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Public Memorial for Houston Firefighters on Wednesday. Funerals are Private.

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Previous Coverage of the Houston LODD’s here and here on FireCritic.com.

IAFF Local 341:

Any IAFF Locals and individuals wishing to send floral arrangements are asked to send them toReliant Stadium, 8400 Kirby Drive; Houston, Texas 77054

The Public Memorial Service will be held at Reliant Stadium, Wednesday, June 5 at 1000 hours(10:00 A.M.).  All uniformed fire department personnel participating in the Wednesday memorial procession must be at Reliant Stadium no later than 7:00 a.m.  Please enter the stadium area from Fannin at the Naomi entrance. Park in front of Reliant Arena in the “maroon” lot.  From there, firefighters are asked to proceed on foot to the “blue” parking lot to form march. March will start promptly at 8:00 a.m.

The Procession Route for the Wednesday march will begin in the “blue” lot at Reliant Stadium, then proceed on the westbound 610 feeder road to Kirby, then north on Kirby to McNee Road, and then turning right into the north side of the Reliant complex.

Funeral Services for the fallen have been scheduled.  The families have requested that all funeral services be kept private (family and HFD personnel only).  Members are encouraged to watch their HFD and personal e-mail accounts for details.

Fire Fighters and family coming from out of town are encouraged to contact the following hotels for special rates:

Marriott – Medical Center
$109.00 (Government) Rate
800-228-9290

Royal Sonesta
$75.00 Rate: “Hero”
www.royalsonesta.com

Holiday Inn – Houston Reliant Park
$109.00 (Government) Rate: “Houston Firefighters Local 341″ (32 rooms available)
Contact: Tye Hochstrasser or Maggie Cruz
713-790-1900

Crowne Plaza - Houston
$79.00 Rate (includes Breakfast): “Local 341″
Contact: Jerry Mathers
713-748-3221 or 1-800 number through web site

Wyndham – Medical Center
$95.00 Rate
Contact: Mary Jane Manshouri
713-577-1236

Posted by on June 4, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Deadliest Day in Houston Fire Department’s History 5-31-13

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Yesterday marked the darkest day in the history of the Houston Fire Department. Four Firefighters lost their lives at a motel fire where they were searching for victims of a 5 alarm motel fire at the Southwest Inn Motel near the Southwest Freeway at Hillcroft. In 1929, three firefighters passed away after their engine was broadsided by a train, according to HFD officials.

Fire Critic on Facebook – Twitter @FireCritic

Prior Coverage on FireCritic.com

The Fallen Firefighters are:

Captain EMT Matthew Renaud (35) of Station 51 (not 68).  He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51 has served out of Stations 39, 83, 73, 37, 60 and 35. He had recently been recognized for valor.

Matthew Renaud (Facebook photo)

Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee (41) of Station 51. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in August of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51, has served out of Stations 37, 40, 10 and 48.

Robert Bebee was captured in this story back in September, 2012 about Houston’s new radio equipment. Photo by Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle (link here)

Firefighter EMT Robert Garner (29) of Station 68. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2010 and has served out of Fire Station 68 since. Garner played baseball in high school and went on to join the Air Force. He volunteered to accompany the Army during two tours in Afghanistan.

Robert Garner (Facebook photo)

Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan (24) of Station 68. She graduated from Houston Fire Department Academy this past April and was assigned to Fire Station 68. She is reported to have graduated from Dulles High School in Sugar Land in 2007.

Anne Sullivan (Facebook photo)

City of Houston:

The Houston Fire Department has never seen four firefighters pass away from the same incident in the history of the department. In 1929, three firefighters passed away after their Engine was broadsided by a train.

Five firefighters were initially transported to the hospital for a range of injures from heat exhaustion to a critical injuries.

Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with not only those friends and family of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice today but also those who were injured and all members of our department.

IAFF Local 341:

There were also 5 firefighters initially transported to the hospital for injuries ranging from heat exhaustion to critical injuries.

  • Captain William Dowling of Engine 68 is listed in critical condition. 

