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Previous coverage here, here, and here

Fire Critic Facebook Page

Latest coverage by STATter911.com here

West, Texas, Memorial Service (SFFMA.org)

The Texas LODD Task Force is announcing the details on the combined memorial service for the families of first responders that were killed in the tragic events that occurred in the city of West, Texas.

Memorial service starts at 2pm on Thursday April 25, 2013 at the Ferrell Center on Baylor University Campus. The address for the Ferrell Center is 1900 S. University Parks Drive, Waco TX 76706.

All apparatus wishing to participate in the apparatus procession need to report to the staging area between 6am-9am. The apparatus staging area is located at 2501 S. University Parks Dr., Waco TX 76706 at the Old HEB Terminal.

All Uniformed personnel wishing to walk in the procession to the Ferrell Center need to report to the same staging area between 6am-10am. There will be parking and security for vehicles.

Visiting Honor Guards are encouraged to bring their colors for the walking procession. An area at the Ferrell Center will be set aside for Honor Guards to store their equipment during the services.

Apparatus procession will begin moving from the staging area to the Ferrell Center at 11:00 am. And the walking procession will step off at 12:00pm from the staging area to the Ferrell Center

All uniformed personnel will be at the Ferrell Center and begin seating by 1pm. Doors will open for the public after the walking Uniformed Personnel have entered the Ferrell Center.

TX LODD Task Force logistics is working on providing food, water, tents, etc. to the staging area, those participating are encourage to bring their own snacks and water as this will be a long day.

Donate to NFFF West Texas Firefighter & EMS Fallen Hero Fund

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 22, 2013 • Filed under: Firefighter Plates, Humor, Mass Casualty Incident, News, Owning the Job, Safety, Technology & Communications • Tagged: Abbott VFD, Action Fire Pos, Apartment Fire, blast, Buck Uptmor, Building Fire, Captain Harris, Cody Dragoo, Collapse, Cyrus A. Reed, Cyrus Reed, Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris, Dallas Fire Rescue, Dave Statter, David Pareya, Doug Snokhaus, Doug Snokhous, DPS, EMS, EMT, Explosion, Facebook, fallen firefighters, fertilizer plant, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, Fire Truck Blog, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter & EMS Fallen Hero Fund, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Fires, House Fire, In the Line of Duty, IronFiremen.com, Jerry Chapman, Jim Matus, Jimmy Matus, Joey Pustejovsky, Kenny Harris, Kevin Sanders, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, LODD, mass casualty, MCI, McLennan County, Mertens VFD, Mike Rawlings, Morris Bridges, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Navarro Mills VFD, NFFF, Paramedic, people trapped, Perry Calvin, Rekindle, Rhett Fleitz, Robert Snokhaus, Robert Snokhous, Social Media, Station 30, STATter911.com, Steve Vanek, Structure Fire, Texas, Texas Department of Public Safety, Video, Waco, West, West Fertilizer Company, West Fire Department, West Texas Firefighter and EMS Fallen Hero Fund, West Volunteer Fire Department, Willie Wines Jr.

Continuing Coverage: The Identities of Victims in West, Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion

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The victims identities in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion are still being processed. I have still not seen any “official” word on exactly who died and what their role was at the scene. Below you will find that there are currently believed to be 9 firefighters dead after the tragedy. The 9 firefighters represent several departments.

Previous coverage here and here

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Latest coverage by STATter911.com here

Listen to the 911 Calls here

Information below compiled from here, here and here

Their “role” will be important in the future…right now, it really doesn’t matter to me. These souls were lost in an enormous tragedy that will have a small community rebuilding for years to come. The toll it had on the West Volunteer Fire Department is amazing in itself. From reports, it seems as though they had 5 firefighters die in the explosion; 11 firefighters injured and hospitalized; and 3 fire apparatus destroyed.

There will be “official” word soon. Until then, I will repost the names I posted in this article with the addition of 1 name, Cody Dragoo. I did not read anything about his death until today.

The people listed below are believed to be 12 of the 14 confirmed deaths in the blast.

West Volunteer Fire Department Members

Morris Bridges, 41. Firefighter for West VFD. Fire Sprinkler Technician for Action Fire Pros.
Cody Dragoo, 50. Firefighter for West VFD. Foreman at West Fertilizer Co.
Robert Snokhous, 48. Firefighter for West VFD. Employee at Central Texas Iron Works.
Doug Snokhous, 50. Firefighter for West VFD. Employee at Central Texas Iron Works.
Joey Pustejovsky. Firefighter for West VFD. City of West Secretary.

In addition to those above, the people below also are believed to have died in the blast. Their role, response, and department they were responding for are not exactly known at this time. Some of the people below may NOT have been responding as Fire and/or EMS personnel. It is believed that some (possibly 4) of the people below were responding as EMS personnel even though they are volunteer firefighters.

Perry Calvin, 37. Firefighter for Mertens and Navarro Mills VFDs. Student at Hill College Fire Academy.
Jerry Chapman, 26. Firefighter for Abbott VFD.
Jimmy Matus, 52. Owner of Westex Welding in West, Texas.
Cyrus Reed. Firefighter for Abbott VFD. Worked at Waxahachie plant.
Buck Uptmor, 40′s. Owner of a fencing company and lived near West. *listed some places as a Firefighter for West VFD.
Kenny Harris, 52. Dallas FD Fire Captain.

Kevin Sanders is listed as missing. He is a member of Bruceville-Eddy VFD. He was attending the EMS class in West that night and was one of the initial first responders to the fire.

The Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force Facebook Page posted this:

The final count for LODDs in West, Texas is 10 Emergency Service Workers and 2 honorary Emergency Service Workers.

