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FRI Wrapup – better angels: the firefighters of 9/11

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This is from my continued coverage of Fire Rescue International last week. You can read more posts related to FRI 2011 here.

better angels: the firefighters of 9/11

better angels: the firefighters of 9/11 is 343 individual oil
paintings of the firefighters who died on 9/11, created to honor
the lives they lived and the people they loved. from betterangels911.com

Take a minute to look at the site here. You will not believe the detail in the paintings, the respect given to honor the 343, or the realization of how long it took to complete this tribute. Be sure to watch the video at the bottom of this post for more insight on the memorial.

View all 343 of the better angels here

Me and Willie standing next to one of the pieces of the better angels exhibit.

I met Dawn Siebel at Firehouse Expo. Dawn was quiet, almost seeming pensive being around so many firefighters. I doubt that was the case. I also doubt she needed any validation that her work was indeed a moving tribute to the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11. I don’t think she needed anything at all really…except for everyone else to take a minute to view what she had created. One thing was certain, it was not about her and she did not want it to be. It was about our brothers. The ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice. That was my first impression. I got to speak with her for several minutes while I took in the magnificent tribute that is “better angels: the firefighters of 9/11″. I told Dawn I would be back to purchase a poster…I never made it back and it bothered me.

The second time I met Dawn was at Fire Rescue International. I took the time to get over to the better angels exhibit and take another glance. When I walked up, Dawn grabbed the photos hanging around my neck and looked at them. She knew exactly who they were without looking at their names. The men whose photos were around my neck were the better angels I climbed for in Baltimore and Atlanta: Joseph Agnello, Raymond York, Durrell Pearsall, and Martin McWilliams. Dawn immediately pointed out something I didn’t realize…I had climbed for the last firefighter on the list alphabetically (Raymond York) in Baltimore and I had climbed for the first person on the list alphabetically (Joseph Agnello) in Atlanta. This was by pure chance. In Baltimore, I was assigned Martin McWilliams. It wasn’t until the 3rd lap up that I came across Raymond York’s photo. Someone had dropped it…I would finish the climb with his photo as well. This time in Atlanta I was the first person to check in and they gave me the first person on the list (Joseph Agnello). I probably would not have realized it if Dawn had not picked it out.

I didn’t have cash on me at the time, but I told her I was going to get cash before the event was over and purchase my poster. I would get that chance.

Dave Statter asked me if I would have time at the end of the conference to help load up the better angels exhibit. I said yes. When the time came, I met up with Dawn. She gave me a poster. I didn’t know what to say. She said it was for helping out. I asked her to sign it. I was very appreciative of the gesture.

My better angels poster at the framers. I opted for the gold inlay with black frame. I should get it back on September 12th. I am planning on hanging it in the station.

Over the two times I met Dawn I asked her several questions. Since I don’t want to misquote her or give wrong information I will tell you that if you see her be sure to ask her about the process in making the tribute. Ask her what it means to her, and ask her why she did it. She has a great story. Lets just say this tribute was not made overnight. You can read more about Dawn and the better angels travels on the blog here.

Visit Dawn’s Artist web site here

So there I was with about 12 others and we were taking down the better angels exhibit. Let’s just say that I did not mind doing it at all. I was very worried that something would happen to it though. I did not want to be the one to scratch, bump, or dent any part of it. For the most part the entire process was done in relative silence with the exception of giving or taking directions.

We got it packed up in about 2 hours.

I look forward to meeting up with Dawn again and taking another look at the better angels: the firefighters of 9/11.

Posted by on September 5, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Full Coverage: Firehouse Expo 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

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As you know, Willie Wines Jr., Kevin Totten, and I climbed 110 stories as a part of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Firehouse Expo. We climbed with 320 others, some of whom we knew already and others who we met for the first time.

The event was a huge success. All I can really say is that you have to participate in one to really understand.

Below is more coverage and video of the event.