The other firefighters are:

  • Engineer Operator Anthony Livesay on Rescue 42
  • Firefighter EMT Robert Yarbrough on Rescue 42
  • Firefighter EMT Foster Santos on Rescue 11
  • Engineer Operator/Paramedic Marcus Hernandez on Medic 3

Links:

More coverage:

Posted by on June 1, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Houston LODD: 4 Houston, TX Firefighters Dead After 5 Alarm Motel Fire. Others Injured

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Update:

More Information on the Fallen Firefighters in Houston, Tx

KHOU.com:

  • Captain EMT Matthew Renaud, 35, of Station 51. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 68, has served out of stations 51, 39, 83, 73, 37, 60 and 35.
  • Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee, 41, of Station 51. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in August of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51, has served out of Stations 37, 40, 10 and 48.
  • Firefighter EMT Robert Garner, 29, of Station 68. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2010 and has served out of Fire Station 68 since.
  • Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan, 24, of Station 68. She graduated from Houston Fire Department Academy this past April and was assigned to Fire Station 68.

Update:

Firefighters Identified in Deadly Houston Fire.

KHOU.com:

HOUSTON – Four Houston firefighters died Friday while battling a 5-alarm blaze in a motel near the Southwest Freeway at Hillcroft. Three bodies were found in the rubble of the Southwest Inn motel.

A fourth firefighter died after being rushed to Southwest Memorial Hermann Hospital.

The firefighters have been identified as: Captain EMT Matthew Renaud, 35, of Station 51;  Firefighter EMT Robert Garner, 29, of Station 68; Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan, 24, of Station 68; and Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee, 41, of Station 51.

Sullivan just graduated from the academy last month.

“Houston firefighters mourn the loss of our three brothers and our sister and will forever honor their sacrifices,” said Jeff Caynon, president of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association. “This tragedy underscores the inherent dangers of our profession. Please keep Houston firefighters in your thoughts and prayers.”

KHOU.com:

HOUSTON – Four Houston firefighters died Friday while battling a 5-alarm blaze in a motel near the Southwest Freeway at Hillcroft. The bodies of three were found in the rubble of the Southwest Inn motel. One apparently died at the hospital.

Firefighters gathered around one flag-draped casket at the scene.

Six firefighters were rushed by ambulances to area hospitals. Medics were performing CPR on one of them as he was put into an ambulance.

At least one of the injured firefighters is in very critical condition, according to an HFD captain at the scene. He is at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Two others were taken to Memorial Hermann Southwest, just blocks from the fire. Two more went to Memorial Hermann Northwest. They are reportedly in good condition.

More Coverage:

KHOU.com: Credit: Air 11
Four Houston firefighters died Friday while battling a 5-alarm blaze in a motel near the Southwest Freeway at Hillcroft. The bodies of three were found in the rubble of the Southwest Inn motel. A fourth apparently died at the hospital.

Posted by on May 31, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, Mayday, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FDIC FOOLS Bash, Baltimore FF Critical, Highland Park Rescue Video, NC Rescue, Chief Tom Carr Passes and More

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This is going to be a long post, actually several posts in one…so bear with me.

Captain Wines and I are in Indianapolis for FDIC. We got in last night and headed over to the FOOLS bash. We didn’t make it to the FSW meetup, but I heard that it was enjoyable. Our full itinerary can be seen here. More on FDIC in a minute as you scroll through this post.

FDIC FOOLS Bash

Check out the photo album and more on the Fire Critic Facebook Page!

The direct link to the album (I will update throughout the week) is here.

Chief Tom Carr Passes

 Charleston, SC Fire Department’s Chief Tom Carr (Retired) passed away Wednesday. Dave Statter has the news here.

WCIV-TV:

A former leader of the Charleston Fire Department has passed away.

ABC News 4 has learned that former fire chief Thomas Carr died following a battle with MSA, a rapid form of Parkinson’s disease. He was 59 years old.

Chief Carr was hired as Charleston’s fire chief in 2008. He helped reshape and redefine the department following the 2007 Sofa Super Store fire that killed nine Charleston firefighters.

Baltimore County Firefighter Critical

Reisterstown VFC Firefighter Gene Kirchner in critical condition.  Firefighter Kirchner was found unconscious on the 2nd floor during a house fire. A 58-year-old man was found dead in the house. STATter911.com has coverage here and here.

North Carolina Rescue

FireNews.net: 

As other firefighters tackled the flames, Winter negotiated his way into the adjacent room in his search for 2-year-old Dylan Burkett.

