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When staffing matters

IT ALWAYS MATTERS!

Sooner or later, it’s gonna catch up with em …. the ole “do more with less” approach to Public Safety…. “playing the numbers” … I hate to see who’s gonna have to “pay the price”.

The sad thing is that it’s almost become an “accepted” practice and, a lot of the blame lies on us … the members. Soon after 9/11, after everyone forgot what we are asked to do on a daily basis; our bosses boss asked them to save some money somewhere…. anywhere … everybody had to share the cuts they said. Public Safety wise, trucks, equipment etc wasn’t going to change so the only place left to look was staffing.

They came to us … hat in hand, talking “hard times” that would soon get better. They needed us to do just a little bit more … a little more with less. Of course we stuck our chests out and said if it needed done, we’d do it …We’re FIREMEN …. it’s what we do. Now, the hole we’ve dug has only gotten deeper and deeper and I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to climb out.

It used to be that Departments running 3 and 3 ( 3 members on an Engine and 3 on a Ladder… counting the driver and Officer) was a joke… now, that’s good staffing. I know of Departments running with 2 and some even sending out a rig with just a driver! How did we let them convince us that these numbers are ok? Why do we continue to allow them to tell the citizens we protect that these same numbers are adequate when we all know THEY’RE NOT?!?

It’s happening everywhere …. closer to home than you may think!

The picture to the left is a fire in Roanoke, Va that occurred just last week. This single incident depleted City Fire/EMS resources. I’m hearing reports of a single City Engine remaining in service but, the local news reported every City Unit was called to the scene. ”We pretty much had all our resources at that fire,” Bradbury said.”

Read my post on the fire by clicking HERE .

Local news coverage HERE, HERE , and HERE

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book, click HERE and “like”

All additional calls for assistance were handled by Mutual-Aid companies from surrounding Jurisdictions …. some even volunteer. I wonder how many calls “deep” the City was before the system could be put into place and take affect. I wonder what the time delay was and if anyone suffered undue harm because of it. Is this simply the “cost of doing business”?

This is the 2nd fire in as many months that has depleted City resources. The first occurred on June 29th when severe storms tore through the area. Read my post from that night by clicking HERE .

It used to be that the “it only happens once every so often” excuse held water…. or somewhat anyway. Now, Departments across the country are facing large scale events that are happening much more frequent. If “playing the numbers” has been an acceptable “planning model”, I wonder what kind of plans these Departments now have in place to handle the next resource depleting event (for some, the next event is due to hit in less than 30 days…we ARE running the “numbers” right?).

I wonder if the “powers to be” thought their resources would become so “taxed” when they approved all the cut backs. The station consolidations and closures.

I wonder if they REALLY think that projects such as a $27 MILLION dollar renovation to a downtown building is worth more than Public Safety?

Well, at least it has a “living wall”, a “Koi pond” and a “Butterfly habitat”! Click HERE.

Ok, maybe a butterfly “habitat” is important for City development … at least they’re not messing with their pay or pensions …right?? WRONG …click HERE.

How about a $66 MILLION Art Museum? Money well spent?? Hummm CLICK HERE HERE and HERE.

Hey, it’s not just Virginia either … take Texas for example.

There are Departments down there that are REALLY hurting. Rhett had a post up a few weeks back about the Corpus Christi Fire Department.

See Fire Critic’s post (with video) HERE

What make this situation so bad is several items hot in the National news of late.

The first in my mind would be all the wild land fires they’ve been faced with recently. Acres upon acres, house after house burned. I bet the Brothers and Sisters in Texas could talk a while on staffing.

I’d love to see em sit down with Leslie Alexander to have that conversation … well Mr Alexander and Governor Rick Perry…now THAT would be a video worth watching!

Why Leslie Alexander and just who is he??? Well, he’s the guy who owns the Houston Rockets. The NBA team that just paid this guy $25.1 MILLION dollars to play basketball! CLICK HERE

YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!! $25 MILLION DOLLARS for one person … ONE PERSON to play basketball in Houston while just 200 miles away (and in many more areas of Texas) firefighters are putting their lives on the line understaffed and poorly equipped ?!?