Donate to NFFF West Texas Firefighter & EMS Fallen Hero Fund

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 20, 2013 • Filed under: Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, EMS Dispatch, EMS Topics, Fire Dispatch, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, Mass Casualty Incident, News • Tagged: Abbott VFD, Action Fire Pos, Apartment Fire, blast, Buck Uptmor, Building Fire, Captain Harris, Cody Dragoo, Collapse, Cyrus A. Reed, Cyrus Reed, Dallas FD Captain Kenny Harris, Dallas Fire Rescue, Dave Statter, David Pareya, Doug Snokhaus, Doug Snokhous, DPS, EMS, EMT, Explosion, Facebook, fallen firefighters, fertilizer plant, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, Fire Truck Blog, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter & EMS Fallen Hero Fund, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Fires, House Fire, In the Line of Duty, IronFiremen.com, Jerry Chapman, Jim Matus, Jimmy Matus, Joey Pustejovsky, Kenny Harris, Kevin Sanders, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, LODD, mass casualty, MCI, McLennan County, Mertens VFD, Mike Rawlings, Morris Bridges, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Navarro Mills VFD, NFFF, Paramedic, people trapped, Perry Calvin, Rekindle, Rhett Fleitz, Robert Snokhaus, Robert Snokhous, Social Media, Station 30, STATter911.com, Steve Vanek, Structure Fire, Texas, Texas Department of Public Safety, Video, Waco, West, West Fertilizer Company, West Fire Department, West Texas Firefighter and EMS Fallen Hero Fund, West Volunteer Fire Department, Willie Wines Jr.

Pierce Manufacturing Announces New NFFF Program to Support Families of Fallen Firefighters

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APPLETON, Wis. (April 12, 2013) Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, today launched Support for the Long Haul, a new nationwide campaign to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). The program will help the NFFF assist the families of firefighters who die in the line of duty.

Donate to win a custom, one-of-a-kind Ford F-150 to support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

“Since forming a partnership with the NFFF, we’ve raised more than $275,000 to support the families and loved ones of firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president Fire & Emergency. “An important facet of Pierce’s mission is to give back to the fire service and the NFFF, and programs like Support for the Long Haul help lead the way.”

Through October 1, 2013, participants can visit www.supportforthelonghaul.com to make a donation to the NFFF. When they do, they will automatically be entered in the Support for the Long Haul sweepstakes* for the chance to win a firefighter inspired, customized Ford F-150 4 x 4 SuperCrew pickup truck. The sweepstakes winner will be announced in November 2013.

“We are grateful to our sponsors for helping us raise awareness and funding so that we can fulfill our mission,” said Ron Siarnicki, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation executive director. “With the help of partners like Pierce Manufacturing, their dealer network, the people of Oshkosh Corporation and support from Pritchard Auto Company, we are able to continue to expand our programming for the families of fallen firefighters.”

Every October, the Foundation sponsors the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland and the names of the fallen are added to the National Memorial. All year long, the NFFF he

Posted by The Fire Critic on April 12, 2013 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, Contests, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: F-150, Fire, Fire Blog, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Ford, IronFiremen.com, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Pierce Fire Trucks, Pierce Manufacturing, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Support for the Long Haul, The Fire Critic, Willie Wines Jr.

Coming Soon: Limited Vintage Tribute Wine by Distant Cellars Supports The NFFF

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Distant Cellars, a family-owned winery in Fiddletown, California, will support the work of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation through the sale of a new wine aptly titled “Tribute Wine”. The wine will be available in April.

Limited New Vintage Honors Fallen Firefighters and Supports the NFFF

I took a minute to ask the President of Distant Cellars, Drew Gaiser, a few questions about the new wine, the winery, his role in the fire service, and why Distant Cellars believes in the work of the NFFF. Not only is Drew the President of Distant Cellars, he is also a Lt. in Colorado.

FireHero.org:

Tribute is a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Alicante Bouschet grapes that were harvested in 2010 and carefully aged for more than 24 months. Only 300 cases of this full-bodied wine were bottled on February 26 and will be available for sale in early April for $28 per bottle on the winery’s Web site, www.distantcellars.com/nfff. Thirty percent of the sales will be donated to the NFFF.

DistantCellars.com – Distant Cellars on Facebook

How long has your family owned/operated Distant Cellars?

We purchased the property in 2007 and started as a winery in 2009. Before restoring the property to a functioning winery, we worked to bring the vines back to health and fix up the facilities. This also gave my brother who is the wine maker, time to complete more formal wine making training at UC Davis. Prior to purchasing the property, we had been traveling to the county for several years and he had been helping another winery during their crush. But after our purchase, we wanted a more formal approach to our wine and he volunteered to attend classes to become our winemaker. After the vineyard was at a level we were happy with, we transitioned into the wine making operations. This will be our second release of wine and we are very happy with the quality and direction of our wines. Since we age all of our wine for over 24 months, patience has been a large part of our start up plan. Now that the wine is out we are looking forward to improving the property to have an on site tasting room and be able to host events at the winery, but for now this will be a ways out.

How long have you been a firefighter? Where are you a firefighter?

I work as a Lieutenant at West Metro Fire Rescue in Lakewood, CO and have been there since August of 2001. Prior to that I volunteered locally and first received my firefighter I in high school at age 16. The fire service has always been a passion of mine and to be able to do it full time is a dream come true.

How easy is it to be the President of a Winery in California while being a firefighter in Colorado?

It’s not. Lucky for me it is a family affair and I have a large family. It has gotten a lot easier over the last couple of years with my father moving out to be on site full time as a “pseudo-retirement”. Also each of my three brothers are involved and that really helps. We started the winery because of how different a path each of us took in our careers, and the winery has allowed all of us to come back together to use our different skills in a central purpose. For example my older brother works at Microsoft and handles all of our IT, my younger brother is our winemaker, and then my youngest is in the military and is getting his masters in Entrepreneurship. Each of us bring these aspects to table and then try to stay in our own lanes as we work. For me, my experiences as a fire officer has played a much larger role in this than I originally thought it would. Just like at the fire house we write SOP’s for our operation, organize the winery like the engine, and then delegate tasks like on the fire ground and trust that they happen. I guess the short answer would be that I have a great crew and we work well together, which makes gaping the distance and scheduling challenges easier.

I see that the Tribute Wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Alicante Bouschet grapes. Can you tell us what this wine will taste like in laymans terms?