“I couldn’t see him. It was pitch black with smoke,” he said. “After going in the second bedroom I kept hearing a small cry, and every time I heard a cry, I went in that direction and found him.

“He was in a corner on a bed just sitting there. Once I could tell he was still crying, it was a good feeling, and once I got him outside, it felt pretty good.”

Highland Park Rescue Video

Video by: HPZ1442. Video info: We responded to a report of flames showing from the side and front windows of a liquor store on the 1st floor of a 4 story apt building. We arrived to find smoke and flames showing, and that the Police Dept had already evacuated the occupants of the building. The liquor store was sealed up pretty tight and it took us a few extra minutes to get into it. While we worked on that, PD informed us that they may have heard screams on the 2nd floor while they cleared the building but that it was to smokey to go check. # of us responded to the main entrance and to the second floor where we found smokey conditions and limited visibility. PD and one of our off duty FF’s informed of the apt number the woman was believed to live in. The manager had said she was unaccounted for. We masked up and advanced in to find her. She was found in her unit, and carried out by Firefighter Eason. We were then informed of another possible victim. We went back in to search for him but while searching his apt we were informed that he had already made it out. My camera died at this point because I cannot seem to remember to charge it!
At this time fire had extended into the 2nd and 3rd floors. We advanced hose lines through the windows from units adjacent to those that were on fire. The fire was brought under control in a little more than an hour. We operated on scene for several more cleaning up hot spots. We contained the fire to damaging only the liquor store where it had originated, and 4 apt units.
Used a firecam 1080 from firevideo.net any sound you hear cut out is not from the camera, I actually edit some of the content out of it.

 

 

Posted by on April 25, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, News, Photos, Rescues, Rescues, Training, Training & Development, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

4 Alarm Fire with MAYDAY in Baltimore City Injures 5 Firefighters in Collapse. News Reports None Had Life-Threatening Injuries

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The full details of what happened and to who are still coming in. Firefighters were injured in a 4 alarm fire at Penn Lumber this evening in Baltimore City. The fire began at Penn Lumber in the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue around 5:40 p.m. today. The fire quickly spread to other nearby buildings.

I will update as more information is available.

Stay tuned to Fire Critic on Facebook as well!

Links for coverage are below:

CBS Baltimore:

The first responding firefighters entered the building but moments later, the incident commander determined it was unsafe and ordered the evacuation. As they were leaving, the building collapsed, briefly trapping five firefighters. They were injured but none had life-threatening injuries. They’ve been taken to Shock Trauma.

Image from CBS Baltimore

Posted by on February 4, 2013 • Filed under: Close Call, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Mayday, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fireground Video: Mayday Called at Youell’s Oyster House 3rd Alarm Commercial Fire. 5 Allentown, PA Firefighters Injured at Scene.

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Updated with a second video from newsworking (below the first) and dispatch audio at the bottom.

Video above by FirTog:

Mcall.com:

Five firefighters were taken to local hospitals with injuries.

Two firefighters who entered the burning structure at 2249 W. Walnut St. suffered burns and were treated and released from St. Luke’s Hospital-Allentown. Two other firefighters were injured when an exterior wall partially collapsed on them, and one firefighter slipped on the ice rushing to their aid. 

Capt. John Christopher said those three firefighters are being treated at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest and are expected to be released.

More coverage at MyFoxPhilly.com and Mcall.com and FirefighterNation.com

Posted by on January 22, 2013 • Filed under: Close Call, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Mayday, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hectic Scene Caught on Helmet Camera as Firefighter is Rescued after Electrical Shock During House Fire

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This video starts out as firefighters frantically try to get a firefighter out of a house after being shocked by an electrical wire. Once the firefighter is removed, the ladder throwing begins. You might remember this ladder throwing machine from this video.

According to reports, two firefighters were injured in the fire. One as seen in the video was shocked by an electrical wire and will be okay. The other was treated on scene for smoke inhalation.

6ABC.com has more on the story here

The video by OneNineTruck (Landsdowne Fire Company,PA) offers:

Rescue 19 arrives third in on a working fire in Colwyn Borough. Upon arrival a firefighter of Darby 04 was electrocuted.

