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Chicago Fire Department – Everyone Goes Home – Watch and Share

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This video is from the Chicago Fire Department and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. It provides insight to some of what Chicago’s firefighters have been through dealing with Line of Duty Deaths (LODD’s), close calls, continuing to learn, and adjusting to change.

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I challenge you to watch this entire video. Then share the video with your Brother and Sister Firefighters.

  • YOU HAVE TO LEARN.
  • You have to train.
  • You have to be ready.
  • Wear your seatbelts.
  • Understand what you are doing and why you are doing it.

Some of the topics include seatbelt usage, situational awareness, health and wellness, calling a MAYDAY, PPE, and much more.

If you think you got some good reason for not wearing this or for not doing things the right way write it down. Because I need to read that to your widow. Cause I’m not going to know what to say. You say it for me. – Chicago Chief of Training Peter VanDorpe

If this video doesn’t make you sit and think about your job and how you do it, you just don’t get it.

Sincere thanks to CFD Commissioner Bob Hoff, the Chicago Fire Department, Chicago IAFF Local 2, and the entire crew at the NFFF especially Rob Maloney, director of this video, for a spectacular job.

Social Media and FireCritic.com…The Big Picture

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This article serves two purposes:

  1. To help the readers understand what information is shared and where it is shared.
  2. To help other bloggers learn how to engage, share, and grow their social media networks.

FireCritic.com is a hybrid blog and social experience. The blog doesn’t quite fit in to a specific category like many other blogs. Other blogs might be lumped into training, news, or personal categories yet the Fire Critic fits all of these. In addition, I pay close attention to my Fire Critic Facebook fan page and Twitter. A lot of the information from the blog is shared on Facebook and Twitter, but there is even more updates on the two than on the blog.

Some people don’t like the moniker “blog” and would rather use the name “web site”. It doesn’t matter to me. To fully understand what the Fire Critic is, you should follow along on Twitter and the Fire Critic Facebook fan page as well. Various readers engage the Fire Critic in different ways. Some twitter followers might not visit FireCritic.com, likewise some Facebook fans might not follow along on Twitter.

Work-flow of FireCritic.com:

  • Blog posts are automatically shared on Twitter (I use twitterfeed.com)
  • Blog posts are manually added to the Fire Critic Facebook fan page. This is not automatic so I can customize the update and control the time of publish on Facebook.
  • Fire Critic Facebook fan page updates are automatically shared on Twitter (through connecting Facebook to Twitter under page settings)

I also have a facebook fan page box on my sidebar of FireCritic.com

Since the Fire Critic Facebook fan page automatically updates to twitter, anytime I add photos, updates, or most anything else it posts to twitter without me having to do a thing. I used to use Networked Blogs App on Facebook, but I would rather do it manually to customize the text and thumbnail. I have found this to be more beneficial than the automatic update via Networked Blogs.

FireCritic.com the Blog

FireCritic.com is a fire service blog. Probably ranked within the top 10 fire service blogs in the U.S., the blog offers news, product reviews, humor, videos, training, and links to other great information on the web. Consider it controlled chaos, I write about whatever comes to mind, whatever stories are going on, and anything else I think up. Many other bloggers have shared information through FireCritic.com and I do not mind sharing information I find useful to my readers. Readers can comment on blog posts and I try to answer any and all questions as well as engage others on the site.

The Fire Critic Facebook Fan Page

The home of  FireCritic.com on Facebook. I share the links to posts on FireCritic.com, engage readers about other news, stories, and information. If I have a story that has a lot of pictures, I will typically add a photo album on Facebook where they can view the complete set of pictures. Others are welcome to post on The Fire Critic Facebook fan page as well. I welcome the conversation and I am always looking for good stuff to read. Currently I have 1505 fans and I hope to increase that number every day!

Fire Critic on Twitter

This is where it can get fun, interesting, and weird. My Twitter @FireCritic account is fairly popular for being in such a small niche. As I said before, my posts on FireCritic.com and my status updates on my Facebook fan page are automatically fed to my Twitter account. Yeah, I know some people just don’t get twitter. I say it is a great tool in connecting with readers. Think of it as texting without having to give out your phone number. I add dozens of stories each day to my Twitter account 24/7 that you won’t see on FireCritic.com or the Fire Critic Facebook fan page. The sharing of information is ideal. Plus, you might be lucky and be following me during one of the few times I drink and tweet (happens a handful of times a year)…things get real interesting then! I monitor twitter off and on throughout the day. Currently I have 2044 followers on twitter. That number fluctuates through the day. Typically in a given week I will gain about 30 new followers and lose up to 10. Losing followers is normal because there are so many people who follow and unfollow just to try to get people to follow them without following back. The easiest way to get me to follow you is by retweeting on of my tweets, mentioning me, or asking me a question. I try to follow anyone who does any of the three of these. The reason is simple. I use Tweetdeck on my computer and they make it easy to follow others so I don’t have to actually log into Twitter to see who is following me.

Google +

I admit that I am a newbie to Google +. I have created a personal account, but I don’t think you can create business accounts yet. I am learning as I go. I think there will be value in Google +, there just isn’t enough for me to spend a lot of time on it yet.

Engaging others is what it is all about. I use other forms of social media too. The ones listed above are the ones I spend the most time on.

What works for you? How can I improve? Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions on how I set up any of the automatic feeds between twitter, facebook, or the blog let me know!

Now hurry up and connect with me on the Fire Critic Facebook fan page and Twitter if you haven’t already!

110 Floors for 343…Never Forget. Honor, Respect, Tradition

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Yesterday in Baltimore at Firehouse Expo, I participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Honor, Respect, Tradition, and Never Forgetting. Finishing the climb for the 343 was difficult but bearable.

I did it knowing there was water on the 1st, 16th, and 20th floor of the Hilton in Baltimore. I climbed 22 floors 5 times in full turnout gear. I did it with Willie Wines Jr., Kevin Totten, Jody McIntosh, Cory Patton, and Chris King. We did it together.

The difference between us and them was that we did it in honor of them. We did it without an airpack, without fear, without trepidation.

We did it to help others never forget.

They are the 343. 343 members of FDNY who climbed in full turnout gear to fight the fires and rescue the people of the World Trade Centers on September 11th.

They climbed with tools. They climbed knowing that they were in their coffin…a cinder block stairwell. Every floor harder and harder on their knees. Sweating, second thoughts about their calling. Sporting events, school meetings, barbecues, and normal lives left behind because they were there doing it… Never to return to their lives.

On that day, September 11th, they became a statistic.

But not to me. Not to the American Fire Service. Not to the Brotherhood.

And I never forgot. I will never forget. I remember where I was. I was on the job that day…but I was in a safer place, far from Ground Zero.

It is my duty and my conviction as a FIREFIGHTER to never forget.

Yesterday, at the 9/11 Memorial stair climb at Firehouse Expo I climbed for Martin McWilliams of Engine 22…and on that last lap, the last 22 floors I climbed for another fallen brother. Upon the reach of the top of our second to last lap I grabbed for a cup of water. I saw the photo of Raymond York of Engine 285. His picture had fallen off of the member climbing for him. I instantly picked it up and tossed it in my helmet band.

I climbed for those guys…Martin and Raymond…and for their 341 brothers who died on September 11th.