Here is a view from several of us who climbed in it

Here is some local news coverage

When you can climb and how to sign up

If you are interested in participating in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb all you have to do is find one near you. Willie Wines Jr. and I are planning on doing the stair climb in Atlanta during Fire Rescue International and either the climb in Richmond, VA on Sept. 11th or the one in Greenbelt, MD on Sept. 11th. We have not signed up for any of them, but once we clear our schedules we plan on signing up!

One other thing I have to mention is the Better Angels display. This memorial is awesome. There is a short video here.

 

Posted by on July 27, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

110 Floors for 343…Never Forget. Honor, Respect, Tradition

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Yesterday in Baltimore at Firehouse Expo, I participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Honor, Respect, Tradition, and Never Forgetting. Finishing the climb for the 343 was difficult but bearable.

I did it knowing there was water on the 1st, 16th, and 20th floor of the Hilton in Baltimore. I climbed 22 floors 5 times in full turnout gear. I did it with Willie Wines Jr., Kevin Totten, Jody McIntosh, Cory Patton, and Chris King. We did it together.

The difference between us and them was that we did it in honor of them. We did it without an airpack, without fear, without trepidation.

We did it to help others never forget.

They are the 343. 343 members of FDNY who climbed in full turnout gear to fight the fires and rescue the people of the World Trade Centers on September 11th.

They climbed with tools. They climbed knowing that they were in their coffin…a cinder block stairwell. Every floor harder and harder on their knees. Sweating, second thoughts about their calling. Sporting events, school meetings, barbecues, and normal lives left behind because they were there doing it… Never to return to their lives.

On that day, September 11th, they became a statistic.

But not to me. Not to the American Fire Service. Not to the Brotherhood.

And I never forgot. I will never forget. I remember where I was. I was on the job that day…but I was in a safer place, far from Ground Zero.

It is my duty and my conviction as a FIREFIGHTER to never forget.

Yesterday, at the 9/11 Memorial stair climb at Firehouse Expo I climbed for Martin McWilliams of Engine 22…and on that last lap, the last 22 floors I climbed for another fallen brother. Upon the reach of the top of our second to last lap I grabbed for a cup of water. I saw the photo of Raymond York of Engine 285. His picture had fallen off of the member climbing for him. I instantly picked it up and tossed it in my helmet band.

I climbed for those guys…Martin and Raymond…and for their 341 brothers who died on September 11th.

They had it harder than me. My climb pales in comparison to their climb. I will never have a climb as difficult as theirs.

But I climbed. We climbed. 323 people climbed for the fallen. Some of them being friends or relatives of the fallen. We climbed together, in remembrance, in honor, for respect of what they did, part of the tradition, and to NEVER FORGET.

Team 19 before the climb. Cory Patton, Kevin Totten, Jody McIntosh, Willie Wines Jr., Me, and Chris King.

…

My feelings

During the climb I stayed mostly silent. I focused on what they did and what I was doing for them. I tried to understand what they were going through.

When my calves burned I wondered if they ever felt that.

When I felt like I didn’t have anymore to sweat I wondered if it crossed their mind.

I never felt as though I couldn’t make it and I doubt they ever had a doubt themselves.

If you ever have a chance to participate in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb I suggest you do it.

If you don’t think you can complete it call me and I will walk with you.

Do it for the honor of completing the climb for the 343. Do it for the respect you have for the fallen. Do it for the tradition of truly NEVER FORGETTING.

Thanks to ALL of the individuals who made the 9/11 stair climb possible… The Baltimore Inner Harbor Hilton, Baltimore City Fire Department, NFFF, and all who volunteered.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pay my respects.

Team 19 after the climb. Kevin Totten, Me, Cory Patton, Chris King, Willie Wines Jr., and Jody McIntosh.

Me and Tommy Warshaw with Willie Wines Jr. before the climb. Tommy was in team 3 and we have known each other for some time through twitter and facebook but met at the climb for the first time.

