Here is some early video of the JB’s General Store fire.
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I originally posted the “Definition of a Professional Fire Fighter” yesterday. You can read it here.
Then, The Happy Medic responded and thought that the simplistic statement was far from the truth.
I didn’t really go into depth as to my take on it because I thought that the message was received. However, Happy was Unhappy with the statement and I will take this opportunity to expound on my thoughts of what the statement says to me. I do appreciate the challenge, and I think that this explanation will be more worthwhile for the younger firefighters who might viewed the statement as Happy has pointed out.
I still maintain that for those of us who read the simple statement should be able to understand the message and not require such an explanation. In addition, the statement was published in a book in 1986, there is no telling how long ago it was said, although I do not think that it needs further dissection or explanation.
On the other hand, I will oblige….Thanks for asking my opinion Happy. Most of the time, my stories simply offer a thought process and I ask a question. Few people realize that I only offer my opinion after being asked or challenged.
Those who possess “Professionalism” don’t need a statement to remind us. We have created a subconscious thought process that enables us to ensure our professionalism without having to think about it.
I am also certain that The Happy Medic exudes professionalism and understands that it is worth its effort for those who don’t get it yet!
The original appears in regular type. My inference is explained in the bold.
The fact that you are a paid fire fighter in no way makes you a professional. The fact that you are a volunteer fire fighter in no way makes you a professional. I think this is self explanatory and puts the debate at an even keel. Its words speak volumes for those who think they are better than the other just because one does it as a voluntary measure and others who make a living doing it. This day in age, the “fire fighter” should probably also include those who are single role EMS or dual role Fire/EMS.
You become a professional only when you exhibit on the fire ground those professional skills that you have acquired over the years… Fire ground = on scene of any call that you respond to. This might also include any other events you are a part of while in the public view as a fire fighter. Exhibiting professional skills = training, experience, knowledge, and everything else you put in that little toolbox between your ears that you effectively use while operating in the day to day operations of your job.
Your conduct on the fire ground is and will be the only yardstick by which your superiors and the public can judge you and the organization you represent… Again, Fire ground = on scene of any call that you respond to. This might also include any other events you are a part of while in the public view as a fire fighter. Your conduct = the view of your actions by others (coworkers, superiors, public); what, when, and how you do it; whether or not you are a team player; this also includes your attitude and appearance. Yardstick by which your superiors and the public can judge you = Chiefs don’t care about what you had for breakfast, that you cooked the best spaghetti of your life for dinner, or that you studied your run territory after lunch. They care about you being capable of doing the tasks put in front of you while on calls. The public doesn’t care about that stuff either, they care about when they need you or see you out in public you look like you know what you are doing! Judge you and the organization you represent = While in public you are always under the microscope. You are constantly being sized up by the public. If you give the appearance that you do not know what you are doing the public will think that. Hell, even if you are doing what you are supposed to do, the public might still not understand it.
Happy also wrote:
Not long ago it was an offense to be out of quarters without cover on. That means wearing a hat for you younger folk. Now there are departments wearing shorts. SHORTS! I’ll admit, I tried it once during a hot summer in the southwest and I felt like a teenager, not a Professional.
Not all departments share the uniform policies, uniform requirements, or traditions. I do understand where Happy is coming from, but my department uniform is BDU’s and a t-shirt. I admit it doesn’t exude the professional image that I would like, but I am not the one making the policies. All I can say is that it is what you make of it. We do a pretty decent job of creating a professional appearance even with our cost-saving irregular BDU’s and shirts that both easily fade. This is out of our hands and unfortunate at best.
Firefighters must realize the collapse danger of walls while operating at fires. No matter the construction, I assure you buildings can and will collapse after being attacked by fire. Hose streams can also assist in weakening walls or finishing them off after the affects of fire.
While operating on the scene, and more importantly when we arrive on scene we must place our apparatus out of the collapse zone and operate at a safe distance if a collapse were to occur. Parapet walls, cantilevered walls, fancy facades, awnings, and signs on the buildings all have a tendency to collapse or fall.