They had it harder than me. My climb pales in comparison to their climb. I will never have a climb as difficult as theirs.

But I climbed. We climbed. 323 people climbed for the fallen. Some of them being friends or relatives of the fallen. We climbed together, in remembrance, in honor, for respect of what they did, part of the tradition, and to NEVER FORGET.

Team 19 before the climb. Cory Patton, Kevin Totten, Jody McIntosh, Willie Wines Jr., Me, and Chris King.

My feelings

During the climb I stayed mostly silent. I focused on what they did and what I was doing for them. I tried to understand what they were going through.

When my calves burned I wondered if they ever felt that.

When I felt like I didn’t have anymore to sweat I wondered if it crossed their mind.

I never felt as though I couldn’t make it and I doubt they ever had a doubt themselves.

If you ever have a chance to participate in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb I suggest you do it.

If you don’t think you can complete it call me and I will walk with you.

Do it for the honor of completing the climb for the 343. Do it for the respect you have for the fallen. Do it for the tradition of truly NEVER FORGETTING.

Thanks to ALL of the individuals who made the 9/11 stair climb possible… The Baltimore Inner Harbor Hilton, Baltimore City Fire Department, NFFF, and all who volunteered.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pay my respects.

Team 19 after the climb. Kevin Totten, Me, Cory Patton, Chris King, Willie Wines Jr., and Jody McIntosh.

Me and Tommy Warshaw with Willie Wines Jr. before the climb. Tommy was in team 3 and we have known each other for some time through twitter and facebook but met at the climb for the first time.

Go to the Funeral…You OWE it to Them

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Recently, Backstep Firefighter offered a post by a similar title. The blog posting offered two articles well written about going to funerals to pay respects. One was based on the fire service, the other was not. They both offer great insight as to why you should go to the funeral.

I had been thinking about writing a post similar and then I attended another funeral last week. I thought it was poorly attended and I just can’t wrap my head around it.

In addition, this is timely due to the recent LODD’s in Indiana and Illinois.

Here are my thoughts…

I have attended funerals for firefighters ever since I joined my department. There I was, a snotty nosed, young punk, know-it-all firefighter in a brand new department…going to funerals for guys who had retired before I joined the department. Some of them had retired before I was even born. I was there, without any prodding. It isn’t about me, it is about paying respects.

photo by Drew Abel

I am not sure now what made me go, but I went. I often assisted with the Honor Guard at the funerals. Some were attended by a couple of other firefighters, others well attended. Some had hundreds at their funeral, others had a couple dozen. I didn’t know the men and it didn’t matter. I was there to pay my respects… and to support the family at the very least.

We have lost some great men in my 12 years in  my department… GREAT MEN! We have lost all kinds of men. Great firefighters, great husbands, great fathers, great sons, great brothers, great friends…some of them were taken too early.

I have never based my desicion on going to a funeral on who they were or who they weren’t. It isn’t about that.

Most recently, I attended the funeral of a Paramedic/Firefighter whom I knew and had the pleasure of working around. As always, our Honor Guard was there. They do a great job…I mean top notch. These guys know the meaning of precise. I would tell you who wasn’t there, but the list is too long….and I understand that not everyone can attend every funeral. Coverage of that funeral here , here and here.

I don’t keep score, I never have. It’s just too easy to realize that too many of my brother and sister firefighters were not there. The article on Backstep Firefighter points to BROTHERHOOD…I couldn’t agree more that this is what is lacking. Another great read is a recent article on Raising Ladders about The Lost Art of Firemanship.

But I hate throwing around the word BROTHERHOOD. If I throw it around too much I think it takes away from the meaning of  BROTHERHOOD.

To me BROTHERHOOD is not something that can be taught, learned, or explained. It is too simple to understand and too complicated to explain. BROTHERHOOD must be experienced.

If you want to start to experience BROTHERHOOD…Go To the Funeral

They deserve it, their families deserve it, and you OWE it to them. That is right, I said you OWE it to them. Whether you liked them or not, they were your BROTHER or SISTER firefighter and you OWE it to them and their family.

A Dose of Motivation for New and Veteran Firefighters

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Getting it on video…That is the difference between making a great speech to 10 people and making it to thousands. Brian Brush recently talked to a recruit class about what the fire service should mean to them, what it means to him, and why we should take pride in serving.

Brian Brush has just recently delved into more social media usage and is posting articles over on the Fire Engineering Community.

Brian Brush as he participates in the 9/11 Stair Climb during FDIC...in full turnout gear and SCBA.

His post “On Firefighter Training: Being Your Best Is Their Best Chance” was followed up with “A message to the recruits, myself or maybe even you?”.

The mission will not stop for hurt feelings. The most common injury in the fire service is hurt feelings. Too often it isn’t even the act of hurting feelings but the fear that something could hurt feelings that delays a program, decision or action. You must temper yourself and your reactions to critique and criticism if you expect others to respond objectively in the name of progress. (Brian Brush)

Solid performance and writing!

Some of our best is not practiced, planned, or given a second chance…Brian delivered a great speech!

Brian has also been instrumental in the creation and spread of the 9/11 stair climb events for the NFFF.

More on the 9/11 stair climb event and how you can participate and get involved here.

Firefighter Suicides…Prevention and Counseling

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Updated: Here is a great article from BackwardsandStupid.com on Depression in his own words and experiences. Check out how he has learned and copes with depression.

Recently, 4 firefighter suicides in the Phoenix Fire Department have raised eyebrows. The need for counseling and prevention are real and have been identified.

Firefighter Netcast recently had Jeff Dill on a show about a Battalion Chief from suburban Chicago, who holds a Masters Degree in Counseling.  Chief Dill has established CSSF, Counseling Services for Firefighters, which offers behavioral health support to firefighters; trains senior fire officers, and educates clinicians on the benefits of understanding the life and emotions- of firefighters. Visit the CSSF here - CSFF Web Page and on Facebook.

This is a topic that needs to be discussed. Listen to the podcast and watch the video. You never know, someone you know might be exhibiting signs and be in need of help right now.

You can listen to the podcast from Firefighter Netcast right here.

If you are in need of immediate assistance, the contact information for the CSSF is here.

Below is a video about the steps that the Phoenix FD has taken to assist firefighters in preventing suicide.

And the Winners are Iron Firemen and Ambo Driver

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Here is the moment you all have been waiting for…

The winners for the Black Diamond Boots Fire & EMS Blog of the Year for 2010-2011 are:

Iron Firemen.com – Fire Category

A Day in the Life of an Ambulance Driver – EMS Category

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It was a hard fought battle on both sides. This year there were around 90 nominations for 42 blogs and during the votes there were almost 5000 votes. All of the numbers were an increase from last year. Congratulations to both of you!

Iron Firemen won with 36% of the votes for fire blogs. Ambo Driver won with 37% of the votes for EMS blogs. It should also be noted that while Iron Firemen won with a sizable lead, Rescuing Providence gave the Ambo Driver a run for his money!

Thanks so much for the diligent voters and all who nominated their favorite blogs! Feel free to give me any feedback on what I can do to make it better! Next year I am looking at a few changes…but it will definitely be back!

This year, our winners will walking away with a brand new pair of Black Diamond X2 fire boots as well as bragging rights for the next year!

