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The Final Winners Announced! The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway

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Below are the winners of the giveaway for the 12th Day of Christmas in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway hosted by The Fire Critic and IronFiremen.com. This was probably the largest giveaway ever by a Fire Service Blog.

Prize Schedule - Prizes Listed here

Here are today’s winners:

Jonathan Secrest - FD Cam - 1080p “Bulldog” series camera packages (Which includes Cam, BlackJack mount & 16gb SD card)

Bronson Smith - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment - Boston Leather glove strap

James Copas - NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch

Bryce Beuerlein - CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

More on these prizes and companies:

FD Cam

Giving away: 1080p “Bulldog” series camera packages (Which includes Cam, BlackJack mount & 16gb SD card)

Web Site - FDCam.com
Facebook - FDCamHD Fan Page
Blog - HelmetFirefighter.com
Twitter - @FDCamHD

The last day of 2007 was when it all began for us. Right at shift change the alarm went off for a Structure Fire two blocks from the station. A large two story house with heavy fire and plenty of work to do. During overhaul, I noticed something on one of the Truck guys helmet and soon found out he fixed a sport helmet cam to his lid. After watching the video I was hooked! I soon bought one and began shooting every fire I was knocked out on. I searched the web and watched as many fire videos as I could and still to this day I can’t get enough. Fire Helmet Cameras have evolved over a few short years and there are tons of makes and models to choose from, but what I couldn’t find was an HD cam that can stand up to the abuse of Firefighting and still be relatively affordable. So, we did what Firefighters have long done…We made our own way. We banded together with a top quality HD camera manufacturer to bring you a highly durable, heat and water resistant fire helmet camera that cost half of what other companies are charging.

2nd Alarm Fire Equipment

Giving Away: (5) Boston Leather glove holders, and (1) Boston Leather radio Strap

Web Site - SecondAlarmFire.com
Facebook - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment Fan Page
Twitter - @2ndAlarmFire
Phone – 570-230-2990
Email –  sales@secondalarmfire.com

Our goal is to be the best source for any and all Fire, Police and EMS Equipment needs. We continue to gain distribution rights for the best quality Fire, Police, and EMS Equipment in the industry. We strive to have the BEST customer service in the industry with all of our current and future customers by offering them the best Fire, Police and EMS Equipment products at great prices supported by continuous service after the sale, as well as providing FREE quotes and Consultation.

NM Coin

Giving away: Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patche

Web Site - NM-Coin.com
Facebook - NM Coin LLC Fan Page
Twitter - @NMCoin

We not only build the highest quality challenge coins, embroidered patches, badges and more, we build tradition. From start to finish we’ve been creating items for top agencies in the US. Give us a call today to get the NM Coin difference for your organization.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.

11th Day of Christmas Winners!

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Below are the winners of the giveaway for the 11th Day of Christmas in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway hosted by The Fire Critic and IronFiremen.comYou can still enter if you have not yet (Enter here).

Sign up here - Prize Schedule - Prizes Listed here

Here are today’s winners:

Steven Price - Box Alarm Leather - Fully custom carved and painted helmet shield

Cesar Leos - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment - Boston Leather glove strap

Jon Knepp - NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch

James Lerch - CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

More on these prizes and companies:

Box Alarm Leather

Giving away: Fully custom carved and painted helmet shield.

Web Site - BoxAlarmLeather.com
Facebook - Box Alarm Leather Fan Page
Twitter - @BoxAlarmLeather

“Box Alarm Leather specializes in handcrafted custom leather gear and accessories for Fire, Rescue and EMS professionals. We start with the highest quality raw materials and thorough preparation. Knowing “the job”, Box Alarm Leather custom products are made ensuring that the pride and tradition of the fire service is sewn into every piece.”

2nd Alarm Fire Equipment

Giving Away: (5) Boston Leather glove holders, and (1) Boston Leather radio Strap

Web Site - SecondAlarmFire.com
Facebook - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment Fan Page
Twitter - @2ndAlarmFire
Phone – 570-230-2990
Email –  sales@secondalarmfire.com

Our goal is to be the best source for any and all Fire, Police and EMS Equipment needs. We continue to gain distribution rights for the best quality Fire, Police, and EMS Equipment in the industry. We strive to have the BEST customer service in the industry with all of our current and future customers by offering them the best Fire, Police and EMS Equipment products at great prices supported by continuous service after the sale, as well as providing FREE quotes and Consultation.

NM Coin

Giving away: Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patche

Web Site - NM-Coin.com
Facebook - NM Coin LLC Fan Page
Twitter - @NMCoin

We not only build the highest quality challenge coins, embroidered patches, badges and more, we build tradition. From start to finish we’ve been creating items for top agencies in the US. Give us a call today to get the NM Coin difference for your organization.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.

YES! We are Still Giving Stuff Away! 10th Day of Christmas Winners!

No comments

Below are the winners of the giveaway for the 10th Day of Christmas in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway hosted by The Fire Critic and IronFiremen.comYou can still enter if you have not yet (Enter here).

Sign up here - Prize Schedule - Prizes Listed here

Here are today’s winners:

Michael Still - RKECustomLeather – Custom leather radio strap – complete set up to include strap, case, sway strap, also stamped and paint job

Scott Repke - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment - Boston Leather glove strap

Josh Parker - NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch

Brian Young - CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

More on these prizes and companies:

RKECustomLeather

Giving away: Custom leather radio strap – complete set up to include strap, case, sway strap, also stamped and paint job

Web Site – RKECustomLeather.com
Facebook – Ross Escobedo Profile

2nd Alarm Fire Equipment

Giving Away: (5) Boston Leather glove holders, and (1) Boston Leather radio Strap

Web Site - SecondAlarmFire.com
Facebook - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment Fan Page
Twitter - @2ndAlarmFire
Phone – 570-230-2990
Email –  sales@secondalarmfire.com

Our goal is to be the best source for any and all Fire, Police and EMS Equipment needs. We continue to gain distribution rights for the best quality Fire, Police, and EMS Equipment in the industry. We strive to have the BEST customer service in the industry with all of our current and future customers by offering them the best Fire, Police and EMS Equipment products at great prices supported by continuous service after the sale, as well as providing FREE quotes and Consultation.

NM Coin

Giving away: Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patche

Web Site - NM-Coin.com
Facebook - NM Coin LLC Fan Page
Twitter - @NMCoin

We not only build the highest quality challenge coins, embroidered patches, badges and more, we build tradition. From start to finish we’ve been creating items for top agencies in the US. Give us a call today to get the NM Coin difference for your organization.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.

The 9th Day of Christmas Winners! When will it end? So Much Stuff to give away!

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Below are the winners of the giveaway for the 9th Day of Christmas in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. You can still enter if you have not yet (Enter here).

Sign up here - Prize Schedule - Prizes Listed here

Here are today’s winners:

Adam Moore - Leatherhead Concepts - Custom radio strap with anti sway strap, custom chinstrap and glove strap

Timothy Newton - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment - Boston Leather glove strap

Sandy Christenson - NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch

Jeremy McKim - CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

More on these prizes and companies:

Leatherhead Concepts

Giving away: Custom radio strap with anti sway strap, custom chinstrap and glove strap

Web Site - LeatherheadConcepts.com
Facebook - Leatherhead Concepts Fan Page

Welcome to Leatherhead Concepts, Your one stop shop for the finest in public safety leather goods. Created in California’s Central Valley, Leatherhead Concepts uses only top quality materials, and old school craftsmanship in our products. Established in 2009 as simply a shield maker, our company began to grow by word of mouth, and we launched from there to what we are today. We still produce Custom Shields, so contact us for info. Leatherhead Concepts strives for customer satisfaction and durability to with stand the rigors of our job. You will not find any short cuts in our items, if we wouldnt use it, we would not expect you to! our items, while NOT considered “Life Safety devices”, take into account the safety aspects put forth by the industry. We use top quality hardware, and we searched long and hard to find the EXACT manufacturers of some of the safety features on our products. The public relies on you, You should rely on Leatherhead Concepts to provide you with rugged quality leather goods to help you meet your mission.