I love wine descriptions. They can be really off the wall and make wine a very unapproachable subject. An older vintner from our valley once told me that it doesn’t matter what someone else tells you it tastes like, just drink it and if it tastes good to you than you are drinking the right wine. So we have set up Distant Cellars to try and be as approachable as possible. With all that said, the industry does require a tasting notes section so I can tell you what we taste, but again try it and just focus on whether or not you like it. We try and make our wines represent where we make them. We don’t want to make a french or Italian wine we want it to be from Fiddletown, CA and have its own identity. This would be similar to embracing your department instead of trying to be like the neighbors or the one across the country. We look at and learn from these regions, but ultimately we want our own identity and wine.

Tasting Notes from the Winemaker: Tribute is a dry red wine (meaning that there are no sugars left in it) that has the aroma of red berries with subtle earth notes. The flavor is smooth and the first thing you’ll notice are cherry and raspberry notes that turn into hints of oak and leather. The after taste is smooth and ends with a good lingering finish.

Why is it important for Distant Cellars to team up with the NFFF to raise money for their programs?

I was very lucky to be at a station where some of the guys were organizing one of the CO stair climbs and I really grew to admire the work and support that they developed through just an idea. I would participate with them in the climbs each year and would see how much this event brought the public to an awareness of the sacrifices that a select few pay while remembering a truly horrific day. As the years went on, I learned more about the foundation and what they did. The fact that they offer support for the surviving families was what really hit home to both my family and me. So as we started talking about a way to give back as a business and family, the NFFF made perfect sense. Our family could help the NFFF, in a small way, to keep the surviving families embraced in the fire service community while they tried to rebuild their lives.

In addition to being able to help the NFFF it has been an amazing experience to watch two completely different passions come together and work for a great cause.

Posted by The Fire Critic on March 21, 2013 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: Distant Cellars, DistantCellars.com, Drew Gaiser, Facebook, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, FireHero.org, IronFiremen.com, Limited Vintage Tribute Wine, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Tribute Wine, Willie Wines Jr.

The South Dakota Firefighters Benefit – A Huge Success

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Recently, Willie Wines Jr. and I were out in South Dakota. We took at trip across the State in a Spartan ERV engine. We toured the Spartan factory in Brandon, SD, and we attended and spoke at the 1st Annual South Dakota Firefighters Benefit. Needless to say, it was an awesome trip. I wrote a post on the trip across the State, but I never banged out a post about the actual Benefit. Read about the trip across the State here (including some info on each firehouse we stopped at). Keep scrolling down to read about the Benefit.

Willie wrote about it here, here, and here.

Bob Gard, a firefighter in Canton, SD came up with the idea for the South Dakota FF Benefit. He contacted me when he thought it up, we had never met or talked. His plan was to get Willie and I out their speaking. That would be one part of the event. Over the following months, more ideas came to Bob and he incorporated much of them into the plans for the event.

What Bob was doing hadn’t really been done before that any of us could recollect. Sure, there are State level association meetings, conferences, and expositions but not an event like this one. Adam Frick lent a hand in helping Bob plan the event, and after it was all over with there were many others who wanted to help with next years event.

The basic premise of the event according to Bob was to simply create a fun event that was centered around Firefighters having fun and fellowship. Basically, it was a way of bringing South Dakota’s Firefighters together. Not that they don’t get along, but they so spread out across the State and this would be an opportunity for them to rub shoulders and have fun.

The night included a mixer at the beginning for everyone to get comfortable and mingle. It continued with dinner blessed by our good friend Father Frank McNeil (Lennox FD’s Fire Chaplain). Following that Captain Wines and I spoke followed by a live auction of some great items, the drawing of the raffle for the Custom Phenix “343″ leather, and the silent auction of almost 30 lots of great firefighting products. The night ended with some drinks and dancing (I drank, Willie danced).

Willie and I had a blast.

Some of the great prizes we auctioned off were from the sponsors: They include Spartan ERV, Ride Backwards,All About Travel, Franklin Silverado, Firehouse Brewery, Grand Falls Casino Resort, Allegiant Emergency Services, Phenix Fire Helmets, Danko Emergency Equipment, Sanford Health, Goeman Auction, Farm Country Trader Inc, Boltes Sanitation, Darley, MSA Cairns, ResQme, True North Gear, Mn8 Products, Black Helmet, FatIvan, Pelican,Wall Shields, and Black Jack Helmet Holder among others.

These custom “corn hole” or “bean bag” boards were built by Wall Shields. They were the hottest ticket in the live auction.

As for our small part in this equation, Willie and I had planned on speaking about Brotherhood in an effort to explain what “Brotherhood” means to us and ways to bring it back to the fire service. After our trip across the State, we decided to not do our talk and instead explain what we had seen in each firehouse we had gone to. After all, while we had gone to South Dakota with open minds, we ended up learning so much more than we could have ever taught. We wanted the Brotherhood in SD to know about the small and big things we had seen in hopes of some of their traditions being spread throughout the State.

It only took our first stop in Keystone to realize that what we knew about the Fire Service was small in comparison to what we were about to learn.

As I said before, the benefit was first and foremost about the Brotherhood in SD, and the firefighters having a good time. The byproduct of that was to raise money for the National Firefighters endowment and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. I have not heard the final numbers, and as I explained to Bob that the first year of anything has a certain learning curve to it. If the event was able to raise $5 for each organization, that is $5 they didn’t have before.

Either way, I feel certain that Bob and Adam have learned a ton about the benefit and will be able to really make the 2nd annual benefit an even larger success!

I have attached photos below, you can also view 100′s of photos at the Fire Critic Facebook Page.

