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This article is part of the “Owning the Job” series here on FireCritic.com. Read more articles from the “Owning the Job” series here.

Recently, I was giving the task of putting on a presentation for my promotional process. The presentation was 10 minutes long and the topic was “Present 3 ideas to improve morale in the department”. I decided to talk about the following: Positive Reinforcement from Management, Pay for Performance, and Utilizing Social Media more (shocker there). I won’t bore you with an in depth look at my presentation. I focused on issues related to Administration improving morale. I could have split it up, I wasn’t placing blame. The problem was identified already. The solution was not.

What I would like to discuss is the opposite…How do we improve morale at the company level?

How can We Improve Morale from the Ground Up?

Illustration by Paul Combs. “Drawn by Fire” on Facebook

Below is a list of ideas to improve morale. Some might make minor dents in the problem; Others might make a huge difference. Most of these will work in all types of Fire and/or EMS Departments.

If you have read this far in the article, you are interested in improving morale. I wish you the best and I am available for questions. Feel free to offer your own ideas in the comments.

Professionalism

Look professional
Act professional
Be professional
Be positive, smile, and laugh often
Leave your ego at home

Camaraderie

Hang out together on duty: Eat together, workout together, train together. Get together before/after morning checks to discuss local news, what everyone did on their day(s) off etc.
Hang out together off duty: Have your coworkers over for dinner and include their families. Get together at a local park for a picnic.
Invite another firehouse over for a friendly game of basketball, training, cornhole, or dinner.
Be positive: Be nice, be friendly, be a friend. Not everyone has the best days every day at the firehouse…some have to ride the medic unit time to time!
Motivate others: Be mindful of the strengths and weaknesses of others.

Company Pride

Create a logo or mascot for your firehouse. Get patches, shirts, coins, chips, and/or stickers made. (NM-Coin.com for coins and TheChipSite.com for chips)
Build a custom firehouse kitchen table. (examples here)
Have Wall Shields make you a custom wall shield for your firehouse. They do kitchen tables too!
Clean all of the tools on your rig together. Paint them up in a paint scheme unique to your firehouse.
Check out FirehousePride.com for some other examples.
Look and dress professional. Lose the “I fight what you fear” or “Big Johnson” t-shirt and where a uniform shirt with the rest of the crew.
Check out “Turning a Fire Station into a Firehouse”
Check out my firehouses custom kitchen table here
Social Media: Create a Facebook page, twitter account, instagram account, blog, or other social media account for your firehouse and/or fire department. Share information that other firefighters might enjoy as well as the community. Show off your pride, invite the community into your firehouse. Create communication, relationships, and conversation with others. Be seen!
Open House: Have an open house annually or each month for your community to come in and see their firehouse!

Training

Territory: Put a map up and see how much each person can get. Then go out and drive it. Pay attention to hydrants, long hose lays, building construction, oddities.
Equipment: Go over new equipment and old equipment. Get it off the rig and go over it with everyone. You might know something others don’t and vice versa.
Tools: Discuss what tools you have and why. Discuss other uses for tools and identify tools you might like to have on your apparatus…then try to acquire them.
Apparatus: Quiz each other on what gear is in which compartment on the apparatus. This will bring everyone up to speed on where things are properly placed.
Formal Classes: Keep an eye out for available classes in your area and encourage your Brothers and Sisters to attend the class with you.
Informal Classes: Identify topics your company wants to learn and refresh on. Then, identify different company members to teach the classes to the company. Follow through and schedule the classes on duty.
Critiques: When you get back from the big one, schedule a critique in the firehouse of the incident. Be positive, use constructive critisism when needed, and identify areas that your company needs to train on more often.

Apparatus

Wash the rig when it needs it.
Clean the dash and vacuum and/or wash out the interior regularly. Fire apparatus can get real dirty real quick. The same with EMS apparatus.
Wash out the compartments regularly.
Thoroughly check the apparatus each day.
Identify issues and make corrections and/or write it up for future maintenance.

Firehouse Integrity

Don’t complain about other shifts at shift change. If there is a complaint, take it to your company officer to handle.
Clean up after yourself.
Clean as you expect the other crews to clean when you aren’t there.
Leave the firehouse and apparatus cleaner than it was the day before.
Get a subscription to fire service magazines and leave them around the firehouse for others to read.

Speak up, listen, and understand

Speak up for yourself. Make yourself heard when you need to.
Listen when others are speaking. Listen to other ideas.
Understand what others are saying and why they are saying it.

Health and Fitness

Workout together. Change up the workouts to the needs of your company.
Eat healthy foods. Cook things that everyone enjoys, but make it healthy.
Workout on your days off. Some of the guys in my department get together to ride bikes on our greenway, run 5k races, and workout at the local gym together.
Be positive. Understand that not everyone is trying to kill it in the gym. The fact that some are in the gym is a huge improvement for some.

Probably the biggest thing you can do is have a positive attitude…which is also one of the hardest when morale is low.

The ideas below were shared on The Fire Critic’s Facebook Page:

Schedule training at the beginning of the shift when you’re fresh and not burn out. This also sets the tone for the remaining part of the shift… You made being a fireman more important than washing the ambulance… Guys will see that! (Jamie Goodlet)
Sit around and talk more as a crew. This helps build camaraderie. Don’t just talk about anything, again, the focus has to be on firefighting. Call all the guys out of their individual rooms or corners of the station all to one place and let the stories begin. (Jamie Goodlet)
Good, quality, practical training… It has to be practical and fun or nobody is going to want to do it. Invest some time into planning the trainings and make it more of an event than a spontaneous drill. (Jamie Goodlet)
Lead by Example. Even if you’re not the senior Guy or the boss, lead! If something needs to be done do it. If the rigs are dirty clean them. When you are at the Firehouse it is yours. IF YOU CARRY A RUSTY TOOL THEN YOU LOOK LIKE A RUSTY TOOL! (Michael Kiernan)
Stick together. Be the epitome of camaraderie - gather (regularly) together – the bigger the group the better – “regular” night at a local restaurant, bar-b-q’s – rotate to each others house, etc. “BE” without admin. (Kevin Wilkes)
Water Battles – Make time to have fun when possible. (Jan Sudmersen)
Integrity. Positive attitude. Trust. Don’t get caught up in the gossip/ politics. Do your job, know your job.
Take some pride and ownership. Be the person that’s always wanting to train and learn, take pride in even the boring work (cleaning toilets). Be the role model of a good firefighter. That is infectious it can even spread up the ranks. Take pride in your company, make up a slogan, have t shirts and patches made… (Eric Bollar)
Don’t fall into the “negativity” trap. All it takes is one positive person to bring everybody up (Craig Patti)
Have a small cook out at the station invite the members and there families. (Buddy Jackson)
Be your ‘brothers’ keeper. Constant positive outlook and let them know you see their strong work and efforts. Amazing how far a simple ‘attaboy’ carries morale. Amazing that so many upper management types never seen to get that. (Brodie Verworn)
Remain positive – attitude is contagious. One person with a positive attitude can change an entire company. A positive company can change an entire battalion. A positive battalion can change an entire shift. A positive shift can change an entire department. That’s all it takes. (Tom Stanton)
Little contests in house (engine 1 v engine 2) doing simple skills (hose rolling, knots, push-ups, ladder drills, etc…) so that you are getting training but also getting some bounding and brotherhood from the contests. (RJ RescueHumor)
Individual Company Pride! (Bryan Gallup)
Cookouts involving the guys at the house and family maybe even the neighbourhood (Alex Johnson)
Always be positive and supportive of new members and I courage and if needed push them along to get classes. Show respect to all members weather that be junior firefighters or the oldest fire police member. Don’t get involved in the “click” bull shit and talk smack about other members behind their backs. If a member has a screw up on a scene don’t scream and yell at them pull them aside later and talk through what happened and how it could be done differently, because the screaming and telling drives members away. (Garrett Yager)
Find better training and partner up people that dont like each other and make them work through it. Everyone has to understand they are on the same team at the end of the day. (Brian Jackson)
Eat meals together. Train together. Pride and ownership. (Jeff Hardy Jr.)
A little fire service/department or company history goes along way for some good morale. Guys feel good to know they’re part of something that has been much greater than themselves for a long time in our nation. (Ty Damron)
Upbeat, jumping in to help And share, encourage, ask questions and try to improve myself which hopefully will improve others. Lead by example. (Irene Silknetter Fitzkee)
Train compete and involve ur family outside firehouse w firehouse family. (Jaymie Robles)
Leaders stand next to the company and show them how to do it or encourage the guy doing the job. (William Gates)
Be supportive both in the station and in the community. Care about the people on your team, not just as team members, but as human beings. LISTEN…sometime people just need to talk. (Stacey Nicholas)
Train! Learning new techniques or reinforcing old ones always motivates people! (Jamie Burgess)
Positive reinforcement and focus on positive compliments. (TJ Vandermark)

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 23, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Funding & Staffing, Must Read, News, Owning the Job, Training, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: Company Operations, Custom Kitchen Tables, EMS, EMT, Facebook, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, Fire Station Kitchen Tables, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Firehouse Kitchen Tables, Improving Morale, IronFiremen.com, Kitchen, Morale, Owning the Job, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, The Kitchen Table, Willie Wines Jr.

