Over the past year, I have done a dozen or so product reviews. I have also helped companies connect with other bloggers to do reviews.
We just kicked it into overdrive! FireProductReview.com is live online. I have migrated all of the older reviews over to the new site and added some new ones to it. I will be adding Willie Wines Jr.’s reviews shortly.
The new site offers the ability for users (logged in or not) to rate products, comment on them, and share the reviews with others.
This process of creating the new site has been long and worthwhile. I first thought of wanting to do reviews back in 2006, I began them 5 years later…and now the stand alone web site. The main reason why I moved the reviews to a separate site was because of feedback wanting more information and more reviews. Apparently, the thumbs up or down means a lot to my readers and I want to build something that helps even more.
Companies are realizing the benefit of being mentioned by bloggers (not just mine). Our candidness, the networks we build, and the fact that many are still firefighters gives us a front seat in discussion, learning, teaching, and spreading the word. This 21st century word of mouth marketing is catching on.
If your company would like to have a review done by myself, Willie Wines Jr. (IronFiremen.com), or broader to a pretty decent bunch of fire service bloggers let me know.
I think what the companies enjoy the most is the mentions, discussion, and feedback they get when we talk about them on Facebook.
This past weekend, I was in Nashville with my family. My parents live there. We had a great visit. The return trip home wasn’t all that great…we spent about 5 hours parked on Interstate 81 because of Tractor-Trailer accidents. I thought truckers are always complaining about the 4 wheelers. Needless to say, it sucked. My children did great though. We had fuel, food, wifi, an inverter, and 3 computers plus the tablet.
One slight change to this ever changing column “Best of the Rest”…The shoutout will now be one site instead of potentially 3 separate with site/Facebook/Twitter. It will more closely resemble the old “Monday Morning Shoutout. This column is sometimes worked on all week long if I have time. I add to it when I see something neat to share.
As always, we have a blast over at the Fire Critic Facebook page. You should check it out and click “like” to make sure you stay caught up on what we are talking about!
Shoutout – Working The Job
Web Site:Working the Job – “Work the job, don’t let the job work you” written by Jason Jefferies
Feature post: The 2012 Lent Challenge. “If I gave up something I hated then the challenge would be easy, for instance, I’d rather lick a boar’s anus than eat salmon patties, so if I gave up salmon patties there would be not hardship. This year is a doozy….drumroll…….No cussing.” Read it here
uh oh...yeah, a fill in driver backed through the door. The truck my father wanted to show me was at the garage. Apparently there is a 2000 gallon tanker/engine normally there. They run 300 calls a month in the outskirts of Nashville. See the other photos on Facebook by clicking on the photo.
Covering a Shift - not just ANY shift…one of my shifts. Don’t forget, I work with the Best Fire Company in the World.
The Vampire Diaries Taylor Kinney Lands Firefighter Role - Former The Vampire Diaries werewolf, Taylor Kinney, has nabbed a lead role in new firefighter pilot Chicago Fire. Deadline reports that the NBC drama will be “action-driven” and set amongst the men and women of the Chicago Fire Department. The pilot has been penned by Wanted and 3:10 to Yuma writers Michael Brandt and Derek Haas with Jeffrey Nachmanoff (Homeland) directing.
Chili Firefighter LODD – RadioReference.com is claiming that “Firefighter Dies in Fire, City of La Granja (6:37 CST)” Read/listen here
STATter911.com – The Saga continues in DC. DCFD firefighters learn more about a Battalion Chief who might get demoted over his discipline of a crew who had beer in the firehouse. The kicker is that the beer was dropped off by a caring citizen. Read more here
I asked for a photo on Facebook and got a ton...This was the first one. New Orleans Fire Dept Creole No. 9 by Dawn Dawson. Click the photo for more of them.
I Never Wanted to be a Firefighter (Blog) – I would have pawned shit for it. The progression or tolerance I would have built up for fire would surely rival crack, heroin, and alcohol. I can see myself, haggard, unshaven, shaking in the cold and dark. Stumbling down the back ally in the worst part of town seeking a fix.
Me. “Hey what do you got?”
Fire Dealer. “I got some good stuff man. I got a three alarm warehouse fire. I got a, apartment fire, on a winter night.” Continue reading here
I asked and I received. The Facebook fans shared a ton of photos when I promted them for one. You can check out some of the other photos on Fire Critic FB. The photo to the right is from Dawn Dawson. View the other images here. Interesting enough, she also shared this link:
FireRescue1.com- Firefighters make CO rescues on routine Maine inspection. Firefighters/inspectors Eion Pelletier and Lt. Shawn Esler went to inspect new store, saved 2 ‘who probably were moments from dying’. Continue reading
Tiger Schmittendorf – Tiger weighs in on a recent post by FireGeezer about Recruitment videos. Word is that he read it over lunch…must have been a long article! Read it here: Video Killed the Recruitment Star
Brotherhood Cuts – We are open for business. This is a very cool event that is kicking off on March 10th in North Carolina.Read more about it here. Brotherhood Cuts is an initiative to support the National Firefighters Endowment. Myself and Willie Wines Jr. are looking forward to more events in the future!
Hilarious. So true, yet so damn funny. I think it is safe to say that we have all worked with guys/gals like this…and that each of us has acted this way at one point or another when we have to ride the box.
It starts out a little slow, but then you won’t be able to turn away!
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation hosts events all over the Nation all year long. This years calendar is beginning to fill up with some of their great events. From 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs, to NASCAR races, to Golf tournaments, and a survivors conference which was just held. The Memorial Weekend will be in October.
Supporting the NFFF is supporting your family. Through supporting their events, participating in their events, to financial contributions it all helps our family members who have lost a loved one.
Below are just some of their events. You can read what the NFFF is all about by visiting their main web site FireHero.org.
