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A sick mind wanders…

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I’m still in bed but well on the road to recovery. Hopefully, tomorrow; I’ll be close to 90% and able to move around some. Friday, I should be back on the job. Thanks again for all the e-mails, texts etc with “get well” wishes … I told ya all that I was tougher than I look….LOL.

So anyway, when I woke up this morning; my mind wasn’t on being ill or all the things I should be catching up on around the house / farm. My mind was somewhere else … in a stairwell … in multiple stairwells actually.

I have several of the names and faces of the 343 fallen hanging on my dresser mirror by my bed. These are some of the badges I’ve carried during my 5 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs. I see them EVERY morning that I wake up at home.

Every morning I see these faces, my thoughts go back to that day and the great acts that these men carried out.

I think about the strength and courage it must have taken to pick up their tools and start up those stairs. The Pride and Honor these men carried  inspires me daily.

I have reminders everywhere … I still carry the tags from my first climb in my first out gear…..I WILL NOT FORGET.

So, my mind was in those NYC stairwells. It quickly turned to a stairwell in Washington DC.

You see, there were many Brothers and Sisters who took to the stairwells this morning at 08:30 inside the Washington Hilton. They were participating in yet another 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb during the  24th Annual National and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars Program. The event is co-sponsored by  the Congressional Fire Services Institute  and The National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation.

If you don’t know already, these events are held throughout the year, all across the Country.

If you haven’t participated in one … YOU SHOULD.

Learn more about 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs

You can find a climb near you or learn how to organize your own by using the link above. If you can’t climb .. REGISTER. Someone will carry a name / picture on your behalf .

The money is much needed and put to good use. Rhett and I heard it for ourselves directly from FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano . True to the NFFF standards, the money raised from these events supports the survivors. It helps fund the FDNY Counseling Unit.

I couldn’t be in DC this morning as bad as I wanted to. I know several Brothers and Sisters who were and know we were represented well. I hope they found what Rhett and I have inside that stairwell during our climbs. It’s something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.

For those who made the climb this morning … WELL DONE!

I posted this link to a previous post of my a day or so ago… if you didn’t hit it then … DO IT NOW. Even though I wrote it, it’s a good piece that kind of sums it up for those of us on the job ….

Read “We are ALL climbing”

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on April 25, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The simplicity of Brotherhood

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It’s Tuesday and I’m still in the bed. It’s been a long standing kind of joke with me but I always tell everyone … if I owe you money, a shift at the firehouse or if there is something you’d like to say to me and you hear I’m at the doctor’s office or the hospital … you’d better get there quick. LOL

Well now’s the time. I think I’m going to have to go.

That said, I’ve been laying here, watching cartoons with the buckaroo; unable to get up and move around ( he leaves me that little spot to the left just above his head by the way…LOL). Anyway, being tied to this bed has given me the chance to do some thinking and I’d love to share this thought with ya … hang with me while I try to type it out.

It’s seems as though for so many, the meaning of the word “Brotherhood” has been lost. Not just the meaning either, when you think about it; you really don’t even hear the term used that much anymore.

That is unless you’re around me and Rhett.

For us, it’s all about Brotherhood. We define it as Honor, Tradition, Pride and Respect.

We even had “chips” made with those words on it.

It’s our business card if you will. We call them “Brotherhood Chips”.

It’s what we pass out when meeting Brothers and Sisters for the first time. It’s a pretty cool idea and they have been a huge hit!

Click HERE to get yours !

My point here is that it’s more than a “word” for us … more than a “term”.

Everyone asks us what the meaning of Brotherhood is, why it’s not as prevalent anymore and where it can be found. I’ve said it many times here on the site and will say it again … the Brotherhood is all around us!

It was everywhere at FDIC.

Take the Pipe and Drums for example. Did you folks realize that these Brothers and Sisters receive NO ACCOMMODATION?

FDIC doesn’t supply travel expense, hotel rooms or even event passes!

They are up there, on their own dime; because they WANT to be. Yet they ARE the opening ceremony.  They played before the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. They played at the FOOLS Bash. At every bar in the area. THEY MAKE THE SHOW and it costs them. They sacrifice their time and money for US. That my friend is BROTHERHOOD.

Read Renegade Pipes and Drums

As Rhett and I walked around the floor of FDIC, in our ALT Kilts …wearing Phenix Helmets with custom fronts from Box Alarm Leather and fire boots; all eyes were on us.

I don’t say that bragging but everybody in that exhibit hall saw us. At first it may have been “look at those two yahoos” but very soon those same people were trying to get our names, pictures with us and a chance to get us in their booth.

My point here is this. While walking, we noticed it. We seen you see us coming. I don’t know if it’s a “southern thing” or not ( shit… did I just put Rhett in a “southern” category?? I must be sick) but when you make eye contact with one of us … we speak.