“Miracle Dog” Rescued from Wreck that Killed his Owner. Dog Transported by Ambulance to Vet Hospital.

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Here is a story you don’t hear of every day.

Timothy Gerald died in a vehicle wreck Saturday afternoon in York Maine. Paramedics determined that Gerald, 48, was deceased and there was nothing they could do for him. Gerald’s dog, Jakey, was also in the vehicle at the time of the wreck. Crews extricated Jakey from the wreck and transported him to the emergency veterinarian for care. The medics were also able to treat Jakey with IV and oxygen therapy due to blood loss from a bad laceration.

Jakey, a 9-year-old golden retriever, is recovering after surgery following an accident that killed his owner. Jenn Hilton of York, seen in back, is the niece of the driver who died, 48-year-old Timothy Gerald.

Paramedics were sure that there was coverage in the area while they transported Jakey to the emergency vet.

Due to Gerald’s untimely death, the family is seeking help in paying for Jakey’s emergency vet bills.

SeaCoastOnline:

A lot of the firefighters went to school with Gerald or knew him because he was related to a volunteer firefighter, according to York Village Fire Chief Chris Balentine.

“A lot of guys knew who he was,” which made responding to the accident that much harder, said Balentine, who was at the scene.

Gerald’s niece, Jenn Hilton of York, said she is married to volunteer firefighter Nick Hilton.

A fund has been set up here

What do you think? Would you have transported the dog? Would you have done something different?

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 21, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Rescues • Tagged: EMS, EMT, Facebook, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, IronFiremen.com, Maine, Nick Hilton, Paramedic, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr., York, York Fire Department

Dallas & Phoenix LODD info, Vote For Hack, Brotherhood in Harrisburg, Update on Moore, OK

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Dallas LODD: Firefighter Stanley Wilson. More info here

Phoenix LODD: Info on his death from STATter911.com

Funeral information for Phoenix FD Firefighter Bradley Harper: (link to info)
Funeral Ceremony on Friday, May 24th at 2:30 p.m. at:
Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV)
7007 W. Happy Valley Road
Peoria, AZ 85383

Procession and Internment to follow at:
Greenwood Memorial Cemetery
719 N. 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85009

Virginia Firefighter LODD Memorial is on June 1st this year. If you are planning on attending, have a question, or need more information, check out the Facebook event here.

FirefighterWife.com: Here is an article about the recent LODD’s and a view from a Firefighters Wife. Read it here

Vote for Hack: Brian Hackenburg is in the running for “Kona Inspired 2013″. Vote for him here (bottom left of video)

IronFiremen.com: Captain Wines headed to Harrisburg, PA for the Fire Expo 2013 without me. He did leave me a souvenir though…he burned up my van on the way! Read about his trip here.

Moore, OK Update:

The death toll has been adjusted from 51 to 24 at this time. There are hundreds of injured, and over 100 have been rescued from the devastation.

The tornado was over 2 miles wide and covered around 22 miles becoming an EF4/EF5 tornado with wind speeds between 166-200 miles per hour.

Initial Coverage on FireCritic.com

The City of Moore and City of Oklahoma City will hold a joint press conference at Noon, Tuesday May 21st, at Moore City Hall, 301 N Broadway. Information about recovery efforts and other details will be shared at this time.

Lou Angeli is on the ground in Moore, OK and taking photos. He is a photographer as well as Firefighter/EMT. Check out some of his photos here. You can follow Lou on Facebook here.

Time Lapse Footage of the Tornado from Buzzfeed.com

Shawnee FD on scene in Moore, OK. Photo by Lou Angeli.

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 21, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, Mass Casualty Incident, News • Tagged: Apartment Fire, Brian Hackenburg, Building Fire, children rescued, children trapped, Collapse, Dallas Fire Department, Dave Statter, EMS, EMT, Facebook, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, FirefighterWife.com, Firefighting, Fires, House Fire, In the Line of Duty, IronFiremen.com, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, LODD, Moore, Moore Fire Department, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Paramedic, Rhett Fleitz, schools destroyed, schools leveled, search, search and rescue, Social Media, Stanley Wilson, STATter911.com, Structure Fire, tornado, tornado outbreak, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Moore, OK Search and Rescue Efforts in Wake of Two Mile Wide Tornado

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Moore, Oklahoma was the scene of a horrific natural disaster today. Moore is south of Oklahoma City. A mile wide EF4 tornado decimated the area. The death toll is currently 51 (11pm) including 7 children at the Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore. There are 233 reported injured.

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CNN.com:

The preliminary rating of damage created by the tornado is at least EF4 (winds 166 to 200 mph) — the second-most severe classification on a scale of zero to five

I have read a lot about it being a “recovery” effort instead of a “search” effort. I am not sure that the firefighters have the same thoughts on the ground. Word is that Tennessee Task Force 1 is being deployed to the area to assist (news link).

Moore Fire Department

Just to give you a snapshot of the Moore FD, they operate with 72 firefighters out of 4 firehouses covering 22 square miles.

The area is no stranger to tornadoes. In May of 1999, there was another huge tornado that killed dozens and recorded wind speeds of 302 miles per hour (the fastest recorded on earth).

Links and Coverage:

Video

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 20, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Major Incidents, Mass Casualty Incident, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: Building Fire, children rescued, children trapped, Dave Statter, EMS, EMT, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fires, House Fire, IronFiremen.com, Moore, Moore Fire Department, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Paramedic, Rhett Fleitz, schools destroyed, schools leveled, search, search and rescue, Social Media, STATter911.com, Structure Fire, tornado, tornado outbreak, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Calendar Gun Raffle Supports Grant Programs in SD. Get Yours Today!

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Here is a great Fathers Day Gift, or better yet…just a great chance at winning some great guns while raising money for a great cause! The South Dakota Firefighters Benefit (also on Facebook here) is raising money to fund a grant program for Fire Departments. They are doing a calendar gun raffle and giving away 63 guns and a 28 gun safe over the course of 52 weeks. Guns can be shipped to anywhere in the USA. These calendars are selling for $40 cash/Check and $45 with a credit card. These make great Fathers day gifts as well as graduation gift. If you would like to purchase one please click this link or email sdffgunraffle@gmail.com.

I have mine, have you gotten yours yet?

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 20, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Events, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: Bob Gard, Calendar Gun Raffle, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fund Raiser, Fund Raising, Gun Raffle, IronFiremen.com, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, South Dakota Firefighters Benefit, Willie Wines Jr.

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

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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

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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.

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 13, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: EMS, EMT, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Wife, Fire Wives, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter Spouses, Firefighter Wife, Firefighter Wives, FirefighterWife.com, Firefighting, Fit Fire Wife, Flame Fest, IronFiremen.com, Lori Mercer, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr.

Meet Firefighter Joe Francisco. He’s Lost 152 Pounds in 9 Months

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You might remember Mikey Johnson’s story I posted back in October “The Thinning of Today’s Fire Service“. Mikey had lost 150 lbs. in 6 months.

The story below is another one I am very happy to share with you about a young man making a huge lifestyle change to live a healthier life. This should serve as motivation for others to set out to make similar changes in their lives.

I referenced an article on Fire Service Warrior about philosophy and being a “fit firefighter” in the previous post and I would like to share it again with you. Take a second to read the article here.

Meet Joe Francisco

Joe Francisco is a local Firefighter in Roanoke County, VA. He volunteers at the Catawba Volunteer Fire Department #4 “The Fightin’ Fourth”. I had the pleasure of meeting Joe recently when Captain Wines and I stopped by for the evening. Catawba VFD is first due to Captain Wines homestead. Joe joined the department in 2008.

The reason why I am writing about Joe is not because he is a firefighter, it is because Joe has lost 152 lbs. since August of 2012. I think it is amazing. Hell, I only weigh 146 lbs…so he has lost the equivalent of one of me.

Joe is 26 years old and 6′ tall. At 25, he weighed 491 lbs. Today, just 9 months later he weighs 339.

His weight loss began on August 4, 2012 when his beloved Grandpa died. In the following two weeks, Joe lost 25 lbs that he attributes to stress over the loss. He was astonished by the sudden loss in weight so he told himself “well I might as well try to lose more”. Joe cut out soda and the only bread he ate was tortilla. He continued his weight loss over the next 8 months and lost 134 lbs WITHOUT working out.

He was so amped over his continued weight loss and progress that he joined Planet Fitness and Complete Nutrition here in Roanoke, VA. This would enable him to continue his journey, get fit, and make the most of it!

In his own words:

Joe and his father playing bluegrass at the swinging bridge restaurant in paint pank

I’ve lost a total of 152 lbs thus far and let me tell you I have never felt better! I haven’t been this weight since I was in 9th grade! Now I have ENDLESS amounts of energy! I sleep all throughout the night before I was waking up 4 or 5 times a night I had high blood pressure I was at the beginning stages of sleep apnea and now …. NONE OF THOSE PROBLEMS EXIST! Most importantly for once I am happy! I feel alive!