You can see the Black Diamond X2 Boot below as well as check them out via links below!

Black Diamond Boots - Web Site – Twitter – Facebook

Here is a bonus photo for you of the Black Diamond Babes!

The Best of Motivational…or Demotivational Firefighting Posters

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UPDATE: Part II of the Best of Motivational and Demotivational Fire & EMS Posters is here!

The crew (me) here at Fire Critic Headquarters (my desk) are always seeking ways to motivate you (yes both of you readers!). I thought what better way to motivate you than to show you some motivational demotivational posters!

There are some good ones out there, but by and large you can tell that most of them were not created by firefighters. I say this because I think it is our duty to come up with better motivational and/or demotivational posters. Don’t ask, I don’t know what the difference is between the two. They are simply funny posters that mimic the original styling of posters someone came up with. The object is to be funny.

If you happen to come up with any of your own, just send them to me and I will feature them here on FireCritic.com!

And yes, there are some EMS posters in there as well…deal with it!

Also check out demotivational posters on Happy Medic and Raising Ladders.

Here are some of the best I was able to find on the internet!

Be sure to “like” Fire Critic on Facebook!

 

The Fire Service Warrior – Monday Morning Shoutout

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This weeks Monday Morning Shoutout goes to The Fire Service Warrior.

Christopher Brennan offers up his thoughts on the blog and a refreshing take on aggressive, smart, and yet safe firefighting. WHAT? Certainly the Fire Critic doesn’t think that you can be aggressive AND smart AND safe! NO WAY…way!

The Fire Service Warrior offers this unique “mission statement” that has been dubbed the Ethos of a Fire Service Warrior. Ethos? Yeah, I had to look it up although I kinda figured what he meant by it. Ethos: English word based on a Greek word and denotes the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, a nation or an ideology.

What I love about it is that in the same text we have “wear…all PPE, if we aren’t 100% sure…WE SEARCH, and …train everyday

Yup, that about sums it up. I have a feeling that this blog will continue an increase in traffic and conversation.

Interesting fact: this blog has been online since 2008!

Video Review: Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer with Host Randolph Mantooth

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The Silent Killer – visit the web site for more information and to request a free DVD.

Firefighters have enough to worry about on the fireground. Things like fire behavior, reading smoke, wearing PPE, building construction, and many more. Over the years, firefighters have developed training, education, protocols, safety ideology, and risk management in a job that is as dangerous as it gets. So many things in our job on the fireground we can recognize using our senses like smells, sights, feeling, and hearing…

We rely on these senses to recognize and understand our environment, and keep us as safe as possible while operating in deadly conditions.

What if there was something on the fireground killing firefighters that you cannot see, you cannot feel, you cannot smell, and you cannot hear. What if I told that that it could increase your chances of a heart attack and/or stroke even up to 72 hours AFTER you leave the fireground AND your exposure to it happens after MOST of the danger on the fireground is over.

What if I told you that it can kill you immediately.

Carbon Monoxide – The Silent Killer

I am talking about Carbon Monoxide…The Silent Killer.

Carbon Monoxide is the Number 1 cause of poisoning deaths in the world. Firefighters have an increased risk operating around Carbon Monoxide and Cyanide on the fireground.

Consistent exposure to Carbon Monoxide (CO) can cause serious disabilities, heart attacks, strokes, Neurological disorders, and premature death.

The leading cause of death for firefighters is heart attacks and strokes. Carbon Monoxide exposure increases those risks.

Randolph Mantooth hosts a short video teaching the effects of exposure to Carbon Monoxide. The video is also available as a DVD free of charge.

The video is not over the top and they don’t try to shove the lesson down your throat. The message is simple. Know your environment and wear your SCBA through the overhaul stages of fire. What you can’t see and can’t smell can kill you… Carbon Monoxide…The Silent Killer.

I also love seeing my IAFF logo in the video showing that they are doing their part to educate us on The Silent Killer.

“Firefighters take necessary risks every day, but CO is an unnecessary risk. Educate yourself on CO, wear your mask during overhaul, avoid exposure, and get yourself tested… so you’ll be around to share with your family, life’s most precious moments.”

Randolph Mantooth
Johnny Gage from Emergency!

Watch the video below, watch it with your entire crew. Email it and share it.

Chiefs…send it out to your entire department. Because what firefighters don’t know could kill them. As the soundtrack says in the video…Move Us Further Down The Line….Move Us Further Down The Line….

Visit TheSilentKiller.net for more information on Carbon Monoxide, to request a free DVD, and learn more about The Silent Killer.

The Fire Critic offers product reviews. Please visit this page for details on how to get your product reviewed and what our policy is on reviews.

Statter and Wines in Cahoots! The Fire Critic has Cracked the Case

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Here I am getting bombarded by all these enjoyable stories and jokes being lobbed my way by Dave Statter, Willie Wines Jr., Art Goodrich, and others.

You guys must have thought I was sleeping through all of this. No, I have been laughing my ass off. Very funny stuff. I have hesitated to answer any of these posts, but here it is…

Read or watch the latest in this saga (click below for links)

IronFiremen.comSTATter911 - ChiefReasonArt

I have to admit, it has been an enjoyable ride. To think that these guys have so much fun just because I am 5’7″ tall. Hell, I have never had a problem with my height. They also enjoy the fact that I look young for my age. Again, something that has never really bothered me. So what If I get a reminder of how young I look every time I purchase alcohol.

Age and height, that is all they have on me. That isn’t too bad is it. Not bad at all.

Dave, Willie, and Art have formed some sort of group. Apparently the purpose of that group is to get me to blow. Dave forgets that I am a firefighter (he wouldn’t understand how we are thick skinned). Willie should know that it isn’t too easy to get me to lose it. Art…well I think he is just having some fun and jumping in.

You guys are gonna have to try much harder to get under my skin. However, let this be a warning… I have no shame.

Here is the truth I uncovered. It all makes sense now...

I can already imagine that at this point in reading, Dave is hoping that I don’t make this too disturbing. After all, he has a reputation to uphold. You know, pissing off all the two-hatters up in PG County, Maryland. I wonder if they hate the local news as much as they hate Dave for syndicating the stories?

Sad truth: Dave Statter wouldn’t be anything without Jerry Engle!

I have to retract one of my previous statements though. I have actually found out that Dave Statter actually was a firefighter. Well, maybe not exactly. I will let you be the judge. Apparently, when Dave was very young (about my age), Dave was actually posed with firefighting gear. His parents were so proud! When they left and Dave found out that he would have to leave his helmet and boots at the studio he went nuts.

You guys know who Willie Wines Jr. is? I didn’t think so. Anyways, he is the Captain from Roanoke who runs IronFiremen.com. Yeah, I have created a monster! I knew I should have cut that umbilical cord a long time ago. Hell, the last time I saw him he didn’t even have any Evan Williams with him. What the hell good is he now. I really only liked him because of his cheap liquor, but now I got nothing to hang on to.

Wines is a hell of a firefighter! He has a ritual he likes doing after the fire is out. He strips down and does a dance in front of the news cameras. It is a sight to behold. Both of the fires he has been in have ended up the same way. Check out one fo the pics below by our local ABC affiliate!

