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Botetourt, VA continues to take 1 step forward and several steps backwards as it attempts to create a Fire/EMS model that works. Their current setup is numerous (I believe 7) volunteer fire departments and rescue squads supplemented by paid staffing at some of the stations at certain times during the week. Last year, they hired forward thinking Carr Boyd from Charlotte, NC to oversee the County’s Fire/EMS as their Emergency Services Coordinator. I’ll call him Chief Boyd.

Captain Wines recent post on the Botetourt issue

This week, Chief Boyd resigned. The details are not out yet. Ever since word of hiring for the position, there has been dissension among a select few of the VFD Officers. That came to a head when former Buchanan VFD Chief Billy Joe Carter threatened Captain Willie Wines Jr.’s life. Captain Wines runs IronFiremen.com and updated regularly on the situation.

Willie and I have been very critical of the inability for the “select few VFD Officers” to look beyond their egos and realize how positive the hiring of Chief Boyd was going to be for them.

Due to Chief Boyd’s resignation, all of the dust is being kicked up again. Read the news on his resignation here and here.

Captain Wines writes about Chief Boyd’s Resignation here

Even before that article hit the internet, there was an distasteful and shameful comment left on IronFiremen.com. The comment is apparently from Troutville VFD’s Chief Scott Paderick’s wife Christine Paderick. It was almost as if she new Wines was going to write something about it. Read the comment below:

WARNING: He (Christine’s Husband) does not need his wife writing for him. It says so in the last sentence.

Then again, maybe they are all screwed up of who is who between Willie and I. After all, when Willie began writing about the Botetourt issue, I got word that someone from Troutville (guess who) wanted to kick my ass. I laughed. Apparently some poeple don’t realize the difference between IronFiremen.com and FireCritic.com. After all, I was the one who mentioned the Botetourt issue the other day:

However, I did mention that Willie was going to write about it soon. Maybe the suspense got the best of her?

The main reason for me writing this post is to drive traffic to IronFiremen.com so that you can read about the issues present in Botetourt, VA.

Although mostly, I really want everyone to read the comment above. Especially the first sentence. I am married, and I have enemies…but my wife would NEVER say anything like that about anyone. I fight my own battles.

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 18, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Funding & Staffing, News • Tagged: Carr Boyd, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, IronFiremen.com, Willie Wines Jr.

Helmet Cam: Impressive Footage of Rescue and Fire Attack at Indianapolis Apartment Fire

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Video by: Joel Harsin. Video info: Apartment fire with entrapment. Indianapolis Fire Department

More on the incident from WishTV.com here.

Hat tip to Backstep Firefighter for finding this video. They shared it here.

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Posted by The Fire Critic on May 17, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: Apartment Fire, Building Fire, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Helmet Cam, Helmet Camera, Indianapolis Fire Department, IronFiremen.com, Rescue, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Former Compton Deputy Chief Marcel Melanson Arrested after Charges of Theft Covered up by Arson

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Marcel Melanson, the 15 year veteran of the Compton (CA) FD, has been arrested for his supposed role in theft at the FD headquarters and subsequent arson used to cover up the theft. Reports indicate that he sold stolen radio equipment online and then set fire inside FD headquarters on December 11, 2011.

Marcel Melanson in Inked Magazine photo by Russ Quackenbush

In 15 years, Melanson rose to the rank of Deputy Chief at 37 years old. He stood out from the crowd due to his heavily tattooed body and his quick rise in ranks at a young age.

He has been terminated by the department as a result of the investigation.

Marcel, who was featured on FireCritic.com two times in the past, has actually been in contact with me via twitter in the past. His account is now disabled.

Related stories:

LATimes.com:

A former Compton deputy fire chief — who has also starred on a reality television series — has been arrested on suspicion of arson and grand theft in connection with a fire that destroyed hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of radio equipment in late 2011.

Marcel Melanson, 37, was arrested at his home Wednesday by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Compton had bought the radio and communications equipment in 2010, when the city was planning to end its contract with the Sheriff’s Department and reinstate the Compton Police Department.