In his spare time, Joe enjoys playing the guitar and banjo…and long walks on the beach!

Guys like Mikey and Joe should be an inspiration to all of us. I know I use their dedication and commitment to motivate myself!

Best of the Rest – ESS Review, VES Helmet Cam, Terrible FF & Leader?, Promotions, and My New Thinking Cap

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Right now is the busiest time of the year for me. It starts when Lacrosse season begins (I am the coach of a team of 23 U11 players). I do it because they don’t have enough coaches and because my son plays. I don’t even have an assistant coach. I am not the best coach in the World, but I think I get the job done.

On top of that, FDIC was just held in Indianapolis. Last year, FDIC was a blast and when I got back I felt as though I was stuck under a heap of work…that heap never let up. I have the same issue this year, and again I never dug myself out of the work last year.

I am managing though. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Currently, we are behind on about 8 reviews over at FireProductReview.com. The ESS Eye Pro review is complete and can be seen here. The 1st in Leather review will be up later today.

Keep me informed of what is going on. I try to keep up, but it isn’t happening. If you want information shared on “Best of the Rest”, email me or contact me another way.

The video below is VES Helmet Cam video out of Colorado Springs, CO. More info on it here: IronsandLadders.com offers a view and commentary on a Vent-Enter-Search (VES) Video in the latest post. Read it here.

News and Opinion

Jottings and Writings (a Firefighting blog) is looking for information to put in an article about budget cuts. If you have information to share or an opinion to share please check this out here.

Model City Firefighter continues his column “Blowin Smoke” with a newer blogger on the scene – TenSeventyFive.com. Check out the article here.

TenSeventyFive.com offers his latest post “I’m A Terrible Firefighter And An Even Worse Leader“. Read it and offer your opinion in the comments.

Box Alarm Leather has a new line of custom products out in collaboration with MN8 Foxfire. “Illuminated by Foxfire” gear can be ordered on their Facebook page. You might also check out their web site for more products.

Check out my new fire helmet straw hat with laser etched “Fire Critic” custom shield. The hat comes from Saint Florian Clothing.

FireGeezer.com is chock full of great content this past week or so. We send our condolensces to Bill on the loss of his wife. Mike Ward and the rest of the crew have been keeping the blog hopping with a ton of great stories.

IronFiremen.com’s Captain Wines wrote a great piece titled “Promotions… “SILLY SEASON” is here, Recruitment, Retention and More!“

BackstepFirefighter.com has several great posts up. Check them out here.

Out West, the Panther, Spring, and Summit fires have been burning. Check out Wildfire Today and Firefighter Blog for more information on these fires.

Dave Statter continues to keep it real…in true “retired guy” spirit, he shows the rest of us that he doesn’t sleep and continues to post around the clock. Check out all of the great stuff over at STATter911.com.

Firehouse Zen offers “No Trash Talking – Follow Up” in his latest post. Read it here.

Fully Involved offers another great article “Crossroads”. Read it here.

The video below was shared by a reader.

Have you ever thought about using the local park for training?

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 7, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Best of the Rest, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Videos, Wildland • Tagged: Apartment Fire, Backstep Firefighter, Building Fire, Colorado, Colorado Springs, EMS, EMT, ESS Eye Pro, Facebook, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter Product Review, Firefighting, FireGeezer, Fireground Video, Firehouse Zen, FireProductReview.com, Helmet Cam, Helmet Camera, House Fire, House Fire Video, IronFiremen.com, IronsandLadders.com, Model City Firefighter, Rhett Fleitz, Saint Florian Clothing, Social Media, TenSeventyFive.com, VES, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

ESS Eye Pro Product Review (5B and CDI Series)

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Check out the newest product review on FireProductReview.com.

Captain Wines and I reviewed the ESS Eye Pro models 5B series and CDI series eye pro.

Connect with the product reviews page on Facebook here

Read the review here

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 7, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Product Reviews • Tagged: 5B Series, CDI Series, EMS, EMT, ESS, ESS Eye Pro, Eye Protection, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Review, Fire Service, Fire Service Product Review, Fire Service Review, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter Review, Firefighting, Firefighting Review, IronFiremen.com, Military, Product Review, Product Reviews, Rak Wear, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Sunglasses, Willie Wines Jr.

The Best Fire, EMS, Rescue, and Haz Mat iPhone and Android Apps

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Below you will find the names of most of the top Fire/EMS smart phone applications (Apps) as shared by the readers on the Fire Critic Facebook page. I did not share the links, because most are found on either your iphone or Android marketplaces. All you have to do is use the terms below to search for them on your phone. Not all of them have a dedicated web site.

Feel free to add more in the comments! Which apps do you use?

Fire

IAFF Procal
FireEng. Field Officer Guide
Fire Rescue 1
Firefighter Log
NIMS ICS
Fire Officer
Fire officer field guide
CommandSim
Oncallff
Fire Academy
Fire alert
Fireground 360
Fire Command Worksheet
EZ-shift
Leaky nozzle firehouse scheduler
The Firefighter Pocketbook
iPAR Fire (iPAR Fire Lite)

Staffing/Paging/Scheduling

Firehouse Scheduler
Mass Incident Paging
fire shifts
fd shift calendar
Resgrid

Friction Loss/Pumping

FLcalc
firepump
Calculator for pump ops
911 Toolkit
Two Tone Detect: Not an app but a computer program called two tone detect. Records the page outs from my scanner and sends an audio file to my phone via text or email.

Dispatch

Cadpage
ScannerRadio
Active911

Rescue

CMC Rescue Guide
Hybrid Excrication Guide
Extrication Zones Pro
Extricate
knot guide
TEEX Swiftwater
ExtractionPro
rescue knots
QRG

EMS

Resuscitation
FiRST
IED
Critical
InforMed
PediSTAT
SafeDose
Micromedix
Med Toolkit
EMT
Medibabble
Merck Manual
Diagnosaurus
NEOtube
ER Res.
Itriage
Easy PCR
EMS Assist
State Protocols under iBook
Wiser (wiser for iOS)
Epocrates
PEPID
ECG Guide
Critical Care ACLS Guide
EMS ALS Guide
EMS BLS Guide
ReUnite

Haz Mat

NAERG
Hazmat Guide
Drager Gas Detection
Hazmat Evac
2012 ERG
Chem Safety
Cargo Decoder
placard +
Mobile REMM

General

Google Translator
iTranslate
Dropbox
Army Mountaineering

Weather/Mapping

RadarScope
WeatherTapZoom
Myradar
Google Earth
iMap Weather Radio

Games

Emergency

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 6, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, EMS Dispatch, EMS Topics, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighters Guide, Firefighting Operations, Funding & Staffing, HazMat, News, Patient Management, Safety, Social Media, Special Operations, Technology & Communications, technology-communications-ems-topics, Training, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: Android, Applications, EMS, EMS Apps, EMT, Facebook, Fire, Fire Apps, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Haz Mat Apps, iphone, IronFiremen.com, Rhett Fleitz, Simulators, Smart Phone Apps, Social Media, Training, Willie Wines Jr.

FDIC Wrap Up: Videos of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

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Below you will find two videos about the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at FDIC. They are short videos and won’t take much of your time, and they are well worth watching. I will have more wrap up coverage of FDIC in the coming days.

Previous coverage on FireCritic.com
Coverage on IronFiremen.com here
Coverage on FirstDueTackle.com here and here
Coverage on BoronExtrication.com here and here
Coverage on ModelCityFirefighter.com here and here

Andrew Catron of ModelCityFirefighter.com created this video using his FireVideo.net 1080 HD Camera. You will notice that he was walking right behind me. The funny thing is that I was recording the climb with my camera but had no clue he was using his. And yes, that is my brand new Honeywell Morning Pride Turnout Gear that I absolutely love!

Paul Hasenmeier put together this video below of the climb on FirstDueTackle.com

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 29, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Helmet Camera, News, Videos • Tagged: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb, 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs, Andrew Catron, Boron Extrication, BoronExtrication.com, FDIC, FDIC 2013, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, FirstDueMedic.com, IronFiremen.com, Michael Smith, Model City Firefighter, ModelCityFirefighter.com, National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, Paul Hasenmeier, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr.

Lt. Fleitz and Capt. Wines Debut on MSNBC’s Extreme Caught on Camera: 100th Episode

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Last night, Captain Wines (IronFiremen.com) and myself were part of the panel discussing shocking videos on MSNBC’s “Extreme Caught on Camera: 100th Episode”. We shot the interviews in October, on our way back from the NFFF Memorial Weekend.

We had a blast doing the interviews and we have been waiting for the show to air. We were a little apprehensive of how it would all turn out. Our worry was that we would come off sounding like idiots after the editing. That didn’t happen.

What did happen was Willie hollering “MAKEUP” in between each segment. He had to make sure the stache was looking good. What a Diva!

We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. Thank you for all of the comments on Facebook and Twitter. We appreciate it!

Fire Critic on Facebook – Twitter @FireCritic

If you didn’t know about it, or weren’t able to catch it or record it…don’t worry.

