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This Probably Isn’t the Best Idea. Firefighters Perception Vs. Reality in Social Media

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I get it, some of us love being photographed while on the job. Hell, deep down inside we all would probably love to be on the cover of a magazine in a great photo while making a rescue off the balcony of a 3rd story apartment while flames lick over our heads…but that probably won’t happen. If you are lucky enough to be a firefighter in an area where there are fire buffs, you have a greater opportunity of being seen in photos or youtube videos that are shared right here on FireCritic.com.

And then there are some of us who attempt to make it happen ourselves.

I cannot speak for what is actually going on in this photo, I can only speak on what is perceived to be happening. Perception often trumps reality in situations like this.

The photo as seen on TheChive.com

The photo to the right was shared on TheChive.com, a popular site for men and women that share funny, sexy, and odd photos and video. Pictures of firefighters are a common occurrence on the site and firefighters seem to love it. I check it out a couple of times a week to see what is new.

The picture is hosted here. The whole set of images is here.

The problem with the photo is that it doesn’t paint the best picture of this firefighter, the FD of the firefighter in the photo, or the potential neglect of duties while posing for the photo.

The perception is that this firefighter stopped to take a photo during a house fire that is obviously not under control.

The reality COULD be that this is a training burn and this firefighter is not actively needed at the time, he takes a minute to have someone else snap the picture.

The truth could be something totally different.

Which one do you think it is?

My point here is not to hang this firefighter out to dry. If you think that me publishing his picture here is exposing him, I assure you that TheChive.com has a far larger reach than my blog.

My point is to bring attention to perception vs. reality when we are in the public view. Sharing a picture like this is potentially harmful to the firefighter, the fire department, and fire service in general. Even if it seems harmless to us, we should sit back and think about the perception that others will have of our photos and video.

We need to be a little more careful of what we are sharing online, and how we are acting on the fireground.

Carry on…

- The Fire Critic

Posted by on February 27, 2013 • Filed under: Firefighter Safety & Health, Fires, News, Photos, Social Media • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Climb at FDIC for an FDNY Firefighter Lost on 9-11. I am Climbing for Lt. Brian G. Ahearn

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I am climbing again. This time at FDIC. I am registered to climb for Lt. Brian G. Ahearn (Engine 230). If you are going to be at FDIC, you should definitely climb…especially if you haven’t climbed yet. It is an amazing experience.

Lt. Ahearn, 43, was married with two children (5 & 9). He perished in Tower Two. Read more about Ahearn here.

Let’s be clear, there is nothing easy about climbing 110 floors. There is also no reason why we can’t get 343 climbers at FDIC, an event that boasts around 30,000 firefighters in attendance. This year, teams can register and do a relay of the event. If you aren’t sure you can complete it, do it in shorts and a t-shirt. There is nothing wrong with that. If you aren’t even willing to try, maybe you are in the wrong profession.

Go here to sign up: 9-11stairclimb.com

In the past, I have climbed for Firefighter Andrew A. Fredericks (squad 18), Firefighter Ruben D. Correa (engine 74), Martin McWilliams (engine 22), Firefighter Durrell V. Pearsall (rescue 4), Firefighter Frank J. Bonomo (engine 230), Firefighter Karl H. Joseph (engine 207), Raymond York (engine 285), and Firefighter Joseph Agnello (ladder 118). Read more about what I have written about the climbs in the past here.

Here is another climb going on in Springfield, MO on June 27th.

- The Fire Critic

Below is the press release on the event.

Chief Bobby Halton says the FDIC 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb is “about honor and service”

EMMITSBURG, MD – Show others that you will never forget the 343 members of FDNY who courageously gave their lives on September 11, 2001. Register now for the 3rd Annual FDIC 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb on Friday, April 26 at Lucas Oil Stadium and help raise money to assist the families and colleagues of the fallen heroes. Sign up now and help make sure there is a firefighter in Indianapolis climbing for every FDNY firefighter who died that day.

“Our goal is to make sure every one of those 343 firefighters is represented by someone climbing the stairwells of Lucas Oil Stadium,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. “We want their families, friends and colleagues to know that each of them will be honored and remembered.”

The FDIC 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and benefits the FDNY Counseling Unit. Check-in is between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Booth #9448 in Lucas Oil Stadium and the climb will begin at 1:30 p.m.  Participants will walk the stadium stairwells three times, representing the number of floors in the Twin Towers.

Participants can select the firefighter they want to honor when they register and their name will be displayed under the picture of the FDNY firefighter on the registration web site. Climbers will have the option to start in turn-out gear or wear their work uniforms or gym clothes. The cost is $25 per person. Teams of 3 can register, with each person completing one rotation. Participants will receive a photo and badge of one of the fallen heroes of September 11th as well as a shirt.

“The 9-11 stair climb at FDIC and elsewhere is about honor and service,” explained Chief Bobby Halton, editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering Magazine and education director of FDIC.  “We will climb to honor their memories.  Not only for what they did that infamous day, but for every day they served. We will climb as they all intended, but were unable. We honor their intentions and show our respect to our chosen hero whose photo we carry. “

For more information and to register, go to http://9-11stairclimb.com/FDIC/

Posted by on February 25, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best of the Rest – Triple Fatal in Kalamazoo, Two Double LODD’s, Renegade’s Coin, Bouncing Back, Florida Rescue, and much more!

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This past week, the Fire/EMS service experienced two double LODD’s.