Now, for us; it’s not “hello” or “good day”…. our response is almost  always “HEY Brother”.

It’s another “head turner”. It’s almost like we catch em off guard with the word “Brother”.

Some would (and have) argue the point of how do we know if that person is a “true” Brother / Sister or not. Maybe they’re a MUTT? For us, it’s simple. If you’re where we are, we share at least something in common. We’re at that same place for a reason right? And for us, it’s about the Fire Service. Until proven otherwise … we give ya the benefit of the doubt.

Read “Are YOU an undercover Brother“

I mentioned in my previous post how at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Brothers and Sisters were sharing and giving each other ( and me) words of encouragement. “Good job Capt”. “Way to go Capt”. “Keep it up Brother”….etc.  (Read that post HERE )

Hell …. just climbing is an act of Brotherhood!

What I failed to mention was the aid the the Brothers and Sisters taking a break were offered.

These climbs are NOT easy. Many members have to stop to rest and / or cool down along the way. In Lucas Oil Stadium it was easy…. you just grabbed a bleacher seat. I know that Rhett asked each and every member we passed 1.) if they were ok 2.) If we could help carry some of their gear back down.

Yea… he offered to take on more of a load just to lighten someone elses. Someone we didn’t know … but a Brother or Sister none the less.

Do you realize how easy it is / was to ask such a simple question??? Maybe the hard part is knowing to ask?

SIMPLE things. I’ve received a ton of phone calls, e-mails, texts etc with get well wishes etc. Some from Brothers and Sisters I’ve never met beyond Face Book, Twitter or my site. IT’S AWESOME !

“Thinking about ya Brother.. hope you’re feeling better”. WOW …. just a note that quick made my day.

“Brother”??  Am I a Brother??  Maybe just calling someone “Brother” will push them to become a better one. Maybe it will open their eyes that others view them as such?

Brotherhood doesn’t have to be something huge. It’s caring about and looking after one another. RESPECT for your fellow members. Pride in how you represent our profession. The Tradition of looking after and caring for our own and Honoring   those who came before us, those beside us today and all who will follow.

Sorry I got on a rant … THANKS for the get well wishes… I’m tougher than I look and just may live.

Stay SAFE and in House

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on April 24, 2012 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb #5 and more of my FDIC 2012 follow up

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Sorry I had to cut last night’s post short and I guess you’ll have to hang with me on this one too because I’m still in the bed sick. Actually, I haven’t been out of the bed since we got back ( well not past the bathroom anyway).

I don’t know what I picked up in Indy but I can tell ya it’s BAD.

I guess I shouldn’t have kissed that Mexican gal in the Mariachi Band … I think it was a gal anyway..LOL

The good news is that I’m tougher than I look so I will most likely survive (I guess that’s good news anyway…LOL)

Catch up by my previous post HERE

Photo by Andy Golz

So, on Friday; we opened the booth but Rhett, Andrew and I soon headed over to the Lucas Oil Stadium for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

This would be the 5th climb for both me and Rhett. We had vowed that our 4th was to have been our last and that we would concentrate all our efforts to supporting the committee.

I think we both knew it would be a difficult promise to keep.

We have so many Brothers and Sisters contact us wanting us to climb with them that we can’t possibly say yes to them all. Meaning no disrespect to those who have asked, it shouldn’t be about climbing with us in the first place … you should all climb for your own reasons and I can assure you that even if you don’t know what that reason is right now, you’ll find it while climbing.

Rhett and I do it for several reasons. We don’t climb just for the names we carry on that climb, we do it for the entire 343. We do it to honor their names and memory. To honor our profession and complete the job they weren’t allowed to. We do it out of respect for the men who defined what today’s fire service is all about. For the men who ran into that building knowing what they faced and made the biggest rescue in American history. Most of all, we climb for the survivors. The men, women, children and families this murderous act  left behind.

Read my post “We are ALL climbing”

I think that it’s important to know that the money raised from these events goes to the FDNY’s Counseling Unit. FDNY  Commissioner Salvatore Cassano told us himself back in December 2011 that the money raised from last years events was the only thing keeping this Unit in Service … WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Brian Brush said at FDIC this year “if you can’t climb, pay the $25 donation and he will carry the card”. (meaning the name and picture of one of the 343 fallen). THAT Brothers and Sisters screams Pride, Honor and Respect. THAT’S Brotherhood!

So, climb #5. For us, they are all emotional. Rhett and I have written about them many many times. We have never known “what” we were looking for or “what” we would find but we have always come away as different people. Rhett had a great quote in one of his latest post …

“When we climb, it is emotional. The feelings I have felt, the thoughts I have had, the emotions have been engraved in my mind. They are my tattoos.”

