Botetourt, VA heats up again. Ego vs. Progress… Ego Wins

No comments

Botetourt, VA continues to take 1 step forward and several steps backwards as it attempts to create a Fire/EMS model that works. Their current setup is numerous (I believe 7) volunteer fire departments and rescue squads supplemented by paid staffing at some of the stations at certain times during the week. Last year, they hired forward thinking Carr Boyd from Charlotte, NC to oversee the County’s Fire/EMS as their Emergency Services Coordinator. I’ll call him Chief Boyd.

Captain Wines recent post on the Botetourt issue

This week, Chief Boyd resigned. The details are not out yet. Ever since word of hiring for the position, there has been dissension among a select few of the VFD Officers. That came to a head when former Buchanan VFD Chief Billy Joe Carter threatened Captain Willie Wines Jr.’s life. Captain Wines runs IronFiremen.com and updated regularly on the situation.

Willie and I have been very critical of the inability for the “select few VFD Officers” to look beyond their egos and realize how positive the hiring of Chief Boyd was going to be for them.

Due to Chief Boyd’s resignation, all of the dust is being kicked up again. Read the news on his resignation here and here.

Captain Wines writes about Chief Boyd’s Resignation here

Even before that article hit the internet, there was an distasteful and shameful comment left on IronFiremen.com. The comment is apparently from Troutville VFD’s Chief Scott Paderick’s wife Christine Paderick. It was almost as if she new Wines was going to write something about it. Read the comment below:

WARNING: He (Christine’s Husband) does not need his wife writing for him. It says so in the last sentence.

Then again, maybe they are all screwed up of who is who between Willie and I. After all, when Willie began writing about the Botetourt issue, I got word that someone from Troutville (guess who) wanted to kick my ass. I laughed. Apparently some poeple don’t realize the difference between IronFiremen.com and FireCritic.com. After all, I was the one who mentioned the Botetourt issue the other day:

However, I did mention that Willie was going to write about it soon. Maybe the suspense got the best of her?

The main reason for me writing this post is to drive traffic to IronFiremen.com so that you can read about the issues present in Botetourt, VA.

Although mostly, I really want everyone to read the comment above. Especially the first sentence. I am married, and I have enemies…but my wife would NEVER say anything like that about anyone. I fight my own battles.

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 18, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Funding & Staffing, News • Tagged: Carr Boyd, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, IronFiremen.com, Willie Wines Jr.

Helmet Cam: Impressive Footage of Rescue and Fire Attack at Indianapolis Apartment Fire

No comments

Video by: Joel Harsin. Video info: Apartment fire with entrapment. Indianapolis Fire Department

More on the incident from WishTV.com here.

Hat tip to Backstep Firefighter for finding this video. They shared it here.

(more…)

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 17, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: Apartment Fire, Building Fire, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Helmet Cam, Helmet Camera, Indianapolis Fire Department, IronFiremen.com, Rescue, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Former Compton Deputy Chief Marcel Melanson Arrested after Charges of Theft Covered up by Arson

No comments

Marcel Melanson, the 15 year veteran of the Compton (CA) FD, has been arrested for his supposed role in theft at the FD headquarters and subsequent arson used to cover up the theft. Reports indicate that he sold stolen radio equipment online and then set fire inside FD headquarters on December 11, 2011.

Marcel Melanson in Inked Magazine photo by Russ Quackenbush

In 15 years, Melanson rose to the rank of Deputy Chief at 37 years old. He stood out from the crowd due to his heavily tattooed body and his quick rise in ranks at a young age.

He has been terminated by the department as a result of the investigation.

Marcel, who was featured on FireCritic.com two times in the past, has actually been in contact with me via twitter in the past. His account is now disabled.

Related stories:

LATimes.com:

A former Compton deputy fire chief — who has also starred on a reality television series — has been arrested on suspicion of arson and grand theft in connection with a fire that destroyed hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of radio equipment in late 2011.

Marcel Melanson, 37, was arrested at his home Wednesday by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Compton had bought the radio and communications equipment in 2010, when the city was planning to end its contract with the Sheriff’s Department and reinstate the Compton Police Department.

News stories related to Melanson’s recent charges:

STATter911.com: Compton, CA Deputy Chief Marcel Melanson, Who Starred in Reality Series, Jailed for Arson. Police Say Fire Covered Up Theft of City Radio Equipment
NBCLosAngeles.com: Ex-Compton Firefighter Arrested on Suspicion of Arson, Grand Theft
ABCLogal.go.com: Ex-Compton deputy fire chief arrested, accused of arson
LATimes.com: Former Compton firefighter arrested on suspicion of arson

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 17, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: BET, Black Entertainment Television, Compton, Compton Fire Department, Compton Firefighters, Danny Salazar, Docu-drama, Documentary, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter Shows, Firefighting, Firefighting Shows, First In, First In on BET, First In Show, First In TV Show, IronFiremen.com, Jerome Goodall, Marcel Melanson, Marcus Wilson, Rhett Fleitz, Shon Halverson, Social Media, Tyrese Gibson, Willie Wines Jr.