Posted by The Fire Critic on October 17, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, News • Tagged: 1903 Waterous Pumper, All About Travel, Allegiant Emergency Services, American LaFrance, Antique Apparatus, Antique fire trucks, Black Helmet, Black Jack Helmet Holder, Bob Gard, Boltes Sanitation, Brandon Fire Department, Brandon VFD, Brotherhood, Canton Fire Department, Captain Willie Wines Jr., Chancellor Fire Department, computer bags, custom computer bags, Danko Emergency Equipment, Darley, Darrell Fitch, Dave Statter, Deadwood Fire Department, Deadwood South Dakota, Deadwood VFD, Dobson Antique Toy and firehouse Museum, Evon Cassier Bags, Facebook, Farm Country Trader Inc, FatIvan, Fire, Fire / Medic artwork, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, firefighter pics, Firefighters, Firefighting, Firehouse Brewery, Firehouse Brewing Company, FireMedicArt.com, Franklin Silverado, Goeman Auction, Grand Falls Casino Resort, Historic Fire Stations, Historic Franklin Hotel, Huron Fire Department, IronFiremen.com, Keystone Fire Department, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Master Firefighter, Miller Fire Department, Mitchell Fire Department, Mn8 Products, Mount Rushmore, MSA Cairns, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, National Firefighters Endowment, NFFF, Onida Fire Department, Onida South Dakota, Onida VFD, Pelican, Phenix Fire Helmets, Pierre Fire Department, Rapid City Fire Department, ResQme, Rhett Fleitz, Ride Backwards, Sanford Health, Shane Parkins, Sioux Falls Fire Department, Social Media, South Dakota, South Dakota Firefighters Benefit, Spartan ERV, Sturgis Fire Department, Sturgis South Dakota, Sturgis VFD, True North Gear, Wall Shields, Waterous Pumps, Willie Wines Jr., Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen

Honor and Respect For the Fallen – The NFFF Memorial Weekend

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I have had the fortune of being involved in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Weekend for the past 3-4 years. It is my fortune, because I get to experience the events in person. The crisp snaps of the Honor Guard, the rumble of the drums, the sweet sound of the pipes, the tears shed, the children playing on the Memorial Walk, friends meeting once again, Survivors visiting the Memorial of their Hero.

Memorial Weekend could be an NFA class on NIMS. There are no questions…simply delegation from the top down met with disciplined, able, and willing men and women waiting to perform any and all tasks that are asked of them. It is a symphony of the classiest, dedicated, and selfless firefighters who come each year to assist in Honor and Respect for the Fallen and Supporting the Survivors.

The individuals who help during NFFF weekend don’t need any thanks. The thanks is in the production of the weekend. None of them would be here if they were in it for any other reason than to Honor and Respect for the Fallen and Supporting the Survivors.

There are two reasons why we are here…

Honor and Respect for the Fallen and Supporting the Survivors

This is Lukas Roming and his Mother Melissa. They were at the Memorial Weekend with the Connecticut Honor Guard. They “get it”!

It isn’t easy being away from our families at home, but it is made easier by realizing that we are taking care of our “other” family.

Right now, you should be checking your calendars and clearing your schedule to attend a future NFFF Memorial Weekend. You will not be sorry. It is an event that every Firefighter should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Captain Wines did a pretty decent job of explaining his view of the Memorial Weekend here.

This year there was little time for fellowship with other firefighters. We did get to meet numerous Brothers, some for the first time and others we see at events like this throughout the year. There were so many who were there that we know…we just didn’t get to find everyone.

We didn’t even make it to the Ott House on Saturday night. We intended to get there, but couldn’t make it. We did leave our mark on Friday night. We had a blast.

If you would like to see more of what went on at the NFFF Memorial Weekend, be sure to follow and check out the posts at the NFFF Facebook page.

Here is an excellent video from NFFFTV on the Memorial Weekend below

Posted by The Fire Critic on October 9, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Line of Duty, News, Videos • Tagged: Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, IronFiremen.com, National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Weekend, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Watch live coverage of the 2012 National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Service

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Live Video begins at 10 am Sunday

Posted by The Fire Critic on October 6, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, News, Videos • Tagged: Bells Across America, Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, Candlelight Service, Emmitsburg, Fallen Firefighter, fallen firefighters, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, FireHeroTV, IronFiremen.com, Light a virtual candle for a fallen firefighter, Line of Duty Death, live coverage, live stream, live streaming, Maryland, Memorial Service, Memorial Weekend, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, News Media, NFFF, Remembrance Banner, reputation management, Rhett Fleitz, Ring a bell for a fallen firefighter, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Support the NFFF By Attending one of Their Events

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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.

Connect via Facebook – Twitter - Youtube – FFNation

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at FDIC

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.

9-11StairClimb.com

Nascar

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

NFFF Memorial Golf

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/

Survivors Conference Recently Held

From February 12 – 17, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) sponsored the Annual Fire Service Survivors Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Now in its seventh year, the conference attracts more than one hundred survivors each year. Attendees include both those who have recently suffered a loss and those from years before.

http://firehero.org/news/2012/survivorsconference_013112.html

Posted by The Fire Critic on February 16, 2012 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, News, Videos • Tagged: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb, 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, EMS, Facebook, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Golf Tournament, IronFiremen.com, NASCAR, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, NFFF Memorial Golf, NFFF Survivors Conference, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Chicago Fire Department – Everyone Goes Home – Watch and Share

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This video is from the Chicago Fire Department and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. It provides insight to some of what Chicago’s firefighters have been through dealing with Line of Duty Deaths (LODD’s), close calls, continuing to learn, and adjusting to change.

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I challenge you to watch this entire video. Then share the video with your Brother and Sister Firefighters.

YOU HAVE TO LEARN.
You have to train.
You have to be ready.
Wear your seatbelts.
Understand what you are doing and why you are doing it.

Some of the topics include seatbelt usage, situational awareness, health and wellness, calling a MAYDAY, PPE, and much more.

If you think you got some good reason for not wearing this or for not doing things the right way write it down. Because I need to read that to your widow. Cause I’m not going to know what to say. You say it for me. – Chicago Chief of Training Peter VanDorpe

If this video doesn’t make you sit and think about your job and how you do it, you just don’t get it.

Sincere thanks to CFD Commissioner Bob Hoff, the Chicago Fire Department, Chicago IAFF Local 2, and the entire crew at the NFFF especially Rob Maloney, director of this video, for a spectacular job.