I have to admit that I couldn’t get into the right mind set for this climb. We had said that we were done at 4 but when FDIC didn’t get 343 members signed up to climb, we had to go ( can you believe that?? 30,000 people in attendance at FDIC and we couldn’t get 343 of them to climb).

Read about our previous climbs HERE

Anyway I couldn’t get to “that place” that we are normally at before a climb. I don’t know if was all the lights, banners etc inside the stadium or the fact that we were not in an actual “stairwell”.

We were out in the open. Out there for any and everyone to watch if they wanted. Despite my reservations, once again I found something during my climb… HEART and Brotherhood.

I was sick and neither Rhett nor I had eaten since early the night before. Maybe it was that or just maybe I’m getting old. Either way, this was one of the hardest climbs I’ve done yet. Because of the layout, we climbed down just as much as we did up. It was almost like doing 2 climbs in one.

I was ready to quit before the end of lap one but somewhere found the drive to push on. I say “somewhere” but that drive was actually all around me. Having to go up and down the sections, we were constantly passing other members heading the other direction. I can’t tell ya how many “great job Capt” …. “THANKS Capt” … and “way to go Capt” that I got. I didn’t look up to see their faces… I couldn’t. Actually, I didn’t need to …. they were my Brothers and Sisters and in that sense, we are all the same. THANKS to each and every one of you who offered your support. Thanks also for participating … WELL DONE!

Read Rhett’s post on our Climb HERE

After the climb, Rhett and I continued our tradition of toasting the fallen over a cold beer.

This time, we were able to share our toast with Brothers Brian Brush, Andrew Catron, Jared Lindholm and W.D Patterson (not shown).

We were only able to continue this tradition due to one person … Brother Joe Lyons

Joe is a long time follower of our sites, a great friend and most of all … a TRUE Brother!

What he did for us at FDIC was VERY cool and something that I’m sure Rhett and I will “steal” at future events.

You see, when Rhett and I arrived at the MN8-FoxFire Booth that morning, everyone was excited that we had received a package… a delivery.

They figured it was more of our Challenge Coins since they knew we were running out and the box “rattled” when they shook it.

You can imagine our surprise when we tore her open … BEER … ICED DOWN BEER!

How cool is that?

Joe knew he wouldn’t / couldn’t catch / find us out on the town while in Indy and he was dead set on buying us a beer. With that in mind, he figured he’d buy em and send where he knew we’d be … in the booth.

I gotta tell ya … that was one of the coolest things we’ve had happen to us while on the road … and we’ve had a lot of cool things happen.

SPECIAL THANKS again Brother … not sure how we are gona pay ya back for this one but we’re gonna try.

So after the climb, we finished out the evening in the booth.

Afterwards, I went to bed while Rhett and the boys illuminated the town. I’m not sure everything they got into but it must have been good.

Saturday morning, we ended up the  show with our final 1/2 day in the exhibit hall. Everyone was EXHAUSTED.

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by the MN8-FoxFire Booth for a personal demo or to purchase product. For those of you who didn’t make it by the booth, Zach is honoring the “show prices” for 10 days after FDIC. Hit the link above for their web site or …

MN8-Fox Fire on Face Book

Again, THANKS to everyone who stopped by for a visit and picture .. it was an HONOR to get to meet each and every one of you!

We met Brothers and Sisters from as far away as Sweden and Canada. Chief Bailie even returned to the booth to give me one of his Department’s hats. THANKS Chief!

The one Canadian I didn’t see was Hydrant Gal and I actually figured we would have. If you folks don’t know who this pretty little canuck is, hit the link above .. I’ve followed her site for years now and REALLY enjoy it.

Our apologies to those of you whom we didn’t get to meet or spend a lot of time with …. we wish we had more time and hope to catch ya somewhere down the road.

Rhett put up a GREAT post (as are all of his) listing a lot of the folks we met and even displaying some 45 pictures! If your name or pic isn’t in that post, let us know and we’ll get it up.

Read The Fire Critic’s FDIC Wrap Up Part III

Like what you read? Leave us a comment, hit “share” and “like” …. tell all your friends. You can go one step farther and “follow” us on Face Book as well …

IronFiremen.com on Face Book

Gonna wrap this one up. Thanks as always for following. I’ll get back to ya as soon as I shake the “bug” I’m fighting. Until I do… stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on April 23, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Booth Babes, FDIC another 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and more!

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We are back from FDIC 2012. We actually drove home through the night (last night) because  I’m sick… and NO … not like “hung over” sick…. “sick” sick.  Despite having to cut the trip short, we had a BLAST!