News stories related to Melanson’s recent charges:

STATter911.com: Compton, CA Deputy Chief Marcel Melanson, Who Starred in Reality Series, Jailed for Arson. Police Say Fire Covered Up Theft of City Radio Equipment
NBCLosAngeles.com: Ex-Compton Firefighter Arrested on Suspicion of Arson, Grand Theft
ABCLogal.go.com: Ex-Compton deputy fire chief arrested, accused of arson
LATimes.com: Former Compton firefighter arrested on suspicion of arson

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 17, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: BET, Black Entertainment Television, Compton, Compton Fire Department, Compton Firefighters, Danny Salazar, Docu-drama, Documentary, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter Shows, Firefighting, Firefighting Shows, First In, First In on BET, First In Show, First In TV Show, IronFiremen.com, Jerome Goodall, Marcel Melanson, Marcus Wilson, Rhett Fleitz, Shon Halverson, Social Media, Tyrese Gibson, Willie Wines Jr.

Helmet Cam: Long Creek, IL House Fire a Total Loss. Water Supply Issues Hamper Firefighters Efforts

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Video by: TheMTZFD. Video info: Assisted LCFD with a vacant house fire. Had water issues throughout. No injuries to anyone involved.

More info via Mt. Zion Fire Protection District web site: Mt. Zion was called to assist Long Creek for a report of flames coming from the roof of a house. Upon arrival found the house to be heavily involved in fire. Mt. Zion assisted in fire suppression, and overhaul. The house was a complete loss. One firefighter sustained minor injuries from a large diameter hose coupling striking him in the knee. However, was checked out at the ER and was able to return to the scene. Footage is from BC Paul Hartwig’s helmet camera.

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Posted by The Fire Critic on May 17, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Videos • Tagged: Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Helmet Cam, Helmet Camera, House Fire, House Fire Video, Illinois, IronFiremen.com, Long Creek Fire Department, Mt. Zion Fire Protection District, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Shoals VFD (NC) Hosts Honor Walk for West, Texas Responders Killed in Explosion

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Chris Gillett, quoted below in the story, informed me he is a few hundred dollars short of his goal. You can contact him on his Facebook Profile (Firefighter Chaplain) to donate. He is also trying to get a tshirt order together for the event.

Honor walk set for West, Texas, responders killed in explosion
PilotMountainNews.com
by Wendy Byerly Wood

PINNACLE — Of the 14 people killed in the April 17 explosion at a West, Texas, fertilizer plant, 11 of those were firefighters and first responders. And a local group of firefighters will be spending May 25 walking in honor of those who lost their lives protecting their community.

Members of Shoals Volunteer Fire Department, as well as other members of the emergency response community, will host a five-mile honor walk to raise money and awareness for those fallen firefighters and EMS personnel who were killed in the explosion, many of whom were fighting the initial fire that started prior to the blast.

“The tragedy in Texas kind of got swallowed up by the Boston bombing,” said Lt. Chris Gillett of Shoals VFD. “I wanted to do something to raise money for the firefighters’ families who were killed as well as raise awareness.”

…

The honor walk, set to begin at 10 a.m. at Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Department on Key Street/N.C. 268, with those participating wearing full turnout gear. “Most people can do it, it’s just under 6 miles, and we’re doing it in full turnout gear. They sacrificed, and it’s going to be a sacrifice to do that (in full gear),” Gillett said. “There is even a soldier who was wounded in Afghanistan driving up from Fort Bragg to walk in full military gear.”

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

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Are you participating in a 5k, 10k, marathon or other endurance event coming up? Take the Firefighter Turnout Challenge and show the public what firefighters do every day. You can create your own fundraising page HERE and even recruit your own team to help reach a group fundraising goal.

If you raise $750 for the cause, you’ll receive a leather NFE presentation helmet as a token of your victory.

Firefighter Turnout Challenge – National Firefighters Endowment

Brian Hackenburg

The Firefighter Turnout Challenge is a fundraising initiative born after Brian Hackenburg took it upon himself to compete in the Cedar Point Triathlon in full turnout gear. Yes, you heard that correct! Brian will be running the 26.2 mile stretch of the Cedar Point Triathlon in full turnout gear AND airpack.

Brian, 36, is an 18 year veteran of the fire service from Sandusky, Ohio.

But that isn’t it. He has numerous other events he will be completing wearing turnout gear.

In Brian’s own words:

“The National Firefighters Endowment is an important charity to me because it focuses on protecting the lives of firefighters all across the nation so they get to go home to their families. Every fire department needs the necessary equipment to protect themselves and their community in a moment of crisis. NFE helps underfunded departments get the equipment necessary to save lives.”