Posted by The Fire Critic on December 28, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Close Call, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Prevention & Education, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Funding & Staffing, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Mayday, Must Read, News, Rescues, Training, Training & Development, Videos • Tagged: Bob Hoff, CFD, Chicago, Chicago Fire Department, Close Call, Command Fire Apparatus, Commissioner Hoff, Dave Statter, EGH, EMS, EMT, Everyone Goes Home, film, Fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Fires, House Fire Video, IAFF, Illinois, In the Line of Duty, IronFiremen.com, JoEllen Kelly, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, LODD, movie, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Paramedic, Rhett Fleitz, Rob Maloney, Robert Hoff, Ron Siarnicki, Safety, seatbelts, Social Media, Steve Redick, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Top Ten Christmas Gifts for Firefighters 2011

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The 2011 Christmas season is in full swing.

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

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

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

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

Here we go…

10. Ride Backwards Apparel

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

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

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

9. Phenix Leather Helmet

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

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

Check out Phenix helmets online here.

8. Firefighter Calendar

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

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

7. Firefighter Apparel

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

I suggest you look at:

6. Leather Bunker Boots

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

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

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

You can buy the boots on TheFireStore.com

5. NFFF Merchandise

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

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

Support the NFFF, they are supporting us!

Check them out online. Their store is here.

4. MN8 Foxfire Illuminating Gear

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

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

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

3. Custom Leather Accessories

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

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

2. Brotherhood Chips

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

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

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

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

Get more details and purchase yours by clicking HERE .

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

1. Personal Rescue Escape System

Too few firefighters have these!

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

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

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

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

Posted by The Fire Critic on December 6, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News, Top Ten Lists • Tagged: 2012 Firefighter Calendar, America's Female Firefighters Calendar, Axe Head, Black Diamond, Black Diamond Boots, Black Friday, Black Helmet Apparel, Box Alarm Leather, Brotherhood Chips, Cairns, Cairns New Yorker, Calendar, Camera, Christmas, Christmas Firehouse, Christmas gifts for firefighters, Colorado Firefighter Calendar, Cop Monopoly, Cyber Monday, EMS, EMS Gifts, EMS Monopoly, EMS Play, Facebook, Female Firefighters, Fire, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighter Apparel, Firefighter Calendar, Firefighter Calendars, Firefighter Christmas Gifts, Firefighter Gifts, Firefighter Monopoly, Firefighter Play, Firefighter Rescue Strap, Firefighter Rescue Tool, Firefighting, FireGeezer, FireGeezer Mug, FireGeezer Travel Mug, Fireman Calendar, Fireman's Chore, Firemans Chore Denim Jacket, Firemen Calendar, Gifts for Firefighters, Gifts for Firemen, Hot Firefighter Calendar, Hot Fireman Calendar, House Fire, IronFiremen.com, Law Enforcement Monopoly, Leather Fire Boots, Leather Fire Helmet, Ledger, MSA, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, New Zealand Firefighters Calendar, NFFF, NSW Firefighters Calendar, Phenix Leather Helmets, Police Gifts, Police Monopoly, Rak Wear, Rak Wear Firefighter Apparel, Rescue Strap, Rescue Tools, Rhett Fleitz, Ride Backwards, SAV-A-Jake, Save A Jake, Sexy Fireman Calendar, Shopping, Social Media, South Florida Firefighters Calendar, Thanksgiving, Top Ten Female Firefighter Calendars, Top Ten Firefighter Calendars, Top Ten Firefighter Christmas Gifts, Top Ten List, Toronto Firefighters Calendar, Willie Wines Jr.

Remembering Hal Bruno

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Hal Bruno was laid to rest on Friday, November 11th. Hal was one of the most popular and effective advocates for the fire service…ever. He was an active firefighter for 60 years.

For more than 60 years, Hal Bruno served as an active member of the fire service community, giving selflessly as a dedicated volunteer firefighter, advocate, commentator and leader. He is renowned for his commitment to fire safety initiatives and his compassion for the members of the fire service and their families. (source: NFFF)

It is imperative that our firefighters know and understand who Hal Bruno was and what Hal Bruno stood for. I never met the man, but his legacy will remain as a huge influence on the fire service.

It is important that we teach our firefighters because they will Hal didn’t work on the glorious end of firefighting. He didn’t teach firefighting, or strategy, or tactics, or any of that. Hal fought for the fire service. His legacy did not have to do with how you fought fire, but moreso that you had the tools you needed to fight the fire.

Hal was also a longtime chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Bruno was appointed chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in 1999, a distinction he held until his retirement in 2008. Under Hal’s leadership the NFFF expanded services and resources for the survivors, including workshops, conferences and scholarships. He guided and supported the Foundation in developing safety initiatives for firefighters and advancing safety practices that will help to reduce the number of line of duty deaths and injuries. (source: NFFF)

He died at the age of 83 on election day.

Dave Statter wrote a piece on Hal here that you should definitely read. Dave knew Hal and shares a timeline of events which will give you and understanding about what Hal was about. I should have written something sooner, but I was travelling. I offer this to you now. Read, understand, and share who Hal Bruno was and what Hal Bruno’s legacy stands for.

Links:

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 14, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, News, Videos • Tagged: Dave Statter, EMS, Fire, Fire Critic, Fire Department, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Hal Bruno, IronFiremen.com, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

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 The Fire Critic on September 5, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Videos • Tagged: 343, Better Angels, better angels: the firefighters of 9/11, betterangels911.com, Dawn Siebel, Durrell Pearsall, Fire Critic, Fire Rescue International, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Firehouse Expo, Joseph Agnello, Line of Duty, Line of Duty Death, LODD, Martin McWilliams, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Raymond York, Rhett Fleitz, September 11, September 11 2001, September 11 memorial, September 11th, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

FRI Wrapup – Entire Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Pledges to Buckle Up!