There will be another stair climb at FDIC this year on April 20th. Willie and I will be there. We have not decided if we are going to climb or not. If you have never climbed and will be at FDIC, plan on climbing.
This year, there are somewhere around 70 stair climbs taking place. Get to one and challenge yourself with the climb. Do it for the Pride of being a firefighter, Honor of our service, and Respect for our Fallen.
In 2004, the first Fallen Firefighters Memorial Golf Tournament was held to raise awareness and to help sustain the programs of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Now in its eighth year, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Golf has grown to include over 35 regional golf tournaments.
There are 35 regional tournaments. See if there is one near you and get out and hit the links: http://golf.firehero.org/
Survivors Conference Recently Held
From February 12 – 17, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) sponsored the Annual Fire Service Survivors Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Now in its seventh year, the conference attracts more than one hundred survivors each year. Attendees include both those who have recently suffered a loss and those from years before.
A firefighter in Titusville, Florida has confessed to several pranks against his Lieutenant, Lt. Phil Jones, including putting a poisonous substance in his canteen. Randy Moore, confessed and gave up the goose on another firefighter who supposedly helped/watched him commit the crime.
Jones has been with the department 28 years and worked with Moore for 12 of them. So far, Moore hasn’t given any reason for his actions other than saying it was a joke and “he did not want to kill the victim he was just upset with him.”
The substance, Gunk, is a cleaning solvent used by mechanics to clean engines. It is labeled as harmful or fatal if swallowed.
The pranks against Jones started 6 months ago. Moore is currently in jail without bond. As for his employment, he is on administrative leave pending the investigation.
According to the police report, Moore had engaged in a number of acts “targeting the victim Lt. Phil Jones,” over several weeks, including writing derogatory statements about Jones, putting spices in his coffee, tampering with files and other acts meant to embarrass Jones.
This past weekend was one helluva good time. I clocked out from the computer on my 4 day break (for the most part) and headed skiing with the family. I haven’t been skiing for around 15 years. It was my children’s first time on the slopes, and the first time skiing with my wife. We had a blast. If I had more time, I would have swung in to the McGaheysville VFD located just down the road from Massanutten Resort where we were staying. Already this year, I have family or fire service trips scheduled for Nashville, Gatlinburg, Columbus x2, South Dakota, Aruba, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Chicago, DC, Denver, and New Jersey. Let me know if you want to meet up and I will tell you when I will be in town!
Today’s shoutout goes to some close friends of mine. The guys behind ELAFFHQ.comhave emboddied the grassroots effort of creating a fire service community…backwards. Not that there is anything wrong with that! I found it interesting how they created a Facebook Page (albiet a joke at first), then a Twitter account, and finally ended it with a blog of their own. The truest tell of their ability is that they have been able to keep it going for 2 years now. I don’t know the exact timeframe, but most guys pack it up way before 2 years…These guys are still going strong!
Where is Chuck Norris when you need him? Word is that she was talking on the phone about something she was reading on FireCritic.com! Found on the net, not sure if it is a real photo or not.
Their latest post “A New Frontier” talks about getting to 1500 “likes” on their Facebook page and then they are going to start giving away swag. Click here, click “like”, and sit back and see if you win!
FireProductReview.com - Firefighter Product Reviews is online. Right now, we are still working out the glitches and getting all of the previous reviews online. Next, we have a dozen new reviews to complete and publish. The new site allows readers to rate and comment on the products as well! Check it out now: FireProductReview.com
Two Virginia LODD’s – For those of you who don’t know it, I also run VAFireNews.com. This past week, we have had two Line of Duty Deaths.
Can anyone tell me what this "FD" mark is next to the front door. The photo was taken in Florida.
Quick Takes on STATter911.com – Dave Statter always has a pile of news saved up for his Quick Takes he publishes on Monday. Read all the latest news here.
Brotherhood Cuts – We are open for business. This is a very cool event that is kicking off on March 10th in North Carolina. Read more about it here. Brotherhood Cuts is an initiative to support the National Firefighters Endowment. Myself and Willie Wines Jr. are looking forward to more events in the future!
Speaking of National Firefighters Endowment…The first sweepstakes winner from The National Firefighters Endowment is Dan Shuck, firefighter at Williamston Fire Dept. He won a Bail-out bag. Connect with the Endowment on Facebook to see when the next sweepstakes will be!
Leatherhead 109 - Remember when the new buzz going around the Internet was all about better ways to do the job? Better tactics, little nuggets, the tips and tricks. That wasn’t all that long ago. I remember one of the websites that I really took a liking to was “Fire Nuggets”…continue reading Fire Service Writing and Blogging: We were on a roll…
On The Lamb Productions - My cousin died in 9/11 and in his honor I created a super hero called Fireman. A young firefighter with soul of a viking warrior in him. It’s a great story. I just released the first issue last week and I’m looking to sell thousands to bring an awareness of the men and woman that sacrifice their lives for everyone. The first responders. There will be 8 issues in this series and all are filled with suspense and drama. Oh and action.
Legislative Appeal for EMS LODD Benefits – Danny was a paramedic, a cop, and a firefighter. If Danny had been working as a law enforcement officer, his family would have been covered. If Danny had been working as a firefighter, his family would have been covered. Danny died in the line of duty, and the federal government denied his family the Public Safety Officer Benefit to his wife & two children because his employer, Bensalem Rescue Squad, is a non-profit. Read my post here
FireGeezer - MORE THAN 100 MONMOUTH COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS were called to a commercial blaze in downtown Long Branch, New Jersey, Monday mid-day. A large and difficult-to-control fire ripped through a 3-story apartment building and several adjoining businesses. via Fire Geezer – The Digital Dayroom – Firefighting Blog.
