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Porn Star or Felon …which do you want in your station??

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Back in Feb. 2012, I ran a series of posts related to convicted felons working (or volunteering) as Fire / EMS responders.

It started with some details from a local news story that just simply, “hit me wrong”. After I posted about a local Volunteer Fire Chief (Billy Joe Carter), the situation kind of grew.

I found out things that I never would have imagined happening right here in my back yard …. I was shocked.

The most shocking thing I learned was how many convicted felons are running on crews here in Virginia. I couldn’t believe it.

What was more shocking was how many readers didn’t see a big issue with it. Some even wanted to categorize different levels of a felon!

I’m still confused as to what’s an acceptable felon?  I never knew there was a good and bad one. All I know is that I don’t want  a convicted felon working beside me nor do I want one responding to and entering my home.

Catch up and read those previous posts by clicking HERE

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book HERE (click “Like”)

Well, Botetourt County hired an Emergency Service’s Coordinator (I’ll post more on Carr Boyd from Charlotte, NC soon) and things have somewhat settled down (although they still haven’t resolved the felon issue). Now, all the drama seems to be headed Roanoke County’s way….

One of the local Volunteer Rescue Squads has an ex-porn star as a member.

Apparently, 29 year old Harmony Rose has left the Adult movie industry,  is  now living in Va. and aspiring to become a nurse. She has also joined the Cave Spring Volunteer Rescue Squad and some folks aren’t too happy about it.

Personally, I don’t see what all the fuss is about.

She has done nothing illegal …. being an adult movie actress (porn star) does not make you a convicted felon…. but wait …. even if it did, it’s apparently ok the be a convicted felon AND a firefighter/EMT here in Va.

Just out of high school, Harmony went to work at a Hooters restaurant in Florida.  After a while, she began dancing (stripping) at a Gentleman’s Club and from there moved into the Adult film industry. She  also worked some in the real estate business as a “side job”. By all appearances, she has been very successful.

Now, apparently; she has decided to move toward a nursing career and has chosen to start by volunteering with a local Rescue Squad …. a smart move by any aspiring nursing student.

Was the path she chose to get to this point in her life the most reputable??? In some minds….  maybe not. It’s not the path I would have wanted my daughters to have taken but I also understand why so many young women do. Who are we to judge?

Again, I don’t see what all the “fuss” is about. She’s a good looking,apparently intelligent woman. She has done nothing illegal and is working towards a new career. To my knowledge she has met all qualifications for membership. There is nothing on the application about previous employment or sexual taste /preference. She was not a member of the CSVRS at the time she made all the movies nor were any of them filmed with her in their uniform or while on their property.

View the Cave Spring Vol. Rescue Squad application HERE

Again I’ll say … what’s all the fuss about? What has she done wrong? A lot of the “hype” I’m hearing is around what some are calling a “morals and ethics issue”. Morals and ethics??? Who’s do we go by? Are ours all the same?

I understand that public servants are held to a “higher standard” but whos?

What standard are we talking about here anyway … having sex? Apparently she’s had a lot of practice and is very good at it so I’d say she far exceeds the average standard as it applies to sex…LOL

All kidding aside, sex is a natural act. Most of us do it. My parents did … obviously yours did too. Hell, Rhett even has 2 children so the odds are good that  he has at least twice in his life.

The rumor is that someone on the squad recognized her and began asking questions. How did they recognize her??? They’ve seen one of her movies…that’s how! So I guess the standards for making vs. simply watching an adult movie are different?

I guess what they’re saying is that  it’s ok to do it as long as you don’t talk about it? Hypocritical if ya ask me.

I think the reaction I’m hearing from some people could be stemmed more from insecurity and/or  jealousy rather than rational thought. I’m sure some of the wives / girlfriends of the male volunteers are not happy and most likely  feel threatened in one way or another.  If so, I wonder why they don’t feel the same way about other female members?

Do they not trust their husbands / boyfriends? Is that Harmony’s fault? If they are so worried, maybe they should just volunteer alongside their husband or boyfriend …. I’m sure Cave Spring could use the extra help.