Posted by on January 7, 2013 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Fires, Helmet Camera, Mayday, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

LODD – Chicago FD Captain Herbie Johnson Dies After Mayday at South Side Fire

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Captain Herbert Johnson (left), 54, a Morgan Park resident and a 33-year veteran of the department is promoted to the rank of Captain by Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago (right), August 10, 2012. (Fire Media Affairs)

Updated with video & links about Captain Johnson’s Death.

Chicago FD Captain Herbert “Herbie” Johnson, 54, and assigned to TL-39 has been identified as the firefighter who died in the South Side Fire today.

A Chicago Firefighter has died in the line of duty today after sustaining injuries in a South Side firefighter. The firefighter, not identified yet, was injured with another firefighter after a MAYDAY was called at the fire. The death was announced on the Chicago FD Twitter page (@CFDMedia): “This is director Larry Langford of the Cfd. It is my sad duty to announce the line of duty death of a Chicago firefighter.”

Click here and “like” Fire Critic on Facebook

Suntimes:

Two firefighters were injured in the South Side house fire, and witnesses say they saw fellow firefighters performing chest compressions on one of the injured before he was rushed away.

I will update once more information is available

Dave Statter has more of the story here

Firefighters work to clean up after a two alarm fire in the 2300 block of West 50th Place on Chicago’s South Side. (Reid Compton/for the Chicago Tribune / November 2, 2012)

Chicago Tribune:

The firefighters may have been trapped in a flashover, in which a building bursts into flame suddenly, Langford said.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 5:15 p.m. for the fire in the Gage Park neighborhood. The building was a frame home, 2-1/2 stories tall and about 25 feet by 40 feet, Ahlheim said.

Links:

Posted by on November 2, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Line of Duty, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best of the Rest – Quick Drills, Shoutouts, FDNY Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund, Jay Bettencourt, and much more

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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

Quick Drills:

You can view all of the weekly drills by FirefighterCloseCalls.com here. Try these two at the firehouse this week:

News:

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.

Police Officer Saves a Dog Stuck in a Fence – The End Will Blow You Away - You will NOT believe the end of this video! It’s hilarious and amazing all at the same time. After the police officer frees a dog stuck in a fence, the dog shows his appreciation in the cutest way ever.

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

Posted by on January 24, 2012 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Best of the Rest, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Team up with The Fire Critic, IronFiremen, and MN8 FoxFire to Support the Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund

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Willie and I will be meeting up with Zach Green of MN8 FoxFire in New York City next week. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity, even though it meant fitting in another trip in an already hectic schedule. I am behind…way behind. I am looking forward to the trip, but now I am REALLY looking forward to the trip.

Willie and Zach’s minds never quit thinking about what do to next. Willie bounces ideas off me like a crackhead trying to score his next fix. Some are just completely absurd. Like the time he wanted to land in the middle of Lucas Oil Stadium at FDIC in a hot air balloon. He was deflated and dejected when I told him that the stadium had a roof on it. Or the time he wanted to drive to Hawaii…Oh, and I cannot forget the one about dressing up in drag and parading…never mind, that was my idea.

Rescue 2 FDNY Web Site

I digress

Willie and Zach hit the ball out of the park with this last idea. It fits perfect into our schedule, supports the brotherhood, spreads a message, and the ones who help out can get something tangible out of it as well. Willie writes about this effort here. Zach writes about it here.

Rewind to December 19, 2011 at a fire in Brooklyn that left Firefighters James Gersbeck and Robert Weidmann seriously injured. The men are members of FDNY’s Company Rescue 2. Gersbeck and Weidmann were searching the top floor of a Brownstone when the entire floor flashed and trapped both members inside.

Firefighter Gersbeck was removed through the interior after somehow making  it (diving into) the stairwell. Firefighter Weidmann made an unbelievable push through the flames making his way out a front window and onto an awaiting aerial ladder.

Captain Willie Wines Jr. sits at the table and talks shop with the firefighters of FDNY Rescue 2

Willie and I have teamed up with MN8 FoxFire for a fund raising effort for the Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund

For the next week, today (Monday January 23, 2012) through next Monday (January 30, 2012) Zach will donate 50% of all online sales of MN8 FoxFire products to the Rescue 2 MAYDAY fund!

50% of all ONLINE sales will go to the Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund! 