Rhett ( The Fire Critic ) and I try to “step it up” a little at each event we attend and FDIC 2012 was a HUGE SUCCESS for the Fire Critic and Ironfiremen.com.

Our main reason for the trip was to help Zach Green and the  MN8-FoxFire  Team in booth #3026. It was an easy job because the product is so good that it sells itself.

Rumor is that this year set a record for attendance and sales at FDIC and I would bet that we were one of the top 5 busiest booths. Several of the staff members from FDIC even came by and asked me what all the “hype” was about around our booth. As soon as I got them in the tent … they understood.

Jacob and Troy from the TV show  ”Swamp People” were in the Ferrara Fire Truck booth ( I don’t understand the connection ) but it was the MN8-FoxFire booth that was SWAMPED.
I guess Rhett and I were kinda like the FoxFire “booth babes”. I say that for several reasons. One of the reasons is because we were wearing kilts. Not dresses … kilts (it’s defined by what you ARE or are NOT  wearing under em …lol). Not just any kilt either. We were wearing our custom kilts from ALT KILT.

ALT KILT on Face Book HERE

They wear a HUGE SUCCESS and the “hype” began as soon as we arrived.

We got into town on Wednesday evening and headed straight to the Fire Rescue 1 Meet Up and the FOOLS Bash.

Everywhere we turned, we were meeting and greeting Brothers, Sisters, friends and followers (new and old alike). I have to be honest with you … we were not expecting that.

Now don’t get me wrong … we LOVED it! Everyone there wanted to meet, talk to and get a picture with us. We didn’t make it past 20 foot into the gates.

In the past, whenever folks would come up to us and say  ” I love your site and read it every day”, we would always reply “so you’re the one” …LOL. Well, it was very apparent at FDIC that we now have at least a few more than “one” loyal reader / follower and if we didn’t get the chance to tell ya at FDIC, THANKS!

We  passed out every Challenge Coin, patch and Brotherhood Chip we had with us and needed a few hundred more! If you missed us at FDIC or wasn’t there to get yours, don’t panic…. you can still get one. For our Challenge Coin, patch and custom badges ….

Visit NM Coin Here

 

 Also visit The Chip Site to find where our Brotherhood Chips were made 

It was a fun night! The next morning, we opened the booth and was again over run. Folks were showing up to meet and visit with us and to get a personal demo of the MN8 FoxFire Products. We knew then that this would be a show like no other that we have attended.

We apologize to any of you that we didn’t get to speak to personally and wish we could have spent more time with those  who we did. Several times, there were folks waiting for a picture while we were giving product demos etc.

We made every effort to step aside real quickly and hope we got to all of you. We put a bunch of pictures up on our Face Book pages. Be sure to take a look at em and tag yourself if we didn’t already. Also, if you have one of or with us that we don’t … please tag us as well.

Find, Like and Follow us on Face Book HERE

So, after the floor closed for day 1, we have several dinners to attend. Our first was with Fire Rescue Magazine / Firefighter Nation  where we actually received some pretty cool recognition. If you’re not a subscriber of Fire Rescue Magazine or a member of Firefighter Nation … YOU SHOULD BE  (hit that link above). Here’s what they had to say about the award we received …

Fire Service writers, bloggers receive awards. 

Afterwards, we had a team dinner with the MN8-FoxFire Team. Zach gave us a special gift of a framed quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson…

“Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”  

Very fitting for MN8-FoxFire, The Fire Critic and Ironfiremen.com. I can’t wait to see where we end up on this journey.

That said .. I have to stop this post here. As I mentioned above, I’m sick and attempting to write this post from bed. I’ll do my best to follow up with a “Part 2″ as soon as possible. Sorry to make ya wait … thanks for following and be sure to hit that Face Book link above for more great pictures from FDIC.

You can also read a “FDIC Wrap up Part 1” post from Rhett 

Until I get back, Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on April 22, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, news, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FDIC 2012

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We made it … don’t ask me how but we did. Rhett, Andrew Catron, Mike Elston and I are at FDIC 2012 and already having a BLAST!

We got in yesterday and met up with Zach Green and the MN8 FoxFire Team.

We made the Fire Rescue 1 Meet Up and the Fools Bash last night….. everyone says I had a great time.

Rhett and I even wore our new kilts from Alt Kilt and they looked AWESOME.

I’m not sure we are going to have a bunch of time for posting etc. but we are getting a lot of pics. We will at least try to get some up on Face Book so you folks at home can follow along …. here are a few to get ya started …

Ironfiremen.com on Face Book 

Don’t forget to hit “Like” and become a fan (follow) us on Face Book! Also check in with the Fire Critic  and  MN8 Fox Fire  to keep up with us while we’re in Indy. Speaking of MN8 Fox Fire … that’s where you’ll find us…

 MN8 Fox Fire FDIC  Booth 3026

Stop by for a visit and picture …. we can’t wait to see you!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

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

A little prayer never hurts… of course clean balls goes a long way as well.