I just got finished reading the chapter on Michael Goff in “Last Alarm” by Jerry Laughlin. The book was published in 1986 and features 5 true stories about firefighters who died in the line of duty. Michael Goff, a Petersburg (VA) Sergeant was killed when a wall collapsed on him following an explosion at an apartment complex. The explosion also injured many firefighters, EMT’s, and civilians (some who had just been rescued).
Even if you are just beginning as a firefighter and have not had time to delve into building construction, you need to know the risks of collapse.
In the videos below, you will see a parapet wall collapse, a building collapse, and firefighters operating inside a 1 story residential after the roof has collapsed.
Parapet Wall Collapse in Brewster, Ohio
Building Collapse Collapse videos from large Pawtucket, Rhode Island mill fire.
Statter911 covered this video yesterday with an additional video and information on taking great video on scene of fires.
2 large fires that evening
More from STATter911 here and FireGeezer here on these two fires
Here is a bonus video of another fire in Brewster Ohio that they fought earlier in the evening
Firefighters inside after roof collapse
I must admit that I love fighting fire. However, it makes no sense at all to be inside this structure from my vantage point. That being said, maybe they saw something I didn’t. One thing is for sure, they don’t really do a lot of good in putting the fire out from the inside. I am not sure where this fire occurred.
For love of the Job… A Firefighter who has no future in show business and Cebu Pacific Flight Attendants Who Got it Going On
No commentsThese two videos show different aspects of really loving your job. The first one is of a firefighter who should definitely love his job, because he has no future in whatever it is he is doing. The second video is courtesy of Bill Schumm of FireGeezer who was certain when he said “I know you can find a place for this one”. I don’t think he will doubt me in the future. The second video shows Cebu Pacific Flight Attendants who apparently love their job. This is a must see video!
I wonder if Chris Hebert ever gets this service on his US Airways flights?
Firefighter performing DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love
Cebu Pacific FAs dancing
Dramatic Helmet Camera Footage of a 2nd Alarm Fire in South Whitehall Township (PA) at 2902 Reading Road
11 comments1st responder news has more of a report on the fire here
South Whitehall FD’s – Cetronia – Greenawald – Woodlawn
Here is an interesting pair of videos… One of the firefighters inside fighting fire and the other of the media’s view of the same fire. Albeit they may not be at the exact same times, the medias coverage starts soon after the helmet camera footage ends as it appears.
There are many things I noticed about this helmet camera footage. One of the biggest is how the one firefighter hands off the hose to the firefighter with the camera…WTF? Never hand off the hoseline!!! This is not a tactical, strategical, or safety issue. Rather, this is an issue of common sense. I know of guys who have gotten in fist fights over the nozzle.
There are other things I noticed. The firefighter with the helmet camera calls for a second line. Good instinct. That should have been taken care of by the IC, but good pickup.
What are some things you noticed?
Helmet Camera Footage
Media Coverage
I previously covered the Fargo Fire here
Now, there are some new videos on youtube that show the fire from the start just after the first arriving fire apparatus are on scene. Watch as the fire escalates.
Here are some more links which discuss the firefighters who were trapped. Thanks to FirefighterClosecalls.com for the heads up.
Dave Statter broke this story here with video earlier.
Since then, another video has surfaced showing the large fire which consumed the apartment complex and left 150 people without a place to live.
photo from WDAY
During the fire, two firefighters became trapped and were rescued. The firefighters were uninjured and returned to battling the blaze shortly thereafter.
Links:
- WDAY coverage of the fire – with video and photos
- STATter911 coverage – with video
- Inforum.com coverage – with map
Lake Havasu City Fire Department Hires 9 Firefighters Using SAFER Funding…Here is their 4 Week Recruit School
2 commentsHere is a very well done video documenting the 4 week recruit school for 9 rookie firefighters in Lake Havasu, Arizona. The Lake Havasu Fire Department has 6 stations which cover 52 square miles.
I am unsure if the FD actually responds to the legendary Lake Havasu parties at spring break…but that would be icing on the cake for me!
It is great to see fire departments taking advantage of the SAFER grant funding available through FEMA.
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the NFPA and OSHA (NFPA 1710 and/or NFPA 1720 and OSHA 1910.134). For details visit www.nfpa.org/SAFERActGrant.