The offer is good for ANY MN8 FoxFire Products … Tetrahedrons, Helmet Bands, Equipment Bands, Tool Wrap or the Epoxy Kits! Or you can simply donate funds that 100% go to the fund.

The MN8 FoxFire team worked through the weekend to have everything set up on their site for this to happen.

This is what giving back is all about. I am not sure of any other company willing to pledge such a sizable chunk of profit for a cause such as this. However, if there is let me know and I will share it right here on my site.

Willie, Zach, and I will present the check to Rescue 2′s Captain Flaherty next week in Brooklyn.

Learn MORE, view the MN8 FoxFire Product line, make your PURCHASE or DONATE by clicking HERE 

Here is the full press release:

Joint Fundraiser to Benefit F.D.N.Y. Rescue 2 Injured Firefighters Established by MN8-Foxfire, FireCritic.com and IronFiremen.com

Cincinnati, OH, January 23, 2012— 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) have teamed up to establish a joint fundraiser to support two injured firefighters with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Rescue 2. The fundraiser begins on Monday, January 23 and ends at midnight on Monday, January 30. During this time, MN8-Foxfire will donate 50 percent of all product sales through the company website to the FDNY Rescue 2 Mayday Fund. Opportunities for individuals to make donations without a product purchase will also be available through the MN8-Foxfire website at www.mn8products.com.

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.

“We were devastated to hear about the fire involving the Brooklyn firefighters as we have a special connection with Rescue 2,” said Zachary Green, president of MN8-Foxfire. “I’d met and spent some time Captain Liam Flaherty (from Rescue 2) in San Diego last year. Then last fall, Willie, Rhett and I visited Rescue 2 and they welcomed us like we were part of their team.”

“We had great discussions over coffee with Captain Flaherty and his men at their kitchen table and even watched a hockey game with them while we were there,” said Wines.

Fleitz, Wines and Green will travel to New York to personally present a check towards the FDNY Rescue 2 Mayday Fund during the first week of February. “There is such a sense of brotherhood among firefighters,” said Fleitz. “And when one of our brothers is in need, the firefighting community pulls together. We want to do all we can to help these men and their families.”

All Foxfire illuminating products are eligible for the 50 percent Rescue 2 Mayday fundraiser, including illuminating helmet bands, coating kits, grip wrap, tetrahedrons, equipment bands and t-shirts.

About MN8-Foxfire

MN8-Foxfire is a firefighter owned company offering energy efficient and eco-friendly products utilizing breakthrough advanced illumination technology. MN8’s product offerings for the fire safety industry, marketed under the name Foxfire®, have earned a reputation for safety, high quality and performance-proven. This is readily apparent in Foxfire’s photoluminescent helmet bands, coating kits, grip wrap, equipment bands, helmet tetrahedrons and other products. Both the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and Cincinnati Innovates have recognized MN8-Foxfire for its efforts in developing technology that keeps firefighters safe. The company is headquartered in Wyoming, Ohio, a Cincinnati suburb. For more information, visit www.mn8products.com.

Posted by on January 23, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mayday Audio: Firefighter Injured in Springfield, Pennsylvania Two Alarm House Fire

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This is the third of three Maydays I know of today.

This fire occurred in Springfield Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania around 6:30pm. A Mayday was transmitted after a firefighter fell through the floor. In the audio, it sounds like another firefighter fell through the floor, the news coverage only mentions one.

Photo from ABCLocal.com

The firefighters were inside looking for a person unaccounted for.

Listen to the audio below

ABCLocal.com:

SPRINGFIELD, Pa. – December 19, 2011 (WPVI) – A firefighter suffered non-life threatening injuries while battling a two-alarm house fire in Springfield, Delaware County.

It happened around 6:30 p.m. Monday along West Woodland Avenue.

Posted by on December 19, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Mayday, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Audio and Video: Mayday Called at Claymont, Delaware Townhouse Fire

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Claymont Fire Company was assisted by many other departments at a townhouse fire today. The fire went to 3 alarms before destroying the house.

During the fire, a Mayday was declared. Listen to the audio for what the firefighters encountered when they arrived and what actions they took once they got there. Of course, this is just the radio traffic…you never know what was said on scene and not on the radio.

The news report offered nothing on the Mayday, but it is captured in the audio below.

