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The Top Ten Christmas Gifts For Firefighters List for 2012

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Here are the Top Ten Christmas Gifts for 2012. This is a blog feature I have been doing for the past several years. The list has changed a little bit because of all the great products/companies that I want to share. Therefore, I have put some similar products into categories of gifts. This gives more ideas for everyone to look at.

Be sure to Follow The Fire Critic on Facebook & Click “Like”!

Don’t forget to share this with your friends and family. You might even point out some of the best products you are interested in. Feel free to add anything else you want in the comments! Many of these items/companies have been reviewed on FireProductReview.com (FPR).

10. Fire Critic & Iron Firemen Merchandise

The Fire Critic and Iron Firemen (Captain Willie Wines Jr.) have teamed up on their merchandise they offer. Since we mostly travel together, it made perfect sense. We have Brotherhood Chips (currently out of stock), Challenge Coins, Patches, and T-shirts. Check them out below. One thing we wanted to ensure when creating this merchandise was that it remained affordable.

“Hey Brother” Shirt - Our shirts are sold exclusively through Crosstitched. Crosstitched has their own designs as well. Our shirts are very affordable at $15 each.
Purchase a “Hey Brother” Shirt here 

Fire Critic/Iron Firemen Challenge Coins - Offered from NM-Coin, our challenge coins have navigated the globe. You can get yours from NM-Coin today!
Purchase a challenge coin here

Fire Critic/Iron Firemen Patch - Our patch is a one of a kind and also created/offered by NM-Coin. Add it to your collection today!
Purchase a patch here

9. Wall Shields Custom Wood Firehouse Furnishings

Wall Shields - Wall Shields Co. is a fireman owned business and is the creator of Wall Shields and the Firehouse Furnishings line. We make custom-made Wall Shields and Firehouse Furnishings for you or your Firehouse. Wall Shields make great gifts for retirements, awards, or holidays. Our Firehouse Furnishings are designed and built by firemen to withstand abuse. All of our products are a great way to display your station’s pride. Don’t see what you want? Let us know. Here at Wall Shields Co., we can make just about anything you can think of. You are limited by your only by your imagination.
Web Site - Facebook - FPR Review

8. Fire Service Warrior Foundations Workbook

Fire Service Warrior FSWFoundations Workbook - The FSWFoundations Workbook is a 21-Day Personal and Professional Development program designed to help you implement the Fire Service Warrior Concept in your life. The daily work includes FSWMindfulness, FSWTraining, and FSWFitness work to help you prepare yourself to thrive on the fireground. Regular price is $25.00 including shipping to US addresses. For non-US Orders you will receive a separate invoice for shipping.
Web Site - Facebook

7. 2013 Firefighter Calendars

Not all firefighters are calendar models…however, the ones who are are well worth gracing the pages of calendars. Many firefighting calendars raise money for charity. Most of the calendars feature actual firefighters. Trust me, these calendars are good! To save space, I have simply linked to the Top Ten lists of calendars I put together recently.

Top Ten Female Firefighter Calendars for 2013

Top Ten Male Firefighter Calendars for 2013

6. Custom Made Kilt

Every firefighter should own a kilt. Many don’t think they can pull off the look, or don’t want to wear a kilt. I am not saying wear one every day…but there are those occasions where a kilt should be worn if you have one!

Alt Kilt - Our purpose is to provide functional, stylish and well-made kilts that are individually designed and custom built for each client.
Web Site - Facebook - FPR Review

Bunker Kilts - Essential Gear For Firefighters. Firefighter Owned and Operated. The fabric and reflective striping are made of the same materials as structural firefighting gear.
Web Site - Facebook - FPR Review Pending

5. Firefighting Apparel

Firefighters love showing off their Pride in the job by wearing Firefighting apparel. The companies below excel in firefighting shirts. There are designs for everyone and anyone. Some are basic and others are over the top. What you won’t find below is the “I Fight What You Fear” type of shirts that no one should be wearing!

