Video below of FDNY firefighters battling a high-rise fire in lower Manhattan. The videos offer two angles of the fire which started on the 16th floor and extended to the 18th. According to reports, it is a 21 story building. Firefighter Nation beat me to this story…they have a little more on it here. The fire occurred at 69 Columbia Street yesterday, March 28th around 11:18am.
I am gearing up for FDIC as many of my friends are as well. This year, Willie and I will be traveling with Mike Elston (Salem FD), and Andrew Catron (Kingsport FD). We look forward to many of the events. I will be posting our itinerary soon to let you all know where we will be.
My wife and I are planning on doing the Hero Rush in Maryland on April 28th. We just need to solidify someone to watch our children. We have a wedding to attend that evening in Norther Virginia as well.
Hopefully, Willie and I will have the patches and challenge coins by FDIC. The patches should be here later this week. We will let you know how to get yours soon! The patches were made by NM Coin LLC.
The pic on the right is our new patch!
This weeks “Best of the Rest” is a little short. Today, I decided to ride my bike (as in bicycle) to the gym and back. Did I mention it was “leg” day at the gym which is about an 8 mile ride one way. It was fun though!
Web site: Hero Rush
Facebook: Facebook.com/herorush
Twitter: @HeroRush
An obstacle race & experience created by firefighters.
You can view all of the weekly drills by FirefighterCloseCalls.com here. Try these two at the firehouse this week:
VAFireNews.com: Help VAFireNews.com spread the word about the Gore VFD needing a tanker. They are in desperate need of a donated tanker after they lost theirs in a wreck that claimed the life of one of their firefighters. Read more here and help by sharing on Facebook!
FireGeezer.com celebrates 5 years as a blog. He also has some stats, like over 12,000 posts! That is an achievement! Read more here
Fire Critic Chicken Salad: You guys asked for it…Here is the recipe that my guys love at the firehouse. Ok, maybe they like more, but this is one of them. Check out the recipe here.
FireLawBlog.com has the update on a local story for The Fire Critic. A lawsuit was dismissed by the judge in the case of a firefighter supposedly having sex in a station. The latest lawsuit alleged sex discrimination against Dennis Croft. Read more here
Boron Extrication continues to teach us about vehicles…and what we need to know to keep us safe!
Backstep Firefighter offers some insight and a few links on Transitional Attack. Read more here
STATter911.com originally shared this bit below of two firefighters trying to occupy the same space while heading to an alarm.
The Gore VFD needs help. They need a tanker. You can help by sharing on Facebook and Twitter. Either share this post, or share the original post on VAFireNews.com that already has 226+ “likes” on Facebook! Bloggers can help by posting this on their blogs too!
On February 13th of this year, the Gore Volunteer Fire Department suffered a tragic loss. Firefighter Zachary Whitacre was killed, In the Line of Duty, during a single vehicle wreck. The Gore VFD is rebuilding. Not only did they lose a bright young firefighter, they also lost their tanker. A tanker they rely on for water supply in their area.
They are looking for help. They are seeking a tanker to be donated to their fire department. There have been many offers of used tankers for sale, but they simply do not have the funds to purchase. Not even a used tanker.
If you know of any department willing to donate a tanker, or someone willing to fund the purchase of a tanker please contact them.
Gore VFD is in desperate need of a Tanker…help them out by sharing this with anyone and everyone!
The Gore Volunteer Fire Department of Frederick County, Virginia suffered a tragic loss back in February when Station 14 member Zachary Taylor “Zach” Whitacre passed away in a line of duty death as a result of an accident. The department wishes to express its thanks and gratitude to all departments for the support they have received since Zach passed away.
As a result of this accident, the department’s “Tanker 14”, a 1,500 gallon tanker, was totaled and the Gore members are utilizing their current 1994 Pierce with a 1,000 gallon water tank as their primary suppression unit. The Gore Volunteer Fire Department is in desperate need of a used tanker.
Based on their first due response area, a tanker truck carrying 1,500 – 1,800 gallons of water is needed. Since the department would have to utilize the tanker as a backup to their engine, a 1,000 gallon per minute pump (or 750 gallon per minute) is also preferred.
