The video clip is not long, but shows us how not to conduct a training burn.
Oh how we can count the ways…
First of all, you should not need accelerant to conduct a training burn. Secondly, you should not need to ADD more accelerant to a fire whether it is a training burn or not.
All I can think is that the gear those guys are wearing is ruined. You can’t just crawl through fuel like that and think that it will just wash out.
Twice, the firefighter dumps fuel out of a bucket into the connex storage container.
We have a responsibility to be smarter than this!
One of the firefighters at the end is wearing what seems to be a Fayetteville Fire & Rescue shirt on. I am not sure where that is and I think there are several. My guess is that this video will not stay online long.
Enjoy…and then comment with your feelings!
The video got pulled and put back up…I have embedded it below.
I never do…I don’t like the way they feel. You just don’t get the same comfort and dexterity in rubbers.
Rubber boots people…Rubber firefighting bunker boots! Get your heads out of the gutter!
I just got the latest Fire Engineering Magazine and right there smack dab on the cover is a shot of a firefighter wearing rubber bunker boots.
What a shame!
He obviously has never put his foot into a decent pair of leather firefighting boots. Maybe his fire department just doesn’t care about his feet! Once you go leather, you never go back!
To be honest, the shame is the departments who waste their money purchasing rubber “dust collecting” firefighting boots. What a waste of taxpayers dollars that is. When I worked at a previous station, all of our gear racks were in a single row along a wall in the bay. On top of those racks were a row of about 15 pairs of unused rubber firefighting boots. The only time they move is when someone quits or retires…they just grab a pair and turn them in.
My department purchases the rubber boots. ugh…
So far in my career I have owned 2 pairs of Black Diamond, 3 pairs of Pro Warrington, 1 pair of Thorogood’s, and 1 pair of Lion (ALL LEATHER). The pair of rubber boots that my department assigned to me have only been worn once since I graduated from recruit school. I have only completely worn out my first two pairs of boots… both Pro Warrington.
If your department won’t spring for a pair of leather bunker boots for you I suggest that you get them yourself. Put them on your Christmas, Birthday, Fathers Day, Mothers Day lists…They are worth the expense.
The comfort and dexterity that the leather boots offer is much more than the rubber boots offer!
I don’t have any data or statistics to support any of this…however, I have never EVER heard a firefighter say how comfortable a pair of rubber fire boots are!
This is not one of those things that needs explaining, just try it out and thank me later!
The cost? Well lets just say that the cheapest costing leather boots are offered by Thorogood at $214. The cheapest rubber boots are offered by Servus at $107.
So basically, you could say that leather firefighting boots are twice as expensive….but that is comparing apples and oranges.
Here is a rundown of boot manufacturers and range of pricing through The Fire Store as of this writing…Most of the prices below are rounded and were taken from The Fire Store. Prices may change and do not hold me to them exactly!
The illuminating all-in-one coating kit shown here with my helmet and helmet bands as well.
The epoxy comes in a kit which includes: Two part epoxy mixture, primer paint, mixing wand for a drill, instructions, latex gloves, two paint brushes, two stirring sticks, an abrasive pad, crystals for adding grip, and alcohol prep pads.
The instructions are very straight forward. Prep the tool(s) you are planning on painting, paint them with primer, mix the epoxy, and apply the epoxy. If you would like to add the cyrstals for grip they are applied directly after the epoxy is applied.
Warning: this process is messy!
According to the crew at MN8 Products, the epoxy kit should be able to coat about 3 tools. In speaking to them prior to us using it, we were told that the epoxy might not be perfect the first time due to learning how to apply it.
An axe with the coating applied and drying.
I think we did a great job. Our problem was that we might have put it on too thick. We were able to coat a complete axe handle, the tip and handle of a hydrant wrench, and a door chock. We did have a good bit of loss of product due to drippage.
The cyrstals used for grip are sharp. We actually sanded them down a little after we were done. You would not want to swing this axe without gloves on. It would be a bloody mess! However, you really shouldn’t be swinging an axe without gloves anyways! You do not have to use the crystals though.
The epoxy kit retails for $99.95 and can be purchased through TheFireStore.com
All in all, I think this product is great! The application is not the easiest, but the end result is awesome. I have found this application to be the brightest of all of the products. The durablility of the product has been great. We did apply it to a hydrant wrench that sits on the tailboard of the engine. It wasn’t the best application and gets beat up a good bit. However, you won’t have to worry about not seeing it if it is sitting in tall grass next to the hydrant at night!
My next review of MN8 Products will be of the illuminating tape.
The axe on the left and the door chock on the floor have the illuminating coating on it. The axe and hook on the right have the illuminating tape (upcoming review), my helmet has the helmet band on it.
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.
Last year, almost to the day, I published an article titled “ANDROID IN THE FIRE SERVICE“. I had several comments and then got another one today about applications that firefighters use on their android device. Why not the iphone you might ask? The answer is because I use the Droid X and previously used the Droid. I am also fairly certain that almost all of the applications on the Android network can also be phoned on the iphone network.
I use some of the applications below and others I will be checking out.
You might also check out Fully Involved Media. They have numerous applications for the Android network.
Here is the comment posted today on the post “ANDROID IN THE FIRE SERVICE“. Check out that link for other applications and even more in the comments section.
As always, feel free to add any other applications you use for Android or iphone in the comments!
The comment:
I am a Fire Fighter in the Green Bay, WI Area. I use have found multiple free application that I have downloaded from the Android Market Place and use most regularly.
CADPage – This is an excellent application if you receive text messages for calls from Dispatch. You can customize it to your location. When you get a Call, you can Click on the map it Icon & it will load it into the GPS. Also, if your Fire Dept is using “I am Responding Software”, there is a preset button that you can hit that will make the call for you.
Cargo Decoder - This is an ERG (Emergency Response Guide) this is the 2008 ERG
Fire Alert - Another excellent application if you receive text messages for calls from Dispatch. Unlike CADPage, you can Set Customized Alerts that can also change your phones volume(if you have your phone on Vibrate when you receive a fire call text, it will automatically turn you phone ringer on to your preset volume and the ringtone of your choice will play).
Extricate - This is an application for Hybrid Vehicles. It allows you to quickly determine where to make your cut during extrication. This Application shows where the high voltage electrical lines are, seat-belt pretensioners, fuel, air bags & air Bags sensor and other great information.
First Aid – Self Explanatory!!!
Fire Chief - Great Publication for the latest news, Trends, Ideas on Management solutions & Leadership training.
