday for the annual Military History Days event.

Speaking From Experience

2006-04-28T23:29:00.000-05:00

Bob Hill, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, talks to students from Hampton-Dumont about his personal experiences in the British Army. Hill, along with his fully restored British Army Ferret Scout Car, participated in this years Military History Days in Charles City, Iowa.

If all goes as planned, I should have additional photos from MHD posted soon!

Sunshine on a Stem

2006-04-28T05:35:00.000-05:00

A patch of bright yellow daffodils, found in Mill Race Park along Riverside Drive, bloomed just in time for Easter in Charles City, Iowa.

High Above

2006-04-21T02:38:00.000-05:00

Firefighters extend the bucket of the Charles City Fire Department’s aerial truck high above the flag pole in front of the station.

Photo © by Allen Murray

Stormy Night

2006-04-12T02:43:00.000-05:00

I was watching the thunderstorm move in and it occurred to me that I have never tried my hand at shooting lightening before. The rain was starting to come down pretty hard and I didn’t really want to subject my camera to the rain. (I heard something once about electronics and water, and how they shouldn’t mix.) I ended up propping the door open and pulling up my desk chair, keeping my finger on the shutter release. Beginner’s luck I am sure, but I actually I managed to capture the first bolt after I got set up. At first I wasn’t real happy with the shot, but the more I looked at it the better it seemed to get. Well, I waited for a while longer (I am not real patient) and most of the “good” lightening was occurring in ever area of the sky except where my view was limited by my dry seat. I figured living in Iowa will undoubtedly provide many more opportunities at photographing lightening.

Volunteer Firefighter Tryouts

2006-04-10T23:05:00.000-05:00

An obstacle course, starting with a simulated attic crawl and ending with the dragging of a fire hose from one end of the fire department to the other, challenged both seasoned firefighters as well as those hoping to become the newest volunteers. The Charles City Fire Department’s physical agility testing was held Monday night as applicants gave it their all to complete the various testing stations.

According to Eric Whipple, the department’s public information officer, the fire department is looking for additional volunteers to fill in vacancies due to recent retirements. There are approximately 30 volunteers who along with a staff of full time firefighters serve the city of Charles City and St. Charles Township.

Existing members of the fire department completed the course as well and offered advice to the newcomers. In addition to the attic crawl and the hose drag, participants needed to swing a sledge hammer 50 times, open a fire hydrant, drag a 140 pound “body”, and lift and carry a ladder. Participants completed the obstacles wearing a bunker coat and air pack.

More photos of this event can be found here.

A Ride Into The Night

2006-04-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

Rain Drain

2006-04-04T11:12:00.000-05:00

Water from a light rain shower drains off the Main Street bridge and into the Cedar River.

Cameron By The River

2006-04-03T15:19:00.000-05:00

My daughter, Cameron, enjoys accompanying me while I am out shooting photos. She often manages to make it in a few of my shots.

Heavy Rains Raise River Level

2006-04-02T22:04:00.001-05:00

A large tree gets hung up on a dam in the Cedar River in Charles City.

Heavy rains in Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota prompted the National Weather Service out of Des Moines, Iowa to issue several flood statements. As of 11:45 AM today, the Cedar River in Charles City was at 9.56 feet and falling. The flood stage for the river is 12 feet.

2006-04-01T21:53:00.000-06:00

I was out shooting some train photos today and noticed a message on the inside of one of the cars. I climbed up inside to read what was on the wall. I was surprised to see that it was from “Iowa Poet Blackie”. I had never heard of him until I seen a story and some photos from Bryon Houlgrave on Hobos. I thought it was kind of an interesting find.

Playing with Paint Shop Pro

2006-03-22T01:31:00.000-06:00

Nothing too exciting here, just some kiwi and lots of boredom.

Besides photography, web design is a hobby of mine. This last week I have been busy revamping a couple of sites and created a new site for the McCartney Center. (www.owischool.com) I haven’t had much free time to shoot photos. I am hoping to make it out the end of this week. Bryon’s recent post of the robin has not only got me itching for spring, but it sparked some ideas for a spring photo series.