1 comment

I don’t event know where to begin. We head out for FDIC in the morning and I’ve  been busting my butt for the last several days trying to get everything caught up on the farm so that I can be away. Sorry I haven’t gotten a post up but I figured you kind of enjoyed looking at those MN8-FoxFire tetrahedrons anyway. Yea…. you’re welcome and NO… I wont tell ya whose they are.

I guess the best place to start tonight is with the Buckaroo. Today is his Birthday!  He turned 4 years old and I couldn’t be more proud.

I remember the day he was born like it was just yesterday. I was on duty with the Melrose Misfits at Station #9. I had the boys out doing Pre-Fire Plans when I got “the call”. I slid over to the Medic Unit with Ben “Tyrone” Obaugh, marked it out of service and headed to the hospital.

Tyrone stood guard by the door and within no time, the Buckaroo was born and I was cutting the cord. I think Tyrone was as nervous as I was. It was the first  (and only) time he had seen me cry. I was honored to have been able to share that moment  with one of “my boys”.

I can’t count the moments I’ve shared with the Buckaroo . That’s him at just a week or two old in the old “War Wagon” from Station #9.  I’m looking forward to a million or two more …. HAPPY BIRTHDAY little fella.

Speaking of being proud and sharing “moments” …. I went to church this past Sunday. I went and the lightning didn’t strike nor did the roof cave in. What’s more is that I didn’t go alone … there was a whole group of firefighters in attendance.

Our Battalion Chief (Theodore “Teddy” WENDALE Adkins) thought it was a good idea and invited us all to attend our Department’s Chaplain Father Sandy Webb’s Church ( St. John’s Episcopal Church). Without pressure, several members attended.

My entire Company was there and once again I found myself humbled. I say that because I don’t (can’t) talk a lot about faith / religion with my members. I do think and worry about it often …especially with our Rookie Randy. I hope and would like for him to get started in the right direction at this point in his life (new job, new home, getting married etc) and hope we are setting the right example. I’m not saying that Church is necessarily the “right” direction but I at least want him to know and understand that if that’s his chosen path then I support it. Not just me either … the entire company does… WE support it.

As a Company, we live, eat and play together. Because of that, we are united and that enables us to fight together (fire fighting). Now, we’ve added another level to our bond of Brotherhood and have attended Church together. We’ve prayed together and this past Sunday, even received Communion together. I could write an entire post on the emotions I felt knowing that George, Todd and Randy were knelt beside me. The look in Father Sandy’s eyes as he moved from one firefighter to the next. My eyes swelled with tears. Tears of Pride, Honor, Tradition and Respect. It is the sharing of these moments …. personal / private moments that make us stronger. It’s what makes us BROTHERS.

So, how am I going to go from Church with Father Webb to clean balls??? Kilts of course!

That’s right, The Fire Critic ( Rhett Fleitz) and I have just received our new kilts from ALT Kilt.

These kilts are AWESOME! 

I had no idea that they were so well constructed. The material is heavy duty yet comfortable. They fit perfect and look GREAT . I can’t wait to wear this thing at FDIC this week!

We tried the other companies and ALT KILT was the only one who came through for us. If you’re thinking about, wanting or looking for a kilt (and you will be after you see us in em) then TRUST ME … Alt Kilt is where you want to shop.Hit any of the links above for their web site or find, like and follow them on Face Book

Find Alt Kilt on Face Book Here

So, we now have kilts and are planning to wear em at FDIC this week. Good thing AXE  just sent us some of their newest products for a “review”. See that post on IronFiremen.com by clicking HERE . The good news for any and everyone who will bump into us at FDIC is that the good folks from AXE also included some of their existing products in our “care package” … ie: the Axe Detailer

LMAO … so anyway, look us up at FDIC … we want to meet ya! The easiest way to find us will be in the MN8-FoxFire Booth inside the exhibit hall.

Visit Captain Wines and The Fire Critic at FDIC in the MN8-FoxFire Booth #3026

Show us your “tets” and tell us your FoxFire story. Let us give ya a personal demo and make plans to meet up with and hang out after hours! We will have our new challenge coins, patches and a new “chip” to pass out.

Yep … patches and a new Challenge Coin from NM Coin .

Not going to be at FDIC???? Don’t panic. You can now purchase Ironfiremen and FireCritic merchandise directly from NM Coin!

Be the first member of your company to have our coin and/or patch …. CLICK HERE for some special offers and great DEALS on our collector items.

These guys do GREAT work…. Our coins ROCK!