Enjoy the best job in the World guys! I am just wondering why my recruit school as 12 weeks, 6 days a week? Seems like I grabbed the short straw!
Firefighter Marriage Proposal – Firefighter uses Fire Prevention Week to Propose to his Girlfriend
No commentsHere is a unique idea. This Hualapai Valley Firefighter takes the opportunity during a Fire Prevention event to propose to his girlfriend who is a teacher.
I have a great idea for a wedding present for the Groom….leather boots. Rubber boots make me cringe.
Congratulations to the newly engaged couple!
Over the past several years, I have created several web sites. The Fire Critic has remained one of my favorites.
The past several weeks has brought clarity to its purpose. In an effort to move the site forward, I have decided to update more often with videos, articles, and whatever else is new or interesting in the fire service.
What this means to you is that you will have to check back more often to see what is new and/or scroll down further to see what you have missed!
I have also been working to maximize the potential of the twitter account (@firecritic) and facebook page of the site. As always, you can friend request me as well here.
FireCritic – Twitter @firecritic – Facebook
Interestingly enough, today’s Monday Morning Shoutout here at The Fire Critic goes to ChicagoFD.org. I checked the site out when I found some great videos on youtube from them. The interesting thing about it is that Mike Ward over at Fire Geezer wrote a detailed article on Chicago: Remembering those lost in Chicago: 21 dead at Union Stock Yards in 1910 and 9 dead at Hubbard Street in 1961. Check it out, it is a good read!
This past weekend, I have been stuck at my house trying to pass a kidney stone which my friend Captain Wines so eloquently wrote about here on Ironfiremen.com. Prior to that was the epic anti-climactic “Rhett said” vs. “Dave said” between Dave Statter and I over the events in Obion County Tennessee (Fire Critic links here, here, and here & Statter links here, here, here and here).
Of course, if you weren’t able to catch the live netcast of the discussion on Obion County, be sure to check it out below!
Listen to the netcast right here!
Videos -Videos – Videos
I also posted several decent videos, as did Dave Statter on numerous fires this past weekend. Here is a link to an article with most of them here.
“VACANT” vs. “UNOCCUPIED”
Firefighter Behavior has a decent look at whether or not Vacant Structures are actually Vacant unless we say they are. I have been trying to explain this for a long time. There is a difference between “VACANT” & “UNOCCUPIED”.
In my opinion, vacant simply means no one resides there on a regular basis (i.e. homeowner or renter). Vacant structures can still have people in them. Whether it is squatters or kids playing around, vacant structures can be “OCCUPIED”. The only way to rule out a structure being occupied is by doing a thorough search. Read the story of a child who died in a VACANT, but OCCUPIED structure and why Backstep Firefighter is asking the question When Did It Become Okay To Say ‘No’? They also followed up recently with this post: Why We Search: Baltimore
Have you ever left a coffee mug on the tailboard?
One more thing… FireGeezer has finally come up with a coffee mug that might withstand you leaving it on the tailboard and forgetting about it when you get a call. The new travel mug is available, you can check it out here!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
ChicagoFD.org, an Insubordinate Company, and a Close Call from Back in the Day is this Weeks Monday Morning Shoutout
3 commentsThis weeks Monday Morning Shoutout goes to ChicagoFD.org. The site is very well done and includes a lot of history of the Chicago Fire Department.
The site is described as: Welcome to the ChicagoCivilDefense.org – Fire & Rescue Unit / E.P.D.S. Website. Dedicated to Robert J.Quinn, Fire Commissioner / Acting Director, and ALL former members of the Chicago Civil Defense & the Chicago Fire Department.
You could spend hours on this site watching their videos, looking at pictures, and learning about the Chicago FD. You can also listen to live dispatch.
Here is something you don’t hear everyday…
Battalion 19 at a working fire on 9/16/2010 at approx 05:50 hrs. calls Englewood to report Squad 5 picking up and they are refusing. Battalion 19 orders the Office to send in a Deputy (2-2-5) because he has a disorderly Squad Co. Listen to the audio here
Chicago Fire Department RESCUE ME
This is a great video that shows hard work at getting brother firefighters out of harms way. What I found amazing was how the first guy who was rescued then stayed on the ladder and helped rescue the next guy.