FireRescue1.com -Medics’ alleged mistakes in Chicago girl’s death likely to cost $1.75M — Chicago taxpayers will likely spend $1.75 million to compensate the family of a 13-year-old girl who died of bronchial asthma in 2002 after a string of alleged mistakes made by Chicago Fire Department paramedics. via Medics’ alleged mistakes in Chicago girl’s death likely to cost $1.75M.
This is a personal appeal for EMS responders. It is not just for Danny Mac, whom these friends and family set out to help, but for all EMS responders potentially effected by this legislation.
Danny McIntosh died in the line of duty about two years ago. You can read his story here http://dannymac.org/INDEX.html. His wife & kids were denied the $330k federal PSOB death benefit because… he was working for an EMS non-profit. PSOB covers paid & volunteer EMTs, paramedics & firefighters who work for fire department based non-profits, but they deny all claims if it’s an EMS based non-profit. It’s a stupid loophole. The families of several hundred thousand EMTs & paramedics are not be protected by PSOB because of this loophole. The ironic thing about this case is~ Danny was also a firefighter and a sworn law enforcement officer. If he had responded to the same job wearing any of his other uniforms, Bethann, Delaney & Addison would have been covered.
Daniel "Danny Mac" McIntosh
Congressman Mike “the rockstar” Fitzpatrick got wind of the problems of the McIntosh family, and he got personally involved. His staffers worked with Bethann on her appeals, and Mike proposed HR1668 “Danny Mac” to close this stupid loophole. They reached out to their brothers & sisters in Vermont http://www.honoringheroes.com/2011/06/danny-mac-progress-report-2/ Last summer, the bill was stuck in the House Judiciary committee. Some of the staffers who work for the Chairman (Lamar Smith- Texas) had a problem with it, so we went to DC to educate them, and help get this bill passed. They asked their brothers & sisters in Texas to talk to their member of Congress (Lamar Smith) about this issue. They were glad to do it, because there are quite a few EMS non-profits in his district that were affected. http://www.honoringheroes.com/2011/07/mutual-aid-needed-from-texas-for-danny-mac/
Nationally syndicated radio host Michael Smerconish got involved. He broadcasts from Philly, and he has listeners in Austin & San Antonio.
When he learned the truth, Congressman Smith became a supporter of the Danny Mac bill.
They then had to wait until the bill was passed by the House (happened in early 2012). A parallel bill was passed by the Senate (same time). It should have become law- and then a little less than two weeks ago- the wheels came off.
Every time a bill becomes law, the last step is the House & Senate bills go to a Conference Committee. The purpose of this committee is to RECONCILE the two bills. Many times there are subtle differences in the language. In this case, the Conference Committee CHANGED the two bills by pulling all of the “Danny Mac” language out of the bill. They pulled the language 90 minutes before the bill became law! Their arrogance is epic. I’m told that the decision was made by one of the staffers who works for Congressman Mica (Orlando).
I’m told their reason was money. They didn’t want to add to the debt/deficit. I get it. The government is out of control. Guess how much it would cost… the Congressional Budget Office benchmarked it at $10 million dollars over 10 years! That’s a massive 0.00027% of the budget! If they had done their homework and read the bill, they would have learned that it is paid for out of drug seizure money. It actually adds 0.0000000000000% to the debt/deficit. Talk about failing!
One arrogant political-hack staffer violated the will of the people (the bill was passed by both chambers). One arrogant political-hack staffer violated denied Danny’s widow and small children equal protection under the law, and denied them Danny’s death benefit… because he worked for a non-profit. Tricks like this are the reason why Congress’ approval rating never tops 10%. They played by the rules. They used their First Amendment rights and “petitioned our government”. They did it themselves. They didn’t use lobbyists because they couldn’t afford them.. Can you guess how pissed they are?
They are not alone. Congressman Fitzpatrick, Senator Leahy (author of the Senate bill), and Congressman Smith (TX) are going to introduce a stand-alone bill. They need to get the bill passed ASAP because Bethann’s last appeal will be heard in mid-March.
This week~ boots on the ground~ again
They are heading down to DC on Wednesday (Feb. 15th, 2012) to hold Congressman Mica accountable for the actions of his staffer. They (Bucks County PA guys) are being joined by guys from as far away as Vermont & Texas. This is grassroots- set up by guys who knew Danny- to honor his memory and to take care of his family. This isn’t being set-up, sponsored, endorsed, funded, or orchestrated by any lobbyists or national organizations.
They want to make it possible for the stand-alone to be passed before Bethann’s hearing, and to turn survivors’ issues into a political third rail. The plan is to hold Mica accountable in the court of public opinion. It would be a grand-slam if they could get some guys in the Orlando area to show up in front of one of his offices down there- and get the local media to cover it. They are working the networks to see if we can get it done…
Make the story go viral~
Share it, comment, repost it, and retweet it. Whatever you can do to spread the word!
Some of the text above was sent to me by the advocates. Some was edited and added by me.
Brotherhood Cuts is a fund raiser. However, it isn’t just any fund raiser. This is a fund raiser that gives back to the Fire Service. This initiative isn’t masked by some huge plume of smoke disguising the purpose or sending funds somewhere else.
National Firefighters Endowment seeks to support organizations that lack the tools and resources necessary to more effectively protect the life and safety of the public and their emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.
How many departments do you know who “lack the tools and resources…”? Yeah, I think that pretty much covers all of us.
Myself (FireCritic.com) and Captain Willie Wines Jr. (IronFiremen.com) have teamed up with the National Firefighters Endowment…and in fact, the Endowment has teamed up with us as well. They have been very supportive of our ideas for the future.
Brotherhood Cuts is just one of those events.
The first event will be held March 10th (5pm) in Pinnacle, North Carolina at the Shoals Volunteer Fire Department (2964 Shoals Rd Pinnacle, NC 27043) Everyone is welcome to attend. More information here
Special thanks to the Shoals VFD and their members for putting this event on!