If you’re in the market for badges, name plates, coins, patches etc you HAVE to look these guys up. Hit their link above or find, like and follow them on Face Book … tell em Rhett and I sent ya,

Find NM Coin on Face Book HERE 

We’ve got a full but GREAT schedule while at FDIC. We will be at the Fools Bash, The Fire Rescue 1 Meet Up, The Fire / EMS Blog Meet Up, The 5k run, The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Stop Drop and Rock and Roll and much much more! Like I said, FIND US …. hang out and tag along. We’ve already picked up two Brothers ( Mike Elston and Andrew Catron ) who will be making the trip up with us. We are going to have a BLAST!

Rhett has our itinerary in a Fire Critic post HERE.  We will take and have plenty of photos etc from our experiences and will try to keep you up to date through Face Book ( not sure we’ll have the time for a full post here).

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book HERE

Hit the “LIKE” button and be sure to follow … you wont want to miss anything this week! Until we get back to ya … stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on April 18, 2012 • Filed under: news • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Show us your TETS

6 comments

Get your minds out of the gutter…. I said  ”TETS” …. not tits….LOL

Tets as in tetrahedrons … you know … those little triangle things we wear on our helmets?

After you’ve seen one… you want to see em all!

Me ….. I’m wearing the MN8-FoxFire  tets…. Rhett ( The Fire Critic ) is too.  We wont use anything else. Not only are they reflective (and more so than any other you’ll find on the market today) , they also illuminate (glow in the dark on steroids). Designed by firefighters, for firefighters…. They are the best on the market!

Now, We WANT TO SEE YOURS! What are you wearing? I hope they’re FoxFire. If not, they should be!  Comment here or send us a picture on Face book.

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

These “tets” are proven and I can speak for them personally. My Rookie firefighter “Rocket” Randy Armbrister wears them as well. In my last post I told you about us catching some work. See that post HERE .

Randy took a little heat on this one. I had to have his gear tested due to thermal hits. He ruined his leather front and bourks and even spidered his mask. Now don’t worry … Randy is just fine. He was just a little out of position and got warm. He wont be again.

He held up fine and so did his MN8 FoxFire products. Randy was wearing the Illuminating Helmet Band and the Tetrahedrons. That’s his helmet pictured above left.

Before we took the picture, he had already cleaned the helmet. Looking at the front and bourks, it’s east to see it was hot. The thermal hits on his coat were on the left side (obviously, that’s where the fire was) so that’s where the majority of the heat was coming from.

Look at the tets … THEY HELD UP.  You can’t tell from the picture but they still glow and reflect! Whats even better is that the glue held up. Most tets would have burnt off…. NOT MN8- FOXFIRES.

He hadn’t washed the helmet band yet (as of the photo) but believe me when I say that it too will clean right up with mild soap and water.

I’ve known this all along but I still love it when someone new to the product sees it for themselves first hand.

Randy was unexpectedly excited at how well his FoxFire held up compared to everything else. YOU WILL BE TOO!

You may remember that Zach, Rhett and I even tested the products inside the Cincinnati flash over simulator .

Revisit that post HERE

They have many more products that are just as impressive as well.  If you haven’t heard of MN8-FoxFire yet then climb out from under that rock and watch this video…

MN8-FoxFire has received high scores from reviewers and customers on sites such as Firefighter Product Review.

Find MN8-FoxFire’s review on Fire Product Review.com

If you’re using MN8 FoxFire products, be sure to submit your ranking as well. If you’re not using it yet and want to …. you’re in luck. FDIC is next week and Rhett and I will be there along with Zach Green and the entire MN8-FoxFire Team. Stop by the booth for a personal demonstration …. you’ll thank us!

I’ll do one better than that and go back to the title … “SHOW US YOUR TETS”. Be the first person to show up at the MN8-FoxFire booth and show me or Rhett your tets and we’ll give you a free gift.

Find MN8-FoxFire and our entire team in FDIC booth #3026

We really want to see you folks so be sure to stop by … tets or no tets … we want to hear your stories and have the chance to show you this amazing product. Rhett, Zach and I will be all over Indy so if for nothing else, stop by to get our schedule and find out where to meet up with us off of the exhibit hall floor.  We look forward to meeting you!

Until then, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

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

Fighting Fire and smelling GREAT … thanks Easter Bunny!

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Yesterday (Saturday) was a long tour for me.

I started off by transferring out. Yea… the Captain took a detail. What’s even better is that I detailed myself out to a Medic Unit.

Not just any old Medic either … I went to one of the busiest in the city… Medic 5 ( I’ve got skills like dat yo).

The good news was that I had a good Medic with me. I actually just wrote about him the other day .. it was one of my past “Melrose Misfits” …Brad “Opie” Glidden. Read my earlier post by clicking HERE .