2nd Alarm Fire Equipment

Giving Away: (5) Boston Leather glove holders, and (1) Boston Leather radio Strap

Web Site - SecondAlarmFire.com
Facebook - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment Fan Page
Twitter - @2ndAlarmFire
Phone – 570-230-2990
Email –  sales@secondalarmfire.com

Our goal is to be the best source for any and all Fire, Police and EMS Equipment needs. We continue to gain distribution rights for the best quality Fire, Police, and EMS Equipment in the industry. We strive to have the BEST customer service in the industry with all of our current and future customers by offering them the best Fire, Police and EMS Equipment products at great prices supported by continuous service after the sale, as well as providing FREE quotes and Consultation.

NM Coin

Giving away: Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patche

Web Site - NM-Coin.com
Facebook - NM Coin LLC Fan Page
Twitter - @NMCoin

We not only build the highest quality challenge coins, embroidered patches, badges and more, we build tradition. From start to finish we’ve been creating items for top agencies in the US. Give us a call today to get the NM Coin difference for your organization.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.

8th Day of Christmas Winners!

No comments

Below are the winners of the giveaway for the 8th Day of Christmas in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. You can still enter if you have not yet (Enter here).

Sign up here - Prize Schedule - Prizes Listed here

Here are today’s winners:

Robert Diamond - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment -  Boston Leather glove strap, and Boston Leather radio Strap

Dave Bucci - ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers

Cory Hyland - NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch

Douglas Smith - CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

More on these prizes and companies:

2nd Alarm Fire Equipment

Giving Away: (5) Boston Leather glove holders, and (1) Boston Leather radio Strap

Web Site - SecondAlarmFire.com
Facebook - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment Fan Page
Twitter - @2ndAlarmFire
Phone – 570-230-2990
Email –  sales@secondalarmfire.com

Our goal is to be the best source for any and all Fire, Police and EMS Equipment needs. We continue to gain distribution rights for the best quality Fire, Police, and EMS Equipment in the industry. We strive to have the BEST customer service in the industry with all of our current and future customers by offering them the best Fire, Police and EMS Equipment products at great prices supported by continuous service after the sale, as well as providing FREE quotes and Consultation.

ESS Eye Protection

Giving away: 6 ESS Eyepro kits including glasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers. There are two sets of three different packages (seen below).

Web Site - ESSEyePro.com
Facebook - ESS Eye Pro Fan Page
Twitter - @ESSEyePro
Youtube - ESSEyePro

Also Note: ESS Pro Program is for anyone involved in Public Safety in the US (i.e. Fire and EMS providers). To apply send an e-mail to deptrep@esseyepro.com with your name, position, and the name of your department. Once approved you will receive 40% off of ESS sunglasses and eyeshields. The process is quick and easy.

NM Coin

Giving away: Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patche

Web Site - NM-Coin.com
Facebook - NM Coin LLC Fan Page
Twitter - @NMCoin

We not only build the highest quality challenge coins, embroidered patches, badges and more, we build tradition. From start to finish we’ve been creating items for top agencies in the US. Give us a call today to get the NM Coin difference for your organization.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.


7th Day of Christmas Winners!

No comments

Below are the winners of the giveaway for the 7th Day of Christmas in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. You can still enter if you have not yet (Enter here).

Sign up here - Prize Schedule - Prizes Listed here

Here are today’s winners:

Michael Westrick – 1st in Leather - One Piece Custom Classic Helmet Shield and matching Glove Strap

Tom Jagla - ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers

Dwayne Klepper - NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch

Lee Powell - CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

More on these prizes and companies:

1st In Leather

Giving away: One Piece Custom Classic and matching Glove Strap

Web Site - They use Facebook
Facebook - 1st In Leather Fan Page

1st In Leather is a company started out of a desire to have a piece of art that would stand up to the harsh conditions we call work. From day one, our goal has been to give our customers fronts, glove straps, key chains, and passports that they would be proud to show off to their friends and family. Our products are built to order every order. We strive every day to make our products better than they were the day before. We even take items such as truckmans belts and radio straps, and customize them after bringing them back to their former luster without loosing the worked in feel.

ESS Eye Protection

Giving away: 6 ESS Eyepro kits including glasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers. There are two sets of three different packages (seen below).

Web Site - ESSEyePro.com
Facebook - ESS Eye Pro Fan Page
Twitter - @ESSEyePro
Youtube - ESSEyePro

Also Note: ESS Pro Program is for anyone involved in Public Safety in the US (i.e. Fire and EMS providers). To apply send an e-mail to deptrep@esseyepro.com with your name, position, and the name of your department. Once approved you will receive 40% off of ESS sunglasses and eyeshields. The process is quick and easy.

NM Coin

Giving away: Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patche

Web Site - NM-Coin.com
Facebook - NM Coin LLC Fan Page
Twitter - @NMCoin

We not only build the highest quality challenge coins, embroidered patches, badges and more, we build tradition. From start to finish we’ve been creating items for top agencies in the US. Give us a call today to get the NM Coin difference for your organization.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.

6th Day of Christmas Winners!

No comments

Below are the winners of the giveaway for the 6th Day of Christmas in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. You can still enter if you have not yet (Enter here).

Sign up here - Prize Schedule - Prizes Listed here

Here are today’s winners:

Gary Freundlich - Smoke is Showing - Brotherhood Print 16×24 plate mounted

Andrew Walker - ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers

Tim Newton - NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch

Chris Wuertz - CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

More on these prizes and companies:

Smoke is Showing

Giving away: Brotherhood Print 16×24 plate mounted (seen below)

Web Site – SmokeIsShowing.ca
Facebook - Smoke Is Showing Fan Page

Located in southern Ontario, Canada Mitchell is the photographer behind Smoke is Showing Fire Photography he provides photography for training, live scene, apparatus and traditional firefighter portraits and collages to departments. He also create custom and creative helmet and turn out gear images.

ESS Eye Protection

Giving away: 6 ESS Eyepro kits including glasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers. There are two sets of three different packages (seen below).

Web Site - ESSEyePro.com
Facebook - ESS Eye Pro Fan Page
Twitter - @ESSEyePro
Youtube - ESSEyePro

Also Note: ESS Pro Program is for anyone involved in Public Safety in the US (i.e. Fire and EMS providers). To apply send an e-mail to deptrep@esseyepro.com with your name, position, and the name of your department. Once approved you will receive 40% off of ESS sunglasses and eyeshields. The process is quick and easy.

NM Coin

Giving away: Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patche

Web Site - NM-Coin.com
Facebook - NM Coin LLC Fan Page
Twitter - @NMCoin

We not only build the highest quality challenge coins, embroidered patches, badges and more, we build tradition. From start to finish we’ve been creating items for top agencies in the US. Give us a call today to get the NM Coin difference for your organization.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.

5th Day of Christmas Winners!

No comments

Below are the winners of the giveaway for the 5th Day of Christmas in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. You can still enter if you have not yet (Enter here).

Sign up here - Prize Schedule - Prizes Listed here

Here are today’s winners:

Will Sergent - Commercial Solutions - True North Gear bail out kit complete with hip pouch, 50 ft of FR Rope and F4 descender

Nick Butta - ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers

Eric Ciecko - NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch

Colt Eberling - CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

More on these prizes and companies:

Commercial Solutions

Giving away: True North Gear bail out kit complete with hip pouch, 50 ft of FR Rope and F4 descender.  Value $250.00

Web Site - CommercialSolutions.ca
Facebook - Commercial Solutions – First Responders

Commercial Solutions Inc. First Responders Division is Canada’s largest supplier of Firefighter and First Responder PPE and equipment.

ESS Eye Protection

Giving away: 6 ESS Eyepro kits including glasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers. There are two sets of three different packages (seen below).