If your department is selling or willing to donate your tanker truck to the Gore community, please contact Assistant Chief Kevin Yost at Fire Station 14. The phone number to contact is (540) 858-2811. If you prefer email, contact the editor of VAFireNews.com at editor@vafirenews.com and I will forward the message.
Congratulations to the following blogs for being named the 2012 Blogs of the Year!
Reader’s Choice Fire Blog of the Year: STATter 911
Judge’s Choice Fire Blog of the Year: Backstep Firefighter
Reader’s Choice EMS Blog of the Year: Insomniac Medic
Judge’s Choice EMS Blog of the Year: EMS 12 lead
After weeks of nominations, voting, and judging…the blogs above beat out all the rest!
Hosted by EMS1, FireRescue1 and FireCritic.com, and sponsored by the American Military University, this contest has the goal of finding the best bloggers in the EMS and fire industries.
Below you will find all of the nominated blogs…The ones in bold were the ten finalists for voting. The ones bold and italic were finalists for the judges. The remaining nominated blogs are below that in no particular order.
You should definitly check through the list to see the blogs. You might find one you had never read.
EMS Blogs Shortlist for Voting and JudgesFirefighters need to be healthy. I am no health nut, nor will you be seeing me in a firefighter calendar anytime soon.
However, I have been trying to be a healthier firefighter. I am not talking about wearing SCBA…I have always done that. I am talking about strength training, eating healthy, and being fit.
I am talking about being fit and eating healthy. As I type this, my whole body is sore from a chest workout on Monday alone at the firehouse, a tremendous leg workout on Tuesday with my wife, and some vigorous training this morning in Troutville on Rapid Intervention Teams…needless to say, I took the day off from working out.
Please do not take this post as being a “lecture” about what you should be doing. I just want to share some of my inspiration for finally making a difference for myself. I am not a nutritionist, nor am I a personal trainer. In all, I have lost 15 lbs. in the past 6 months. That may not sound like much, but I only weight 155 lbs. now. I am not a big guy. I did have some excess weight and still have some “baby fat” to loose!
13 years in my department. I was 155 lbs. when I got hired. The only difference between then and now is that I had well defined abs then. Now, they are still covered by a layer (not a beer gut) of fat. I am working on that! 13 years of eating whatever the hell I wanted and I was blessed with only gaining 15 lbs. I can’t complain.
Feel free to let me know what works for you.
This is where I draw some of my inspiration:
My wife with IFBB Pro Nicole Wilkins. This is one of the women my wife draws her inspiration from.
My wife is an amazing woman. Over a year ago, she decided she was going to begin working out. She got a personal trainer and started a regimen of working out twice a week with a personal trainer. Soon after, she realized that her goal would be to compete in a local figure competition. This summer she will achieve that goal. After a year and a half of training, strict dieting, and pushing her body to the limits, she will compete. I am so proud and excited for her. I began working out with her and her trainer several months ago. Two days a week, I wear myself out in the gym right next to my wife. Above the fact that we are working out, we get to spend time together away from the children and get to have fun, cut up, and workout. It has been beneficial to us as a couple as well as individually for our bodies. My wife works out other days of the week on her own. I join here when I can.
Even after working out with her and the trainer, I still lacked motivation to work out at the station…until last week. I have finally turned the corner and seen some results of working out and want more. I don’t have any set goals for what I want to accomplish with working out, but putting on some muscle is good enough for me. Don’t worry…I am not splitting shirts yet!
Me and my wife finishing our first ever 5k together.
For years, I have seen friends on facebook, twitter, and blogs who run. Greg Friese and Chris Hebert are two that come to mind immediately. They run. Greg probably runs more than I ever will. I still have not found that Runner’s high, and I don’t run regularly. What I have found that drives me is running 5k races. I have done several now and enjoy my time pushing myself each time. The messed up thing is that I don’t really train for the races. We will see where this goes. I will also note that my wife ran in the San Francisco Women’s Marathon a couple of years ago…another accomplishment of hers that she set her mind to. Unfortunately, she incurred and injury during the marathon and was only able to compete the 1/2 marathon.