Fire Calculator - This is a great Friction Loss Calculator
Scanner Buddy – Great Scanner for your Phone, it uses radio reference as its source.
Medical Spanish Dictionary - A Spanish Dictionary to help get the beneficial Medical information to & from a Spanish speaking Person.
Med Scape – From the makers of Web MD, here is an android version.
iTriage – This was created by two emergency room physicians.
Just Remember these are all currently free from the Android Market(like most applications, there are disclaimers so use your discretion one following some information given.). I hope some of these help you as they have multiple people on the Hobart, WI Fire Dept. Please feel free to respond with any questions.
A report is about to be published on a three alarm apartment fire that injured 7 firefighters in Coatesville, PA.
We almost lost 7 firefighters that day. Luckily, they escaped with injuries only and no one died. This could have been a bigger tragedy than it was.
An article on the fire and upcoming report is blaming Incident Command, lack of communication, lack of doing a 360, and freelancing among other things that culminated with 7 firefighters injured. Some of those firefighters jumped from the second or third floor balconies.
In addition, firefighters had to go back in to search for a missing firefighter. That firefighter was later found safe at home after he simply left the scene. What the hell is up with that?
Investigators found that Coatesville Fire Bureau Chief Kevin Johnson and other leaders failed their duties during the Sept. 10, 2010, fire at Millview in the 1800 block of Saginaw Drive. More than 100 firefighters responded to the blaze that caused roughly $1.5 million in damage to the 28-unit apartment building. Read the entire article here
The article later states:
“The false assumption of the exact location of the fire being the third floor caused others on the interior to also bypass the uncontrolled fire burning in the second-floor apartment,” the report states. “Responders’ reports and interviews indicated that everyone in the fire building was working for themselves. Read the entire article here
As I mentioned in the title, this could have very easily been a dark day for the fire service. We almost lost 7 firefighters that day and potentially more. Luckily, all lives were spared. However, some of the injured are still recovering.
One of the firefighters, Deputy Chief Pacana is also a firefighter in DC. He has been unable to return to work due to a hurt leg.
Lentz, the local union president for the city’s paid firefighters — the International Association of Fire Fighters — said in a prepared statement Monday that the Coatesville Fire Department has been working with administrators to update the department’s manual of Standard Operating Guidelines and an updated manual was finished April 4. Read the entire article here
Some firefighters think that loading up your pockets with tools and other equipment weighs us down and makes our jobs harder.
Others think that we need to carry everything including the kitchen sink just in case we need it!
VentEnterSearch.com has a decent set of submitted articles on just this topic. There are some great tips on what firefighters carry and how they carry it in their pockets. You can read those articles here.
The tools I keep in my pockets are primarily for rescue of myself or others.
My radio strap. I have secured a gerber knife to the strap.
Occasionally I will place other tools in my pockets to give them a try and see if they are something I forget on the engine or need frequently. Most of the time, I go back to the way it has been for years. I keep two sets of webbing, each secured in a loop with a caribeener or two for rescue, self-rescue, or a downed firefighter. I also carry the 25′ prussick just in case I need to take a dive out of a window without the advantage of having a ladder (although I have no plans of needing this!)….you just never know!
All of this gear does add some additional weight. I often wonder if the added weight will be a benefit someday. Let’s just say that at this point I am willing to carry a few extra pounds than not having some of it as a lifeline or to assist me with a rescue.
Below is what is in my pockets and which pockets they are located. What is in your pockets?
What if anything would you remove or add from my inventory?
I have never been one for keeping stuff on my helmet. Recently, I added a Garrity light and door chock to my helmet. They were secured by my Foxfire illuminating helmet band. I actually used one of the door chocks…and promptly left it on scene. I have also since realized that I still don’t like having stuff on my helmet. The only thing that remains is my Foxfire helmet band.
As for my pockets, throughout my career I have inventoried what I carry and changed the setup from time to time. I recently added two tools. They are the Bowring and the Channellock Rescue tool #87 (both of which are upcoming product reviews). The only problem with this addition is that they are both solid metal and have increased the weight of my coat.
In my left chest pocket which is designed for a radio I keep pliers and just added my Channellock #87 Rescue Tool. My left pocket holds 20 feet of 2″ webbing and two caribeeners. My right pocket holds a pair of work gloves, two door chocks, and the recently added Bowring tool.
I don’t use my radio pocket for my radio. I wear a leather radio strap under my gear. I also have a glove strap connected to my loop for the radio mic for my firefighting gloves.
In my pants pockets I carry 20 feet of 1" webbing and a caribeener in the left pocket and 25' of prussick with a caribeener on each end.
I also keep a bag with me on the engine when I am working. Mostly these are “extra” tools or equipment I might need when I am working, but nothing that I might need while I am already inside working. Remember, I drive mostly so I am often at the engine or around it getting gear for others to work more efficiently.
My "extra" gear bag includes a pencil, pen, grease pen, pliers, tool pouch (pliers, cutters, needlenose pliers, screwdrivers), work gloves, extrication gloves, extra firefighting gloves, utility knife, sprinkler chock, hoodie for the cold weather, hydrant wrench w/ window punch, spanner wrench, eye protection, and a key to every station in the City.
Firefighter Netcast is the leading edge in podcasting and live netcasts for the fire service today. When we began in January 2010, there was one other show “Burning it Down” run by the guys behind The Bravest Online. Unfortunately they closed the door on their live podcast and left us all alone…until recently.
Nowadays there are other options for live fire service podcasting…but lets be clear that we are often imitated but never duplicated!
While we still have a lot to learn, we have continued to broaden our reach, fine tune our delivery, and offer the best fire service podcasting available.
You might ask why you can’t listen in every night to Firefighter Netcast…the answer is because these things take time. Our hosts have to create the shows and the content has to be rich. If we were running shows every night, our content would be watered down and we would begin repeating ourselves. In addition to all of that, we have families and careers.
We will be joined very shortly with host Doug Cline as well.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the tremendous assistance that Willie Wines Jr. has been to Firefighter Netcast. He has helped us out so much and we are very grateful!
We have also done work for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at Conferences and the NFFF Memorial Weekend. We produce FireHero Radio for the NFFF as well.
But the most important aspect of Who we are is our listeners! We enjoy the live listeners who chat in the chatroom as well as the majority of our listeners who catch up with us on our web site, facebook, twitter, and most importantly itunes!
I must say that I have had a blast since January 2010 when we got started. I have enjoyed all of the people I have met, the ones I have yet to meet, and the places I have been!
In case anyone is counting, we HAVE had more than 100 podcasts, but this is our 100th live netcast! In addition to the live netcasts, we have recorded dozens of other shows at conferences and other places!