Ride Backwards – Their mission…To bring the best to the bravest: high quality athletic wear, with original designs, at affordable prices. Fashion without function is like a Haligan bar without a flathead axe. Sure, they can be used separately, but how much more efficient are they when they’re married together?
Web Site – Facebook  - FPR Review Pending 

Black Helmet – Too many designs to list! Mens’, Women’s, Kid’s, hats, decals, and much more!
Web Site – Facebook - FPR Review Pending

Crosstitched – The home of the Fire Critic/Iron Firemen “Hey Brother” T-shirt. Crosstitched offers great designs on comfortable shirts!
Web Site – Facebook

Axe Head – Built By Tradition. AxeHead is an attitude, it’s a lifestyle. We believe in old school values and tradition.
Web Site – Facebook

The Fire Service Warrior Shirt- FireServiceWarrior.com is the official website for an emerging, operational framework known as the Fire Service Warrior Concept. Our Mission is simple: Forging Fire Service Excellence.
Web Site – Facebook

Detroit Devil’s Night 2012 Shirt – Typically the busiest night of fire in the City that sees the most fire.
Web Site

Firehouse Shirt Club – This one is new to me, but for $20 a month, your firefighter gets a different shirt each month.
Web Site – Facebook

Boston Fire Gear - At Boston Fire Gear our mission is to provide the best quality Boston Fire merchandise at affordable prices. We want every customer to be 100% satisfied with Boston Fire Gear products and encourage customer feedback.
Web Site – Facebook

MN8 FoxFire Keep Calm and Fight Fire Shirt – MN8 FoxFire is known for their illuminating technology. This shirt is no different and illuminates in the dark.
Web Site – Facebook – FPR Review

4. Personal Protective Equipment & Accessories

Dragon Fire Alpha X Structural Firefighting Gloves - The Fireman’s Shield gloves main heat protection comes from our Kovenex™, not the leather. This exclusive design yields a thinner, softer glove without compromising thermal protection. With a TPP rating of 45, Fireman’s Shield gloves are rated 30% above the NFPA standard.
Web Site – Facebook – FPR Review

Glove Crafters Fire Armor Structural Firefighting gloves - A true three dimensional glove curved finger design with inset 2 piece thumb.
Web Site – Facebook – FPR Review

Streamlight Vulcan Box light or LED Helmet Light - Streamlight is a “hands-on” company. We learn by doing, so we understand what our customers need because we’re out there doing what they do, using the same lighting tools in the same ways. We go through firefighters’ training.
Web Site – Facebook

Phenix TL2 Traditional Leather Firefighting Helmet - Phenix Technology’s Traditional Leather Helmet boasts a low center of gravity and is center balanced, thus, promoting a very low degree of neck fatigue.
Web Site – Facebook

3. Tools and Equipment

Let’s face it, most of our departments purchase the typical “firefighting” tools to place on the apparatus. There are hundreds of additional tools as well as innovations to those tools that firefighters have found useful on the job. Below are some of those tools.

The Pig Fire Tool - THE PIG is an innovative and beautifully simple, fire service tool that was developed by an experienced Austin, Texas firefighter. THE PIG combines the two working ends of the flat-head and the pick-head axe.
Web Site – Facebook

The Bowring Fire Tool – The Ultimate Firefighter’s Tool
Web Site – FPR Review

New York Hook from Fire Hooks Unlimited - The Firehooks Unlimited web site is down, you can click on “web site” below to check out their tools from All Hands Fire Equipment.
Web Site – Facebook -

Firefighter Axe from Fire Axe Inc. – Mirror polished steel axes available in many styles and sizes.
Web Site

FatIvan® Door Chock -  The World’s Only Fold Up Door Chock! A perfect tool for Emergency Services, Commercial, Residential, Industrial, Hotel/Motel and all deliveries. FatIvan’s® safe, secure design never slips off hinge or comes out accidentally.
Web Site – Facebook – FPR Review

Helmet Camera from FDCam.com - Bringing the toughest HD Fire Helmet Cameras to Americas Bravest! FDCam.com is the new way to “Do Work”! for fireground video! Aggressive interior: It’s how we work, It’s what we sell.
Web Site – Facebook - FPR Review Pending

Channellock 87 Rescue Tool – An excellent tool for any firefighter!
Web Site – Facebook – FPR Review

2. National Firefighters Endowment Officer’s Club

Several people put down donating to the NY/NJ Firefighters in need when asked about Christmas gifts. Here is a way of giving all year long to FD’s in need.

The National Firefighters Endowment “Officer’s Club” is the gift that keeps on giving. The Officer’s club is a funding mechanism for the NFE and funds donations to fire departments in need. However, those who join get a lot more in return.