It will air again on May 4th at 7pm on MSNBC

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 29, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: 100th Episode, Captain Willie Wines Jr., Extreme Caught on Camera, Facebook, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, IronFiremen.com, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, MSNBC, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Twitter, Willie Wines Jr.

FDIC Wrap Up: The Fire Critic and Iron Firemen Meetup

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This year at FDIC, Captain Wines and I did something we have wanted to do for years. We hosted a party for our friends. The event was Friday night at the Hard Rock Cafe. Our Brother Andrew Catron (Model City Firefighter) put it all together for us and he did a great job. In a mere two weeks we put together a party that far exceeded our expectations. Scroll down for photos

Pictures from the evening are on the Fire Critic Facebook page

There are additional pictures here (Facebook Event Page)

Willie Wines Jr., Rhett Fleitz, Ryan “Birdman” Parrott

We hear it all the time about how friends, readers, fans, and Brothers love how Wines and I help perpetuate the “Brotherhood”. We really feel as though it is the other way around. The people we surround ourselves with are the ones who charge us up. They are the constant reminders of why we love what we do.

Warning: Name dropping ahead…

The meetup couldn’t have been better. Great friends, great beer, great time. Some of the people in attendance included Shane Parkins and crew from National Firefighters Endowment, Dave Statter (STATter911.com), Lori Mercer (FirefighterWife.com), Andrew and Mary Arnold and crew (Box Alarm Leather), Mike Bish (TenSeventyFive.com), Chris McCorkle and wife (Blackjack Flashlight holder), Rob Schield and wife (Fire Cam – Firevideo.net), Phenix Fire Helmets Crew, KZOO FOOLS Crew, Taylor Goodman (VAFireNews.com)Brian Brush and crew from Fire Service Warrior, Drew from Distant Cellars, Blue Ridge FOOLS crew, Shane Lester and Crew from Tennessee, Brad Hoff from TheBattalion.TV, Kim Fitzsimmons, Tim Estes and entourage from VA, Robert Kramer, Jill Boden, Trae Wright and Crew, Chris Naum (CompanyOfficer.com), Stephen and Erin (Ayden’s Gifts), Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation Crew, and many others of our great friends and Brothers.

Thanks for the shots Beefcake!

Captain Wines and I did our best to get around the room and see and talk to everyone. We appreciate all who took the time to come out to to the meetup. We probably had 100-150 in attendance.

We are already talking about planning a party at Firehouse Expo and FDIC next year. We will be talking to potential sponsors for the event in the coming months.

Special thanks to Fire Cam (Firevideo.net) and Blackjack Flashlight holder for offering some prizes to give away. Special thanks also to Stephen and Erin Foster of Ayden’s Gifts for making a plate for Willie in memory of his brother Jack. I am sure Willie will have more on that in the future at IronFiremen.com.

Shane Parkins from the National Firefighters Endowment (NFE) helped sponsor the event. I think we were able to raise awareness of the NFE cause and might have even got some more guys signed up for the Officers Club.

The NFE is also funded by sales of Phenix Fire Helmets via RescueSwag.com. The site is owned and operated by the NFE, and profits from the sales of Phenix helmets go directly back to funding the NFE. If you have been paying attention, Captain Wines and I wear the Phenix TL2 leather helmet. We love them. If you are in the market for a leather lid, check out the TL2. Phenix has plenty of other helmets as well.

One highlight of the night was having Rob Wiedmann (Rescue 2 FDNY) in attendance. Rob was joined by Ryan “Birdman” Parrott, Zane, and Nathan. Rob was severely burned in a fire in Brooklyn in 2011. Ryan is the founder of Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation. Rob served eight years as a U.S. Navy SEAL completing multiple combat tours to Iraq and several other deployments to areas around the world. “My own experience and the experiences of others keeps me emotionally involved and motivated to achieve the goals of the Sons of the Flag. Still being able to put forth the fight, I know it is my duty to successfully carry out this mission with honor and integrity for those who have survived traumatic burn injuries.”

We let Ryan say a few words about the Foundation and then we passed the boot to raise a few dollars for them. We raised $730 for them in about 10 minutes.

Did you read that? $730 in about 10 minutes.

You guys did that. I don’t even know how many people were in attendance, but you guys really stepped up.

: Lori from FirefighterWife.com

: Robert Kramer

: Dave Statter and Mike Bish

: The late night crew who stayed until last call

: Another crew we met up with at the Wild Beaver after our party

: Shane Lester

: Jill Boden put the effects to this picture including herself and others

: Willie Wines Jr., Rhett Fleitz, Ryan "Birdman" Parrott

: Stephen and Erin Foster of Ayden's Gifts

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 28, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Photos • Tagged: Blackjack Helmet Flashlight Holders, BlackJack Holder, FDIC 2013, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Cam, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, FireVideo.net, IronFiremen.com, Rhett Fleitz, Rob Wiedmann, Ryan Birdman Parrott, Social Media, Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation, Willie Wines Jr.

Loganville, PA Fire Chief Rodney Miller killed directing traffic, man in custody

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A ribbon is placed above the bay of Loganville Fire Department in honor of Chief Rodney Miller, who was killed early Saturday morning while directing traffic on Interstate 83. (Daily Record/Sunday News — Jason Plotkin)

Picture above from YDR.com

ABC27.com:

A York County fire chief is dead after being hit while directing traffic overnight. Police have a suspect in custody.

Police say 32-year-old Matthew Diehl of Shrewsbury was driving on Interstate 83 near Exit 8 at Glen Rock, which was shut down because of a crash.

Police say Loganville Fire Chief Rodney Miller had his emergency vehicle parked with its emergency lights on when Diehl went around it, hitting Miller.

Continue Reading… Fire chief killed directing traffic, man in custody – abc27 WHTM.

Matthew Diehl

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 27, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, News • Tagged: Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, In the Line of Duty, IronFiremen.com, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, LODD, Loganville VFD, Matthew Diehl, Pennsylvania, Rhett Fleitz, Rodney Miller, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr.

FDIC FOOLS Bash, Baltimore FF Critical, Highland Park Rescue Video, NC Rescue, Chief Tom Carr Passes and More

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This is going to be a long post, actually several posts in one…so bear with me.

Captain Wines and I are in Indianapolis for FDIC. We got in last night and headed over to the FOOLS bash. We didn’t make it to the FSW meetup, but I heard that it was enjoyable. Our full itinerary can be seen here. More on FDIC in a minute as you scroll through this post.

FDIC FOOLS Bash

Check out the photo album and more on the Fire Critic Facebook Page!

The direct link to the album (I will update throughout the week) is here.

Chief Tom Carr Passes

Charleston, SC Fire Department’s Chief Tom Carr (Retired) passed away Wednesday. Dave Statter has the news here.

WCIV-TV:

A former leader of the Charleston Fire Department has passed away.

ABC News 4 has learned that former fire chief Thomas Carr died following a battle with MSA, a rapid form of Parkinson’s disease. He was 59 years old.

Chief Carr was hired as Charleston’s fire chief in 2008. He helped reshape and redefine the department following the 2007 Sofa Super Store fire that killed nine Charleston firefighters.

Baltimore County Firefighter Critical

Reisterstown VFC Firefighter Gene Kirchner in critical condition. Firefighter Kirchner was found unconscious on the 2nd floor during a house fire. A 58-year-old man was found dead in the house. STATter911.com has coverage here and here.

North Carolina Rescue

FireNews.net:

As other firefighters tackled the flames, Winter negotiated his way into the adjacent room in his search for 2-year-old Dylan Burkett.

“I couldn’t see him. It was pitch black with smoke,” he said. “After going in the second bedroom I kept hearing a small cry, and every time I heard a cry, I went in that direction and found him.

“He was in a corner on a bed just sitting there. Once I could tell he was still crying, it was a good feeling, and once I got him outside, it felt pretty good.”

Highland Park Rescue Video

Video by: HPZ1442. Video info: We responded to a report of flames showing from the side and front windows of a liquor store on the 1st floor of a 4 story apt building. We arrived to find smoke and flames showing, and that the Police Dept had already evacuated the occupants of the building. The liquor store was sealed up pretty tight and it took us a few extra minutes to get into it. While we worked on that, PD informed us that they may have heard screams on the 2nd floor while they cleared the building but that it was to smokey to go check. # of us responded to the main entrance and to the second floor where we found smokey conditions and limited visibility. PD and one of our off duty FF’s informed of the apt number the woman was believed to live in. The manager had said she was unaccounted for. We masked up and advanced in to find her. She was found in her unit, and carried out by Firefighter Eason. We were then informed of another possible victim. We went back in to search for him but while searching his apt we were informed that he had already made it out. My camera died at this point because I cannot seem to remember to charge it!
At this time fire had extended into the 2nd and 3rd floors. We advanced hose lines through the windows from units adjacent to those that were on fire. The fire was brought under control in a little more than an hour. We operated on scene for several more cleaning up hot spots. We contained the fire to damaging only the liquor store where it had originated, and 4 apt units.
Used a firecam 1080 from firevideo.net any sound you hear cut out is not from the camera, I actually edit some of the content out of it.