Again, I’ll say a lot of the blame lies within ourselves. First, we buy the tickets to see this guy play. We buy the NASCAR tickets where drivers make millions per race weekend. The baseball tickets and $10 stadium beers. We are supporting them but getting none in return.

Why?? Because nobody knows what we do. Maybe it’s as simple as Republican vs Democrat.

I doubt that. The “general public” has no idea what we see and do on a daily basis. You’d be surprised at how many people that see a Fire Company shopping for groceries, think that the City (or Department) that those members work for are paying the bill. How many people in your first due know your schedule? If it’s a 24 hour shift like mine, do you think your everyday “customer” understands what working that kind of shift entails?

How about EMS runs? Do you ever hear “I called for an ambulance..not a fire truck”? Do your citizens understand the types of responses you’re faced with every day? Do they know and understand the levels of training your members are required to have and maintain?

Do they know the additional services your Department provides? Smoke detector installs, chimney inspections, child safety seat installations, school / church safety demonstrations etc.

Do they know your staffing? Do they understand what running with 3 and 3 means? Has someone sat them down and explained what happens when the first unit arrives on a working fire?

One guy driving … the Officer giving a size up, establishing command and setting the stage for incoming companies. That leaves ONE member. Now explain “2 in 2 out”.

The 2nd Engine stops at the hydrant. One firefighter gets out and hooks up. On scene, the driver gets out and assists connecting to the first rig. That leaves the Officer. (we now have 2 available members to fight fire etc).

The Ladder arrives and command needs a search. Don’t forget to ventilate and get some ladders set to the roof and 2nd floor. Which task should they preform first? The driver doesn’t have on gear yet. The Officer and lone firefighter can’t (shouldn’t) split up right … remember 2 in , 2 out … working in pairs.

Now, the Chief shows up along with a Medic unit and Safety Officer. That’s 13 members (6 pieces of apparatus) on scene and and only 4 available to get inside. It almost seems IMPOSSIBLE to accomplish huh?

Read “It’s all in the numbers …” click HERE

Again I’ll ask if you’r citizens are educated as to all the services your members provide and exactly what it takes to do so. How do you educate them? Is the only time your “customers” hear from you during a fund drive? Maybe just at election time or if you you happen to make the paper for whatever reason.

Don’t let every time they hear about or from you be shown in a negative light. Create a positive image of you and your Department and make sure as many people as possible see it! Take PRIDE in the job we do and share it with whomever will listen.

Social Media is a great tool to make it happen ….. you’re reading this aren’t ya? Web sites, Blogs, Face Book, Twitter etc … utilize these tools to get your message out. How about a Citizens Fire Academy?

Volunteer or paid, it doesn’t matter … we all need to do a better job of educating the public. STAFFING MATTERS!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 29, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, funding-staffing, major-incidents, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Fire Critic, Fire Department staffing, firefighter pics, firefighters, Governor Rick Perry, house fire, Houston Rockets, IAFF, Ironfiremen, Jeremy Lin, Leslie Alexander, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, minimal staffing for fire trucks, NBA, Roanoke Fire/EMS, staffing, Working fire

The difference a year makes … Firehouse Expo 2012

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Rhett and I are safely home from Firehouse Expo 2012 …. it was another GREAT trip!

I don’t know how it continues to happen or if and when it will ever “level off” but, so far; every trip we make ends up being better than the last … both personally and professionally.
Once again, we were traveling with Zach Green and the MN8-FoxFire team.

Zach, the owner and President of the company; said something to me the other day that caught me off guard. He reminded me that this trip would be our 1 year Anniversary. I had never thought of it that way. Actually, I almost didn’t believe it. It seems like we’ve been together much longer than that.

Turns out, Zach was right; it’s only been a year. Back at FDIC 2011, Zach was stalking me and Rhett for a “product review” of MN8-FoxFire. I’m glad he found us! Fast forward to Firehouse Expo 2011 and Zach found himself in a bind. He needed some help in the booth and I just so happened to be there and available.

I went to work in the booth the next day and we haven’t slowed down since! It’s been an amazing journey.

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book click HERE

Our conversation and the success of this trip has got me thinking of how far we’ve come over the last year … me / Rhett and MN8-FoxFire.