If you have been paying attention, this is the third Mayday of the day (that I know of). I posted the audio of the Mayday’s on The Fire Critic Facebook page where you will also find plenty of other stuff that doesn’t make it to the blog. Be sure to “like” us to keep up on what is going on.

Coverage of the FDNY Mayday from today is here.

Photo by Jennifer Corbett - The News Journal

DelawareOnline.com:

A three-alarm fire destroyed one townhome and damaged at least five others Monday afternoon in the Brandywine Hundred community of Ballymeade, officials said.

The fire broke out around 2:30 p.m. in the 800 block of W. Boxborough Drive, said Assistant. State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio.

The home that caught fire collapsed into a pile of rubble. Before it did fire shot out of the top floor window to a home next to it and caused external damage to the roof and side of the home, Chionchio said.

Video is below, the audio of the Mayday is below that.

Posted by on December 19, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Mayday, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Close Call Video: Two Lowell Firefighters Rescued at Church Fire After Mayday

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Two Lowell, Massachusetts firefighters had to be rescued by other firefighters when they began running out of air in the basement of a church fire. The firefighters outside quickly removed a window grate and removed both firefighters.

The fire occured at the Ste. Marie’s Church, part of Holy Family Parish and firefighters were trying to keep the fire from spreading to the basement.

“They were running low on air and they couldn’t find their way out,” Lemire said.

Firefighters from Engine 6, designated as a rapid-intervention team, rushed into the building, located their colleagues and pulled them out to safety. One engine at all fires is designated as RIT, and has no job at the fire except to be prepared if other firefighters get in trouble.

Lemire said neither firefighter was injured. From the Lowell Sun

The firefighters were treated at the scene. Video is below.

Links:

Posted by on September 14, 2011 • Filed under: Close Call, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Fires, Mayday, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mayday Audio: House Fire with Mayday and Extra Alarm Church Fire in Chicago

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On Saturday, Chicago firefighters battled an extra alarm fire at the New Life Temple Church of God in Chirst around 6 am.  On Sunday, Chicago firefighters battled a house fire with a mayday after a firefighter was briefly trapped in a collapsed stairwell. Audio below.

The 84 year old Church burned around 6 am on Saturday morning. The Church is located at 3540 West 15th Street. 125 firefighters responded to the fire. There were no reported injuries.

News coverage here and here

Two people, a woman and her grandson were injured along with a firefighter who was trapped in a stairwell after it collapsed prompting a mayday. The firefighter was only trapped briefly and the firefighter was not transported to the hospital.

News coverage here

Posted by on May 30, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Mayday, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Mark Falkenhan Was the Ideal Firefighter, Paramedic, Husband, and Father

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Previous Coverage on Fire Critic Here

Update: Funeral Arrangements:

Viewings will be held Saturday and Sunday from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Ruhl Armory on York Rd. in Towson

His funeral will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.

Interment will follow at Dulaney Memorial Gardens.

Firefighter Mark Falkenhan was overcome in flashover conditions on the third floor at a 4 alarm fire in Baltimore County. He was rescued by fellow firefighters and died at the hospital. Firefighters rescued two occupants during the fire.

Mark Falkenhan was a firefighter, a paramedic, a husband, and a father.

The Essex-Middle River Patch offers an excellent view of Mark’s life in an article titled “Great Firefighter, Great Husband, Great Father”.

If you don’t do anything else, read the article here!

It is clear that Mark was a role model.

mark falkenhan

Essex-Middle River Patch:

Mark left his job with Baltimore County Fire to work for the U.S. Secret Service. He remained a volunteer firefighter with the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company in Baltimore County.

Shorlty after he graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1986, Falkenhan joined the Middle River Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Co. He rose to the rank of chief and is a lifetime member.

Falkenhan then joined the Baltimore County Fire Department as an emergency medical technician in 1990.

He married Gladys on Nov. 11, 1993, and became an EMT-Paramedic the following year. He served at various stations across the county before retiring in 2006 to accept a job with the U.S. Secret Service.

Most firefighters will learn something from every Line of Duty Death. Those lessons are typically learned once the reports are published and the findings are disseminated. It is already clear to me that Mark’s death, the 10th LODD this year, already has a positive message. Live, Learn, and Love… both in our families at the firehouse and more importantly at home.

Mark was 43 years old.