He has set a personal fundraising goal of $2,500 and a team goal of $25,000

BRIAN’S UPCOMING RACES:

June 9th – Half Ironman, Sylvania
June 16th – Olympic Distance Triathlon, Oregon
July 13th – Ironman 70.3, Muncie
Aug 4th – Ironman 70.3 Steelhead, Benton Harbor
Aug 18th – Olympic Distance Triathlon, Vermilion
Sept 8th- Rev3 Triathlon, Cedar Point

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 16, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: Brian Hackenburg, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter Turnout Challenge, Firefighting, IronFiremen.com, National Firefighters Endowment, NFE, Rhett Fleitz, Shane Parkins, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr.

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

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It has been busy…

I just finished up promotional testing for 1st Lt. and Captain in my department. We had practical testing yesterday and I feel good about it. It could have been much better, but I am pleased with my performance.

If you have information to share, be sure to get it to me.

The Fire Critic Facebook Page is constantly pumping out great info, sharing YOUR questions with “Mutual Aid Question from a Brother” posts, and more.

The Fire Critic on Facebook

FDIC

Michael Smith of Boron Extrication climbed with me at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. He actually got to meet a family member of the man he was climbing for, Joseph Agnello. Michael didn’t get the contact information and is looking for John Agnello, Joseph’s cousin. Michael’s post is a moving tribute to Ladder 118 and Joseph Agnello. Read it here, and help him out in contacting John.

Progress Fire Expo Bash 2013

Harrisburg Fire Expo

Captain Wines will be on the road later today. He is heading to Harrisburg, PA for the Fire Expo. Unfortunately, I am unable to make the trip. I will be working for Willie on Friday so he can though. He plans on catching up with the Progress Fire Bash 2013. The Firehouse Dolls will be there too. Captain Wines is travelling with his wife and I think the Buckaroo…I have officially been replaced! Be sure to welcome him in PA. I have wanted to make the trip for this event for years, I guess it will have to wait until next year.

What’s Next?

Captain Wines and I plan on attending Firehouse Expo in Baltimore and Fire Rescue International in Chicago. On top of that, we have an engagement in New York State with the Capital Region FOOLS in September. Check out their Facebook Page here. We also have heard of tentatively being asked to speak at the Canadian Volunteer Firefighters Convention in Ottawa. We look forward to hearing more about that soon.

Botetourt County, VA

You might remember Captain Wines in-depth writing about issues within the Botetourt County, VA Fire & EMS…most notably some of the issues with the Buchanan VFD and their former Chief Billy Joe Carter. I am not sure, but I believe Carter is still incarcerated. Things are heating up again in Botetourt, this time with relation to their Fire/EMS Director Carr Boyd who is in the process of resigning. Willie and I are still working on the details, but it seems as though another one of Botetourt’s Volunteer Chiefs is behind forcing Boyd out. Troutville VFD’s Chief who is reportedly also a felon has apparently been a thorn in the side of the forward thinking Fire/EMS Director. Look for an article from Willie about this fiasco soon at IronFiremen.com.

22 Years ago, one of the most prolific rescues occurred in New York City.

STATter911.com - While I have been busy, Dave Statter continues to post great videos of fires across the Country. Check out the latest one from Huntsville, Alabama here.

First Due Tackle – Paul Hasenmeier has been busy updating First Due Tackle with plenty of great information and articles. Check it out here.

10SeventyFive.com – This up-and-coming blog looks very promising. Be sure to check them out!

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 16, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Best of the Rest, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, News • Tagged: Best of the Rest, Botetourt County, Dave Statter, EMS, EMT, Facebook, FDIC, FDNY, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Harrisburg, IronFiremen.com, Progress Fire, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr.

Helmet & Dash Cam: Two Views of West Plains House Fire

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Videos by: WestPlainsFD. Helmet Camera and Dash Camera for West Plains FD responds to automatic aid with Howell County Rural Fire Dept on a structure fire.

Helmet Camera from Fire

Dash Camera from Fire

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 13, 2013 • Filed under: Dash Camera, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Videos • Tagged: Dash Camera, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Helmet Cam, Helmet Camera, House Fire, House Fire Video, IronFiremen.com, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

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

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Guys, do me a favor and share this with your wife. I get a lot of questions on FB related to relations with our significant others. This site is your answer to share with your wife. It provides her a place to connect, reach out, or just sit back and follow along with other firefighter wives.