Two Brothers died in Bryan, Texas. Lt. Gregory Pickard and Lt. Eric Wallace – more information here

Two Paramedic LODD’s in Indianapolis. Tim McCormick and Cody Medley – more information here

St. Lucie County, FL Firefighters make rescue at house fire in Fort Pierce. Check out more info here, the video is below.

“It was very, very smokey in there,” St. Lucie County Fire Lt. Steve Burns said. “The fire was right near him.  So we shielded him and put some water on it to cool it down for him a little bit.”

Added St. Lucie County Fire Lt. Chris Longo: “I didn’t know it was a child until we grabbed him. And that’s when it hits you a little harder.”

2013 Renegade Pipes & Drums Tour Coi

Check out the 2013 Renegade Pipes & Drums Tour Coin 1.56″ Silver Plated Challenge Coin. It is for sale here

House fire causes $200k in damage in Sycamore, IL ; no one injured. Check out more on the fire here including video

The Squirrel Slam in Holley, NY is still stirring up some comments. Read more about this FD Fundraiser here.

Fully Involved offers another unique and superbly written piece by Mark vonAppen. Check out “Bouncing Back” on Fully Involved.

IronFiremen.com: Captain Wines offers “Climbing Out”. Thanks for everyone who continues to ask about him. He is taking one day at a time.

FDLiveIn.com: We are excited to introduce FDLiveIn Templates. Whether you have an existing live-in program and want to make it even better, or you are starting a brand new program and don’t know where to start – FDLiveIn Templates are right for your department!

Kalamazoo, MI: 3 children perished in a fire at an apartment complex. The children were apparently alone at the time of the fire. Kalamazoo is one of those departments with Public Safety Officers. Members are Firefighters, Police Officers, and Paramedics. Read more about it here

From Within the Fire has been busy spitting out articles recently. Here are the latest:

Below is a photo from a scrap metal fire in Hillsborough County, FL

I will leave you with some early video at a house fire in Cleveland Hill, NY. Firefighters made an excellent push on this fire despite a burst hose and arching wires overhead.

Cleveland Hill Firefighters responded this afternoon for a report of a kitchen fire on Flora Rd.
Cleveland Hill 9-1 went on location reporting a working fire. Command further reported heavy fire on the 1st floor of a 1 1/2 story dwelling with extension to the 2nd floor.
U-Crest, Pine Hill, Forks, Rescue, & South Line (FAST) responded as mutual aid to the scene. Hy-View provided fill in at Cleveland Hill.
The fire was under control in 47 minutes.

Posted by on February 19, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Best of the Rest, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Funding & Staffing, Line of Duty, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MN8-Foxfire Introduces Illuminating Helmet Bars

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This is especially for you West Coasters, firefighters who wear L.A. style helmets, and those who wear the “salad bowl” style helmets that are issued by their department.

However, these new products will have some great alternative uses as well!

If you order via the online store before next Friday, you get an 8-pack for the 6-pack price.

MN8-Foxfire, the developer of breakthrough advanced photoluminescent products, has introduced new illuminating helmet bars for use on helmets, flashlights, hoses and other items that get used in the dark.

Foxfire illuminating helmet bars combine advanced photoluminescent technology with reflective micro prismatic technology. The bars are constructed with high temperature resistant fire retardant cloth and an industrial grade adhesive to ensure strong surface bonding.
MN8-Foxfire’s unique photoluminescent coatings and products 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.
“Firefighters who wear modern helmets have been requesting that we offer illuminating helmet bars,” says Zachary Green, firefighter and president of MN8-Foxfire. (The company also offers illuminating helmet tetrahedrons.) “With their rectangular shape, Foxfire illuminating helmet bars have endless uses. Not only can they be applied to various types of helmets and hard hats, but they can also be used on flashlights, hoses, radio straps, water cans and lots of other items. We can’t wait to hear about the different ways people will be using them.”

Foxfire illuminating helmet bars offer both reflectivity and photoluminescent properties. Sold in sets of six ($19.95), Foxfire illuminating helmet bars measure 1 inch x 3 inch and are available from the MN8-Foxfire webstore at www.store.mn8foxfire.com, through MN8-Foxfire’s distributor network or the company’s “Boots on the Street” independent sales representative network.

Fire Critic Featured Boots on the Street Rep is Andrew Isaacs – Isaacsal@gmail.com. Contact him to order today!

About MN8-Foxfire:

MN8-Foxfire is a firefighter owned company offering energy efficient and eco-friendly products utilizing breakthrough advanced illumination 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. This is readily apparent in Foxfire’s photoluminescent helmet bands, coating kits, grip wrap, equipment bands, helmet tetrahedrons, T-shirts and other products. Both the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and Cincinnati Innovates have recognized MN8-Foxfire for its efforts in developing technology that keeps firefighters safe. The company is headquartered in Wyoming, Ohio, a Cincinnati suburb. For more information, visit www.mn8products.com.

Posted by on February 15, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Company Snapshot: Glove Crafters

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The “Company Snapshot” is a brand new column here at FireCritic.com. If you would like your company to be featured in a “Company Snapshot” please email us at firecritic@firecritic.com.

Glove Crafters

What products to you manufacture and/or sell? We manufacture Structural Fire Gloves, Industrial Gloves, Glove Straps and Heat Pads

Structural firefighting gloves include the Fire Armor, Fire Hog, and Fire Pro II. Wildland firefighting gloves offered include the Wildland.

Can your products be purchased from local dealers? Yes. Click here to find a dealer near you. If you are a dealer and would like information on carrying Glove Crafters Gloves Click Here to Contact Sales@GloveCrafters.com.

