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BAD PUBLICITY (?) … FIRE AND … LOTS OF IT!

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I hope you all had as wonderful a Thanksgiving Holiday as I did. Mine was spent on duty but like many of you, I have so much to be thankful for that it really doesn’t matter where I’m at … I’m happy and thankful.

Family, crew, friends, health,  career etc … I am truly BLESSED and I thank each of you for being part of my life!

So, with Thanksgiving behind us, I hope you all got the chance to see my “Top Ten Stocking Stuffers“. Even if I have to say so myself, I think the list offers a lot of variety at some very affordable prices. Several of the items I choose came from (and / or were once offered on) Rhett and Jeff’s Daily 911 Deals  website. Holiday season or not, this site should be a regular stop for you … they offer some great “deals” on the industries top products. Fire, EMS or Police, Rhett and Jeff Harkey have something for everyone.

My postings have been so few and far between that I have so much catching up to do and I’m not sure where to start.  I’ve been busy both on the job and on the farm…. not to mention all the traveling Rhett and I have done here lately. I mention the farm work only because several of you seem to either relate to or enjoy reading about working a farm on your days off. The Buckaroo (my Grandson)  is also a big hit in my postings so, to tie them both in;  here’s a quick video of the little fella feeding the cows earlier this week ….

Yea … for just 3 years old, he’s growing FAST. We were framing a  new barn this past weekend and I had him up on the rafters with us. All the girls had a fit !!! They couldn’t figure out why I’d  have him up there. I told them it was because all the saws etc were down on the ground and that if I left him down there alone, he’d figure it was his job to make all the cuts! LMAO … they thought I was kidding but he was honestly safer on the roof with us than he was on the ground!

Photo by Nancy Pierce for Charlotte Magazine

So, on to Fire Department stuff …. I received an interesting e-mail this week. It was from a fellow who said he helped produce and article and video of Charlotte’s busiest Fire Station … Engine Company #15 .. The Shamrock Express! He wanted to know if I could / would help promote the article … he included the link.

I read and watched with mixed emotion … I wasn’t sure where to go from there. I hesitate to post this so allow me to explain why.

I know and have personally spoken to members of Charlotte’s Engine Co. #15. A few of them are regular readers / followers of Ironfiremen.com and often even take the time to post comments. Rhett and I have been invited into their station MANY times (although opportunity hasn’t allowed us to make the stop yet) . They seem to be VERY squared away and I’m proud to not only know them but to call them friends and BROTHERS. That said, this article / video (in my opinion) didn’t cast a very good light on the men of The Shamrock Express.

I think I know what happened but maybe you should read the article and see the video before I get into all of it ….

 

Charlotte Magazine article and video featuring Charlotte’s Station #15 The Shamrock Express

What were your thoughts? Again, mine were mixed. As I said, I know the men of Station #15 (some personally, others by profession). They’re good firemen … the best of the best in Charlotte. I have family  in the Charlotte area and I can tell ya that if they had to call 911, I’d want 15 on the run.

That said, I didn’t feel that this article and video showed who these men are … the kind of firemen they are. The article quotes a member as saying “nice” when he hears a report of heavy smoke showing over the radio. “Nice” as if he was excited or happy that someone’s house was burning.

The reporter further states that “most of the time, the crew waits” and describes their furnishings as  ” plush recliners” forming “an amphitheater of upholstery facing the big-screen TV”.  A portion of the video captures the Brothers at rest in those recliners, playing xX-Box and then eating some well marinated steaks for dinner.

For the busiest company in Charlotte, these Brothers HAVE IT MADE!

That’s the problem with videos and articles such as this …. they don’t show or tell the entire story. They also take things out of context. You can’t show up and ride with an Engine Company and understand firefighters…. it takes a hell of a lot more than a few hours to understand who we are and what we do.

Do firemen want your home to burn?? NO . Have I heard ” I hope we catch something good today” inside a station.. YES. I’ve said it myself years ago. A “crusty old Jake” broke me of that. One day, he said …” yea.. I hope we catch a good one too” … “ballooned out, fire from every window … a real cooker and oh yea …I hope it’s your place”.  My place???   WTF ??   What are you talking about? Then he told me … if you really want someone’s house to burn, it may as well be yours. At least then, you’ll have us to take care of you and your girls. The average person may not have that luxury.

I had never thought of it that way. I had seen the devastation fire brings to a family … why would I wish that on anyone?