Web Site - ESSEyePro.com
Facebook - ESS Eye Pro Fan Page
Twitter - @ESSEyePro
Youtube - ESSEyePro

Also Note: ESS Pro Program is for anyone involved in Public Safety in the US (i.e. Fire and EMS providers). To apply send an e-mail to deptrep@esseyepro.com with your name, position, and the name of your department. Once approved you will receive 40% off of ESS sunglasses and eyeshields. The process is quick and easy.

NM Coin

Giving away: Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patche

Web Site - NM-Coin.com
Facebook - NM Coin LLC Fan Page
Twitter - @NMCoin

We not only build the highest quality challenge coins, embroidered patches, badges and more, we build tradition. From start to finish we’ve been creating items for top agencies in the US. Give us a call today to get the NM Coin difference for your organization.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.

4th Day of Christmas Winners!

No comments

Below are the winners of the giveaway for the 4th Day of Christmas in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. You can still enter if you have not yet (Enter here).

Sign up here - Prize Schedule - Prizes Listed here

Here are today’s winners:

Cliff Phillips – Glove Crafters - A pair of Fire Armor structural Firefighter Gloves, a glove strap, and t-shirt

Matt Johnson - NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch

David Walls - CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

More on these prizes and companies:

Glove Crafters

Giving away: A pair of Fire Armor structural Firefighter Gloves, a glove strap, and t-shirt

Web Site - GloveCrafters.com or GloveCraftersProducts.com
Facebook - Glove Crafters Fan Page

Quality Handcrafted Gloves – Made in the USA. Glove Crafter’s primary focus is in the design and manufacturing of the highest quality of gloves in the world. All our products are handmade right here in the United States by master crafters who are experts in putting together quality handmade gloves. You simply won’t find a higher quality glove anywhere in the world. In all cases, our gloves are manufactured to our precise specifications and quality standards to uphold our forever guarantee and provide the best value available to our customers. You can count on Glove Crafters, Inc. to provide the best quality heat resistant products for your protection. Glove Crafters, Inc. is dedicated to the design, manufacturing and marketing of fire fighting protective gloves that improves fire fighter safety and usability.

NM Coin

Giving away: Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coins and patches

Web Site - NM-Coin.com
Facebook - NM Coin LLC Fan Page
Twitter - @NMCoin

We not only build the highest quality challenge coins, embroidered patches, badges and more, we build tradition. From start to finish we’ve been creating items for top agencies in the US. Give us a call today to get the NM Coin difference for your organization.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.

3rd Day of Christmas Winners!

No comments

Below are the winners of the giveaway for the 3rd Day of Christmas in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. You can still enter if you have not yet (Enter here).

Sign up here - Prize Schedule - Prizes Listed here

Here are today’s winners:

Ben Coffman - NY FireStore - FDNY ball cap, Engine 34/Ladder 41 “Hell’s Kitchen t-shirt and hoodie (sized XL/able to exchange)

Jennifer Bolick - NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch

Miles Silk Jr - CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

More on these prizes and companies:

NY Firestore

Giving away: FDNY Cap, Engine 34/Ladder 41 “Hell’s Kitchen Shirt and Hoodie 

Web Site – NYFireStore.com
Facebook –  FireStore
Twitter – @NYCFireStore

The original NYC FireStore since 1991. Located at 17 Greenwich Ave. New York, NY 10014

NM Coin

Giving away: Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coins and patches

Web Site - NM-Coin.com
Facebook - NM Coin LLC Fan Page
Twitter - @NMCoin

We not only build the highest quality challenge coins, embroidered patches, badges and more, we build tradition. From start to finish we’ve been creating items for top agencies in the US. Give us a call today to get the NM Coin difference for your organization.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.

2nd Day of Christmas Winners!

No comments

Below are the winners of the giveaway for the 2nd Day of Christmas in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. You can still enter if you have not yet (Enter here).

Sign up here - Prize Schedule - Prizes Listed here

Here are today’s winners:

Dan Miller: Crosstitched – Shirt, hat, and stickers

Peter Grocholski: ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers

Eric Klein: CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

More on these prizes and companies:

Crosstitched

Giving away a shirt, hat, and stickers.
Web Site - Crosstitched.com
Twitter - @Crosstitched
Instagram- Crosstitched
Facebook- Crosstitched Fan Page

Info - Fully Involved Series
About The Series. This series was created for the men and women who do what others won’t. Created by a firefighter, each design is made with pride. Crosstitched understands the risk and danger firefighters go through every day, and for that we thank you.
We do custom work as well!
Get a custom design made up for your firehouse or business. We will print low minimums with no setup fees. T shirts, long sleeve, hoods, and more. Find out more at  contact@crosstitched.com.  Checkout our Facebook page, to see some of our custom work.  

ESS Eye Protection

Giving away: 6 ESS Eyepro kits including glasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers. There are two sets of three different packages (seen below).

Web Site - ESSEyePro.com
Facebook - ESS Eye Pro Fan Page
Twitter - @ESSEyePro
Youtube - ESSEyePro

Also Note: ESS Pro Program is for anyone involved in Public Safety in the US (i.e. Fire and EMS providers). To apply send an e-mail to deptrep@esseyepro.com with your name, position, and the name of your department. Once approved you will receive 40% off of ESS sunglasses and eyeshields. The process is quick and easy.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.

The 1st Day of Christmas Winners!

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Below are the winners of the giveaway for the 1st Day of Christmas in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. You can still enter if you have not yet (Enter here).

Sign up here - Prize Schedule - Prizes Listed here

Here are today’s winners:

Tim O’Connor: CentreLearn - 1 year unlimited subscription for one person to CentreLearn’s library of online continuing education courses. They have more than 200 hours of CE in for paramedics, EMTs, and Firefighters.

Rachel Deel: ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers

Doug Baker: CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

More on these prizes and companies:

Centrelearn

Giving away: 1 year unlimited subscription for one person to CentreLearn’s library of online continuing education courses. We have more than 200 hours of CE in for paramedics, EMTs, and Firefighters.

Web Site - CentreLearn.com
Facebook - CentreLearn Fan Page
Twitter –  @CentreLearn
 Blog - Blog.CentreLearn.com
Youtube - CentreLearn Solutions

CentreLearn is a world-class learning management system for Fire and EMS departments that helps Fire and EMS departments harness the power of the Internet to deliver multimedia training. CentreLearn delivers over 220 Continuing Education courses for firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics. The learning management system makes online and classroom training easy to track and cost-efficient to deliver. Continuing education courses can be assigned to users or groups of users. Training officers are able to rapidly input classroom training records, conference attendance, and other offline training as external CE courses. Reports of training progress and completion can be manually and automatically generated and even delivered to other records management systems. CentreLearn is for Fire and EMS Departments of any size and scales to meet your usage demands. Contact us (http://centrelearn.com/contactus/) today for a free demonstration of how CentreLearn can help your organization train better and spend less.

ESS Eye Protection

Giving away: 6 ESS Eyepro kits including glasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers. There are two sets of three different packages (seen below).

Web Site - ESSEyePro.com
Facebook - ESS Eye Pro Fan Page
Twitter - @ESSEyePro
Youtube - ESSEyePro

Also Note: ESS Pro Program is for anyone involved in Public Safety in the US (i.e. Fire and EMS providers). To apply send an e-mail to deptrep@esseyepro.com with your name, position, and the name of your department. Once approved you will receive 40% off of ESS sunglasses and eyeshields. The process is quick and easy.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.

12 Days of Christmas: The Largest Giveaway Ever. Sign up now!

3 comments

Have you signed up for the 12 Days of Christmas yet? This is probably the biggest giveaway ever by a fire service web site. Thousands of dollars worth of merchandise will be given away. Your pals Rhett Fleitz (FireCritic.com) and Willie Wines Jr. (IronFiremen.com) have put these great prizes together for you. There will be 44 winners of great prizes! Starting tomorrow, the winners will be picked daily. You can sign up during the contest too.