Posted by on July 23, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Must Read, News, Social Media, Special Operations, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Firehouse Expo, The Meetup, Free Passes, and The 9/11 Stair Climb

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I have been looking forward to this week for months!

I am heading to Firehouse Expo with Willie Wines Jr. and Kevin Totten. We will be meeting up with many friends and familiar faces…and drinking a few totties!

For some insight on what we got into last year check here, and here.

Here are some of the highlights of what is to come:

Firefighter Netcast – Our home base will be in booth 743 with Firegeezer, Fossilmedic, and Dave Statter. Stop in and say hi!

If you still need passes to the exhibitor floor….they are FREE!

To get free passes just register online…COME ONE..COME ALL!:

  • Step 1:  Go to this webpage:  https://www.xpressreg.net/register/fire071/reginfo.asp?st=&o=85236&pc=&iq=&aban=
  • Step 2:  Fill out the registration form and in the Promo Code Information box, use Promo Code EX 79.
  • Step 3:  Finish out the registration process and you’re done.
  • Step 4:  When you arrive at the convention center, pick up your badge at the registration center.  Also…. make sure you stop by Booth 743 and say hello!

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb – Thursday we are climbing the stairs of the Hilton 5 times in honor of those lost on September 11th. I will be climbing with 150 other firefighters…If you didn’t sign up for it, we will climb for you as well.

Kevin, Willie, and I will be meeting up with Thomas Warshaw after the climb. Thomas is climbing as well. We plan on letting Thomas watch us drink a few and then he gets to drive home…sux for him! Let us know that you will be in  town and we will meetup…

Speaking of meeting up. After those rounds of beer, we will be heading over to the MEETUP! Every year this thing is a blast!

Thursday Night is the Meetup (Free drink tickets!)- FirefighterNation.com, FireEMSBlogs.com and FireRescue Magazine are pleased to announce the Firefighter Meetup in Baltimore to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The event takes place Thursday night, July 21st at Uno’s in Harborplace, 201 East Pratt Street from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Join many of the web’s top fire service bloggers, firefighters from across the region and around the country, at this special event

The first 50 firefighters to stop by the FireRescue Magazine/FirefighterNation.com (Booth 724), Fire Geezer (with Statter 911, Firefighter Netcast at Booth #743) or National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (Booth 252) booths at Firehouse Expo on Thursday will also receive a complimentary drink ticket for the event.

Uno’s will donate 20% of the proceeds (excluding tax and tip) from Thursday night’s event to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (http://www.firehero.org)

The Meetup is sponsored by Wall Shields (http://www.wallshieldsco.com) and Firefighter Monopoly (http://www.firefighterplay.com) and presented by FirefighterNation.com and FireRescue Magazine (http://www.firefighternation.com) and the blogs of FireEMSBlogs.com (www.fireemsblogs.com).

Posted by on July 19, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Gearing up for the Firehouse Expo 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

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Where have I been? Busy just like everyone else…

Actually, I am working on a huge project with a business partner of mine…more on that in the future!

I am gearing up for Firehouse Expo 2011

Firefighter Netcast will once again be pitching our tent in the FireGeezer/Statter911 booth at Firehouse Expo.

The booth number is 743 and FireGeezer has details on how to get free passes to the Exhibit hall! (click here for the info )

I will be travelling up with Willie Wines Jr. and another firefighter from our area Captain Kevin Totten. To be quite honest, it is going to be kinda humerous. Willie and Kevin will be riding to Richmond with me and my 2 children. I am dropping the kiddos off at the inlaws and then we are either staying the night in Richmond or DC…not sure which town we are going to tear up yet.

This photo is from the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb web site. It did not credit a photographer.

So the Firefighter Netcast thing will be fun as always…but the real event is…

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Firehouse Expo

Find all the information you need for the events here

The direct link for the Firehouse Expo stair climb is here

The event will be held at the Hilton on Thursday July 21, 2011 from 2-4pm.