There is a Facebook group set up for those participating in the event. Check it out here
The first event is raising money for bail-out kits for firefighters in North Carolina
America’s Fire Captain Willie Wines Jr. is planning on attending this first event. Unfortunately, I will be unable to make it.
Word has it, if enough money is raised…ole Willie is willing to shave that dead squirrel right off his upper lip. I won’t tell you the number, but let us just say it has several zeros in it!
We encourage all those who are attending to raise money for the Endowment. To make raising money a little easier to swallow, we have thrown in some “prizes”.
Prizes:
raise $100 earn a Brotherhood Chip from the Fire Critic and Ironfiremen
raise $250 earn a Shirt from National Firefighters Endowment
raise $750 earn a miniature leather fire helmet collectible from National Firefighters Endowment.
raise $2,500 earn a Phenix TL-2 Leather Fire Helmet
If you would like to start your own “Brotherhood Cuts” event for your department or organization, please let me know or email the National Firefighters Endowment (shane@thethinredline.org)
In May, you will get the first chance to see Dave Statter and I speak under the same roof. Imagine the roof on that building that it can fit our egos in one building. Dave and I have teamed up to present on communications in the digital age. Dave will offer a boring talk on the fun stuff, I will offer a fun talk on the boring stuff. Dave thinks Willie and I are going to pick him up on the way…we are actually going to see if he is able to thumb his way to Ohio!
If we lose the crowd, Willie is going to push me into Dave and we will start a fight…either way it should be one heck of an event!
2012 Leadership Conference in Cherry Valley Lodge in Newark, Ohio
May 23-24, 2012
Presented by the Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation
Dave and I will be presenting “Effective Communications in a Digital Age” on May 23rd. Presented by: Rhett Fleitz and Dave Statter. This all day session will focus on the nuts and bolts of how to use the two most popular social media platforms: Facebook and Twitter. To be effective in communicating today, an organization must use both.
Rhett Fleitz, from FireCritic.com, is a Roanoke, Virginia lieutenant who has been using digital platforms (Internet, social media) in connection with the fire service longer than most anyone. In the fire service for 15 years, Lt. Fleitz is a member of the IAFF and won a 2nd place IAFF Media Award. He is also a published author and blogger with experience helping others start their own blogs and websites. Rhett has done a number of presentations around the country including FDIC, Kean College in New Jersey and most recently at a symposium in Kenton County, Kentucky.
Dave Statter, from STATter911.com, brings his audience fire & EMS news from the Washington, D.C. area, around the country and around the world. He spent 38 years in broadcasting as a television and radio reporter. In his youth he had been a volunteer firefighter, fire department dispatcher and a cardiac rescue technician in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
May 24th:
On May 24th, attendees will get to hear Lt. Steve Robertson (Columbus Ohio Division of Fire) present “Risk vs. Benefit! Critical Decision Making in Firefighter Safety and Survival”. Presented by: Lt. Steve Robertson Columbus Ohio Division of Fire. This course will review incidents where critical decisions were made and how these decisions affected the outcome. Students will also receive valuable tools to make the right decisions in critical situations. The class will also discuss the safety culture within the fire service and how the lack of accountability along with the sense of entitlement is having a detrimental effect on our job. Only WE can reduce line of duty deaths.
Steve Robertson has been in the fire service for 22 years, the last 19 with the Columbus Ohio Division of Fire. He is a state certified Fire Safety instructor and paramedic and a member of the USAR Central Ohio Strike Team. In addition, Steve is an instructor for Rapid Intervention Training and Associates and has taught rapid intervention nationally. Steve currently serves as a Relief Officer in the 1st Battalion
It has me questioning a lot of things. Don’t get that mixed up with me faltering on my convictions…just thinking in retrospect.
I would love to hear what you all have to say. This is a great reason to be connected with The Fire Critic on Facebook! Be sure to click “like” when you visit and share the page with your friends. Comments are always appreciated.
Also, make sure you are reading the “Everyone (Most Recent)” and not just what I post. You will be amazed at what is shared. Feel free to share your stuff as well. Join in on the fun as well.
The main conversation is centered around a topic started by an Australian Firefighter who is seeking some understanding.
Feel free to chime in.
I always appreciate the professional conversation.
Willie Wines Jr. and I recently made our way up to New York City. We actually stayed in Hoboken, New Jersey. We were travelling and hanging out with Zach Green once again.
This time, we had several reasons for being in NYC. One specific reason was to drop off a couple of checks to Captain Liam Flaherty. Willie, Zach, and I headed up a fund raising campaign for the Rescue 2 MAYDAY fund which netted around $2300.
I was a little under the weather on my trip and still not 100% when I got home. I rested and made it back to work in time. Among working on a brand new web site that will debut soon, I have been trying to catch up on email, house chores, and being a father and husband.
I am not going to write a real long post here. There are a couple of pictures I would like to share though.
Here are just some of the highlights of the trip. We could have fun at an “Occupy” event…oh wait, we have done that as well. The plans for the year keep filling up. We have scheduled visits, or ones in the works, in North Carolina, Ohio, New Jersey, and South Dakota already. We also plan on being at FDIC, FRI, and Firehouse Expo…Harrisburg maybe as well. Speaking of travel, I will be in Nashville on the weekend of Feb. 17th if anyone wants to meet up!
Willie standing with Captain Bob Farrell (ret. FDNY L31) of Fire Hooks Unlimited. More on that later as well.
Willie and I standing outside Carlos' Bake Shop from the TV show Cake Boss.
Willie and Zach. I think they were holding hands most of the night. The Statue of Liberty is behind them.
My brother, Royce, and I with our new 10-House shirts standing in front of the memorial on the side of the firehouse next to Ground Zero.
Willie and I posing with Firefighter James Sorokac. He works at The Rock and is featured in the oil painting behind us on the wall. More on the painting later.
Here is my brother Royce chinning up!
Here is Zach pulling up at The Rock, FDNY's training center.
Willie and I met up with one of our readers. Christine is from the Joysey area stays in constant contact with us via the blog and social media. We met for a beer. Lord knows what she is doing hanging out with us sinners.
The FDNY’s application process is under scrutiny by the Vulcan Society of the FDNY. Watch the video below for the entire story.
Apparently, the application process was too difficult for some applicants and incomplete applications were turned in.
Some black applicants will be getting house calls by the Vulcan Society to help them complete their incomplete applications. This was approved by a Court Monitor. We are talking about over 2000 house calls! Keep in mind that 52% of the applicants are black.
HUH? Should incomplete applications warrant house calls? Should incomplete applications be given extra time to get it right?
Isn’t part of the application process…following directions?
I understand the need for recruitment and a focus on recruitment towards minorities. I remember learning a lot at an Affiliate Leadership Training Seminar and Human Relations Conference put on by the IAFF. It was an eye opener for me. The way I understood it was that there are fewer minorities on the job as firefighters because for years they were unable to get the job due to a multitude of reasons including prejudice and racism. Only by efforts in recruiting certain minorities have departments been able to increase the number of minorities on the job. That being said, I do believe there is a right and a wrong way of doing things.
Do we need to draw a line somewhere? I mean for all applicants. What do you all think? Is this special treatment warranted?
I just can’t think of a single company willing to hire anyone who can’t even correctly fill out an application.
Willie Wines Jr. (IronFiremen.com), Zach Green (MN8FoxFire.com), and I showed up today in New York City. Haw Dilly! Willie and I drove in…<cough>, I drove in and Willie slept off his hangover today. We showed up in Hoboken, New Jersey and met up with Zach. Once Willie got his thumb out of his mouth, we headed directly to FDNY Rescue 2 to drop off the check from money we raised for the Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund. Let me tell you…it was a blast. Remember, we had been here last trip (read more here). However, this time it was more…it was better. We were supporting them. They had just returned from a fire and were eating. We didn’t want to interrupt, but we enjoyed some coffee while they ate.
Yeah, they made a pot of coffee. It meant the world to me. One Effin cup of coffee was all I needed. If you remember, I have been kicking myself since our last trip for NOT drinking the cup of coffee I was offered. This time I drank it…and they opened up to us more as time went on.
Remember, we are in their house. We felt welcome. However, if you ever travel with Willie or I, you will quickly learn that you get in and get out before anyone gets tired of you being there. Often this means leaving before you might need to…but you leave on good terms.
We visited. I drank a cup of coffee, as did Willie and Zach, and then we left. We felt great. Oh, and we left several Brotherhood Chips…just as we always do!
Here are some pics. Below that is the press release on the money we raised for the Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund.
Zach Green, Captain Liam Flaherty, Willie Wines Jr., and Rhett Fleitz presenting the check from Swoope VFC in Virginia for $100 just after presenting a check from MN8 for $1900. The total donated was around $2300 for the Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund.
Zach Green, Captain Liam Flaherty, Willie Wines Jr., and Rhett Fleitz presenting the check from Swoope VFC in Virginia for $100 just after presenting a check from MN8 for $1900. The total donated was around $2300 for the Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund.
More than $2,300 Raised to Help F.D.N.Y. Rescue 2 Injured Firefighters
Effort Led by MN8-Foxfire, FireCritic.com and IronFiremen.com Cincinnati, OH, January 31, 2012— More than $2,300 was raised through efforts by MN8-Foxfire, the developer of breakthrough illuminating products for firefighters, Lt. Rhett Fleitz of the Fire Critic blog (FireCritic.com) and Captain Willie Wines Jr. of the Wooden Ladders and Iron Firemen blog (IronFiremen.com) to support two injured firefighters with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Rescue 2. During the weeklong fundraiser, MN8-Foxfire donated 50 percent of product sales through the company website to the FDNY Rescue 2 Mayday Fund. Contributions were also collected through donations from firefighters and individuals.
Today, MN8-Foxfire President Zachary Green, Fleitz and Wines presented a check to the FDNY Rescue 2 Mayday Fund to Captain Liam Flaherty at the Rescue 2 station in New York. “We were especially devastated to learn about the fire that injured the two Rescue 2 firefighters, as we have a special connection with Rescue 2 since we spent time with Captain Flaherty and his crew last year,” said Green. “It was an honor to have participated in the efforts to raise money to help these heroes and visit with Rescue 2 again today,” said Wines. “When something happens to one of our firefighting brothers, the firefighting community pulls together,” said Fleitz. “I’m proud to be part of a brotherhood that cares about and helps one another.”
On Monday, December 19, 2011, two firefighters from Rescue 2 suffered severe burns during a brownstone structure fire and were in critical condition upon hospital admittance. Both men face long recoveries. One is still hospitalized in critical condition and the other is now recovering at home under the care of a burn center outpatient program.
Best of the Rest is a weekly column aired every Tuesday. If you have something to share, let me know! Our shoutouts (formerly the Monday Morning Shoutout) is now in this column and includes a Facebook fan page, blog or web site, and a Twitter profile.
This weeks is short because I am travelling…I am just getting to finalizing this post tonight…enjoy!
Shoutouts
Facebook Page:
Web Site:EverydayEMSTips.com. Here are some recent Everyday EMS Athlete profiles:
Fire Service Warrior – Last week I posted an article from January on The Fire Service Warrior. Chief Ron Siarnicki commented on the post directly on FSW and apparently the two caught up to discuss it. This week, Chris Brennan talks about why he wrote the article and his discussion with Siarnicki. Read the original post here and the newest post here.
S.A.F.E. Firefighter offers a post titled I “Get It”… And I’m Gonna Give It To You. The post is short and sweet. It offers introspect to an issue that many bloggers, writers, and firefighters have been trying to put their thumb on.