Watch all of ChicagoFD.org’s videos on youtube here
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Weekend Video Wrap-up: L.A. County Large Commercial Fire, Congress St. Fire in Portland, and Going Exterior in Willimantic
1 commentHere are some embedded videos and some links to other videos from this past weekend involving fires across the Nation. As always, be sure to let me know if you come across a video to share!
Granville House Fire in West Virginia – FireCritic.com
UPDATED: Must see video of rescue attempt & rescues in Lowell, MA. – Statter911
Coverage of the Lowell, MA Fire by Firegeezer
Fire in Jacksonville with Helmet Camera footage – FireCritic.com
Aerial View of the City of Bellflower Commercial Fire in LA County this past Friday
Fire on Congress St. in the East end of Portland, Maine 10-09-10
FireGeezer has more coverage of this fire here
An early morning fire severely damaged a home in Colerain Township on Sunday.
The blaze gutted the second floor and the attic of the home on Brendan Drive in the Black Rock Estates development, fire officials said. Officials said the fire was accidental and electrical in nature. A damage estimate was not available Sunday. Read the entire article here
Follow me on the next two videos…
I don’t know about you but right after this:
Would you be doing this?
I am just not so sure I would be trusting that fire ruined building that just took a beating by a solid stream.
Jacksonville Fire Fighters battle a blaze in a two-story house in historic Springfield on Ionia Street.
Watch as the firefighters battle the fire from exterior to prevent extension to the exposure. Then the set up a deck gun to the second floor.
In August, 7 Detroit firefighters were injured when a wall collapsed on them. 4 of the firefighters talk with WJBK Fox 2 about their injuries and an upcoming fundraiser for the injured firefighters.
Here is a video from Charlotte. The firefighters vent the roof over the fire in a 1 1/2 story residential dwelling.
Union Busting in Philadelphia. The State Labor Relations Board Rules that Paramedics CANNOT be Members of the Philadelphia Firefighters Unioin.
No commentsHat tip to The Ambulance Driver for this story (here).
Philadelphia paramedics are getting the boot from the State Labor Relations Board. The paramedics will no longer be allowed to be members of the Philadelphia Firefighters Union Local 22 because they are not cross-trained in firefighting.
Update: I missed this when originally doin the story: Philadelphia council joins paramedics’ suit – Hat tip to SR for the link
The story is best told by the author of the First In blog (who is a Captain in Philadelphia). First In is a blog I have followed for years. It might not be a daily reader, but always has interesting articles.
First In article here. He gives some great insight on his feelings of this ruling.
First In Blog:
The City of Philadelphia, specifically the Nutter Administration has declared war on the Fire Department. Ironically the Fire Department is by far the most efficient and hardest working department in the entire city government. We are also the most powerless. Until now Firefighters and Paramedics were part of the same union, Local 22 IAFF. Unlike a real union that most people are familiar with we are more of a bargaining unit. We can’t strike due to the essential nature of our work and extreme working conditions we face. That means at contract time we sit down with the city and each side presents its case before a panel of arbitrators. Normally the city pleads poverty and asks for draconian work rules while the local asks for minimum pay and benefit increases to keep the members who are legally bound to live in the city from going broke. After the testimony the neutral arbitrator, after considering the facts presented issues an award. Both sides are bound to live with it. At least that is what ACT 111 says.
I just wonder if a few changes to the Philadelphia Firefighters Union Constitution and Bylaws and possibly the change of name to Philadelphia Firefighters and Paramedics Union. I am not a huge fan of the name change, but it the outcome is positive and they really want the paramedics incorporated then it seems like a no brainer. I imagine the issue isn’t quite that simple though!
Photo from First In Blog
PHILADELPHIA FIRE DEPARTMENT
HEADQUARTERS
GENERAL MEMORANDUM #10-116
October 4, 2010
TO : All PFD Fire Service Paramedics
REF/AUTHORITY : Fire Commissioner
SUBJECT : IMPLEMENTATION OF PLRB UNIT CLARIFICATION DECISION
[the emphasis below is mine (FC)]
As you probably know by now, the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (PLRB) ruled on September 21, 2010 that the position of Fire Service Paramedic should not be in the IAFF Local 22 bargaining unit because City of Philadelphia paramedics do not perform fire suppression and are not fire fighters under the law.
