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The Fire Critic’s School of Hard Knocks Policy on Social Media

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This is my submission to the First Due Blog Carnival.

I could have written a very nice, well written, and detailed example of a social media policy that departments might be able to use to their favor. I have decided to do something different. I will actually have plenty to come in the future as I gear up for my FDIC class on Social Media.

Consider this the Cliff’s Notes!

Here is the School of Hard Knocks guide to Social Media usage in the Fire/EMS Service.

Purpose of this policy
The purpose of this policy is to extend gainful employment for the employee or volunteer status for the volunteer. Improper usage of this policy could hamper the longevity of your career and/or volunteering service.

Social Media usage comes with a lot of responsibility. The proper usage may be beneficial to the user (employee) and the department. However, improper usage can have instant and long term damage to the perception of the department and the user.

Social Media use is encouraged to proliferate the positive message of the department.

Golden Rule of Social Media
If you would not say it in front of your mother, boss, and/or priest do not say it or write it.

Social Media
Social media is content created by individuals using technologies through the Internet. Examples of social media include Facebook, blogs (a shortened term for web log), MySpace, RSS, YouTube, FourSquare, Twitter, LinkedIn, Delicious, Flicker, etc.

Potentially Damaging Usage of Social Media
a. Profane language or content
b. Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation
c. Sexual content or links to sexual content
d. Conduct or encouragement of illegal activity
e. Information that may tend to compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems
f. Content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party
g. Images and/or video from incidents which have not been cleared for usage by the department
h. Images and/or video of patients, bystanders, and first responders

Usage While on Duty
Employees may utilize social media while on duty while adhering personnel operating policies. Employees may not use social media while responding as a first responder or in the view of the public.

Photography and Videography
The use of cameras (still and video) should not interfere with your role as a first responder.

Information Dissemination
It is the role of the Public Information Officer (PIO) to disseminate information to the press and public. No employee shall be allowed to disseminate information to the press or public without expressed consent by the Fire/EMS Chief.

Summary
Follow the Golden Rule, respect others, and do not let Social Media usage hamper your role as a first responder.

Posted by on November 29, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Call For Submissions: Create a Social Media Policy this month on the First Due Blog Carnival

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Episode 6 of the First Due Blog Carnival is being hosted by Backstep Firefighter.

This month he is asking us to write a social media policy for the fire service.

First Due Blog Carnival on Backstep Firefighter

So here’s your chance. Write out a draft policy on social media/networking for members of your department. Chances are good that most of you don’t already have one in place. Be serious about it as your work might be a catalyst for change, and could help prevent your department from experiencing some of the problems we’ve read about – and will continue to read about. Check our you current disciplinary process to be sure your draft policy is fair and legal.

Post your draft or on Backstep Firefighter by Sunday, 28 November.
The 6th edition compilation will be posted on Monday, 29 November.

Who knows? You just might be doing something your department could seriously consider.
Click here for background information on the First Due Blog Carnival.

Posted by on November 11, 2010 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Health & Safety, EMS Topics, Fire Prevention & Education, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, First Due Blog Carnival, Lessons Learned, Must Read, News, Technology & Communications, technology-communications-ems-topics, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

First Due Blog Carnival Edition 5 – Minimum Standards

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I was hoping to get a few more submissions to this months First Due Blog Carnival. In the end, it took until today for me to sit down and pen my own. Things have been busy, but you don’t need me to tell you that.

If you want to host next months carnival let me know!

The topic this month was Minimum Standards. I asked what should the minimum standards should be, why we should have them, and why we don’t have them already.

As always, we have some great insight on the topic!

Below is a link to each submission for this month and a short excerpt from the article. They will open in a new window.

Firefighters Enemy – Blog Carnival 5: Minimum Standards?
Personally, I believe that there needs to be, at least at the state level, a system that requires continuing education and minimum job performance evaluations.  I have heard that the last thing the fire service needs is more unfunded mandates required by non-firefighting personnel.  To that comment, I agree.  However, it cannot be overlooked that we are in a time and era of firefighting like we have never seen before.  We have all heard someone say that “this ain’t your father’s fire service anymore.”