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 25, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Photos, Rescues, Rescues, Training, Training & Development, Videos • Tagged: Apartment Fire, ATF, Baltimore County, Baltimore County Fire Department, BATF, Building Fire, Capt. Rich Schenning, Charleston, Charleston Fire Department, Chief Tom Carr, Dave Statter, EMS, EMT, Facebook, FDIC, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire investigation, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, firefighter down, Firefighter Rescued, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Fires, FOOLS Bash, Gene Kirchner, Hanover Road, Helmet Cam, Helmet Camera, Highland Park, Highland Park Fire Department, House Fire, House Fire Video, injured firefighter, IronFiremen.com, Joe Riley, liquor store, liquor store fire, Maryland, Maryland Shock Trauma Center, MAYDAY, Mayor Joe Riley, Michigan, Montgomery County, Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service, Northwest Hospital Center, Paramedic, Reisterstown, Reisterstown VFC, Resiterstown Volunteer Fire Company, Scott Ziegler, shock trauma, Social Media, South Carolina, STATter911.com, Steven Stark, Structure Fire, Thomas Carr, Tom Carr, TOm Carr dies, Video, Volunteer Firefighter, Willie Wines Jr.

Captain Wines and I Do Primetime on MSNBC’s “Caught on Camera”

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Back in October, Captain Wines and I made a quick stop in DC after the NFFF Memorial Weekend. We stopped in DC to be interviewed for the MSNBC show “Caught on Camera”. We weren’t sure what to expect, and still aren’t sure how it all ended up, but the wait will soon be over. We will all get to see the primetime debut of Wines and myself on Sunday evening. We are excited and hope that we don’t come off like bumbling idiots.

Above is the preview of the video.

The show is MSNBC’s 100th Episode of “Extreme Caught on Camera”. It airs Sunday, April 28th at 7pm on MSNBC. Check your local listings for exact times. Set your DVR’s to record. Then let us know how we did. Captain Wines writes about it here.

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 24, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Videos • Tagged: Caught on Camera, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, House Fire Video, MSNBC, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

MN8-Foxfire Presented Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award

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You can check out MN8 in booth 5571 at FDIC 2013. Myself and Captain Wines (IronFiremen.com) will be there as well. Check out our itinerary for FDIC here.

Company Plans to Donate Portion of Award Money to Ohio Fire Departments with Budget Shortcomings

Cincinnati, OH, April 11, 2013—MN8-Foxfire, the developer of breakthrough advanced photoluminescent technology products for firefighters, was named the 2013 Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship award winner at the chamber’s annual meeting and legislative reception on April 10 in Columbus, OH.

The award is designated to identify, honor and financially assist a company in Ohio that is demonstrating Ohio’s historical innovative spirit. Local chambers of commerce submitted one nominee earlier this year for this prestigious award. MN8-Foxfire was nominated by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. A selection committee made up of representatives from Ohio’s business community, along with Ohio Chamber executive committee members selected MN8-Foxfire to receive the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award and $25,000 cash award.

“In honor of our state’s history of innovators and entrepreneurs, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce created this award to recognize those who continue to take considerable initiative and risk in creating new products and services,” explained President and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Andrew E. Doehrel. “MN8-Foxfire truly embodies the reason we developed this award five years ago.”

MN8-Foxfire plans to share a portion of its winnings with Ohio fire departments experiencing budget shortcomings. “For our company to receive the Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce shows that we’re trying to do the right thing by helping firefighters perform their jobs safer and better through the use of our products,” says Zachary Green, president of MN8-Foxfire. “However, we would not be where we are today without the support of the Cincinnati Chamber, the local business community and of course our fellow firefighters. That is why we plan to work with the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s office to help us identify fire departments with budget shortcomings. We plan to donate a portion of our winnings to these departments in the form of Foxfire products.”

According to John Bosse, vice president of membership for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, “MN8-Foxfire is a shining example of how innovation, determination and the support of the Cincinnati Chamber can bring success to regional businesses. Zachary’s business concept was bound for success. But with our support, he was able to take it to the next level as evidenced by the Ohio Chamber’s recognition.”

The unique advanced photoluminescent technology (glow-in-the-dark) coatings and products developed by MN8-Foxfire provide illumination and stay visible in complete darkness for many hours. Foxfire products can be charged in just a few minutes from any light source and be recharged indefinitely. As a result, there is no need for any external battery, electrical, or energy source other than light. The illumination from Foxfire products provides safety to firefighters who work in the dark, and to others who find themselves unexpectedly in the dark when the power goes out. The company was founded by a Cincinnati area firefighter.

About MN8-Foxfire

MN8-Foxfire is a firefighter owned company that offers energy efficient and eco-friendly products utilizing breakthrough advanced photoluminescent technology. MN8’s product offerings for the fire safety industry, marketed under the name Foxfire®, have earned a reputation for safety, high quality and performance-proven. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Cincinnati Innovates and Cincy Magazine have recognized MN8-Foxfire for its entrepreneur efforts in developing technology that keeps firefighters safe. The company is headquartered in Wyoming, Ohio, a Cincinnati suburb. For more information, visit www.mn8foxfire.com.

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 22, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: Facebook, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, IronFiremen.com, MN8, MN8 FoxFire, MN8 FoxFire Products, Mn8 Products, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr.

Continuing Coverage: The Identities of Victims in West, Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion

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The victims identities in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion are still being processed. I have still not seen any “official” word on exactly who died and what their role was at the scene. Below you will find that there are currently believed to be 9 firefighters dead after the tragedy. The 9 firefighters represent several departments.

Previous coverage here and here

Fire Critic Facebook Page

Latest coverage by STATter911.com here

Listen to the 911 Calls here

Information below compiled from here, here and here

Their “role” will be important in the future…right now, it really doesn’t matter to me. These souls were lost in an enormous tragedy that will have a small community rebuilding for years to come. The toll it had on the West Volunteer Fire Department is amazing in itself. From reports, it seems as though they had 5 firefighters die in the explosion; 11 firefighters injured and hospitalized; and 3 fire apparatus destroyed.

There will be “official” word soon. Until then, I will repost the names I posted in this article with the addition of 1 name, Cody Dragoo. I did not read anything about his death until today.

The people listed below are believed to be 12 of the 14 confirmed deaths in the blast.

West Volunteer Fire Department Members

Morris Bridges, 41. Firefighter for West VFD. Fire Sprinkler Technician for Action Fire Pros.
Cody Dragoo, 50. Firefighter for West VFD. Foreman at West Fertilizer Co.
Robert Snokhous, 48. Firefighter for West VFD. Employee at Central Texas Iron Works.
Doug Snokhous, 50. Firefighter for West VFD. Employee at Central Texas Iron Works.
Joey Pustejovsky. Firefighter for West VFD. City of West Secretary.

In addition to those above, the people below also are believed to have died in the blast. Their role, response, and department they were responding for are not exactly known at this time. Some of the people below may NOT have been responding as Fire and/or EMS personnel. It is believed that some (possibly 4) of the people below were responding as EMS personnel even though they are volunteer firefighters.

Perry Calvin, 37. Firefighter for Mertens and Navarro Mills VFDs. Student at Hill College Fire Academy.
Jerry Chapman, 26. Firefighter for Abbott VFD.
Jimmy Matus, 52. Owner of Westex Welding in West, Texas.
Cyrus Reed. Firefighter for Abbott VFD. Worked at Waxahachie plant.
Buck Uptmor, 40′s. Owner of a fencing company and lived near West. *listed some places as a Firefighter for West VFD.
Kenny Harris, 52. Dallas FD Fire Captain.

Kevin Sanders is listed as missing. He is a member of Bruceville-Eddy VFD. He was attending the EMS class in West that night and was one of the initial first responders to the fire.

The Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force Facebook Page posted this:

The final count for LODDs in West, Texas is 10 Emergency Service Workers and 2 honorary Emergency Service Workers.

Donate to NFFF West Texas Firefighter & EMS Fallen Hero Fund

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 20, 2013 • Filed under: Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, EMS Dispatch, EMS Topics, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, Mass Casualty Incident, News • Tagged: Abbott VFD, Action Fire Pos, Apartment Fire, blast, Buck Uptmor, Building Fire, Captain Harris, Cody Dragoo, Collapse, Cyrus A. Reed, Cyrus Reed, Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris, Dallas Fire Rescue, Dave Statter, David Pareya, Doug Snokhaus, Doug Snokhous, DPS, EMS, EMT, Explosion, Facebook, fallen firefighters, fertilizer plant, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, Fire Truck Blog, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter & EMS Fallen Hero Fund, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Fires, House Fire, In the Line of Duty, IronFiremen.com, Jerry Chapman, Jim Matus, Jimmy Matus, Joey Pustejovsky, Kenny Harris, Kevin Sanders, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, LODD, mass casualty, MCI, McLennan County, Mertens VFD, Mike Rawlings, Morris Bridges, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Navarro Mills VFD, NFFF, Paramedic, people trapped, Perry Calvin, Rekindle, Rhett Fleitz, Robert Snokhaus, Robert Snokhous, Social Media, Station 30, STATter911.com, Steve Vanek, Structure Fire, Texas, Texas Department of Public Safety, Video, Waco, West, West Fertilizer Company, West Fire Department, West Texas Firefighter and EMS Fallen Hero Fund, West Volunteer Fire Department, Willie Wines Jr.