What makes your products better than others in the market? All our products are made by American master crafters who are experts in putting together quality handmade gloves. We take pride in every stitch. You simply won’t find a higher quality glove anywhere in the world. You can read about our Master Crafters here!

Where is your company located? Glove Crafters is located in Quitman, Arkansas population 765. Check out a video of our shop here.

How long have you been in business? We are going on our 3rd year and we have  106 years of combined glove seamstress experience.

Are your products made in the USA? Not only are all of our products made here in the USA but all the components in our glove are made in the USA also.

Does your company get booth space at conferences? If yes, what are some of the highlights of those shows? We set up a booth at FDIC each year. We enjoy showing off our products and meeting the brave men and women of the fire service. We enjoy seeing the smiles on firefighters faces when they try on our gloves for the first time. You can read more about what others have said about our products here.

What new products can we expect from your company in the future? We are working on a new 3D Glove that will be released this Spring.

Glove Crafters offers “Freebie Fridays” where they give away products each Friday. To enter to win simply click here.

Additional information on Glove Crafters products:

ISO 9001 Registered – Having a manufacturing quality assurance program that is registered to ISO 9001 and monitored by an independent outside organization ensures that every glove that you receive is consistent in its materials and construction, providing the same exacting quality to ensure the highest levels of performance and safety.

Certified to NFPA Standards – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes the most rigorous product standards in the world to offer the greatest protection to firefighters everywhere. Our fire glove products meet and exceed these extensive requirements of the applicable NFPA standard. Our certification is continually subject to verification.

Check out the Fire Critic’s review of the Fire Armor gloves by Glove Crafters on FireProductReview.com

 

Posted by on February 13, 2013 • Filed under: Company Snapshot, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News, Technology & Communications, technology-communications-ems-topics, Training, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Wildland • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

News Times Reports Corruption, Fake Cocaine, Sexual Harassment, Racial Abuse, Assualt, and Bribes in Miami Beach FD

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I was forwarded this story about Miami Beach. The article is a three month long investigation by the New Times on the City of Miami Beach…err more importantly corruption within the City…and even more importantly than that it focuses on the corruption within the Miami Beach Fire Department.

After reading the report, I can’t help but wonder why the Chief is still the Chief. But don’t stop there…why hasn’t the City cleaned up the fire inspection bureau among other questionable members?

The unfortunate thing is that I feel certain some of these issues aren’t unique to Miami Beach…I just wish they were.

I am sure we haven’t seen the end of this. In the end, I imagine there will be plenty of vacancies down in Miami Beach…but who knows?

One thing I do know is I am sick of reading about is sexual harassment and racial abuse in the fire service!

The investigative report is here (it is long)

The New Times investigation uncovered the following among much more:

  • Millions of dollars’ worth of fire permit fees went missing or were written off by inspectors, including those now charged with taking roughly $25,000 from club Dolce.
  • City officials ignored repeated, detailed warnings about those missing funds.
  • Top fire officials were warned about inspectors taking bribes from a South Beach hotel to ignore thousands of dollars in code violations, but did nothing.
  • One powerful fireman, union president Adonis Garcia, has been accused of three assaults, bilking the county out of $76,000 in property taxes, and abusing his authority as a firefighter.
  • A female firefighter successfully sued the department over repeated sexual harassment, including semen-stained clothing and death threats, winning $700,000.
  • An African-American recruit was awarded $100,000 after alleging racial abuse, including being teabagged and called racial epithets by fellow firemen.

A follow up article can be found here:

On Friday, New Times published a three-month investigation into Miami Beach Fire Rescue (MBFR). It showed that MBFR leaders and other city officials ignored evidence of corruption. Millions of dollars in permit fees mysteriously went missing. And the two employees who did complain were forced out.
It now seems as if the investigation — which hits newsstands later today — has struck a nerve with at least some Miami Beach politicians. Commissioner Jerry Libbin has asked for an “emergency discussion” today to review our findings.

More related New Times links to the story:

Posted by on February 7, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Must Read, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

4 Alarm Fire with MAYDAY in Baltimore City Injures 5 Firefighters in Collapse. News Reports None Had Life-Threatening Injuries

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The full details of what happened and to who are still coming in. Firefighters were injured in a 4 alarm fire at Penn Lumber this evening in Baltimore City. The fire began at Penn Lumber in the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue around 5:40 p.m. today. The fire quickly spread to other nearby buildings.

I will update as more information is available.

Stay tuned to Fire Critic on Facebook as well!

Links for coverage are below:

CBS Baltimore:

The first responding firefighters entered the building but moments later, the incident commander determined it was unsafe and ordered the evacuation. As they were leaving, the building collapsed, briefly trapping five firefighters. They were injured but none had life-threatening injuries. They’ve been taken to Shock Trauma.

Image from CBS Baltimore

Posted by on February 4, 2013 • Filed under: Close Call, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Mayday, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fireground Video: House Fire in Saddle Brook, NJ. Small but Important Training Lesson Involved

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This house fire in Saddle Brook, NJ sent two people to the hospital on the 30th of January. There was a story on it here, but the url was bad when I checked it. If you watch the video, the fire seems to go from good to bad, but we don’t see what they had when they got there. At any rate, as with most fires, this one required a bit of overhaul.

Please do watch at the 6:24 mark when one firefighter almost really learns a lesson and nearly creates a close call with live wires. This is why these videos are so important…watch them to learn. Learn something from them. No fault on any of the firefighters, this business is chock full of learning and experiences.