The effect of this decision is that paramedics are now non-represented civil service employees of the City. The terms of the collective bargaining agreement/interest arbitration awards between the City and Local 22 no longer apply. This in no way diminishes any paramedics standing as a uniformed member of the Philadelphia Fire Department.
I am sensitive to the fact that this decision has raised many questions about what this means for the terms and conditions of your employment. The City is committed to implementing this decision in an orderly way.
I will be conducting informational sessions on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 and Thursday, October 7, 2010 from 1900 to 2100 hours at the Philadelphia Fire Academy. I invite all paramedics to attend and ask any questions you may have. In the meantime, this memo serves as the first attempt to answer some of your questions. More information will follow.
• Wages: There will be no change to your base wages at this time.
• Longevity Pay: Consistent with the rules in place for non-represented civil service employees of the City, longevity and step increments will be frozen until the Mayor determines that economic conditions permit increases to be made. Your current longevity and pay step will not decrease as a result of this freeze.
• Premium Pay and Overtime: The City will continue to calculate and compensate you for premium pay based on your regular work schedule and overtime for hours worked outside your regular work schedule on the same basis that it has been doing so: (Continued)
Premium pay will be paid in the amount of 3 hours per week at “Rate 3”, the higher rate used to calculate your overtime and premium pay. Premium pay will offset against any overtime due for working up to 42 hours per week.
If you work more than 15 minutes after your regular shift, you will be paid overtime at a rate of one-and-one-half times Rate 3, regardless of the day worked or how many hours you have worked that week.
If this is going to change in the future, you will be provided notice in advance.
• Union Dues: The City will stop deducting Union Dues beginning with the October 8, 2010 paycheck.
• Legal Service Fees: The City will stop making a contribution to the Union legal services fund on behalf of FSPs.
• Health Care: As a non-represented employee, you and your families are eligible for coverage under the City Administered Plan. Additional information about the City’s plans will be provided to you separately. The City has agreed with Local 22 that Local 22 will provide health coverage to you and your families for the month of October 2010 to allow time for that changeover to occur.
• Leave Benefits: Your leave benefits will remain unchanged at this time.
• Grievance and Discipline: You will still be entitled to a trial board when charged with disciplinary action. You have the right to challenge certain personnel directions pursuant to the appeal process available to non-represented employees under the Civil Service Regulations.
• Pension: Information about pension will be provided in the near future.
The administration truly appreciates everyone’s understanding and cooperation during this implementation process.
LLOYD AYERS
FIRE COMMISSIONER
Related links:
This video is not the most exciting. However, it does show what this FD is capable of prior to more units showing up on scene.
As the video starts, two hoselines are put into service. The bulk of the fire is knocked down. That is when I started wondering what their next move is. I thought that if they were going to fully extinguish the fire from the driveway, this thing might burn for a lot longer.
Luckily, at the 7:40 mark, another crew shows up ready to go. They snag a hoseline and get to work.
This operation actually worked out pretty good for the circumstances. A majority of the fire was knocked down by a defensive attack. That was followed up by an interior attack to prevent extension or minimize the fire spread into the rest of the house.
COMPANIES FROM CLINTON DISTRICT, TRIUNE-HALLECK, COOL SPRINGS, GRANVILLE, AND WESTOVER RESPONDED TO A WORKING STRUCTURE FIRE ON 10-08-10 AT ASHTON ESTATES OFF OF THE SMITHTOWN ROAD. FIRST UNIT ON SCENE TANKER 172 INITIATED AN EXTERIOR ATTACK AND KNOCKED THE BULK OF THE FIRE DOWN. NEXT IN CREWS ARRIVED ON SCENE AND FINISHED THE JOB WITH SOME INTERIOR WORK. THE FIRE WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE STARTED IN THE GARAGE AREA OF THE HOUSE. MONONGALIA COUNTY EMS AND SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT ALSO RESPONDED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
Tractor-trailer hits Stamford fire engine on I-95 and a Fatal Accident with a Ladder truck in Kern County, CA
No commentsTwo people are killed in an accident with a Kern County (CA) ladder truck.