I am the firehouse cook at my firehouse. I enjoy cooking and am able to control what is served at lunch and dinner. I might add that I am a pretty
My wife and I in the kitchen. Notice the apron...I know my place.
decent cook, know how to do it on a budget and the guys seem to like my cooking. Over the years, I have worked in firehouses where I cook on a rotation or might not cook at all. I have learned all kinds of recipes. While I am not a health nut that researches healthy recipes…yet. I do follow some basic rules with firehouse cooking. They took a little while to catch on for some of the guys who REALLY enjoy “comfort” food, but I do what I can. The only thing I can’t control is portion size. While I may be cooking healthier food, these guys might get three plates of it. That might be a little counter-intuitive, but at least the piles of food they put in their mouth is better for them. They just quite follow the simple caloric input/output ideology.
Here are some of my cooking rules:
My wife is helping me with the dieting aspect of healthy eating…I am working on eating every 3 hours. Two protein shakes and snacks of fresh fruit accompany my three meals a day. My breakfast is typically 4 eggs (or egg whites when possible).
Again, I am still learning.
Chris Brennan of the Fire Service Warrior
If you pay attention to Chris Brennan and Brian Brush of The Fire Service Warrior, they talk a lot about fitness. Chris especially speaks of his crossfit workouts. Between the blog, Facebook, and Twitter @ChrisFSW (be sure to follow the hashtag #FSWTraining) Chris is always sharing about his burpee sessions and other CrossFit workouts. While I don’t participate in CrossFit, I have watched his videos and understood his ideology. He is inspirational simply the way he shares what he is doing. He doesn’t guilt you into doing anything, his efforts are more on creating a community at FSW that promotes working out.
After way to long, this is a part of what has inspired me to get me in the gym and continue on.
Just today I bumped into a firefighter who probably isn’t ashamed to say he had put on some excess weight. He has lost a bunch since the last time I saw him. It is amazing. He isn’t alone. Several guys, including Willie’s Battalion Chief has lost dozens of pounds. I am amazed when I see some of these guys. Our department of 240 firefighters has offered several over the years. You see them after not being around them for a while and they are thin and trim. I try to make it a point to give them props for looking great. I am certain they appreciate it.
I know how easy it is to eat whatever the hell you want and as much as you can stuff in your mouth as quick as you can. I am still learning to have constraint when eating. After all, every once in a while I cook something that I just don’t want to stop eating. You should try my chicken salad! AMAZING…not as healthy as I would like but it doesn’t have any mayo and is excellent.
We all have “those guys”. You know, the ones who are built like Mack trucks. Standing next to them makes you feel like such a pussy. We have several guys who have worked out for years. They are freakishly huge, but they are stout and muscular. These are the guys who pose in firefighter calendars. I have worked around these guys for years and never had the motivation to take the first step to build muscle like them. Given, it doesn’t happen overnight…but I am working towards broadening my shoulders a little bit so that I don’t look like a high school explorer next to them!
So there you have it…that is where I am at. What about you?
The quick links to vote are below:
Vote on EMS1.com for the EMS Blog of the Year
Vote on FireRescue1.com for the Fire Blog of the Year
Here are the blogs on the ballot(s) in no particular order…
New addition to “Best of the Rest” is the “Random Tweet of the Week”! Scroll down to see this one.
Willie and I are getting geared up for more traveling in 2012. We are looking forward to hanging out with the MN8 FoxFire team at FDIC. In September, Bob Gard is planning one helluva a good time in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. If you are anywhere in the vicinity you will want to be at this event. Willie and I will be speaking, and there will be plenty of other stuff going on as well! We will post more information soon.
In May, Dave Statter and I are presenting in Ohio at the Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation’s 2012 Leadership Conference…Dave has been looking forward to this to some time. He gets to share the stage with his hero err idol (ME). Join us in Newark, Ohio for May 23 & 24.Click here to sign up
If you want to have Willie and I, or Dave and I, or all three of us speak at an event near you just let us know! FireCritic@FireCritic.com
Voting for the 2012 Blog of the Year Contest, hosted by EMS1, FireRescue1 and FireCritic.com, and sponsored by the American Military University, will begin tomorrow (March 14th). There are some great blogs on the ballot in both Fire and EMS categories! There were almost 400 nominations for 55 blogs.