Helmet Cam: Long Creek, IL House Fire a Total Loss. Water Supply Issues Hamper Firefighters Efforts

No comments

Video by: TheMTZFD. Video info: Assisted LCFD with a vacant house fire. Had water issues throughout. No injuries to anyone involved.

More info via Mt. Zion Fire Protection District web site: Mt. Zion was called to assist Long Creek for a report of flames coming from the roof of a house. Upon arrival found the house to be heavily involved in fire. Mt. Zion assisted in fire suppression, and overhaul. The house was a complete loss. One firefighter sustained minor injuries from a large diameter hose coupling striking him in the knee. However, was checked out at the ER and was able to return to the scene. Footage is from BC Paul Hartwig’s helmet camera.

(more…)

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 17, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Videos • Tagged: Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Helmet Cam, Helmet Camera, House Fire, House Fire Video, Illinois, IronFiremen.com, Long Creek Fire Department, Mt. Zion Fire Protection District, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Shoals VFD (NC) Hosts Honor Walk for West, Texas Responders Killed in Explosion

No comments

Chris Gillett, quoted below in the story, informed me he is a few hundred dollars short of his goal. You can contact him on his Facebook Profile (Firefighter Chaplain) to donate. He is also trying to get a tshirt order together for the event.

Honor walk set for West, Texas, responders killed in explosion
PilotMountainNews.com
by Wendy Byerly Wood

PINNACLE — Of the 14 people killed in the April 17 explosion at a West, Texas, fertilizer plant, 11 of those were firefighters and first responders. And a local group of firefighters will be spending May 25 walking in honor of those who lost their lives protecting their community.

Members of Shoals Volunteer Fire Department, as well as other members of the emergency response community, will host a five-mile honor walk to raise money and awareness for those fallen firefighters and EMS personnel who were killed in the explosion, many of whom were fighting the initial fire that started prior to the blast.

“The tragedy in Texas kind of got swallowed up by the Boston bombing,” said Lt. Chris Gillett of Shoals VFD. “I wanted to do something to raise money for the firefighters’ families who were killed as well as raise awareness.”

…

The honor walk, set to begin at 10 a.m. at Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Department on Key Street/N.C. 268, with those participating wearing full turnout gear. “Most people can do it, it’s just under 6 miles, and we’re doing it in full turnout gear. They sacrificed, and it’s going to be a sacrifice to do that (in full gear),” Gillett said. “There is even a soldier who was wounded in Afghanistan driving up from Fort Bragg to walk in full military gear.”

Do You Have What it Takes? The Firefighter Turnout Challenge Supports the NFE

Comments Off

Are you participating in a 5k, 10k, marathon or other endurance event coming up? Take the Firefighter Turnout Challenge and show the public what firefighters do every day. You can create your own fundraising page HERE and even recruit your own team to help reach a group fundraising goal.

If you raise $750 for the cause, you’ll receive a leather NFE presentation helmet as a token of your victory.

Firefighter Turnout Challenge – National Firefighters Endowment

Brian Hackenburg

The Firefighter Turnout Challenge is a fundraising initiative born after Brian Hackenburg took it upon himself to compete in the Cedar Point Triathlon in full turnout gear. Yes, you heard that correct! Brian will be running the 26.2 mile stretch of the Cedar Point Triathlon in full turnout gear AND airpack.

Brian, 36, is an 18 year veteran of the fire service from Sandusky, Ohio.

But that isn’t it. He has numerous other events he will be completing wearing turnout gear.

In Brian’s own words:

“The National Firefighters Endowment is an important charity to me because it focuses on protecting the lives of firefighters all across the nation so they get to go home to their families. Every fire department needs the necessary equipment to protect themselves and their community in a moment of crisis. NFE helps underfunded departments get the equipment necessary to save lives.”

He has set a personal fundraising goal of $2,500 and a team goal of $25,000

BRIAN’S UPCOMING RACES:

June 9th – Half Ironman, Sylvania
June 16th – Olympic Distance Triathlon, Oregon
July 13th – Ironman 70.3, Muncie
Aug 4th – Ironman 70.3 Steelhead, Benton Harbor
Aug 18th – Olympic Distance Triathlon, Vermilion
Sept 8th- Rev3 Triathlon, Cedar Point

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 16, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: Brian Hackenburg, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter Turnout Challenge, Firefighting, IronFiremen.com, National Firefighters Endowment, NFE, Rhett Fleitz, Shane Parkins, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr.

Best of the Rest – Harrisburg, FDIC, FDNY Rescue, Botetourt County Heats Up Again

No comments

It has been busy…

I just finished up promotional testing for 1st Lt. and Captain in my department. We had practical testing yesterday and I feel good about it. It could have been much better, but I am pleased with my performance.

If you have information to share, be sure to get it to me.

The Fire Critic Facebook Page is constantly pumping out great info, sharing YOUR questions with “Mutual Aid Question from a Brother” posts, and more.