As for Art Goodrich, he laid down a pretty funny story over at ChiefReasonArt.com about the whole Statter/Fire Critic back and forth. You should read it here.

Art was recently featured in a local news article in Galva, Illinois. The word is that both of the people who live in Galva missed it. That is just too bad.

Thanksgiving Day Contest Winner – Kingsport, TN Station 6

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The winner of the Thanksgiving Day Giveaway is Kingsport, TN Station 6. Their submission is below.

I will be honest, I had the guys at the station pick a number without knowing what the number was for. Kingsport is the winner.

They have won a complete set of Emergency Services Monopoly including the Firefighter, EMS, and Law Enforcement versions.

I will be mailing it down their shortly.

Thanks to all the submissions!

Here is the winning submission:

Entry 4 -Kingsport, TN Station 6

This is our meal this evening here at Station 6 in Kingsport, TN. During the cooking of the turkey, we only had to cut the oven off once to respond on a medical call. Kingsport Fire Station 6. House of KFD Engine 6 and Sullivan Co. EMS Med 6. B-Shift. Engine 6- Captain Mike Deaton, Engineer John Hollowell, Firefighter Andrew Catron. Med 6- Paramedic Steve Monroe, EMT-IV Chad Brooks

Submitted by: Andrew Catron

Top Ten Best Christmas Gifts For Firefighters List For 2010

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Last year, I offered my top ten Christmas Gifts for Firefighters (last years list is here). The article has remained very popular even this year.

Just in Time for Black Friday!

This year, I am redoing the list for 2010. There are many new gifts out there and I want to make sure that the firefighters are getting what they deserve…The Best Christmas Gifts for Firefighters!

This year Ash and Dreams posted a Top Ten Gifts for Firefighter Wives…Including the firefighter vibrator. Imagine that… The last thing we want is another firefighter at our house while we are working. Even if it is powered by 6 D-cell batteries!

This top ten list could  be easily used year round. Be it birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever these gifts are bound to make you popular with the firefighter you gift them to.

I challenge you to come up with a better list!

Just in case you are wondering…I have not been paid or solicited by any of the mentioned products or companies I might name or link to below. Note: some of the gifts might have been reviewed by the Fire Critic. However the Fire Critic is UNFORTUNATELY not being paid for this list or to list any of these products.

10. Ledger to keep track of their calls

Ledger to keep track of their calls - Get your firefighter a ledger (or diary) so they can keep track of the calls they run, the things they do on shift, or tidbits of information they might want to keep a note of.

I have a terrible memory. I also do not keep track of much. If I wrote things down, I might be able to pinpoint exactly what the Chief told me in his office on a particular visit!

Or

I might have written down all the fires or major calls I have been on to help me put my experiences into that book I have always wanted to write. You know, the one about the fires (both of them) that I have been on!

9. Leather Fire Helmet

Cairns New Yorker Fire Helmet

Leather Fire Helmet – I love my leather helmet. I hope to get a new one soon. If at the very least, purchase a traditional style composite helmet for your firefighter! The “salad bowl” helmets that most departments issue are a travesty.

Probably the most popular leather fire helmet is the Cairns New Yorker. However, there are many other options out there.

These are not cheap by any means. However, they are well worth the investment.

Visit MSA online to purchase

8. Firemans Chore Denim Jacket

Here is a lovely model wearing a Firemans Chore jacket!

Firemans Chore Denim Jacket – These are very popular jackets among firefighters. They have many options and you can customize them the way you would like. About: Firemans Chore® Inc. is located in Indianapolis, Indiana offering you the “Original” Denim Chore and Diamond Quilted Job Jackets Made in the USA. A Firefighter owned and operated company since 2004, we bring you a line of tradional firefighters jackets that can’t be beat for style and comfort. They offer IAFF firefighter gear, and bagpiper gear as well including buckles, brooch’s, cap badges, and sporrans.

Visit Firemans chore online here

7. Firefighter/EMS/Police Monopoly

Firefighter, Law Enforcement, and EMS Monopoly

Firefighter, Law Enforcement, and EMS Monopoly

Firefighter/EMS/Police Monopoly – Finally there is parity among Fire/Police/EMS. Unfortunately it isn’t in the pay! However, each public service entity now has its own monopoly game geared towards them. For less than $40, you can be playing monopoly with your loved ones. I have them all, shouldn’t you!

Check out Emergency Services Play for more information and ordering info for these games!

Nothing says competition in a firehouse like a good old fashioned game of monopoly!

6. FireGeezer Mug

Firegeezer Travel Mug

FireGeezer Mug - Firegeezer has come out with a new travel mug to go well with his normal coffee mug. Order the travel mug here or the normal mug here.

Per FireGeezer:
This state-of-the-art Travel Mug has all of the features you want:

  • Whopping 16-ounce cup
  • Double-walled insulated construction
  • Reduced diameter base fits in most cup holders
  • Keeps your coffee hot for more than an hour (we tested it!)
  • Metallic Fire Engine Red color …. just like your ride

This is the perfect travel mug to get you to work in the morning and keep you coffee’d up on the drive back home. As you expect with any Firegeezer product, this is top-quality and will give you long and faithful service. The artwork is the same as that on our standard coffee mug, except that all the writing is white lettering over the metallic fire engine red color.

5. Leather Fire Boots

Black Diamonds X2 Boot

Leather Fire Boots – More specifically, the new Black Diamond X2 Boot.

You might remember that I did a product review on this a couple months ago. Since then I have been wearing my boots every day at work. These boots are amazingly comfortable! I cringe when I see a firefighter wearing those rubber boots that are typically issued by the department. Ugh! If they only knew how comfortable that leather boots are.

Help your firefighter out by making them at least look like they know what they are doing while on the job by fitting them into some leather fire boots.

4. Firefighter Calendar

Girls on Fire

Firefighter Calendar – There are so many firefighter calendars out there. Female firefighters will have no problem finding a decent calendar full of hunky male firefighters. What there aren’t many of is female firefighters or female firefighter calendars. Don’t worry though, I have found the best of both…Check out the Top Ten Hot & Sexy Firefighter Calendars for 2011 for my picks. That being said, your firefighter should have a calendar to keep track of your anniversary, birthdays, and other important dates. Why not get him (or her) a firefighter calendar. Just check out the one on the right for a decent idea.

Click on the pic for more examples.

3. Camera

Camera - Yes a camera. No, not a huge, bulky, and expensive camera. Just a small point and shoot digital camera.

No, not so firefighters can stop what they are doing to take pictures of themselves. And no, not so firefighters become photographers on the fireground while they should be working.

Simply because too few people are capturing the good times with photography. Get them a camera to carry with them on the rig so they can take a picture of their crew while they are at fire prevention events, done working after a fire, or pictures around the station for example.

More importantly, get them a camera so they can capture training nuggets and pre fire plan issues. These photographs might be used to spread the word at the station or send in to one of the training sites to teach people about issues, construction, obstruction, or weird occurrences that might effect them if there was a fire.

2. Sav-A-Jake Multi Purpose Rescue Tool

Sav-A-Jake Rescue Tool

Sav-A-Jake Multi Purpose Rescue Tool - Sav A Jake offers many rescue and firefighting tools and straps in kevlar and leather. These firefighter rescue tools are small and can fit inside your firefighters turnout gear. They have a multitude of uses.