AltKilt.com
Web Site: http://www.altkilt.com/
Facebook: Like them on Facebook: lt.Kilt
Twitter: @Alt_Kilt
Our purpose is to provide functional, stylish and well-made kilts that are individually designed and handmade custom for each client.
Alt.Kilt is making Willie Wines Jr. and I custom kilts. Hopefully, we will be wearing them at FDIC!
You can view all of the weekly drills by FirefighterCloseCalls.com here. Try these two at the firehouse this week:
Brotherhood Cuts – Willie Wines Jr. has an update from this past weekends inaugural “Brotherhood Cuts” fundraiser. The event raised around $2400 for local departments.
I visited the Shoals Volunteer Fire Department. I was there for the 1st ever Brotherhood Cuts Event.
“Brotherhood Cuts” is a fund raising event specifically designed for the fire service. It raises money through the National Firefighters Endowment who in turn, provides much needed funds and equipment to Departments in need all across the Country. Read more here
BostonFireGear.com
MN8 FoxFire is looking for your designs…and you could win!: MN8 Foxfire, you know…the photoilluminscent company, wants your help designing their new shirt! The new shirt will feature the MN8 FoxFire logo on the front and your design on the back. The winner will recieve a $100 MN8 FoxFire credit and a t-shirt. The winning design will be available at FDIC. Check out details of the contest.
There might be a FireCritic/IronFiremen/MN8FoxFire shirt in the near future!
Boston Fire Gear: I just got my St. Patrick’s Day long sleeve t-shirt today from Boston Fire Gear. I love Boston, St. Patrick’s day is one of my favorite days to drink holidays, and as a good friend of mine told me yesterday…that is where Irish people are from! NICE! Get your Boston Fire Gear here
STATter911.com: Dave “The Investigator and UL Tester” Statter is at it again with the vinyl siding. This time, two houses go up in Loudoun County…in broad daylight. Check out the pre-arrival video and Dave’s investigative reporting here.
4 Factor "Thin Red Line" Door Chock
4Factor: Matthew Ritter, one half of the now known writers at ELAFFHQ.com, has branched out. Welcome 4Factor to the mix. Right now they are offering hand painted “Thin Red Line” door chocks. Check out the site here. Like them on Facebook here. I haven’t got my hands on one yet…but I will soon. They retail for $4….however read below.
**Current donations, for EACH wedge purchased , are going to Team ELAFFHQ.com bucket brigade for the National Firefighters Endowment! What this means to you is as follows: For EACH wedge you purchase, we make a donation to the bucket brigade in YOUR name. Each donation in YOUR name enters you into a DRAWING for a Phenix TL-2 Leather Fire Helmet! The more wedges you purchase, the better your odds in winning that helmet! Good luck Brother and Sister Firefighters!
FDNY Supports World Record Attempt: A SCARBOROUGH firefighter’s plans to enter the world record books are gathering pace as his fundraising challenge gets the green light in New York. Justin Rowe, who lives in Scarborough and is watch manager at Malton Fire Station, is planning to run to every fire house in New York in seven days. He will be joined in the challenge by Ryedale station manager Andrew Blades, Whitby station manager Mark Naylor and York firefighter Terrence Gregg. Read more here
FireRescue1.com: Are cellphones that important? Worth your life? FireRescue1.com has the story of a woman rescued from a trash compactor after trying to retrieve here cellphone she accidentally threw away. Read about it here
Magnesium Fire in Bellevue, Ohio
Magnesium Fire in Bellevue, Ohio: FireGeezer.com has this story which hits close to home for The Fire Critic. My Mother’s side of the family lives in Bellevue including my Grandparents. I was just up there for a short visit not too long ago. Paul Hasenmeier shared this photo to the right from miles away.
A MAGNESIUM FIRE PRESENTED THE BELLEVUE, OHIO, firefighters with an unusual challenge Tuesday morning when they responded to the MagReTech factory across the road from the Bellevue Hospital. Read more here
Follow @FireCritic on twitter for more news 24/7!
Let me begin…I am not a FOOL…yet. But I want to be!
I am referring to the Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads Society or F.O.O.L.S as they are referred to.
The area around me used to have the “Star City FOOLS”. Unfortunately, they didn’t stand the test of time.