Maybe the uproar is because Harmony is a good looking woman? Maybe they could create an “appearance standard” on their application and only allow us ugly folk to volunteer. Maybe it’s that they don’t want their husbands / boyfriends to see how other women can perform in the bedroom? None of which are reason enough to be discriminant towards her.

I wonder if we’d be hearing all this fuss is it were a male porn star in question?

There’s another problem with this story. I don’t understand why the Cave Spring Volunteer Rescue Squad or Roanoke County hasn’t gotten out in front of the story…. if it’s a “story” at all  (they should have Dave Statter and Rhett give em a class on how to handle these types of issues). I know that the Officers are aware of the situation and that they have been working to decide a how to handle it. It may be too late because the cat is out of the bag.

The “talk” is everywhere … firehouses, rescue squads, the medic room at the ER etc. Before long, the story will hit the main stream press and here in “The Bible Belt”, it will spread like wildfire. At the very least, someone like FireCritic.com or Ironfiremen.com will hear about it and put the story out. Why not be in “front” of the story rather than behind it?

If they are going to “kick her off” the squad…. do it NOW and justify the reasons (and they had better be good ones). If they elect to allow her to participate as a volunteer (as they should), stop the rumors cold by coming out and saying she meets all the requirements and there IS NO ISSUE.

If she responds to your home and you recognize her, it’s most likely because you’ve seen her films too. I’m sure she’s thankful for your purchase and personal contribution to her nursing school fund.

So what do you think?? Should she be allowed to volunteer or not? Should a previous career as an adult film star keep an applicant from volunteering while convicted felons are allowed? What other previous professions would disqualify an applicant? Are they listed on the application of your Department? I’m curious what you folks think.

I’ll stand behind her any day … I say allow her to volunteer!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on June 27, 2012 • Filed under: ems-topics, fire-rescue-topics, funding-staffing, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Catching up ….

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There’s no way I can do all the catching up I need to in one post but I do want to bring ya somewhat up to date.

Things have been pretty hectic around here lately and it’s kept my busy, up late and too tired to post.

Obviously, the Buckaroo and I have been hard at it on the farm but, this weekend; we got a special break …. we went camping!

Not just any spur of the moment camping trip spent in a tent with 3 very well positioned rocks either … I’m talking campers and a KOA campground complete with a swimming pool! Talk about relaxing!

Georgie ( Lt Perdue ) and I packed up the crews and headed to Wythville, Va to watch our Rookie Firefighter (Rocket Randy Armbrister from Max Meadows, Va) tie the knot ….. yea … he got married.

It was a VERY nice wedding ….. western style and held outside in a scenic location by the river.

Mrs Dana made a beautiful bride and as it turns out … Randy cleans up pretty well also.

I have to tell ya … I am VERY PROUD of Randy and all he’s done here lately.

He’s not even off probation here in the Department yet. He came to us just a little less than a year ago and has to make it until July 10th for his review.

I first introduced you to Randy in a previous post  HERE .

He’s been learning and growing ever since that day. Our training began right away and he’s never complained. Mowing grass, cooking and cleaning in his SCBA could have scared him off in just his first cycle …. it didn’t.

Of course, it wasn’t  long before I had to “pull the book” on him to keep him on the straight and narrow… read that post  HERE .

It’s been humbling for us to watch Randy grow not only into a good fireman but now a husband as well. Both are HUGE accomplishments and I’m confident that he will do well at both.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Dana and Randy … Mr and Mrs Randy Armbrister!

I am a little confused as to why Randy had to take this cycle off. I mean … he got married on Saturday over our 4-day break. We’re working Monday, Wednesday and Friday, this week; so there shouldn’t have been any conflict right??

Hell I’ve seen firemen take a few hours off to go watch their children born and then return to work … I guess the days of wooden ladders and iron firemen are gone (now we have iron ladders and wooden firemen …LOL).