Flowers are usually not my thing, but last week I stopped by the funeral home to visit with the family of my longtime neighbor who had passed away. I couldn't help but notice a interesting arrangement of flowers and started to come up with ideas for some flower shots. I personally don’t like the typical “seed package” photos that you often see and would like to do some experimenting. If the weather doesn’t cooperate with me this weekend, I may have to visit the floral shop and see what they can hook me up with.

Valley High School Jazz Band

2006-03-11T17:03:00.000-06:00

A soloist from Des Moines' Valley High School performs for the judges during Charles City's annual Jazz Festival held at the middle school auditorium.

Photo © by Allen Murray

Another From The Snow

2006-03-09T15:48:00.000-06:00

Cameron Murray, 6, makes tracks in the snow while looking for the perfect sledding hill.

Click on photo to a open larger view in new window.
Photo © by Allen Murray

Empty Playground

2006-03-05T15:35:00.000-06:00

As you can see, I made it out to snap a few pictures of the most recent snow fall. I had planned on heading to an old barn, but gravel roads were not in the best condition and I didn’t want to add to the Sheriff’s Department’s growing list of accident reports. Besides, my daughter has been look for such a day to try out her new sled so a trip to the park seemed like a much better idea. I took a hand full of the typical snow covered evergreen trees and a few of the quiet little creek but really had my mind set on finding something different, maybe even abstract. I trekked across the golf course to investigate possible photo opportunities away from the snowball-hurling children who found humor in trying to hit the man with the camera. I made it to the picnic/playground are and started shooting. What really captivated my interest was the merry go round. I was positive that some abstract art was just waiting to be captured. Although the picture I posted of the merry go round isn’t actually abstract, I think it projects a similar feeling as the black over white bike rack series I shot awhile back.

On kind of a technical note: I did play with the photo in PSP. I cloned out a small tree trunk and a few “impurities” in the snow. I noticed these when shooting, but couldn’t really reposition myself without cluttering the background. I also didn’t want to put tracks in the snow and opted to deal with the issues in the digital darkroom. I also adjusted contrast levels which resulted in some lost of color in the band around the edge of the merry go round. I isolated the edge and bumped up the color saturation and thought I achieved the results I was after.

On my cheap 15 inch laptop screen, the photo looks dull, but has good color.
On my 17 inch CRT, the photo isn’t dull and has noticeable color
On my 19 inch analog flat panel, the photo looks good, but the color doesn’t have ‘punch’
On my 20.1 inch digital widescreen flat panel, the photo looks great, but the blue and green is darkened to almost black.

With the exception of the dull image produced by my laptop, I actually don’t mind the differences in displays, each producing a different visual effect. I am curious as to how other people’s monitors render the image.

A Dirty Canada Goose

2006-03-05T11:37:00.000-06:00

A dirty Canada goose. Not the most original photograph in the world. A good friend talked me into riding along with her to Mason City where she attends school at NIACC. She had two classes lasting two hours. Winter weather in Iowa seems to leave significantly less photo opportunities and I've been having a hard time coming up with new and exciting things to shoot while just out and about. I figured a couple hours alone with my camera would be productive and decided maybe a trip to East Park would spark my creativity. I was wrong. I could not get into the mood to shoot and could seem to only focus on the fact that everything was muted colors of browns and grays, or covered in sand and dirt. A few 'not so great' photos were the results of my (lack of ) effort.

I did enjoy the warm weather and the peacefulness of the park that morning. In hindsight, I have actually thought of several photos that could have been. We will see what happens next time.

After a winter of very little snow fall, I woke up today with a decent dusting of snow on the ground and more white stuff falling pretty heavy. I have had my eye on a old dilapidated barn not too far from here and with this falling snow, I may just find my creativity.

Photo © by Allen Murray

The Good Amaretto

2006-03-02T18:09:00.000-06:00

I spent a couple of hours playing with lighting again yesterday. I shot about 80 photos and got about a dozen I liked. I definitely need more practice. The good news is, most of the errors I made were easily identified. I took some notes, did some research, and am ready to try again.

Last fall while taking pictures at the Threshers Reunion, I introduced myself to Bryon Houlgrave (see link at right for his blog). I remember him telling me that if I was serious about photography, I should invest in a DSLR. I am currently shooting with a Fujifilm FinePix SLR-like and have noticed more and more the limitation of my camera. I really do need to upgrade, but have a hard time justifying the cost when I just shoot for fun. I constantly bounce back and forth between committing a month's worth of my salary towards my hobby and putting my money towards 'needed' items. Exhibit A – My 1989 Buick La Saber verses my current photo gear. Together my camera and tripod alone are worth double the value of my car. Most people say I should invest in a car, I am not so sure.