Later, as I matured in life and my profession, I began to understand those feelings. I didn’t want anyone’s home to burn or anyone to become hurt or injured BUT,  if there was a fire, someone hurt, sick or  trapped in a vehicle anywhere in the city while I was on duty, I WANTED TO BE THERE.

I don’t know if it’s age, experience or whatever but I do know it’s all about PRIDE. Back then, we had pride in showing everyone what a great job we could do. In those days, we were labeled as “hot dogs” and “cowboys”. Today, I have just as much pride in knowing that I’m ready and capable of handling any situation that may arise. Busiest company or slowest …. doesn’t matter. A company can run 20 calls a day and do nothing. On the other hand, a slower company may only run a single incident that same day but that one call may mean the difference between life and death.

To get back in line here, I think the Charlotte article misrepresented Brother Martin. He didn’t want to see someone’s home burn. He did want to show this reporter the work his company is capable of. PRIDE.

The recliners and X-Box … I can’t defend. What’s not shown is the time of day or how long they were there. No mention of how many runs on the tour.  After 6pm and  a full days work, training etc. if the boys want to relax, watch tv, play a video game or whatever … yea… they’ve earned it. What I didn’t like in the video is that they didn’t show station cleaning, company training etc. Most of our days are full well beyond running calls ( they did show the men working out). I think the reporter should have rode when they had on duty training, 2 physicals, a Captain’s meeting, a public relations event and hydrant maintenance to conduct.

Don’t forget about shopping, cooking and cleaning. YEA… we do all that too! There was a comment about the Brothers eating steak. Firemen eating steak in these hard economic times. Well, steaks are eaten at the firehouse. More often than not, it’s due to a special occasion …promotions, birthdays, transfers etc … or, like a reporter (special guest) being in the house. Again, what they didn’t show was the reporters plate. I’ll bet you that the only reason these guys bought steaks was because the reporter was in house. I’ll also bet that they bought him one and didn’t charge him ( I’ll also bet he didn’t offer to chip in).

Why didn’t they talk about the firemen buying and cooking the meals? We have that problem here in “The Noke”. Our citizens actually think that the City buys our food. YEA … they don’t understand that what we eat comes out of our pockets and that we don’t receive a “stipend” or anything for meals. When they see us at the local grocery store with a basket full of food, they are thinking it’s their tax dollars that are going to pay for it.

We have a Chief who will call and chew a Captain’s butt because multiple pieces of apparatus were at the same store. He gets a call from a  ”concerned citizen” … Why were there 3 fire trucks at Krogers?  It amazes me still that this Chief can’t think enough to educate our customers. Why not explain to them … the firemen shop for their meals. They buy their own food, split the cost among the members and cook for themselves. Companies within the city keep a similar schedule so the window for shopping / cooking is small and they often end up at the store around the same time of day. We remain in service while shopping, cooking, cleaning etc. so service delivery is not affected … we simply drop everything and respond.

Usually, I don’t engage in “Monday Morning Quarterbacking”  because I understand how photos etc can be misleading. But, there was a shot in the video where the members appeared to be on scene of an auto accident and the Brother spreading absorbent was in his duty uniform. I’ll just briefly comment there and say …come on Brother… there’s a camera on the rig! Put on your coat, helmet and safety vest.

My point in all of this is that the Department / Company should have had more say in what was published. Maybe, I’m 100% off base here and the men of The Shamrock Express are proud of how they were portrayed. I know the members of that house are better than what most of you will take away from the article / video. With that said, what will the public come away with?

I think the producers of the documentary  “BURN”  got it right! If you haven’t heard of this film yet … pay attention.

 ”Every shift, Detroit firefighters face injury, disablement, illness, death. But still they come back, day after day, resolved they can make a difference. And they do it with camaraderie and a remarkable sense of humor.  We have embedded with firefighters of the DFD and are following the Detroit story through their eyes. Our film explores human struggles, hope and personal courage in the face of overwhelming odds.”

Watch this video …..

This is how America’s Firefighters should be portrayed!

This project has been in desperate need of funding. They have now reached (and actually exceeded) their goal. Donations will not only help get this important story out to mass audiences but a portion of the proceeds will also go to the Leary Foundation to get much needed gear into the hands of Detroit firefighters. Deadline for donations is tomorrow ( December 1, 2011) so don’t hesitate to give and become a part of something special to our profession.