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Entire Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Pledges to Buckle Up! So Everyone Goes Home®

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

Every member of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) has pledged to make personal safety a priority by signing the International Fire Service Seat Belt Pledge. The department was recognized today for their full participation in the pledge by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). The Foundation sponsors the new campaign, Buckle Up! So Everyone Goes Home® to encourage firefighters to wear their seat belts when riding in department vehicles.

In recognition of the department’s adoption of the pledge, Chief Dennis Compton, chairman of the NFFF, Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF and Chief Victor Stagnaro, director of the NFFF’s Fire Service Programs presented the Certificate of Compliance to Chief Kelvin Cochran of AFRD. With 1,500 members and AFDR is one of the largest fire and rescue departments in the country.

“Motor vehicle crashes are the second-leading cause of firefighter fatalities in the United States and this effort aims to reduce the number of preventable fatalities,” said Siarnicki. “Under the leadership of Chief Cochran, the members of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department are an outstanding example for all fire service members that personal safety must be the priority. This participation also demonstrates that all departments nationwide can make this same commitment.”

Over 200,000 first responders have taken the International Seat Belt Pledge, representing nearly 1,400 departments in the United States and 18 departments from other countries. The ultimate goal of the campaign is to eliminate line of duty deaths that are caused by first responders not wearing their seat belts.

Dr. Burton Clark, a distinguished member of the fire service for 40 years and a training specialist at the National Fire Academy, has been the lead advocate of the National Seat Belt Pledge since its inception in 2006. Dr. Clark will continue to serve as an advisor and liaison for the campaign.

In addition to the Certificate of Compliance, the NFFF provided the newly designed dashboard sticker featuring the campaign logo, “Buckle Up! So Everyone Goes Home®.” The department will also be recognized on the Foundation’s Everyone Goes Home® seat belt website.

For more information about the International Seat Belt Pledge, go to: www.everyonegoeshome.org/seatbelts.

Posted by The Fire Critic on September 1, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News • Tagged: Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, Everyone Goes Home, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, FRI2011, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Rhett Fleitz, Willie Wines Jr.

FRI Wrapup – Motorola Donates $1 Million to the NFFF

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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.

Matt Blakely, director, Motorola Solutions Foundation presented a $1 million grant to Chief Dennis Compton, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) during a ceremony today at Fire Station 11 in Atlanta.

Atlanta, GA – (August 25, 2011) A $1 million grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation honors the nation’s fallen firefighters and will improve firefighter safety. Representatives from Motorola Solutions presented the grant to Chief Dennis Compton, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, at the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department’s Fire Station 11. Both organizations are in Atlanta for the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ annual Fire Rescue International conference. The money will support the Motorola Solutions Foundation Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Everyone Goes Home® Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives. Both are programs of the NFFF.

“The Motorola Solutions Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation over the years, and we are grateful for their commitment to our mission to honor the fallen heroes and their families,” said Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “This generous grant enables the survivors of the fallen to further their educational goals and fulfill dreams that they may otherwise have to postpone. It also assists the Foundation in our efforts to reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries through the Everyone Goes Home® Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives.”

“This funding is the next evolution of the long-standing support and commitment by Motorola Solutions Foundation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the American fire service,” said Matthew Blakely, director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “For more than 70 years, Motorola has been a proud supplier and supporter of the American fire service, providing mission critical communications for our nation’s first responders. On behalf of Motorola Solutions employees, we salute our nation’s fire service and pay tribute to the fallen firefighters who have given the ultimate sacrifice in serving their communities. Motorola Solutions is privileged to team with the NFFF and assist the survivors of our fallen fire service heroes.”

The attendees stood in ovation for the award by Motorola.

The Motorola Solutions Foundation Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to children, stepchildren, adopted children, spouses and life partners of firefighters who died in the line of duty. The scholarships focus on science, technology, engineering and math and are awarded annually for full- or part-time study at accredited colleges, universities or vocational institutions.

The Everyone Goes Home® Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives program is designed to change the culture of accepting the loss of firefighters as a normal occurrence. This is achieved through education and training of fire service personnel and leadership. The program was developed following the 2004 Firefighter Life Safety Summit.

In addition, Motorola Solutions is a top sponsor of the National Fallen Firefighters Annual Memorial Weekend and other programs and fundraising events during the year that support the Foundation’s efforts. Motorola Solutions Foundation and Motorola Solutions partner in their desire to support the wonderful efforts of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the American Fire Service.

Posted by The Fire Critic on August 31, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, News, Videos • Tagged: Atlanta, Atlanta Station 11, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, FRI2011, Motorola, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

110 For 343… Finishing the Climb

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Today, Willie and I climbed another 110 stories for the 343 brothers who were murdered on September 11, 2001. I wrote about our first climb here that we did at Firehouse Expo in Baltimore. Every firefighter should commit to at least one 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb event.

I am sure that Willie will be posting something at IronFiremen.com soon enough.

This climb was different. It was in a different City, a different building, different layout, I had done one before, and it I had a different focus.

Willie and I climbed again. Why, you might ask? Simply because we could, we wanted to, and we owe it to our brothers.

Our team at FRI. Cheryl Horvath, Martha Ellis, Rhett Fleitz, Mark Nugent, Chris Riley, Willie Wines Jr., and Matt Tobia. Sorry for any spelling mistakes.

The climb in Atlanta was 10 times harder than the one in Baltimore. Baltimore was 22 stories 5 times. Atlanta was a straight 73 stories, and then another 45. I know it doesn’t add up to 110, but somehow they had it worked out to that. Somewhere in that equation it equalled 110 and I didn’t question it. The only break that we had climbing was the stop at the 73rd floor and the ride down the elevator to begin again. We had 4 of those breaks in Baltimore.

We ended up being in the first team to climb today. Willie and I climbed with Fire Chief Chris Riley, Chief Matt Tobia, Chief Martha Ellis, Cheryl Horvath, and Chief Mark Nugent. Sorry for any spelling or rank mistakes. Willie and I were the only ones in turnout gear in our group.