”The Cure” is a response to “The Sickness”. Both are written by Jason Hoevelmann on FireEngineering.com and both are worth a read.
FireRescue1.com – Mississippi Chief cracks down on Social Media use…what do you think about the new policy? Read it here
Whats going on at FDIC this year? A lot. I will be there and will have plenty of information coming up on the happenings, what I will be involved in and what you shouldn’t miss at the largest firefighting conference of the year. However…I was checking out the Facebook page for the event and saw this photo that was apparently tagged with FDIC. Yes, this is one of those loopholes and shows the need to keep an eye on your social media sites. Or, I could be wrong and I will be posting on the class where you can see more of her soon!
What is going on at FDIC this year? I want to sign up for that class! Check out the pic of the lady! It seems as though someone has been very liberal with tagging FDIC in this pic!
FireGeezer is always talking about putting the coffee on after his Morning Lineup:
Now let’s check out our own equipment and get ready for the day. I’ll get the coffee started and see you back in the day room in a little while.
From what I understand, when he was on the job he would enjoy the morning lineup and offer some interesting news to his firefighters each morning (prior to the blog).
The Tailboard Blog offers this on his about page: Grab a cup of cahfee regula and have a seat on The Tailboard.
What is it about that darn coffee?
This post is about two things
Enjoying “coffee time” each morning whether you drink coffee or not
Welcoming visitors into your station
Enjoying “Coffee Time”
Roanoke Firehouse #3 Bunn-o-matic CW Series three burner coffee maker. Yeah, we are proud of her! Stop in and enjoy a cup of joe!
Most of us don’t actually have a defined “line-up” in the morning when we get to work (or when duty crew starts for volunteers). We simply meander on in to the firehouse sometime hopefully before the bell rings. Back in the day, firefighters would dress out in their uniforms and stand for inspection. After the inspection, the firefighters would get the rundown of the days activities, chores, and other news from the Captain.
I am not sure I would mind it either way. I do enjoy “coffee time”. We show up and say hello to the off going shift, get some coffee, and listen to what happened the day before. There are some great stories to be heard each and every morning at our firehouse.
Enjoy that time, listen to what is being said. Jump on the “one upper” when he sits there chomping at the bit to tell a “better” story!
One thing that I am trying to change in my firehouse (on my shift and starting with me) is the complaining about the other shifts. I don’t think our shift does it too much, nor do the other shifts. Trust me, we typically have something to jump on them about…but what good does it do. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying not to fret them at all. We just need to tone it down a bit. Let the Captains handle any of the actual serious stuff that needs to be taken care of. After all, everybody can’t be on A-shift!
If you are the rookie, or the least senior firefighter…make sure their is coffee on!
Welcoming Visitors
This is actually the first thing I brought up to my company after attending “Pride and Ownership”. We all sat down and I went over some things I think we can do better. Welcoming guests is one of them.
Whether it is someone dropping off cookies, looking for directions, a neighboring crew, a retiree, an off duty firefighter, or Chiefs we should welcome them into OUR firehouse. After all, when someone comes to your house do you just let them walk in without greeting them? I didn’t think so.
Remember, a high percentage of people only see us when we are in the fire trucks. Make sure that if they stop in at the firehouse they get a warm welcome!
If it is a retiree or Chief, everyone should be notified. Everyone should then come and greet the individual(s). Shake hands, and someone should offer them coffee.
I did get one interesting question…
Let’s say you have a Chief who nobody likes. Do you ignore them or not treat them with respect? NO. Remember, you must respect the rank. You don’t have to respect the person, but always respect the rank.
What about someone who you just don’t get along with…both of you can’t stand each other. Shake their hand. Trust me, if you walk over and shake their hand and welcome them in your firehouse or do the same in theirs they might just start to get it…that we can still be Brothers even though we don’t get along.
I have been in a lot of firehouses. The only thing I regret is not drinking that cup of coffee. From now on, when I am offered a cup of coffee, I will drink it. It shows that I feel welcome in THEIR firehouse.
As loud as I can be, as much as I can cut-up, as much as I enjoy conversation and seeing other firehouses…for some reason, I always walk around like I am on eggshells in other peoples firehouse.
Oh, and one more thing when visiting other firehouses…don’t overextend your stay. Get in, enjoy your time, and leave before the conversation lags! You never know, they might have something planned and don’t want to push you out the door.
The voting for the Rescue Remodel Contest is underway. There are 5 firehouses on the ballot to win. The firehouse with the most votes will receive a truly heroic kitchen renovation valued at $25,000. And since it’s all from IKEA, it will be full of smart and innovative ideas to make their lives a little bit easier so they can better protect our communities.
A South Bend Firefighter has been demoted for taking a video of a recent fire with his cell phone.
The report does not state whether or not the “impromptu video” took away from a task the firefighter was completing. When I teach/present on social media, I always remind the guys/gals that they are firefighters, not reporters. They should leave the reporting up to others. I am also a huge proponent of taking pictures of your crew when the job is done.
I wonder at what point this video was taken. Was it really worthy of demotion?
I would also love to see the Facebook Policy for South Bend.
“As far as the punishments, the union doesn’t dole those out, that is an administration thing. Our job is to make sure that it is fair and equitable from member to member,” Kottkamp.
Through documents obtained by ABC 57 News and through close sources with the fire department, that is not the case. Several firefighters have gone unpunished for violating the same Facebook policy, including an instance back in 2010, where a firefighter posted an internal email to his Facebook page, followed by snide remarks. Yet, no action was taking against him.
Back in September, South Bend’s Facebook policy was in the news:
The South Bend Fire Department was supposed to implement a new Facebook policy Today but the local firefighters’ union has stepped in voicing serious concerns over the new social networking policy.