Find more details from the Fire Critic by clicking  HERE .

ALSO visit the Official website HERE

Detroit is not unlike many cities across this Country. There are hundreds of “mini” Detroits out there … who will be the next? I’m rambling here so I’m gonna cut it short. The Buckaroo and I have to haul a load of horses to Maryland tomorrow and then I’m back to duty on Thursday.

I’ll check back in then but mean while, let me know what you think of the Charlotte video and don’t forget to help out our Brothers in Detroit.

Until I get back, stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

 

 

 

Posted by on November 30, 2011 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, fires, funding-staffing, news, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

IRONFIREMEN.COM’S TOP TEN STOCKING STUFFERS

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You all know by now that thigh highs are my weakness ( well… thigh highs and midgets ) so I figured why not do a Top Ten list for Stocking Stuffers?

I’d say the stockings pictured on the right are pretty well “stuffed” and yes, I know that those stockings are knee highs vs. thigh highs but what’s a couple of inches??

Anyway, obviously; these are not the type of stockings I’m talking about “stuffing”.

Tomorrow is “Black Friday” and the Christmas shopping frenzy will begin.

Rhett always does a Top Ten Christmas Gift list for the firefighter in your life so I figured to add to your choices by giving you some “smaller” options that fit a firefighter’s budget… STOCKING STUFFERS !!

10.) The FatIvan Door Chock

The world’s only fold up door chock!

The fat Ivan is only 4″ x 2″ x 1″ and weighs in at 5oz.

Visit the FatIvan web site   HERE .

They can also be purchased from The Fire Store.com for about $14.00

 

 

9.) The Westsider Fornt Holder

Nothing says PRIDE like a custom made helmet front or holder.

The Westsider was conceived and is made by a Firefighter for Firefighters!

Jonathan Nixon says he came up with the idea because, like many of us; he wanted a front holder that would hold up under working firefighter conditions.

The cost is about $30.00 and is offered mostly through his Face Book Page  HERE .

8.) The Bowring Fire Tool.

This is the most expensive item on my list. At $125.00 I almost didn’t include it but I think for a multi-purpose tool, it’s a good value.

The Bowring boasts 12 different functions in one handy tool!

“Pound for pound”, they call it the most versatile firefighter tool yet.

It’s 8.3″ x 5.9″ and weighs in at 22oz. Another great fit for a Firefighter’s pocket.

You can find the Bowring ( and plenty of videos / testimonials etc ) by clicking  HERE .

 

7.) Channel Lock #87 Rescue Tool

Another multi-purpose tool made specifically for Firefighters.

The #87 Rescue Tool offers 5 different functions.

It’s overall length is 8.8″ and it weighs in at 1.1 lbs.

I did a “Product Review” on this tool back in June 2011 …

See my “review”  HERE .

Learn more by visiting the Channel Lock web site HERE . The tool can be purchased there for under $50.00 but can also be found cheaper by clicking  HERE .

( They can also be found at Home Improvement Stores such as Lowes, Home Depot etc.

6.) Rak Wear Memorial Pins

Another item that says “PRIDE” !

Each of these pins is made of high quality 3D polished nickel and enameled. The pins are 3/4″ high and 1 1/4″ wide. They can be purchased individual for under $10 or as a 3 pin set for under $30.

Click HERE to visit their site.

Also see a “Product Review” from the Fire Critic by clicking  HERE .

5.) Rak Wear Firefighter T-shirts

Another quality option from Rak Wear!

The good news here is that you have several options to choose from …..

“The Final Tribute” , “Firefighter” or “Rescue” print.

They also offer various styles, colors and sizes ( for both men and women).

The shirts run about $35.00. For more details and descriptions, visit their web site HERE .

This is another product that received high marks from a Fire Critic Product Review …

See that product review HERE .

(Firefighters love T-shirts and they’re easy to roll up and stuff into a stocking)

4.) America’s Female Firefighter Calendar

Oh YEA !!!

What firefighter wouldn’t want one of these hanging in his locker?

This calendar made the #1 Spot in The Fire Critic’s 2012 Top Ten Female Firefighter Calendar review! (it came in at #5 for 2011).

A bonus to buying this calendar is that proceeds benefit charity …”AFF’s mission is to Raise and Expend funds for the benefit of burn survivors across the United States”

AND IT ONLY COSTS $6.00 ! Click  HERE  to purchase yours.