Sign up here

Prizes from companies like: CentreLearnESS Eye ProtectionCommandSim’s Sims U ShareCrosstitchedNM Coin,NY FireStore, Glove CraftersCommercial SolutionsSmoke is Showing1st in Leather2nd Alarm Fire EquipmentLeatherhead ConceptsRKECustomLeatherBox Alarm Leather, and FD Cam.

It Starts Tomorrow People!
The 13th!

Prize Schedule

Prizes Listed here

The Prize Schedule for the 12 Days of Christmas. Giveaway Starts the 13th!

23 comments

The Fire Critic/Iron Firemen 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway begins on 12/13 and ends on 12/24. There will be a total of 44 winners winning one of the prizes below. Daily, we will post on who won the prizes. We will also be updating The Fire Critic Facebook page with the winners. All winners will be contacted via email.  All you need to do to enter is click on the link here (or below). You can only sign up once per email address. If you have questions, please leave a comment.

Sign up to enter here!

For more information on all of these great companies/products please check out the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway article.

Each # under the day of the giveaway indicates an individual prize.

1st Day of Christmas (12/13)

  1. CentreLearn - 1 year unlimited subscription for one person to CentreLearn’s library of online continuing education courses. They have more than 200 hours of CE in for paramedics, EMTs, and Firefighters.
  2. ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers
  3. CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

2nd Day of Christmas (12/14)

  1. Crosstitched - Crosstitched t-shirt, hat, and stickers.
  2. ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers
  3. CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

3rd Day of Christmas (12/15)

  1. NY FireStore - FDNY ball cap, Engine 34/Ladder 41 “Hell’s Kitchen t-shirt and hoodie (sized XL/able to exchange)
  2. NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch
  3. CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

4th Day of Christmas (12/16)

  1. Glove Crafters -  A pair of Fire Armor structural firefighter gloves, a glove strap, and t-shirt
  2. NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch
  3. CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

5th Day of Christmas (12/17)

  1. Commercial Solutions - True North Gear bail out kit complete with hip pouch, 50 ft of FR Rope and F4 descender
  2. ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers
  3. NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch
  4. CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

6th Day of Christmas (12/18)

  1. Smoke is Showing - Brotherhood Print 16×24 plate mounted
  2. ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers
  3. NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch
  4. CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

7th Day of Christmas (12/19)

  1. 1st in Leather - One Piece Custom Classic Helmet Shield and matching Glove Strap
  2. ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers
  3. NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch
  4. CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

8th Day of Christmas (12/20)

  1. 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment -  Boston Leather glove strap, and Boston Leather radio Strap
  2. ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers
  3. NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch
  4. CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

9th Day of Christmas (12/21)

  1. Leatherhead Concepts - Custom radio strap with anti sway strap, custom chinstrap and glove strap
  2. 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment - Boston Leather glove strap
  3. NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch
  4. CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

10th Day of Christmas (12/22)

  1. RKECustomLeather – Custom leather radio strap – complete set up to include strap, case, sway strap, also stamped and paint job
  2. 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment - Boston Leather glove strap
  3. NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch
  4. CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

11th Day of Christmas (12/23)

  1. Box Alarm Leather - Fully custom carved and painted helmet shield
  2. 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment - Boston Leather glove strap
  3. NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch
  4. CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

12th Day of Christmas (12/24)

  1. FD Cam - 1080p “Bulldog” series camera packages (Which includes Cam, BlackJack mount & 16gb SD card)
  2. 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment - Boston Leather glove strap
  3. NM Coin - Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coin and patch
  4. CommandSim’s Sims U Share - Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

 

Nathan Norman’s Christmas: Bringing out the Best in Us

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Nathan Norman is an exceptional child who lives in Rustburg, Virginia (near Lynchburg). I say exceptional, because he and his family (parents and 3 siblings) have found a way to bring out the best in the us during the Christmas season. Us being firefighters, law enforcement, EMT’s, Dispatchers, secret service, military, and many others.

Nathan is stricken by cancer. His parents and friends created the a Facebook page to spread the word about Nathan and help Nathan celebrate Christmas early. I will allow you to check out the Facebook page and CaringBridge.org web sites to get the full story. I don’t want to misspeak about any details.

Nathan has been through so much…he is a trooper. He is an inspiration.

The Normans:  Sarah, who is almost 10 (youth large) ; Matthew, who is 7 (youth large);  Nathan, who is 5 years old (youth medium); and Tabitha, who is 2 year old (youth small).

Visit the Facebook Page Nathan’s Christmas: The PAGE

The Norman’s

What I would like to do is offer my point of view for what Nathan has done for us. What you do from there is up to you.

Nathan’s story is another great example of how our heart strings are tugged on, we support an effort well worth supporting, and we grow because of it. Nathan represents a unified cause we can support together. He has brought us together, separating what matters from all those little things which don’t matter. While we can’t eradicate the cancer from Nathan’s body, we CAN send him a card, a patch, a coin, a gift, or simply share his story so others can see it.

People have traveled as far away as New York and North Carolina to see him. Departments in the area have hosted him to have a day of fun.

Use this opportunity to take a photo of your crew, turn it into a Christmas card and send it to Nathan and his family.

Captain Wines (IronFiremen.com), Crosstitched, and I have sent a challenge coin, patch, and 4 shirts (one for each of the Norman children).

Nathan Norman

Many of the personal and personalized gifts are being kept for Nathan and his family. Some of the other items, gifts, and toys have been placed in almost 3000 bags to be given to other children who are going through similar experiences.

Nathan (and his family) Get it!

Thank Nathan, and thanks to the Norman Family. Thank you for sharing your story and allowing us to be a part of Nathan’s life. We appreciate it.

Related links:

Address for cards:
81 Dunivan Dr
Rustburg, VA 24588

On December 9th, local first responders and the crew of Life Evac met Nathan and his family at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA. Fire Rescue TV was on scene to capture the moment. Their initial video is below. They will be editing a longer version in the near future.

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

12 comments

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

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

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

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

What do you think?

Hampton Fire & Rescue web site

The Fire Critic & Iron Firemen 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway

17 comments

The Fire Critic/ Iron Firemen 12 Days of Christmas begin on December 13th. All you have to do to enter is sign up here. Beyond that, I ask you to patronize the companies below because they have been gracious enough to offer these products to be given away. Many of these companies have offered products in the past to be given away. To say that I am thankful is an understatement. Captain Wines (IronFiremen.com) and I know many of the people behind these companies personally and lets just say…we don’t hang out with people we don’t like. These people have certainly passed the test! Plus, how freakin cool is our banner logo below for the 12 days?

Sign up right now, Click here!

Below are the companies who have provided products and the products they are giving away. We are talking about THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF STUFF! I have included their respective links and some information about each company. Check them out, follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Companies like these are the ones WE WANT to thrive. They see a value in what I do right here on FireCritic.com and I am pleased. I will announce the schedule of the giveaway very soon!

1st In Leather

Giving away: One Piece Custom Classic and matching Glove Strap

Web Site - They use Facebook
Facebook - 1st In Leather Fan Page

1st In Leather is a company started out of a desire to have a piece of art that would stand up to the harsh conditions we call work. From day one, our goal has been to give our customers fronts, glove straps, key chains, and passports that they would be proud to show off to their friends and family. Our products are built to order every order. We strive every day to make our products better than they were the day before. We even take items such as truckmans belts and radio straps, and customize them after bringing them back to their former luster without loosing the worked in feel.