I only made it half the shift (12 hrs) and then I turned the reins over to Randy. I had hoped that the change over would be the last time I saw either of them for the remainder of the shift … that wasn’t to be.

At about 01:30, we caught a run that Medic 5 was assigned to as well. It was a working fire.

The incident was just blocks behind station #5. The Engine was out on another call so Ladder 5 was first in. We were less than a minute behind and would be the first in Engine.

 

Boots and I would have the first line in and Randy and Opie were assigned to assist. I moved Randy up to the knob with Opie backing him up.

There were multiple rooms involved with fire on both the first and second floor. We caught some good work and the boys did great.

The fire is going to make a good teaching point for me to present to Randy tomorrow. He and Opie took some heat on this one where I stayed sheltered ( Click the picture above left. When it comes up, click it again to enlarge. Note his melted bourks).
It’s all about being in the right position. I lead the attack but positioned myself beside or behind them when flowing water.

We were in the same room, under the same conditions yet my bourks remained in tact. I maintained a good position to shield myself from the heat. That’s why I always teach attacking from the door jamb. That way, you have something solid to brace against and direct the reaction force toward ( the jamb vs your body). It (the jamb and wall) also can act as a heat shield to fight from behind.

Shane Parkins and a few others threw out some bets as to whose helmet would see work first … mine or Rhetts. Well pay up boys … this one counts as quality work. My new Phenix Fire Helmet  has been doing GREAT. She’s light weight, comfortable and took the heat well. I also LOVE the custom leather shield  from Box Alarm Leather …. looks GREAT and also took the heat.

So anyway, it was a long shift.

I wish I could tell ya every unit that responded but because of multiple incidents going on at the same time, it was a little confusing. I think companies on scene were… L5, E13, M5, E1, BC1, E4, E5, L7, M2, and BC2.

Everyone on scene put in some strong work and made a good quick stop. Unfortunately, A-shift was back on the scene today with heavy fire.

WDBJ7 has some coverage HERE

So, the good news in all of this??? The Easter Bunny also came …. and just in time too!

I received a care package from our good friends over at AXE Products.

It seems they have some new products out and they wanted Rhett and I to give them a try.

Body spray, shampoo / conditioner, deodorant, shower gels etc.

I’ve done a “product review” on AXE Products before and LOVED em.

See that post / review HERE

Rhett and I will get this one out as soon as we put the new product through it’s paces. Our product reviews are a little different now in that they are all posted to our new site instead of on Ironfiremen or Fire Critic.com.

It’s a GREAT site where we even give you the chance to “score” the products we review.

Visit our Firefighter Product Review site HERE

 

Stay SAFE and in House … I’ll be back with ya tomorrow!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on April 8, 2012 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dirty old Firehouses …

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We were asked to help on a special assignment today. Our Battalion called and asked us to assist with some station cleaning. The kicker was that it wasn’t our station …. it’s actually not an operating fire station at all.

It was our now closed “historic” Station #1.

Built in 1907, it lasted 100 years before being being shut down in 2007. It was closed along with Station #3 and the two consolidated into our new headquarters Station #1 (aka… “The Big Show”).

The closings became a huge battle between our members and administration. A lot of our Department’s history came from within those walls. It was a house full of TRADITION, PRIDE, HONOR, RESPECT and BROTHERHOOD. It the house my dad retired from. It was a bitter fight and there are plenty of mixed emotions that linger still today. For many, the closing of those doors signaled the end of an era for the Roanoke Fire Department.

Learn more about Roanoke’s Historic Station #1  HERE and HERE

They wouldn’t allow us (the members .. IAFF Local-1132) to have it. Promises were made and not kept. They do allow us to park our antique fire truck there and the Department houses a couple reserve pieces there as well. They’ve allowed the Police Department to occupy an office up stairs and even put two horse stalls (for the mounted patrol) down in the bay. The mounted patrol has since been disbanded (but the stalls remain). They also allow city workers access into the station to eat, use the restroom, hide, nap or who knows what. That’s part of the problem. With no history or ties to the building, they don’t even bother to clean up behind themselves.

Anyway, we met Battalion Chief Adkins and the members from Station #2 down there to do a bit of house keeping today. It looked BAD but the guys made quick work of it.

Upstairs was swept and mopped. The bays were washed out. All the trash collected and taken out and we even polished the brass.

It looked 100 times better after about 2 hours of work but could have stood much more. I’m glad none of our retired members seen it in the shape we found it…. it would have been embarrassing.

There were a lot of young members on the detail today. Young as in they weren’t even here when the station was open or never had the honor and privilege of running out of it. I think it was a good experience for them.

They got to hear some of us older guys telling stories from her “glory days”. They got to see and hear first hand some of the history and tradition of their Department.