As this great debate continues on inside my head, I will continue to be committed to learning all I can and taking advantage of the equipment I have.

Photo © by Allen Murray

2006-02-28T14:42:00.000-06:00

I set this shot up about a month ago, just to play with lights and setups. The clay pigeons are resting on elevated glass. I was trying to archive a floating appearance. I haven't invested in any 'real' photography lights. Instead I found a few cheap (6.95 each) adjustable work lights at the local farm supply store. I mounted 1 of the fixtures with a 60 watt incandescent bulb low and behind the setup. I then placed 2 more fixtures with 200 watt bulbs above and tested different angles. I also used large pieces of white poster board to bounce light into the shadows. I have no idea if any of this is the 'right' way to do things, but I kinda liked the results, especially for the first time I experimented with this. Any thoughts or ideas you have that might make things easier and/or provide better results would greatly be appreciated!

Photo © by Allen Murray

FCSAR Ice Rescue

2006-02-26T15:01:00.000-06:00

Members of Floyd County Search and Rescue practice ice rescue near Rudd, Iowa, on Feb. 26, 2006. Click here for more photos from the training.

Photo © by Allen Murray

This was a fun shoot, despite it being cold, wet, and slippery. The ice on the lake was 10-12 inches thick, which I am told is plenty thick to walk on. However, the ever-persistent creaking and occasional sharp cracks coming from the ice below had me questioning how long it would before this training exercise turned into an actual rescue. A hole in the ice approximately 6 x 10 feet with 17 feet of water below provided an adequate training area. Members of search and rescue, wearing yellow Mustang Survival suits, learned and practiced self rescue, victim rescue, and rescues involving the inflatable Rapid Deployment Craft (RDC). For a handful of the rescuers, this was their first time in the suits and in the water.

The last two weekends I have had the opportunity to tag along with Floyd County Search and Rescue (see previous post) while they participated in training exercises. They are a very dedicated group of volunteers, sacrificing time on weekends away from their families to sharpen their skills and strengthen the team. Often times the services emergency workers provide are taken for granted and little thought is put into how much “behind the scenes” work goes into being prepared for life's unpredictable disasters.

If nothing else, I hope my photos help remind all of use how important these people are and how lucky we are to have rescuers and first responders available when we are in need.

St. Ansger Rescue Training

2006-02-23T06:57:00.000-06:00

A St. Ansger fireman rushes a victim out of the smoke-filled school during a training exercise.

Emergency responders face multiple challenges

At 2:08 PM on Sunday, February 19^th, St. Ansgar Police Chief Lance Shuttjer receives a citizen’s report of a possible medical problem in the gymnasium of the St. Ansgar Middle School. Mitchell County Communications Center dispatches St. Ansgar Rescue. Upon arrival, first responders encounter thick smoke throughout the school and request assistance from St. Ansgar Fire Department. Victims lay in the dense smoke; some motionless, others screaming. In this small town of 900 people, word of the school explosion travels quickly. Parents, concerned for their child’s safety, rush to the scene. About a half mile away a small car rolls into a steep ditch coming to rest on its roof. All four occupants are trapped inside. The emergency responders now face multiple challenges in not one, but two critical incidents.

In the end everyone, ‘victims’ included, leave the scene unharmed. It is all part of a well orchestrated training exercise designed to prepare firefighters, EMTs, first responders, and other emergency personal in dealing with life-threatening situations while making split-second decisions.

Marty Partcher, a Charles City Firefighter and director of Floyd County Search and Rescue coordinated the training scenario. Assisting Partcher in the day’s activities were several members of Floyd County Search and Rescue.

Click here for additional photos from the training exercise.

Charles City House Fire

2006-02-23T06:56:00.000-06:00

An early morning blaze completely destroyed a Charles City, Iowa, home. The homeowner and his family escaped without injuries. The state fire marshal's office is currently investigating the cause, however preliminary reports indicate a wood burning stove may be to blame.