Thanks for making Firefighter Netcast the BEST fire service podcast!
We (firefighters) know that you just cannot beat a tried and true fire department. It is what works for our citizens. A fire department encompasses training, experience, knowledge, tradition, pride, ownership, bravery, determination, brotherhood, and is an all around well oiled machine.
However, none of that compares to the almighty dollar!
This day in age, the beancounters don’t care. All they care about is saving money by cutting fire department funding because they cannot equate our work to anything. Hell, even our Fire Chiefs help them by offering biased statistics that skew to the beancounters benefit.
The beancounters have turned to unconventional ways of replacing their fire departments with cheap and ineffective fire service. This after slashing fire departments to an all time low in relation to staffing, companies, stations, and everything else. Now they just get rid of us…
Public Safety Departments
Can one person do all of this? image from fitsupply.com
The public safety department concept is ineffective and an unsafe money saving option that I just cannot wrap my head around. This is just too much responsibility for one person to do well.
Public safety departments are those which employ public safety officers who are police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. This system is not very popular or widely used in the States.
I say it is ineffective because there are too many “what ifs?”. Who does what? Firefighters rely on the understanding of the public that we are not armed and do not uphold the law in the same sense of a police department. We stay out of conflict and allow police officers to handle that business. Police officers and firefighters have their own skill sets and are masters of what they do. To throw up police, fire, and EMT certifications/training up in the air and expect someone to master them all is not fair or obtainable.
If indeed it were that easy, then I say City Managers should also do refuse collection and cut grass!
At the very least, be your own secretaries! Is that asking too much?
Look at Kalamazoo, Michigan…in 1982, they took 164 firefighters and 219 police officers and cross-trained them to end up with 383 public safety officers. Now they have cut their staffing to 243 public safety officers. What the hell is that all about?
My City is only a little bigger than Kalamazoo and we have 240 firefighters alone. Then again, our most recent past Fire Chief was 2nd in command in Kalamazoo. He was the hatchet man in Roanoke and cut our department as the City wanted it.
Michigan has many public safety departments. There are more localities thinking about going to the model now. They view it as a huge cost saving option. Who cares about service delivery! LET’S SAVE SOME MONEY!!!! YEAH!
Jackson, Michigan officials are trying to follow the leader of neighboring areas and hoping to create a public safety department. Read the articles linked below. Everything is about the money…nothing about service delivery. It is blatantly obvious that the officials in Jackson have no idea what we do, how we do it, and why we do it!
Let’s just say this…if it were such a great idea then everyone would be doing it!
The mindset of officials is unfortunate:
It reflects the changing nature of the fire profession, he said. Of the 94,000 calls for service, only 1,100 were fire related, Hadley said. Advances in fire prevention, technology and building codes reduces the amount of fires. Hadley respects firefighters and their profession, but it is changing.
“It’s a very expensive insurance policy,” he said. “You can’t continue to pay them to sit in the fire station 98 percent of the time.
I think you can pretty much some it up with the comment “You get what you pay for”.
Fire Departments don’t have a corporate CEO who gets richer when the employees are forced to do less with more, meet the minimum expectations, and offer the bare minimum of service.
While I have not worked for a private contracted fire service. I have worked for a private EMS agency in a system status management style of delivery…it sucked. It sucked because it was the bare minimum and while we raced from call to call to meet the needs of our customers, the corporate CEO was sitting back sipping mojitos in his mansion and didn’t give a shit about the customers!
That is where the biggest difference exists. We care. We understand. Our “customers” are our neighbors.
You get what you pay for.
We might cost more…but I assure you, we aren’t getting rich.
We are paid for our knowledge, our experience, our bravery, and our determination.
How many people do you know who would be willing to give up their life so that you might live….for $10 an hour…or even minimum wage? Not me…I would rather be a Wal Mart greeter! That can’t be nearly as stressful of a job…and it probably pays $10 an hour!
It is very disturbing that localities are willing to disband their fire department for a privately contracted fire service to save money but they aren’t willing to cut the budgets of other non-critical departments and programs.
If it has really gotten to the point of contracting your fire service, then trash pick-up, libraries, parks and recreation, lawn cutting, paving, and everything else should also be contracted services….and then they can contract out the person who made the decision in the first place!
What do you think?
I say you can keep both of them…neither are viable options!
This day in age, new fire stations seem more like the inside of a school or jail than a firehouse from back in the day…Wood trim, wood floors, two-story, cozy and warm firehouses have been replaced with concrete or tile floors, cinder-block walls, single story, institutionalized fire stations. My crew has found a way to make our fire station more like a firehouse…through our own hard work and dedication.
Bottle rack for spare O2 and SCBA bottles mounted on the wall in the bay
I am not complaining…The first firehouse I worked in was built in 1929. It was brick with plaster walls, wood floor, steam radiators that clanged all night, terrazzo floors (even in the bay, and one remaining pole that went from the hallway upstairs to right between the fire engine and ambulance in the bay below. The largest room was the bunkroom where everyone had their own bed (at one time that probably meant 5 or 6 men per truck per shift when it housed an engine and ladder). That station was recently closed and consolidated. The ambulance became medic 5…the engine no longer exists. Another engine company bit the dust…and it was one of the busiest in the City.
Our workbench...this thing is solid and has gotten plenty of use already!
Now I work at Station 3. The station is 2 years old and replaced station 10 which was located at the airport. The suppression units (engine and medic) went to station3, the ARFF trucks remained.
Station 3 has stained and epoxied concrete floors, cinder block walls…and up until about a year ago NO history or character.
A little over a year ago I got moved out here with a brand new crew. My Captain was promoted from a different shift and joined us on A-shift. Two firefighters had been here, another came from a different station, and then there is the
Custom Run Board that hangs behind our kitchen table.
boomerang Lieutenant…He was promoted, but due to a simple addition error at Fire Administration they took his bugle away. He still moved here as a firefighter and they moved me to be the Lieutenant.
We all agreed that the fire station needed to be turned into a FIREHOUSE. After all, we were set to spend A LOT of time at the station and wanted it to be more like a home…a firehouse!
Many firefighters across the Nation and beyond have found ways of doing this. Mascots, Wall Shields, Custom Kitchen Tables, and other customizations around the firehouse to make it feel like a home.
This reclaimed solid oak table was found on the side of the road. We hacked the legs off and painted the original RFD logo from Roanoke in the early 1900's.
We are no different. Throughout the past year, we have been busy. We have spent a lot of our time when we aren’t cooking, training, and running calls we have been setting up the wood shop in the bay and doing work!