Video by homer218

Visit the Saddle Brook Fire Department online here

Posted by on January 31, 2013 • Filed under: Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best of the Rest – Nuts, Bees, Brotherhood, Hazing, Detroit, NFE, NFFF, and More via The Fire Critic!

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I admit that one of the coolest things about The Fire Critic Facebook Page is the questions that the readers ask me either via message or on the page. They want answers. They want the truth. They can’t handle..alright enough of that. The questions range from broad to detailed and encompass the entire scope of Fire & EMS. I appreciate the questions and try to share every one of them on the page. You will see them in the form of a question followed by [ - Question from a Brother]. Keep them rolling. The last one I put up was one I thought of all on my own (I do that occasionally…think that is). The question “Do you wear your wedding ring on duty? Why or why not?” is sitting at 207 comments.

If you are on Facebook, you want to check out and “Like” our page!

Rom Duckworth writes at Rescue Digest. Recently he belted out an excellent article on Brotherhood and then he followed that up with an article about The Fire Critic and Iron Firemen. It is nice to get a little press every now and again. We met Rom in Denver last year at FRI, although that might not have been the first time. Thanks Rom!

Paul Hasenmeier is taking notes from Captain Wines and writing about his firehouse life. His blog First Due Tackle’s latest post is about the rookie, or as he has earned the nickname Sweat Bee. Learn how he earned that nickname here.

MN8 FoxFire has a new shirt out “Real Women Love Firefighters, The Rest Marry Cops”. Check out the new shirt here.

Curt Varone has a “nutty” story “Foolish Act in Ohio Creates New Nightmare for New Colorado Chief“. Curt features the legal side of things on his blog interestingly titled Fire Law Blog. I think the story is NUTS! ha

Rescuing Providence is passing along some great information from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Everyone Goes Home Program. RESPONSE TO VIOLENT INCIDENTS: Nine Questions You Should Ask. Questions inspired by 2012 Violent Incident Summit with IAFC, CFSI, NFFF, NFPA & NVFC.  Read more about it here.

Dave Statter has an interesting story about Firefighters having some fun and others finding it to be hazing. I think where they went wrong was going out in public with the messed up hair-cuts. We have to at least look professional! Read about it here.

The Disputanta VFD (VA) is the latest to offer great helmet camera footage. They even used some dash camera footage in this house fire video from the 16th of January. Check out the video here.

FireGeezer has the story about 50% something EMS is messed up in Detroit. Am I the only one who feels horrible for these guys? We read every day about how freakin bad it is up there….is there any light at the end of the tunnel? Read about the latest news here.

The National Firefighters Endowment is proud to present a check on behalf of the Officers Club, to Union Deposit Fire Company #47, to purchase new air cylinders. These air cylinders will allow their firefighters to safely enter hazardous conditions to perform life and property saving services to their community. Check out more on the story here.

Benjamin A. Metzger, represented the Officers Club, presented the Union Deposit Fire Company #47 their check for $5000.

I will leave you with a two alarm chimney fire in North Whitehall, PA

Posted by on January 29, 2013 • Filed under: Best of the Rest, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Helmet Camera Video: Hang On There Bam Bam…I Got This…Try Before You Pry Works at Car Fires Too!

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I could be wrong, since I wasn’t there, but this appears to be a learning experience for at least one of these firefighters. I admit that at car fires, if you don’t get to the hood latch before it burns or lengthens under the heat it negatively impacts the ability to open the hood. Occasionally, we need tools to open the hood up to and including a couple of rounds with the K saw. However, in this case captured in this helmet camera video…it doesn’t appear to be the case…Then again, the firefighter with the halligan might have knocked it loose.

 

The Video was removed by the FD

 

Posted by on January 22, 2013 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Training, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Change Begins – Training and Dieting For a Goal

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I am drinking a beer as I type this. The last beer until the middle of May…the last of many things until the middle of May. Read on to find out why.

Over a year ago, my wife began an epic journey into what many wouldn’t even think of. My wife is an extraordinary woman. She works a career with Advance Auto Parts, at their corporate center in Roanoke. She is the breadwinner of the family. Among working, keeping the family going, and supporting me in all of my endeavors, she wanted more. She began working out. She wasn’t overweight, but just like me she hadn’t taken care of her body the way she should have. Once she began her workout program, she put her sights on competing in a figure and/or bikini competition.

This is my breaking point as captured by paparazzi on the beaches of North Carolina in August of 2011.

She put all of her spare time into working out and dieting to get ready for the competition. This is where I benefited. Not only was my wife in the best shape of her life and hotter than ever, she got me into working out. For that I will be ever indebted to my wife…yet another example of how she has made me a better man.

So there I was…following along with The Fire Service Warrior, becoming an advocate for healthier firefighters, and beginning to finally becoming fit for the first time since I had been hired as a full-time firefighter about 12 years prior.

This was just over a year ago.

My wife didn’t get to compete. It broke my heart. She had worked so hard…come so far. She had dieted for months, never once cheating…not even a morsel. Due to health reasons she is still battling, she was unable to compete. We only found out a month before her competition…From doctor to doctor we sought answers.

The good news is that I believe we have found out what was wrong. The bad news is that it might be something that she has issues with for the rest of her life.

The GREAT news is that she is planning on competing again.

What does this have to do with me?…I am going to compete with her.

That’s right. I am going to compete as well. It is a bodybuilding competition. I have worked out with my wife two times a week for over a year. That time is priceless for us. She even has a personal trainer. He is a great guy. Robbie Royston, our personal trainer, might have more fun than us when he trains us.

