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

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. 

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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.

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.

 

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!