Speaking of birthing babies … Travis Meador aka “Wheezy” and his wife Misty are now the proud parents of a healthy baby boy … Owen Meador!

I’ve stole a few pictures of the little fella but will hold off putting em here for the world to see until I talk to Wheezy …. I’m just glad little Owen looks like his moma.

I hope he got her smile too …I can only imagine what kind of life the kid will have going through school if he gets that poop eating grin his daddy so often sports …. LMAO

Murray from A-shift Station #1 also just had baby and I think we have one more due very soon … must have been something in the water. Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS to Wheezy, Misty and Murray.

So, everyone is busy with home / personal stuff but it’s also been just as steady here on the job…. fire and EMS

This is a fire that happened just before shift break last week.

Obviously, it was well involved when the Brothers from #6B rolled in. They also had some water issues which certainly didn’t help matters .. I’ll post more on those issues soon.

Anyway, the Brothers from Stations #6, #8, #11 and #1 were able to overcome their challenges and get it under control.

We’ve got our new Ladder #1 in service now and Engines #6 and #8 will be in service with their new Pierces very soon!

 

We are getting back to having some really nice equipment on the streets.

The picture to the right is the members from Station #1-B and was taken last week on the Kirk Ave fire.

This would be the last “working fire” that this rig would respond to for our Department. Later in the week, she was replaced by a brand new Pierce Tiller.

My dad retired from Station #1 and worked many fires from this rig. Although I was never assigned to #1, I did work out of there a lot and also caught some work off her…. it was a good truck and served us well.

I’ll get some pics of our new rigs up soon …. Ladder #1 is in service and Stations #6 and #8 will be training on their new Engines next day (Wednesday).

We’re beginning to see some Pride come back into our Department …slowly but surely.

I see it in the tables, patches, logos etc our Companies are building / designing.

Station #2 … aka “The Deuce” has most recently designed a new patch and it looks GREAT.

The Brothers and Sisters from “The Deuce” have a few remaining. They are selling em in an effort raise enough money for their next project…. if you’d like one (or for more info), contact Zach Obenchain  at  Zobenchain@cox.net

If you or your Company would like their own Patch or Challenge Coin, contact the folks over at   NM Coin  web site  or  Face Book  (You can also get your Ironfiremen / FireCritic patches, coins and even package deals there … click HERE for those).

Ok, even though I have a lot more to share; I’m going to stop here for tonight. It’s getting late and I’m riding the Battalion buggy this week (that usually means we are busy).

Before I go … I do need to share this shot of an extrication we ran last cycle with the Brothers and Sisters from Ladder #5.

They got all 4 doors and the roof off  to facilitate the removal of two occupants.

The boys wanted me post it because they are doing a little fretting… wonder who taught em that????

You see, the regular Boss on the Ladder was assigned to the Engine that day and missed the job. The good news is that while the boys were cutting and spreading, Tom caught 2 EMS runs from E5….LMAO

AND … speaking of Extrication … if ya haven’t already check out one of the newer sites here on the Network … it run by a good friend of Rhett and  mine, Paul Hasenmeier 

Visit FirstDue Tackle

I’ll be back on Wednesday … until then

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on June 25, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, fires, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Early retirement ….

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Lt Curtis Baron Gibson retired from the Roanoke Fire/EMS Department today. He gave 28 years of service.

He was more affectionately known as “Smurf” and I will miss seeing him around the firehouse.

Smurf was hired June 11, 1984.  His first 5 years was spent between Stations #1 and #3 before he was assigned to Station #6 on October 12, 1989 …. he would spend his next 22 years there.

A little over a year ago, Smurf found himself fighting a personal illness that carried over to the job. He was then reassigned to Station #5 where he would finish out his career.

He got a great send off …. I only wish it could have happened 2 years from now. That’s why my title says “early” retirement… we don’t get our “full” retirement until 30 years of service. We have a set “multiplier” and obviously, each additional year of service equates to a larger retirement check.  We also have what is called the “rule of 70′s”. We can retire anytime after becoming vested but if you don’t meet the “rule of 70′s”, you will not draw a check until age 62. If you meet the rule of 70′s (when your combined age and years of service add up to 70 or above) you begin drawing a check immediately.