Check out the many other things that Sav A Jake offers like radio straps, hose straps, and tool straps to name a few.

Visit their web site here

1. Firefighter Apparel

Unfortunately, the bulging biceps are not built into this shirt.

Firefighter Apparel - Whether you like Black Helmet apparel, Rak Wear (working on a product review now), Ride Backwards, or LEO fire apparel (product review here) they have something for everyone. Each of these companies have come up with designs for firefighters that are not over the top or whacker-ish. The designs are quite well done. These t-shirts are sure to be a hit for any firefighter who doesn’t mind showing off his trade.

Black Helmet web site
LEO Fire web site
Rak Wear web site
Ride Backwards Apparel

Check out each company for the style that your firefighter might like!

Close Call: Chenoa Fire Engine Flips Over on Way to Call. One Firefighter Injured

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Chenoa Fire Protection District, Illinois

Firefighter Don Nagel was injured on the way to a fire caused by a natural gas line break.

Pantagraph.com:

…Chenoa firefighter Don Nagel, 47, was taken to OSF Saint James Hospital in Pontiac, after a Chenoa fire engine crashed on the way to the scene around 4:55 a.m., Illinois State Police said.

The engine was negotiating a “left sharp curve in a wet two-laned roadway” when its 1,000 gallons of water shifted abruptly, police said in a statement. The engine overturned on its left side and ended up in a ditch.

Nagel was treated and released, the hospital said later Monday.

Top Ten Hot & Sexy Firefighter Calendars for 2011

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Check out the top ten list of firefighter calendars for 2011 right here on the Fire Critic. This years is a mixed list of male, female, and coed firefighter calendars!

Last year, I posted a top ten list of female firefighter calendars (link).  That single post has remained the most visited article on the Fire Critic. For several reasons, this years is simply titled top ten firefighter calendars for 2011. Basically, it wasn’t fair to single out just the female calendars. I have plenty of readers who are female and many might enjoy the mens/coed calendars.

One thing I did notice both last year and this year was how many calendars did not return this year. This includes last years winner. Another thing is the quality of the web sites showcasing the calendars. Some of them are just terrible. Others are pretty decent.

Feel free to leave comments on your favorite calendar whether it is included or I left it out.

Enjoy!

10. NSW Firefighters Calendar

NSW Firefighters Calendar

NSW Firefighters Calendar - By purchasing this firefighters calendar helps, raise money for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Burns Unit. These firies have a huge passion for their job and a large amount of strength and heart.

The firefighters calendar not only supports a very worthy cause but it also helps support community awareness and promotes the health and fitness of firefighters in N S W and A C T Fire Services.

The Proceeds go to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Burns Unit and World Firefighters Games.

These Firies are a dedicated fundraising team. The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Burns Unit has been given over $47,000.00 by these firefighters over the last 5 years.

The N S W calendar has only been running for a few years and it is getting bigger and better every year.  Please help by supporting our firefighters and helping ease the pain and suffering of children who are unlucky enough to be hospitalized through a burns injury.

9. New Zealand Firefighters Calendar

New Zealand Firefighters Calendar

New Zealand Firefighters Calendar – The Calendar has now been in production for 21 years, and has a well established and dedicated following, throughout its history. Every year Firefighters from around the country raise their hands to become part of what is now a New Zealand tradition. The Calendar allows firefighters the opportunity to proactively fund-raise to assist them in their international sporting endeavors, as well as raise a substantial amount of money for our charities.

The Child Cancer Foundation has been the principal recipient of a donation for the past 18 years, and we have proudly donated to them over $500,000.

Orders are now being taken for the 2011 Edition. The 10 dollar price tag still remains, so get your while they are hot (off the press).

8. Toronto Firefighters Calendar

Toronto Firefighters Calendar

Toronto Firefighters Calendar – The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation has partnered with the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association in the fight against cancer by raising funds to support cancer research at Princess Margaret Hospital.

The Fire Fighters’ Cancer Research Fund was established in 1998 to raise money for Princess Margaret Hospital. Since inception, almost $1 million has been raised for this fund. The hospital benefits from a variety of annual firefighters’ fundraising events including the Rob Penney Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament, Ross Forfar Memorial Golf Tournament, Toronto Fire Fighter Magic Show, and of course, the popular Toronto Fire Fighter Calendar. 100% of proceeds from the calendar and all of these events go directly to the Fire Fighters’ Cancer Research Fund.

The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation is grateful for the continued support and commitment of the firefighters and The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association in the fight against cancer.

7. South Florida Firefighters Calendar

South Florida Firefighters Calendar

South Florida Firefighters Calendar - When firefighter Luis Espinosa attended the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) bi-annual convention in 1990, he was excited about networking with other firefighters and learning new techniques for rescuing members of the community who find themselves in danger. He had no idea he was about to be inspired to take lead on a new form of community service in South Florida. The spark which ignited the idea for one of the most successful charity firefighter calendars to date happened during an IAFF convention trade show. Members of the Houston and Vancouver Fire Departments were exhibiting their firefighters calendars, raising money for various charities.

As a former model/actor in South Florida, known as a Mecca for fitness and modeling, Espinosa thought he could easily find firemen whose looks would be in demand for such an endeavor. He worked hard for two years, learning how to create a charity, find and work with pro-bono professional photographers, graphic artists, printers and volunteers as well as sponsors. By 1992 he had created a hot commodity that was destined to light fires in the South Florida public and raise awareness of important community issues. To date the non-profit organization has raised over $240,000 to benefit charities such as the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Habitat for Humanity’s Hurricane Andrew Fund, Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities, Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Best Buddies, Cystic Fibrosis, Safehaven for Newborns and Here’s Help.

South Florida Firefighters Calendar on Facebook

6. Club Fire Girls

They may not be firefighters...but some of them ARE Playboy Playmates!

Club Fire Girls - They are the real heroes in the daily strife for survival: the firefighters. Keeping people safe from fire and rescuing them from dire situations and catastrophes which might otherwise cost lives.

FireGirls is a homage to the men and women who risk their lives for us on a daily basis.

Bestseller

For the FireGirls Calendar, the most successful firefighters’ calendar for the last 10 years, the astonishing FireGirls plunge into the firefighting action. Only the most experienced and fire-crazy models get the highly sought after predicate of “FireGirls”. The shootings take place at some of the most beautiful locations and amazing settings in the world.

In the center of the action: the utilization of real world equipment and genuine firefighting settings. The high quality of the imagery makes the FireGirls Calendar a unique worldwide endeavor.

Club Fire Girls on Facebook & Twitter

5. Firehouse Dolls

Firehouse Dolls

Firehouse Dolls – Firehouse Dolls is firefighter owned and operated. Our Calendars and DVD’s feature Beautiful Female Firefighters, EMT’s, Paramedics. Dispatchers and any Pretty Girl associated with the fire/rescue service. Paid and Volunteer!

A portion of the sales of our products are donated to random volunteer fire departments. The models go to trade shows every year to sell and autograph our products. Please look for the models at the next trade show you are attending.

It is not just professionalism and expertise that set our staff apart. They also have a strong commitment to to the fire service, to the quality of their work, and to the customers we serve. Loyalty and relationships link Firehouse Dolls’s staff and, in turn, link staff to customers. Their work is more than a job; it’s a dedication to promoting women in the fire service.