To see the Fire Critic’s full Top Ten female Calendar review, click HERE (he also has a male calendar review on his site).

 

3.) Fox Fire Illuminating Tool / Grip Wrap.

This product doesn’t just glow, it ILLUMINATES ! You have to see it to believe it.

The rolls contain about 50″ inches of wrap (enough for 1 pulling or 2 swinging tools) and comes in 4 different colors.

It has no adhesive so it can used over and over (it adheres to itself).

Firefighter tested and approved, it holds up to heat and the abuses of “the job”

Cost per roll is just under $50 and can be purchased HERE .

Learn more by visiting their web site  HERE.

2.) Fox Fire Illuminating Helmet Band

ANOTHER great product for FoxFire / MN8.

I think it’s a MUST HAVE for every Firefighter.

The band is charged by any kind of light but 15 minutes in direct sun light will charge it for up to 15 hours. No batteries, cord etc ….

The band is also firefighter tested and approved. I don’t think there is a better product on the market to assist with accountability. Your firefighter’s life is absolutely worth this purchase.

The cost is under $25.00 … click  HERE to purchase yours or HERE to learn more.

 

1.) The Ironfiremen / Fire Critic.com  ”Brotherhood Chip”

Every firefighter wants one ! ( well …. both of our readers do anyway …LOL)

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

The Fire Critic Logo on one side, my mug on the other. The words “Tradition”, “Honor”, “Pride”, “Respect” and “Brotherhood” on the edge.

Smaller and lighter than most challenge coins, they carry well in your front pocket.

It’s also the most affordable item in my Top Ten at only $5.00 each ( special deals for multiple purchases … $5 each or 2 for $10 …LOL )

Get more details and purchase yours by clicking  HERE .

So there you have it … ten GREAT (and affordable) items to stuff the Christmas stocking of your favorite firefighter. I hope you seen something you like …

Thanks for reading / following ….

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on November 24, 2011 • Filed under: news • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“LEADERSHIP IS A GIFT, GIVEN BY THOSE WHO FOLLOW”

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You all know by now that Rhett and I have just returned from a trip to Northern Kentucky and Ohio. As with all of our travels, this journey was special. We didn’t know that it would be when we headed out. We’ve described our latest experience as a “home coming” , “emotional” and near “spiritual”. Even now, words can’t describe a lot of what we see, hear and share together while out on the road.

We have some great conversations. With the people we meet yes but, I’m talking about just between the two of us … while driving. We’ve even talked about taking the “zoom” and recording our conversations while traveling (we haven’t yet but should).

On this trip, we talked a lot about “motivation”. Why isn’t everyone as motivated about the job as we are? How can we motivate them? Who can motivate them? It’s a great discussion.

My name even popped up (of course it was just the two of us in the van). On a recent trip, someone called me “America’s Fire Captain”….LOL! I don’t know about all that but I will say that America’s Fire Service is in need of more “leaders” to step forward.

Rhett and I have actually been tossing around and working on our own “motivational speaking/speech” presentation … one  geared specifically towards Fire/EMS although I’m not sure who would want to hear it (I know plenty who need to).

Anyway, I’ve heard 2 GREAT motivational speeches in the past few weeks. The first, came from good friend and “True” Fire Service Leader Chief Billy Goldfeder. He was speaking to a graduating class of Fire Cadets.

See my post  ”How to motivate a Rookie” by clicking HERE

The second, Rhett turned me onto while driving to Ohio. This speech is also being delivered to a group of graduates. The audience here is a class from the US Air Force Academy. The speaker is General Welsh USAFE  CC. My title is a quote from his presentation.

The video is just over 50 minutes long…. TRUST ME …. don’t hit play until you’re dedicated to watching the entire video … IT WILL BE THE BEST 50 MINUTES YOU’VE SPENT TODAY!

Stay Safe and in House!!  Thanks for reading..

Captain Wines

Posted by on November 15, 2011 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

AN EMOTIONAL FEW WEEKS, THE FIRE CRITIC, CHIEF GOLDFEDER, ZACH GREEN AND FOXFIRE

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The past several weeks have been very emotional for me. It seems that everything has hit me at once and that has been a big reason for the lack of my posting …

I guess it kind of began back in late October when Rhett and I traveled to New York. Whenever we travel, Rhett and I always try to pack as much as possible into the days spent away from our families. The New York trip was no exception. Rhett had 2 teaching gigs in New Jersey plus we met up with Zach Green to do a little work for Fox Fire. It was a GREAT trip that left us worn out and overcome with emotion. Chief Billy Goldfeder set up a personal tour  for us at the WTC Tribute Center with its founder Lee Ielpi. That tour alone changed my life and I haven’t been able to “collect” myself yet.