FDIC Itinerary for The Fire Critic and Iron Firemen. Be Sure To Be at our Meetup on Friday!

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FDIC promises to be a great time again this year. I have heard from so many of you all who are going to be there this year and I look forward to seeing many of you again as well as meeting many of you for the first time. Willie, myself, and others travelling with us will be getting in on Wednesday and heading out Sunday.

If you are going to FDIC and do anything…climb. Climb for our Fallen Brothers. 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lucas Oil Stadium (Facebook Event Page) (Register Here)

First off, let me start off by inviting you to our meetup. That’s right…for the first time, Captain Wines and I are putting on a meetup of our own. This will give everyone a chance to hang out, mingle, and maybe drink a few beers. Be at Hard Rock Cafe Indy on Friday night at 8:30pm. We originally planned the event at a different bar. We have had so many people say they are coming we had to move it. We created a Facebook Event page for the meetup. The National Firefighters Endowment will also be represented.

Facebook Event Page for our Meetup on Friday

Paul Hasenmeier (First Due Tackle) has his itinerary here. Be sure to stop by the @Tecgen Booth #403 on Thursday from 2-3. They are giving away free gear!

More info on the TECGEN giveaway here

Andrew Catron (Model City Firefighter) has his itinerary up here

Here is the rest of the itinerary and special events surrounding FDIC outside of all of the great classes being put on (which is the reason why most of you go to FDIC in the first place). Please excuse me if I have any errors on times, I believe it is correct though.

And yes…we will be sporting our kilts including our new Bunker Kilts and our Alt Kilts.

Wednesday April 24

7:30am-6pm - Attendee Registration

1pm-5pm - Firefighter Combat Challenge South Street Exhibitor Relay

5pm – Fire Service Warrior Meetup at The Ram Restaurant and Brewery - Meet up with the FSW Team and community after the classroom sessions let out and before the FOOLS Bash. (Facebook Event Page)

5pm - FOOLS Brotherhood Bash 2013 - Corner of Jackson St. & Meridian St . Gates open at 1700 hours and Must Be 21. $5 Donation Please. Featuring: Bagpipes and Drums and Rosie Soul and the Rock and Roll Cowboys Band. Fine tasty products served by the Gorgeous Hooter Girls. Coors/Miller products, Jameson, Absolute, Baileys, Captain Morgan

5:30 – 8:30pm- Columbia Southern University welcomes our alumni, students and FDIC attendees to join us for a Networking Social! It is Wednesday, April 24 from 5:30-8:30pm at the Indianapolis Marriot Downtown in conjunction with the FDIC Conference in Indianapolis, IN. Let us know if you would like to join us for a great networking social event! If you have any questions or would like to attend please email Cecile Nelson at cecile.nelson@columbiasouthern.edu

Thursday April 25

9am-5pm - Firefighter Combat Challenge

12pm-6pm – Exhibits Open at 12pm for Lucas Oil Stadium and South Street Exhibits

1pm-6pm- Exhibits Open at Indiana Convention Center

Captain Wines and I will be at the MN8 FoxFire booth #5571 most of the day.
We will both be at the Black Diamond Group booth #2401 between 4 – 6pm.
Also check out these booths: FireVideo.net (Fire Cam)/BlackJack Flashlight Holder booth #3038; Glove Crafters booth #213; Honeywell First Responders Products/Morning Pride booth #1322; Safety2Go.com booth #13010; Black Helmet booth #13088; Fat Ivan #3065; Phenix Technologies booth #4143; Ride Backwards booth #9833; Firefighter Nation/Fire Rescue Magazine booth #3136
The floor plan of the exhibit hall is here
The exhibiter list is here

Friday April 26

8:30am-11am – National Honor Guard Competition in the 500 Ballroom

9am-5pm – Exhibits Open at 12pm for Lucas Oil Stadium and South Street Exhibits

10am-5pm- Exhibits Open at Indiana Convention Center

Captain Wines and I will be at the MN8 FoxFire booth #5571 most of the day.
We will both be at the Black Diamond Group booth #2401 between 10am-12pm.
Also check out these booths: FireVideo.net (Fire Cam)/BlackJack Flashlight Holder booth #3038; Glove Crafters booth #213; Honeywell First Responders Products/Morning Pride booth #1322; Safety2Go.com booth #13010; Black Helmet booth #13088; Fat Ivan #3065; Phenix Technologies booth #4143; Ride Backwards booth #9833; Firefighter Nation/Fire Rescue Magazine booth #3136
The floor plan of the exhibit hall is here
The exhibiter list is here

12pm-4:30pm – 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lucas Oil Stadium (Facebook Event Page) (Register Here) - Fire service members convene in high rise buildings across the United States to climb 110 stories as a tribute to their fallen brothers . The 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb is not a race, but an opportunity to honor and remember the 343 FDNY members who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live.

1pm-3pm – Adam Ferrara signing autographs at Lucas Oil Stadium special events stage

5pm-10pm – Indianapolis IAFF Local 416 Open House at Union Hall. Including the 17th Annual Indy Pumper Pull. More info on their web site here

8:30pm – Fire Critic and Iron Firemen Meetup at Hard Rock Cafe Indianapolis (Facebook Event Page)

Saturday April 27

9am-2pm- All Exhibits open

Captain Wines and I will be at the MN8 FoxFire booth #5571 most of the day.

9am-12pm – Firefighter Combat Challenge There are some more events listed on the FDIC special events page without full details. See them here.

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 19, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: FDIC, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, IronFiremen.com, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr.

12 Bodies Recovered in West, Texas Explosion. 11 Fire & EMS Personnel Believed Among the Missing & Dead. Search and Rescue Still Underway

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Update: 14 bodies have now been found in the wake of the explosion in West, Texas

Below you will find the names and photos of the reported dead or missing fire & EMS responders in West, Texas. The sources for the information are marked if you would like more information. Some have been confirmed as dead, others are reported as missing after responding to the explosion.

I will update as more information is available. Some of this information is not “official”, but pulled from local reports and online postings from friends and family. It should also be noted that the members may have been members of a certain department but actually responding with a different department or organization. Not all of this information has been verified fully, we have simply shared information from multiple sources.

Scroll Down for information on those missing or deceased

West, Texas Stats: 12 confirmed deaths, 200 injuries reported, 150 buildings destroyed, 50 buildings cleared by search and rescue teams, 25 buildings yet to be cleared, 3 fire trucks destroyed, 1 EMS vehicle destroyed.

Previous Coverage on West, Texas

Fire Critic Facebook Page

Facebook Page for Firefighters Lost in West, Texas

Facebook Page for EMS Personnel Lost in West, Texas

Facebook Page for Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force

West, Texas Firefighter and EMS Fallen Hero Fund (Firehero.org)

STATter911.com has coverage here and here

The members below who are reported missing and or dead include:

West Volunteer Firefighters: Morris Bridges, Robert Snokhous, Doug Snokhous, Joey Pustejovsky, Cyrus A. Reed, and Buck Uptmor. (This info is from the reports below. According to other reports, only 5 current West VFD members died in the explosion).

Kevin Sanders and Jim Matus (unknown agency)

West Ambulance Service Member: Perry Calvin, Jerry Chapman (also Abbot VFD Firefighter)

Dallas FD (off-duty): Captain Kenny Harris

In addition to these Fire & EMS Personnel, 11 West, Texas Firefighters remain in the hospital.

Per the Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force (Facebook):

UPDATE: The bodies have been moved back to Dallas. The bodies were transferred under Law Enforcement and Fire Department escorts. The bodies are being guarded as we speak. We are more than thankful for the overwhelming support. Please be patient as we are trying to respond to all of the emails, text, and phone calls. We are recieving over a 100 email/text/ and phone calls a day. We are working very hard to contact everyone! Thank you for the Continued support and feel free to keep contacting us just leave us a message.

…

Guard schedule is being produced as we speak, please know this will require help from across the state. We will be doing a 24 hour guard till further notice. If you have not submitted your information please email c.muscle162@gmail.com or text 940.368.8311 with your availability. We could be standing guard for a few weeks and we will make it happen. If you are not from the area and would like to help just send the email. We have numerous Fire Departments in the metroplex who have offered to house Firefighters that would like to come in town and help. Thank You all for the continued support!

KWTX.com:

WEST (April 19, 2013)–A spokesman for the Department of Public Safety at a Friday morning news conference in West confirmed 12 bodies have been recovered from the area around the West Fertilizer plant that exploded Wednesday night in West. DPS Sgt. Jason Reyes said all of the remains have been taken to the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences, in Dallas, for positive identification. Reyes said he could not confirm how many of the dead are first responders. He also said three fire trucks and one ambulance were destroyed in the blast. … Muska told CNN that seven West firefighters died in the blast Wednesday night along with two others, but provided no further details.