Myself, Lori of FirefighterWife.com, and Captain Wines

Trust me, I believe that your wives might enjoy the site!

I have been following the site for some time now. Captain Wines and I had the pleasure of meeting up with Lori, who runs the site, and her husband at FDIC 2013. We got to talk for a bit, and they even showed up at the party we put on at Hard Rock Cafe. I look forward to doing more work with them in the future.

You can read about FDIC from Lori’s perspective in her post “No Glitter, All Heart: A Firefighter Wife’s View of FDIC

If you have never heard of FirefighterWife.com, you should check it out and share it with your wife. It is a great source of information for our wives.

FirefighterWife.com – Facebook – Twitter @WifeOnFire

About FirefighterWife.com:

Firefighter Wife is a community for the wives (fiancees & girlfriends) of firefighters whose mission is to:

Stengthen, Ignite, and Rescue Firefighter Marriages

Nurture our Fire Wife Community with Encouragement, Support, and Friendship.

To Build Up our Fire Wives in Mind, Body, and Spirit to be Wise, Strong, and Enduring.

To Bring an Even Deeper Sense of Community to the Entire Fire Family.

This group of ladies is the sisterhood you have been looking for.

Read more about what this group of ladies is about here.

They even have a “Fit Fire Wife” program here.

Flame Fest

FirefighterWife.com is holding the “Flame Fest” July 25-26 in Atlanta. This will be the first ever National event for firefighter wives.

They have a full schedule of events, speakers, and mingling with other wives. Husbands are welcome too.

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

Helmet Camera Video: Quick Knockdown on House Fire

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Video by: zachary willis. No description.

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 12, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Videos • Tagged: EMS, EMT, Facebook, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Helmet Cam, Helmet Camera, House Fire, House Fire Video, IronFiremen.com, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Product Review: 1st In Leather Custom Leather Helmet Shield

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Another product review has been completed on our sister site FireProductReview.com. This time, we look at 1st In Leather’s Custom Leather Helmet Shield.

Check out 1st In Leather on Facebook

Read the Review Here

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 11, 2013 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, News, Product Reviews • Tagged: 1st In Leather, Custom Leather Helmet Shields, EMS, EMT, Facebook, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Review, Fire Service, Fire Service Product Review, Fire Service Review, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter Product Reviews, Firefighter Review, Firefighting, Firefighting Review, FireProductReview.com, IronFiremen.com, Leather, Leather Radio Straps, Mikey Hillmann, Product Review, Product Reviews, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr.

LODD – Crews Recover Body of Wayne-Westland Firefighter Brian Woehlke After Building Collapse at Michigan Strip Mall Fire

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UPDATED: 1600 hours

Freep.com:

The body of a Wayne Westland firefighter has been recovered from a blaze at a pair of businesses in a Westland strip mall today.

Brian Woehlke, 29, was found today, said Deputy Fire Chief Rob Arbini. Woehlke had been a firefighter for 10 months, Arbini said.

Mayor William Wild said he received notification of Woehlke’s recovery at about 12:40 p.m. No additional information was released.

Statement from Westland Mayor William Wild courtesy WDIV.com:

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our Westland firefighters who died in the line of duty this morning. He dedicated his life to protecting the residents of Wayne and Westland and this is a terrible loss for the firefighter’s family and our entire community. This tragedy is a reminder to us all of the sacrifice that firefighters make along with their family and friends every single day. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends, as well as the first responders of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department, who are mourning the loss of fellow firefighter, Brian Woehlke. Woehlke, 29, a Dearborn resident who was married and the father of one, had been a member of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department for ten (10) months. We are forever appreciative for the brave men and women of the Wayne-Westland Fire Department who put their lives on the line every day.”

More Coverage at STATter911.com

Firefighter Nation has coverage here

The Fire Critic is on Facebook Too!

UPDATED: 1415 hours

MyFoxDetroit.com:

Crews have recovered the body of a Wayne-Westland firefighter who triggered his distress signal while battling flames inside a Westland poker hall Wednesday.