Willie Wines Jr. and I have talked about getting another chapter going in our area. Not that we are looking for something else to do, but rather another decent group to be a part of. The FOOLS embody a lot of what Willie and I are about.
I spoke with our friend, and former Star City FOOL, Mike Elston from Salem FD about starting one back up.
We are planning on a “meeting” at a local pub in Roanoke to invite/welcome all who are interested in getting a FOOLS chapter going.
Let me be clear though. Willie and I want to be a part of this chapter. We don’t want/need to be in charge of it. We are also looking for leaders who are interested in taking the reigns of the new chapter. I know of one brother in our department who might be a perfect fit for leading the FOOLS…but it will be up to the members!
Please let me know if you are interested. If you are in Western Virginia and not already in a FOOLS chapter, let me know. This would include from the Harrisonburg area south to NC and TN and all areas surrounding.
I will keep you posted on when the meeting will be. I want to collect names of individuals who are interested. So leave a comment, email me at firecritic@firecritic.com, or hit me up on facebook!
Until then, read up on what the FOOLS is all about!
I wrote about Brotherhood Cuts here about a month ago. The event is tomorrow!
This past month, we have raised about $1200 more dollars bringing the total to $1516 at the time of this writing. But there is still so much money to raise!
Where is all the love?
Think of your donation as my salary as a blogger…would you be willing to donate at least $5 for the enjoyment of what I do at FireCritic.com? I don’t get paid. Sure, there are benefits to what I do, but I am not getting rich (seriously, ask my wife!).
I donated $100 to Lt. Chris Gillett. He is $170 shy of his goal of $1000. Eric Southern is $200 shy of his goal.
If you match or exceed my donation I will send you a special gift!
Can you spare at least $5 donation? Each of you?
There are many others who are willing to shave their heads too. They need your donations.
Where does the money go? Good question. The answer is that the money raised will buy much needed bail-out bags for firefighters in the North Carolina area.
Willie Wines Jr. will be in attendance. The local news is doing a story tonight at 6pm. They are interviewing Gillett.
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.
We raise money for the National Firefighters Endowment. The National Firefighters Endowment then gives to Fire Departments.
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.
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)
Busy…that is the only word to explain it. There is so much going on right now my head is spinning. I coach lacrosse in the spring and our season just started. I coach U9 and U11. My son is on the team. My daughter started playing as well…along with cheerleading. How do we do it all? Back in the day…were days longer? What the hell is going on here?
Did you guys notice the DCFD I added to the Fire Critic banner? Word is that Ellerbe gave me 3 days off for it.
Web Site: WolfpakLeatherworks.com
Facebook: Wolfpak Leatherworks
High quality, custom made gear for your professional needs. Whether you are a Career Firefighter, a Volunteer, EMT or Medic. We can provide you with the gear that you can depend on and that will look great for years to come. We strive for quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Made with pride in Northern California’s Central Valley. Become a FB friend to view our photos and track our progress. Thanks for your support! Be safe, and “Run With The Pak…”
You can view all of the weekly drills by FirefighterCloseCalls.com here. Try these two at the firehouse this week:
Brotherhood Cuts is off to a slow start down in North Carolina…The event is this week. I just donated $100. Can I get everyone to donate $5-$25 please?
The Blog of the Year Contest for 2011-2012 Nominations are currently being accepted until March 10th. Nominate your favorite Fire and/or EMS blog here. This year, FireCritic.com teamed up with FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com for the contest. The sponsor this year is the American Military University.
Rescue Me - The popular firefighting drama was inducted into the Smithsonian.
Denis Leary @DenisLeary tweeted:
In case you missed it: Rescue Me was inducted into the Smithsonian, bitch! http://t.co/Rr2ises7
Backstep Firefighter - It is common in our culture and operations to expect engine companies to get as close as safely possible to the seat of the fire in order to make the most efficient attack possible (or most efficient as scientific research and field application have proven). The problem in this approach is that the experience of being tactically close is that the tell tale signs of this have led to “experience makeup.” The “salty” look is equated with aggressiveness and runs counter towards “too safe”. Read more at: THE AREA OF REFUGE AND “EXPERIENCE MAKEUP”
Firefighter Nation – Massachusetts Firefighter Has Strong Words for Mayor after Fatal Fire. Haverhill firefighter says mayor should be charged with murder. Read it here
STATter911.com - DC Fire Chief faced sexual harassment claim in Sarasota County Floriday. Washington times questions why Kenneth Ellerbe wasn’t fully vetted by Mayor Vincent Gray. Read it here
County Fire Tactics - a new blog to me…they ask “When do you wear your mask on the roof? When do you get down?” Check out the video here!