From what I hear, there are only 100 participants signed up for it to date. Trust me, if Willie and I can do it anyone can. That being said, we aren’t sure if Willie and I can do it yet. This is our first one. They are also setting one up for Fire Rescue International and Willie and I will be there. We are contimplating doing that one and another on September 11th. There is one in Richmond, VA on September 11th and there is rumor of one in Roanoke that same date. We should be at one of them. 

If you think you will be walking too slow for everyone else…WE NEED YOU. I mean WILLIE AND I NEED YOU. That way, we can blame you and you can blame us for dragging ass up those stairs. But in the end we can all say we did it. We did it to “NEVER FORGET”.

Afterwards Willie and I will be at a Bar!

What more do you need? Willie was damn near on his death bed the other week (with a cold) and he is doing it. He still complains every time I talk to him about his little bout with a runny nose. Hell, even the Buckaroo told him to suck it up and grow a set!

It has been a while since we travelled together and we are adding Kevin and another friend of mine to the mix. Hell soon we will be travelling in packs!

I will leave you with a video I shot in Downtown Roanoke the other week when I was on a date with my beautiful bride! At the drums is Lt. Mike Ellston from Salem Fire-Rescue Department (the same dept. as Totten)…He is banging the drums with a contingent of the Virginia Highlands Pipes and Drums at Flannery’s Irish Pub downtown.

Ellston is at least part (I think) of the brain behind  the 2 House blog…you can read it here!

Posted by on June 30, 2011 • Filed under: Command & Leadership, EMS Health & Safety, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Firehouse Expo 2010 Podcasting from the Exhibit Floor

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John and I (Firefighter Netcast) have been busy recording podcasts at Firehouse Expo.

You can listen to our first available podcast with Robbie and Danny Owens here!

Robbie is a master firefighter for the Henrico County (VA) Division of Fire. Danny is a firefighter for the Richmond (VA) Department of Emergency Services. Together they run the Average Jake Firefighter Blog.

They are fans of Firefighter Netcast and we have had Robbie as a caller on several of our shows. These two brothers are great guys all around and students of all things related to new and improved firefighter tactics.

We had a blast interviewing the following today:

We have plenty of audio for you in the following days.

Enjoy these pictures as well!

Mike Ward and Dave Statter
Mike Ward and Dave Statter
Danny Owens, Robbie Owens, John Mitchell, and Rhett Fleitz
Danny Owens, Robbie Owens, John Mitchell, and Rhett Fleitz

Mike Legeros snapping photos of John Mitchell getting his FireGeezer Mug signed by Bill Schumm (The Fire Geezer) and Mike Ward (FossilMedic).
Mike Legeros snapping photos of John Mitchell getting his FireGeezer Mug signed by Bill Schumm (The Fire Geezer) and Mike Ward (FossilMedic).
The first version of what will hopefully be the new face of Fire Critic!
The first version of what will hopefully be the new face of Fire Critic!

4 of the 5 dozen Blue Crab we ate for dinner!
4 of the 5 dozen Blue Crab we ate for dinner!
Part of the Bloggers of FireEMSBlogs.com along with part of the crew at Go Forward Media enjoying crab at Bo Brooks.
Part of the Bloggers of FireEMSBlogs.com along with part of the crew at Go Forward Media enjoying crab at Bo Brooks.

The Firefighter Netcast Crew and the rest of the FireGeezer Booth!
The Firefighter Netcast Crew and the rest of the FireGeezer Booth!
Rhett and John..Firefighter Netcast!
Rhett and John..Firefighter Netcast!


Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted by on July 23, 2010 • Filed under: News • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Experience Firehouse Expo 2010

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Firehouse Expo has been a blast so far.
John and I have recorded some great audio for Firefighter Netcast. We have been inviting various guests into our area within the FireGeezer/STATter911 booth for short interviews. The guests are usually on for 5-15 minutes.
Some of our guests have included:

We will be posting audio as soon as possible. We have a bunch to edit and then we will get it online. The internet connections we are finding are less than ideal.
We have a lot of thanks to give to Bill Schumm and Mike Ward of FireGeezer and Dave Statter as well. They have been more than gracious sharing their space. They have also been sending us some great guests!