The family woke to the smell of smoke, evacuated the home, and reported the fire from a neighbor's house. The call was dispatched at 6:12 with fire units arriving at 6:16. This photo was taken at 6:28.

Click on the photo to view more photos from this fire.

The Charles City (Iowa) Fire Department's Rapid Intervention Team truck is being utilized during a recent 'all-call' fire involving a fully engulfed home in one of the city's north side neighborhoods.

Click on the photo to view more photos from this fire.

Pictures from the past

2006-02-23T06:54:00.000-06:00

Since my blog is brand new I have decided to post a hand full of photos from the last year or so. I didn't add any personal information to the post, just a quick description. As always any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks for stopping by!!

Running Water

2006-02-23T01:46:00.000-06:00

Well water runs from a tap in Idlewild Park near Floyd, Iowa.
Click on photo to a open larger view in new window.
Photo © by Allen Murray

Cameron In The Snow

2006-02-23T01:43:00.000-06:00

Cameron Murray, 6, sleds on the hills of Wildwood Park in Charles City, Iowa, after a fresh snowfall.
Click on photo to a open larger view in new window.
Photo © by Allen Murray

Black Over White

2006-02-23T01:30:00.000-06:00

A blanket of new snow and an old bike rack creates a strong contrasting image across from the Lion’s Field Swimming Pool in Charles City, Iowa.

Click on photo to a open larger view in new window.
Photos © by Allen Murray

Sign Of The Past

2006-02-23T01:28:00.000-06:00

A "Fallout Shelter" sign hangs near the front doors of City Hall in Charles City, Iowa.
Click on photo to a open larger view in new window.
Photo © by Allen Murray

Portrait: Ashley Orcutt

2006-02-23T01:22:00.000-06:00

Ashley Orcutt, 17, poses for pictures at Wildwood Park in Charles City, Iowa.
Click on photo to a open larger view in new window.
Photo © by Allen Murray

The Suspension Bridge

2006-02-23T01:19:00.000-06:00

The Suspension Bridge, also known as the swinging bridge, was built in 1906 in Charles City, Iowa. The bridge is 467 feet long.
Click on photo to a open larger view in new window.
Photo © by Allen Murray

Reaching For Rain

2006-02-23T01:05:00.000-06:00

A dead tree standing in an empty field seems to be reaching into the clouds, possibly looking for signs of rain and moisture.
Click on photo to a open larger view in new window.
Photo © by Allen Murray

Built In America

2006-02-23T00:23:00.000-06:00

The American flag decorates a Minneapolis Moline “tractor of the future” prototype, owned by Harold Swartzrock of Charles City.
Click on photo to a open larger view in new window.
Photo © by Allen Murray

Old and Tired

2006-02-23T00:19:00.000-06:00

An old, tired crane finds its final resting place under a large tree.
Click on photo to a open larger view in new window.
Photo © by Allen Murray

Training From Above

2006-02-23T00:16:00.000-06:00

Charles City firefighters keep the heat and flames under control during structure fire training in Greene, Iowa.
Click on photo to a open larger view in new window.
Photo © by Allen Murray

Rehydrating

2006-02-23T00:11:00.000-06:00

Cameron Murray, 5, of Charles City, Iowa, gets a cool drink of water during Central Preschool’s year-end picnic at Lion’s Field Park.
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Photo © by Allen Murray

In Battle

2006-02-22T23:59:00.000-06:00

A German solider tries to hold off American troops during a WWII reenactment as part of Charles City Military History Days.
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Photo © by Allen Murray

Mutual Aid

2006-02-22T23:46:00.000-06:00

A devastating fire at the Stardust Lanes in Nora Springs, Iowa, required the assistance from several neighboring fire departments. Shown here are members of the Nora Springs Fire Department and Charles City Fire Department.

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Photo © by Allen Murray

Making Adjustments

Charles City fireman Eric Whipple tends to the department’s aerial truck during a fire at Stardust Lanes in Nora Springs, Iowa.

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Photo © by Allen Murray

Dam Controls (At Night)

2006-02-22T23:22:00.000-06:00

The Main Street Dam, Cedar River, Charles City, Iowa.

This photo was actually taken with my first digital camera. It was a cheap Olympus point and shot with very little control over the settings. I have been meaning to shoot this again with my new Fujifilm, but haven’t got around to it yet.

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Photo © by Allen Murray