2011 was my first time ever to Firehouse Expo ( Read my review HERE ). It was also the place where Rhett and I would make our 1st 911 Memorial Stair Climb (see that post HERE ). We’ve since completed 5 climbs and have even made one in the shadows of the new Freedom Tower with founding members of the Stair Climb committee (click HERE for that post! )

News coverage of this year’s 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb in Baltimore by clicking HERE .

Last year, the MN8-FoxFire booth was busy … this year, it was PACKED! Once again, the MN8-FoxFire booth was the focus of attention on the exhibit floor.

It’s apparent that “the word” is getting out about MN8-FoxFire and their amazing products. We sold more in day #1 of Expo 2012 than we did in all 3 days of the 2011 show.

Learn how to join Team MN8-FoxFire by clicking “HERE” .

Of course, Rhett and I draw plenty of attention by ourselves. It’s hard not to when we’re walking around in kilts, structural boots and leather helmets.

We stand out in the crowd…. and WE WANT TO. It’s who we are and what we do. For us, it’s a great marketing / networking tool. Folks stop us in the isles (and out in the street for that matter) just to talk and take photos. They invite us into their booths or stop us to question our purpose.

It’s that image, the exposure or “popularity” (if you will) that’s helped us create a new site / venture over this past year as well ….

Click HERE to check out Firefighter Product Review

It’s a great site (even if it is ours). Not only do we give “our” review of the products up for review, we also give the “user” or readers the chance to “score” or rate the product themselves.

Last year, we blended into the crowd. Nobody noticed what we had on or who we were working for. Nobody gave us a 2nd look. This year … totally opposite.

Take our Custom Fronts (helmet shields) for example. EVERYBODY wanted to know where we got em. It was a GREAT opportunity to tell them about Andrew and Mary Arnold from over at Box Alarm Leather LLC (see their review HERE ).

Our Custom Kilts were also a HUGE hit and point of conversation. When we needed a kilt and wanted it “our” way … there was only one company out there that was willing to work with us … ALT Kilt . We love telling the story of how all the bigger companies turned us down yet ALT Kilt was willing to go the extra mile.

This year, companies are approaching us for Product Reviews. We’ve got several in the “Que” awaiting publishing and received just as many more last week at Expo. Be sure to hit the link above to follow and look for future reviews for items such as Dragon Fire Gloves , ESS Eye Protection, Black Helmet’s German flavored design (Kampf gegen Feuer), the 2013 Firehouse Dolls Calendar and much, much more.

Click HERE to have us review your product

Here’s another example of the difference a year can make. In 2011, one of my fans / followers; Daniel Lawson came to the booth. For whatever reason, Daniel wanted to meet me, more importantly; he wanted me to meet his new born son … talk about humbling! He explained how he loved reading Ironfiremen.com and following along with the “Buckaroo’s” growth / adventures when he’s included in a post.

This year, Daniel and his son returned to the booth for a follow up photo/visit … man has that little fella grown! I was also excited to learn that Daniel and his wife are expecting their 2nd child …CONGRATULATIONS! I guess my camera lens will have to grow along with his family lol.

In the end, THAT’S what it’s all about … making new friendships …lasting friendships …. sharing and promoting BROTHERHOOD… it’s what keeps us going! Thanks for stopping by Daniel … looking forward to next year’s photo.

The best example of “the difference a year can make” that we found while at Firehouse Expo 2012 came out of New York City. You see, FDNY’s Rescue 2 had a booth set up. That in itself is not a big deal. What was a big deal was who was in the booth …. Rescue 2′s Firefighter Robert Weidmann!

You may remember Firefighter Weidmann’s name from a fire in Brooklyn, NY back on December 19, 2011. That blaze injured 5 members of the FDNY (two out of Rescue 2 Weidmann and Gersbeck). Weidmann was the most seriously injured of the five. He received burns over 40% of his body, including his face, head and hands. His escape was captured on video! The arrow in the picture left is believed to be Weidmann making his way to the window.

Read my original post on that fire HERE

He suffered and fought through months of grueling rehab and recovery. In true Firefighter fashion, he showed the same heart and determination after the fire as he did while engulfed in flame. HE SURVIVED!

He survived and he made it to Firehouse Expo where Rhett, Zach and I had the HONOR of shaking his hand!