And so it begins…the dieting and consistent working out. Working out will not be a problem. I have worked out 2-5 times a week for over a year. With the exception of the past 3 weeks when I was injured, it has been constant and I am loving it.

I have yet to get into the CrossFit workout. I haven’t had the chance. It isn’t an excuse. I get a free membership to our local Gold’s Gym, my wife works out there, and I can work out with other firefighters. It just makes sense. I am not ruling out CrossFit in the future, but it isn’t in the cards right now.

I do not know what will happen in the end. I am not doing this to win. I am doing this for me. I am doing this to see what I look like after a strict diet. After that, we will see where I go from there.

More than likely, my frame will go from the current 165 lbs. to 140-145 lbs. It will be interesting to see how it all goes.

There are actually two competitions I will be competing in with my wife.

April 20th – INBF Pro/Amatuer Mr/Ms Virginia VirginiaBodyBuilding.com

May 5th – OCB Atlantic Super Show BodyBuildingTickets.com

That means that I will not be drinking at FDIC…not to worry, I am just as much fun sober as I am drunk!

Needless to say, this will be a huge challenge. Starting tomorrow, I will be on a protein rich diet coupled with working out. The strict diet will also be enjoyed by my wife. I cannot wait until the day we are in Richmond having a blast…half naked…sculpted…and loving it!

I think she is only doing this because she knows she is capable of it…it doesn’t matter to me. I appreciate all of the prodding she has done for me this far.

Beyond my wife, so many of my Brother and Sister Firefighters are inspirations to me. I appreciate all of the help thus far and on with this challenge. I will keep you posted on the program.

I just hope I have the will power for it.

Posted by on January 13, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Health & Safety, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, News, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Hectic Scene Caught on Helmet Camera as Firefighter is Rescued after Electrical Shock During House Fire

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This video starts out as firefighters frantically try to get a firefighter out of a house after being shocked by an electrical wire. Once the firefighter is removed, the ladder throwing begins. You might remember this ladder throwing machine from this video.

According to reports, two firefighters were injured in the fire. One as seen in the video was shocked by an electrical wire and will be okay. The other was treated on scene for smoke inhalation.

6ABC.com has more on the story here

The video by OneNineTruck (Landsdowne Fire Company,PA) offers:

Rescue 19 arrives third in on a working fire in Colwyn Borough. Upon arrival a firefighter of Darby 04 was electrocuted.

Posted by on January 7, 2013 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, Mayday, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Complete Coverage: Firefighters Chiapperini and Kaczówka LODD’s in West Webster, NY

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Previous coverage on the murders of two West Webster Firefighters on The Fire Critic here. The links and information below cover most of the coverage of the incident. For information on the killer who took his own life, you will find it in the links. I don’t feel the need to share it here.

The supplement to FireCritic.com is our Facebook Fan Page. Join over 15,000 others who keep track of current events by “liking” our page. Check it out here!

Firefighters Michael Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczówka were killed while arriving at a house fire in West Webster, NY yesterday. Firefighters Theodore Scardino and Joseph Hofstetter were also shot in the incident. Off-duty Greece police officer John Ritter, was also injured by shrapnel in the attacks. 

Many of the videos related to the incident including audio from the scene is below in this article. I encourage all fire, police, and EMS personnel to take a listen to the chilling yet courageous audio from the scene. Dave Statter said it best when he dubbed it “Extreme Courage Under Fire”.

I will share the arrangements as they are available. Be sure to check out WestWebsterFD.org for official notifications from the department.

Our Fallen:

Michael Chiapperini and Tomacz Kaczówka

Lt. Michael Chiapperini, 43, had been named Firefighter of the Year just two weeks ago, and he led the fire department’s Explorer program for young people interested in becoming firefighters. He had recently taken vacation time to help recovery efforts after Hurricane Sandy, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported. He also was the public information officer for the Webster Police Department. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son, who also worked with the fire department.

Tomasz Kaczówka, 19, was a 911 dispatcher for Monroe County. He also was a member of the Explorers group that Chiapperini advised, had worked at a fast-food restaurant and had been a member of the fire department for about a year. One of three brothers, he was studying at Monroe County Community College. On his Facebook page, he said he could speak Polish and German.

In addition to our Brothers who died, three men were injured in the attacks as well including two firefighters and an off-duty police officer.

Firefighters Theodore Scardino and Joseph Hofstetter (l-r)

From FirefighterNation.com:

The two wounded firefighters, Joseph Hofstetter and Theodore Scardino, were in guarded condition in the intensive care unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, authorities said. Both were awake and alert and are expected to recover.

Hofstetter, also a full-timer with the Rochester Fire Department, was hit once in the pelvis, and the bullet lodged in his spine, authorities said. Scardino was hit in the chest and knee.

Off-duty Greece police officer John Ritter, was also injured by shrapnel.

WestWebsterFD.org:

The horrific event s this Christmas Eve has taxed the members of the West Webster Fire Department and entire Monroe County fire service community. It is events like this that bring us closer together as a fire service community dedicated to the preservation of life and property.  As our department begins the healing process we ask for the community’s indulgence and prayers. Your expressions of love, concern and well-being for the family members of our deceased brothers is gratefully acknowledged. As we move forward in the coming days we look to the community for strength and guidance to carry on our mission.

also

For anyone inquiring the West Webster Fire Department has not established any donation or fundraising for our lost loved ones and their families at this time. If in the future there is any information on these we will put it on the website.

More complete coverage:

STATter911.com:

Update from Webster: Latest News & Videos on the Murders of Two Firefighters & Wounding of Two Others During Ambush at House Fire.