Firehouse Dolls on Facebook & Twitter

4. WSCFF – Washington State Firefighter Calendar

Washington State Firefighters Calendar

WSCFF – In 2003 we were told that our calendar was the number one selling fire fighter calendar in America. That was a statement we could neither prove nor disprove, but we do know it is sold in every state and continues to have a good following.

We have funded many worthwhile burn research programs and have expanded our mission to include sponsoring children with burn injuries to a week long summer camp, provide funding for smoke detector programs for low income and elderly residents, sponsored a fire safety museum and burn prevention kits for new mothers. Many of the research projects we supported have gone on to get national funding in amounts much greater than we could ever provide. Our calendar continues to be our number one source of income and we plan to continue producing it as long as we have fire fighters willing to donate their time to the cause.

We welcome the support of companies and individuals who would like to be a part of our efforts to reduce the pain and suffering of those who have sustained burn injuries as well as supporting burn prevention programs.

WSCFF on Facebook

3. Fired Up For Kids – Colorado Firefighter Calendar

Fired Up For Kids

Fired up for Kids – Fired Up For Kids is a Denver-based nonprofit organization that creates and produces the Colorado Firefighter Calendar. Firefighters from all over the state of Colorado donate many hours of their time each year to help Fired Up For Kids fundraise and raise awareness for The Children’s Hospital Burn Center. These men and women represent one of the noblest professions, and this calendar is a tribute to them as well as the children they help every day.

Fired Up For Kids donates all proceeds received from special events and sales of The Colorado Firefighter Calendar to The Children’s Hospital Burn Center. The burn center is committed to providing the highest standard of burn care to neonates, infants, children, and adolescents up to 21 years of ages in the Rocky Mountain region. To date, Fired Up For Kids has raised more than $375,000 for patient care, education, equipment and research. For more information about The Children’s Hospital Burn Center, visit www.tchden.org.

Fired Up For Kids on Facebook

2. Girls on Fire

Girls on Fire

Girls on Fire (NSW) – We are a group of professional firefighters from across the state who after much deliberation, decided to produce NSW’s first ever female Fire-fighter’s calendar!

The main aim of this year’s calendar is to raise enough money to send the Firey Felines – a soccer team made up of professional firefighters from NSW – to compete at the World Police and Fire Games in New York, 2011. These games will also coincide with the 10 year commemorations for September 11.

The team has also chosen two charities to donate 10% of all funds raised. These charities are The Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and MND Free – helping to prevent hereditary Motor Neuron Disease.

Another aim of the calendar is to promote awareness of women in fire-fighting and other emergency services. This amazing group of women embody what it means to lead a fit, healthy and active lifestyle.

1. America’s Female Firefighters

America's Female Firefighters

America’s Female Firefighters – Americas Female Firefighters has participated in many events across the country. We don’t just sell calendars. We work with the public to educate and inform about burn victims. We have also volunteered time to appear in Television Series: Parenting & Beyond- Fire Safety Series

  • AFF donates calendars to injured troops currently at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC and to Tampa James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa FL.
  • Our ladies sponsor and bring our most precious calendar girl “Tatianna” to Brave Heart’s Camp in Indiana. The ladies of the calendar also volunteer their time and expense to travel to Indiana to serve as counselors at the camp for a week for the last 4 years.
  • Plan and run a “the firefighter teen challenge” at Brave Heart’s Camp for all the kids to see what their real life heroes do.
  • Donated 10 sets of bunker pants to People’s Burn Foundation for the kids to use at camp while doing the challenge.
  • Organize, prepare and have designed a book of poetry and drawings from the kids and counselors who attended Brave Heart’s Camp, and have 500 copies printed to be disbursed at the Ice Ball in Indiana.
  • Attend Engine 260 Muster in Milford CT to help them raise money for the Milford Recreation Department Handicap Children’s Programs
  • Formed a calendar girl team to walk in the Breast Cancer Walk in Ft. Lauderdale to help raise funds and awareness- was special to us because one of our own is a survivor of breast cancer.

America’s Female Firefighters on Facebook

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.

Should Sex Offenders Be Firefighters? What about Pardoned ones?

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Can Sex Offenders be firefighters? Should sex offenders be firefighters? What about pardoned ones?

I am currently working on a story and one of the intriguing details is that a current firefighter WAS a convicted sex offender. The person was pardoned and is not a registered sex offender. The offense was bad (they all are). The offense happened 30 years ago prior to the current laws that protect us from these criminals. Should he be allowed to be a firefighter?

Here are my thoughts. Sex offenders should not be firefighters. I do not know of a National standard or regulation on this issue. However, if this man was pardoned and the infraction occurred prior to current regulations should he/she still be punished for a crime they was pardoned for? After all, they were pardoned and basically the crime is no longer part of their wrap sheet (hopefully there is nothing else). This is basically a loophole due to previously lackadaisical laws.

I just wonder if fire departments can legally disqualify someone from being a firefighter for something that might not show up on their background check. I am not sure it would in this case, but what if someone brought it to the FD’s attention.

The questions are:

  • Should sex offenders be allowed to be firefighters? What about EMT’s?
  • Should previously pardoned sex offenders be allowed to be firefighters?
  • What about EMT’s?
  • Does your department look for this information in their background checks?

Here are some articles I found on the topic of sex offender/firefighters:

NSOPR – National Sex Offender Public Registry

FBI Sex Offender Registry

You might remember a while back that I posted a question on Firefighter Nation about Felons being firefighters. That discussion continues to spark interest from time to time and the conversation is rehashed. My answer remains to be NO. Several people said that it depended on the crime. My reply….Name a GOOD Felony! I didn’t think so. Felonies are felonies for a reason. They are crimes.

LEO: The Fire Within Product Review and Their Model Search is ON!

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LEO: The Fire Within is casual apparel for today’s firefighter. They rolled out their first shirt at FDIC this year.

From LEOFireShop.com:

Why LEO? Look up the qualities of a Leo, the 5th symbol of the Zodiac – honesty, loyalty, self-sacrifice, courage, will, independence and fire. Sound familiar? Not only do these qualities perfectly embody today’s firefighters, but they also embody the fire within – that special quality that every firefighter has – whether you are 5 years or 30 in service.

Honestly, when I heard the name I initially thought that LEO stood for Law Enforcement Officer…luckily I was wrong!

LEOFireShop.com - Twitter @LEOfireshopFacebook Fan Page

The original LEO design that was rolled out at FDIC 2010

You can actually check out prototypes for their next designs here as well.

LEO contacted me about doing a product review. I told them my size and they sent a shirt. They currently have two designs. They sent me the black “The Fire Within” shirt they rolled out at FDIC. The newest design is on a white shirt. LEO actually let survey participants choose the second design that rolled out after FDIC.

LEO plans on rolling out 2 more designs next year

I asked for large and I was very pleased to find out that their idea of a large was the same as mine!

Sizing includes: Adult M-L-XL ($19.99) and Youth 8-10-12 ($14.99)
You can get both designs for  $34.99 (adult) or $24.99 (youth). Purchase shirts here

My first impression of the shirt was that it was very comfortable! The shirt is 100% cotton and preshrunk by Gildan (softstyle) and made in Honduras (keep reading though). If you know anything about me, I like my shirts made in the U.S.A.