More coverage and links:

Below is the Press Release for the fire that claimed Mark Falkenhan’s life from Baltimore County (more…)

Posted by on January 20, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, News, Rescues • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

LODD – Firefighter Dies After Mayday at 4 Alarm Apartment Fire in Baltimore County

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Update: 10:19 pm EST: Fallen Firefighter Identified. Firefighter Mark Falkenhan, 43, died after being injured at a 4 alarm apartment fire in Baltimore County.  Falkenhan had retired from Baltimore County as paramedic about five years ago and went to work for U.S. Secret Service and was a volunteer for Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company. Falkenhan was married and had two children.

All apologies for errors in information last night. I had misspelled the firefighters last name.

Update: 9:31 pm EST: There are confirmed reports that a Firefighter from the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Department has died as a result of injuries from this fire in Baltimore County.

The firefighter was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Towson, where he later died.

Update: 9:14 pm EST: There isn’t a lot of news on this fire yet…details are still emerging.

The fire was contained to one apartment building and was believed to have started on the second floor. Credit Doug Donovan SOURCE HERE

Four Alarms have been sounded for a fire at the Crossing apartment complex at 30 Dowling Circle in Baltimore County. The call came in around 7pm tonight.

A firefighter and two others have been transported to area hospitals for injuries sustained in the fire.

The firefighter was rescued by other firefighters after transmitting a Mayday.

Visit the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company online here

Visit the Baltimore County FD online here

More Coverage links direct to the story:

Here is a quick and glimpse of the scene via youtube

More video from earlier

Posted by on January 19, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, Mayday, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mayday Audio: Buffalo Firefighters Injured After Falling Through Floor

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BuffaloNews.com:

Three Buffalo firefighters fell through the floor of a burning vacant house in the city’s East Delavan-Fillmore section Wednesday night, and two of them were injured and taken to the hospital, fire officials reported.

The injuries in the blaze at 145 Mohican Ave. were described by fire officials at the scene as “non-life-threatening.” The nature of the fire is being described as “suspicious.”

Firefighters responded to a call at 8:13 p.m. and arrived to find flames on the first and second floors at the front of the 2 1/2-story house.

The fire at 145 Mohican Ave. started on the first floor and did an estimated $20,000 in damage, according to officials. Sharon Cantillon / Buffalo News

Posted by on December 31, 2010 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Fires, Mayday, News, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Fires, Blizzards, Rescues, and Maydays: Middle of the Week Review…Are you keeping up?

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I’ll admit that I have slow days. However, I post when I am able to. I took the 24th and 25th off, but quickly caught up!

You should be keeping up with me at least…yes I am speaking to both of you (my readers)!

There are some other links in there from some other sites as well!

    Bonus Video of FDNY During the Blizzard

    Posted by on December 28, 2010 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Health & Safety, EMS Topics, Fire Prevention & Education, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, News, Rescues, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    Close Call: Mayday in Evanston, IL With Audio

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    Suntimes.com:

    An Evanston firefighter remained hospitalized Saturday night after crews battled a Christmas morning fire that ravaged two homes and three garages in the northern suburb.

    Two other firefighters were also injured in the blaze on the 1800 block of Laurel that broke out at 5:07 a.m.

    Evanston Fire Battalion Chief Don Kunita said emergency crews arrived at the scene three minutes later and found a fire that was “getting big rapidly.’’

    Toward the end of the battle against the fire, a “Mayday” was called when one firefighter had trouble breathing.

    “He obviously needed help. We got him out of there,’’ Kunita said. The firefighter, a 25-year veteran of the department, was taken to Evanston Hospital, where he was in good condition Saturday night.

    Posted by on December 26, 2010 • Filed under: Close Call, Fires, News, Rescues, Safety, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

    Close Call: Mayday in Lancaster County. Captain Falls Through Floor.

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    December 24, 2010:

    FireTruckBlog.com (info and photos source) has a decent write-up with pictures.

    Suddenly the captain in front dropped into the basement through a large hole in the floor. He was suspended by his shoulders on electrical wires, the only thing that prevented him from dropping fully into the basement. His partner was directly behind him and instantly transmitted a MAYDAY to Command.

    The handline crew on the other side of the wall was now able to see just his head above floor level.