FOX 2′s Alex Wiley says crews discovered the body among the wreckage at the Electric Stick charity poker hall in the 6500 block of North Wayne Road.

Image from ClickonDetroit.com

A Firefighter is missing after a collapse at a strip mall fire this morning outside of Detroit, Michigan. Crews are on scene searching for the missing firefighter.

We will update with further information as it is available.

ClickonDetroit.com:

A search and rescue team is searching for a firefighter who went missing after a roof collapsed to the burning strip mall.

Wayne-Westland Deputy Fire Chief Robert Arbini tells WWJ-AM that searchers are doing what’s needed “to find that person.”

More coverage:

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 8, 2013 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, News, Videos • Tagged: Brian Woehlke, Building Collapse, Building Fire, Collapse, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter Missing, Firefighting, Fireground Video, In the Line of Duty, IronFiremen.com, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, LODD, Michigan, Missing Firefighter, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Wayne-Westland Fire Department, Willie Wines Jr.

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

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

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

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

Meet Joe Francisco

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

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

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

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

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

In his own words:

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

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

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

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

FDNY Surprise Marriage Proposal at The Rock. Firefighter Proposes at Family Day

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Videos by Aoki Scotland and Fiorella Maher give two views of this proposal. Info:

I went to Family Day to see all the hard training my fiance and his brothers have endured in these past LONG Four months. I was so excited to see all the insanely and heroic things these guys have learned. Firefighter’s are true hero’s and I don’t think thy get the credit they should! In one of the exercises, My fiance’s Drill Instructor approached me and asked me to be a volunteer. Non-hesitant at all, I followed him up to the building (3rd floor). I did NOT EXPECT THIS AT ALL!

My face transformation says it all. This moment will forever play in my head. I got rescued by a Firefighter with an amazing message. A proposal that was perfect! And just as a little girl who sat on her window sill dreaming of who her Prince Charming would be and what her love story would read, my dream came true today! This video is intended to SHARE and SPREAD the LOVE. I always hear “Romance is dead” and it’s not. I am huge believer in true love and this is a glimpse of our love story. I know there has been negative comments and not everyone thinks alike. FYI I was safe, there was a net under and a LARGE GROUP OF PROFESSIONALS surrounding me who walked me through how I was supposed to come down.

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 8, 2013 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, News, Videos • Tagged: EMS, EMT, FDNY, FDNY Firefighter Rescue's Girlfriend & Proposes! Epic Proposal!, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Department of New York, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter Marriage Proposal, Firefighting, IronFiremen.com, Marriage Proposal, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, The Rock, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News and Opinion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The video below was shared by a reader.

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

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

Helmet Cam: Interior at a House Fire with Decent Audio and no Soundtrack!

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I’m not sure why they evacuated the house in the end…but I enjoyed this video for the audio more than the video.

Video by: firewolfranger. Info: helmet cam footage from a mutual aid structure fire on Saturday …. I have more footage, and will probably put up a longer video later, but this is from my actual time inside … no response footage from this one, we were already at the station returning from a rescue call when we got called to this one …

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 7, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Videos • Tagged: Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Helmet Cam, Helmet Camera, House Fire, House Fire Video, IronFiremen.com, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

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

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

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

Fire

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

Staffing/Paging/Scheduling

Firehouse Scheduler
Mass Incident Paging
fire shifts
fd shift calendar
Resgrid

Friction Loss/Pumping

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

Dispatch

Cadpage
ScannerRadio
Active911

Rescue

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

EMS

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

Haz Mat

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

General

Google Translator
iTranslate
Dropbox
Army Mountaineering

Weather/Mapping

RadarScope
WeatherTapZoom
Myradar
Google Earth
iMap Weather Radio

Games

Emergency

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

Helmet Camera Video: House Burns Twice in One Year. Caught on Camera Both Times!