It was a HUGE honor for us and the highlight of my trip! Brother Weidmann is a TRUE firefighter … an IRONFIREMAN. Even in the middle of that fire, he was teaching the rest of us valuable lessons. He had on his gear … ALL OF IT and, he was wearing it correctly. He was physically fit and in the shape / condition to make that escape. He had the situational and positional awareness to find his way out. Captain Flaherty said he fought with the strength of 10 men during his recovery and on Friday, July 20th he was standing in Baltimore, Md…. YOU CAN’T TEACH HEART!

Back in February, Rhett, Zach and I solicited your help in raising money for Brother Weidmann and Rescue 2′s “MayDay Fund”. The fund is designed to help support injured members and their families. Your support was overwhelming and the 3 of us (Rhett, Zach and I) then had the honor of hand delivering the check in your name. READ THAT POST HERE .

During our visit in Baltimore, Brother Weidmann asked us to pass along his heart felt appreciation for all the support he, his family and the members of Rescue 2 received. You’re efforts were NOT in vane! As soon as he returns to duty, Rhett, Zach and I will head back to Brooklyn for a follow up visit and a full report on his recovery…. the difference a year makes!

Rhett has made some “strides” over the past year as well ….not in the same manner as Brother Weidmann but, he too; is showing some heart.

Last year, I was the only one in the group who would ride the mechanical bull at PBR Baltimore. This year, “Fire Boy” decided he’d give it a try.

I didn’t have the heart to tell him that you don’t ride bulls while wearing a kilt. I also failed to mention riding while wearing your wife’s socks may not be the best idea either.

Although I don’t believe in protective head wear for professional bull riders, I did think it was kind of cool that Rhett wore his leather helmet while riding. Of course I still don’t think he topped my ride. I didn’t do it in a kilt nor did I wear my leather. What I did do was ride WITH a PBR girl!! See that post and watch the VIDEO HERE !

It seems he’s also softened up his feelings for his true internet father, Dave Statter.

Last year at Expo, it seemed as if they couldn’t get along.

Bickering and arguing over who the TRUE ”King of Blogs” is.

They even argued about the true identity of the Fire Critic and if he actually even existed at all.

Once again, I had to step in and, apparently; my tactics worked ….Just look at em now…. arm in arm. Embracing in public. You should have seen em holding hands and skipping up to the PBR bar …LMAO

In the end, Firehouse Expo 2012 was a HUGE success for us and …. we had a BLAST! The best part was meeting so many friends … old and new. Thanks to everyone who dropped by the booth for a FoxFire demo or to just say hello. Thanks as well to the Northern Va FOOLS as associate sponsors for hosting the Brotherhood Bash … it lived up to it’s name despite the rain!

If you’ve never attended Firehouse Expo, make your plans for 2013 NOW … Rhett and I will be there and I CAN’T WAIT! Check out what Rhett and Zach had to say about the trip and then I’ll leave ya with a few more pics from our Baltimore adventures …

Click HERE for The Fire Critic’s Firehouse Expo “wrap up”

Read Zach’s post on the trip by clicking HERE

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 24, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: ALT Kilts, Baltimore Md, Bedford VFD, Box Alarm Leather LLC, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Chris Naum, Dave Statter, FDNY, FDNY Rescue 2, Fire Critic, Firecritic, firefighter pics, Firefighter Product Reviews, Firefighter Robert Weidmann, firefighters, Firehouse Expo, FireProductReview.com, FOOLS, Fools Bash, house fire, Ironfiremen, leather helmets, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Mechanical bulls, MN8 FoxFire, MN8 products, NFFF, Northern Va Fools, PBR, PBR Baltimore, PBR Girls, PGFD, Statter 911, Zach Green

3 alarm fire in Roanoke, Va

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Roanoke’s Bravest responded to what would become a 3rd alarm fire on 10th Street NW last night. It’s the 2nd multi-alarm fire within the city limits in as many months…. read

A vision of calm in the midst of hell

Last night’s fire would empty every firehouse in the city causing the Department to “call back” members for duty. Typically, those members “called back” will staff “reserve” apparatus and place stations back in service.