Read my post trip post ” Re-adjusting” by clicking HERE

After returning home, I spent my time trying to absorb what we had done and seen in NY while also attempting to catch up on the farm.  Then, I got an early morning phone call. It was my wife … her sister had passed away. She had been fighting cancer for the past few years but it was a bad fall at home that had her in the hospital this time. She was badly injured but her passing was unexpected.

It has been less than a year since my wife lost her father as well. Needless to say, the two deaths have been  hard on her. I’m not going to go into a lot of detail here but I do want to say that it has hit me harder than I expected. Although I lost a sister-in-law and friend of 25 years, what hurts the most for me is having to see my wife suffer. It’s difficult for me to handle. Yea … we see it all the time on the job but it’s different when it’s closer to home.

At work, I can manage, control, calm or fix any situation … some may even say that I’m actually good at it. But this,  this I can’t fix. I’ve posted before on how ironic it is that we can provide services and take such great care of total strangers while on the job but can’t care for our families when they need us the most.

That said, Donna is doing fine and we will get through this. I (we) do want to take a moment ( knowing that many were unaware) to say THANK YOU for the flowers, cards, thoughts and prayers.

The world has kept turning and we’ve eased back into a semi-normal routine. Rhett and I had a few friends and fellow bloggers scheduled to come up from NC for a visit. I almost cancelled but now have to admit that the “change of pace” was good.

Captain Chaos and Lt. Lemon from Excessive Leather Accessories For Firefighters were a BLAST to hang out with.

We took the fellas by a few stations and gave them the “nickel tour” of some of our history.

We spent the rest of the evening sharing some beer, pizza and great conversation. The next day, the boys would come out and ride along with me and the crew of Engine Company #13-C. Read their take on the visit   HERE   and   HERE  .

I’ve since had a few days off but as is the usual for me, they didn’t last long. This past Thursday, Rhett and I packed up and hit the road once again. This time, we were headed to Kentucky and Ohio … another AWESOME and emotional trip.

Like I told ya, we try to pack as much as possible into our trips. Rhett grew up in the Loveland area of Ohio and since we were gonna be that  close, we had to make a stop. We rolled into Ohio earlier than we had expected and that worked out perfectly.

We made stops by two of the houses that Rhett lived in as a child. We visited his old school and drove by several places that he holds fond memories of. It was a “home coming” of sorts for him and his excitement was evident.

We also have a good friend who lives and works in the area so we figured we’d give him a call to say we were in town. The  Loveland-Symmes Fire Department  is where Chief Billy Goldfeder works and a simple “hello” over the phone would not be good enough for Chief Billy. If Rhett and I were in town, he was going to assure that we were taken care of. Within minutes, Chief picked us up and gave us a personal tour of their stations.

How AWESOME is that?? Chief Billy Goldfeder, The Fire Critic and me riding around in an unmarked command vehicle that has more lights on it than the White House Christmas tree ! Yea baby … the Chief’s ride is “decked out” and that’s how we roll !

 

It was a great tour … Loveland-Symmes has it together!

They put a ton of focus and emphasis on Incident Command,  Accountability and Risk Assessment.

Pictured right, Chief Billy gave us a demo of how he utilizes the mobile command boards in the trunk of his vehicle.

I was glad to learn that we have and do something very similar here in my Department…. at least we’re doing something right!

I also noted and liked how they had “size-up” or “on-scene report” stickers on the dash of their rigs. I’ll throw in a pic of that, the Risk Assessment reminder and their Battalion’s Command Vehicle…

 

We also got an up close and personal look at Loveland-Symmes Engine #62.

You may have heard about this unique rig … it’s a rolling, working, firefighting Memorial that honors the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and our fallen brothers.

It is a BEAUTIFUL truck and looks as if it had just rolled off the show room floor ( it’s in service as a first-run piece).

Here’s a short video of their Chief talking about the truck … CLICK HERE .