Captain Kenny Harris

Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris

Age: 52; Married father of two. Off-duty Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris was killed in the explosion. Captain Harris, who is a resident of West, went to help the volunteers of West with the fire according to reports.

The Scoop Blog (DallasNews.com):

Harris, a 52-year-old father of three, was among the multiple fatalities. Reportedly off-duty when the tragedy struck, Harris did what he was trained to do — help. The Dallas Fire-Rescue captain lived in the community, but has worked for the city of Dallas for nearly 31 years.

Perry Calvin

Calvin, 37; married with two children and one due on Thanksgiving. Calvin responded to the scene with West Ambulance Service and responded to the initial call.

Calvin was a firefighter with the Navarro Mills Volunteer Fire Department since 1996 and Mertens Volunteer Fire Department since 2012.

CorsicanDailySun.com:

Calvin worked as a rancher, carpenter, welder and mechanic, but was in training to become an Emergency Medical Technician, which is why he was training with the West Ambulance service. It was also why he and his partner were called upon when the fire began. “He was at EMT class at West last night,” explained Perry’s father, Phil Calvin. “He and another boy responded to the fire alarm for West fire department and they got at the fire scene before the explosion. They were both right there at the explosion site.”

MySanAntonio.com:

Phil Calvin said the family couldn’t get “definite confirmation” of his son’s death but admitted the possibility of his survival was bleak. “It’s been over 24 hours. He would have gotten hold of somebody,” he said late Thursday. “They do know that the guy he was with — they found his body (Wednesday) night. I was told they found (Perry Calvin’s) body this afternoon, but the ATF won’t confirm that.”

Jerry Chapman

Chapman, 26; Student Firefighter with Abbot Volunteer Fire Department (Abbott, Texas)

CBSDFW.COM:

A 26 year old volunteer firefighter is among those killed in the fertilizer explosion in West Texas, according to friends. Jerry Chapman was in class at the time the call went out for the initial fire at West Fertilizer Company. His friends and co-workers say he would not have missed a chance to go help people. “He worked for the Abbot Volunteer Department. He was happy. He loved working for them,” said Sharon Matthews, who worked with Chapman for 8 years.

NBCDFW.com:

Co-workers told NBC 5 that Jerry Chapman, 20, a volunteer EMS, was also killed in the blast. Chapman worked at the Black Eyed Pea in Hillsboro, and the restaurant is holding a fundraiser to help his family pay for funeral expenses. The rest will be donated to charity.

Morris Bridges

Firefighter for West, Texas; Three children ages 2, 17 and 18.

Morris Bridges

Brent Bridges, 18, told the Star-Telegram that his father, Morris Bridges, was told that he probably didn’t survive.

MySanAntonio.com:

A Facebook page dedicated to the memory of firefighters who lost their lives in the explosion included Morris Bridges and Buck Uptmor, both West Volunteer Fire Department firefighters. Brothers and West volunteer firefighters Robert and Doug Snokhous also were missing.

NBCDFW.com:

“He was the first respond for the West fire department, and we haven’t heard from him since, and everybody is gone from the fire station and his car is still sitting there. We went to all the hospitals; he’s not at any of the hospitals,” said Mills. “I’m thinking he’s died a hero; I really do.”

On Thursday afternoon Mills confirmed to NBC 5 that Bridges died in the explosion.

He had three children ages 2, 17 and 18.

Robert Snokhous & Doug Snokhous (Brothers)

Robert and Doug are brothers who are both firefighters in West, Texas.

Firehouse.com:

Marqee Snokhous, who lives in Florida, told reporters she spent the early morning calling every hospital in hopes of finding that her father, Robert Snokhous, and uncle were among the injured. Her calls haven’t panned out, and as of 12:30 p.m. Thursday, she said the family still had not received confirmation about the fate of her father or uncle. “There’s not been anything official but the mayor did call my stepmom,” she said. “He told her that he’s pretty sure that they’re both inside the business in the plant, trapped in there. And that there’s a pretty high probability that there’s no survivors there.”

Joey Pustejovsky

Married; Firefighter in West, Texas

Pustejovsky was the City of West, Texas City Secretary. The Facebook page “In Memory of West, TX Firefighters Last Alarm 4/17/2013” updated information that Pustejovsky reported among those missing.

MySanAntonio.com:

Joey Pustejovsky, West’s city secretary, volunteers as a town firefighter and “was there doing his job and he put his life in harm’s way to protect the people that he needed to protect,” said his brother-in-law, David Sebesta. He said Pustejovsky, 63[?], and his sister were married on March 10, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West.

Chron.com:

Joey Pustejovsky, West’s city secretary, volunteers as a town firefighter and “was there doing his job and he put his life in harm’s way to protect the people that he needed to protect,” said his brother-in-law, David Sebesta.

He said his sister, Kelly, and Pustejovsky, 29, were married on March 10, 2012, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in West.

Pustejovsky brought a son into marriage and blended the family with his wife’s son and two daughters.

Kevin Sanders

Kevin Sanders is listed by a friend as one of the firefighters missing on the Facebook page ”In Memory of West, TX Firefighters Last Alarm 4/17/2013”

Buck Uptmor

Firefighter for West, Texas

MySanAntonio.com:

A Facebook page dedicated to the memory of firefighters who lost their lives in the explosion included Morris Bridges and Buck Uptmor, both West Volunteer Fire Department firefighters. Brothers and West volunteer firefighters Robert and Doug Snokhous also were missing. Uptmor was confirmed deceased by his family, according to the page.

NBCDFW.com:

Firefighter Buck Uptmor’s brother, Brian, confirmed that he died in the explosion. Uptmor, 44, is survived by his wife and three children.

Cyrus A. Reed

Firefighter for West, Texas

MySanAntonio.com:

Another West firefighter, Cyrus A. Reed, was also killed in the explosion, according to social media postings by friends and family.

Jim Matus

According to family posting online, Jim perished in the explosion in West, Texas. He was a first responder to the explosion.

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 19, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, News • Tagged: Apartment Fire, blast, Buck Uptmor, Building Fire, Collapse, Cyrus A. Reed, Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris, Dave Statter, Doug Snokhous, EMS, EMT, Explosion, Facebook, fertilizer plant, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, Fire Truck Blog, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Fires, House Fire, IronFiremen.com, Jerry Chapman, Jim Matus, Joey Pustejovsky, Kenny Harris, Kevin Sanders, mass casualty, MCI, McLennan County, Morris Bridges, Paramedic, people trapped, Perry Calvin, Rekindle, Rhett Fleitz, Robert Snokhous, Social Media, STATter911.com, Structure Fire, Texas, Video, Waco, West, West Fire Department, West Volunteer Fire Department, Willie Wines Jr.

West, Texas Coverage: Fertilizer Plant Explosion. Off-Duty Dallas Captain Kenny Harris Among the Dead. 200+ Injured

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Last updated at 8pm (Scroll Down to Full Coverage)

Click here to follow along on The Fire Critic Facebook Page

Off-duty Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris was killed in the explosion. Captain Harris, who is a resident of West, went to help the volunteers of West with the fire according to reports.

The Scoop Blog (DallasNews.com):

Harris, a 52-year-old father of three, was among the multiple fatalities. Reportedly off-duty when the tragedy struck, Harris did what he was trained to do — help.

The Dallas Fire-Rescue captain lived in the community, but has worked for the city of Dallas for nearly 31 years.

Chief Billy Goldfeder (FirefighterCloseCalls.com) has offered “unofficial” news of 11 deaths related to Fire & EMS:

5 West FD Firefighters
4 West EMS Medics
1 Off Duty Fire Captain (Kenny Harris) *Confirmed
1 unconfirmed Firefighter (unknown agency at this time)

Official word has not been released on the numbers, but Goldfeder sites reliable sources from the scene in West, Texas.

Those numbers above don’t quite add up to the remarks of Mayor Muska below (or further remarks below that)…

DallasNews.com:

West Mayor Tommy Muska said state responders, who have helped organize the search and rescue operation, told him that 80 percent of the devastated areas, including a nursing home and 50-unit apartment complex, have been searched so far. Teams have found eight to 10 bodies and expect to find at least a half dozen more at the West Fertilizer Co. facility when they can search those grounds.

USAToday.com:

WEST, Texas — Around 35 people, including 10 first responders, were killed in the Texas fertilizer company explosion Wednesday night, West Mayor Tommy Muska said in an interview with USA TODAY.

The dead include five members of the West Volunteer Fire Department who were trying to put out the initial blaze, four EMS workers and an off-duty Dallas firefighter who pitched in to help, Muska said. Not all the bodies have been recovered but all are assumed dead.

Two volunteers who showed up to help fight the blaze are also missing and presumed dead, he said.

The rest of the fatalities include residents from nearby homes in the devastated four-block area of this small north-central Texas town 20 miles north of Waco, the mayor added.

Dallas Captain Kenny Harris

KWTX.com:

The number of injured rose to more than 200 Thursday.

About 100 patients were treated at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center.

Twenty-eight were admitted and five were in ICU Thursday afternoon.