It used to be, when we got hired; it was a given that you’d pull 30 years …. you WANTED to do 30. Now, it seems like everyone is simply reaching for the Rule of 70′s and looking to get out as soon as possible. It’s sad. There are many theories out there as to why that is the mentality today but that’s a whole seperate post.

Anyway, it was a good send off.

Chief Adkins somehow found the old “Day Books” from Station #6.

He found the pages from the day Smurf was first assigned to the station as a firefighter as well as from his first day as a Lieutenant (which was also at #6).

That was an AWESOME gesture / gift!

Pride, Honor, Respect, Tradition and Brotherhood!

Smurf’s heart and soul was at station #6. Not long into his assignment at #6, he caught a good fire (which was not uncommon for #6… it was a BUSY house). Those of you on the job know what  I mean by “good” … it was bad …VERY bad. Heavy fire, VERY hot, zero visibility etc. They were 1st in and he was behind my dad on the first line in.

Something went wrong. At the time, we were using the old Scott air pack (with the low pressure hoses) and when Smurf went to take a breath, his mask sucked to his face. In his own words, my dad learned that night how fast Smurf could “un-ass a building”. He go out, quickly changed his mask and got back in behind Pop. He quickly encountered the same problem and was forced out a 2nd time.

This time, he changed out the entire pack and made his mind up that this problem would never happen to him or any other member of the Department again.

Soon, Smurf would become our official Air Pack Technician and set up shop out of Station #6.

It became his passion … he knew our lives depended on his work and he put his heart and soul into it.

He moved us from Scott to MSA and then eventually back into Scott. He serviced / maintained the packs, bottles and even our masks ( back then, each pack had a mask we all shared …. it was due to his efforts that we now all have a mask individually assigned to our members).

Air Packs were not his only contribution to our Department.

Smurf was very instrumental in our moving from smoke ejectors to PPV.

He was just as involved in our switching from 1 1/2″ hand lines to 1 3/4″.

He played a huge role in designing the specs of our Grumman Engines. Those truck were GREAT to work off of. Everything was low and easy to reach. Compartment space was good, they ran and pumped great. They were the most “fireman friendly” trucks we’ve had to date.

He made the biggest impression on me when I made Lieutenant. Smurf was assigned to B-shift and I was sent to #6 C-shift.

Dad was still on the job but was now driving the Chief out of Station #1B.

My step-mom was dying of cancer and, needless to say; it was a very rough time for our family.

I needed to be by her side but just as importantly, I needed to be with Pop.

My Captain ( on C-shift ) was well known. He was well known because NOBODY wanted to work for him.  I could tell you a million stories on this man. Instead, lets just say that I fully understand why he had the reputation he did…. it was not unfounded.

Well, with that said; Smurf came to me and offered a trade. He volunteered to allow me to take his position on B-shift (so that Pop and I could be together).  In return, he would have to work on C-shift with the  Captain nobody wanted to work for.

I don’t know if I can fully explain to you what a HUGE deal that was. I get emotional even today just thinking about it…. it was a favor that I will never be able to repay. I have and will NEVER forget what he did for me and my dad those few months.

I hope our members will read this post and remember Smurf for all the “stand up” things he’s done rather than the time he stumbled. I also wish our Department would have done more to have help him make it to 30 years …. he deserved it.

We got to sit down together this evening for a little while and  look through some of his old news paper clippings and photographs. I know he’s leaving with some great memories as a Roanoke Firefighter.

Whats even better is that he has left and made some memories for those of us he worked with as well.

A good fireman, a good Officer and a GREAT friend….Thanks for everything.. good luck Brother!

ENJOY RETIREMENT !

 Stay Safe and in House !