Two people are dead following an accident on Highway 178 and Rancheria Road involving a Kern County Fire Department ladder truck. Story here
FireGeezer posted this earlier here.
2005 HME Silver Fox Engine (formerly Engine 6)
Stamford (CT) Fire & Rescue Engine 1 was hit by a tractor-trailer at a high rate of speed on I-95. The only injury was a leg laceration to a State Trooper.
Engine 1 was on the scene of a vehicle fire around 2:13am. The apparatus was hit while the vehicle was being loaded on a flatbed after being extinguished.
Engine 1 is a 2005 HME Ahrens-Fox. No damage estimates were available. Click here for the full story
A Stamford Fire & Rescue engine was seriously damaged Monday morning when it was hit from behind at high speed by a tractor-trailer. Photo: Contributed Photo / Stamford Advocate Contributed
Statter on The Fire Critic “You are Right, You are Wrong”. Make up your mind! Plus Firefighter Netcast and Audio from South Fulton
2 commentsLast night, John and I welcomed Dave Statter, Justin Schorr, Chris Kaiser, Art Goodrich, Mike Ward, Willie Wines Jr., Joseph Schmoe, and GTRider245 live on Firefighter Netcast to discuss the Obion County and South Fulton Fiasco.
Listen to the netcast right here!
Dave Statter once again latches onto one comment of mine from last night. I made reference to the fact that the media sensationalized this story. I am right. I understand why the media does this. I may not agree with it, but it is what it is. Dave twists that as me blaming the news. That is incorrect. I still blame the elected officials and local government of Obion County. I was simply making a point.
That being said, I love Dave for it! You might ask why. Well the answer is simple.People read, learn, agree, disagree, and make changes.
I would also like to thank everyone for the comments on this blog and other blogs I read. The comments have been very insightful and show the thought processes of firefighters, how those thoughts vary, and where we are on this topic. Even the negative comments are good. They are good for debate. I love the fact that everyone can offer their opinion. I think this situation shows the benefit of blogs and other forms of social media!
Dave mentions that I am right about everything…but then says I am wrong. Make up your mind Dave. You know I am right, everyone knows I am right. I am not putting the spin on it that everyone else is. Hell Dave, I keep reading this post of yours (here) and I am beginning to think you might have multiple personalities. You keep saying I am right, then saying I am wrong. You say you agree with me, then saying you disagree with me. Make up your mind Dave. You love pointing I am wrong by saying I am right! It is hard to follow.
Anyone taking bets on who will get the last word; Dave or Me?
I would like to summarize my thoughts.
I merely stated the facts…the outcome was predictable. Homeowners who live in Obion County that fall under the Fire Protection District covered by the Municipal Fire Department of South Fulton get coverage if they pay the $75 fee. Plain and simple. If they don’t pay, they don’t get the coverage. There is no spin there. I find it hard to believe that anyone cannot understand that.
That being said…I will reiterate my point. The system is antiquated, unsafe, unfair, and not a good idea.
Obion County needs to immediately develop a timeline for creation of their own Fire Department.
I still stand by the my comments that you CANNOT fault the Firefighters or Fire Department for their actions. South Fulton operates in Obion County as a Fire Protection District. They do so by way of policies set forth by their government. Obion County has clearly accepted the format of delivery by South Fulton as well as that of the other 7 municipal departments which operate their own Fire Protection Districts in Obion County.
This is NOT the way the Municipal FD’s operate within their jurisdictions…just the way they operate in their Fire Protection Districts outside of their Municipalities.
After listening to the netcast from last night again…Dave really doesn’t disagree with anything I say except for one word I used. However, even then he says I am technically right but that it isn’t the way things should be done. Thanks Dave, exactly what I have been saying. “Everything operated the way it Should” – my words. Everything did operate the way it should under the current system. Nothing happened the way it should this day in age. The antiquated system that is being used in Obion County should be completely overhauled.
Put me in coach!!! I will be happy to head down to Obion County to help them come up with a solution. Hell, better yet there are plenty of consultants out there which would be happy to be bank rolled to come up with a positive solution.
Here is the audio from the incident
Here are related links:
- STATter911.com previous coverage of this story here, here and here
- South Fulton Fire Department - official page
- No pay, no spray: Firefighters let home burn - MSNBC
- Tennessee Firefighters Let Home Burn Over Subscription Issue – Firefighter Nation With plenty of comments!
- A better (but not good) answer to the Tennessee pay to spray fiasco. Plus, Dave becomes a critic of The Fire Critic. – Statter 911
- IAFF Condemns Tennessee House Fire Policy- IAFF
- Watch it Burn – Firefighter/Paramedic Stories
- They all acted Stupidly – The Fire PIO
- South Fulton Fire Department – You Pay or We Don’t Play! – Firefighter Blog
- I am outraged that I cannot drink your milkshake! – No Ambition But One
- If You’re a Tennessee Fire Department, Is It Still Extortion? – First Aid Blog
- Can’t or Won’t? The South Fulton Fire – The Happy Medic
- Pay to Play? No Way. – EMS in the New Decade
- In Defense of Obion County Fire Department - Rogue Medic
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tonight on Firefighter Netcast, John and I will be discussing the dilemma in South Fulton, Tennessee.
The direct link to the show is here on Blog Talk Radio
Or you can call 347-327-9920 to listen in live. Press 1 when you call in to talk with us live as well.
Be sure to register on Blog Talk Radio (free) so you can join in the live chatroom discussion as well!
- Who is at fault?
- What needs to be changed?
- Ethics vs. Policies
- Right vs. Wrong
I posted on this topic here and here.
Here are some other links for the dilemma in South Fulton.
Join us live at 9pm EST. Call in and offer your point of view.
Here are some more links:
- South Fulton Fire Department - official page
- No pay, no spray: Firefighters let home burn - MSNBC
- Tennessee Firefighters Let Home Burn Over Subscription Issue – Firefighter Nation With plenty of comments!
- A better (but not good) answer to the Tennessee pay to spray fiasco. Plus, Dave becomes a critic of The Fire Critic. – Statter 911
- IAFF Condemns Tennessee House Fire Policy- IAFF
- Watch it Burn – Firefighter/Paramedic Stories
- They all acted Stupidly – The Fire PIO
- South Fulton Fire Department – You Pay or We Don’t Play! – Firefighter Blog
- I am outraged that I cannot drink your milkshake! – No Ambition But One
- If You’re a Tennessee Fire Department, Is It Still Extortion? – First Aid Blog
- Can’t or Won’t? The South Fulton Fire – The Happy Medic
- Pay to Play? No Way. – EMS in the New Decade
- In Defense of Obion County Fire Department - Rogue Medic
Videos: Anne Arundel County Firefighters Pumping Contests and Battle of the Bucketcirca 1960′s
No commentsHere are some flashbacks from back in the day…or so I have read about it!
Battle of the Buckets circa 1960
Fire Engine Pumping Contest in 1959
Fire Engine Pumping Contest from 1960
Fire Engine Pumping Contest from 1961
1964 Fire Engine Pumping Contest
1963 Pumping Contest SD wmv for facebook
This is in response to Dave Statters critique (here) of my previous post on the situation in South Fulton (here).
You know what people say when they don’t have anything else to gig me on? I’m short. That’s it, plain and simple.
What is truly amazing is that the ones who usually do it stand just a couple inches taller than me. You would think that they were towering men at 7′ tall. Nope. I think it is hilarious. I stand 5’7″. It has never bothered me.
Dave Statter is one of those guys. I think he got picked on as a kid.
Either way, he has called me out. He not only disagrees with my stance on the South Fulton fiasco, he actually said I was just plain wrong.
I just don’t think Dave understands a firefighters perspective.
Dave lambastes the Oak Brook’s Connie Xinos for wanting to fire firefighters (of which I agree with Dave on this). Yet local representatives (City,County,town Council members and mayors) get by unscathed by Dave in South Fulton and Obion County Tennessee.
Then in a move reminiscent of FirefighterHourly.com, he jumps on the bandwagon of the IAFF (of which I am a member). The IAFF’s stance is understandable and blames the FD for inaction while pointing to the issue of the pay for service policy. Read it here.