ELAFFHQ.com – The guys behind the increasingly popular fire blog ELAFFHQ.com have finally revealed their identities. Willie and I met up with the pair, Pete Sulzer and Matt Ritter, when they visited Roanoke a couple of months ago. They are great guys. They managed to keep their anonymity much longer than I thought. They revealed their identity in this post with video (also below) and they gave away some of the coveted “Lemon Wedges” as well as some freebees from MN8 FoxFire!
Speaking of MN8 FoxFire, they have free shipping right now! http://www.mn8products.com/
Green Beret Dies Trying to Save Kids in Fire - A decorated Green Beret soldier who recently returned from Afghanistan died a hero’s death at home in North Carolina. After Edward Cantrell and his wife jumped from the second floor of their burning home, he wrapped himself in a blanket and ran back inside in an attempt to save their two daughters, AP reports. “He never made it back out,” said a sheriff’s department spokeswoman. The body of the 36-year-old soldier was found near those of his daughters Isabella, 6, and Natalia, 4. Read it here
Memorial Thursday for Posen firefighter killed in New Lenox accident - A memorial service for the Posen firefighter killed in an apparent drag racing accident over the weekend will be Thursday, officials said. The service for Zachary Orel is scheduled at 7 p.m. at Parkview Christian Church, 11100 Orland Parkway in Orland Park. Before the service, firefighters will pay their respects privately, according to a Posen Fire Department news release. Orel, 25, of New Lenox, joined the department in June.
Evanston paramedic calls reach record high - Evanston’s population hasn’t budged much in the past 20 years, but paramedic calls in 2011 were up 35 percent over two decades ago. Demand for paramedic assistance set a record in 2011, with the Evanston Fire and Life Safety Services department logging 5,467 calls for Emergency Medical Service.
FireGeezer.com - Hale Products moving to Florida. Hale Products, Producers of the best-known pumps for fire apparatus, informed the workers in their home plant in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, Monday that they will be shutting down the century-old factory and relocating their manufacturing to Ocala, Florida, by the end of the year.
It is that time of year again…The 2012 Fire & EMS Blog of the Year Contest is here!
Actually, we are a little late out of the shoot this year, but it is even better than before!
Hosted by EMS1, FireRescue1 and FireCritic.com, and sponsored by the American Military University, this contest has the goal of finding the best bloggers in the EMS and fire industries.
Like last year, we will have both Fire & EMS Blogs of the year. However, this year we will award the following:
Important links:
In case you were wondering who has won in the past…
Poor Willie…I’m afraid the strain was more than he could bear.
Willie Wines Jr. (IronFiremen.com) has been writing about a local fire department. Read the articles here, here, here, and here. Willie’s unique humor on a very serious topic has uncovered some interesting and debatable topics.
The issues aren’t unique to our area and Willie speaks of them in generalized terms that have reached far and wide.
But the fact remains that we have a local Chief bucking the hiring of a County-wide Fire/EMS Director. The unfortunate part is the Chief’s choice of words in news articles. He made the department (not our department) look like a bunch of idiots. I am sure not all of them are the caliber of the Chief…but then again they wouldn’t except his resignation when he tried to resign either.
Read Willie’s articles for the big picture.
After writing each article, Willie went deeper and deeper into hiding. He is scared that the Chief is going to kick his ass.
Apparently the stress was more than he could bear.
Word is that the Buckaroo is on a 24 hour watch…sitting in a rocking chair on his front porch with a red tipped pistol, his knife (with zip securing it), some bug juice, and a tonka truck. Rest assured that the Buckaroo has things under control.