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on June 20, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Something’s fishy and I bet I’ll make ya cry … well I did anyway

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The “fishy” part comes from yesterday (Wednesday) evening.

It rained on and off all day and I decided early to end the day by taking the Buckaroo cat fishing.

Sometimes, I get a little ahead of myself because I don’t even own a fishing pole…LOL

No problem though because all I had to do was call Pop and tell him my plans. I think he was loading the truck before we even finished the call.

 

He made it out to the farm and late yesterday evening  we made our way up to the secret “honey hole”.

On the very first cast, the Buckaroo landed his first catfish!

The next thing you know he’s pulling em in right and left. Now, the little fella thinks he’s Bill Dance of something …. just look at that pose …LOL

It was a short session but very enjoyable. A GREAT way to end a long hard day.

I’m lucky to have such a large and great family (personal and firehouse) to share these moments with. I only wish my oldest daughter ( Randi-Jo ) and brother (Jack) could have been with us for the Buckaroo’s first catch … they are the two “real” fishermen of the family.

I have some more pics from the evening that I’ll share on Face Book so you all can see..

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book HERE ..click “Like”

So, that’s the “fishy” part of the title … I have a ton more stuff to share that is not fishy at all…. I’ll start with our latest “Product Review” from our site FireProductReview.com . The “FatIvan” fold up door chock review is up and waiting for YOUR review as well. Our site is the ONLY “firefighter” product site where YOU get the chance to “score” the products as well. Be sure it check it out (use the link above)  and don’t forget to follow us on Face Book by clicking  HERE

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I also need to mention the fact that September is going to be a VERY busy month and I’m already excited. The 5th annual Officer’s Seminar will be held here in Roanoke and our speaker / presenter will be none other than Chris Naum! Yea… “THAT” Chris Naum. The Chris Naum of The Company Officer , Command Safety , Buildings on Fire  and more!

I can’t wait to see and hear this presentation!  I believe it will be our best seminar yet (as it should be after 5 yrs in the making).

Rhett and I will be heavily involved in promoting the event and keeping you informed as to the details (raffles, door prizes, after party etc.) so be sure to keep checking in with us.

If you are within a 2-3 hour drive of Roanoke, you will NOT want to miss this event ! Bristol to Winchester, if you are, or aspire to be; a company officer… make your plans NOW. Firefighter to Chief … everyone in attendance will learn something worth taking home!

Also in September, Rhett and I will be traveling out to South Dakota!

Oh yea baby … this is going to be MY kind of trip. We are heading out of the 1st annual South Dakota Firefighters Benefit.

Basically,  “The South Dakota Firefighter Benefit is an evening of Brotherhood and Fellowship for firefighters and families in the South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska area. Join us for great food and numerous giveaways. The evening will benefit the NFFF and NFE.”

Yep … one great big event for that areas firefighters and all proceeds go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation as well as to the National Firefighters Endowment .

Rhett and I will be in State an entire week before the event. We will travel across the state in a Crimson Fire Truck making stops along the way at fire schools, houses etc to meet and talk with our Brothers and Sisters from South Dakota. Then, on the 15th; we will deliver the keynote address for the program …. WE ARE STOKED!  If you are in that area, make your plans now to attend and / or let us know if you’d like us to stop by your house on our way from Rapid City to Sioux Falls.

See the web site  HERE or follow on Face Book HERE

Since I’m talking about places North of here, I need to take another moment and mention somewhere and someone WELL NORTH of Va.

So North, it’s actually in Canada…. Calgary as a matter of fact.

A little while back, Zach Green of MN8 FoxFire was up there on business. While there, Zach met Luke Brisson who turns out was /is a fan of Ironfiremen.com. He had seen some of my “farm” pics where I was wearing my team roping buckle and figured me for the “buckle” type.

He sent me this one back and I LOVE IT !  I’ll get it on a belt and snap a pic for him soon …. be sure to keep checking back for that shot. THANKS for the thought, gesture and for sharing the Brotherhood from all the way across the border … I can’t wait to shake your hand and thank you personally.

Ok, so to finish with my title… I’m going to make you cry. I want to share a very touching local story with ya. You may remember back to October 2009 when we lost Captain Chris Brown to a sudden illness … see related posts and photos HERE HERE   and HERE .

His daughter, Caroline just graduated Valedictorian of her class and remembered her father in a way that only a daughter could. The story made me proud to be a father, to know Caroline and to have known and worked with her father.

Watch the video from WDBJ7.com by clicking HERE

Seriously … hit the link and watch that video….

Until I get back … stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on June 7, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We’re at it again ….

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My postings have been few and far between here lately but don’t panic …. that’s normal for me around this time of the year.

Hay season has officially started so the Buckaroo and I are spending most of our time in the tractor.

The days are long and hard and the honest answer is that by the time we get in … I’m just too tired to post.

I only wish that I could sleep as sound as the Buckaroo.

So while the Buckaroo and I have been hard at work on the farm, the “busy season” has also began for me and the “Buckaroo #2″ …. aka Rhett.

This is the time of year that we typically hit the road for conferences,  teaching, speaking engagements etc.

Last week, we even teamed up with Dave Statter so he and Rhett could present “Social Media in the Fire Service” at the Ohio Fire Chief Association’s Leadership Seminar in Newark, Ohio. See my previous post HERE .

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

We had a BLAST in Ohio and met some really great folks.

It  seems as if these Ohio Chiefs “get it”.

Rhett and Dave presented what is most likely the most well rounded class on “Social Media in the Fire Service” in the nation. They were able to really engage the Chiefs. Actually, the class kind of continued later on that evening out on the dock over a few beers.

We even had the opportunity to share a meal with the members of Newark’s (Ohio) Station #1

They have a GREAT house and even better members! Thanks for the meal and the BROTHERHOOD!

 

This week, Rhett and I are at the Monmouth County Fire Academy in Howell, NJ teaching social media for Kean University .

I think this is like the 5th time Rhett has taught up here for Kean.

Once again, we’ve found ourselves on the Jersey Shore.

See previous posts  HERE  and  HERE

Rhett keeps talking about some kind of “situation” with this gal named “Snooki” or something. Apparently, she’s pregnant and they aren’t sure how it happened. He says they are even filming a TV show about it and he thinks we should be on it.

I don’t know how he talks me into all this stuff …… next thing you know, we’ll be paying child support to some Jersey gal who is already making 5 times my salary.

Well I don’t know about any TV show or it’s cast but I do know that we have met some GREAT folks up here.

Last night, Tim Mickens picked us up at the hotel and took us out for a pizza and beer.

Tim is a Brother firefighter from the Little Silver Volunteer Company here on the Jersey Shore.

Apparently, Tim has been following our sites (and on Face Book) and didn’t want to miss the chance to meet us in person.

I’m glad he didn’t …. Tim is a GREAT guy who obviously “gets it”.

He took us out to Zacharys  and we had a BLAST!

The food was awesome … the beers ICE COLD and the Brotherhood strong.

We shared a ton of stories and bonded new friendships.

Even our waitress, Amy; had a good time …. I don’t think she has ever met anyone quite like us….. LOL

She was a real cutie and yes Dave Statter …. she IS standing up and Rhett IS taller than her (he was so excited..LMAO)

The only thing in NJ hotter than Amy last night was the fire we missed in Long Branch….

 

See the related article HERE

I think Tim actually got the page for the fire but we were already too many beers into the night to go. And, while I’m talking about fires …. they have a couple going today here at the Monmouth County Fire Academy.

This is an amazing facility. I will try to get out and grab a few pictures during lunch break and update you on our trip later on.  It’s going to be a quick trip for us and we’ll be heading home this evening so I’m not sure if the update will come tonight or sometime tomorrow. At the least, we’ll be able to throw some pics up on Face Book so keep checking in with us regularly.

Follow IronFiremen.com on Face Book..click  HERE

Until we get back to ya … stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on June 2, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Training, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,