On to Dave’s critique of my stance he wrote:
Now back to our story. No, Rhett. Everything did not operate as it should. Firefighters put out fires and help people. They should not be put in the position where they can’t do that. And maybe it’s not the South Fulton Government that is necessarily the problem. Maybe Obion County should provide for its people by subsidizing the volunteer fire departments.
Blah, blah, blah…Actually Dave, everything did operate just as it was supposed to according to South Fulton City, The South Fulton FD, and Obion County.
- The County allows South Fulton to provide Fire protection through a Fire Protection District.
- South Fulton has a 5 mile radius Fire Protection District in Obion County.
- South Fulton offers Fire Protection to Obion County residents for an annual $75 fee.
- South Fulton does not allow payment on scene when residents of Obion County have a fire.
- Obion County residents understand this fee and pay it if they want fire protection.
Just like you said: They should not be put in the position where they can’t do that. These rules are created by people further up the chain than the firefighters.
If Obion County residents and Obion County legislators want their own fire protection they would have to create their own department(s). This is just as I said and then you said after me.
Fire Departments operate under local governments. They have policies to follow and regulations to abide by. Not all of them make sense. Not all of them are right. The beancounters (local officials) are the ones to blame plain and simple.
If you cannot trust your department heads to follow the rules they will be replaced. If there were such a problem with this, why in the hell has it been going on for 20 years?
Dave, you have no argument with me. You just wanted all of your readers (both of them) to look at my site, check out the sites, and hopefully boost your own stats.
I just don’t see how you can fault the Fire Department. The headline should have read “City Council makes Firefighters stand by and watch house burn down”. Get it…it isn’t as catchy as “firefighters stand by and watch house burn”…media at its best.
The truth is that Dave is a good friend. He is always asking if he can stop by my station to smell the smoke in my turnout gear. I just love how he clings to his couple of months as a volunteer firefighter in the 70′s like a small child clings to their teddy bear.
By now, I am sure most of you have read about the firefighters in Tennessee who allowed a house to burn to the ground because the owners did not pay the Fire Protection Subscription Fee.
You get what you pay for!
Guess what happens if I don’t pay my electricity bill? Water Bill? Telephone Bill? That’s right…they discontinue service.
That is exactly what happened here.
The fire occurred in Obion County (rural Tennessee). The County does not have their own fire department. South Fulton, a nearby City, does have a fire department. South Fulton offers fire protection (Fire Protection District) outside the city limits for a fee. That fee…a whooping $75 a year.
The owner of the house states he forgot to pay the bill.
Here is the catch…Even after calling 911, the homeowner agreed to pay the $75 fee. However, that is against South Fulton’s policy because no one would pay the fee unless their home caught fire.
This situation is a black eye for the fire service. The fault lies with the homeowners for not paying the $75 fee. However, the public will not view it as such. The media is also jumping on the band wagon…saying that the homeowner is the victim. The only thing that failed here was the homeowner not paying the fee. Everything else operated as it should.
Kieth Olbermann likens this to A la Carte Government…something new to come in the future. Actually, this has been going on for years. As a matter of fact, this is how fire departments were initially formed.
There are solutions for this situation.
- Make the $75 fee mandatory and attach it to a bill they have to pay.
- Form Volunteer Fire Departments in Obion County.
- Have Obion County pay an overall subscription fee to South Fulton covering everyone.
- Pay your bill
So many people are pointing the finger towards the fire department. Once again, they fail to look at policies. This is bigger than the fire department. If someone wants to change the policies they need to look to the South Fulton City Government.
What do you think?
Links:
In the video below you will see what appears to be a tire exploding in a cops face.
What would we have said if this was a firefighter not wearing all of his/her personal protective equipment?
This is exactly why firefighters fight fires and police officers chase criminals etc.
Note to PD: Guys, we know it is fun…that is why we do it. Next time score higher on the test! jk.
All kidding aside, we have seen police officers risk their lives to pull people out of burning vehicles and houses when they have beat us to the scene…. This is the flip side of not having the right gear, equipment, or training.
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