Roanoke Fire/EMS operates with 11 Engine Companies, 4 Ladders, 8 Medic Units, 2 Battalion Chiefs and an EMS Supervisor which would have put 64 members on scene.

Local news sources report that over 200 residents were without power at one point and the blaze caused backups and delays on Interstate 581.

Two firefighters received what is being described as “minor” injuries while others were treated for heat related injuries.

Find more links with photos and video below ….

RoanokeFirefighters.com

WSLS.com

Roanoke.com

WDBJ7.com

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book .. click HERE

More details to follow ….

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 22, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: 3 alarm fire, all hands fire, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Captain Wines, elevated master streams, fire, Fire Critic, fire trucks, fire video, firefighter pics, firefighters, firemen, fully involved fire, house fire, Ironfiremen, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, master streams, Mike Overacker, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Roanoke firefighters, Roanoke Times, video, WDBJ 7, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen, Working fire, WSLS

An alligator mouth and a hummingbird ass … will the Buchanan issue ever go away?

8 comments

My last post, on the issues involving the Buchanan VFD and some of it’s members; has drawn several comments. See that post by clicking HERE .

My “unofficial policy” here at Ironfiremen.com is to publish every comment, good or bad; as long as they are civil. There are certain “words” or phrases however that will cause me to delete rather than publish…. directed toward me personally or not. I haven’t had to delete any comments for a while ( none for the post mentioned above) and always e-mail the author when I do .

When you go to Ironfiremen.com, always be sure to click the “TITLE” of the post so you can view the comments made (Face Book and “regular” comments). Take the time to read em as well … these folks took the time to post em.

Today, I got a good one and I can’t help but share it. Surprisingly, several of the (Face Book) comments seem to lean toward supporting the folks and conditions I mention in the post … I often times wonder if the folks leaving the comments actually read the post…. it’s almost comical and obvious they haven’t.

Here’s one of the latest comments from Kimberli (well that’s part of her e-mail address anyway… I’ll assume it’s her actual name). She wrote …

“ROANOKE CITY FIRE CAPTAIN UNDER WORKED & OVERPAID

Are you happy now Mr Wines? Have you finally achieved your goal you set out to achieve? I am so disgusted at this whole situation. Mr Wines appears to be obsessed with Billy Carter and the other members of the bvfd, He has devoted a ridiculous amount of time slandering him apparently the captain of the Roanoke city fire dept has nothing more to do with his time. Here’s my question to him in all this talk on his blog about being professional and brother hood why has he not shown any? Mr Wines you can not Just talk the talk you have to walk the walk as well. All he does is stick his nose and opinion in every one else’s business and start drama, ironic isn’t it to be a fire fighter and such a fire starter all at the same time. I think its such a great idea Mr Wines to attack volunteers who are out here giving so much of their time to help the community as bjc is with that kind of moral booster I can’t believe more people aren’t jumping at the chance to volunteer. Bjc had done alot for this community that you Mr Winey have failed to mention never once have you mentioned all the great things he had done for Buchanan I think its sad that no one ever remembers the good things he’s done but they never ever forget the bad things he’s done, so shame on you Willie Winey for beating up the reputation of a dedicated volunteer and Shame on you Buchanan for not remembering and turning your back as well except for the few of course who have stood up. But I am thankful that right here in the star city we have you Mr Winey the only perfect person ever to let all the rest of us imperfect people know our mistakes. You Mr Wines are a pathetic, nosey, condescending, spineless internet gangster, who’s alligator mouth often overides his hummingbird ass!”

For what I hope is the FINAL TIME on this issue, and in true Dave Statter fashion; allow me to address this comment and the questions surrounding my postings on the Buchanan / Botetourt County issues.

To begin with, this (Ironfiremen.com) is MY site … my BLOG. The content found here is my personal opinion and views on whatever topic I decide to write about on any given day. I have the right to say it, you have the right to decide whether or not to read it.

This site, it’s content and my opinion is also NOT endorsed, edited, overseen or approved by anyone other than ME. It is in NO WAY connected to my employer.

Ok… lets break down this latest comment … hang with me here “Kimberli” … I’ll type slow….