Cathy Hedrick and Ron Siarnicki of the NFFF with John Mitchell of Firefighter Netcast
Cathy Hedrick and Ron Siarnicki of the NFFF with John Mitchell of Firefighter Netcast
Sal Mazza an FDNY Fire Buff and Vito Maggiolo a DCFD Fire Buff with Jon Mitchell
Sal Mazza an FDNY Fire Buff and Vito Maggiolo a DCFD Fire Buff with Jon Mitchell

The FireGeezer and STATter911 booth right next to the Firefighters for Christ Booth
The FireGeezer and STATter911 booth right next to the Firefighters for Christ Booth
Dave Statter with Lieutenant Tony Carroll of DCFD and John Mitchell
Dave Statter with Lieutenant Tony Carroll of DCFD and John Mitchell

The Firefighter Monopoly and Wall Shields Booth
The Firefighter Monopoly and Wall Shields Booth
Dr. Joseph Clark with John Mitchell
Dr. Joseph Clark with John Mitchell

Our good friend Greg Friese and Rhett and John
Our good friend Greg Friese and Rhett and John
The Fire Store booth is right across from us!
The Fire Store booth is right across from us!


Posted by on July 23, 2010 • Filed under: News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fire Critic and More at Firehouse Expo… Will you be there?

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I will be at Firehouse Expo next week. John Mitchell and I will be hanging out together for more hi-jinx, fun, and humor intended to make one of us cry! Be sure to let us know if you will be there and we will catch up!

I will be there in the official capacity as co-host of Firefighter Netcast. However, if you follow me because of one of the other sites I run like VAFireNews.com be sure to catch up with me!

We will be hanging out with Dave Statter, Bill Schumm (FireGeezer), and Mike Ward (Fossil Medic) among others!

We probably won’t be doing any live netcasting. The only exception is we will be debuting Christopher Naum’s “Taking It To The Streets” live on July 21st at 9pm EST. The show’s topic will be “What’s on YOUR Radar Screen”?

Chris has become a great friend to not only John and I but also to Firefighter Netcast. His ability to teach and share his expertise in command safety and company officer development were a huge draw in getting him a show on Firefighter Netcast!

I plan on taking a lot of pictures at Firehouse Expo. I also plan on posting here at Fire Critic a good bit. Be sure to leave a comment if you want to meet up!

Naum's new show "Taking It To The Streets" as seen here in Times Square!!!

Posted by on July 18, 2010 • Filed under: News • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Tonight…Live Firefighter Netcast

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Tonight is the next live Firefighter Netcast.

Join John Mitchell of Fire Daily and myself for the next installment of the fastest growing firefighter netcast/podcast at 9pm EST.

firefighter_netcastWe will be discussing many topics including:

  • The upcoming EMS Today Conference – Both John and I will be there!
  • The meetup at the EMS Today Conference on Friday…more info soon
  • The First Due Fire Blog Carnival
  • FDIC – John and I will be there.
  • Firehouse Expo in Baltimore – John and I will be there
  • And many news topics.

The theme for tonight is open mic night. Feel free to call in and discuss what is on your mind.We are looking forward to hearing from our listeners tonight!!!

Go on over to Firefighter Netcast for more info.

The First Due Fire Blog Carnival is the first of its kind for the fire service as far as I know. The idea comes from some of the greats in the Fire/EMS Blog community. If you have a blog and would like to get involved in the Blog Carnival just leave a comment. More on that tonight at the live Firefighter Netcast. Be there!

Posted by on February 23, 2010 • Filed under: NetCast, News, Podcast • Tagged: , , , , , ,