We are still working on our custom kitchen table. We have been plagued by decisions on what to do and how to do it throughout the project. We have been working on our kitchen table for about 6 months. The good news is that it is nearing completion. We still have to build the base, do some finish sanding, mount a coin and plaque, stain and epoxy it…but we are getting their. We opted to not do the typical tongue and groove top and went with pine 4×4′s with a cherry edge band and cherry inlay. There is also a purpleheart piece in the middle of each side. The top sits on a painted metal frame that the base will attach to.
I think it is important for firefighters to take pride in their stations. Whether they know how to knit, woodwork, metalwork, or paint they can chip in to customize the station and turn it into a firehouse. I wonder what this place will look like in 50 years when I am long gone!
Our custom kitchen table still in the works...We hope to finish it before we retire!
With the exception of the workbench, the firefighters at my station have paid for all of the projects. The FD chipped in to pay for our workbench.
Feel free to send in photos of your kitchen tables or other projects you have done around the station!
Our pride and joy...a custom fire place hearth that sits under our hanging tv. We even placed real logs with flame "Christmas" lights in it. Trust me, this thing almost seems like it kicks off heat!
A reclaimed picnic table and table with solid umbrella were stained/painted for when the weather is nice.
A compartment we removed from the back of the cab is now used as a toolbox on the wall in the bay.
Some decals on the windows of the engine
We custom mounted some hand tools in this compartment. Before this, they just sat on the shelf.
Here you can see we mounted some nozzles and the adapters on the wall inside this compartment to organize them.
We made custom magazine racks in each of the restrooms. They also hold up to 4 extra rolls of toilet paper. Notice our literature!
Our station coin for #3 (front)
The back of the station coin for #3
A custom rack for hanging spare leather radio straps on.
A custom accountability tag board for the shifts that are off and extra tags. Also note the "Greenhouse" Incredible Hulk sticker on the door. The station is LEED certified and therefore known as the "GreenHouse"!
Ah yes, another “Top Ten List”. It has been a while. As with most of these Top Ten Lists, you the reader often have ideas that might fit into the list that I leave out. I challenge you to comment with something(s) that I might have left out! I might be biased in that I am an informal leader…I act when the Captain is off and run interference when I can. I would much rather nip something in the ass before the BC finds out about it…or before the Captain has to be a Captain!
Thanks to the guys who sent in their photos in short order on the Fire Critic Facebook Page…If you aren’t a fan yet do it now!
So what if I ranked them 10-1…it doesn’t really matter, they all work for the greater good!
10. Laugh together
Share a joke! Keep it Clean! If you see something funny or hear something funny be sure to let everyone in on it! I love seeing people laugh. Whether it is because something I said or at my expense I love it. I think laughter is the best medicine. Everyone deserves a laugh!
St. Louis Rescue 2 as sent in from Bruce J. Stelmach on The Fire Critic Facebook Page
9. Understand Each Other
Not every firefighter is born of the same cloth. Some of us were made for this shit…others are looking for a paycheck. Did you ever stop to think that maybe you could rub off on the “other” guy? Likewise, not all of us grew up in the same neighborhoods or live in the same now. You have to learn about each other and understand where they are coming from. You have to appreciate the differences and learn from their lives as they learn from yours
8. Stick up for One Another
Rumors in the Fire Department? Never! Actually, some might be surprised how often other companies are talking about each other. The next time you hear someone talking about a member of your crew stick up for them…or if it is true, get to the bottom of it and let your guy/gal know the things are being said so they can better themselves.
7. Share Your Experiences
You have fought fire, they have fought fire…sit down in the war room and talk about the worst fires, the best fires, the lessons learned, how you might do things differently on a call you were on. Trust me, they will learn and you will learn. Don’t just talk…listen! You aren’t the baddest mutha out there!
Big Jim (in the middle) is named after one of our firefighters who was killed on the job in 1999, Jim Clark. Kiddos of all ages love him! This is Ladder 2, B-Shift from Midwest City, OK. Submitted via The Fire Critic Facebook Page
6. Treat Each Other Like Family Some guys/gals have a hard time adjusting to firehouse life. Give them a hand and treat them as you would want to be treated. Sure, you can pull pranks on them…but be sure it is in a little brother/sister kinda way. You aren’t out there to kill the rookie, just let him know you have the upper hand…and be sure to treat them like family!
5. Counsel and Console
If you see an issue, problem, or shortcoming then nip it in the ass. Don’t let it escalate. Get to it before it gets to the Captain and try to counsel your coworker/teammate. Listen and understand the issue and then offer your thoughts. Console your brother and sister firefighters if needed. We don’t always get a day away from work when shit gets bad. Take a minute to listen to your brother/sister firefighters. I am all for checking out the apparatus, but if someone needs to vent then listen!
Lt. Brian Dalrymple, Wayne Tyler, Rodney Spruill, Rick Nunnally, Mark Owens, and Danny Owens RFD (Richmond, VA) Rescue Company 2 "A" shift as submitted by Danny Owens on The Fire Critic Facebook Page
4. Paint the Tools Together
Nothing says company pride and ownership than keeping the tools ready for use and looking pretty! Do it together. Share the load and have everyone chip in. Who cares if you catch a fire the night after you paint the axe, you will look good using it. You might be surprised by what is talked about while men/women stand around sanding, painting, taping, and looking at a freshly maintained axe!
3. Hang Out Together How often do you get a chance to drink a beer with the guys/gals you work with. Invite their families. After all, your wives, husbands, girlfriends, children rarely get to meet each other. They hear about your family at work enough…let them meet each other and hang out. Have a cookout at your house and invite the whole crew. Take everyone out for a picnic, bowling, local event, etc. Give them a turn to meet each others families outside of the firehouse.
2. Train Together
I admit, my company might not train as much as we should. I could offer you many excuses…We try, but it doesn’t always work out. Try giving each member of the company something to train on each month. This builds teamwork and bonds. Each member has something to offer. Plus…as I have always said that you will learn more by teaching than by sitting in a class. Put your firefighters to task and have them teach you something. I guarantee you will learn something.
1. Eat Together This can be easier said than done. Some guys are picky eaters. Some like to piss of the cook. Whatever it is, try to do your best to offer a menu day-to-day that all the guys/gals will like. Breaking bread together can cultivate unity and cohesiveness within the firehouse. Some might think this is not a big deal…try working in a firehouse where the kitchen is broke up…or have that one guy/gal who doesn’t eat with everyone else. It can do much more harm than you might realize. Even in the worst case scenario that you CANNOT eat what everyone else eats…at the very least eat at the same time and at the same table as them. You might be surprised at how the World’s problems are solved at the kitchen table!
So there it is, the Top Ten Things You Can Do To Create Cohesiveness in your Firehouse. What do you think is missing? What would you add/delete. Do you think there is merit to what is written…or do you think The Fire Critic is full of it?
For some time…and at FDIC…the question was posed on who is the next fire service leader….
Who is the next Brunacini, the next Dunn, the next Brennan…
This question was posed by some almost as if they were looking at me… I do feel certain that if they were looking at me, they were looking for the answer to the question…not looking at me to take on the role. I have never carried myself, sold myself, or even thought of myself as a fire service leader. I am not that guy…not right now. I have too much too learn and too little time to learn it in.
Why are they looking to my generation to see who the leaders will be? To be clear, my generation is not the youngest in the fire service. I can relate to the newest bunch, but I am not one of them…although I probably look it!
Maybe my generation is the one who should be pumping out fire service leaders…
So how do we find them, cultivate them, give them a hand up?
What about the “elephant in the room”. The one that reared its ugly head at FDIC. The “exclusivity” elephant. The one who has to have all or nothing from the individual “fire service leader”.
I don’t want to harp on this too long, but us “individuals” make our name by spreading ourselves out among the masses. Not by being owned or maintained by a single entity. We go with what works for us and we make the best of it.
We do much of the work on our own and enjoy sharing it with magazines, web sites, and blogs to spread the message. Everyone wins. What we don’t want is to be tattooed with a company who thinks they owe/own us.
So who will be the next?
You? Me (doubt that)? Him? Her?
It will be whomever applies themselves to making change, sticks to their guns, and overall wants to move ahead!
I have an idea of some whom I think might be the next leaders…we will just have to see what the future holds.
FDNY Captain Michael Dugan was blessed with the opportunity to give the keynote address this year at FDIC. This keynote speech has the potential of being the most powerful fire service talk each year. Captain Dugan addressed the FDIC 2011 attendees about “Why we are here”.
This year, I think the target was missed. I think it should have been more about “Why aren’t THEY here?”.
“Why aren’t your Fire Chiefs here?”
“Why aren’t your coworkers here?”
Don’t get me wrong. Dugan was right in everything he said and it does need to be said. I just think he was speaking to the wrong people. A caged lion as Art Goodrich wrote? Not quite, but I can only imagine the pressure and stress there is in addressing the fire service of today at an event like FDIC.
Now before you think I am off my rocker, this isn’t so much of a critique of Dugan or his speech…it is more about what I think the fire service needs to hear.
No doubt that the “one-percenters” are the true leaders who GET the fire service. They NEED to be reminded to fight the good fight. They need encouragement, guidance, and a pat on the back. They need validation of what they are doing and why they are doing it. They already know “why we are here”, but they need their Fire Chiefs to know “Why they are there”. Why the “one-percenters” travel to conferences, take classes, learn, and teach… to make the fire service better. They need the Fire Chiefs to know that without the “one-percenters” their jobs would be even more difficult…
That is right, the ones who really need to be reminded that there are “one-percenters” are the Chiefs. The Chiefs need to be guided more than ever…but the keynote address was not about them.
The “one-percenters” need to know that Chiefs are in need of encouragement, guidance, and lessons to help the “one-percenters” make the fire service better.
Fire Chiefs need to know what we do and why we do it.
Dugan mentions how the fire service is moving towards a business plan because “the people who make the decisions about the fire service” are “not the ones fighting fires”, “they have never crawled down a hallway”, and “they don’t know what hot is”. Ironically, we have Fire Chiefs who fit this description. I believe Dugan’s finger was pointed more towards legislators, but we have these people in our own ranks. These people in our own ranks are a real problem in the fire service…and they are ruining the fire service and those “one-percenters” we have left.
Too many Fire Chiefs honor boot-licking and flattery over hard work and dedication. The “look at me” generation is here, they are the future of the fire department. It seems as though many Fire Chiefs have adopted that same mindset. Look at what I did, look at what I can do, look at how I am better than them…who cares.
We get the job done…we care but it seems like no one else does.
The “one-percenters” continue fighting, teaching, learning, and spreading their values and beliefs at a “one step forward, two steps back” pace because their leaders aren’t capable of understanding the true issues facing firefighters at the company level.
Firefighters are doing more with less, more often each day. If Fire Chiefs understood the values and beliefs of the ”one-percenters”, they might soon find a way to spread that mindset and encourage positive change in the fire service.
Captain Dugan even makes mention of Wooden Ladders & Iron Men…you think he reads ole Willie’s blog?
I got the package promptly after being contacted about the Foxfire products for a potential review.
They sent me two helmet bands and a painting application package.
The helmet bands are bright neon yellow and very elastic. On the bands, they are simply stamped with the Foxfire logo.
I have never been the type to attach everything but the kitchen sink to my helmet…no lights, no cameras, no door chocks, no sprinkler wedges, no little Incredible Hulk figurine, no beacon for landing planes. However, I did recently (prior to this review) attach a cheap old cut piece of inner tube on my helmet with the hopes of potentially adding a light, wedge, or something else. I just hadn’t pulled the trigger yet.
So there I was with this brand new illuminating helmet band direct from MN8 products. I quickly replaced the black inner tube band with the new Foxfire helmet band.
My helmet with the helmet band in complete darkness
What did I do next? Well thats easy, I took it to my bunk room and turned off the lights! It was just me and my helmet with that illuminating helmet band.
To my amazement, this thing is bright. Up until this point, I thought it would simply glow in the dark…but this technology actually illuminates light. I was very surprised by how much light it was giving off.
To be fair to those of you who might not believe the power of the illumination, I only gave it about an hour of light before testing it out. Prior to that it was kept in my locker in the dark.
My helmet before the helmet band along with the paint and application package that I will be reviewing in the near future.
As always, I have found something that I think could be better…the helmet band could have more functionality if they built holes into the band that would accept most slim low profile flashlights. I realize that these holes MIGHT take away from some of the strength under the stress of heat, but I think it might give firefighters the option if they use that type of flashlight. I also think that some of the helmet cameras could be worn this way…maybe.
I must say that I love the illumination quality of the Foxfire helmet band. The amount of light given off from this band is amazing. If you can get over the helmet band not being black then this is the one to purchase. I just need to get over having stuff on my helmet!
Another shot of my helmet. You can see how it illuminates off the wall as well.
My helmet as seen with the helmet band, a light, and a door chock
Here is some more information from MN8 Products on the Foxfire technology:
These products, which are specifically designed for the firefighting industry enable firefighters to be visibly located and find tools in zero light environments while providing illumination to the surrounding area. Foxfire’s technology was developed utilizing a new photoluminescent pigment combined with a specialized epoxy paint product. Equipment and tools painted with Foxfire technology will illuminate surroundings for up to 17 hours when fully charged. Foxfire products can be charged by any type of light condition and can withstand high temperatures that are associated with firefighting. Tools and equipment coated with Foxfire can be charged repeatedly.
I consider FDIC 2010 the beginning for me. The realization of the bigger picture. I had worked too long and too hard locally only to find out that wasn’t the focus I should have been spending my time on. In short, I got a rude awakening…a very rude one. However, I am gracious for it. I am actually a better person because of it in too many ways not to realize that it was for the greater good.
And so here I am now…heading to FDIC 2011 a year after the beginning. Wow…this past year has been a blast! Be sure to connect with me at FDIC 2011 if you plan on attending!
Below are just some of the events going on this year at FDIC. I have them listed on the specific days and at the end are events which are open during exhibit hall hours. For a list of the official FDIC events look here.
During exhibit hall hours be sure to check out Firefighter Netcast in the Fire Rescue Magazine booth interviewing some of the best that the Fire Service has to offer! Check out Firefighter Netcast at booth 4244. John Mitchell (FireDaily.com) and Willie Wines Jr. (IronFiremen.com) will be there getting it done!
Sure, there will be a lot going on at FDIC…here are some of the things I don’t think you will want to miss!
Tuesday, March 22
ISFSI Membership Social: Tuesday, March 22nd at Howl at the Moon. ISFSI is at booth #7043! Stop by and see what the ISFSI is doing and has to offer to their members! Feel free to join as well!
Wednesday, March 23
Long-Stretch Solutions Wednesday, March 23, 2011 3:30 PM-5:15 PM. Master Firefighter Robert C. Owens Sr., Henrico County (VA) Division of Fire. Several solutions to enable engine companies to efficiently stretch beyond their preconnected hoselines to reach the seat of the fire, regardless of the number of personnel available, are presented. Proper apparatus positioning, occupancy application, training, and communication are also discussed. INTERMEDIATE. Room 134-135 (more information here)
The Ready Position – Wednesday, March 23, 2011 1:30 – 3:15pm. Engineer Christopher Brennan, Harvey (IL) Fire Department
The Ready Position is the point at which the capacity and capabilities of the Fire Service Warrior are in an ideal state of potential energy. Whether sitting in the firehouse at the kitchen table or in the recliner at home with the pager sitting next to you on the table, ideally, you will be ready to spring into action when an alarm sounds. Learn how to master the physical and mental skills of the Fire Service Warrior: Be 100 percent present when you enter into battle; have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to thrive on the fireground; and be prepared for the unfortunate should the worst-case scenario occur at an incident. ALL LEVELS
Room 234-235
FOOLS Brotherhood Bash: Announcing the 2011 Indy Metro FOOLS BROTHERHOOD BASH @FDIC In Association with RAE Systems & Hooters Restaurants. Wednesday, March 23rd Corner of Jackson St. & Meridian St. Gates open at 1700 hours
Thursday, March 24
“Social Media: The Fire Service’s Next Big Innovation” – Presented by yours truly (Rhett Fleitz) in classroom 134-135 on Thursday March 24 from 1:30-3:15. Be sure to be there if you want a crash course on Social Media! More information on that class here.
Dave Statter will also be teaching at FDIC at the same time I am. His class is titled “The PIO Reporter: Telling Your Story in a World Where “Spin” Doesn’t Work”. Dave’s class is also from 1:30-3:15pm. Being the friend I am, I will give Dave the utmost respect in posting the full information on his class. Unfortunately, the information is in Polish…I guess you patriots will have to come to my class! Really….Who promotes their class in another language?
PIO Reporter: Opowiem swoją historię w świecie, w którym “Spin” nie działa Dave Statter, Statter911 Communications, LLC Co zrobić przed obraz pojawia się problem może być bardziej istotne niż to, co zrobić później. akcji budowanie reputacji w społeczności może być kluczem do przetrwania, gdy coś pójdzie źle. W tym “świecie post-media”, gdzie mogą uzyskać dostęp do publicznej wiadomości bezpośrednio w Internecie, straży pożarnej może łatwo stracić kontrolę wiadomości. Dowiedz się, jak komunikować się tak, że społeczeństwo nie wie, co wiesz, kiedy wiesz, że zamiast czekać, aż wszystkie szczegóły są w Dowiedz się, jak przejąć kontrolę, zgasić złe wieści, budowanie zaufania do społeczności i naprawy działu reputacji . Cena 125-126 POŚREDNIE
Thursday, March 24, 2011 3:30 PM-5:15 PM – Room 105-106APPROPRIATE FOR ALL LEVELSUnderstanding and Motivating Today’s Firefighters Deputy Fire Coordinator Tiger Schmittendorf, Erie County (NY) Department of Emergency Services. “From the X-Box to the Box Alarm” addresses the challenges of today’s fire service leaders in attracting and retaining the appropriate quantity and quality of firefighters they need to support the delivery of emergency services in their communities. So, how do we motivate today’s recruits away from the X-Box long enough to answer the box alarm? This facilitated conversation builds consensus that the majority of the challenges we face are in the firehouse, not on the fire scene. Together we’ll learn to combat these challenges with solutions that are right in front of us.
A Firefighter’s Own Worst Enemy. Taught by Jason Hoevelmann from 3:30-5:15pm. A look at how your actions, behaviors, and attitudes can contribute to your problems and those within your organization if you don’t recognize them and control them, and how supervisors’ human dynamics and interactions in the firehouse can transfer to the fireground. Students will be guided in how to ensure that they and their departments can be a fluid, clear, dynamic moving stream as opposed to a stagnant pond sitting in a farm field. INTERMEDIATE Room 123-124 (more information)
Stop, Drop, Rock and Roll is being put on by the NFFF from 7-11pm at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Get Tickets at Booth# 342, Booth #9900 in Lucas Oil Stadium, and at the door on the night of the event. Featuring: Singer-Songwriter Candy Coburn. (more information here)
Friday, March 25
ISFSI Annual Meeting: Friday, March 25th at 1pm, Room 140 is at booth #7043! Stop by and see what the ISFSI is doing and has to offer to their members! Feel free to join as well!
Battle of the Bands is at Lucas Oil Stadium from 4-6pm
The Firefighter Nation & FireEMSBlogs.com Meetup will be on Friday, March 25th at O’Reilly’s Irish Bar & Restaurant. Tell them you are attending on facebook here. Meet your favorite Fire & EMS bloggers from the FireEMSBlogs.com community and beyond, contributors from FireRescue Magazine, members of FirefighterNation.com, our Facebook Fans and more! To get an event invitation, you just need to stop by one of THESE booths on Friday at FDIC: FireRescue Magazine, FirefighterNation.com and FireEMSBlogs.com: Booth #4244; Black Helmet Apparel: Booth #1903; International Safety Instruments (ISI): Booth #715. Find out more here: http://www.firefighternation.com/events/the-meetup-in-indy-2011
Saturday
I am sure we will be able to find something going on Saturday!
All Week Long
Bullex Search & Rescue Challenge…Rescue the SmartDummy – win an ipad at FDIC. Take the challenge in front of Lucas Oil Stadium. More info
Fire-Dex Challenge…Stop by theFire-Dexbooth 311 and take the Fire-Dex Challenge for your chance to win big! They are giving away thousands in cash, turnout gear, and leather boots. Be sure to check them out onfacebookas well!
Lion Technical Footwear recently sent me a pair of their Marshall 14″ pull-on firefighting boots for a product review. I received the boots promptly and was very pleased with the look and feel of them. The first thing I typically look at on new boots are the toe cap and the straps. I know there are more important factors that differentiate a good boot from a great boot, but that is what I look at first.
My boots after 3 months. It feels like you are wearing slippers when you have them on!
The toe caps: Vibram® nitrile-rubber toe area covering provides full toe area scuff protection. They look good and they have kept up with the day to day wear and tear.
The boot straps: The straps are sewn INTO the boot and not ONTO the boot. Hopefully this will give them some extra strength for those of you who hang your boots on a hook. As for guys like me who merely use them to carry the boots from one spot to another they should work just fine. The straps are actually made of 1″ Nomex® webbing.
First Impression: I wore these boots around the station for a couple hours before putting them in my turnout pants just to break them in a little bit. They were a little snug because of the extra padding/insulation but they quickly conformed to my foot!
These boots are comfortable. Think slippers kind of comfortable. They have extra padding/insulation inside and they are just comfortable as can be. I have actually been wearing them for 3 months now and I must say I am thoroughly pleased. I do wonder if what seems like “extra” insulation will be hot in the summer months, but I have yet to pull my feet out of them with dripping wet socks. Sure, I have worked in them and have gotten all sweaty…which means these boots must be able to breathe pretty well. I assure you this…while wearing them during the cold months, my feet never got cold!
The sewn in 1" Nomex Webbing Straps
The heal has a special Lock-Fit Ankle Support System™ which provides anatomical ankle padding that ensures the foot is securely positioned within the boot. The sole is built with a Lenzi® puncture-resistant midsole. This is a very important part of the boot since we rarely get to see where or what we are going to step on. After all, fire boots are all about protecting your feet!
So far after 3 months…Lion is right with their tagline “Comfort That Won’t Quit”
Two drawbacks to these boots…both minor I think.
Made in Canada...a lot better than made elsewhere but nothing beats "Made in the USA"!
They are made in Canada. I consider Canada almost as good as made in America and certainly better than made in China or Indonesia…but I still love seeing that “Made in the USA” on the tag.
The extra padding means that the boots run a little big. This doesn’t mean that you should order them any different than your normal size shoe. It does mean that the overall size of the boot is a bit larger by external measurements than other boots.
Vibram® Fire & Ice™ sole offers durability and superior traction at both temperature extremes.
Large 1” rugged Nomex® webbing boot straps with reinforced stitching ensure easy donning and doffing.
Thermoplastic heel counter individually molded to every size for custom fit.
Leather bound, padded collar trim for better all-around fit with no chafing.
Vibram® nitrile-rubber toe area covering provides full toe area scuff protection.
Silver 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material provides added visibility.
Proudly wearing my Lion Technical Footwear Marshall 14" Pull-ons
About Lion Technical Footwear:
A comfortable boot is essential to safety on the fireground because when your feet hurt, you can lose mobility and stamina. Made with top-grade U.S. fire-resistant leather, LION Technical Footwear brings superior working comfort, flexibility, safety and durability — run after run. The back of a LION Technical Footwear boot is designed to match the anatomical shape of your heel and the molded ankle guard provides a comfortable, athletic fit. The Lenzi® puncture-resistant midsole offers 30% greater coverage area than a stainless steel sole and the breathable CROSSTECH® fabric ensures better comfort. The patented Lock-Fit Ankle Support System™ grabs the ankle and foot to improve surefootedness and reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.
Check out this raw video from Bedford, Virginia. The firefighter with the helmet camera slips down the attic fold down stairs and continues down the basement stairs to the basement floor.
He was then found and assisted out of the house.
The fire occurred on February 10th. The helmet camera video was uploaded yesterday. Below the helmet camera footage is some news video from the fire when it occurred.
Bedford Communications alerted Companies 7 (Huddleston-1st due), 8 (Moneta-2nd due), and 1 (Bedford-RIT) to 2548 Bethesda Drive for a report of smoke coming from the eves of a private dwelling. Ladder 1 (with six) responded to fill the RIT assignment but once on scene quickly went to work as the Search Group and Vent Group because of a lack of manpower. Division 1 located and extinguished fire in the walls on the first floor and requested that command assign an attic division to check for extension above.
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.
A Firefighter is decked out in his PPE and even has an airpack on, however he is too close to the structure as they continue to wet down the fire. As the firefighter puts water on the fire, a wall breaks away and swings outward striking the firefighter. Even though the firefighter was just barely hit by the wall, this is still a close call….and could have been worse.
There is no need to be this close to an unsupported wall when all you are doing is saving the foundation. Next time, move the picnic table around, grab a ham sandwich and hit the fire from a safe distance!
I will be teaching a class on Social Media for the Fire Service at FDIC this year. I am excited for my first teaching engagement in a venue as large as FDIC…does it get any bigger? I have many friends teaching at FDIC as well. I will write about their classes in the near future.
The class is titled “Social Media: The Fire Service’s Next Big Innovation”
Thursday, March 24, 2011
1:30 PM-3:15 PM
Room 134-135
Here is the teaser:
Social Media: The Fire Service’s Next Big Innovation
Lieutenant Rhett Fleitz, Roanoke (VA) Fire-EMS Department
Learn the “in’s and out’s” of social media for the fire service. Many questions about these media (blogs, twitter, facebook, MySpace, YouTube, skype, podcasting, text messaging, and so on) will be answered. Learn to be proactive by developing a social media standard operating procedure. Become acquainted with some of the ways departments are using these media for recruitment, retention, informing journalists and citizens, and publishing news. The benefits and potential consequences for personal use of these media by employees are also discussed. ALL LEVELS
Although that teaser only scratches the surface of the information I will share!
Who should attend? Anyone interested in social media, blogging, and branding their department online. Administrators who want to learn about social media, get examples of social media policies, as well as firefighters who want to brand their companies and departments. There will be information for all levels!
I am still working on the presentation. Since social media changes every day and new ideas, tools, and applications are created every day this is an ongoing project.
If you have a social media policy you would like to share or think your Fire Department excels in the use of social media please contact me. I am always looking for examples to share.
I will also be at the Fire Rescue Magazine booth 4244 set up with Firefighter Netcast. John and I will be recording live netcasts while we are there similarly to last year!
I don’t know what else I will get into while at FDIC, but I am certain that we will have fun! Willie Wines Jr. (IronFiremen.com) will be travelling with me once again!
John and I had a blast with FDIC last year. The event was the first major show for Firefighter Netcast. Since then, we have recorded almost 100 shows. We don’t have a solid schedule yet, but we are expecting to record some podcasts for Tiger Schmittendorf, Chris Naum, Doug Cline, Billy Hayes, Dave Statter for FireHero Radio, and much more.
Below are some of the shows we recorded at FDIC 2010:
Chief Ron Siarnicki- National Fallen Firefighters Foundation – This special NetCast was taped live on Friday, April 23, from the floor at FDIC 2010 in Indianapolis. Firefighter NetCast is very excited to have a chance to present Chief Ron Siarnicki to our audience.
EMS Two Dot Oh – On Friday, April 23, Firefighter NetCast had a visit from a couple of leaders in the concept of EMS 2.0. Justin Schorr is an urban firefighter/paramedic in San Francisco and hosts The Happy Medic. Accompanying Justin is Chris Kaiser, a rural firefighter/paramedic in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
Firefighter Storytime! Chief Tom Merrill, Snyder (NY) Fire Dept. – From the floor of FDIC 2010 on Saturday, April 24, our final NetCast from the exhibit floor featured two special guests from Erie County, New York. We began our series “Firefighter Storytellers” with author, presenter, instructor, emergency manager and leader in the emergency services community Tiger Schmittendorf.
From Blue Shirt to Bugle – The Most Difficult Transition in Your Career - This show featuring Billy Goldfeder and Ray Gayk was originally aired as a live netcast from the exhibit floor of FDIC. John and Rhett enjoy discussion about what to do and what not to do when you get promoted. This is great training for you or your company. Listen in at the firehouse!
Challenges on the Modern Fireground – We were eager to turn over one of our shows to the fine folks from FireRescue Magazine, who graciously hosted Firefighter NetCast at their booth along with Firefighter Nation at FDIC. Without their assistance, our live programming from the exhibit hall would not have been possible.
Changes in Building Construction and Fire Behavior – John and Rhett are joined with Chris Naum to discuss Changes in Building Construction and Fire Behavior. Chris is a a fire service leader in the field of building construction and fire behavior. Chris addresses the need to re-visit these core subject areas to bring us up to speed with the many changes facing us today.
I will also be teaching the same class at Kean University in New Jersey (dates below):
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 - Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy
402 Roycefield Rd Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Thursday, April 21, 2011 - Middlesex County Fire Academy
1001 Fire Academy Dr Sayreville, NJ 08872
These will be more in depth 5+ hour classes on social media in the fire service. For more information check out KeanFireSafety.com. However, I don’t believe the classes are posted yet.
This isn’t a new video, it was uploaded in 2009. The lesson is real, the emotions are real, and the issue is still debated….Staffing.
Watch this video on a couple of fires. The story from Ipswich really hits home. Firefighter Rick Smith tells the story of pulling up to a fire by himself on a half million dollar fire truck that seats 6. 3 people died. I can’t even imagine what that was like. I don’t want to experience it. I don’t want others to experience it…and the public deserves better.
Unless you live under a rock, you should know by now that firefighters pensions are under attack. This is just the newest attack on firefighters (although it has been going on for some time). Not that all the others have gone away…that is far from the truth.
Firefighters are still battling staffing cuts, pay cuts, rolling brownouts, increased employee contributions to pensions, decreased funding, increased insurance costs, station closures, and much more…yet our phone number (911) is still the number that anyone and everyone calls when they need help.
I guess all I have to say to people who want to take our pensions is…do you have any idea what a career in the fire service can do to us both physically and mentally. These very pensions are part of our pay & benefits (which for most is not enough). Harold Schaitberger does a pretty decent job at showing who is to blame for the mishandling, misappropriating, and loss of pension funds in the video below.
The media attention has increased since MSNBC’s Ed Schultz has taken a stand against those willing to take our pensions. The IAFF Frontline Blog offers email addresses for its members (and others) to contact the likes of Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly, Fox News Watch, and America’s Newsroom with Bill and Martha. Those email addresses also appear below. Read what the IAFF has to say about “Making the Case” here.
Email Glenn Beck: glennbeck@foxnews.com
Email Sean Hannity:http://www.hannity.com/contact
Email Rush Limbaugh: ElRushbo@eibnet.com
Email Bill O’Reilly:oreilly@foxnews.com
Email Fox News Watch: newswatch@foxnews.com
Email America’s Newsroom w/ Bill and Martha americasnewsroom@foxnews.com
This video of a house fire shows why we take an axe to ventilate the roof in case the saw quits. One firefighter is going to work with an axe, while the other it trying to get a saw going. Of course, we can’t tell if the saw stalled on the roof or if the firefighter forgot to start it on the ground before making his way to the roof (recommended). Luckily, another firefighter brings a second saw to the roof to finish the cut.
This weeks Monday Morning Shoutout goes to Christopher Naum’s BuildingsonFire.com.
About the site: The authoritative and informational site that provides leading insights on fire service issues related to Building Construction for the Fire Service, Firefighting Operations and Command Risk Management for Operational Excellence and Firefighter Safety.
The newly developed Buildings on Fire site is one that Naum has been working on for several years. He has finally had the time to put it all together and offers great training and information on the site. Be sure to check it out and bookmark it!
All I can think is that the gear those guys are wearing is ruined. You can’t just crawl through fuel like that and think that it will just wash out.
In all actuallity, if you can get them to do this you should have any problem with them following directions in the future.
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