Randy got to polish his first brass pole. There aren’t many members left in our Department who can say they polished brass at station #1.

Another “newer member”, Ronnie Mitchel ( from #2-C ) got to sweep and mop the front stair case. A wooden, spiral staircase. I could picture in my mind now retired member Jimmy Jennings doing it. It was one of Jimmy’s “pet peeves” and he took a lot of pride in assuring those steps were spotless.

The station has 2 spiral staircases leading  upstairs. Older houses had spiral stairs to keep the horses from finding their way upstairs in the event they got loose.

Grooved floors from the days of horses. Wooden floors and lockers (with brass knobs) in an open bunk room. Deep sky lights. Stamped tin ceilings….. she was a sight to see.

Thanks to Chief Adkins for seeing the need and getting it done. Thanks as well to my boys, Captain Graham and the members of Station #2-C for a job well done!

 

So, we also had a visitor today. A ride-a-long.

Michael Whiteaker from Bristol, Tn. made his way up for a visit and ride.

Michael’s dad is a retired Deputy Chief ( with 33 years of service) with the Bristol (Tennessee) Fire Department. Michael plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and is thinking of applying here to do so. He scored well in Bristol’s process but is currently working in their Police Department. Yea … I let a cop do a ride along but not before I explained to him that with a little extra effort and a few more points on the test … he could have been a fireman. LOL.

Learn more about the Bristol, Tennessee Fire Department HERE

All kidding aside, Michael scored 2nd in Bristol and seems like a great guy. We took him out to our regional training center and introduced him to the training chiefs of all 3 jurisdictions ( Roanoke City, Roanoke County and the City of Salem). He went with us to Station #1 and even caught a few runs (nothing to write home about). I hope he enjoyed the visit as much as we enjoyed having him.

Moving on, we are still getting ready for FDIC. It’s just around the corner and will be here before you know it. Once again, Rhett and I will be there with Zach Green and the MN8-FoxFire Team. We will be attending the Fools Bash, The IAFF  party, the NFFF Stop, Drop and Rock and Roll event, the Fire/EMS Blog Meet Up and many more events. We want to meet YOU while we’re there. The easiest way to catch up with us is to come to the booth.

Meet us at FDIC 2012 in the MN8-FoxFire Booth #3026

 

Speaking of Rhett …. he’s in Aruba without his computer and his phone turned off. Of course he did manage to post a single pic on Face Book to rub it in.

I say “rub it in” because once again, he is traveling without me. Yea…. he left me here to take care of everything else while he’s laying on some far off exotic beach. I’ve been worried sick!

So many things could happen on a trip like this….

He can’t even swim!  Good thing I packed his water wings.

He made 100 excuses for why I couldn’t go.

He even said that he didn’t think I’d “fit in” over there …. you know … wearing my fire boots around all the time and such.

Can you believe that??  ME … NOT fitting in somewhere?

He didn’t care that I was willing to leave my regular footwear behind for something a little me fitting of a beach environment. When I showed him my new boots, he laughed… HE LAUGHED!

Well, despite this leather exterior … deep down … I do have feelings and I don’t mind telling you that they’re hurt.

 

LMAO … you folks stay SAFE and in House! I’ll be back on Saturday.

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on April 5, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fully involved

2 comments

My Chief sent me this picture of yesterday’s fire in Roanoke.

It’s an amazing shot for a couple of reasons.

One of them is obvious.

I don’t usually post these types of pictures but I know this one isn’t photo shopped or a fake. Click the picture and it will come up in a new window. Then CLICK IT AGAIN to enlarge it.

Did you see it? Look at the flames ….

Leave me a comment on what you see and think.

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on April 3, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Heavy fire on arrival in Roanoke, Va

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The Brothers and Sisters of B-shift caught one well involved not far from Station #5 yesterday.

With exposures on both the Bravo and Delta sides, our priorities as well as strategies and tactics must be refocused.

When fire has this much of a “jump” on you in a neighborhood with older, balloon framed construction , it’s easy to burn the entire block.

What kind of master stream devices do you have set up that can be easily and quickly put into place?

How quickly can your company put a 2 1/2 into service on an exposure ( direct application or water curtain )? Do your rigs carry enough water to briefly support such operations or are you dependent on hydrants?

One firefighter was transported with minor burns and a civilian was treated on scene. Looks like another good job from our B-Shift Brothers and Sisters!

Watch a short video of the fire HERE

Don’t forget to “Like” and “Follow” Ironfiremen.com on Face Book while there!

I’ll check back with ya a little later on this evening… meanwhile, this should generate some good conversation.

Until I get back… stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on April 3, 2012 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, news, training-fire-rescue-topics, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,