Willie, on the other hand, has me working for him today. Luckily for me, the last word on where Willie was holed up was in my bunkroom at firehouse #3…which is unfortunate for Lt. Bradford who is on duty tonight. Don’t worry, he sleeps sound and won’t know what got him.
As for me, I am sleeping in Willie’s bed tonight. We have had a decent day today. Ole Big Head Todd (Harris) is wheeling and Max Meadows Armbruiser is riding backwards.
Chief Adkins stopped by and we caught up. Todd and Chief had some good stories about “back in the day” which were well worth the listen.
Randy (Arm Bruiser) has been haggling with everyone today. Apparently he is supposed to move into his apartment in the morning and everything has gone to hell. His furniture was last seen at a flea market in Kentucky and he can’t get Dish network to install anything.
I am no stranger to #13. I have put in about 6 years out here on the Peters Creek Express. Actually, I was there when they put the new Engine 13 in service.
If anyone <cough…cough> needs directions to Willie’s house just let me know. Working double shifts is killing me.
Say When…Lunger.
One of our guys at #3 is quitting leaving the department. He has found more gainful employment in Augusta County and will be starting there in a couple of weeks. Brad has been with the department about 7 years. He has worked with us for a couple of months at #3 since FF/PM Drew Abel went to work at #5. Brad’s departure is not unique, we have seen many of our firefighters leave the department for better benefits, better opportunity, and better pay at other departments. As a matter of fact, Brad will be joining another of Roanoke’s Bravest in Augusta. A couple of months ago, Captain Mike Armstrong retired to take a job as Deputy Chief in Augusta County.
Brad has fit right in with us. We have shared many laughs. Brad will be missed…we just aren’t sure by who.
Brad is also the head coach of the Roanoke Rampage Football team. The Rampage is part of the NPSFL. Brad was our star linebacker and got sidelined…he took up coaching. If you ask him, he was looking at another career in the NFL.
Brad’s assignments have been 7, old 5, 2, new 5, 3.
I invited his wife and children by the firehouse tonight for a special meal on his last day. Just by chance, we ended up with our entire crew at the dinner table with the Harris Family. We took the opportunity to take a picture of the entire crew.
We cooked steaks, baked potatoes, and broccoli. Toni Lynn, Brad’s wife, brought an ice cream cake and I also baked a “special” cake for Brad.
It was a great time! Next cycle will be so much better. We won’t have the constant whine coming from Brad about riding the medic truck or his challenging EMT-I class anymore… sigh.
Toni Lynn is welcome back any time!
Here are some photos
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.
Recently completed reviews:
Reviews in the works:
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!
Web Site: Working the Job – “Work the job, don’t let the job work you” written by Jason Jefferies
Facebook: Working the Job
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
Also noted is his post on the North Carolina Breathing Equipment School. Check it out if you are in the area and attend!
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.
You can view all of the weekly drills by FirefighterCloseCalls.com here. Try these two at the firehouse this week:
Willie Wines Jr. (IronFiremen.com) posted several great articles recently:
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:
Volunteer Firefighter Killed in New Jersey Car Accident – (non-LODD) David Gulig Jr., an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter, was killed in a New Jersey car accident when the truck he was driving slid on a patch of ice and slammed into a telephone pole.
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.
Information is available for the Daytona and Fontana, CA races. Registration is also available for both at this time.
Daytona, Florida - February 26, 2012 http://fireheroracing.com/daytona.html
Fontana, CA - March 25, 2012 http://fireheroracing.com/fontana.html
Dover, DE International Speedway - September 30, 2012 http://www.monstermileoffers.com/nfff
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.
Golf in Leesburg, Florida
This is our first golf tournament of 2012 in Leesburg, FL on April 20th. Registration is live at https://www.regonline.com/golf12-leesburg
Golf in Cincinnati, Ohio
Greater Cincinnati golf tournament on June 8, 2012 in Rising Sun, IN. Registration is live http://golf.firehero.org/oh/cincinnati/
There are 35 regional tournaments. See if there is one near you and get out and hit the links: http://golf.firehero.org/
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.
http://firehero.org/news/2012/survivorsconference_013112.html
What an asshole.
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.
Randy Moore
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!
Be sure to follow Fire Critic on Facebook and click “like”
Today’s shoutout goes to some close friends of mine. The guys behind ELAFFHQ.com have 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.