I think the Chief enjoyed giving us the tour as much as we did getting it. We knew that he had an appointment later that evening but none of us wanted to end the visit.

Chief Billy was upset that he wasn’t able to take us by their Fallen Firefighter Memorial before he ran out of time. We told him not to worry about it …. just give us the address and we’d be sure to stop by and visit it. NOPE … that wouldn’t due. He didn’t want us to go to their memorial, he wanted to TAKE us !    THAT’S  BROTHERHOOD .

The following evening, we would meet back up with Chief Billy for a fantastic Italian dinner at Pitrelli’s . Not only was this a great place to eat, we also had the honor of meeting and sharing the experience with the Chief’s family. Afterwards, the chief would take us by their Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial. It was a clear and cool moonlit night … BEAUTIFUL. The Memorial …. beyond emotional … spiritual.  Another great honor that Rhett and I were able to share together … THANKS CHIEF !

To see and learn more about the Loveland-Symmes Fallen Firefighter Memorial, click HERE .

So, to back up just a little bit, after our first night with Chief Billy; Rhett and I headed down to Covington, Ky. to check in to our hotel. Now, we are talking about me and Rhett here so obviously, we don’t stay at just any old hotel…. we’re talking the Radisson. A round hotel alongside the Ohio river with a revolving restaurant on top! The “360 Restaurant” … AN AWESOME VIEW … one of only 32 revolving restaurants in the world and Rhett and I have now eaten at 2 !

The next morning, we made the short drive to Edgewood, Ky where we presented Rhett’s  ”Social Media in the Fire Service”  class at  the Kentucky Fire Chief’s Association’s Leadership Symposium.

A very professional group and great symposium ( Captain Bill Gustin presented on the 1st day).

Everything was going great until someone in the audience began talking about how great Dave Statter was.

Statter this … Statter that …. The Fire Critic ??? Never heard of it … KABOOOOOM !!!

I’ve never seen a guest speaker kick someone out of a class … I thought we were going to have to fight our way out of the place …

LOL … I’m just kidding.

The class went great!  It was Rhett’s largest attendance.  Dave Statter was actually mentioned outside of Rhett’s presentation though. Some of the folks had seen Statter’s video on how Rhett doesn’t really exist … LMAO! If you missed that 2 part video, check it out by clicking  HERE .

We also got to meet Cynthia … aka “Ms. May” of the 2012 America’s Female Firefighter Calendar .

She even signed a copy for us ! If you’re not familiar with this calendar, you should be….. it ranked #1 on The Fire Critic’s 2011 Top Ten Hot & Sexy Firefighter Calendars.

It was after the class that we met Chief Goldfeder for dinner and Memorial tour. Following that, we made another short drive to Wyoming, Ky. That’s whereZach’s home and  the Fox Fire headquarters are located. We stayed at Zach’s house that night … a BEAUTIFUL home.

Apparently, his son Brice thinks Rhett and I are celebrities …. he was waiting for us in the driveway when we arrived. Zach always treats us like kings and this trip would be no exception. His wife had been baking “goodies” all day … they had a camp fire, some great bottles of wines, plenty of cold beer and a few good friends to wind the evening down with …. very relaxing!

We needed the R&R …. not just Rhett and I either … Zach had been run just as thin. He had just flew in from California. He had been out there participating in a test / study for photoluminescent technology use within the fire service.

Rhett has the story over on Fire Critic … click HERE 

More plus video HERE

The rest didn’t last long … we stayed up late and was up and back at it early.

Zach had arranged for us to attend a training evolution with the Wyoming Fire-EMS Department . Like everything Zach does, this training was top of the line …. Cincinnati Fire department’s Flash Over Simulator !

Neither of us have ever been inside a Flash Over Simulator ….. AWESOME training !! Every Department should have one!

As I mentioned, this one is owned by the Cincinnati Fire Department and located on one of their training sites. I should also note that it is dedicated to Firefighter Oscar Armstrong III … a Cincinnati Firefighter killed in the line of duty back in March 2003 due to a flash over.

Click HERE to Learn more about Firefighter Oscar Armstrong III

SEE A RECENT FIRE CRITIC POST ON FLASH OVERS BY CLICKING HERE !

Hopefully, this invaluable training tool will prevent any future Cincinnati LODD’s due to Flash Over …. it’s definitely a step in the right direction. Every Cincinnati member has received training inside the Simulator and they  allow surrounding Departments to come in and use it as well.