To begin with, she has the pay vs. work comparison backwards. She said “…CAPTAIN UNDER WORKED & OVERPAID” . I put WAY too much time and effort (“work”) into this blog for little or no pay. I am shocked however that she presumes to know my work schedule and finances. It also puzzles me that she seems to think she knows my personal goals and objectives…I wonder if we have met before?

I’m curious as to exactly how much time I’ve “devoted” to this issue and how she is are aware of that number. It would have also been nice if she would have given us her definition of exactly what a “ ridiculous amount” of time is so that we can draw a fair comparison.

I’d also like to know when I “slandered” anyone. I’ve offered my opinion, stated FACTS and/or used quotes from local TV or newspapers. I often times even provided links to verify my comments. I wonder if she sent a similar comment/e-mail to the news channels or the newspapers? That’s where I first learned of “BJC” and where I continued to get my information. I’d also like to hear her argument to whatever allegations she disputes. She’s offered none.

As far as my attacking volunteers … She’s are wrong again. I wonder if she’s even read any of my posts? Did she “hit” or use the links I provided to help explain my position and the direction of the post? Obviously NOT. If she had, then she would have read THIS post (pssst .. Kimberli ..the word “THIS” is a link …click it … if that’s too complicated, CLICK HERE instead).

Here’s another PRO volunteer post related to the issue … CLICK HERE. I’ve never had a paid vs. volunteer issue … I have a professional vs non-professional issue. In that post above, I said “I know a lot of damn good firemen who are volunteers. I know just as many “paid guys” who aren’t worth a dime. Paid or vollie … it doesn’t matter to me as long as you do the job. To expect less would be a disgrace to those who came before us.” I stand by that statement.

I have NOT failed to mention good things that the BVFD or “BJC” has done…. CLICK HERE …. She however HAS.

Why did she not mention any of those “good” things in her comment? Why not give us the examples? I’m sure there are several .. the Buchanan VFD was a VERY WELL respected Department in the past. They’ve won awards, trophies etc due to their commitment and professionalism. ALL WELL DESERVED. I believe their image has been tarnished here of late and it has NOT been at my hand. I’ve NEVER ran a call for or in the town of Buchanan. I have never called and requested an interview on their behalf nor have I ever spoken publicly representing BVFD.

I also don’t think I “beat up” anyone’s reputation. I didn’t even know he HAD one or what that reputation may have been prior to my posting on the situations in which he was involved. Again, I posted on things I read in the local paper or saw on the local news. I can not control the opinion my readers arrive at following a post.

Here’s another thing … for me, it’s never been about the Buchanan VFD, it’s been about Botetourt County. I’m NOT “obsessed with Billy Carter” as she implied, rather; I’m against convicted felons in emergency services. That has been my point / direction all along. Buchanan just so happens to have a couple on their roster. They are not the only Department that does either. They ARE the only Department who kept popping up in the news and validating my point.

That said, “BJC” has often said that only one side of the story has been told (as she “Kimberli” also implied in her comment). The ironic thing here is that he’s yet to offer an opposing “side”, view or justification for his comments / actions (Kimberli didn’t either). Ok, that’s not entirely correct, he (BJC) has attempted to give ”his side” but hasn’t. He keeps giving interviews but still has given no explanation.

Click below to watch the exclusive full interview WDBJ7 conducted with Billy Joe after he stepped down as Chief of the Buchanan VFD.

Watch WDBJ7 interview… click HERE

Maybe it’s just me but, following that interview; I’m still left with more questions than answers. I wish he could have gotten “his side” of the story out … I’d love to hear it…. I don’t think he did.

In the interview, he said he felt pressured to step down as Chief. He never said where the pressure came from. Was it Ironfiremen.com’s coverage? Was it Botetourt County who asked him to step down? Maybe the Town of Buchanan? Could it have been the editorial staff of the Roanoke Times who said…“ An asbestos suit can’t protect Billy Joe Carter from self conflagration ignited by his heated rhetoric and actions” in an article asking that he step down?

See that editorial HERE

As to “Kimberli’s” opening question, “Are you happy now Mr Wines?” …. YES, I am. I am happy “now” and have been for a while. My happiness however is not related to her, BJC, the Buchanan VFD, Botetourt County or any issues surrounding them. I’m a much simpler person. My happiness is centered around, family, friends and health.