A Must Listen, Extreme Courage Under Fire. Calm & Deliberate Radio Transmissions From Firefighters Wounded in Webster, NY.

Update: Firefighters Identified, Four Shot, Two Dead at House Fire in Webster, New York.

FirefighterNation.com:

Shooting at New York House Fire, Two Firefighters Killed

FireGeezer.com:

Firefighters Ambushed at House Fire – 2 Dead, 2 Wounded

 

Posted by on December 25, 2012 • Filed under: Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, EMS Topics, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Mayday, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lids of our Lives: From Georgia to Germany (58 images)

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Check out second gallery of “Lids of our Lives” on The Fire Critic.  If you would like your helmet featured, simply email a copy to firecritic@firecritic.com and I will put it online once we have enough helmets for another gallery.

We have even more fun on the Fire Critic Facebook Page!

Check more of the galleries here: Motley Crews, Random Rigs, Firefighter Kids, Firefighter Randomness,Custom Kitchen Tables, Chips/Coins/Patches, & Firefighter Plates.

About the 1st image below (more in the gallery): These are photos from our GA Firefighters Burn Foundation, 20th Anniversary Camp Oo-U-La (Cool Burn) for burn-injured children held this past summer. These helmets represent just over 1000 years of combined service among the firefighters in the photo! Submitted by Danny Rumney (Retired: Macon Fire Department, Macon, GA)

Click here for the full set of 58 images

(more…)

Posted by on December 17, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Lids of our Lives, News, Photos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Newtown, CT Tragedy and others like it. How do Firefighters, EMT’s, and Police Officers Cope?

2 comments

Indulge me for a minute. There is a question from a Brother below that I cannot quite answer. Your comments are welcome.

We see some really bad stuff in our line of work. Luckily, the public is typically shielded from the raw gruesome details of many of the calls we go on. We are not. We cope. We formulate our own mechanisms for coping. Some sit down and talk about it, others seek professional counseling, many departments offer debriefings and/or counseling units made up of peers to talk about those “tough” calls. Captain Wines (IronFiremen.com) has written about this topic in the past. I have touched on it as well. Check out his recent post “The Newtown, Connecticut Murders and Firefighter Stress” and follow the links on the bottom of the post as well.

A Brother writes:

The tragic event that unfolded in Newtown, CT brought numerous things to light. We still, after multiple tragedies(Columbine, 9/11, Aurora)  have an inferiority complex. “It can’t or won’t happen here.” Those words have been spoken too often. What dictates that horrific events can’t take place anywhere at anytime? As a culture, first responders are deemed to be strong, smart, and ready for anything that comes our way. How do the men and women of the Sandy Hook Fire Department deal with this tragedy in the days and weeks to come? As with all incidents of this nature, it will remain a forefront event for the weeks to come, but then what? What about the things they had to endure? What can we do as brothers and sisters to help them? And what can we learn from them to better prepare ourselves in our own communities and agencies to deal with such a tragic event? My heart is heavy for all involved, the children who will never again smile on this earth, the teachers who will never help another child learn, and the responders who will never sleep well again.

What do you think? What would you tell him? Please leave a comment if you would like.

 

Posted by on December 17, 2012 • Filed under: EMS Health & Safety, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Santa Claus Banned from Riding Fire Truck in Christmas Parade. Chief Sites NFPA 1500

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Deputy Chief Jamie Ayotte has banned Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus from riding in the annual Hampton Christmas Parade. The Chief sites the National Fire Protection Agency’s Guideline 1500. This is absurd. First, I have to point out that NFPA 1500 is a guideline. Secondly, does the department follow all of NFPA’s guidelines as policies? This is such a simple thing to do that is great for public relations. Unfortunately, they have turned this into a media nightmare locally. I think this is a perfect case of overthinking safety. Put a ladder belt on them, strap them in and let the kids enjoy seeing Santa!

You can read the entire article here (dailymail.co.uk):

After what Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Ayotte said were days of discussion about the issue, it was decided it was too dangerous to continue having Santa and Mrs. Clause atop the truck.

Santa’s traditional ride through town violated National Fire Protection Agency Guideline 1500, and therefore the department’s safety and liability regulations.

What do you think?

Hampton Fire & Rescue web site

Posted by on December 4, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Video: Rocky Helps Firefighters Pull down a Tree in the Netherlands. Did I Mention Rocky is a Dog?

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Check out this seemingly uneventful video of Dutch firefighters pulling down a  tree in the Netherlands after recent storms. What is so unique about this video is that a dog, owned by Dutch volunteer firefighter Leendert Foppen, jumps right in to help the firefighters out! Rocky is the dogs name and he doesn’t let up until the tree is pulled down.

More on the incident here

Posted by on December 3, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

4 Firefighters Injured in Bedford (VA) Fire Engine Rollover

6 comments

From my sources, four firefighters were injured when their apparatus rolled over in Bedford today. All four were transported to area hospitals by ground or air. Bedford FD Engine 1 is a 2007 Seagrave Marauder II. Being close to the area, we have guys on our department who volunteer in Bedford. Their Chief Creasy is a firefighter in Roanoke City. Two of the firefighters involved (Chauffeur and Officer) are also paid firefighters at the Roanoke Regional Airport.  I have been told by sources that none of the firefighters sustained life threatening injuries.

I will update with more information as it is available.

WSET.com: 

Bedford, VA – Four people are being treated in the hospital after a fire truck flipped over in Bedford Saturday afternoon.

Police say Peaks Street is blocked from Whitfield Drive to Boone Drive.

Several crews are on the scene at the intersection of Peaks Street and Boone Drive where a Bedford County fire truck landed on its side.

via Four People in Hospital After Fire Truck Flips Over in Bedford – WSET.com – ABC13.

Below is a photo of Engine 1 from Nathan Camfiord

Posted by on December 1, 2012 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Fire Critic on Firefighting Products! Get Your Products in the Spotlight Today.

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The entire crew (me) here at Fire Critic Headquarters has made a point of trying to get my hands on the latest products on the market. I do this in order to offer my view of what great products there are out there. This includes doing product reviews at FireProductReview.com. The review site is a bit newer and was created to keep all of the reviews in one place. I am currently playing catch-up on the reviews. I still have many to complete. Since the sale of VAFireNews.com, I have had more time to focus on The Fire Critic and the review site.

Check out Fire Critic on Facebook

One of the most popular articles I write each year is the Top Ten Christmas Gifts for Firefighters. The article is set to come out soon. I do my best to focus on products that I have intimate knowledge of since it is my opinion on the line when I write. I do not want to mislead anyone into thinking that a product is decent when it really isn’t.

FPR on Facebook – Twitter

That goes for all of the products I write, comment, or talk about. Trust me, I get more questions about products behind the scenes than what you see on the site. I always appreciate the chance to give my opinion. You will notice that the reviews are not “comparisons” of similar products. I don’t believe that comparing products is fair, especially when I don’t have every similar product to compare side by side.

Another thing you should know is that I don’t “endorse” products…yet. My endorsement would require some form of contract. The reviews I have done to this point are just that…a review. The company sends me what they want and I review it. I do have rules for reviews, you can read them here.

The best part of FireProductReview.com is that you get to rate the products too!

Captain Willie Wines Jr. (IronFiremen.com) also does reviews for FireProductReview.com as does some other bloggers. The list will continue to grow in the future as the site gains traction. It has not been the easiest process. I am not sure why so many companies would rather utilize huge budget expenses for marketing/advertising over a simple review or potential advertising.

Furthering the review process, I like to do a little more. This includes sharing their sites and social media outlets on my social media outlets and blog.

Enlarge for full image. You do the math…google “fire product reviews”, “firefighter product reviews”, or “firefighting product reviews” and see what comes up…try your own key words too!

Here are some of the latest reviews:

Here are some of the reviews in the works:

If you would like a review, want to advertise with FireCritic.com, are looking for information on a review I have done, or are interested in something else please contact me at firecritic@firecritic.com.

Posted by on November 3, 2012 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, News, Product Reviews • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Watch live coverage of the 2012 National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Service

1 comment

Live Video begins at 10 am Sunday

Posted by on October 6, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Close Call Video: New Castle Firefighter Rescued at Black Whale Fire

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This video is a “close call” for two reasons.

First of all because a firefighter was injured in the fire and rescued by other firefighters and two police officers. Officers Richie Conti and Jamie Bucker entered the building to help rescue New Castle Fire Lt. John Onufrak Sr.

It’s a sign of the times: Onlookers to the blaze that gutted the Black Whale building downtown take photos and video to save and share.Gary Church from http://www.ncnewsonline.com

Secondly, it is a “close call” because of the alley way they have to operate in to rescue their comrade and the condition of the building with the exterior wall pushing out.

The fire occurred in New Castle, PA at a building that once housed the bar Black Whale. The bar had been closed down in the 1970′s.

The videographer somewhat realizes what is going on and is amazed by what he sees.

From the crowd in video 3: “They got him out…(cheers)…that was some real hero stuff man”

One thing that caught my eye was the photo to the right taken by a NCNewsonline photographer. The photog notes that the sign of the times is people taking photos and video to share. I believe the videos below might be from one of the men in the front taking video with their phones.

Posted by on July 23, 2012 • Filed under: Close Call, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best of the Rest – LODD’s, Joey DiBernardo, Why, Passion for Excellence, and SC Helmet Cam Footage

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I lost… I lost to Rescuing Providence. He spanked me pretty bad. Actually, I didn’t lose…the National Firefighters Endowment lost. A $200 check was at stake for them. The winner via Rescue Providence was the Leary Firefighters Fund. The contest was here.

Shoutout – Nocturnal Medic FB page

The Dark Side of Public Safety & Healthcare. It takes a rare breed to do what we do when the sun drops below the horizon!

Find it on Facebook 

Here is a shot of L-R A. Parker, J. Gardner, R. Fleitz, and E. Mulford doing an Insanity workout in the bay of the firehouse. We didn’t get it completed because of calls, but we got most of it in.

Training

Are you a fit firefighter? Read this article and be sure to check out the links for motivation related to being a fit firefighter!

Highrise Operations offers this post on The Apartment Stretch.

News and Opinion

Bloxom, VA LODD – Firefighter David Chew Jr. died in a single vehicle accident this morning. More here on VAFireNews.com.

Montreal LODD – Firefighter hit by truck. Read more here

Funeral Arrangements for Thierry Godfrind: The civic funeral for Montreal Firefighter Thierry Godfrind will be held at Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montreal Friday, July 20 at 11am. There will be a reception following the service. Out of town delegations, contact Gordon Routley at 514 872-7498 or by e-mail at gordon.routley@ville.montreal.qc.ca

Lt. Joseph Di Bernardo FDNY Granted LODD Status. Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano today announced that he was authorizing the inclusion of retired Lieutenant Joseph DiBernardo’s name on the FDNY’s Wall of Honor at Fire Department Headquarters in Brooklyn. Lieutenant DiBernardo, who died of an accidental drug overdose on November 22, 2011, suffered critical injuries on “Black Sunday” – January 23, 2005 – when he and five other firefighters were forced to jump from a fourth floor window after being trapped by fire.

IronFiremen.com learns all about KCCO! Keep Calm, Chive On. Read more here.

Fully Involved – Mark VonAppen writes “Why” and offers another great read!

Jonah Smith – The passion for excellence. Found on Fire Engineerings blog circuit.

Dave Statter titles this video only as a “buff” can… “Lots of Exposions at Ogden, Utah Warehouse Fire”. He left out the ohs and ahs. He didn’t even mention the hot stuff or the black stuff.

FireRescue1.com - Futuristic new helmet helps firefighters see through smoke. Helmet features wire framing technology that allows firefighter to map out surroundings, locate victims. Read more

 

South Lynches , SC Helmet Camera Footage at Cades Baptist Church. I must admit, the firefighting in this video is something else.

Posted by on July 17, 2012 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Now Trending – Fit Firefighters… Are you on Board?

6 comments

Are you fit? Do you look fit? Do you project an acceptable picture of what a firefighter and/or medic should look like? What about the people around you?

Are some of your peers just as big as some of the obese patients we ALL complain about having to pick up?

It has taken me thirteen years to get it, but I have finally understood what it means to be fit. I am not yet ahead of the game, but I am getting there. When I came to my department, I was 22 years old. I was young, dumb, and knew everything. I was living my dream and didn’t have to exercise to maintain my weight.

Now, thirteen years later I am older, smarter, and know a little bit. I am still living my dream, but I have to watch what I eat and exercise to maintain my weight.

I have wrote a little bit about working out since I began, but I am not a trainer or a dietitian, or even much of a motivator. The best I can do is share information from my motivators (they are below). This is one great post about motivation.

If you are one of our “more senior” firefighters and are looking for some motivation and reason for working out…read this article. EMSWorld.com offers this workout special suited for women.

I began changing my eating habits over a year ago. I brought some of those changes to the firehouse. I began working out in December. I have not looked back. It took months to begin working out in the firehouse. This is just one major change in my life.

Aaron Parker, myself, and David Lucas working out at the firehouse.

Trending now…getting fit

Yesterday at the firehouse, we were speaking about how so many firefighters in our department have embraced working out in some form or fashion. It is apparently the trend. Hopefully this trend will morph into lifestyle changes. One of our guys has lost over 100 lbs. through the weigh-station and cross-fit. He looks remarkable. Whole crews are heading to the gym, making use of the firehouse gyms, doing P90X or Insanity, and/or working out on their days off. Luckily for our firehouse, we have a Gold’s Gym in our 1st run territory. It just so happens that of the two Gold’s Gyms in Roanoke, ours offers firefighters free memberships. We are grateful and work out on duty when we can.


We could not put our finger on a catalyst for the change that can be seen department wide. We just relished in the thought that it was pretty freakin awesome at what was going on.

Here are some links you might want to check out in relation to strength, conditioning, eating right, and working out. You can thank the FB fans for some of these links! If you are just getting started, read this article first.

Please feel free to share your information, links, work outs, or thoughts in the comment section.

One other note…

Willie and I went to the memorial service of a fallen brother the other night. We paid our respects to the wife and children of a fallen brother. What stuck in my head was how Willie was not able to let one thing go out of his mind.

He kept asking me if I had photoshopped a recent picture of myself I used in this post. He said that there was no way those arms belonged to me. He would not let it rest.

I want to be completely honest with you guys…those are real….and much smaller than I wish they were…but much larger than the little girly man Willie Wines Jr.

He went so far as to have some fun with the topic and wrote about it here.

Now I can take him in a spelling contest AND an arm wrestling contest. Suck it Wines!

Posted by on July 11, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, News, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Colorado Springs FD Owns Up to Being the Butt of Youtube Video

1 comment

The Colorado Springs FD Chief Rich Brown owned up to being the butt of a funny youtube video in a recent article by the Gazette.com.

I am not sure why the Colorado Springs Dept. or Fire Chief Rich Brown came out in the paper saying that they were the butt of a youtube video or even owned up to an internal investigation about who did it.

I wouldn’t have given it a thought. Nor would you be reading about it here…because I would not have seen anything about it and life would have gone on. Instead, we are all learning about “hurt feelings” in Colorado Springs and an investigation about whether or not it was done on duty.

I do not see how anyone would have known what department this was. There is no mention of the FD in the video.

The sad truth is that some of it is probably true, there are many other Hitler “FD” videos online, and nobody really cares who it is about.

Posted by on June 19, 2012 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Close Call Video: Men Jump Out of the Way as Fire Engine Crashes into Store Front

1 comment

Update:

Thanks to one of our readers (there are only a few), we have the following link to go with the story. One thing the story leaves out is if it was a female driver or not as the video title would lead you to believe. It occurred in Moseley, Birmingham. Thanks Tony!

ExpressandStar.com:

A firefighter attempting a three-point turn during an emergency call out crashed the truck into the front of a mobile phone shop.

Read more: http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/05/30/fire-engine-crashes-into-moseley-mobile-phone-shop/#ixzz1wTLccClu

I don’t have much to go on other than you have to watch this video. Apparently it is from Birmingham (UK?)

I am sure someone will be able to help with this one…

The timestamp on the video states it was taken yesterday 5-29-12…and that a woman was behind the wheel.

Posted by on May 30, 2012 • Filed under: Close Call, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,