The Fire Critic on Facebook

FDIC

Michael Smith of Boron Extrication climbed with me at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. He actually got to meet a family member of the man he was climbing for, Joseph Agnello. Michael didn’t get the contact information and is looking for John Agnello, Joseph’s cousin. Michael’s post is a moving tribute to Ladder 118 and Joseph Agnello. Read it here, and help him out in contacting John.

Progress Fire Expo Bash 2013

Harrisburg Fire Expo

Captain Wines will be on the road later today. He is heading to Harrisburg, PA for the Fire Expo. Unfortunately, I am unable to make the trip. I will be working for Willie on Friday so he can though. He plans on catching up with the Progress Fire Bash 2013. The Firehouse Dolls will be there too. Captain Wines is travelling with his wife and I think the Buckaroo…I have officially been replaced! Be sure to welcome him in PA. I have wanted to make the trip for this event for years, I guess it will have to wait until next year.

What’s Next?

Captain Wines and I plan on attending Firehouse Expo in Baltimore and Fire Rescue International in Chicago. On top of that, we have an engagement in New York State with the Capital Region FOOLS in September. Check out their Facebook Page here. We also have heard of tentatively being asked to speak at the Canadian Volunteer Firefighters Convention in Ottawa. We look forward to hearing more about that soon.

Botetourt County, VA

You might remember Captain Wines in-depth writing about issues within the Botetourt County, VA Fire & EMS…most notably some of the issues with the Buchanan VFD and their former Chief Billy Joe Carter. I am not sure, but I believe Carter is still incarcerated. Things are heating up again in Botetourt, this time with relation to their Fire/EMS Director Carr Boyd who is in the process of resigning. Willie and I are still working on the details, but it seems as though another one of Botetourt’s Volunteer Chiefs is behind forcing Boyd out. Troutville VFD’s Chief who is reportedly also a felon has apparently been a thorn in the side of the forward thinking Fire/EMS Director. Look for an article from Willie about this fiasco soon at IronFiremen.com.

22 Years ago, one of the most prolific rescues occurred in New York City.

STATter911.com - While I have been busy, Dave Statter continues to post great videos of fires across the Country. Check out the latest one from Huntsville, Alabama here.

First Due Tackle – Paul Hasenmeier has been busy updating First Due Tackle with plenty of great information and articles. Check it out here.

10SeventyFive.com – This up-and-coming blog looks very promising. Be sure to check them out!

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 16, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Best of the Rest, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, News • Tagged: Best of the Rest, Botetourt County, Dave Statter, EMS, EMT, Facebook, FDIC, FDNY, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Harrisburg, IronFiremen.com, Progress Fire, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr.

Helmet & Dash Cam: Two Views of West Plains House Fire

No comments

Videos by: WestPlainsFD. Helmet Camera and Dash Camera for West Plains FD responds to automatic aid with Howell County Rural Fire Dept on a structure fire.

Helmet Camera from Fire

Dash Camera from Fire

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 13, 2013 • Filed under: Dash Camera, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Videos • Tagged: Dash Camera, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Helmet Cam, Helmet Camera, House Fire, House Fire Video, IronFiremen.com, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

FirefighterWife.com Flame Fest is the First Ever National Event for Firefighter Wives

No comments

Guys, do me a favor and share this with your wife. I get a lot of questions on FB related to relations with our significant others. This site is your answer to share with your wife. It provides her a place to connect, reach out, or just sit back and follow along with other firefighter wives.

Myself, Lori of FirefighterWife.com, and Captain Wines

Trust me, I believe that your wives might enjoy the site!

I have been following the site for some time now. Captain Wines and I had the pleasure of meeting up with Lori, who runs the site, and her husband at FDIC 2013. We got to talk for a bit, and they even showed up at the party we put on at Hard Rock Cafe. I look forward to doing more work with them in the future.

You can read about FDIC from Lori’s perspective in her post “No Glitter, All Heart: A Firefighter Wife’s View of FDIC

If you have never heard of FirefighterWife.com, you should check it out and share it with your wife. It is a great source of information for our wives.

FirefighterWife.com – Facebook – Twitter @WifeOnFire

About FirefighterWife.com:

Firefighter Wife is a community for the wives (fiancees & girlfriends) of firefighters whose mission is to:

Stengthen, Ignite, and Rescue Firefighter Marriages

Nurture our Fire Wife Community with Encouragement, Support, and Friendship.

To Build Up our Fire Wives in Mind, Body, and Spirit to be Wise, Strong, and Enduring.

To Bring an Even Deeper Sense of Community to the Entire Fire Family.

This group of ladies is the sisterhood you have been looking for.

Read more about what this group of ladies is about here.

They even have a “Fit Fire Wife” program here.

Flame Fest

FirefighterWife.com is holding the “Flame Fest” July 25-26 in Atlanta. This will be the first ever National event for firefighter wives.

They have a full schedule of events, speakers, and mingling with other wives. Husbands are welcome too.