Firehouse Zen – It’s The Minimum
Unless your organization is living in a 1950’s time warp, the people in your community, when they call the fire department for help, expect help for many things that exceed the scope of “firefighting”.  Regardless of whether your community is staffed with a career or a volunteer department, there are increased expectations on the level of service being provided.  I can rationally argue the need for standards on a number of different levels.  I will, however, only provide you with this one today; it’s the minimum.

Unlimited-Unscheduled Hours – We don’t need no Stinking Standards
For Volunteers, I feel that the equivalent of a nationally certified Firefighter one is acceptable as ENTRY LEVEL into the firefighting game, but it should not stop there and certifications should continue over time. There should also be a continuing ed program which can be rolled up into normal training cycles to keep the firefighter abreast of changes in technology, new threats and tactics. This stuff never ends and we all need to stay up on the things that can kill us. If you don’t have time to train, you don’t have time for the job either.

TNFireNews.com – Minimum Standards for Firefighters
Having been in the fire service less than 10 years, I consider myself a probie to the service. I have never worn a long turnout coat w/ hip boots, or used my beard as an SCBA. I do, however, enjoy listening to the stories from the 20-30 year guys at my department tell me about how things have changed. Along with these changes have come different requirements in hiring and/or accepting volunteers. Within the last few years, I have witnessed my career department transition to the CPAT test(Candidate Physical Ability Testing), and my volunteer department has begun implementing a more strenuous physical agility test.

Firefighter Nation – Competent vs. Proficient by Scott Cook
Let’s consider a firefighter straight out of the academy. Technically speaking, that person has the competencies necessary to perform all the tasks required of someone who rides backward on an engine: drag hose, throw ladders, search and rescue, etc. After all, he’s demonstrated the requisite knowledge and skills time and again in the Academy, and (likely) passed the academy’s final written and skills exam, as well as the state’s certifying written and skills exam. – note that this was submitted by someone other than the author and I think it fits!

Last and maybe least is my own post on the subject here on the Fire Critic

Fire Critic – Minimum Standards for “A person who fights fires”?
Across the Nation, State to State, City to City, town to town, and fire department to fire department the meaning of the term “firefighter” is different. Merriam Webster defines it as “a person who fights fires”. That about sums it up doesn’t it…Goodnight! Wait a minute…that is way to easy. You mean that I have devoted my life to a profession, a job, a career, a lifestyle and that is all I get in the damn dictionary?

Posted by on August 4, 2010 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Minimum Standards for “A person who fights fires”?

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Minimum Standards for Firefighters

Across the Nation, State to State, City to City, town to town, and fire department to fire department the meaning of the term “firefighter” is different.

Merriam Webster defines it as “a person who fights fires” source

That about sums it up doesn’t it…Goodnight!

Wait a minute…that is way to easy. You mean that I have devoted my life to a profession, a job, a career, a lifestyle and that is all I get in the damn dictionary?

What about real life? What is a firefighter?

Without going into every discipline a firefighter might be trained in I will name a few – Fire suppression, high rise fires, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, wildland firefighting, pump operations, heavy technical rescue, trench rescue, rope rescue, EVOC, confined space rescue, collapse rescue, emergency medical services (ALS and/or BLS), HAZMAT, IMS, investigation, and so on and so forth.

What are the minimum standards for being  “a person who fights fires”?

The short answer is there aren’t any. The long answer is that in various localities and some States “minimum” standards do exist.

For the majority of “career” firefighters the minimum standards are typically set forth by the locality they work for.

Many States have certificate levels of training, but the departments do not have to abide by any standards of certification.

To put it bluntly, some “firefighters” are not any more of a firefighter than joe schmoe who uses his water hose to put water on a fire before the fire department gets there.

That is right! Some firefighters have no more training than “learning” on actual fires by other firefighters.

This is a real problem. This problem might not be very bad in urban areas, but it does exist in a lot of places.

Many who read this might find it hard to believe that fire departments let members operate in suppression activities without proper training. It happens every day.

Why we need minimum standards

We need minimum standards for several reasons. Mostly so that when the public calls on their FD, they are ensured getting qualified “firefighters”. However, the reasons can be as far reaching as getting legislation to cover line of duty injuries and deaths.

We all know how dangerous our jobs can be. Why in the world would we not want some form of a minimum standard set to ensure firefighters are not endangering themselves on calls without the proper training.

What should be the minimum standards?

That is the million dollar question.

To me, the answer is simple:

The minimum standard for riding in fire apparatus and operating on emergency incidents should include basic firefighter training. In Virginia (my State) this would include at least Firefighter I.

Other classes that should be a necessity are Incident Command, EVOC, Haz Mat, and at least a first responder level EMS certification.

Without that “firefighters” should not be riding on rigs.

Furthermore, there should be an age requirement on operating inside an IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) atmosphere.

This “minimum standard” should be at least State certified if not Federally Mandated.

Are you required to have training as a firefighter? Who requires it?

Posted by on August 4, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , , , , ,

First Due Blog Carnival: Call For Submissions – Edition 5 – Minimum Standards

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Edition 5  of the First Due Blog Carnival asks the simple question: What should the minimum standards be for firefighters?

Some points to consider…

  • First off…did you realize that some States have NO standards at all for firefighters?
  • Should there be different standards for volunteer and career firefighters?
  • Should the minimum standard be up to Local, State, or Federal mandates?
  • Should this be a certification?
  • Should there be continuing education?
  • Should there be re-certification?

July’s First Due Blog Carnival is being hosted right here at The Fire Critic! Please plan on submitting your content to me by July 28th. The 5th edition will be posted right here on the 30th!

If you don’t know what the First Due Blog Carnival is read this first. If you would like to post something but do not have the forum (blog or otherwise) to do so please let me know and I will publish it here or get someone else to.

You can read past editions of the First Due Blog Carnival here.

Posted by on July 7, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

The Fire Critic for USFA’s Top Position

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The top spot in the pecking order for the National Fire Service is vacant. Kevin Cochran left the post of USFA’s top administrator to take his old job back as Atlanta’s Chief. Now that the search is on for a new Chief, Bill Carey over at Backstep Firefighter is hosting the June Episode of the First Due Blog Carnival and asks us to pitch ourselves for the job!

Therefore I am going to do just that!

Probably the best thing I might bring to the table is the fact that I am one of the “Boots on the Ground”. That is also one of the worst things about me being the Top Chief though. I don’t (and have never) held a Senior Staff Position in any department.

I have a decent idea what we need, how we do business, and the ins and outs of firefighting and fire based EMS.

Lets all be honest….I have no business in this position at all! That is why I am perfect for it. Look around…how many people are in positions they should be?

My agenda would include:

  1. More funding, education, and utilization of the SAFER grant program.
  2. Mini/Maxi standards for firefighter certification and adoption of a mandatory certification process by FD’s. (moan and groan).
  3. Expand and continue to work on the current strategic plan:
    # Reduce risk at the local level through prevention and mitigation.
    # Improve local planning and preparedness.
    # Improve the fire and emergency services’ capability for response to and recovery from all hazards.
    # Improve the fire and emergency services’ professional status.
    # Lead the Nation’s fire and emergency services by establishing and sustaining USFA as a dynamic organization.

The impact of the certification standards would be huge in relation to paid and volunteer departments alike. The long term effects of this proposition could prove fruitful especially for those who like to use the word “professional” a lot! This also plays a role in line item 4 of USFA’s current strategic plan “ # Improve the fire and emergency services’ professional status.”

You may think that the Fire Critic has set the bar to low with his proposal for the Top Chief spot, I think that we might have to take baby steps first though. You never know, I might want my old position back soon enough!

Posted by on June 20, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , , , ,

First Due Blog Carnival – Wanted: National Fire Chief

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Today is the due date for June’s First Due Blog Carnival titled “Wanted: National Fire Chief”.

Get your submissions in to Bill Carey of Backstep Firefighter. The link for the call for submissions is here.

If you want to host the next one let me know at FireCritic @ FireCritic.com or leave a comment!

Thanks and I look forward to reading the newest episode tomorrow!

Posted by on June 20, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , , , , ,

First Due Blog Carnival Episode 3 “Share The Wealth” is Now Online

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This weekend, John at Fire Daily finished compiling Episode 3 of the First Due Blog Carnival.

There is some great information from several great bloggers.

Check it out here

We are looking for hosts for the upcoming editions. If you are interested, please contact me ASAP. Let me know which month you want to do it. June is up for grabs!

Posted by on June 1, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , ,

Sharing the Wealth…Passing the Torch

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This is my submission for this months First Due Blog Carnival being hosted over at Fire Daily. If you have not submitted yours, you have until midnight May 26th to submit it to John at Fire Daily!

The First Due Blog Carnival this month is looking for great stories relating to how you have had the wealth shared with you. That is, some jewel told to you by someone else which has been a moment of clarity and helped define you.

Here is the problem… I cannot for the life of me figure out one “moment of Zen” in which I have had told to me. Truth be told that as much as I talk I listen just as well. My memory sucks, but I do retain the important things. I just can’t think of a true “moment of zen”.

I have had the opportunity to hang around many firehouse kitchen tables, gotten to meet many industry celebrities, enjoyed working with some great firefighters, and met many “unsung” heroes who have so much great information to share.

One thing that someone recently told me was that the fire service is so different that many other professions. He was speaking to the fact that when we come up with a new idea, new ideals, new  ideology, new technology, or new ways of doing things we share it with ALL firefighters. In so many other professions, that information is held close to the heart yet over the heads and out of reach of their peers.

first due blog carnival1aWe are different in that aspect and I believe that is why I have heard so much.

I have also gotten so many little tidbits of information because I like to ask questions. I learned a long time ago that people like hearing about themselves. If you are tactful you can learn a lot by talking and listening to others.

In my days, I have hung around many retired firefighters in my department. They took a liking to me because I am interested in the history. That history was their lives. So many firefighters forget about the ones who came before us because they are so wrapped up in themselves.

Since I don’t have a juicy “moment of Zen” for you, I will instead give you some things I have learned along the way from some great guys. I don’t take credit for any of these. Some are serious and others humorous!

  • You are replaceable… For those guys who think that they walk on water, to the beancounters we are all just a single notch in a magic number that creates budgets. This is more for the paid guys but I think it keeps us grounded. It is unfortunate, but most administrators and politicians don’t give a shit about you or your family. Kinda hard to swallow isn’t it!
  • Never underestimate fire… Whether you have been taught to do it one way or another, always have a backup plan. Fire is unpredictable!
  • Always prepare for the worst… No matter what incident, what circumstances, or whatever else if you prepare for the worst and it doesn’t come, the outcome will be easier to handle.
  • Don’t kiss ass… This is plain and simple. And yes, we all know it is going on when it happens. Don’t think for a minute that we think you are being sincere!
  • Don’t be so hard on yourself… Don’t worry about making the wrong decision. If you made a decision at all you are doing better than some. Mistakes lead to experience too. Ignorance is making the same mistake twice.
  • A complement can go a long way… How many times have you been told you did a good job? The same goes for others. We hand out criticism too often and complements not often enough. Whenever you have the chance you should give your peers at least a pat on the back.
  • You have to give respect to get respect… If you don’t understand it you probably are not respected!
  • Volunteer vs. Career… It doesn’t matter. Seriously guys, it is about being professional and getting the “job” done!
  • Never say “never”… I learned this early on. In firefighting, no matter what you are talking aboutff there is never a “never”. It will happen!
  • Enjoy your job… If you come to a moment where your job seems like a chore reevaluate what you are doing, set goals, and move forward.
  • Family first, job second… Your family comes before your job…always!
  • The people we work for (in most cases our citizens) do not and probably will not ever fully understand what we do, why we do it, or many other aspects of our jobs.

For some other inspirational reading you might check out Fire Nuggets one liners here.

Learn, train, have fun!

Posted by on May 25, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

First Due Blog Carnival Episode 2 in the Books

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Bill over at Backstep Firefighter just published the 2nd episode of the First Due Blog Carnival. He did a superb job with his topic as well as capturing the essence of each article in episode 2…did I just use the word essence?…sorry about that!

There were some new blogs in the mix and some non-bloggers who submitted their articles to be posted on blogs as well! It seems as though this thing is catching on. Episode 2 titled “Influential Fire Reports” struck a cord with a lot of people and really helped put a thumb on what has influenced many firefighters! I must say that the best part of episode 2 is the thought that a family member may come across it and see that their relative’s death/injury resulted in a positive learning experience for someone else. It also proves that no one is forgotten…

You can read episode 2 here

Episode 3 is being hosted by Fire Daily. He is quick on the draw with getting the information out quickly! Especially after doing a ton of editing to finish up Firefighter Netcast’s audio from FDIC! Great job John! Get your submission in by May 26th to be included!

You can view the “call for submissions” for episode 3 titled “Share the Wealth”. This is a great opprotunity for more blogs to get involved in the First Due Blog Carnival…cough cough…Traditions Training…Vent Enter Search…Irons and Ladders… That is right, the topic is inclusive of just about every Fire and EMS blog out there! There is no reason why all you narcissistic bloggers don’t hop on board to get more readership and share your stories with everyone!

first due blog carnival1a125John has also offered anyone who doesn’t have their own blog and would like to contribute to post their article on his site! See, us bloggers are very friendly!

I look forward to seeing more and more bloggers getting involved in the First Due Blog Carnival!

Read episode 2 here
Read the call for submission for episode 3 here

Catch up on all the information you need to know about the First Due Blog Carnival here

Posted by on May 3, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Call for Submission – 2nd Episode of the First Due Blog Carnival

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Bill Carey over at the Backstep Firefighter Blog is hosting the 2nd Episode of the First Due Blog Carnival. The theme is “Influential Fire Reports”.

The subject of this second edition is “Influential Fire Reports”. What fire report, or reports, have had the greatest impact on you personally and professionally as a firefighter? This report can be of firefighter fatalities, close calls, near-misses and even fire or structural behavior. The report can be a federal, state, department or independent investigation, no matter so long as it is one that made a significant impact in the way you now think and operate as a firefighter or fire officer.

first due blog carnival1aRead more about the episode at Backstep Firefighter and get your submission in by April 29, 2010!

Read more about the First Due Blog Carnival here.

Also to be noted is the Show Schedule for Firefighter Netcast at FDIC. Be sure to check out FirefighterNetcast.com for our show schedule, our featured guests, and other information!

Also plan on attending the FireEMSBlogs.com Blogger meetup on Friday night at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery! Fire Daily has the rundown on all the information. Be sure to let us know you will be there!

Posted by on April 15, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, NetCast, News • Tagged: , ,

I Am A Firefighter Because…

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This post is about why I am a firefighter. This is also my submission to the first episode of the First Due Blog Carnival. I have put off this post as long as possible because I am worried that I will not give proper credence to a topic which really envelopes a large part of my life. So here goes…

First off I would like to say that I am one of those “Run to the Curb” kids. As far back as I can remember, I always turned my neck to watch fire trucks when we drove by. I also ran to the curb to see the fire trucks when they drove by. The trucks and the firemen were larger than life. My childhood was very innocent and I only hope that my children are growing up in a similar World even if us adults know very different.

Testing

There I was at the ripe old age of 17. My testing with the high school counselor said that I should be a cop…ugh. The thought of being a cop was intriguing, but much like some people cannot fathom the idea of running into a burning building, I cannot fathom being shot at or worst of all the potential of taking another life in self defense.

I needed to find something different.

The Family Business

My dad was in sales and one of the finest in his field, he got his start at the same company his father had worked for. It was not a family owned company, but the two had a lot to do with the success of the company.

I am not sure what my mothers father did, he died when I was about 3. I remember him, but only vaguely.

My other grandfather (3rd if you are counting and technically step-grandfather but always considered just a grandfather) worked on crews that built many of the interstates we enjoy today throughout Ohio and West Virginia.

I didn’t have an idea of what the heck I was going to grow up and be, yet I was at the point where I needed to figure it out.

My father was a volunteer when he was in his early twenties, he ran the squad too. He volunteered in the Canton, Ohio area as well as the Hamilton County, Ohio area. Neither of the Volly houses are around anymore. Maybe it WAS in my blood but I didn’t know it yet.

The Best Decision Ever

I put the application in for my local VFD after being prompted by a friend and firefighter Eric Campbell. He had asked every couple of months for about a year if I was interested. I often rode with Eric to school and enjoyed his company. I would one of many of my friends to join the VFD from my high school. In total it was probably about a dozen of us. Most of us lived in the same neighborhood.

I didn’t ask my parents; I told them about the application. My mom didn’t know what to think. Hell, I didn’t even fully realize what I was doing….

Next to marrying my wife and having two beautiful children, putting that application in was one of the best decisions of my life.

Once being voted in as a volunteer and passing firefighter I and II I was off to the races. I would later pretty much live at the station for about two years while working and going to college for my associates degree.

I volunteered at a combination station in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Midlothian VFD #5. I stop by occasionally, but rarely bump into anyone I know. I learned so much from those guys; the volunteers and the career guys. In short…I grew up.

In 1999 I was hired by my current department (paid urban department) and have been there ever since. I was promoted to Lt. in 2004 and still hold that rank.

I maintain that my years on my vollie department were some of the best of my life. Truth be told that going from a vollie to a paid guy is a huge change in a firefighters life. The two roles are so very different outside of running calls.

That is how I became a firefighter…Now for why I am a firefighter

I am a firefighter because…

After finding my love for firefighting as a volunteer, I realized that there would be nothing better than to do it for a living. Those nights at the firehouse kicking back, having fun, playing pranks, and being one of the guys was it. Fighting the occasional fire was an adrenaline rush. We didn’t run too much EMS and we didn’t have an ambulance, but I enjoyed the EMS side of things too.

I am very mechanically inclined. I don’t know farming, automotive repair, or HVAC but I can fix almost anything if I put my mind to it. I usually only ask for help when all else is lost. I am a problem solver and am very outgoing. What more could any citizen ask for in a firefighter?

Nothing in this job makes me feel better than being able to show up at someones house and fix their problem. After all, people call us at their darkest hour…some of those end up being our shining moments depending on the extent of the “emergency”.

I am a firefighter because I love the tradition and the brotherhood. Furthermore, I understand the brotherhood and try to live by it. I love the adrenaline rush of going in a fire and providing life saving measures on an EMS call.  I love seeing the “Run to the Curb” kids and I always wave even if they don’t wave back. I want to be that firefighter that I used to wave to as a child.

I want to help people, and like most firefighters I NEED to help people. It makes me feel all tingly inside.

When the tones hit, I still get on the truck as quick as possible. Sure, I have changed since I was a snotty nosed rookie and now am just a snotty nosed 10 year guy.

I get excited when people come by the station to say hi, show their kids around, or take a tour. It pleases me that people want to see what I do and that they are interested.

I am blessed because I do what I love. I cannot imagine being stuck in an office pushing a pencil around and hating to go to work every day.

That is why I am a firefighter!

From L-R kneeling: standing:

Recruit Class 15 (1999) From L-R Kneeling: Captain Phil Dillon, Todd Reighley, Beth Norwood Joyner, Betty McBride, B.T. Butler, Rhett Fleitz (Me), Kelcey Branch, Barry Kincer, BC Roger Manuel Standing: Captain R.T. "Skippy" Flora, ?, Captain Chris Trussler, Jeremy Bennington, Doug Hurd, William "Sport" Hayden, Travis Simmons, Mac Craft, Dennis Duncan, Charles Williams, Kevin Bradbury, and 1st Lt. Brian Riddle. The picture is from our final burn.

In the picture above, I gave the current rank to the instructors of the day. As for the recruits, many are ranking officers by now. Others have come and gone since our graduation in 1999, some off to other departments, other jobs, and even one has found himself behind bars for many years to come.

One thing is for sure, firefighting attracts all types and kinds of people…but not all of them can hack it. Of the 15 who began our class, 9 have maintained and become great firefighters.

Posted by on March 23, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , , , ,

Last Call for Submissions to the 1st Edition of the First Due Blog Carnival.

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Be sure to email me your submission to the First Due Blog Carnival no later than Tuesday March 22.

The title is “I am a firefighter because…”

For more information click here.

The url of the submitted post must be emailed to me at firecritic@firecritic.com.

The first episode will be live on the 24th right here on FireCritic.com!

Posted by on March 22, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , , ,

Call For Submissions – First Due Blog Carnival

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Attention all fire bloggers…This is a call for submissions for the First Due Blog Carnival.

The first edition will be hosted right here on the Fire Critic on March 24th. All submissions must be in by the 22nd so I can put the first edition post together. We already have 5-6 submissions that are written very well and come at the title “I am a firefighter because…” from a couple different angles.

first due blog carnival1aIf you would like to partake in the First Due Blog Carnival all you have to do is:

  • Write a post answering the question “I am a firefighter because…”
  • The title of the post is not pertinent so you can title it anything you want.
  • Email me the post url to firecritic@firecritic.com and put “First Due Blog Carnival” in the subject line.
  • I will take care of the rest.

Any bloggers who are firefighters are welcome to submit their post. Basically, if you can answer “I am a firefighter because…” then you can partake! There will be plenty other episodes that other bloggers will be able to submit to depending on the episode title.

For full information on the First Due Blog Carnival visit this link.

The second edition of the First Due Blog Carnival will be hosted by Bill Carey over at Backstep Firefighter and the episode will be “Influential Fire Reports”. There will be more information posted in the future on the 2nd edition.

Posted by on March 15, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , , ,

Introducing the First Due Blog Carnival

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Finally….

It has finally happened. The blog carnival that many fire bloggers have been discussing for months is here.

Introducing the First Due Blog Carnival…for fire bloggers, by fire bloggers!

All bloggers are welcome!

The First Due Blog Carnival is a brainchild of many fire bloggers.

first due blog carnival1aFollow these links for more information on the First Due Blog Carnival

If you are a blogger, be sure to keep up to date on when the First Due Blog Carnival is happening and where it is being hosted.

The first episode of the First Due Blog Carnival is “I am a firefighter because…”. All you have to do is write a blog answering the question and post it no later than March 22nd. Then email the link to me at firecritic@firecritic.com and I will include it in the first edition of the First Due Blog Carnival on March 24th!

You can really get into “I am a firefighter because…”. Maybe it was Emergency, maybe you are 2nd or 3rd generation, maybe you just always wanted to do it. Get down and dirty and tell us why you became a firefighter, why you stuck with it, and why you are proud to tell people you are a FIREFIGHTER when they ask your profession. Add in all the juicy details of when, where, and how you got your start. Other information such as your first fire, your worst fire so far, your biggest learning experience (read: mistake), etc. The sky is the limit!

I will post reminders between now and then! You have plenty of time to let me know if you don’t understand it or need some questions answered.

Posted by on February 25, 2010 • Filed under: First Due Blog Carnival, News • Tagged: , , , ,