The union says the new policy is violating the firefighters’ First Amendment right to Freedom of Speech. Read more
Best of the Rest is a weekly column aired every Tuesday. If you have something to share, let me know! Our shoutouts (formerly the Monday Morning Shoutout) is now in this column and includes a Facebook fan page, blog or web site, and a Twitter user.
Shoutouts:
Facebook fan page of the week:The Fire Service Warrior – it is about being combat ready in the fire service. Need I say more?
Blog/ web site of the week:S.A.F.E. Firefighter Blog – S.A.F.E. stands for Smart, Aggressive, Fundamental, Efficient.
Twitter user of the week:Greg Friese has been a long time friend of mine who I met through various circles. He stays connected using social media. If you are into social media, EMS, or Education you should follow him. @GFriese
FDNY Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund – The Fire Critic, IronFiremen.com, and MN8 FoxFire have teamed up to raise money for the Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund. Read more about it here, here, here, and here. Go Directly to MN8 FoxFire web site to donate/purchase. 50% of purchases go to the fund. 100% of donations go to the fund.
Captain Jeff Bowen
STATter911.com – Dave Statter is out first with this story about what Jay Bettencourt went through in the futile rescue of Jeff Bowen. We are turning STATter911.com over this morning and tomorrow to Firefighter Jay Bettencourt of North Carolina’s Asheville Fire Department. You may recognize Jay’s name from our coverage of the fire on July 28, 2011 at a medical office building at 445 Biltmore Avenue that took the life of Jay’s friend, mentor and captain, Jeff Bowen. Jay was seriously injured in the fire. This is a must read story!
The Fire Service Warrior – Quit Telling Me To Change My Culture. Although this was written a year ago, the post has found some new life being passed around facebook. It is short, sweet, and to the point! Check it out.
Fire Truck Blog - Many of you have been asking for an update on 11-year-old Kyle McGetrick, the Barnegat, New Jersey boy who has been battling cancer for seven years. Jim Duffy, who read about Kyle here on FireTruckBlog.com in December, will have Kyle as a guest tonight on the Internet radio showFireground Strategies & Other Stuff From the Street that Jim does with Deputy Chief Anthony Avillo on Fire Engineering Talk Radio. It starts at 7:30 PM Eastern Time. Here’s the link
Hybrid Medic – Why it’s important to be nice - You as a provider have a fiduciary responsibility, that is, having the characteristics of trust. If you display behavior that is not consistent of being worthy of trust, then the patients will not trust you to deliver the best care and certainly not for their family. This is important in all cases, but even more so in cases that involve poor outcomes, because poor outcomes could equal lawsuits even if you delivered stellar care, simply on the assumption that because you acted poorly that you performed equally as poor.
FireGeezer – Semi wipes out ambulance at accident scene - A TOLEDO, OHIO, AMBULANCE WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED Saturday morning after a tractor-trailer jacknifed and crashed into the unit that was stopped at an accident scene.
FireRescue1 - Zoe Saldana plays real-life hero after Calif. car crash. CULVER CITY, Calif. — A new celebrity hero has joined the ranks of real-life do-gooders. Zoe Saldana jumped to the rescue of an injured elderly woman this week in Culver City, Calif., after witnessing a car accident that left the driver with a scratched and bloodied face.
Surround and drowned in Detroit
This house fire happened on Hawkins Rd. off Hammond Lane in Centreach. No injuries. Great job by Centereach FD with a little help from Selden FD
Apparently a firefighter needed some assistance with directions for incoming units. He got answers from the guy holding the video camera. Nice teamwork!
According to George DeLaTorre, Spokesman for the El Paso Fire Department, a tenant was smoking outside on the balcony of a second-story apartment and did not put out the cigarette correctly. The cigarette fell onto empty cardboard boxes nearby and caught fire. The flames spread to surrounding units and resulted in heavy fire and smoke damage to three other units, and smoke damage to 4 others. The unit where the fire originated is a total loss.
As the “Best of the Rest” column continues to grow, I have added a Facebook Fan Page of the Week and two Quick Drills by FirefighterCloseCalls.com. More regular content to be added in the future. As always, if you have something to share, send it in!
I just got finished watching Food Inc. It left me wondering what the hell I am eating. I shall continue my ways of eating healthier foods. My wife and I eat healthy at home, but I think we shall make the move to organic. I might have puked in my mouth a little when watching the documentary. Read more about it here.
Rescuing Myself – Check out this newer blog that has been online since September 2011.
Now, on to a more serious topic. One of the biggest reasons I am looking forward to being at FDIC, the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb. I signed up today and can honestly say just submitting my information kind of choked me up a little. This will be my first stair climb, hopefully not my last. I will be climbing in honor of Captain Terence Hatton, Res1cue. Read it here
The site is run by Trevor: I’m a 19-year-old second generation fireman. The fire service has always been a big part of my life. I started writing this blog to pass along things I see and feel. Good and bad. I expect no one to take any of this as a gospel, but I expect myself to learn a lot.
Keep up the great work Trevor! I will see you at FDIC.