  • Each year, the members get a numbered custom made challenge coin.
  • Each month, the members are entered to win a prize. These prizes have been valued at up to $500 a piece depending on what the prize is for that month.
  • On Facebook, they are invited to a closed group that offers a place for like minded individuals to communicate as well as offer input on decisions made by the NFE.
  • The membership dues go directly to funding assistance, purchasing tools and equipment, and supporting fire departments.
  • The NFE offers three tier levels for joining the Officer’s club.
And yes…The Fire Critic is a Chief Level Member of the Officer’s Club

 More on the NFE on their web site. More on the Officer’s club here and below:

The Officers Club is an exclusive group of brothers and sisters who have made a pledge to participate in NFE’s mission; to provide our nation’s firefighters with life saving equipment. Their monthly contributions are responsible for every piece of equipment that National Firefighters Endowment is able to place in service. That’s right, the membership is personally responsible for putting the tools in the hands of our heroes and making sure they come home safe to their families.

1. Custom Leather Firefighting Accessories

Custom leather shields, radio straps, glove straps, suspenders, chin straps, and other items are a great way for a firefighter to show off his/her PRIDE of Firefighting. Although some of these items probably won’t be ready and shipped by Christmas, you should look into getting your firefighter a gift certificate or credit to one of these great companies. That way, your firefighter can get the item personalized exactly the way they want!

Box Alarm Leather - Custom Leather Helmet Shields, Radio Straps, Radio Cases, Glove Straps, Suspenders, Shield Plaques.
Web Site - Facebook - FPR Review 

Wolfpak Leatherworks - Custom Leather Suspenders, Radio Straps, Glove Straps, Chin Straps, Axe Belts, Box Light Systems, Wolfpak apparel, and more
Web Site - Facebook - FPR Review

1st In Leather - Custom Leather Helmet Shields, Suspenders, and Glove Straps
Facebook - FPR Review is pending

RKE Custom Leather - Custom Leather Shields, Sustpenders, Radio Straps, Radio Cases
Web Site - Facebook 

Posted by on November 8, 2012 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, News, Top Ten Lists • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 on December 6, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, News, Top Ten Lists • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thanksgiving, Black Sunday, and Sending off a Hero

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I took the past weekend off. The entire weekend (actually about 4-5 days) from everything but my family.

I know many of you are waiting to hear what I have to say about Dave Statter’s announcement that he is my father. I assure you my father is a much more dignified man than Dave Statter. My father is my hero and was a great father. I am thankful for him and having been able to spend time with him and most of my extended family in Nashville this past weekend including my little nephew Sebastian.

I did get to finally watch the video this morning that Dave put together. Well done Dave. Apparently counseling isn’t working out as planned. Hillary and I have worked out a 12 step program for you. You will also be appearing in an episode of “Intervention” soon. Good luck.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was excellent with my family. There is so much to be thankful for. My wife and my children are at the top. I am thankful for our health and well-being.

I also got to do a ton more traveling this year. Willie Wines Jr. and I are thankful for all of the doors opened to us. The people we got to meet and hang out with in NYC, New Jersey, Cincinnati, Wyoming (city), Loveland, Mason, Johns Creek, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Emmitsburg, Prince George’s County, and elsewhere along the way. You guys have been great. Thank you for all you have done to make our trips worth it.

We also got to hang out with Zach Green a bunch. He and his family opened their home to us and welcomed us like part of the family. Thank you.

Billy Goldfeder hooked us up in NYC and then welcomed us in Loveland. We will not be able to repay you, but we would be happy to try.

A special thanks to the crew at the NFFF Memorial Service, you all are the best.

The crew at Fire Rescue Magazine, Go Forward Media, and FireRescue1 have remained great friends and family. Thank you for everything.

There are so many others. I am blessed to have such a network of friends, companions, and peers.

A special thanks to my crew at Roanoke Firehouse #3. Mac, Eric, Dave, Jason, Brad, and Drew have made my life at the firehouse a blast. We have a great time and have become great friends and firefighters together.

Black Sunday

I would like to end this with a message from The Secret List about FDNY Lt. Joey DiBernardo and Black Sunday:

Joey is the FDNY Lieutenant who was found at home last week, he had passed away, at age 40. While Joey had a stellar career as a Volunteer Firefighter (and former Captain with the Hook & Ladder Company of the highly respected Setauket FD in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York) - he was also a very well known and popular FDNY Dispatcher, but the last chapter of his career was what he was so proud of-being a member of the FDNY and especially, Rescue Company 3.