2nd Alarm Fire Equipment

Giving Away: (5) Boston Leather glove holders, and (1) Boston Leather radio Strap

Web Site - SecondAlarmFire.com
Facebook - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment Fan Page
Twitter - @2ndAlarmFire
Phone – 570-230-2990
Email –  sales@secondalarmfire.com

Our goal is to be the best source for any and all Fire, Police and EMS Equipment needs. We continue to gain distribution rights for the best quality Fire, Police, and EMS Equipment in the industry. We strive to have the BEST customer service in the industry with all of our current and future customers by offering them the best Fire, Police and EMS Equipment products at great prices supported by continuous service after the sale, as well as providing FREE quotes and Consultation.

Box Alarm Leather

Giving away: Fully custom carved and painted helmet shield.

Web Site - BoxAlarmLeather.com
Facebook - Box Alarm Leather Fan Page
Twitter - @BoxAlarmLeather

“Box Alarm Leather specializes in handcrafted custom leather gear and accessories for Fire, Rescue and EMS professionals. We start with the highest quality raw materials and thorough preparation. Knowing “the job”, Box Alarm Leather custom products are made ensuring that the pride and tradition of the fire service is sewn into every piece.”

Centrelearn

Giving away: 1 year unlimited subscription for one person to CentreLearn’s library of online continuing education courses. We have more than 200 hours of CE in for paramedics, EMTs, and Firefighters.

Web Site - CentreLearn.com
Facebook - CentreLearn Fan Page
Twitter –  @CentreLearn
 Blog - Blog.CentreLearn.com
Youtube - CentreLearn Solutions

CentreLearn is a world-class learning management system for Fire and EMS departments that helps Fire and EMS departments harness the power of the Internet to deliver multimedia training. CentreLearn delivers over 220 Continuing Education courses for firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics. The learning management system makes online and classroom training easy to track and cost-efficient to deliver. Continuing education courses can be assigned to users or groups of users. Training officers are able to rapidly input classroom training records, conference attendance, and other offline training as external CE courses. Reports of training progress and completion can be manually and automatically generated and even delivered to other records management systems. CentreLearn is for Fire and EMS Departments of any size and scales to meet your usage demands. Contact us (http://centrelearn.com/contactus/) today for a free demonstration of how CentreLearn can help your organization train better and spend less.

Command Sim – SimsUShare App

Giving away: CommandSim’s Sims U Share Windows or MAC, a $35.00 value. (12 winners)

Web Site - CommandSim.com and SimsUShare.CommandSim.com
Facebook – simsUShare
Twitter - @SimsUShare
Community –  Command Sim Community

SimsUShare is a new, patent-pending technology aimed to help instructors and students connect better in the classroom by enabling them to rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss. Check out this article about the technology

The CommandSim team is made up of individuals with strong backgrounds in Emergency Response, Emergency Management,
and simulation technology.


Commercial Solutions

Giving away: True North Gear bail out kit complete with hip pouch, 50 ft of FR Rope and F4 descender.  Value $250.00

Web Site - CommercialSolutions.ca
Facebook - Commercial Solutions – First Responders

Commercial Solutions Inc. First Responders Division is Canada’s largest supplier of Firefighter and First Responder PPE and equipment.

Crosstitched

Giving away a shirt, hat, and stickers.
Web Site - Crosstitched.com
Twitter - @Crosstitched
Instagram- Crosstitched
Facebook- Crosstitched Fan Page

Info - Fully Involved Series
About The Series. This series was created for the men and women who do what others won’t. Created by a firefighter, each design is made with pride. Crosstitched understands the risk and danger firefighters go through every day, and for that we thank you.
We do custom work as well!
Get a custom design made up for your firehouse or business. We will print low minimums with no setup fees. T shirts, long sleeve, hoods, and more. Find out more at  contact@crosstitched.com.  Checkout our Facebook page, to see some of our custom work.  

ESS Eye Protection

Giving away: 6 ESS Eyepro kits including glasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers. There are two sets of three different packages (seen below).

Web Site - ESSEyePro.com
Facebook - ESS Eye Pro Fan Page
Twitter - @ESSEyePro
Youtube - ESSEyePro

Also Note: ESS Pro Program is for anyone involved in Public Safety in the US (i.e. Fire and EMS providers). To apply send an e-mail to deptrep@esseyepro.com with your name, position, and the name of your department. Once approved you will receive 40% off of ESS sunglasses and eyeshields. The process is quick and easy.

FD Cam

Giving away: 1080p “Bulldog” series camera packages (Which includes Cam, BlackJack mount & 16gb SD card)

Web Site - FDCam.com
Facebook - FDCamHD Fan Page
Blog - HelmetFirefighter.com
Twitter - @FDCamHD

The last day of 2007 was when it all began for us. Right at shift change the alarm went off for a Structure Fire two blocks from the station. A large two story house with heavy fire and plenty of work to do. During overhaul, I noticed something on one of the Truck guys helmet and soon found out he fixed a sport helmet cam to his lid. After watching the video I was hooked! I soon bought one and began shooting every fire I was knocked out on. I searched the web and watched as many fire videos as I could and still to this day I can’t get enough. Fire Helmet Cameras have evolved over a few short years and there are tons of makes and models to choose from, but what I couldn’t find was an HD cam that can stand up to the abuse of Firefighting and still be relatively affordable. So, we did what Firefighters have long done…We made our own way. We banded together with a top quality HD camera manufacturer to bring you a highly durable, heat and water resistant fire helmet camera that cost half of what other companies are charging.

Glove Crafters

Giving away: A pair of Fire Armor structural Firefighter Gloves, a glove strap, and t-shirt

Web Site - GloveCrafters.com or GloveCraftersProducts.com
Facebook - Glove Crafters Fan Page

Quality Handcrafted Gloves – Made in the USA. Glove Crafter’s primary focus is in the design and manufacturing of the highest quality of gloves in the world. All our products are handmade right here in the United States by master crafters who are experts in putting together quality handmade gloves. You simply won’t find a higher quality glove anywhere in the world. In all cases, our gloves are manufactured to our precise specifications and quality standards to uphold our forever guarantee and provide the best value available to our customers. You can count on Glove Crafters, Inc. to provide the best quality heat resistant products for your protection. Glove Crafters, Inc. is dedicated to the design, manufacturing and marketing of fire fighting protective gloves that improves fire fighter safety and usability.

Leatherhead Concepts

Giving away: Custom radio strap with anti sway strap, custom chinstrap and glove strap

Web Site - LeatherheadConcepts.com
Facebook - Leatherhead Concepts Fan Page

Welcome to Leatherhead Concepts, Your one stop shop for the finest in public safety leather goods. Created in California’s Central Valley, Leatherhead Concepts uses only top quality materials, and old school craftsmanship in our products. Established in 2009 as simply a shield maker, our company began to grow by word of mouth, and we launched from there to what we are today. We still produce Custom Shields, so contact us for info. Leatherhead Concepts strives for customer satisfaction and durability to with stand the rigors of our job. You will not find any short cuts in our items, if we wouldnt use it, we would not expect you to! our items, while NOT considered “Life Safety devices”, take into account the safety aspects put forth by the industry. We use top quality hardware, and we searched long and hard to find the EXACT manufacturers of some of the safety features on our products. The public relies on you, You should rely on Leatherhead Concepts to provide you with rugged quality leather goods to help you meet your mission.

NM Coin

Giving away: 10 Fire Critic/Iron Firemen coins and patches

Web Site - NM-Coin.com
Facebook - NM Coin LLC Fan Page
Twitter - @NMCoin

We not only build the highest quality challenge coins, embroidered patches, badges and more, we build tradition. From start to finish we’ve been creating items for top agencies in the US. Give us a call today to get the NM Coin difference for your organization.

NY Firestore

Giving away: FDNY Cap, Engine 34/Ladder 41 “Hell’s Kitchen Shirt and Hoodie 

Web Site – NYFireStore.com
Facebook –  FireStore
Twitter – @NYCFireStore

The original NYC FireStore since 1991. Located at 17 Greenwich Ave. New York, NY 10014

RKECustomLeather

Giving away: Custom leather radio strap – complete set up to include strap, case, sway strap, also stamped and paint job

Web Site – RKECustomLeather.com
Facebook – Ross Escobedo Profile

 

Smoke is Showing

Giving away: Brotherhood Print 16×24 plate mounted (seen below)

Web Site – SmokeIsShowing.ca
Facebook - Smoke Is Showing Fan Page

Located in southern Ontario, Canada Mitchell is the photographer behind Smoke is Showing Fire Photography he provides photography for training, live scene, apparatus and traditional firefighter portraits and collages to departments. He also create custom and creative helmet and turn out gear images.

The Fire Critic is looking for Companies Interested in a Christmas Giveaway

1 comment

The Fire Critic is seeking companies looking for a unique advertising/marketing program involving a giveaway of Fire and/or EMS related products for Christmas. Your products will be featured in a giveaway on FireCritic.com as well as our social media outlets. Trust us, this is a great opportunity for your company and your products!

All you need to do is email me at firecritic@firecritic.com (or leave a comment below) and let me know you are interested and what you would like to giveaway. The total length of the giveaway depends on the number of items to be given away.

What you can expect from The Fire Critic:

  • Your product featured on FireCritic.com
  • Your company logo featured on FireCritic.com
  • Your web site link, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media links incorporated in the giveaway
  • Your information shared on Facebook and Twitter. The Fire Critic Facebook page has 7000+ fans, Twitter has 3000+ followers

This will be the cheapest advertising/marketing of the season!

Fire Critic on FacebookTwitter @FireCritic

On top of all that, be sure to let me know if you are interested in a product review on FireProductReview.com which is also shared on FireCritic.com.

What I expect from you:

  • A product to be given away
  • Shipping the product direct to the winner in a timely manner
  • Embracing the giveaway and sharing the information on your social media accounts

As for my readers…feel free to share this with the companies you like. Get them involved. Once the event is live, share it with your friends. The bigger The Fire Critic gets, the more free stuff there will be to giveaway.

Be sure to check out the Top Ten Christmas Gifts for Firefighters List for 2012 here!

 

The Top Ten Christmas Gifts For Firefighters List for 2012

6 comments

Here are the Top Ten Christmas Gifts for 2012. This is a blog feature I have been doing for the past several years. The list has changed a little bit because of all the great products/companies that I want to share. Therefore, I have put some similar products into categories of gifts. This gives more ideas for everyone to look at.

Be sure to Follow The Fire Critic on Facebook & Click “Like”!

Don’t forget to share this with your friends and family. You might even point out some of the best products you are interested in. Feel free to add anything else you want in the comments! Many of these items/companies have been reviewed on FireProductReview.com (FPR).

10. Fire Critic & Iron Firemen Merchandise

The Fire Critic and Iron Firemen (Captain Willie Wines Jr.) have teamed up on their merchandise they offer. Since we mostly travel together, it made perfect sense. We have Brotherhood Chips (currently out of stock), Challenge Coins, Patches, and T-shirts. Check them out below. One thing we wanted to ensure when creating this merchandise was that it remained affordable.

“Hey Brother” Shirt - Our shirts are sold exclusively through Crosstitched. Crosstitched has their own designs as well. Our shirts are very affordable at $15 each.
Purchase a “Hey Brother” Shirt here 

Fire Critic/Iron Firemen Challenge Coins - Offered from NM-Coin, our challenge coins have navigated the globe. You can get yours from NM-Coin today!
Purchase a challenge coin here

Fire Critic/Iron Firemen Patch - Our patch is a one of a kind and also created/offered by NM-Coin. Add it to your collection today!
Purchase a patch here

9. Wall Shields Custom Wood Firehouse Furnishings

Wall Shields - Wall Shields Co. is a fireman owned business and is the creator of Wall Shields and the Firehouse Furnishings line. We make custom-made Wall Shields and Firehouse Furnishings for you or your Firehouse. Wall Shields make great gifts for retirements, awards, or holidays. Our Firehouse Furnishings are designed and built by firemen to withstand abuse. All of our products are a great way to display your station’s pride. Don’t see what you want? Let us know. Here at Wall Shields Co., we can make just about anything you can think of. You are limited by your only by your imagination.
Web Site - Facebook - FPR Review

8. Fire Service Warrior Foundations Workbook

Fire Service Warrior FSWFoundations Workbook - The FSWFoundations Workbook is a 21-Day Personal and Professional Development program designed to help you implement the Fire Service Warrior Concept in your life. The daily work includes FSWMindfulness, FSWTraining, and FSWFitness work to help you prepare yourself to thrive on the fireground. Regular price is $25.00 including shipping to US addresses. For non-US Orders you will receive a separate invoice for shipping.
Web Site - Facebook

7. 2013 Firefighter Calendars

Not all firefighters are calendar models…however, the ones who are are well worth gracing the pages of calendars. Many firefighting calendars raise money for charity. Most of the calendars feature actual firefighters. Trust me, these calendars are good! To save space, I have simply linked to the Top Ten lists of calendars I put together recently.

Top Ten Female Firefighter Calendars for 2013

Top Ten Male Firefighter Calendars for 2013

6. Custom Made Kilt

Every firefighter should own a kilt. Many don’t think they can pull off the look, or don’t want to wear a kilt. I am not saying wear one every day…but there are those occasions where a kilt should be worn if you have one!

Alt Kilt - Our purpose is to provide functional, stylish and well-made kilts that are individually designed and custom built for each client.
Web Site - Facebook - FPR Review

Bunker Kilts - Essential Gear For Firefighters. Firefighter Owned and Operated. The fabric and reflective striping are made of the same materials as structural firefighting gear.
Web Site - Facebook - FPR Review Pending

5. Firefighting Apparel

Firefighters love showing off their Pride in the job by wearing Firefighting apparel. The companies below excel in firefighting shirts. There are designs for everyone and anyone. Some are basic and others are over the top. What you won’t find below is the “I Fight What You Fear” type of shirts that no one should be wearing!

Ride Backwards – Their mission…To bring the best to the bravest: high quality athletic wear, with original designs, at affordable prices. Fashion without function is like a Haligan bar without a flathead axe. Sure, they can be used separately, but how much more efficient are they when they’re married together?
Web SiteFacebook  - FPR Review Pending 

Black Helmet – Too many designs to list! Mens’, Women’s, Kid’s, hats, decals, and much more!
Web SiteFacebook - FPR Review Pending

Crosstitched – The home of the Fire Critic/Iron Firemen “Hey Brother” T-shirt. Crosstitched offers great designs on comfortable shirts!
Web SiteFacebook

Axe Head – Built By Tradition. AxeHead is an attitude, it’s a lifestyle. We believe in old school values and tradition.
Web SiteFacebook

The Fire Service Warrior Shirt- FireServiceWarrior.com is the official website for an emerging, operational framework known as the Fire Service Warrior Concept. Our Mission is simple: Forging Fire Service Excellence.
Web SiteFacebook

Detroit Devil’s Night 2012 Shirt – Typically the busiest night of fire in the City that sees the most fire.
Web Site

Firehouse Shirt Club – This one is new to me, but for $20 a month, your firefighter gets a different shirt each month.
Web SiteFacebook

Boston Fire Gear - At Boston Fire Gear our mission is to provide the best quality Boston Fire merchandise at affordable prices. We want every customer to be 100% satisfied with Boston Fire Gear products and encourage customer feedback.
Web SiteFacebook

MN8 FoxFire Keep Calm and Fight Fire Shirt – MN8 FoxFire is known for their illuminating technology. This shirt is no different and illuminates in the dark.
Web SiteFacebookFPR Review

4. Personal Protective Equipment & Accessories

Dragon Fire Alpha X Structural Firefighting Gloves - The Fireman’s Shield gloves main heat protection comes from our Kovenex™, not the leather. This exclusive design yields a thinner, softer glove without compromising thermal protection. With a TPP rating of 45, Fireman’s Shield gloves are rated 30% above the NFPA standard.
Web SiteFacebookFPR Review

Glove Crafters Fire Armor Structural Firefighting gloves - A true three dimensional glove curved finger design with inset 2 piece thumb.
Web SiteFacebookFPR Review

Streamlight Vulcan Box light or LED Helmet Light - Streamlight is a “hands-on” company. We learn by doing, so we understand what our customers need because we’re out there doing what they do, using the same lighting tools in the same ways. We go through firefighters’ training.
Web SiteFacebook

Phenix TL2 Traditional Leather Firefighting Helmet - Phenix Technology’s Traditional Leather Helmet boasts a low center of gravity and is center balanced, thus, promoting a very low degree of neck fatigue.
Web SiteFacebook

3. Tools and Equipment

Let’s face it, most of our departments purchase the typical “firefighting” tools to place on the apparatus. There are hundreds of additional tools as well as innovations to those tools that firefighters have found useful on the job. Below are some of those tools.

The Pig Fire Tool - THE PIG is an innovative and beautifully simple, fire service tool that was developed by an experienced Austin, Texas firefighter. THE PIG combines the two working ends of the flat-head and the pick-head axe.
Web SiteFacebook

The Bowring Fire Tool – The Ultimate Firefighter’s Tool
Web SiteFPR Review

New York Hook from Fire Hooks Unlimited - The Firehooks Unlimited web site is down, you can click on “web site” below to check out their tools from All Hands Fire Equipment.
Web SiteFacebook -

Firefighter Axe from Fire Axe Inc. – Mirror polished steel axes available in many styles and sizes.
Web Site

FatIvan® Door Chock -  The World’s Only Fold Up Door Chock! A perfect tool for Emergency Services, Commercial, Residential, Industrial, Hotel/Motel and all deliveries. FatIvan’s® safe, secure design never slips off hinge or comes out accidentally.
Web SiteFacebookFPR Review

Helmet Camera from FDCam.com - Bringing the toughest HD Fire Helmet Cameras to Americas Bravest! FDCam.com is the new way to “Do Work”! for fireground video! Aggressive interior: It’s how we work, It’s what we sell.
Web SiteFacebook - FPR Review Pending

Channellock 87 Rescue Tool – An excellent tool for any firefighter!
Web SiteFacebookFPR Review

2. National Firefighters Endowment Officer’s Club

Several people put down donating to the NY/NJ Firefighters in need when asked about Christmas gifts. Here is a way of giving all year long to FD’s in need.

The National Firefighters Endowment “Officer’s Club” is the gift that keeps on giving. The Officer’s club is a funding mechanism for the NFE and funds donations to fire departments in need. However, those who join get a lot more in return.

  • Each year, the members get a numbered custom made challenge coin.
  • Each month, the members are entered to win a prize. These prizes have been valued at up to $500 a piece depending on what the prize is for that month.
  • On Facebook, they are invited to a closed group that offers a place for like minded individuals to communicate as well as offer input on decisions made by the NFE.
  • The membership dues go directly to funding assistance, purchasing tools and equipment, and supporting fire departments.
  • The NFE offers three tier levels for joining the Officer’s club.
And yes…The Fire Critic is a Chief Level Member of the Officer’s Club

 More on the NFE on their web siteMore on the Officer’s club here and below:

The Officers Club is an exclusive group of brothers and sisters who have made a pledge to participate in NFE’s mission; to provide our nation’s firefighters with life saving equipment. Their monthly contributions are responsible for every piece of equipment that National Firefighters Endowment is able to place in service. That’s right, the membership is personally responsible for putting the tools in the hands of our heroes and making sure they come home safe to their families.

1. Custom Leather Firefighting Accessories

Custom leather shields, radio straps, glove straps, suspenders, chin straps, and other items are a great way for a firefighter to show off his/her PRIDE of Firefighting. Although some of these items probably won’t be ready and shipped by Christmas, you should look into getting your firefighter a gift certificate or credit to one of these great companies. That way, your firefighter can get the item personalized exactly the way they want!

Box Alarm Leather - Custom Leather Helmet Shields, Radio Straps, Radio Cases, Glove Straps, Suspenders, Shield Plaques.
Web Site - Facebook - FPR Review 

Wolfpak Leatherworks - Custom Leather Suspenders, Radio Straps, Glove Straps, Chin Straps, Axe Belts, Box Light Systems, Wolfpak apparel, and more
Web Site - Facebook - FPR Review

1st In Leather - Custom Leather Helmet Shields, Suspenders, and Glove Straps
Facebook - FPR Review is pending

RKE Custom Leather - Custom Leather Shields, Sustpenders, Radio Straps, Radio Cases
Web Site - Facebook 

Top Ten Christmas Gifts for Firefighters 2011

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The 2011 Christmas season is in full swing.

Willie Wines Jr. recently posted IronFiremen.com’s Top Ten Stocking Stuffers here. There are some great gift ideas on the list! While some of those items might have made it to this list, I decided not to duplicate in order to give you all some more options.

What a great start to buying for that significant firefighter in your life.

You can read the past years Top Ten Christmas Gifts lists:

This year will be no different. The best gifts for firefighters. Some of these are custom gifts and will require ordering…don’t worry they are worth the wait!

Here we go…

10. Ride Backwards Apparel

Ride Backwards is what it is all about. Apparel for the fit firefighter…or the one trying to get fit. If your firefighter is working towards being healthier or is already there, Ride Backwards gear is made for them. Let me be clear though…Ride Backwards isn’t just an apparel company, they are a community of like minded firefighters who train, exercise, and lead healthy lives. I can’t put my finger on exactly why I love this company, I have only met a couple of the people behind the company once. I just love following them on Facebook and keeping in touch with their fan base.

If you are trying to get fans on Facebook or build a community you should definitely be taking notes from them!

Check out their web site here. They have some great products!

9. Phenix Leather Helmet

I wish I could tell you mine fit great, but I haven’t received it yet. I have one on order, a gift from a friend (more on that later). Let me say that I have had one on my head and it felt awesome. I have had several leather helmets and as the times change, technology changes, regulations change the leather helmets have changed. Some of them have become very cumbersome. While I have not tested this helmet out, it felt very good to wear. One of the biggest things I liked about it is that it sits low on my head.

I cannot wait to have it in my hands! The picture to the right is mine in production.

Check out Phenix helmets online here.

8. Firefighter Calendar

Whether you are looking for a bunch of hot men or women firefighters we have you covered. You can view the hottest male firefighter calendars here and the hottest female firefighter calendars here. Most of these support a great cause and are organized by firefighters. Pick your poison and order a calendar for that special firefighter in your life. Better yet, order one for yourself too!

My personal favorite has to be the America’s Female Firefighters Calendar. Check out their site here and they are on Facebook as well.

7. Firefighter Apparel

I admit, some firefighting apparel is gaudy and over the top. If your firefighter is going to wear firefighting apparel they need to be wearing the right stuff. Trust me, there is plenty of stuff out their for different tastes.

I suggest you look at:

6. Leather Bunker Boots

Much like #1 on our list this year, too many firefighters are not provided leather bunker boots. It amazes me that departments waste their money on rubber boots. In my department, rubber boots merely take up space on the tops of our lockers. Although there are a few firefighters who still wear them because they don’t care about their feet enough to purchase leather boots on their own.

I cannot speak for all of the brands, but I will tell you that the Black Diamond X Boot, Black Diamond X2 Boot, and Lion Apparel Marshall boots (all links to product reviews) are great boots.

I also hear that the Globe leather boots and Haix leather boots are great boots.

You can buy the boots on TheFireStore.com

5. NFFF Merchandise

Supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is the right thing to do. They take care of our Fallen and their families. Purchasing, gifting, and wearing their merchandise supports their mission.

They have cups, mugs, challenge coins, picture frames, posters, books, stuffed animals, charms, and so much more!

Support the NFFF, they are supporting us!

Check them out online. Their store is here.

4. MN8 Foxfire Illuminating Gear

I have been a long time fan of the illuminating gear from MN8. I have done some product reviews on their stuff and use it on a regular basis. The thing about their products is that it isn’t another product, it is a better spin on a current product. Instead of simply having a helmet band, you can have one that illuminates. Instead of having grip tape on on a tool, you can have grip tape that illuminates. They also have epoxy grip that illuminates for tools. Soon, we they will be unveiling a brand new tetrahedron for firefighter use. I can’t say much more, but it is impressive.

Check out MN8 on Facebook as well. Another company creating a community around their products.

View their products on their web site. Purchase their products on TheFireStore.com.

3. Custom Leather Accessories

No not the Excessive Leather Accessories for Fire Fighters (ELAFFHQ.com), I am actually talking about custom leatherwork by firefighters for firefighters. Might I point you in the direction of Box Alarm Leather. They do everything from helmet shields to radio straps and can custom make just about anything. Check them out here.

There are plenty of other great custom leather companies as well:

2. Brotherhood Chips

You may not know it, but that special firefighter in your life is sure to read both FireCritic.com and IronFiremen.com.

They can now carry us with them wherever they go. Introducing the FireCritic/IronFiremen “Brotherhood Chip”. It is smaller and weighs less than the typical “challenge coin”, but serves the same purpose.

Challenge Coins are a long held tradition within the Military, Fire and Police Service. Now, your firefighter can have one from 2 of the Nation’s top Fire Service Bloggers!

We designed the chips with the words “Tradition”, “Honor”, “Pride”, “Respect” and “Brotherhood” on the edge. That is what we are about and is exactly what we are trying to spread.

Get more details and purchase yours by clicking  HERE .

We got our chips made by TheChipSite.com. Check them out!

1. Personal Rescue Escape System

Too few firefighters have these!

I do not own and am not issued a commercially made personal rescue escape system, bailout bag, or whatever you might call it. I do have a pretty decent set up that I can use as a search line or rescue rope/webbing for victims or other firefighters as well as a bailout system for myself.

Here is the thing…every firefighter should own and carry some sort of setup. Whether it is a commercially made system or a made up system of caribeeners and rope/webbing they should have it.

If their department is like mine and doesn’t care about this need in our job, you can step in and get it for your firefighter.

TheFireStore.com offers several different setups. Check them out.

Top Ten Best Christmas Gifts For Firefighters List For 2010

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

Just in Time for Black Friday!

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

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

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

I challenge you to come up with a better list!

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

10. Ledger to keep track of their calls

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

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

Or

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

9. Leather Fire Helmet

Cairns New Yorker Fire Helmet

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

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

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

Visit MSA online to purchase

8. Firemans Chore Denim Jacket

Here is a lovely model wearing a Firemans Chore jacket!

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

Visit Firemans chore online here

7. Firefighter/EMS/Police Monopoly

Firefighter, Law Enforcement, and EMS Monopoly

Firefighter, Law Enforcement, and EMS Monopoly

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

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

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

6. FireGeezer Mug

Firegeezer Travel Mug

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

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

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

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

5. Leather Fire Boots

Black Diamonds X2 Boot

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

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

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

4. Firefighter Calendar

Girls on Fire

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

Click on the pic for more examples.

3. Camera

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

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

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

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

2. Sav-A-Jake Multi Purpose Rescue Tool

Sav-A-Jake Rescue Tool

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

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

Visit their web site here

1. Firefighter Apparel

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

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

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

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

Life at #3 Fire Prevention, Our Custom Kitchen Table, Working on Thanksgiving, Getting Ready for Christmas, and Life Around the Station

2 comments

Here is an article that I wish I would do more of. It is about my job. I typically don’t write much about what I do or about my crew. I hope to change that in the future.

Yesterday was one of those days when I wished I hadn’t come to work. It was fun, we had some laughs, but it was tiring.

My Captain was sick, so I was riding the seat…At station 5? Mind you, I work at station 3. Engine 3 was put out of service because of training staffing. It is a common theme which has been adopted by my department. Rarely will a piece be out of service for 24 hours, but 18 hours is a different story.

FF Duane Noell showing off his footy pajamas

So there we were, my driver and I, at another station on their engine. The day was spent giving a tour and preparing for a big fire prevention awards event that evening. Nothing too awful bad. It just gets tiring being at a different station and being out of your element and in another.

I must say that the event must have been a blast for the children who would be there receiving awards. Luckily, we were able to leave just before the event started and get our engine back in service at #3.

Thanksgiving

I will be working tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day). We will hopefully watch the parades and enjoy kicking back a little bit. We get to take it easy on Holidays. I will again be riding the seat as my Captain will have the day off on vacation.

If everything goes well, we will be getting a Thanksgiving meal dropped off. If everything goes bad, we will have a contingency plan. I will let you know what plan B is when I figure it out!

Me handing out helmets to the children at the tour today. Yes, I am standing up...And NO, I am not part of the class!

FF Jerry Franks and I at station 5. Notice their custom kitchen table, probably the best in the city until ours is done.

Christmas

The guys on the ambulance got the station all ready for Christmas. The lights are on the firehouse. Sorry, we don’t have a fancy system to set the lights up to flicker to the music. We might put in for one on the next budget cycle.

FF Jason Gardner and FF/PM Eric Mulford installing Christmas Lights on Firehouse #3.

#3′s Custom Kitchen Table

We are working on our kitchen table. This is a year in the works. Basically, we kicked ideas around for almost a year and last cycle we decided to act on those ideas. In the meantime, we have built a run board, refinished and customized a coffee table for the day room, built magazine racks for the bathrooms x3, a board to hold our accountability tags, a rack to hold our radio straps not in use, and a bottle rack for spare bottles. Among other things.

Our company enjoys woodworking and we have had fun setting up shop in the bay to work on this stuff. You never know what is next! I will post more pictures in the future!

The beginning of our custom kitchen table. All glued up and clamped.

What can I say? I work with an exceptional crew and we have a blast. The job gets done, we have fun, and everyone goes home. What more could I ask for? A raise…yeah we haven’t had one of those in 3 years yet everything is getting more and more expensive! We have our jobs still, so that is a plus.

Are you ready for Christmas? These Firefighters Are! Check out Long Hill Fire Department Station 3 in Trumbull, CT All Decked Out!

1 comment

The firefighters at Long Hill Fire Department in Trumbull, Connecticut take Christmas seriously. The video below will show you exactly how serious they are about Christmas.

They also offer a fire truck decked out with Christmas lights for a nominal donation. Check out their web site here.

Merry Christmas From the Fire Critic

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The Fire Critic had to work tonight, Christmas Eve. It isn’t a big deal, I don’t have the seniority to get this cycle off. That is the life we lead. Luckily I have Christmas Day off. Actually, I get to enjoy a four day break starting Christmas Day. I will be spending the day at home with my family. I cannot make it to Nashville to spend Christmas with my extended family, but we will make it to Richmond on Saturday/Sunday with my wives family.

On Sunday night I will be back in Roanoke to be at the viewing of an Icon in my FD. You can read all about Battalion Chief Billy Obenchain here.

On Monday we will pay our respects with a full honors fire department funeral. If there is any question as to how we take care of our Brothers you can view the last funeral we held for a comrade who died suddenly here.

Needless to say, it has been a tough couple of months for our department. We have a couple other firefighters battling cancer as well. One who is off-duty and another who is still working.

This cycle I enjoyed working at a different station than the one I am assigned to. I have been working at Station 2, The Palace, while a good friend of mine is riding the car (battalion). We have had a pretty decent cycle.

The highlight of the cycle was the 14 lb. prime rib roast we made for dinner tonight. Unfortunately, I got two calls while getting ready to eat so I had to eat cold prime rib. However, cold prime rib is better than no prime rib at all.

2009-12-24 18.15.54

Merry Christmas to all. I hope that everyone enjoys their Christmas morning with their loved ones. For those of you working…stay safe.