Here is another view of the blast

Video of the blast is below

Video by: zidyboby

1pm 4/18/13 update

Houston Fire Department’s Texas Task Force 1 deployed to West

City of West, Texas Fire Department web site

Photos from the explosion

There still hasn’t been any update on the confirmed deaths. There are mixed reports on firefighter, EMT, and Police Officer deaths at this point. The latest estimate on the death toll is 15 total, but that is a rough estimate without any concrete information. 3-4 firefighters are being reported as missing. The injuries reported around 160 currently.

It is easy to understand that there are some first responder deaths. After all, firefighters were on scene battling the fire when the explosion occurred. All we can do right now is wait until the area can be thoroughly searched for survivors and those who have perished. Firefighters from all over the area are on scene helping out in the rescue/search efforts.

I will continue to update as new and “official” information is available.

Noon 4/18/13 update

DallasNews.com:

Search and rescue teams were combing the crumbled sites in hopes of finding survivors. More than 160 injured people have been taken to hospitals, and emergency responders believe more victims might be trapped alive.

That “is good news to me,” Sgt W. Patrick Swanton, the Waco police spokesman handling media briefings in West, said early Thursday morning. Authorities have “not gotten to the point of no return.”

At a later media briefing about 10 a.m., Swanton added: “It’s a very slow, methodical search.”

Swanton repeated an earlier figure of five to 15 people killed but said that’s based on “very limited” information from “folks at the scene,” including local, state and federal officials. Three to four West volunteer firefighters who were at the plant when it exploded shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday remain missing.

However, one emergency worker who had been reported as missing, a constable serving as a volunteer firefighter, was found hospitalized with “serious” injuries.

10:30 am 4/18/13 update

FirefighterNation.com has coverage here

MyFoxDW.com:

A major explosion occurred Wednesday night at a fertilizer plant in the city of West, near Hillsboro in north-central Texas – killing between five and 15 people and injuring at least 160 more. Three to four firefighters who were battling the fire that occurred before the explosion are unaccounted for.

Waco Police Spokesperson Sgt. William Patrick Swanton said a fire began Wednesday evening at the West Fertilizer plant. Fifty minutes later, an explosion was reported in a frantic radio call from the scene of the fire at the plant at 1471 Jerry Mashek Dr. just off Interstate 35. Authorities said there is no indication that the blast was anything but an accident.

A Facebook page has been set up for the Fallen Firefighters. Currently there are over 15k fans, but no information has been shared yet.

KWTX.com:

Teams of first responders descended on the devastated town of West, Texas, early Thursday where a massive explosion at a fertilizer plant left scores of casualties and turned homes to rubble.

The number of dead remained unclear, with police saying it could be between five and 15. More than 160 people were injured and “three to four” firefighters were missing or unaccounted for, officials said.

Firefighters were battling the blaze that precipitated the explosion Wednesday night. And a storm system heading into the area brought helpful rain — but also heavy winds that might make it much tougher to contain the fire.

8am 4/18/13 update

KWTX.com:

Rescuers were conducting another door-to-door search early Thursday for the living and the dead in areas damaged by a massive fertilizer plant explosion in West that left more than 100 injured and may have killed dozens.

As of 4:45, officials say five to fifteen people are believed to be dead.
Six firefighters and two paramedics are confirmed dead and seven nursing home residents were missing after the blast according to West EMS Director Dr. George Smith, who said earlier Wednesday night as many as 60 or 70 people may have died in the blast.

WFAA.com:

“I can’t confirm the number of casualties, but I can tell you that we do have casualties,” said Waco police spokesman Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton at a 4:35 a.m. news conference. “I can tell you that it is estimated anywhere from five to 15 at this point.”

At 4:15 a.m., West, Texas EMS director Dr. George Smith confirmed that two paramedics lost their lives in Tuesday night’s explosion at West Fertilizer Company. He said six firefighters remained unaccounted for.

1am EST 4/18/13 update via news conference

WFAA.com:

“We do have confirmed fatalities, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman D.L. Wilson said at a midnight news conference, “We have a tremendous amout of injuries… over 100 injuries at this time.”

Wilson would not confirm or deny an earlier report that the number of deaths could be in the range of 60 to 70.

CNN.com:

Fire officials fear that the number of casualties could rise much higher — as many as 60 to 70 dead, said Dr. George Smith, the emergency management system director of the city.

Many of the major news agencies are reporting only 2 confirmed dead at this time. Below you will read about a local official claiming 60-70 reported dead. I will update with more information later.

More coverage available at STATter911.com as well as the links below.

WFAA.com:

A powerful explosion rocked the town of West, Texas, 19 miles north of Waco, on Wednesday evening.

“We’ve heard that figure of 60 to 70 dead that’s coming from the county’s emergency management office down here,” said WFAA reporter Todd Unger a short distance from the blast epicenter. “I can tell you that a couple of law enforcement soucres expect that number to go up.”

WacoTrib.com:

Several firefighters and others were injured in a fertilizer plant explosion in West shortly before 8 p.m.

Multiple buildings caught on fire, including West Intermediate School, 1212 N. Reagan St., after the explosion at West Fertilizer Co., 1471 Jerry Mashek Drive, and a dispatcher calling for ambulances said “we do have a lot of injured here.”

KWTX.com:

The explosion was reported at around 7:50 p.m. in a frantic radio call from the scene of the fire at West Fertilizer at 1471 Jerry Mashek Dr. just off Interstate 35.

The fire started in an anhydrous ammonia tank and spread to the building, authorities said.

Audio below from firefighterdispatch.

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 18, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Dispatch, EMS Health & Safety, EMS Topics, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, HazMat, Major Incidents, Mass Casualty Incident, News, Videos • Tagged: Apartment Fire, blast, Building Fire, Collapse, Dave Statter, EMS, EMT, Explosion, Facebook, fertilizer plant, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, Fire Truck Blog, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Fires, House Fire, IronFiremen.com, mass casualty, MCI, McLennan County, Paramedic, people trapped, Rekindle, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, STATter911.com, Structure Fire, Texas, Video, Waco, West, West Fire Department, Willie Wines Jr.

Pierce Manufacturing Announces New NFFF Program to Support Families of Fallen Firefighters

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APPLETON, Wis. (April 12, 2013) Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, today launched Support for the Long Haul, a new nationwide campaign to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). The program will help the NFFF assist the families of firefighters who die in the line of duty.

Donate to win a custom, one-of-a-kind Ford F-150 to support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

“Since forming a partnership with the NFFF, we’ve raised more than $275,000 to support the families and loved ones of firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president Fire & Emergency. “An important facet of Pierce’s mission is to give back to the fire service and the NFFF, and programs like Support for the Long Haul help lead the way.”

Through October 1, 2013, participants can visit www.supportforthelonghaul.com to make a donation to the NFFF. When they do, they will automatically be entered in the Support for the Long Haul sweepstakes* for the chance to win a firefighter inspired, customized Ford F-150 4 x 4 SuperCrew pickup truck. The sweepstakes winner will be announced in November 2013.

“We are grateful to our sponsors for helping us raise awareness and funding so that we can fulfill our mission,” said Ron Siarnicki, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation executive director. “With the help of partners like Pierce Manufacturing, their dealer network, the people of Oshkosh Corporation and support from Pritchard Auto Company, we are able to continue to expand our programming for the families of fallen firefighters.”

Every October, the Foundation sponsors the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland and the names of the fallen are added to the National Memorial. All year long, the NFFF he

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 12, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Contests, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: F-150, Fire, Fire Blog, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Ford, IronFiremen.com, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Pierce Fire Trucks, Pierce Manufacturing, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Support for the Long Haul, The Fire Critic, Willie Wines Jr.

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

Captain Wines writes about Chief Boyd’s Resignation here

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.

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Probably the biggest thing you can do is have a positive attitude…which is also one of the hardest when morale is low.

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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.

Firefighter Turnout Challenge – National Firefighters Endowment

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Harrisburg Fire Expo

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Botetourt County, VA

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It will air again on May 4th at 7pm on MSNBC

Thanks for the shots Beefcake!

Did you read that? $730 in about 10 minutes.

FDIC FOOLS Bash

Chief Tom Carr Passes

Baltimore County Firefighter Critical

North Carolina Rescue

Highland Park Rescue Video

Previous coverage here and here

West Volunteer Fire Department Members

Wednesday April 24

Thursday April 25

Friday April 26

Saturday April 27

Scroll Down for information on those missing or deceased

STATter911.com has coverage here and here

The members below who are reported missing and or dead include:

Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris

Perry Calvin

Jerry Chapman

Morris Bridges

Robert Snokhous & Doug Snokhous (Brothers)

Joey Pustejovsky

Kevin Sanders

Buck Uptmor

Cyrus A. Reed

Jim Matus

Last updated at 8pm (Scroll Down to Full Coverage)

Here is another view of the blast

Video of the blast is below

1pm 4/18/13 update

Noon 4/18/13 update

10:30 am 4/18/13 update

8am 4/18/13 update

1am EST 4/18/13 update via news conference

Many of the major news agencies are reporting only 2 confirmed dead at this time. Below you will read about a local official claiming 60-70 reported dead. I will update with more information later.

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