The second set of steps that we climbed to the 45th floor it was me and Willie. The others went on without us. They wanted to move quicker than we could move in our turnout gear. We accepted it. It gave Willie and I time to reflect without anyone within floors of us. Just us…climbing…for the 343. The quiet was only broke by the sound of Willie offering support in keeping me going. His encouragement which I desperately needed. It was tough. Willie wanted to make sure I was alright. Like any great Company Officer he was looking out for me. It was just us climbing, and we were able to pay our respects in our way without any distractions.

We are probably around the 90th floor right here. It was tough.

I could not have completed the climb without my brother and partner Willie. This climb was one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life. As hard as I thought the climb was in Baltimore, this one was harder.

We completed the climb. We completed the climb for the 343 again like we did in Baltimore and we did it again as a personal accomplishment.

Just like in Baltimore, I hit every step on the way up.

As a matter of fact, I had to stop twice to go back a couple of steps to hit one I had skipped.

I have to thank the Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta Fire Department, the NFFF, and the IAFC for putting on the event and allowing me to pay my respects to the 343.

If you EVER have the chance to climb in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb I CHALLENGE you to do it. Do it for yourself, do it for the brotherhood, do it for the 343.

FINISH THEIR CLIMB

Captain Willie Wines Jr.

After the climb with Ron Siarnicki and Dave Statter. Dave was excited to be around real firefighters! He has always wanted to be one, but apparently didn't have what it takes.

Posted by The Fire Critic on August 25, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Health & Safety, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, News • Tagged: Atlanta, Atlanta Fire Department, Cheryl Horvath, Chris Riley, Dave Statter, Fire Critic, Fire Rescue International, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, FRI, FRI2011, IAFC, International Association of Fire Chiefs, IronFiremen.com, Mark Nugent, Martha Ellis, Matt Tobia, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Rhett Fleitz, Ron Siarnicki, September 11th, Social Media, Westin Peachtree Plaza, Willie Wines Jr.

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

Willie Wines Jr. - The climb
Thomas Warshaw – For the Honor of 343 Brothers
Fire Critic – Rhett Fleitz – 110 FLOORS FOR 343…NEVER FORGET. HONOR, RESPECT, TRADITION
Joe Schmoe didn’t climb because he wasn’t there, but he had some kind words here

Here is some local news coverage

Firehouse.com - 9/11 Stair Climb at Expo Honors Fallen FDNY Bravest
WBFF – Fox45 – video of the climb
ABC2 – Firefighters to pay tribute to fallen 9/11 firefighters
Baltimore Sun – Firefighters climb stairs to honor lives lost in Sept. 11
CBS – Stair-Climbing Memorial Honors Firefighters Who Died Sept. 11

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 The Fire Critic on July 27, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Videos • Tagged: 343, 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb, Baltimore, Baltimore County, Better Angels, Carolina Fire Pages, Chris King, Collective Buying, Daily EMS Deals, Daily Fire Deals, Daily Police Deals, DailyEMSDeals, DailyEMSDeals.com, DailyFireDeals, DailyFireDeals.com, DailyPoliceDeals, DailyPoliceDeals.com, Emergency Medical Services, EMS, FDNY, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department of New York, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Firehouse Expo, Firenews.net, Group Buying, IronFiremen.com, Jeff Harkey, Kevin Totten, Law Enforcement, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Offensive Attack, Offensive Attack Inc., Paramedic, Rhett Fleitz, September 11, September 11 2001, September 11 memorial, September 11th, Social Media, Tommy Warshaw, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

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 The Fire Critic 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: 343, 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb, Baltimore, Baltimore County, Carolina Fire Pages, Chris King, Collective Buying, Daily EMS Deals, Daily Fire Deals, Daily Police Deals, DailyEMSDeals, DailyEMSDeals.com, DailyFireDeals, DailyFireDeals.com, DailyPoliceDeals, DailyPoliceDeals.com, Emergency Medical Services, EMS, FDNY, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department of New York, Fire Service, FireCritic.com, Firefighter, Firefighting, Firehouse Expo, Firenews.net, Group Buying, IronFiremen.com, Jeff Harkey, Kevin Totten, Law Enforcement, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Offensive Attack, Offensive Attack Inc., Paramedic, Rhett Fleitz, September 11, September 11 2001, September 11 memorial, September 11th, Social Media, Tommy Warshaw, Video, Willie Wines Jr.

Video: CBS Sunday Morning Showcases Volunteer Firefighters, The NFFF, and The Family of Steven Koeser

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At this years National Fallen Firefighter Foundation Memorial Service, I had the opportunity to meet so many families and other survivors of our Fallen Brothers. One of those families was of Fallen Brother Steven “Peanuts” Koeser. Unfortunately, I don’t have the audio to share at this time. It was created for and handed over to the NFFF. They will be using it in the future.

What I do have to share is the video from CBS Sunday Morning this morning showcasing Volunteer Firefighters, The National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, NFFF Memorial Weekend, and the family of Steven Koeser.

Here is the video in case you missed it:

Posted by The Fire Critic on November 28, 2010 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, Major Incidents, News, Rescues, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos • Tagged: CBS, CBS Sunday Morning, Fallen Firefighter Memorial, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Line of Duty, LODD, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Rhett Fleitz, Steven Koeser, Steven Peanuts Koeser

NFFF Memorial Weekend in Retrospect

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This past weekend I attended the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Md. This was my first trip to the Memorial Weekend and my first trip to the National Fire Academy as well.

My overall thoughts are that the Memorial is very touching, the Weekend is very honorable, and the staff and volunteers of the NFFF should be proud.

Firefighter Netcast

I traveled with John Mitchell (FireDaily.com and my partner with Firefighter Netcast) and with Willie Wines Jr. (IronFiremen.com although currently located here and all around Roadie and Key Grip for Firefighter Netcast). John and I have traveled a lot together this past year doing things for Firefighter Netcast. Willie has joined us at FRI in Chicago and the Memorial Weekend.

John and I were invited to record audio for the NFFF as well as produce a FireHero Radio podcast for the NFFF with host Dave Statter.

NFFF Memorial

Our first night in town was on Friday. Dave Statter showed us around the NFA and Memorial. Everyone was setting up, practicing, and getting ready for the Vigil Saturday night and the Memorial Service Sunday.