There is the fact that he followed in his Dad’s footsteps. Chief DiBernardo is a highly respected (now retired) FDNY Deputy Chief and Division Commander. He is the kind of Chief whose reputation was no non-sense-and who deeply respected “the potential” of the job….and who understood his deep responsibility for the members operating under his command. Those under his command knew he was strictly business. As it has to be. As he guided his Son.

As his Dad told the media last week: “He (Joey) never fully recovered from 9/11 and since ‘Black Sunday’ – he has been in terrible pain and agony,” said Chief DiBernardo, who served 35 years in the department. “After all these years, he has been in physical pain and the mental pain. His whole life had been the FDNY .”

Joey was one of 6 Firefighters who were forced to jump out of the windows as they were trapped by fire in The Bronx “chapter” of Black Sunday, January 23, 2005. Lt. Curtis Meyran, 46, covering Ladder 27 and Firefighter John Bellew, 37, of Ladder 27, died after jumping that day. When the fire caught them, they were faced with a horrifying choice. They jumped out a fourth-floor window, knowing that it was really bad. Firefighters Jeffrey Cool, Joseph DiBernardo, Eugene Stolowski, and Cawley were very, very badly hurt at that fire.

Watch these videos:

This video is a media story about Joey DiBernardo. It will show you who he was and what he was made of. It’s worth you watching-it’s a wonderful story (when you see him on video, you’ll understand) involving a horrific event – leading to a tragic and deeply sad ending. It will also allow you to hear from his Father as well as his “Brother” FDNY FF, Jeff Cool, who was also trapped-who will tell you all you need to know about Joey.

The link to the 1st video is here

The second video is the “Readers Digest” version of the fire-that day-in 2005-in The Bronx. Watching it, seeing the pictures and hearing the audio will help you-no matter where you are or where you are from-get somewhat of an understanding of the conditions they (and especially Joey) faced-and what decisions they (and he) had to make that day.

FUNERAL / MEMORIAL SERVICE INFO: Visitation today:

Bryant Funeral Home – 411 Old Town Road – Setauket, 2-4 & 7-9

Firematic Services tonight: 8pm

Funeral: tomorrow, Monday-St James RC 429 Route 25a–Setauket-11am.

More about “Black Sunday”

January 23, 2005 a Dark Day in FDNY History
Sunday, January 23, 2005 will forever be remembered as a dark and devastating day for the New York City Fire Department, when we lost three brave members in two separate incidences: Lt. Curtis W. Meyran of Battalion 26 and Lt. John G. Bellew of Ladder 27, both in the Bronx, and Firefighter Richard T. Sclafani of Ladder 103 in Brooklyn.

All three members were laid to rest the last week of January amid a sea of family, friends and thousands of Department members who came to celebrate the lives of these heroic men. Lieutenant Meyran and Lieutenant Bellew made the Supreme Sacrifice at a third-alarm fire located at 236 E. 178th Street in the Mount Hope section of the Bronx. Meyran and Bellew, along with Firefighters Joseph P. DiBernardo and Jeffrey G. Cool of Rescue 3 and Firefighters Eugene Stolowski and Brendan K. Cawley of Ladder 27, were forced to jump from a fourth floor rear window after they became trapped above the fire while performing searches for reported trapped occupants. They were among the first units to respond to the mid-morning blaze.

Lieutenants Meyran and Bellew were transported to St. Barnabas Hospital where they both succumbed to their injuries. Firefighters DiBernardo, Cool, Stolowski and Cawley were all transported to area hospitals in critical condition. Later that afternoon, the Department suffered another devastating loss. Firefighter Sclafani made the Supreme Sacrifice Sacrifice after responding to a second-alarm fire at 577 Jerome Street in the East New York section of Brooklyn. Firefighter Sclafani and members of Ladder 103 entered the basement where the fire started and began searching both for the location of the fire and to rescue any trapped occupants. During these search operations, Firefighter Sclafani became separated from his colleagues. He was found minutes later unconscious and in respiratory arrest on the cellar staircase. Firefighter Sclafani was transported to Brookdale Hospital where he died a short time later.(source)

Posted by on November 28, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, Command & Leadership, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Line of Duty, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top Ten Best Christmas Gifts For Firefighters List For 2010

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Last year, I offered my top ten Christmas Gifts for Firefighters (last years list is here). The article has remained very popular even this year.