Facebook: Excessive Leather Accessories for Firefighters
Web Site: ELAFFHQ.com
Twitter: ELAFFHQ
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!
You can view all of the weekly drills by FirefighterCloseCalls.com here. Try these two at the firehouse this week:
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.
Paramedic Weissman’s funeral arrangments are available here
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.
Controversy in Philly: Union says department is punishing heroes with burn policy. Commissioner says it’s about safety. | STATter911.com - From KYW-TV, firefighters are upset over a Philadelphia Fire Department policy about being burned on the job. The union says heroes are being punished instead of praised. The fire commissioner says it’s about safety. via Controversy in Philly: Union says department is punishing heroes with burn policy. Commissioner says it’s about safety. | STATter911.com.
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.
FireGeezer also posted on this here
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.
and some bloggers got involved.
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 – Raising Cash and Shaving ‘Stash is now open for business.
What the hell is “Brotherhood Cuts“?
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.
We raise money for the National Firefighters Endowment. The National Firefighters Endowment then gives to Fire Departments.
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
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
Sign up hereMay 23rd:
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
Over at the Fire Critic Facebook page, the converstation is heating up.
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.
Product reviews are in the works. I have about 10 of them to complete. The hold up is the new site. Look for it in a couple of weeks. If you want/need a product review, let me know and I will set it up!
You can view all of the weekly drills by FirefighterCloseCalls.com here. Try these two at the firehouse this week:
National Firefighters Endowment. The NFE is giving away a bail out kit. You can enter the sweepstakes once per day. It ends Friday! The bail out kit was donated by JB Rescue, Inc. in North Ridgeville, Ohio. Click here to enter. Plus you get 5 entries for every friend who signs up through facebook!
Presenting Dave and I. Dave Statter and I will be presenting in Ohio in May. Dave is already thinking up dreamy names for him and I. Not to worry, I get it a lot. It just never works out for the other guy. They always seem to want to be the bad guy!…I quote
“Come see Superman & Lex Luthor together: Or maybe it’s more like Austin Powers & Dr. Evil. Dave Statter meets Rhett Fleitz. Somehow I ended up on the same bill with THE Fire Critic at the Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation’s 2012 Leadership Conference. It is May 23 & 24 in Newark, Ohio. Lt. Steve Robertson from the Columbus Division of Fire will also be at the conference and may end up having to referee. Click here to sign up.”
Petaluma battalion chiefs appear in Chrysler Super Bowl commercial. Two Petaluma Fire Department battalion chiefs appeared in one of the acclaimed Super Bowl Sunday commercials. Phil Sutsos and Jack Schach appeared for about two seconds in Chrysler Group’s “It’s Halftime in America” narrated by Clint Eastwood.
Statter911.com - Must see video of a fast moving fire: See the firefighter starting to run in the picture to the right? There is good reason. Firefighters in Australia had just pulled up on a box truck fire only to see the location of the fire suddenly move to the other side of a busy four lane road. Don’t miss this video.
Backstep Firefighter So Much For That “It’s Not Vacant Until We Search” Ideology. Bill dissects a fire where a search occufred, a victim was missed, and a body was recovered during demolition.
IronFiremen.com (America’s Fire Captain) just wrapped up a 3 part post about our latest trip to New York City (Haw Dilly). Check them out here, here, and here.
FireRescue1.com:
MN8 Products is the leader in illuminating technology for firefighters. They also have a blog where you can keep up with their travels and new products! Check it out here
Firefighter’s Truck Stolen As He Battled Fort Gibson House Fire. A Green Country firefighter is fired up. The firefighter was the victim of a thief while he was out risking his safety on a house fire. When Virgil Walters got in his pickup and headed to the Ft. Gibson fire station for a house fire call, it was like most other calls he’s had during 16 years as a volunteer.
Check out these stories of rescues…Winston-Salem - Firefighters found a 3-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl unconscious at the house on 1809 Trellis Lane, off La Deara Crest Lane near 25th Street. INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Firefighters rescued a man from a house fire Monday afternoon in the 200 block of N. Glenwood in Independence, Mo.
This is firehouse antiqueing!
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.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
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