This is the closest that I’ve ever been able to get to a fire and these conditions for an extended period of time and feel (and actually be) safe.

The temperature inside (at places) reached in excess of 1800 degrees.

Not only did I find it valuable as a “Flash Over” simulator, I think it also has value for changing smoke conditions and roll over fires.

Here are 2 short videos …..

The training also proved to be a good test for the Fox Fire Helmet Band as well as for the brand new tetrahedrons … YEA … Fox Fire now has TETRAHEDRONS for your helmet!

They both held up GREAT !

Another successful day for Fox Fire, The Fire Critic and Ironfiremen.com

Special thanks to the Wyoming Fire-EMS Department for allowing us to tag along as well as to the instructors for a fantastic class!

Here are a few more pictures ….

 

 

Of course, this would not end our day … Zach had even more planned. After a quick clean up, we headed out to the University of Cincinnati vs West Virginia football game!

I’m not a big fan of either team but after seeing the Cincinnati cheer leaders in action … I was sold!

IT WAS A GREAT GAME !

It came down to the final 3 seconds where Cincinnati missed a short field goal to tie.

After the game, it was back to Zach’s for one of the best meals I’ve eaten in a long time. Unfortunately, after we ate; we had to pack, load up and start for home.  I’m on vacation but Rhett had to be at work by 7 am Sunday.  We made it safe and sound by around 2:30-3:00 am and I must admit that it was good to be back in my own bed.

I have a lot more to fill ya in on but will stop here for now. Sorry it was such a long one but I have been absent for a while (plus it was THAT good of a trip). I’ll catch ya again in the next day or so … until then, Stay Safe and in House ! Thanks for reading

Captain Wines

Posted by on November 14, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, news, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A HUGE “LET DOWN”

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Things around the Ironfiremen.com World Headquarters have been a little hectic to say the least here lately. I’ve had a full schedule and have been doing my best to try to stay “caught up”…. I haven’t been doing too good of a job.

Our latest adventure found me and Rhett smack dab in the middle of The Big Apple … oh yea .. New York City BABY!!

We met up with Zach Green inside the City for a few days before heading South to Jersey and teaching Rhett’s Social Media Class.

Reads Rhett’s thoughts on our trip HERE and Zach’s 2 part installment  HERE  and  HERE  . 

It was a very emotional but successful trip for each of us. Rhett and I have had an unbelievable year and it looks like things are only getting better. We have some big things coming up and can’t wait to share them with you … stay tuned.

Rhett is holding one of our “Brotherhood Chips” in the above picture…. They have been a HUGE success. Special THANKS to The Chip Site  for the great design and quality work.

Get you Fire Critic / Iron Firemen “Brotherhood Chip” by clicking HERE .

I’ve also been busy here on the farm.

This is my busy time of year so the Buckaroo and I have been doing our best to sort all the cattle and finish up in the hay fields.

Of course, we have all of our “regular” chores to attend to as well …. mowing the lawn etc …

The good news  is that The Buckaroo is a Top Hand here at the Rocking “W” Hay and Cattle Company .

LMAO … my 3 best workers in one photo …

If you ever meet me in person, ask me to empty my right front pocket …LOL. I have about 10 different keys in there….

His 4-wheeler, the tractors, mowers etc …. I have to take the keys out of every piece of equipment on the place or there’s no telling where he’d be.

That said, if you happen to pass a 3 year old and 2 dalmatians on a 4-wheeler, tractor, mower or 5500 Dodge flat bed, please tell him to get back home … his “Paw-Paw” is looking for him !  LMAO

Ok, to my title … A Huge “Let Down”.  Because I’ve been so busy, I recently dropped the ball in helping out a couple good friends and Brother blogger / firefighters. I let them down.

Bill Carey over at Backstep Firefighter  had asked me a very small favor a few weeks back. Bill runs a GREAT site that should be in your “favorites” and is a “MUST READ”  for anyone “on the job”.

Bill and Dave LaBlanc had asked for readers to submit articles concerning running “short staffed” or with 3 (and even sometimes less)  members. Bill is a good friend and knows that my company / Department typically runs with 3 and asked me to submit an article.

All of this was a “lead in” to Bill and Dave’s live pod cast over on Firefighter Netcast ( A View From The Front Seat ).  I let em down and did not get an article in. Rhett and I were able to catch part of the live show while in NYC … they did a GREAT job !

Learn more at Backstep Firefighter’s  ”Real World Staffing” by clicking HERE

Bill and Dave brought many valid points to light on a topic that affects many of us on a daily basis. Not just firefighters either … a short staffed Department / rig affects our citizens as well. We can NOT do our job as safe or efficiently while short staffed as we can when running with a minimum of 4. Running short places our lives and YOURS at risk!

See a “Melrose Misfit” post of mine on this issue HERE

There are 7 Tactical Functions that have to be completed on EVERY fire … running short directly affects how (and in what order) we accomplish / achieve these objectives.

Take a Department such as mine … 3 members on each piece ( Engine and Ladders) … 2 on a Medic. Take a typical 2 story, wood frame residential structure with fire showing from the 2nd floor, Alpha / Delta corner at 2am.

My rig carries 1,000 gallons of water so I go in … pull past and give my size up. I exit the truck and conduct a 360 while my lone firefighter stretches dry to the front door. My Lieutenant ( our Driver / operators ) assists the stretch from the rig and gets the pump set.

The 2nd in piece is the 2nd Engine. They stop at the hydrant, drop off their lone firefighter and lay in. The Officer establishes Command while the driver helps make the hydrant connection into my Engine.

Let’s say the next in is a Medic Unit. More often than not, we will assign these members as “2 Out” … NOW, my crew (me and my firefighter) can make entry. Of course, the only way this scenario works is IF there are no injured civilians in the yard upon arrival … otherwise, the Medic Unit would have Medical duties vs. their “2-out” assignment. You also have to consider that the members on that Medic Unit need to “dress out” when assigned “2-out” (another delay).

The next arriving is a 3 member Ladder. We’ll take forcible entry out of the equation ( I most likely did it from the Engine if needed / possible) and go to their main objective .. LIFE SAFETY. They will go right into a Primary Search. Here’s the thing there though … most likely, the Officer and firefighter will split and conduct their searches ALONE. The driver will set the rig, get the fan to the front door and throw some ground ladders for secondary egress ( again … ALONE ).

A 3rd engine arrives and will be assigned as RIC  ( The “2-out” crew can now advance and act as the “stair” or “Back up” line).

A 2nd Medic Unit arrives and is assigned “Medical”.

The Chief gets in and assumes Command but holds the officer who established command  to assist.

That’s a total of 17 members on scene … 2 members on the fire, 2 searching, 2 on a back up line and NO VERTICAL VENTILATION ( we use PPV). Every member on that scene is working their butt off!

There are a lot of other functions / decisions made in this scenario that place us (and our citizens) at risk. We are FORCED to take a 1 3/4″  hose line and stretch it dry. Ever tried to stretch and handle a 2 1/2″ alone??  To the 2nd floor of an occupied structure? How effective was that?

Does the first in go to the fire or attempt a search? Maybe both? ( so the crew is separated again ). A single firefighter fire attack crew? Train to work in pairs but operate alone right?

What will that firefighter(s) do once he / they get to the fire? Do you put it out or wait on the searches behind you? Ever heard of “Door Control”??

Maybe the first in should go straight to the search?? Who’s on the fire? How long will it be before someone gets on it? What’s killing the trapped occupants … smoke, heat etc??? Hummmmm WHAT DO WE DO?

My point here is that when we run with less than 4 members on a rig, we are faced with some very difficult decisions. Which of those 7 tactical functions would you perform first? Would you have waited for “2-out”?? Our members are doing “more with less” on a daily basis and it’s one big crap shoot!

Our strategies and tactics must change and adapt to the environments in which we are placed. I’m not so sure that our training methods and text books shouldn’t be changed as well. I mean we may as well be teaching single firefighter techniques right? Why teach and drill into a rookies head the “team concept” when in reality, they are gonna end up on the nozzle or searching alone? How about this … let’s put our Department, City and State Official’s feet to the fire ( no pun intended ) and honor NFPA 1710 and 1500 and get America’s staffing up to acceptable levels!

I could go on and on and on but I’ll spare you. Bill and Dave … sorry I let ya down Brothers … I would have LOVED to have gotten a post in for ya and to have thrown it back and forth on the netcast.

For all of you Brothers and Sisters out there running short … Stay SAFE and hopefully ..in house!

Captain Wines

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by on November 3, 2011 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, funding-staffing, news, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,