California High School student devises possible cancer cure - Angela’s idea was to mix cancer medicine in a polymer that would attach to nanoparticles — nanoparticles that would then attach to cancer cells and show up on an MRI. so doctors could see exactly where the tumors are. Then she thought shat if you aimed an infrared light at the tumors to melt the polymer and release the medicine, thus killing the cancer cells while leaving healthy cells completely unharmed. Read it here
Hero Rush – Do you have what it takes to complete? Hero Rush gives you the chance to put your mettle to the test. You’ll run an intense 5k+ race with multiple fire-related obstacles. Climb ladders and slide down poles, crawl through windows and break down doors, scramble through HAZMAT slime and locate trapped victims — but be careful — you might get the fire hoses turned on you! Don’t just play in the mud — be a Hero! Read more here
1st Generation Firefighter- Another blog from Southwest Virginia? Apparently so, although I have no clue who it is. Two posts have been written. We will give them some time to see if they last. Latest post: Experienced Based Training
FireGeezer – The self proclaimed Geezer has a story of a pre-historic tree that burned in Florida. We think at the very least, he is still young at heart! Read it here
Leatherhead 109 - A skilled, attentive fire officer is much like that with his company. Observing, critiquing, suggesting, …disciplining, but all the while remaining a “Brother”. Like a file taking the burrs from an axe blade. What kind of officer are you? Do you “hone” the firemen you lead? Or are you like a grinding wheel, gouging, burning, removing too much steel? Read more here
Backstep Firefighter – Complacency can KILL YOU.Treat every alarm as the real deal… your life as well as the lives of your Brothers and Sisters may very well depend on it. Read more here
Mike Elston and Smitty attended the Pride and Ownership class and expanded on their experience on the 2 House Blog
2 House Blog – A local blog near me talks about the Pride and Ownership class we attended. Read it here
Average Jake FF – Why Aren’t You? The big question I have is WHY AREN’T YOU? Why aren’t you writing articles, reading up, drilling? Why don’t you care? I know putting yourself out there for all to critique can be hard, but for me even if one person comes up and says “I really liked your article” then it was all worth it. Read more here
FireCritic.com – I have written two parts of an in-depth look at Pride and Ownership in relation to my department. Check out part 1 here, and part 2 here.
STATter911.com – Dave Statter typically stays in front of the big news even before Fire Engineering, Fire Rescue1, Firefighter Nation, and Firehouse.com… Check out these articles:
Fire Rescue 1 - Chicago brotherhood embraces fallen NC firefighter’s family. When Fire Capt. Will Caviness of North Carolina died running the Chicago Marathon, the brotherhood of firefighters took care of his family. Read it here
Firefighter Nation- Rescue Operations on Italian Cruise Ship Halted. Costa Concordia ran into a reef Friday night and capsized into the port area of Giglio. Read it here.
Fire Engineering – Ray McCormack asks if the fire service should have an Annual Attack Certification for Firefighters. My biggest question is: Would there be a Volunteer Certification and a Career Certification? Read it here
Firehouse.com - Study Finds Firefighters Have Higher Rates Of Obesity Than Public. This is just embarrassing. Hey LAZY ASSES, get off your asses and do something about this. Talk about black eye for the fire service… NO EXCUSES. Read it here
Kenneth Michael Hedrick is remembered with a service 20 years after his death in the Line of Duty. Watch it below. Another perfect example of Never Forgetting.
Here is a decent video showing a complicated, involved, and presumably very well choreographed rescue of a woman and her two daughters. The three family members were rescued, ages 36,10, and 10 months. The driver of the semi died in the collision. The incident happened in Buellton, California.
The amazing part of this rescue is that the vehicle was teetering on the side of a bridge 100 feet above the ground. Seriously, watch the video to see the site.
This, my friends, is what it is all about. Training, diligence, determination, experience, knowledge, and teamwork.
I listened to Chief Rick Lasky’s “Pride and Ownership” today. I am pumped. If you have not heard it, you are missing out.
Check out this video about a brand new technology being developed by Tanagram Inc. They are developing Headmounted display (HMD) Augmented Reality (AR) technology. Yeah, I know…what the hell does that mean? Watch the video!
In my words: Think of it as fighting fire with the same types of heads up displays you have when you play Modern Warfare. That description probably sucks, watch the video and you will see what I mean. I just wonder how many fires you have to fight before you get to PRESTIGE!
Apparently this has been under development for a little while. Check out Tanagram’s site for more news and videos created last year about the technology. It seems as though we might be a little closer to seeing this stuff be available though.
The big question….will our fire departments be able to afford it?
Maybe they will pick The Fire Critic to do a product review and testing! I can hope, can’t I?
This technology is being developed for the military and public safety in mind.
From their site:
Tanagram, under a grant provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), developed a phase-zero self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) enhancement that leverages HMD / AR technology to display critical factors all-the-while not obscuring the firefighter’s field of view. Dubbed Helmet with Embedded Active Display for Emergency Responders or HEADER, our concept vision was researched with participation from the Champaign, IL Fire Department. (We even sent a few people to firefighter training!) In our literature review, we found little research has been done with regards to embedded, mixed media (augmented reality) display technology that focuses on unobtrusiveness and consumer acceptance (our fancy word for user friendly). Because of this we are sharing our work with you in hopes that it sparks a conversation that will be very relevant, very soon.
I do not have much information on this video, nor do I know when it occurred. I believe it occurred in Russia. However, I was on the edge of my seat as this firefighter was rescued at the last possible moment as he hung outside the 4th or 5th floor of this high rise and fire burned around him. Just before he is rescued by the aerial you can see his gear on fire. Seconds later, the window he was hanging from is fully engulfed in fire. The end of the video says 2006, so it could be pretty old but still worth a look. I apologize if you all have seen it already. I have seen a couple videos…but not this one so I thought it was worthy of sharing.
This is definitely a CLOSE CALL!
The translation of the title is Fire in Kvartire. I couldn’t find anymore information, nor do I know where that is.
The video is apparently available for training purposes. The translation of the description on youtube is:
A series of films for training to prepare personnel of fire protection.
Fire officials said the blaze erupted around 11 pm Tuesday night inside 4945 Broadway, a Chinese restaurant which had been closed since the summer. It took 138 firefighters from 33 units to bring the fire under control at 2:48 am.
Sources told the Daily News “illegal nighttime welding” inside the restaurant appeared to be the cause of the fire. A spokesman for the NYFD would only say its investigation is ongoing.
This process of creating the new site has been long and worthwhile. I first thought of wanting to do reviews back in 2006, I began them 5 years later…and now the stand alone web site. The main reason why I moved the reviews to a separate site was because of feedback wanting more information and more reviews. Apparently, the thumbs up or down means a lot to my readers and I want to build something that helps even more.
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