    Posted by on December 26, 2010 • Filed under: Close Call, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

    Video and Audio: LODD: Two Chicago Firefighters Killed after Mayday and Collapse in Chicago Building Fire

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    Chicago fire personnel evacuate an injured firefighter at a extra-alarm fire at 1700 East 75th Street. (E. Jason Wambsgans/ Chicago Tribune)

    ChicagoBreakingNews.com:

    Two firefighters died after a wall collapsed during a 3-11 alarm fire at an abandoned South Side commercial building this morning, authorities said. Fourteen other firefighters were injured, including two who were trapped with the ones who died.

    Police squad cars escorted two ambulances north on Lake Shore Drive to Northwestern as ramps were closed to clear it of traffic, according to fire communications. One of the firefighters taken there has died, sources said. The condition of the other one was not known.

    WGN.com:

    CHICAGO — Two Chicago firefighters were killed and 14 others injured after a building collapsed during a fire this morning . The collapse prompted a Mayday alarm just after 7 a.m. in an abandoned brick building at 1744 E. 75th Street when a wall collapsed trapping them at least four of them inside.

    Four of the firefighters were listed in critical condition, another eight in stable, according to Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Robert Hoff.

    Suntimes.com:

    “We got firemen unaccounted for,’’ according to Fire Media Affairs Director Larry Langford who was on the scene at 7:30 a.m. “Right now we’re working to get inside the building,’’ Langford said.

    As of 7:24 a.m. the alarm has been elevated to a 3-11 and an EMS Plan II, which automatically sends about ten ambulances to the scene, is in effect, Knight said.

    Knight said the building is 40 feet by 125 feet.

    News Coverage

    Firefighters dig through rubble as they search for trapped colleagues after a brick wall collapsed at a South Side fire in a vacant commercial building. (WGN-TV)

    Live Video

    Cnn.com has live video here

    Live Audio

    WLS-TV slideshow from chopper

    Live Chicago Fire Department audio here and here

    Video Coverage

    Video Coverage

    Fire Traps Firefighters in Building on Chicago’s South Side; 3 Rescued, 1 Still Missing: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

    Video Coverage

    Posted by on December 22, 2010 • Filed under: Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Major Incidents, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    Mayday Video: Clearwater, Florida Mayday Caught on Helmet Camera

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    Clearwater Florida Firefighters get disoriented on the second floor and call a Mayday. You can hear the crews low air alarm going off and they are told to go to the Delta side. Immediately, the IC calls for a second alarm and sends crew to the roof of the first floor to assist. This was uploaded on November 23rd. Not sure how I missed it.

    Part 1

    Mayday is in (part 2) just before the 9 minute mark. Video from CL300 Incident safety officer’s helmet cam with dispatch audio. Video starts approximately 20 minutes after arrival of first alarm units. Click below for a PDF file report on this close call.
    http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/…

    Part 2 – The Mayday is at 9:00 mark

    Posted by on December 9, 2010 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, News, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

    "A lot of Guys Think This Won't Happen To Them"

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    The quote “A lot of Guys Think This Won’t Happen To Them” was made by Houston Captain Abbt. Captain Abbt was trapped in a high rise fire for over 18 minutes after calling MAYDAY while attempting rescue of trapped victims.

    I know that many of my readers have probably seen this video. If you haven’t, you have to watch it. All of it. If you have seen it, watch it again. Listen. Firefighters, Company Officers, Incident Commanders, Chiefs, all of you listen and watch and realize that Captain Abbt is right…”A lot of Guys Think This Won’t Happen To Them”.

    This is as close a call as ever when rescuing viable victims. Most of us have signed up with the understanding that we MIGHT be put in a situation where our lives COULD be lost while trying to save another. That is who we are, that is what we are about. Don’t let the Safety Talk fool you, our jobs are dangerous. We have to be safe, but we also have to do what we have to do to get the job done. Captain Abbt’s life was spared, although the ones he was rescuing weren’t.

    I don’t know about you, but my hair stands on end when I watch the end of this video.

    Part one can be seen here. It includes the call for MAYDAY by Captain Abbt, Rescue and Suppresion efforts on the Exterior of the building and pertaining radio traffic. Part two is embedded below.

    Posted by on September 24, 2009 • Filed under: News, Videos • Tagged: , , ,