I got a few minutes to check out the Memorial…This would be the first of many times during the weekend that my hair stood on end and tears welled up in my eyes. If you get the chance, you should make the trip. When you walk into the Memorial everything gets quiet. The calm that rushes over you makes it feel as if every one of those fallen brothers whose names appear in the Memorial are escorting you around. Your steps are lighter and the atmosphere is peaceful. It is truly Hallowed Ground.

Willie at the Controls! Yikes

That evening, John and I discussed our setup for the morning. We had dinner at Chubby’s BBQ (I recommend it)!

We turned in early that evening after Willie and I enjoyed a couple totties (Evan Williams and Mountain Dew…try it, you will like it!).

The following morning, John, Willie, and I set everything up. However, we were not prepared for what would come next…Our goal was to record audio accounts of Fallen Brothers and Sisters as told by their loved ones.

The 9/11 Memorial on the Grounds at NFA

This might seem like an easy task…it was not. I was not ready, nor was John or Willie. Sure, all of our equipment was set up. We were all set to record audio, and then our first survivors arrived. I will not say who it was or who the deceased was, but I assure you I already knew the story from posting it on FireCritic.com, reading it on another blog or web site.

When the family started telling their story, I was overwhelmed by a cold chill, my eyes once again welled up with tears, and I was frozen in time.

The realization that we would be listening, witnessing, and helping survivors tell their stories sunk in. Immediately following our first recording, all three of us spoke the same thing in very few words…”I am not sure I can do this all day”.

USFA Interim Administrator Glenn Gaines and John Mitchell

Obviously we were not going to just quit. However, the day progressed and families spoke of their loved ones. We made it through the day with some tears, some smiles, some laughter…and plenty of reflection.

It was our honor to help the families tell their stories. It was amazing at how we got to listen to them open up and tell us what kind of Man or Woman their Fallen Firefighter was.

For the most part, our recordings were for Fallen Firefighters honored this year. However, we did get to record audio from returning survivors who now volunteered. One whose son died on 9/11 (FDNY), and another whose husband died in 1982.

John Mitchell, Ron Siarnicki, and Rhett Fleitz

As I said before, we recorded a podcast for FireHero Radio (listen to it here). This included Ron Siarnicki – NFFF Executive Director, Mike Robertson – Military Firefighters Heritage Foundation President, Billy Goldfeder – NFFF Boardmember and Deputy Chief Loveland-Symmes FD (OH), Jaycie Ward – Singer of the NFFF anthem “Red Wagon”, Paul Hickey – Writer of the NFFF anthem “Red Wagon”, John McGrath – NFFF Memorial Weekend Incident Commander and Fire Chief of Raliegh FD (NC), Glenn Gaines – Acting U.S. Fire Administrator,and Philip C. Stittleburg – NFFF Boardmember and Chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council

John Mitchell, Billy Goldfeder, and Rhett Fleitz

John and I took the opportunity to have our photos taken with Ron and Billy. John also got a picture with Glenn Gaines.

On Sunday, we got to experience the Memorial Service. We saw most of it, however we did have to leave early to get John to a flight and Willie and I back home. I can still hear the Pipes and Drums playing in the back of my head.

The Memorial Service was very honorable.

The "Drill Sargeant" for lack of knowing his actual title.

One thing that stood out in my mind was when the Service started after a short prerecorded show on the big tv’s set up was that when the “Drill Sargaent” for the Honor Guards started ordering around the 4 battalions of Honor Guards everything went quiet as it should have. Yet the one thing I heard was the enormous flag elevated by two platform ladder trucks snapped in the wind. When I say snapped, I mean a thunderous roar. It caught my attention. The flag was almost straight out in the wind. You could not miss it. It was as if a huge wind was sent in at the perfect moment to capture everyone’s attention.

Click here for more the entire set of pictures

(more…)

Posted by The Fire Critic on October 4, 2010 • Filed under: News • Tagged: "NFFF Weekend 2010", and Philip Stittleburg, Billy Goldfeder, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Glenn Gaines, Jaycie Ward, John McGrath, Mike Robertson, National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Weekend, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Paul Hickey, Rhett Fleitz, Ron Siarnicki

Video Wrap-Up from the NFFF Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg

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Here is a video wrap-up from the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Weekend 2010.

Feel free to let me know if you have other videos and I will add them.

Of course you can check out all that the NFFF has to offer at Firehero.org and their National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend web site as well.

FireHero Radio recorded a podcast with Ron Siarnicki, Mike Robertson, Billy Goldfeder, Jaycie Ward, Paul Hickey, John McGrath, Glenn Gaines, and Philip Stittleburg. You can listen to that here.

National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service 10-3-2010

National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums

VID-20101002-00005

BLO firefighters honored in Maryland

Fallen Firefighters Memorial

NFFF

NFFF weekend

2010 NFFF Red Helmet Ride

Watch National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service live October 2 & 3 (promo video)

Posted by The Fire Critic on October 4, 2010 • Filed under: News, Videos • Tagged: "NFFF Weekend 2010", and Philip Stittleburg, Billy Goldfeder, Fire Critic, FireCritic.com, Glenn Gaines, Jaycie Ward, John McGrath, Mike Robertson, National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Weekend, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, NFFF, Paul Hickey, Rhett Fleitz, Ron Siarnicki

Stream the NFFF Memorial Weekend on your site live

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This Saturday I will be posting the live feed from the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Weekend. You can do the same on your site, or be sure to stop in here and watch it live.

Live Broadcasts:
» Candlelight Service Broadcast: Saturday, October 2, 2010 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
(Telecast Begins at 6:45 p.m.; Service Begins at 7 p.m. Eastern Time Eastern Time)

» Memorial Service Broadcast: Sunday, October 3, 2010 9:00 am – 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time
(Telecast Begins at 9:30 a.m.; Service Begins at 10 a.m. Eastern Time)

You can find the code to embed it in your site here

Here are some videos about the weekend:

Loveland-Symmes Fire Department engine honors the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation