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I don’t know where we’re going but we’re making good time!

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LMAO … That saying used to hang in one of our fire houses … me saying (using) it is a part of keeping our history / tradition alive… some of the older members will remember it. It’s what Rhett and I are all about … those of you who understand will “get it” … Brotherhood, Honor, Respect, Tradition and Pride.
Hopefully, you all know by now that we are in New York City. We are here with Zach Green for MN8-FoxFire. Already, it’s been a GREAT trip and we’ve had a LOT of those here lately. That’s where my title came from…. everything that Rhett and I have worked for over the past few years is taking off in so many directions and at an unbelievable speed. I can hardly keep up. I’m beginning to think that maybe we are actually on the right path. I say that knowing that we HAVE been but that we also haven’t  seen much result. Sometimes that’s discouraging but we are firemen … so we keep digging! It’s all we HAVE… all we KNOW and all we’ll DO.

Our trip this time has many objectives. Some I can talk about, others … not so much yet (stay tuned). First off, you all know about the “fund drive” we had to donate to the FDNY Rescue 2 Mayday Fund. Brothers Weidmann and Gersbeck were critically burned back in a December 19, 2011 fire in Crown Heights. Both members are struggling and fighting to recover still today.

This is where that fancy term you often hear us refer to as “The Brotherhood” comes in. Those members could just as easily have been us. Yea.. that could be me, you, your husband, wife or father laying in those hospital beds. Our families could be the ones trying to live without an extra income. Paying the added fuel costs of traveling back and forth to the hospital. We could have missed Christmas with our families and everything else these members have sacrificed.  THINK ABOUT THAT ….. ANY day … ANY moment … we could be in these men’s shoes. I would hope that someone ( “The Brotherhood” ) would be there for our families as we were and ARE for theirs!

Zach called to tell me that we needed to be in New York this week and that one of our stops would be at Rescue 2. My thoughts automatically went to Brothers Gersbeck and Weidmann. I told him that there was NO WAY that we could walk into that house empty handed knowing what they had suffered. Together (along with Rhett) , we decided  that raising money for their MAYDAY FUND was the best thing we could do to help.

The support we received from you folks .. our Brothers and Sisters was UNBELIEVABLE ! Today, we presented checks totaling over $2,300.00 to the fund!  THANK YOU !

You can still donate directly by clicking HERE . Captain Flaherty and his members were VERY appreciative for your thoughts and efforts. Later, we’ll meet with the families and I’m sure they’ll feel the same.

I know I use the word a lot but it was actually HUMBLING to hand these checks over. Knowing where and who the money came from. WE WERE HONORED. We receive some large donations but in all honesty, it was the $2 and $5 dollar donations that stick out in my mind. That is a donation from someone who has to think about where their money is going and I don’t say that light heartily. Captain Flaherty and the members of Rescue 2 understand that as well.

In my last post, I spoke about Rhett and I speaking at the Swoope Volunteer Fire Company’s annual awards dinner. Those folks gave us a check for $100 towards the fund before we left. That’s $100 out of their budget. A $100 dollars that they most likely needed yet they felt as if these two brothers and their families needed it more. WHAT A GREAT EXAMPLE OF BROTHERHOOD. The exact thing Rhett and I traveled down to speak to them about. Like I said in my last post … our talk was only “reassurance”   … the members of SVFC already “get it” !

I’m still on a “high” if you will from speaking at their Awards Dinner last Saturday night. A lot of you “bigger” Departments could learn a few lessons from this “small town, Va.” Company. They made a lasting impression on me and Rhett and we don’t get that every day.

Once again, I’ll go back to the word “VALIDATION” . These members renewed our purpose and got us focused back on the work at hand. IT’S AN AWESOME FEELING !  Rhett and I are once again STOKED and planning to take over the world!

A plaque presented to Captain Willie Wines Jr (Ironfiremen.com) from the Swoope Vol Fire Company in the window of his hotel room in NYC Jan 2012

LOL.. all kidding aside, Swoope was exactly what we needed to refocus.

Did you see the plaque they presented me? It meant so much to me that I even brought it along on this trip … yea.. I carried it all the way to NEW YORK CITY!

It INSPIRES me. I’m proud to have received it.

It says I “get it” and I don’t ever want to forget that or why I do … I also don’t want to let these folks down!

We ( The MN8-FoxFire Team) have a list of all who donated and each of you will soon be receiving personal thank you notes from us. I can honestly tell you that WE MADE A DIFFERENCE and again, I say THANK YOU!

I don’t know why Rhett and I have been blessed with so many opportunities to contribute to and make a positive impact on the Fire Service but I do know that we are greatful and HONORED. We do NOT take these blessings lightly or for granted.

It’s not about us … me, you, him or her. It’s about US … the Fire Service .. THE BROTHERHOOD. Maybe our small gestures will inspire greater ones from others ….

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

 

 

Posted by on January 31, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, funding-staffing, in-the-line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guilty!

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WE DID IT !

Rhett (Lt Rhett Fleitz aka The Fire Critic) and I have been at this for a while now. We share common goals and a direction. We’ve always known that we would eventually “make it” somewhere … we just weren’t sure we’d end up exactly where we wanted to be (or if we even knew where that place was).

This past weekend, we reached a mile stone and I think we’ve found our place!

Rhett and I were honored to have been asked to speak at the Swoope Volunteer Fire Company’s Annual Awards Dinner. This was the first time Rhett and I have spoken together in a setting like this. It’s been a long time coming and, from the feed back we’ve received;  it appears we were a huge success.

Visit the Swoope Volunteer Fire Company on Face Book by clicking HERE

Our talk was basically “motivational” if you will. It was based on our core values .. Brotherhood, Pride, Honor, Respect and Tradition. We talk about these values a lot in our postings but also try to live by them in our day to day lives. We’ve never been quite sure who (if anyone) is listening.

For me, it’s sometimes difficult to articulate. For those of us who “get it”, it doesn’t need a lot of explaining. For others, I’m not sure how to make them understand. Rhett calls it “Owning the Job” while I’ve often used the phrase … wanting to “infect” you.

I think we were able to “infect” a few members in attendance Saturday night (actually, I know we did). With that said, for the most part; the members of the Swoope Volunteer Fire Company already “get it” .  They have a GREAT organization!

So, our talk; was almost a sort of validation as well. VALIDATION for them and us.

I had to have my shift covered. It was Rhett’s Birthday yet neither of us would have missed this opportunity. The opportunity to make and spread a positive image for the Fire Service. It’s worth missing something else for. It’s worth rearranging your schedule.  We’re passionate  about what we do and why we do it. We  hope to spread the feeling. We owe that to the men and women who built the Service we’ve always wanted to be a part of. This is by the way the GREATEST job in the world.

View The Fire Critic’s Face Book album for more pictures. Click HERE 

The members of the Swoope Volunteer Fire Company welcomed us with open arms… we felt very much at ease and “at home”. We were after all with our Brothers and Sisters.

Just being asked was an HONOR for us …later in the ceremony, we would find ourselves once again humbled.

Rhett and I were both presented with custom plaques … THEY WERE AWESOME!

I still don’t have the words to describe it. This is the 1st time I’ve ever received something like this from outside my own Department. THANK YOU!

I’ll go back to the word “validation”. It’s gestures like this that make it all worth while. Maybe …JUST MAYBE .. Rhett and I are on the right track?

Read Rhett’s post by clicking HERE

I have a lot more to say but I’m gonna cut myself short. I’m typing as Rhett is driving (piloting) us up to New York City. We will be meeting up with Zach Green from MN8-FoxFire and have a very busy (and hopefully productive) week scheduled.

I’m most excited to be heading back out to FDNY’s Rescue 2. We have a fantastic gift in a donation towards their Mayday Fund which will directly benefit firefighters Weidmann and Gersbeck. THANKS TO EVERYONE  who purchased product or donated directly to this great cause. Obviously, we will have a lot more detail and pictures for ya over the next few days…. keep a check on both sites for updates.

Until we get back … stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

 

Posted by on January 31, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

TODAY!

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It seems like a lot of folks these days are always putting things (something) off until “tomorrow”. For this deal … there is NO tomorrow.

Last Monday, Rhett (The Fire Critic), Zach Green (MN8-FoxFire) and I came up with an idea and a way to support a GREAT cause … supporting 2 Brothers in need.

We are scheduled to head back to New York City in the morning . We have a very busy itinerary and one of our planned stops (visits) is to be with the Captain and members of FDNY’s elite Rescue 2 in Brooklyn.

Any of you reading this post should know by now of the fire back on December 19th 2011, in Crown Heights; that left 2 members of Rescue 2 critically injured. Firefighters Gersbeck and Weidmann are still recovering today.

Unbelievable VIDEO and details of that fire from Statter911 by clicking HERE 

While Brother Gersbeck is now recovering at home, Weidmann remains in the hospital where he has undergone and faces MANY more surgeries. His road to recovery will be difficult, long and painful. It is just as difficult for his family.

Rescue 2 has a “fund” set up to help their members (and their families) in times of need just like this. They call it the “Mayday Fund”.

While Rhett, Zach and I were discussing our NYC trip, I mentioned that their was no way that we could be there and not make a special “check” on Brothers Weidmann and Gersbeck.  Knowing the hardships their families were facing, I even thought… how cool would it be if we could raise a little money to help support them? Rhett and Zach jumped on the idea 100%. Zach even went as far as putting the MN8-FoxFire Team on it and agreed to donate 50% of all sales last week to the fund!

YEA… 50% of ALL online MN8-FoxFire sales over the past week (including today) will go to the Rescue 2 Mayday Fund!!

WHAT an AWESOME gesture!

Here’s the thing though … IT ENDS today. We leave tomorrow and need to have the amounts finalized and the check cut so we can personally deliver it later this week.  This is your last chance to help us with this effort.

We even have it set up so you don’t have to make a purchase to donate… you can donate directly in any amount and every penny counts!

Think about the family driving back and forth to the hospital from Long Island… gas money. Think about then buying meals while in the city visiting their father / husband etc. Think about the bills piling up because these brothers haven’t been able to work their 2nd job.

WHAT IF THAT WAS YOU IN THAT HOSPITAL BED? WHAT IF IT WAS ME?

I think about it often and HOPE that there will be a group of members like Rhett, Zach and everyone who has donated thus far to help support and watch over my family.

This is what “Brotherhood” is all about …. if we don’t have this, what’s left? I’m not asking for much here … $5.00. I know times are tight. I know VERY well as my wife is unemployed. I’ll find the money … you can too.

Don’t have that cup of Duncan Donut’s coffee this morning. How about the change from lunch or dinner tonight …. THESE FAMILIES NEED AND CAN USE IT !

Visit the MN8-FoxFire site right NOW and DONATE .. (Click HERE ) 

TODAY … these brothers are fighting to recover. TODAY … their families sacrifice and suffer. What will YOU do to help TODAY?

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on January 30, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, funding-staffing, in-the-line-of-duty, news, rescues, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Messing with the “Po Po”, Company Pride and a fire kicking Ass!

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I know I’m behind on posting but I’ve been trying to get things squared away in preparation for Rhett and I hitting the road again this weekend. I’m VERY excited.

We will be speaking at a Fire Department Awards Dinner this Saturday night. This will be the first time Rhett and I have spoken together in this type of setting. We hope and plan on doing a lot more teaching / motivational speaking etc in the future …. let’s hope this one goes over well.

Then, on Monday; we’ll be heading back to New York City with Zach Green and MN8-FoxFire. This is going to be a GREAT trip! I’ll give ya more details on it in just a bit ….

Ok, messing with the “Po Po” …

Here in “The Noke”, we have a GREAT working relationship with our Brothers in Blue (Police Department). You never read it in our paper or see it on the news but we see a lot of shootings, stabbings and just general assaults. Having a good and trusting relationship between Fire/EMS and Police is crucial on these types of incidents.

Last day (Tuesday) we got to spend some time with one of our Brothers in Blue in a much less stressful situation … a public relations event.

We took the rig up to a local Church’s pre-school class and met up with Sgt. Keats and his police cruiser. The kids were learning about people in their neighborhood who “help” them.

I LOVE these events. Me and the kids are usually on about the same reading level (sometimes they’re a little above me) and always hit it off. Boots and George do a fantastic job with children as well.

We started off with a quick talk and moved right into showing em the rig.

Seeing their eyes when they step up into the back of the truck is priceless.

My talk always included the fact that we respond for EMS as well. We don’t just run “fire” calls. Here in “The Noke”, if they or a family member become sick or injured, it’s very likely that they will encounter firefighters in our big red truck before anyone else.

We always get the medical bag out and let them see some of the equipment in a situation that’s a lot less stressful for them.  A blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, and oxygen mask in this type of setting can go a long way towards getting to use either in an emergency setting and the child has never seen it or thinks it’s gonna hurt.

Of course we soon move out of the “band-aid” portion and into the good stuff …. firefighting.

We carry 1,000 gallons of water and have a rubbish line in the bumper so I always spray a little water on these details.

Let me rephrase that … we let the kids spray some water.

THEY LOVE IT!

To end our segment, we had plastic fire helmets, coloring books etc to pass out. We were a HUGE success. If your Company or Department doesn’t participate in events like this, YOU SHOULD. The teachers were just as excited as the kids and the image portrayed is VERY POSITIVE.

One of the things I enjoyed most (other than the kids) was being able to throw a jab at Sargent Keats.  You see, of portion of the demo was complete. The kids and teachers were clapping, cheering and all wanted hugs from the crew.

Before we parted ways and sent the kids down to Keat’s cruiser, I quietly leaned over and told him ..

“see if ya can top THAT cop!”  LMAO !!!

Like I said, Sgt. Keats is a good and long time friend of not just me but the Fire Department. We’ve been in the street a lot together over the years and he knew I was just busting balls… (he also knew I was right but don’t tell him I said so..LOL)

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book. Click HERE and “Like”

Company Pride. Rhett and I have been posting about it a lot here lately. I’d like to think that I’ve always had it. For whatever reason, I’ve always seemed to build strong companies and my foundation has always been Pride, Tradition, Respect, Honor and Brotherhood.

The sad part is that our Department (administration) doesn’t value the same philosophy. Rhett and I have posted before and it remains no secret that our current morale in the toilet. The theme now a days seems to be divide and conquer. That’s a very long story in itself but can be traced back to certain appointments, hirings and promotions. The good news is that we still have some solid firemen left here in “The Noke” and there are a few of us who haven’t lost all hope.

Read The Fire Critic’s 5 part article OWNING THE JOB by clicking HERE

We started to see some of our Company Pride return as stations began to build custom kitchen tables. Our members have built some BEAUTIFUL tables. See some examples of custom Firehouse Kitchen Tables from The Fire Critic by clicking  HERE .

We are not allowed to wear custom or “Company specific” shirts or patches. Some companies have made shirts along the way but just haven’t worn them on duty. It has been tolerated for some select companies to wear uniform shirts with their company number on it.

We don’t have “slogans” or company “Logos” on our rigs.

It’s not a new concept here … our history and tradition is deep … it’s just been stopped / lost somewhere along the way.

The patch to the right was created by Battalion Chief  Billy Obenchain (deceased) many years ago.

It’s a GREAT patch…. just look at the detail. The “Ass” is even wearing a Scott air pack.

Read my post on this patch from my “Melrose Misfit” days HERE .

Well, it seems as though the “patch thing” may be coming back to us. I mentioned above that there are a few of us left here who haven’t lost all hope and Captain Todd Stone is one of those members.

I’ve posted on Todd (or mentioned him anyway) several times on my sites. We used to travel together to New York City for ride-alongs and the St Patty’s Day Parade. He’s the President of our National Public Safety League Football team ( The Roanoke Rampage), our Union’s A-shift Vice-President, a true Brother and a damn good fireman. I mentioned him in a very recent post because he stood up and spoke out on behalf of all our members (knowing that he would face certain retaliation) . See that post  HERE .

Well, Captain Stone sent me a letter the other day. A special letter. “Special”  because it had something inside it. A PATCH.

Todd and the Brothers from station #6 have designed a new patch!

I have a lot of history with Station #6 and Captain Stone is well aware of that.

My dad spent right at 20 years assigned to #6. I was there as a kid the day they moved from the “old” #6 to the new (current). I spent a lot of time in both stations.

Later, I would be assigned to #6 myself when I made Lieutenant. It’s always been a busy house and the members there see more than their fair share or work. Houses like that produce good members … Captains like Todd Stone, Scott Mutter and Alan Austin build good companies in these types of houses.

The patch is a great idea. A motivational tool a PRIDE builder. GOOD JOB BROTHERS !! Keep up the good work and THANKS for the patch!

While we’re talking about Pride, Honor, Respect, Tradition and Brotherhood, don’t forget about the two FDNY Rescue 2 members still recovering from critical injuries sustained while operating on a Crown Heights (Brooklyn) fire back on December 19, 2011.

More details from Ironfiremen.com by clicking HERE

The families of Firefighters Weidmann and Gersbeck need our support and MN8-FoxFire, The Fire critic and Ironfiremen.com are doing all we can. WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Since Monday Jan. 23rd through Monday Jan. 30th, MN8-FoxFire will donate 50% of ALL ON-LINE SALES to the Rescue 2 Mayday Fund! That’s 50% of ALL SALES that will go directly to these members and their families.

Don’t think it’s all about MN8-FoxFire and selling something either. We have it setup so you don’t HAVE to make a purchase…. you can DONATE DIRECTLY to the fund through the site as well.

EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS!

It’s a VERY secure site where you can use a credit card or even Pay Pal.

Just think … if everyone who reads this post will donate just $1 …. HOW MUCH OF AN IMPACT WOULD THAT CHECK MAKE ON THESE MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES ?!? That’s what “Brotherhood” is all about. What if it was one of us? Who would help take care of our families??

Zach, Rhett and I will hand deliver the check during our visit to New York City next week. Help us help these Brothers and show the FDNY that the Brotherhood is alive and well !

Learn MORE, PURCHASE MN8-FoxFire or DONATE directly by clicking HERE 

(Hit the “click here to support…” then “Today’s Super Deal” to direct donate)

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

 

 

Posted by on January 26, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, in-the-line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

From the 4th floor… they JUMPED to their death!

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I’m not big on anniversaries. I don’t understand em as far as the Fire Service goes. On September 11th we always see “343″, and phrases like “NEVER FORGET”.  Today, January 23, 2012; we will see photos, videos and read about FDNY members  Lt. Joe DiBrnardo, FF. Jeff Cool, FF. Eugene Stolowski,  FF. Brendan Cawley,  Lt. Curtis Meyran and Lt. John Bellew. These are the men who were forced to leap from the 4th floor rather than face certain death while operating at a fire in the Bronx.

Lt. Curtis Meyran and Lt. John Bellew did not survive… THEY DIED. Just a few hours later, a 3rd FDNY member, FF Richard T. Sclafani of Ladder 103 lost his life in a Brooklyn blaze. The Fire Service now remembers that day as ” BLACK SUNDAY”….. it was 7 years ago today.

Like the 343 lost on 9/11, I try to remember these and all the other members lost in the Line of Duty EVERYDAY. I challenge you to do the same. Don’t just remember these brave men today ( because of a 7 year “anniversary” ) remember them tomorrow, the day after that, the next, next and so on.

PLEASE read my 2011 post on BLACK SUNDAY by clicking HERE

The same can be said about the “BROTHERHOOD”. The term is often times thrown around lightly. Many of us talk a good game but when it comes time to act … well, some of us talk a good game.

I have another prime example of that from just today. TODAY .. the 7th anniversary of BLACK SUNDAY. So many visible posts… Face Book comments, Tweets etc. ALL VISIBLE … we can see you.

Rhett and I have teamed up again with Zach Green and MN8-FoxFire (actually, we’ve always been a team … this is simply another venture). Because we’re heading to New York for business next week, we decided to make the trip BIG. The FDNY has lost MANY members. They’ve had had many more hurt or injured.

Still today two of Brooklyn’s Bravest lay recovering from critical, life threatening burns and injuries sustained in a December 19, 2011 Crown Heights fire. Firefighters Weidmann and Gersbeck have a long road to recovery ahead of them.

Zach, Rhett and I came up with a way to support the FDNY Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund. This fund provides support ( MUCH NEEDED MONEY) to the families of their injured…. THAT’S BROTHERHOOD !

For 1 week ( today -Monday ) MN8-FoxFire will donate 50% of ALL ON-LINE SALES to the Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund!

We even set it up so you don’t have to make a purchase … simply DONATE through the site. We’ve advertised, commented and posted about it EVERYWHERE and we’ve had a ton of support in doing so. It’s a GREAT cause! Our traffic ( “hits” ) have been VERY good but the donations … not so much.

I’m guessing that maybe it’s because it’s a “secure” site and nobody else can see that you’ve donated? This is not as visible as posting about ” BROTHERHOOD”.

If we had received  .50 cent for every “hit” to the site today, we could have made a huge impact on the MAYDAY Fund… that didn’t happen! I’m shocked and disappointed.

We have the rest of the week remaining and I hope things will pick up. EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS. Gas in the tank for commutes to the hospital … supplement to a lost 2nd income … utility bills …groceries etc. Here’s your chance to truly HELP A BROTHER OUT! Nobody will see or know that you did but … DO IT ANYWAY!

Click HERE to view/purchase MN8-FoxFire  products or to simply DONATE

(Hit the “Click HERE to support…” for the online store, then click the “Today’s Super Deals” box to donate directly)

 Sorry for the “RANT” … this is IMPORTANT!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on January 23, 2012 • Filed under: news • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Paying it forward … an investment in Brotherhood!

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We have some VERY exciting news!

Most of you know that I am a huge FDNY “buff”.  More than that, Im a Fire Service buff …  the Fire Service as a whole. I LOVE it. It’s who I am, what I do and all I know.  Rhett (Lt. Rhett Fleitz / Fire Critic) and Zach (Zach Green / MN8 FoxFire) share my love,  feelings and passion for “The Job”.  We  have posted quite a bit here lately on it … the  ”Brotherhood”.

It’s more than a “catch phrase” for us, it’s a way of life and we would love nothing more than to infect you with it ( Read Becoming Infectious ). 

The thing is … you have to do more than just talk about Brotherhood, you have to act. You have to do something (ANYTHING..big or small) to make a positive impact on the Service and aid our fellow Brothers / Sisters. Rhett and I try to do so everyday. Zach founded and entire company on that  principle.

Today, we’re announcing our latest efforts and invite you to become a part of it!

Many of you will remember the December 19, 2011 fire in Brooklyn that seriously injured 2 members of FDNY’s Elite Company Rescue 2.

Firefighters James Gersbeck and Robert Weidmann were searching the top floor of a Brownstone when the entire floor flashed and trapped both members inside.

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

Click the photo ( and then a 2nd time) for a larger version. The arrow points to firefighter Weidmann making his way to the window.

Incredible video and more coverage from Dave Statter  by clicking HERE  or from The Fire Critic HERE

These members are still recovering. It’s been a difficult (to say the least) 34 days with many, many more ahead. The members of Rescue 2 created a special fund to provided assistance to these members and their families. They call it the “Rescue 2 MAYDAY Fund”. I introduced you to it in a post titled  ” MONEY WELL SPENT “  (click title for link).

The response was good but we need and wanted to do more…. here’s what we came up with…

Zach, Rhett and I will be in New York City for business the 1st week in February.  So, for the next week (before our trip); we want to raise as much money as possible for Rescue 2′s MAYDAY Fund, Brothers Weidmann, Gersbeck  and their families.

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

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

How AWESOME is that?  A classic example of the Brotherhood at work by Zach and the entire MN8 FoxFire Team.

The offer is good for ANY MN8 FoxFire Products … Tetrahedrons, Helmet Bands, Equipment Bands, Tool Wrap or the Epoxy Kits!

The team has been hard at work giving the website and online store a new look while making it easier to navigate.

We’ve also included a way for you to donate to the fund without having to make a purchase!

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

Zach, Rhett and I are VERY excited. I work for MN8 FoxFire because I believe in the product and the principles that the company was founded upon. Gestures like this only validate my reasoning.

EVERY product offered by MN8 FoxFire was designed with one thing in mind … FIREFIGHTER SAFETY!

It has been an honor to be a part of getting these products where they need to be…. in the hands of Firefighters and I’d like to THANK YOU for your support up to this point!

Please consider supporting us in this, our latest; endeavor. Click the link above, make a purchase or DONATE!

Follow MN8 FoxFire on Face Book

Visit the FDNY Rescue 2 Website

“MN8-Foxfire is a firefighter owned company offering energy efficient and eco-friendly
products utilizing breakthrough advanced illumination technology. MN8’s product
offerings for the fire safety industry, marketed under the name Foxfire®, have earned a
reputation for safety, high quality and are performance-proven. This is readily apparent in
Foxfire’s photoluminescent helmet bands, coating kits, grip wrap, equipment bands,

helmet tetrahedrons and other products. Both the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and
Cincinnati Innovates have recognized MN8-Foxfire for its efforts in developing
technology that keeps firefighters safe. The company is headquartered in Wyoming,
Ohio, a Cincinnati suburb. “

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

 

Posted by on January 23, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, news, rescues, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The “illusion” of death!

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** WARNING ** VERY graphic photos contained in this post !

So early into 2012 and so many “issues” already. These issues aren’t new by any means but for whatever reason, they are weighing particularly heavy on my mind. Actually, they always have and now it’s my turn to “weigh in” … a “rant” if you will.

The ” Illusion of death ” …. HA !  There is no “illusion”. Death is VERY real and nobody knows that better than those of us in the Fire / EMS service. We see it often .. sometimes daily. What we see is not the drama coated “Hollywood” death but the REAL thing. It’s not pretty!

It’s ugly. For the most part, people don’t die peacefully … we see that … most folks don’t. If you’ve been on the job for any length of time, you have images in your head that can’t be erased. Odors you can never forget . Questions and emotions that will haunt you forever.

I had a great conversation with a good friend last night. He’s a Department Chaplain for a very large Police Department.  In talking about the differences and similarities between Poilce and Firemen, the emotions we face and the shared need for Chaplain programs, I made the statement that Police Officers are sometimes forced to physically “kill” people. Though not directly by our hand, for a fireman; it’s often our actions or inaction that cause death. Yea .. what we do or DON’T do can, will and does KILL PEOPLE  and I’ll go back to my statement above .. “it’s NOT pretty”.

Sometimes we place ourselves in these situations … other times, it’s our Department of government administrators who place us there. Watch this video …..

A single man Engine / Ladder!  You’ve got to be kidding me!  I get so mad I could explode!

The Brothers in that video were wearing IAFF shirts so I’ll assume they are “paid”. With that assumption, it’s safe to also assume that it was their Department that placed them in the situation to respond with only a single member.

I don’t even have the words to describe how I feel about someone placing those members in a position like that! What good could he have possible done????    NONE !

What if he had taken the Engine instead of the Ladder??? The out come would have been the same.

They shouldn’t have even responded!

What did the citizens think? The tax payers, their “customers” …. the people we really work for. What did they think when they heard the “Q” siren winding up and spotted the Ladder rounding the corner?  Most likely it was something like….Thank goodness … here comes the Fire Department … everything will be OK .

Can you imaging driving that Ladder, rounding that corner, seeing 3 floors heavily involved and knowing people were trapped? HE WAS BY HIMSELF! From the time he left the station, he was a bystander … just like everyone else watching this tragic event unfold… it’s all he COULD do!

Running with 1 or 2 SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN in the United States! Paid or volunteer … urban or rural. Our job is almost impossible with 3 and shouldn’t be attempted with anything less.  Some will argue…more members were on their way??? Who cares ..too little, too late.

Responding to the scene shouldn’t happen either. Just this week we had yet another LODD while responding  in a personal vehicle. UNACCEPTABLE.

I don’t care that you have 20 guys responding to the scene. What will the first one do when he/she gets there with heavy fire showing and people trapped? Put on their gear and direct traffic? What if the Rig arrives first? Will it play out like the video above until other members arrive? Respond to the station …staff the rig and respond.

QUIT GAMBLING WITH PEOPLE’S LIVES !

Maybe we should start educating our citizens on what death REALLY looks like.

Maybe some of our own members could use that same education.

They place graphic pictures of mangled bodies and traumatic injuries in the EMT / Paramedic books but none of fire fatalities in the Essentials book!

I’ll say it again … our actions or INACTION directly affects whether or not people live or die!

In this morning’s headlines, I heard a lady say that she expected the Captain of the Costa Concordia   to “go down with the ship”. She EXPECTED that of the Captain … a  ”boat” Captain. What do you think people “expect” of a FIRE Captain?

Think about that … what does the public EXPECT of you as a firefighter? If they expect the boat Captain to go down with the ship, they will certanily expect us to enter a structure. To search or not?  Offensive or Defensive? If we’re not going to (or can’t) do anything… why go in the first place?

Remember all the ruckus surrounding the Obion County, Tn “pay for spray” fires? ( Refresh your memory by clicking HERE ). If you’re not going to work, DON’T respond! It not only looks bad on you and your Department but on the Fire Service as a whole as well.

The “perception” being made is on those who vote on our budgets…. the equipment we purchase, the salaries and benefits we receive.

A (paid) Department or Governmental agency  forcing you to operate in this manner is one thing. If, however; you choose to operate like this then you are asking for trouble. Trouble in the worst way. KNOW YOUR JOB … DO IT RIGHT or don’t do it at all.

I had someone contact me a short while back. He wanted to know if I could mention him here on the site. You see, elections were coming up in his Department and he was running for Chief. He wanted to “get his name out there” to round up popularity and votes. ARE YOU KIDDING ME ?!?  The Chief of a Fire Department is a “popularity contest”? WTF?

How about putting the most qualified person in that position? Someone with the interest of the Department and the people whom they serve as top priority. Someone who knows and can do the job. WHY DO WE CONTINUE TO PLACE OURSELVES IN THESE SITUATIONS?

Back on January 6, 2012 I posted about a “Close Call” in one of my own neighboring communities. The Chief of a local volunteer Department was in ICU after being shocked by a downed power line while operating on the scene of a working fire.

The Chief arrived to reports of a trapped occupant and exposures at risk. The mobile home of origin was well off.

Read that previous post HERE

Thankfully, it was later discovered that all occupants were out. Good news for the Chief.

I say that because what if someone HAD been inside? Was he able to go in after them? Was the scene adequately staffed? Was the Chief properly equipped? What kind of “seal” do you think his mask would have had? If this is the condition the Chief responds in, what state of preparedness are his members in (are they “Battle Ready”) ?

Is this Chief the “most popular” or most qualified? I don’t know. What I do know is that we ALL have to be 100% ready at all times. Physically, mentally and emotionally. Well trained, well equipped and adequately staffed. Death is NOT an illusion … we face it EVERY DAY!

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on January 22, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, funding-staffing, in-the-line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I need a Priest !

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LMAO … those of you who know me know how much of an understatement that is!

All kidding aside … I don’t really “need” a Priest, I just need the one I have to return home from vacation. Allow me to explain…

2012 has started out unbelievably AWESOME and today provided yet another early high point. I’ve been like a kid at Christmas waiting on a package and it was delivered to the Station today!  A brand new  Phenix  Leather Helmet !

This baby is SWEET !

She looks GREAT, is very comfortable and is the lightest leather helmet I’ve ever worn.

I can’t wait to put her into service!

That’s where I have a small problem … I always have my helmets “blessed” before placing them into service and I’ve decided to ask our newly appointed Department Chaplin, Father Sandy Webb; to do it for me. We’ve actually spoken about it before so I’m sure he will, it’s just that he’s currently out of the Country.

If anyone over in Jerusalem is reading this and bumps into Father Webb, please tell him to come home right away…LOL

Don’t forget to follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book !

I’ve grown pretty fond of Father Webb since meeting him only last March. He came out and did a ride-a-long with our Battalion on St. Patrick’s Day and we all shared a meal of corned beef and cabbage at station #5.

I don’t know why but something seemed to “click” between the two of us. St. Patty’s Day always has me thinking of the FDNY and with a Priest in the house, Father Judge weighed heavily on my thoughts…

Read my post from that evening by clicking  HERE 

Father Webb just recently began acting in an “Official” capacity and has already been a strong presence in our houses. Our Chiefs have been on the job for years and didn’t make it out to shake the men’s hand and wish them a Merry Christmas. Father Webb has been on less than a year and Hell or high water couldn’t have stopped him from dropping by.

 He only responds to a scene if special called or if the incident pulls 2 alarms or greater.  We’ve seen him out on the street several times already as well.  We caught him out on a 2nd Alarm in this post .. click HERE 

So hopefully, Father Webb will return home safe and sound, we’ll get a blessing for my new Phenix and I’ll have her in service soon!

Some will call me superstitious and I guess I am. I keep family photos inside my lid and I always have a shamrock somewhere on my helmet.

Years ago, when I was a private, Scott Mutter (pictured center) and I were assigned to Engine #5. We caught a lot of work back then. Anyway, I had burned my old one off and came into work with a couple brand new shamrock stickers.

I put one on mine and the other on Scott’s helmet. I told him they were for “luck” and that they would protect us. He laughed, said he didn’t believe in that stuff and that I was crazy.

In no time, the red phone rang and we were out the door. First in on a well involved garage with an overhang (small shed roof). I had the nozzle and Scott was backing me up. Young and dumb, I pushed into the door and the shed roof collapsed on us. We were unharmed (other than my feelings), Scott quickly dug me out, got me up and we went back to work.

While taking up, he got to laughing and told me “see, I told you those damn shamrocks wouldn’t work. He damn near broke our necks!” Of course I explained to him how he had it all wrong … you see, if I hadn’t put those shamrocks on, it would have killed us! LMAO

What are your “firehouse superstitions” ?

So anyway, Im waiting on Father Webb!

I have already put on my MN8-FoxFire Helmet Band and Tetrahedrons …

There she sits ..all new and shiny beside my current “New Yorker”

The only thing she needs other than the blessing is a front. In the past, I’ve always used a Paul Conway “insert” New York style shield / front. I’ve had that baby for a while now and the heat etc had cause considerable shrinkage … I don’t think it’ll fit the new Phenix. It’s time to retire that shield anyway … it’s served me well as my transfers have been numerous.

New front …. no problem right?? WRONG! It’s NEVER easy with me…LOL

Rhett had a huge hand in getting me the helmet and he also thought ahead enough to order me a front.

Not just ANY front mind you… a CUSTOM LEATHER Front from Box Alarm Leather, LLC !

 HOW AWESOME IS THAT ????

I was speechless when I first saw it …. humbled, honored … AMAZED!

I don’t have it yet but the guys put this picture up on Face Book which allowed me  a “sneak peak”.

Box Alarm Leather is Firefighter owned and operated!

They specialize  in truly custom leather Helmet Shields, Radio Straps, Glove Straps and other leather firefighting accessories.

 Visit the  BOX ALARM LEATHER, LLC  website or find/follow them on Face Book

Of course Rhett also had one made for himself ……

Just look at the detail in these two pieces !!!  BEAUTIFUL !

“Beautiful” but another BIG problem…..   I can’t put this on my “first out” helmet. No way am I going to wear this baby into a fire and ruin it (and I’m not going to convert to a “yard breather” either..LOL).

I guess I’m going to have to get the Brothers of Box Alarm Leather to make me a 2nd front that I can wear everyday. Now, don’t take that wrong … all of their fronts are TOP QUALITY. What I mean is that I will have them make me something not “as” fancy.

I’m sticking with Box Alarm Leather here guys but I’m curious … what kind of  ”front” / shield are you wearing?

Send me your pics and I’ll post an album of helmet “fronts” here on the site !

Rhett and I have a little more “shopping” to do as well and we need your help.

I told you in my last post how “work” is stacking up for  Fire Critic and Ironfiremen.com in 2012. We are “Becoming Infectious” !

We have a ton of exciting news to share with ya as far as where we will be and what we will be doing but we need to make sure we have all the details taken care of before letting the cat out of the bag.

Fire Critic and Ironfiremen.com NEED YOUR HELP !

We need a new “look”

We need a “logo” … a “patch” for our gear and uniform (currently we wear our Department issued Class A’s to special events etc). This goes hand in hand with the “Pride and Ownership” we’ve been talking about here lately (more on how and why in a future post)

I’m sure someone out there has the “artistic talent” we need. We need something that combines the look of both sites. Professional yet cool … VERY cool!

A Brother from our neighboring Salem Fire Department (Erin Barger of C-shift) made me this design for a t-shirt back in our “Melrose Misfits” days but we never followed through on the shirts.

 I STILL LOVE THE PICTURE !! LMAO

Let’s see what you guys can come up with ! If we get a couple ideas etc we may even make a contest of sorts out of it and let our readers / fans vote on which to go with. We’re not looking for “freebies” here so give us your best shot …

Contact us with your logo/patch  ideas  HERE  or  HERE  

I’m gonna quit here for tonight. It’s been “one of those days” here at Lucky #13 . The good news is that we start 4 day break in the morning. I’ll update ya on more happenings etc throughout the weekend … until I get back to ya …

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on January 19, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Becoming infectious

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While I was just returning from a Strategic Planning session with the  MN8 Fox Fire Team  in Wyoming, Ohio, Rhett had the honor and privilege of hearing Chief Rick Lasky present Pride and Ownership in nearby Lynchburg, Va.

Read Chief Lasky’s Bio HERE 

I have seen some video and heard Chief Lasky speak in the past but I haven’t gotten to see his entire presentation yet…. I plan to. Rhett was and remains pretty STOKED … the Chief is one hell of a motivational speaker.

“Chief Rick Lasky takes a hard look at the fire service and finds it short on the only element that makes it effective: passion. Chief Lasky gives an upfront and honest criticism about the need to reignite the love of the job on every level, from chiefs on down.”

The presentation was put on by the Lynchburg Firefighters, IAFF Local 1146 and the Lynchburg Fire Department.

Lynchburg has been putting on seminars like this for several years now and one of the most impressive aspects (other than the speakers they attract) is the fact that attendance is FREE. These guys are well on their way down the road Chief Lasky is attempting to pave … they “get it”.  Special thanks to Local 1146, the Lynchburg FD and everyone else involved in bringing another great class / presentation to our area!

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book. Click HERE then “Like”

Rhett is still excited. He posted his first of what I’m sure will be many installments on his experience over on Fire Critic (or “Cricket” as Dave Statter would say).

This first installment is titled in part “Self Evaluation” … I hope it’s more reassurance and not self doubt because Rhett “gets it” and shouldn’t sell himself short ( ..open door Statter ..no pun intended )

Read his entire post by clicking HERE

It’s no secret that Rhett and I are good friends. We are actually more than that and our bond / friendship is not something you find everyday. It reminds me of a scene from the movie Tombstone …

I don’t have a lot of friends. Despite what many of you see while we’re “on the road”, I just don’t have “that” personality. It’s difficult for me to walk up to folks and “hit it off” from the start. Rhett is different, hes the type who has never met a stranger.

We are almost opposites. With all our differences,  I can’t explain why ( or how ) Rhett and I have become so close . If we had that answer and could bottle it up, we’d be rich! I will say that with Rhett, there’s no guessing … he’s transparent. His emotion, feelings, passion, Brotherhood etc is worn on his sleeve.

I guess that’s in part a piece of the answer.  A firefighter can sniff out bullshit and Rhett is genuine. He didn’t just talk a good game, he “walked the walk” …and  he continues to daily.

We’ve had several instances where his actions have left me honored and humbled and I don’t say that lightly. Yes, we have often used words like honored, humbled and Brotherhood but, on the same hand; we are not just throwing them around.

One moment we shared ( one of MANY) that I carry with me still today is from our 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Atlanta, Ga. ( our 2nd of 4 climbs! )

The climb was held at Fire Rescue International (FRI) back in August 2011.

For whatever reason, this climb was hard on Rhett. We did 73 stories, non-stop with no water or ventilation. He had began to shed gear and I carried it behind him to lighten his load. He was soaking wet with sweat, beat red and had that “spent” look. He was hurting.

Despite the pain, no words were spoken. We continued to climb in relative silence, honoring and remembering those we came to. Then he stopped. He stopped, turned around and started back down whatever flight we were on.

I thought he was headed back to the last landing to quit. MAN WAS I WRONG ! He simply and quietly, in an exhausted tone; said “I missed one”. He had missed a step … a single step and had turned around to do the entire flight over! We had vowed not only to make the climbs but to also not miss a single step … Rhett held true to his word and did it when it counted most. Talk about PRIDE AND OWNERSHIP !

Read the entire story of that climb by clicking HERE

Also read Rhett’s take on the climb by clicking HERE

I have many more examples just as humbling.

Sometimes, it just the “little things” that define a man and Rhett seems to understand that. We live it, or at least try to live “by it”.

We recently had what we call “Brotherhood Chips” designed and on the edge included 5 simple words ….

“Brotherhood, Pride, Honor, Tradition and Respect”.

“Simple” words yet so powerful when understood. For us, they define a lifestyle .. our way of life.

Get your Iron Firemen / Fire Critic Brotherhood Chip HERE 

The point I’m working towards is this. I think that together, Rhett and I have a pretty good grasp / understanding of Pride and Ownership ( and know all to well that it takes more than a few Memorial Stair Climbs or our face on a coin).  Now, all we have to do is to figure out what to do with it. Actually, that’s not 100% correct either … we know what to do with it … that’s part of owning it.

Now, we’ve reached the point where it’s time to start sharing it … spreading it around… we want and intend to “infect” you with it .. with Brotherhood, Honor, Pride, Tradition and Respect!

2012 is looking like it may be our best year yet.  Our plan builds upon and continues many of the things we accomplished in 2011 and will as take us in many new directions as well!

Like last year, in 2012; we will attend at least the 3 major Trade Shows .. FDIC,  Firehouse Expo  and  FRI . If you’re planning to attend either of these shows, be sure to contact us and plan to meet up. We will buy you a beer and promise to drink all you buy us!

You will continue to see us involved in the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation  in 2012. You will find us at select  9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs  as well as at the Memorial Weekend  in Emmitsburg, Md.

New for 2012 you will see our presence at  Hero Rush events … exciting details to come. You will see our involvement in charitable organizations that so proudly give back to our Brothers and Sisters .. the Fire Service.

We have a few new Web Sites to launch that we are sure you’re gonna  LOVE ( yea… details coming soon ..can’t let “the cat out of the bag” yet but it’ll be worth the wait)

We have also expanded our teaching curriculum beyond “Social Media” to include many desired topics as well as “Motivational Speaking” . As early as the end of this month, Rhett and I will speak at an Awards Dinner for a Department just north of us here in Va. WHAT AN HONOR ! (more details to come soon).

If you’d like us to teach, present or speak for your Department, CONTACT US HERE

So I’m just as excited as Rhett right now. We have a GREAT 2012 planned and I can’t wait to see where it takes us!  Wherever we are, you can bet that we will be promoting PRIDE AND OWNERSHIP just as we have all along. We get it and we want to give it to you … I hope you come along for the ride !

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on January 16, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Trial by Fire .. a MUST SEE video

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Thanks to Chief Billy Goldfeder for getting us this video. Everyone, firefighter or not; take the time to WATCH THIS !

TRIAL BY FIRE: Lives Reforged TRAILER from Megan Smith-Harris on Vimeo.

Dont forget to follow us on Face Book! Click HERE then “Like”

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on January 14, 2012 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Firefighter innovation … homemade tools and the 1st road trip of 2012

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You know what they say about firefighters…. we will figure it out someway or another AND … if we can’t fix it, we will fix it (break) so nobody else can !  LOL

Don’t forget to follow me on Face Book…click HERE then “Like”

Those of you who follow me know that I am in Wyoming, Ohio with the MN8 Fox Fire  Team.  I drove up yesterday (Wednesday) after getting off duty and running home long enough to feed the cows etc.  Like all of our trips (although Rhett was unable to attend this one) we pack as much as possible into the days we are away from our families. This trip is no exception.

As soon as I got in, I met Zach and Mariah at the Fox Fire World Headquarters. We soon headed out for dinner and then stopped to get a car load of Greaters ice cream before visiting one of the local firehouses.

We dropped by Woodlawn Ohio’s Station #96. Captain Pete Hauser was on duty.

Rhett and I met Pete at Zach’s house on our last trip up to Ohio

View that post by clicking HERE

Captain Hauser is a BLAST to hang out with but above that … he “gets it”.

We had some great conversations around the camp fire during our last trip… it was good to see him again.

Pete gave me a tour of the house and was excited to show me how inovative his members are. He said that he would bet that they had a tool on their rig that I had never seen.  He was right!

If something needs to be done, to be made or improved on, Firefighters will figure out how. This is exactly what these Brothers did. Up here (in Ohio) these Brothers are fortunate enough to have reserve supplies of hose in the stations. After a job, if their hose is dirty, they simply roll it up, go back to the house and switch it out.

Rolling hose is not “that difficult” but depending on how many sections you have, it can be hard on ya (bending over etc). These guys invented a tool to allow them to roll the hose, quickly and efficiently while standing. Check out the video …

Pretty cool huh? Special thanks to Pete and the members of Station #96 for allowing us to interrupt their evening.

What special tools have you or your members made? I WANT to see them..use “comment” or e-mail!

So, we rounded out the evening with a few totties in the hot tub…. VERY relaxing! I needed it. We ended up our Tuesday tour with a small job where I received quite a “jolt” and then drove 7 hours to Ohio.

The fire was in an attached laundry room. It was attached to a 3 story brick apartment complex.

Lucky #13 arrived with a lot of smoke showing but found it difficult to locate the source from the rig .

After we (along with E3) found it, we made the stretch and went to work. Looked like an easy one… “bread and butter”

The fire looked relatively small and was in the “Charlie side” wall. It was behind and around the breaker box and when the meter entered the structure. It had also started to extend up into the attic space .. no problem.

I carry a New York hook and was going to open up the ceiling so Randy could hit the fire. Captain Martin ( E3-C) had come in to assist and was behind Randy on the nozzle. On about my 2nd pull, I found the wiring running across the roof trusses. It looked like the 4th of July and gave me the hardest “hit” I’ve taken in my career.

See a recent post where a local Chief was hospitalized after being shocked by a down power line 

I think it scared Captain Martin as much or more than it hurt me … and it HURT..LOL. The Chief had already called for our power company to respond and had just gotten the word that they were on their way … ETA of 45 minutes. 45 minutes!! We backed out and decided to let it burn until we could control the utilities.

Luckily, it burned enough that it eventually blew the transformer killing the power to the entire complex. After that, it took only a few minutes to bring the fire under control. The Truck Company (Ladder 5) threw some covers over the washers and dryers and opened her up good. Randy and Boots washed her down and we were home in time to do the reports and make shift change!

Needless to say, the drive to Ohio was long! A solid 7 hours, tired and hurting so like I said, the hot tub and totties were VERY welcomed!

Today, it was all business. We spent all day in a meeting at Fox Fire Headquarters working planning the strategy for 2012. It was VERY exciting! I can’t wait until we roll out the new plans.

As great of an asset the Fox Fire products are to us (firefighters), it’s only going to get better.

Don’t forget to follow them on Face Book as well … click HERE

So now it’s snowing and our day is winding down. Gonna relax by the fire for a few, grab a bite to eat and get back at it in the morning.

I should be home sometime late tomorrow (Friday) evening / night.

The two pics here ( left and just above right) are of Randy’s helmet with Fox Fire’s newest product .. Illuminatin Tetrahedrons.

Pretty cool huh! You can shop for Fox Fire products by clicking  HERE or simply contact me and I’ll get you in touch with who you need to be.

OK, so I’m gonna wrap up for now. Don’t know if I’ll get back for a post before heading home or not. I will update Face Book so be sure to hit the link at the top of the page and follow me there as well.

Until I do get back, Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on January 12, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Training, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Retirement Cluster, Bull riding and the 1st road trip of 2012!

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Yesterday ( January 10th. ), while on duty; I and several other members of the department (and City workers in general) attended a meeting on the proposed changes to our pension plan. It reminded me of a post I made 2 years and 1 day ago( to the date ) back on the “Melrose Misfit”  Blog.

In that post, our Battalion Chief ( Bobbie Slayton ) had to pay us a visit and deliver the news that our Administration was busting the crew ( the order came from up high ..our Department is “micro-managed … the Battalion Chiefs can’t even run their own Battalions). I used a few  ” visual aids ”  to describe my/our feelings …. LMAO . The picture to right is one of those “visual aids”. I think I nailed it!

Take the time to visit that post by clicking HERE 

Like I said, today brought back memories of that post. The funny thing was that “Coon” (past Melrose Misfit aka Scott Boone) was thinking the same thing. He made his way over to me and says .. “hey, you remember that post from back when they busted us up”… LMAO.

So the meeting ended up ok. I think our members brought out some very valid points that the “bean counters” hadn’t considered (or at least that’s how they acted). Believe it or not, for a room full of firemen; it was a very civil meeting. I do find it amazing how uneducated the people responsible for our pension plan is when it comes to “Public Safety” workers.

It’s also funny how folks in those positions can “tweek” numbers and figures to reflect what they want. We have been shown reports where they compare our plan to that of two of our neighboring jurisdictions. Both of those localities are on the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) .

The bottom line is that they both currently enjoy a better pension than we do despite the fact that our “multiplier” is slightly higher. One of the proposed changes is to lower our multiplier so to be “in line” with these other 2 localities. They already draw more than we do yet lowering our multiplier will bridge that gap??? Yea… that’s what we think but they have the “numbers” to prove it. Of course they’re not counting or figuring in their “LEO” benefits (among other factors).

I’m not going to bore ya with all the details, I just wanted to point out how funny it is that they “tweek” the numbers how they want and think we can’t / wont figure it out! Most other city workers soon faded out. We were 2 hours in and all that was left was firefighters. YEA … a room full of firefighters, an Assistant City Manager and some pension fund administrators!  (ding ding)

Several of our members REALLY impressed me. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen multiple members stand up and say what’s on their mind…. what’s on ALL OF OUR MINDS !  The second video in that above link to the Melrose Misfit was a toilet flushing … THAT’S OUR MORALE ! It been there for a while.

The Assistant City Manager heard about it …. loud and clear … nothing held back.

I wont list all the members names who stood up but I will call out one …. Captain Todd Stone.

Todd is 100% firefighter and he “gets it”.

Captain Stone pulled no punches … he put it all on the table. He even went as far as to speak out about the accommodations they had prepared for us ( we met in a “mezzanine”  where 2/3 of the crowd had to stand).

Again, I wont go into detail but I do want to say THANKS to Captain Stone for all he does. President / coach of our football team, IAFF L-1132 A-shift VP, strong Captain, good friend and BROTHER. He set the example yesterday and we need more like him! ( I just wonder where Admin will transfer him to??? LOL )

Ok, BULL RIDING!

I posted this pic on my Face Book page

Follow me on Face Book by clicking  HERE ( then “Like” ) 

I stole this picture from good friend and fellow Blogger Kelly Grayson . I LOVE IT.

It reminds me of “The Buckaroo” . I just wish I knew what the bull was thinking…LOL

Anyway, I showed the pic to the Buckaroo and he had a fit! He thinks it looks like him too …. hell, he thinks it IS him.

We had a little discussion about the pic and bull riding that I caught on video. I know how much you guys LOVE the Buckaroo videos so here he is sharing his thoughts on the picture …….

I have to wrap it up for now and get on the road. I’m heading out for the 1st IronFiremen.com “road trip” of 2012.

It’s not the 1st  Ironfiremen / FireCritic.com road trip because Rhett is not going. Yep … I gotta go this one alone!

Rhett is so hen pecked  errrrrr busy that he can’t get away for this one. It’s ok because it’s going to be a quick up and back to Ohio anyway.

I’m heading up to the Fox Fire World Headquarters in Wyoming, Ohio. Zach Green of MN8-FoxFire  is working on some awesome projects for 2012.  It’s going to be a GREAT and exciting year and the Fire Critic and Ironfiremen.com will be right in the middle of it… I CAN’T wait!

I’ll also get to see one of my favorite gals …. Mariah Leavitt  from  Fire Rescue TV . I can’t “spill the beans” or give out any details yet but you are going to want to pay VERY CLOSE attention to these two companies in 2012 and the very near future.

I’ll try to update ya from Ohio but in the mean time …

Follow and “Like” Fire Rescue TV on Face Book .. click HERE

Do the same for MN8-FoxFire by clicking  HERE

Ok, I’m on the road … may even swing into a station or two along the way…. I’m kinda hurting this morning ( we caught a little work last night ). I think I’ll be home late Friday night but I’ll try to update sometime before. Until then ….

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on January 11, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, funding-staffing, news, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Going to the funeral isn’t enough ….

1 comment

Follow IronFiremen.com on Face Book, Click HERE and “Like”

Rhett wrote a post back in June of 2011. The title was  ” Go to the funeral … you OWE it to them ” (click the title for a link to the post). It was a GREAT article but I think  he  ”stopped short”.

Now, you all know that Rhett and I are very close and I can tell you that we are of the same opinion on this issue. I say he “stopped short” but also know that it was only because the point he was making in the article was attending the funerals of our fallen Brothers and Sisters. He could have written pages on top of pages on the topic (and been right).

Adding my 2 cents, I’ll say that simply “going to the funeral” isn’t enough. In his post, he spoke of “The Brotherhood”. We ( Rhett and I ) don’t throw that word around lightly. Atop “Brotherhood”  there is a phrase we in the Fire Service hear alot that also shouldn’t be used lightly … “Never Forget”….. they go hand in hand.

What happens after the funeral? Who looks after the family and loved ones left behind? If you simply attend the services to let everyone see you were there and think you’ve done your duty …YOU’RE WRONG.

Recently, I posted on 3 of our ( Roanoke Fire/EMS) fallen members. Back on December 23, 2011 I remembered our Chief Billy Obenchain  in a post titled  ” If you Want to be a Clown …. Remembering our Fallen …” (Click the title for a direct link). The 23rd marked the 2 year anniversary of Chief Billy’s passing.

Within that post, I also mentioned / remembered Captain Chris Brown. Chris was taken suddenly in October 2009.

In my  ” 2011 Year in Review “  post, the funerals of 2 more of our Brothers  ( Slayton and Palmer ) headlined the months of  January and June.

My point here is this …. I didn’t just attend the funerals. These men are thought and spoke of often in my house. They are not forgotten!

Our last day on duty was Sunday the 8th. That was the 1 year anniversary of Battalion Chief Bobbie Slayton’s death. I wrote a post about it. Actually, I wrote 3. I didn’t publish any of them. They were some of the most difficult posts that I have written since I began blogging. My dad and Bobbie were close …VERY close. Dad drove Bobbie for years. Bobbie and I were good friends as well. Hell … Bobbie was friends with EVERYBODY.. but we were close. Road trips, hours in the garage etc … a have a TON of memories…. I just can’t get them into words.

George ( my current Lt. George Perdue ) worked for Bobbie for several years. He worked at what is now considered “Historic” #1 which is where Bobbie’s heart was.  You can very often catch Georgie telling stories from back in “those” days.

Although for not as long, Boots also worked for Bobbie. It was later in his career after for some unknown reason Admin. pulled Bobbie from his beloved B-Shift and moved him to  C-Shift.

In our current assignments, Randy is the only member who didn’t work for Chief Slayton.  It doesn’t matter … he’s heard the stories .. WE HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN.

We went by the cemetery and spent a little time today …. reflecting. It was a good visit.

We took a towel and a bottle of water.

We knelt to wash the dirt from the headstone ( due to recent rains, the stones were just slightly dirty). Randy knelt beside us. Not only that, he helped clean the markers.

We visited two graves today. Firefighter/Medic David “Dave” Palmer was also laid to rest in this cemetery. Like Chief Slayton’s, “Big Dave’s” marker was cleaned as well.

Randy  knew or worked with or  for neither of these men yet he understood why we were there, doing what we were doing. At least I hope he understood.

He has heard us tell the stories and talk about these members ( and others ). In Rhett’s article, he spoke of  ”paying his respects” … Randy paid his today and it wasn’t by going to the funerals.

Could this be how at least part of  ”The Brotherhood”  is passed along? I think it is.

These men were a part of our Department, our “family”, OUR “Brotherhood” . They are a part of our history … our traditions…. the subjects of great stories,  unbelievable acts and even some good firehouse pranks.

You don’t “owe” it to them to go to the funeral or to even remember their names and stories …. THEY’VE EARNED IT !

Read more on Chief Bobbie Slayton’s passing  HERE  HERE  and  HERE

More on Firefighter / Medic Dave Palmer’s passing  HERE  

More on Roanoke’s Chief Billy Obenchain  HERE  and   HERE 

More on Captain Chris Brown HERE  and  HERE

How do YOU  remember your fallen Brothers and Sisters? How do YOU pass their memories along to new members?

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on January 10, 2012 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Under staffed, attacks on our pension, a Close Call, 2nd alarms to rubbish fires…. Ironifremen.com is back on line!

5 comments

Rhett will get a kick out of that “Dave Statterish” full paragraph headline! Sorry folks, the New Year brought me a new virus … not me, my computer so I’ve been out of commission for a few days. The good news is that I’m back up and running. I’m on duty tonight and it’s been kinda crazy so I’ll try to make this one as short as possible …

I don’t think I’ve seen where anyone has run this video yet but you’ll have to take a few minutes and watch it. I found it on the Cleveland Fire Fighter’s IAFF Local #93  home page. Anchor and reporter  Sukanya Krishnan wears multiple “hats”. She is also the wife of a FDNY Lieutenant. Watch and listen as she weighs in and speaks her mind concerning recent FDNY Staffing reductions and the “heat” FDNY’s UFA’S President Steve Cassidy took for a attributing the recent injuries of Rescue 2 members (Wiedmann and Gersbeck ) to those cuts..

(Brothers Wiedmann and Gersbeck (and their families) still need our help and support. If you haven’t done so yet, PLEASE go to the  RESCUE 2 MAYDAY FUND  and donate on their behalf. If you already have … do it again! Every little bit helps and they even have it set up so you can do it through Pay Pal.)

We all need a room full of firefighter wives, girlfriends etc like ” Suki ” to fill council chambers etc every time they talk about, debate and consider budget cuts to Public Safety. And don’t think for a minute that your Department budget or your pension is safe. Right now, my pension is under attack. It’s been coming for some time now but it’s just here recently that the majority of our members have “seen the light”. Here’s another video that’s well worth the watch …. The Ed Show from MSNBC …

I’ll have more on the attack and battles we’re facing here in “The Noke” in future posts. It just continues to amaze me how the “powers to be” think that their poor dumb firefighters can’t add or subtract.

Moving on …. We’ve had a Close Call here in Va. that was actually very “close to home”. On Tuesday, January 3, 2012  members from the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire. Fire Chief Billy Joe Carter arrived to find a  mobile home  heavily involved with fire and received  reports of persons possibly trapped inside.

A power line fell in the yard and due to the ground being wet and Chief Carter’s proximity to the hazard, he was “hit”. He described the situation over the radio as “pretty bad”. The Chief remained conscious and directed his members away from him and to the fire. All searches ended up negative and the neighboring mobile home  was spared heavy damage. Chief Carter was hospitalized in ICU at a local Level 1 Trauma Center.  Rhett has more on Va Fire News   and the local news video is below ….

CLICK HERE to visit FIRE FIGHTER CLOSE CALLS.COM

Ok, so we ended 2011 with a busy shift.

We were toned out to respond when a 2nd alarm was struck at a 3 story retirement / nursing facility in our 2nd due (actually, it should be our 1st due but are assignments are based on the time of day etc … “playing the odds” and it came in as an automated alarm)

Anyway, the good news was that the sprinkler had taken care of the fire.

The bad news was that it put a whole lot of water on the 2nd floor!

We were assigned to assist “Division 2″ in the fire room.

We got in a little salvage and overhaul work as well as some ventilation…. a good learning experience for Randy.

Another good note to the incident (if there is such a thing) was the fact that the “2nd Alarm”transmission  notified our newly appointed Department Chaplin Father Sandy Webb.

I’ve posted about Father Webb several times here on Ironfiremen.com and think he’s a GREAT addition to our “family”

He was excited to have been issued a coat and helmet (although he forgot the helmet) and even put in a little work on this incident.

His 1st call in an “official” capacity and he has already made a difference by assisting the occupants of the fire room. GREAT job Father … glad to see ya out in the streets … just remember your helmet next time..LOL

So ,we worked New Years Day where we logged a VERY busy day with no major incidents.

We took 4 days off and returned to that same busy pace today….Uggg!

The most excitement so far has been a rubbish fire with our Brothers and Sisters from Engine 4 and Ladder 5.

We got a line off and Randy put in a little nozzle time so he’s been smiling all night.

I hope we’ve done all that we are going to tonight but it’s FRIDAY and I know better.

I’ll catch ya up on all the details and fill in the gaps when we get back on Sunday…

Until then, Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on January 6, 2012 • Filed under: Emergency Communications, Fire Dispatch, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, funding-staffing, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,