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Video by: . Video info: This is a 2 part video. The 1st part is of an occupied 1 story house fire with smoke showing / fire venting from rear bedroom. We had 2 probationary firefighters with us that day and WOW was that fun. Pass devices going off and getting blasted in the face with an open nozzle was fun. But we ALL have to learn at the beginning! The probies made a quick stop and all was good. Until 1 year later the same house came in and it was going a little better this time, especially thru the attic. We were going to make the same push thru the front but the heat conditions were deteriorating by the second and being it was a vacant house now with fire thru the roof in some spots, we knocked it down from the outside and then went in. No one was injured but this was our 4th structure fire within our 24 hr shift….we were beat. The cameras used were the Fire Cam MINI HD and the Fire Cam 1080 Fire Helmet Cameras from www.firevideo.net

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 4, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Videos • Tagged: Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Helmet Cam, Helmet Camera, House Fire, House Fire Video, IronFiremen.com, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

“Get Off The F$@%ing Radio!”…I think we have all said this at one point in time, just maybe not on camera

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I think we have all said this at one time or another. This short clip below captures just that moment in time where we have something to say…but someone else apparently won’t shut up on the radio. I guess you could say that we just hope that it doesn’t get caught on video. It doesn’t matter who this is or where it happened…it is pretty funny.

Posted by The Fire Critic on May 2, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, Fail, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, humor, News, Technology & Communications, technology-communications-ems-topics, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos • Tagged: Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, House Fire, House Fire Video, Humor, IronFiremen.com, radio traffic, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live Coverage of Charleston, SC Fire Chief Carr’s Funeral Starts at 2pm

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At 2pm, you will be able to watch live streaming of Chief Carr’s Funeral right here on FireCritic.com.

The Charleston Fire Department, Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service and WCIV-TV have made arrangements for live streaming of today’s funeral in Charleston for Chief Carr. It begins at 2:00 PM EDT. Here is the link for WCIV-TV’s live video player – http://www.abcnews4.com/category/193350/wciv-live-stream.

Watch the Funeral Live Here

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

WCIV-TV:

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

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

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

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 29, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: Charleston Fire Department, Chief Tom Carr, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, South Carolina, Tom Carr, Willie Wines Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

Fire Critic on Facebook – Twitter @FireCritic

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

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

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

FDIC Wrap Up: The Fire Critic and Iron Firemen Meetup

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

Pictures from the evening are on the Fire Critic Facebook page

There are additional pictures here (Facebook Event Page)

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

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

Warning: Name dropping ahead…

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

Thanks for the shots Beefcake!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

: Shane Lester

: Robert Kramer

: Dave Statter and Mike Bish

: Lori from FirefighterWife.com

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

: Stephen and Erin Foster of Ayden's Gifts

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

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

: The late night crew who stayed until last call

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

FDIC Wrap Up: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

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This year at FDIC, I climbed in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Captain Wines was not able to climb this year, so it was a first for me climbing without him. I think this is my 6th climb and second one at FDIC.

More coverage of FDIC 2013 on Fire Critic Facebook Page

Ringing the Bell for Lt. Brian G. Ahearn (Engine 230) and Firefighter Scott Michael Kopytko (Ladder 15)

It has always been an honor for me to climb. The event is typically one of the hardest things I have ever done. This year was different.

This year, I was in shape. This year, I was ready for it. It was still very tough, but this time instead of me needing help from others I was able to offer my help.

I began climbing with my Brothers Andrew Catron and Jared Lindholm. Soon after the start, I came up to my Brother Sonny O’Connor and he was taking a break. I couldn’t pass him. I couldn’t simply walk past and hope that he would be able to push through by himself…so I stayed with him. I stayed with him to the end, walking at his pace. We met up with others along the way who were struggling. Like I said, the CLIMB isn’t easy. It never has been, it never will be.

It didn’t matter that I wasn’t moving at a pace with the rest of the pack. It didn’t matter that some of the group was slower than others. What mattered to me was that we would finish the climb. We took turns carrying each others gear to give each of us a break from the weight and heat of wearing gear.

I climbed for Lt. Brian G. Ahearn (Engine 230) and I also climbed for Firefighter Scott Michael Kopytko (Ladder 15). I carried Kopytko’s name for a Brother who couldn’t climb.

In the end, our group of Brothers finished the climb. We pushed ourselves and made sure everyone finished. It is as much mental as it is physical. Our mind plays tricks in telling ourselves to give up because it is so physically grueling.

It didn’t matter how we got there…we finished. As a matter of fact, we had 450 climbers this year. It is the first time I have climbed and had 343+ climbers.

Thanks for climbing with me Brothers

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 28, 2013 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb, 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs, FDIC, FDIC 2013, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, IronFiremen.com, National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr.

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

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

Picture above from YDR.com

ABC27.com:

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

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

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

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