Just in Time for Black Friday!

This year, I am redoing the list for 2010. There are many new gifts out there and I want to make sure that the firefighters are getting what they deserve…The Best Christmas Gifts for Firefighters!

This year Ash and Dreams posted a Top Ten Gifts for Firefighter Wives…Including the firefighter vibrator. Imagine that… The last thing we want is another firefighter at our house while we are working. Even if it is powered by 6 D-cell batteries!

This top ten list could  be easily used year round. Be it birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever these gifts are bound to make you popular with the firefighter you gift them to.

I challenge you to come up with a better list!

Just in case you are wondering…I have not been paid or solicited by any of the mentioned products or companies I might name or link to below. Note: some of the gifts might have been reviewed by the Fire Critic. However the Fire Critic is UNFORTUNATELY not being paid for this list or to list any of these products.

10. Ledger to keep track of their calls

Ledger to keep track of their calls - Get your firefighter a ledger (or diary) so they can keep track of the calls they run, the things they do on shift, or tidbits of information they might want to keep a note of.

I have a terrible memory. I also do not keep track of much. If I wrote things down, I might be able to pinpoint exactly what the Chief told me in his office on a particular visit!

Or

I might have written down all the fires or major calls I have been on to help me put my experiences into that book I have always wanted to write. You know, the one about the fires (both of them) that I have been on!

9. Leather Fire Helmet

Cairns New Yorker Fire Helmet

Leather Fire Helmet – I love my leather helmet. I hope to get a new one soon. If at the very least, purchase a traditional style composite helmet for your firefighter! The “salad bowl” helmets that most departments issue are a travesty.

Probably the most popular leather fire helmet is the Cairns New Yorker. However, there are many other options out there.

These are not cheap by any means. However, they are well worth the investment.

Visit MSA online to purchase

8. Firemans Chore Denim Jacket

Here is a lovely model wearing a Firemans Chore jacket!

Firemans Chore Denim Jacket – These are very popular jackets among firefighters. They have many options and you can customize them the way you would like. About: Firemans Chore® Inc. is located in Indianapolis, Indiana offering you the “Original” Denim Chore and Diamond Quilted Job Jackets Made in the USA. A Firefighter owned and operated company since 2004, we bring you a line of tradional firefighters jackets that can’t be beat for style and comfort. They offer IAFF firefighter gear, and bagpiper gear as well including buckles, brooch’s, cap badges, and sporrans.

Visit Firemans chore online here

7. Firefighter/EMS/Police Monopoly

Firefighter, Law Enforcement, and EMS Monopoly

Firefighter, Law Enforcement, and EMS Monopoly

Firefighter/EMS/Police Monopoly – Finally there is parity among Fire/Police/EMS. Unfortunately it isn’t in the pay! However, each public service entity now has its own monopoly game geared towards them. For less than $40, you can be playing monopoly with your loved ones. I have them all, shouldn’t you!

Check out Emergency Services Play for more information and ordering info for these games!

Nothing says competition in a firehouse like a good old fashioned game of monopoly!

6. FireGeezer Mug

Firegeezer Travel Mug

FireGeezer Mug - Firegeezer has come out with a new travel mug to go well with his normal coffee mug. Order the travel mug here or the normal mug here.

Per FireGeezer:
This state-of-the-art Travel Mug has all of the features you want:

  • Whopping 16-ounce cup
  • Double-walled insulated construction
  • Reduced diameter base fits in most cup holders
  • Keeps your coffee hot for more than an hour (we tested it!)
  • Metallic Fire Engine Red color …. just like your ride

This is the perfect travel mug to get you to work in the morning and keep you coffee’d up on the drive back home. As you expect with any Firegeezer product, this is top-quality and will give you long and faithful service. The artwork is the same as that on our standard coffee mug, except that all the writing is white lettering over the metallic fire engine red color.

5. Leather Fire Boots

Black Diamonds X2 Boot

Leather Fire Boots – More specifically, the new Black Diamond X2 Boot.

You might remember that I did a product review on this a couple months ago. Since then I have been wearing my boots every day at work. These boots are amazingly comfortable! I cringe when I see a firefighter wearing those rubber boots that are typically issued by the department. Ugh! If they only knew how comfortable that leather boots are.