Before I got around to doing this review, I was sent additional information including:

Based on customer feedback our shirts are now being printed on American Apparel t-shirts. 1st design shirts are still not on American Apparel t-shirts but will be in the near future.

Imagine that I would find a bunch of babes wearing the LEO: The Fire Within T-shirts. This is from their facebook page.

The shirt design is done well and not gaudy. I have a lot of firefighting shirts from over the years, but not too many designer type firefighter shirts like this one. Other than the print on the front, the shirt offers a small logo on the right hand arm. The design includes light gray, dark gray, and red as the colors for the design. Not too much….just right!

I must say that I am very pleased with my LEO: The Fire Within shirt! Other than being made in Honduras, I couldn’t really find anything to pick apart. The sizing, fit, and feel of the shirt was very nice and I plan on wearing the shirt more in the future.

However, if I were one of the LARGER firefighters I might find issue with the fact that LEO does not offer XXL or XXXL. I know some guys who would never fit into a XL!

This is a great idea for Christmas!

LEO is Currently Looking for Models!

Here is my submission to being a model for LEO...Imagine that...The Fire Critic a model! What is this world coming to?

You heard me right! LEO is currently doing a model search. They do not require six pack abs (which means I have a chance!). Read more here

We are looking for firefighters to model LEO clothing for the upcoming website – no six-pack necessary. We are not looking for career models, just people with the LEO spirit and confidence to take photos wearing LEO gear.

We are looking for four people to be the face of LEO for our inaugural kickoff year.

Winners will receive:

  • 1 year of bragging rights as the face of LEO
  • Free access to the latest LEO gear
  • A sweet cash prize*

If you’re ready to answer the call, submit your name, contact info and a picture of yourself (HINT: if you have a LEO shirt take a picture wearing it!) to LEO (at) Leofireshop.com.

The Fire Critic offers product reviews. Please visit this page for details on how to get your product reviewed and what our policy is on reviews.

Another Custom Firehouse Kitchen Table. Share Yours With The Fire Critic

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You might remember I posted about firehouse kitchen tables here. And no, my crew still has not decided on a design for ours. However, we are getting close! We are running out of stuff to customize and build in my firehouse.

Check out this one from Marion County Fire Rescue in Florida. Hell, I just drove through there the other day on the way back from Disney World! I should have stopped by!

Submitted by Lt. James G. Hensley

Attached are a couple of photos of our new dining table.  It was designed and constructed by one of our firefighters here at our station, FF Charles Osvold.  This table is located at Marion County Fire Rescue Station #21 “The Sleepless Knights”, the busiest house in Marion County, Florida.  We are listed in Firehouse magazine as one of the nation’s top 100 busiest stations.  The table measures twelve feet long by four feet wide.  The bases are constructed of two real fire hydrants.  We would be very proud to include our photo in your list of tables.  This table is a symbol of our station pride.  If there is one thing we attempt to achieve each shift, it is to have dinner together.  With our call load this is often difficult.  Our station has a crew of four on Engine 21, two on Rescue 21, and two on Rescue 521.  Total crew size is eight.  Thank you again for considering our photo for your site.

Firefighter Netcast Live Thursday Night with Chief Kelly Edmison of the Union City Fire Department to Discuss the Newest Developments in the Obion County/South Fulton Dilemma

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Chief Kelly Edmison of the Union City Fire Department in Tennessee. will be joining John Mitchell, Art Goodrich, and myself  Thursday night live at 9pm on Firefighter Netcast.

Chief Edmison has been following the story and has been trying to educate others on what exactly is going on down in Obion County.

If you haven’t seen the latest news on Obion County, check it out on Statter911 here.

The direct show link is here at 9pm EST. This weeks show will be 1 hour long.

Chief Kelly Edmison has been in contact with Dave Statter discussing the latest developments in Obion County that effect all of the Municipal FD’s in the County.

Thursday night at 9pm, Chief Edmison will be joining John and I on Firefighter Netcast.

We will be discussing the dilemma. We will also be joined by Cheif Reason Art Goodrich of ChiefReasonArt.com and fellow podcaster on Firefighter Netcast who hosts his own show The Voice of Reason.

Here is the promo for the netcast.

Unfortunately, Dave Statter will probably not be able to join us.

Firefighting Book Review: One Foot in the Black by Kurt Kamm

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One Foot in the Black
Author: Kurt Kamm
Published 2007
ISBN- 978-1-4357-0626-2
(250 pages)

Available for sale at KurtKamm.com for as low as $11.55 or $6.95 on kindle.

One Foot in the Black

One Foot in the Black is a coming of age tale that crosses many aspects of how, what, when, and why people become firefighters. Firefighting is not a job fit for everyone. Greg Kowalski happened into it…or did he?

One Foot in the Black (definition): A position on the fireline which is next to an area already burned (“the black”). it is at once the most dangerous place, usually close to the flames, and the safest place, a zone into which escape is possible. (page iii).

One Foot in the Black is the story about Greg Kowalski. Greg is a 19 year old who has no idea what he is going to do with his life. His abusive father is no help in molding Greg into the man he would become.

Greg’s father is a Saginaw, Michigan firefighter. His father’s Captain ends up being his saving grace when he suggests Greg to head to California to become a seasonal firefighter. Greg leaves everything behind to begin a journey that ends up being the beginning of his new life.

This story really hit home with me. While I am not a wildland firefighter, nor do I live on the west coast, I left home at the same time I was getting all my life together to become a paid firefighter.

The family that Greg leaves behind in Michigan is quickly replaced with the firefighting family he meets in California. That family would be torn when they experience a fatal firestorm.

I recommend this book to anyone involved in wildland firefighting or firefighting in general. The ones of us who are firefighters have experienced much of what Greg experiences in his journey. Learning to co-exist with other firefighters on the job, the dangers of the job, and even death of other firefighters meld Greg into a respectable young man.

I reviewed another book by Kurt Kamm recently: Red Flag Warning.

Kurt Kamm

Just as I said about that book, it holds true with this one…

Kamm doesn’t just throw a book together from the comfort of his living room. In the acknowledgments of the book, you can plainly see he did his homework on this book. Kamm spent considerable time with members of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, State of California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CalFire), the Culver City Fire Department, and many other firefighters.

His ability to entrench himself in the life of the characters he is writing about is outstanding. He spares no detail in building up each character making them seem real to life and does a great job of helping the reader develop the characters in their imagination.

Kamm has lived through several wildfires in his home in Malibu, California.

The Fire Critic offers product reviews. Please visit this page for details on how to get your product reviewed and what our policy is on reviews.

Firehouse Dolls 2011 Calendar Sneak Preview

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That is right… The Fire Critic has a sneak preview of the Firehouse Dolls 2011 calendar.

You might remember my top 10 calendar post on last years calendars (Firehouse Dolls came in 2nd place)…I plan on doing the same thing this year!

Firehouse Dolls has gone through a metamorphosis (not a riga metamOHphosis as one of my brothers eloquently pronounces rigor mortis). The calendar has a brand new look and feel (no guys it is not scratch and sniff yet).

Some of the Firehouse Dolls! Looks promising!
Some of the Firehouse Dolls! Looks promising!