Help your firefighter out by making them at least look like they know what they are doing while on the job by fitting them into some leather fire boots.

4. Firefighter Calendar

Girls on Fire

Firefighter Calendar – There are so many firefighter calendars out there. Female firefighters will have no problem finding a decent calendar full of hunky male firefighters. What there aren’t many of is female firefighters or female firefighter calendars. Don’t worry though, I have found the best of both…Check out the Top Ten Hot & Sexy Firefighter Calendars for 2011 for my picks. That being said, your firefighter should have a calendar to keep track of your anniversary, birthdays, and other important dates. Why not get him (or her) a firefighter calendar. Just check out the one on the right for a decent idea.

Click on the pic for more examples.

3. Camera

Camera - Yes a camera. No, not a huge, bulky, and expensive camera. Just a small point and shoot digital camera.

No, not so firefighters can stop what they are doing to take pictures of themselves. And no, not so firefighters become photographers on the fireground while they should be working.

Simply because too few people are capturing the good times with photography. Get them a camera to carry with them on the rig so they can take a picture of their crew while they are at fire prevention events, done working after a fire, or pictures around the station for example.

More importantly, get them a camera so they can capture training nuggets and pre fire plan issues. These photographs might be used to spread the word at the station or send in to one of the training sites to teach people about issues, construction, obstruction, or weird occurrences that might effect them if there was a fire.

2. Sav-A-Jake Multi Purpose Rescue Tool

Sav-A-Jake Rescue Tool

Sav-A-Jake Multi Purpose Rescue Tool - Sav A Jake offers many rescue and firefighting tools and straps in kevlar and leather. These firefighter rescue tools are small and can fit inside your firefighters turnout gear. They have a multitude of uses.

Check out the many other things that Sav A Jake offers like radio straps, hose straps, and tool straps to name a few.

Visit their web site here

1. Firefighter Apparel

Unfortunately, the bulging biceps are not built into this shirt.

Firefighter Apparel - Whether you like Black Helmet apparel, Rak Wear (working on a product review now), Ride Backwards, or LEO fire apparel (product review here) they have something for everyone. Each of these companies have come up with designs for firefighters that are not over the top or whacker-ish. The designs are quite well done. These t-shirts are sure to be a hit for any firefighter who doesn’t mind showing off his trade.

Black Helmet web site
LEO Fire web site
Rak Wear web site
Ride Backwards Apparel

Check out each company for the style that your firefighter might like!

Posted by on November 24, 2010 • Filed under: EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Must Read, News, technology-communications-ems-topics, Top Ten Lists, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Life at #3 Fire Prevention, Our Custom Kitchen Table, Working on Thanksgiving, Getting Ready for Christmas, and Life Around the Station

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Here is an article that I wish I would do more of. It is about my job. I typically don’t write much about what I do or about my crew. I hope to change that in the future.

Yesterday was one of those days when I wished I hadn’t come to work. It was fun, we had some laughs, but it was tiring.

My Captain was sick, so I was riding the seat…At station 5? Mind you, I work at station 3. Engine 3 was put out of service because of training staffing. It is a common theme which has been adopted by my department. Rarely will a piece be out of service for 24 hours, but 18 hours is a different story.

FF Duane Noell showing off his footy pajamas

So there we were, my driver and I, at another station on their engine. The day was spent giving a tour and preparing for a big fire prevention awards event that evening. Nothing too awful bad. It just gets tiring being at a different station and being out of your element and in another.

I must say that the event must have been a blast for the children who would be there receiving awards. Luckily, we were able to leave just before the event started and get our engine back in service at #3.

Thanksgiving

I will be working tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day). We will hopefully watch the parades and enjoy kicking back a little bit. We get to take it easy on Holidays. I will again be riding the seat as my Captain will have the day off on vacation.

If everything goes well, we will be getting a Thanksgiving meal dropped off. If everything goes bad, we will have a contingency plan. I will let you know what plan B is when I figure it out!

Me handing out helmets to the children at the tour today. Yes, I am standing up...And NO, I am not part of the class!

FF Jerry Franks and I at station 5. Notice their custom kitchen table, probably the best in the city until ours is done.

Christmas

The guys on the ambulance got the station all ready for Christmas. The lights are on the firehouse. Sorry, we don’t have a fancy system to set the lights up to flicker to the music. We might put in for one on the next budget cycle.

FF Jason Gardner and FF/PM Eric Mulford installing Christmas Lights on Firehouse #3.

#3′s Custom Kitchen Table

We are working on our kitchen table. This is a year in the works. Basically, we kicked ideas around for almost a year and last cycle we decided to act on those ideas. In the meantime, we have built a run board, refinished and customized a coffee table for the day room, built magazine racks for the bathrooms x3, a board to hold our accountability tags, a rack to hold our radio straps not in use, and a bottle rack for spare bottles. Among other things.

Our company enjoys woodworking and we have had fun setting up shop in the bay to work on this stuff. You never know what is next! I will post more pictures in the future!

The beginning of our custom kitchen table. All glued up and clamped.

What can I say? I work with an exceptional crew and we have a blast. The job gets done, we have fun, and everyone goes home. What more could I ask for? A raise…yeah we haven’t had one of those in 3 years yet everything is getting more and more expensive! We have our jobs still, so that is a plus.

Posted by on November 24, 2010 • Filed under: Around the Station, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics, Fire Station Custom Kitchen Tables, News • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thanksgiving Day Fire Videos

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Here are some videos of fires which occurred on Thanksgiving Day 2009. I will probably add more videos throughout the day Friday as they are uploaded to youtube. Feel free to submit a link  or send in your photos/info.

Unknown Location

Part 1 of 2 – This fire was apparently recorded by the owners/occupants of the house. According to the data on youtube, the fire started shortly after they parked a classic corvette after taking it for a spin.

Part 2 of 2

Santa Maria, California

Fire in Santa Barbara County, California on Thanksgiving day.The Santa Maria Fire Department responded to this fire in Tanglewood on Teakwood drive. More on the fire here.

Sandwich, Massachusetts

House Explosion in Sandwich, Massachusetts. FireGeezer has the spectacular photo from the explosion here.

SANDWICH Joseph Kuzava was seriously injured when the home he rents at 8 Chaucer Street apparently exploded early this morning. A water heater was installed at the home yesterday, according to family members, and Kuzava complained about a smell of gas following the installation.

Kuzava suffered second-degree burns to his upper torso and was flown by medical helicopter to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, his sister Cathy Kuzava said this morning. He was put on a respirator because of the heavy medication doctors administered but he is expected to survive, she said.

Terre Haute, Indiana

House fire in Terra Haute, Indiana…with rekindle OOPS!

London

Peckham fire in London. FireGeezer has more on it.

Another Peckham fire video

North Reading

Here is a link for a cabin fire in North Reading (PA?). The lack of hydrants added to the difficulty in putting out the fire. They disabled the embed code.

Fairfield, Connecticut

Chemical fire at Southport warehouse

Narola, Azamgad district, UP

If you can understand it or know more info on it let me know!!

Nova Scotia

Last but not least…a fire at Hooters in Dartmouth Nova Scotia

Posted by on November 27, 2009 • Filed under: News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fire and EMS Thanksgiving Contest

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Win a Fire Critic apron

The Fire Critic is having a Thanksgiving contest. The contest is simple and geared towards those of us who have to work this Thanksgiving.

All you have to do is share your favorite recipe for Thanksgiving. It could be a special turkey recipe, secret stuffing recipe, grandmas corn pudding, or grandpa’s after dinner drink. Share the recipe in hopes that it helps the crews who work this Christmas make an unforgettable meal.

Photos are more than welcome too!!! Send in photos of your crew at the table, your finished recipe, or your crew at work. I will share all the photos sent in (INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE)!!!

Anyone can enter….even Sven in Sweden and Pierre in France!!!

We will post all of the recipes and photos and then we will have a judge pick the winner!

Contest entry details: submit your favorite Thanksgiving recipe to FireCritic@FireCritic.com or in the comments section. Feel free to send in photos of the meal, recipe, your crew at work, or your crew at the dinner table.

Who can enter: Anyone can enter, you don’t have to be at work, you don’t have to be a firefighter.

What will you win: A brand new Fire Critic apron (view the apron here)

When can you enter: from the time this is posted until midnight of Thursday, November 26th.

This contest was inspired by @nemofightsfire. Be sure to follow him on twitter!!!

Posted by on November 25, 2009 • Filed under: Contests, News • Tagged: , , , , , ,