The new look is that of a classier more professional feel. The days of almost completely naked women are behind us. Now you can enjoy real women firefighters who enjoy still showing off their bodies and might not have as big an issue with job security.We can all respect that!

To be honest with you, I am not sure exactly why they have changed the format. I can guess that it has something to do with being more professional, less controversial, and more representative of the class of our American Women Firefighters.
I actually had the opportunity to have a drink with Jaime Wendt, one of the model/firefighters, at FDIC. She was a blast to hang out with and was enjoying her time at FDIC.

The new calendar has a new size (although I am not sure if it is bigger or smaller). Part of the proceeds will be going to the Progress Fire Company.

The new Firehouse Dolls 2011 calendar will be released at the Harrisburg Fire Expo and will be selling for $15. You will also be able to purchase the 2010 calendar for $5 more.

If you are there and purchase the calendar you will be given a $250 gift card for the design of a web site from FireCompanies.com offered by Firefighter Rewards.

Social Media Use on the Job

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On the last Firefighter Netcast Live Netcast with Jason Hoevelmann we discussed social media use on the job along with many other topics.

We are coming to a point in time where Fire Departments are letting their firefighters lay the foundation for their social media policy.

What I mean is FD’s are learning what social media is, they are formulating their opinions of the various facets of social media, and they are watching to see how/when/why/where/how much their firefighters are using social media.

This process is developing blanket policies basically stating that NO social media may be used while on duty for some firefighters. This is mainly because of the stupid actions by few.

Basically, Chiefs are letting firefighters hang themselves and then swooping in with strict enforcement of other policies like “conduct unbecoming a firefighter” to serve punishment for their actions. What follows is typically a blanket policy prohibiting the use of social media.

Firefighters should not be using social media while in the operations of an emergency incident!

Also, Firefighters should be concerned about what they are saying via social media and how it will be inferred by the readers! I have heard it said that if your mom or Chief would not want to hear you say it then don’t say it!

Two things could curb this blanket policy…

  1. Firefighters being smarter with their actions.
  2. Proactive policy development and research by Fire Departments.

Firefighters need to be smarter about what they do while online both on-duty and off-duty. Recently, a firefighter lost his job for creating a video. Some felt the video was in poor taste and potentially racist.

Others have been seen texting, tweeting, updating facebook while on the emergency scene. Some Company Officers are dealing with firefighters doing these things while the firefighters should be training.

My point is that if firefighters were smarter about using social media we wouldn’t put ourselves in these situations.

Fire Departments need to be proactive and not reactive. Unfortunately, FD’s are put in the situation of being reactive typically due to firefighters stupid actions.

If you are a Chief or developing a social media policy, you owe it to your department to learn what social media is and what it isn’t.

The use of social media can increase the positive public relations FD’s yearn for. They can do this through proper policy and usage by the employees of the department. Likewise, negative public relations can be created by improper use.

Do the homework and get the policy right the first time…quite wasting time and protect your firefighters by creating the policy today.

The Fire PIO has an excellent post on social media policies for Fire Departments here. Another great tool for PIO’s and FD’s preparing for a social media policy or simply learning about social media is PIO Social Media Training!

Does your department have a social media policy? Please share the basic premise of it in the comments!

In Retrospect…The FireEMSBlogs.com Meetup

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The FireEMSBlogs.com meetup was a huge success. The event was hosted by Fire Rescue Magazine, Firefighter Nation, and FireEMSBlogs.com. The event was also sponsored by Black Helmet and Black Diamond Boots.

My time at FDIC was a blast. We managed to pack the week full of friends, fun, and work (Firefighter Netcast). The people I have met through this blog, twitter, facebook, etc. will stay with me for a long time. Our occasional chance to meet is always fun!

L-R Chris Kaiser, Art Goodrich, Rhett Fleitz, Justin Schorr, John Mitchell, Tiger Schmittendorf, Chris Hebert, Dave Iannone, Chris Naum, Bill Carey

L-R Chris Kaiser, Art Goodrich, Rhett Fleitz, Tiger Schmittendorf, John Mitchell, Justin Schorr, Chris Hebert, Mike Ward (if you look close between Chris and Dave in the back), Dave Iannone, Chris Naum, Bill Carey

Whether it be through commenting on each others blogs, following each other on twitter, being friends on facebook, or any other of the many social mediums we stay connected. We know when each other are having a bad day, working, having a birthday, or whatever.

There may not be an exact core of the fire/EMS interwebs, but it grows daily. Mostly it is championed by several leaders. And yes, the Fire and the EMS interwebs are connected. The leaders are not self proclaimed or “formal” leaders. They might not even realize they are leaders. However, they have a following and stay connected to others through social media. These leaders have “tribes” or followers and the various tribes are interconnected as well. I would name a few but I would probably leave out many. The point isn’t the leaders, but the followers. Most of the leaders are followers in other tribes and so on… You get the point.

We all have a stake in this and we are all working towards the same goal…connecting.

One way of connecting is by meeting up. One of those meetups was held this past weekend at FDIC.

The night began with a get together for several of the bloggers. Consider it some down time for the guys/gals to network before the crowd arrived.

I had a great time meeting and talking to everyone!

I was honored to be asked to announce the winners of the raffle items. There were Black Helmet Hats, $100 gift certificates to Black Helmet Apparel, Firefighter Monopoly, and a pair of Black Diamond Boots given away.

A lot of thanks from John and myself to Chris, Dave, Bill, Paul, Jeff, Tim, Shannon, Olga, and everyone else!

All in all it was a huge success… I will give the rest via photos of the night!

Firefighter Netcast… Have you heard this? Great Training for the firehouse!

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If you have not seen it yet, Firefighter Netcast is the home of live radio and podcasts on the internet. We were at FDIC and recorded many great topics with great guests.

The guests include Chris Naum, Billy Goldfeder, Ray Gayk, Tim Sendelbach, Mike Kirby, Scott Shaw, Fred Simon, Tiger Schmittendorf, and Tom Merrill.

The hosts of Firefighter Netcast are John Mitchell of Fire Daily and myself.

Rhett Fleitz, Ray Gayk, Billy Goldfeder, and John Mitchell

Rhett Fleitz, Deputy Chief Ray Gayk, Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder, and John Mitchell

The training value of some of our podcasts from FDIC are great. Much more is great for conversation.

Take some time to check out our podcasts and listen to our live netcasts in the future!

Here are the links:

Challenges on the Modern Fireground with Tim Sendelbach (Editor in Chief of Fire Rescue Mag), Captain Mike Kirby, and Firefighter Scott Shaw. Mike and Scott work for Cincinnati FD.

Changes in Building Construction and Fire Behavior with Christopher Naum (CommandSafety.com and TheCompanyOfficer.com)

From Blue Shirt to Bugle – The Most Difficult Transition in Your Career with Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder and Deputy Chief Ray Gayk

Distribution of Photos and Videos Taken by Firefighters at Work with Lawyer/Firefighter Fred Simon (FirstResponderLiability.com)

More coming too! We still have to finalize editing on our discussion with Ron Siarnicki and Cathy Hedrick with NFFF/EGH, discussion with Justin Schorr and Chris Kaiser, and discussion with Tiger Schmittendorf and Tom Merrill.

Once we are completed we will add the links here!