Her closing comment … ”You Mr Wines are a pathetic, nosey, condescending, spineless internet gangster, who’s alligator mouth often overides his hummingbird ass!” LMAO …well, that’s her opinion and she’s entitled to it. I thank her for sharing it and ask only that next time, she stand behind her comments and sign her name.

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 18, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: Billy Joe Carter, Botetourt County Emergency Services, brotherhood, Buchanan Vol. Fire Chief Billy Joe Carter, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, Fire Critic, firefighter pics, firefighters, Ironfiremen, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Statter 911, Volunteer Fire Chief, volunteer fire departments, WDBJ7.com

Working Fire, Extrication and Firehouse Expo!

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We caught a small job at shift break this morning… we were coming on, B-Shift was going off.

It’s a hell of a way to start the day.

Engine 5 was first due with us on their heels.

There wasn’t a lot of work and “little miss Carlie” made quick work of what there was anyway. It’s hard to believe she’s been on the job a couple years now … I can remember her first fire 0r the first time she was on the nozzle anyway..

See that post by clicking HERE .

I’m sure Bugg did the work on the picture above … he’s done some awesome mixed black / white and color shots.

This pic to the left is one of my favorites ….

That’s the ole “War Wagon” from our “Melrose Misfit” days back at Station #9.

She brings back a lot of good memories plus it’s a very cool shot!

I also like the one he did of the new Station #5 shown below…. I’m gonna have to get him to teach me how he does that.

Cool pics huh? One other neat thing goes back to the first picture (top right). Because the fire was at shift break, several of the members hadn’t had the time to change into their uniform yet. They just threw their gear on over their civi’s.

Did ya notice the shirt Wheezy has on? Apparently, I’m the only one on the planet who didn’t know what The Chive is. Apparently, it’s a web site that’s even more popular than that Fire Cricket site. A lot of cool pics, videos etc. They even have a section dedicated to firefighters … check it out HERE .

So, like a started out saying … it’s been busy around here lately. Storms, fires, extrications etc…

The pic right is a MVC we caught last day.

We were first in with reports of “possible injury”…. ya think??

We arrived to find 3 vehicles involved and this Caddy with heavy damage.

We got an additional Engine, 2 Medics and Ladder #5 for extrication.

As usual, the boys did a great job and made quick work of the incident.

Don’t worry, we’re not hogging all the excitement …we’re actually going to take it on the road ….

Rhett (FireCritic.com) Zach Green (MN8-FoxFire) and I will be bringing a TON of excitement to Firehouse Expo in Baltimore this week!

Rhett and I will be wearing our custom made kilts from ALT Kilt and should be easy to spot in a crowd.

We shouldn’t be too hard to find anyway. Thursday evening at 3pm, you can find us at the Northern Virginia Fools Bash..

Details for FOOLS Bash HERE

We will also be on the floor of the exhibit hall in Booth #123 with MN8 FoxFire

Follow MN8 FoxFire on Face Book HERE

Be sure to stop by Booth #123 to say hello and get a personal demo of the FoxFire Products from Rhett or myself. Also hit us up on Face Book to see exactly where we are and what we’re doing … we’d love to meet up and grab a few beers.

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book HERE

We will get you more details as to our whereabouts over the next few days so be sure to keep checking in. Until I get back to ya … stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 15, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: Alt Kilt, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Fire Critic, firefighter kilts, firefighter pics, firefighters, Firehouse Expo 2012, FOOLS, house fire, Ironfiremen, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Melrose misfits, MN8 FoxFire, MN8 products, Northern Va Fools, Rhett Fleitz, Roanoke Fire/EMS, vehicle extrication, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen, Working fire, Zach Green

And now, the HARD part begins…

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Yesterday, I was back to duty and my first order of the day (beyond PPE checks etc) was an extra detail of PAPER WORK!

I hate paper work but this was some I didn’t mind. Our favorite little “Rookie”, Rocket Randy Armbrister; from Max Meadows, Virginia is eligible to come off of probation.

Randy came ”in Company” back on July 10, 2011. See that post by clicking HERE .

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

It’s been a good year and I’ve been VERY pleased with Randy’s performance / progress.

He graduated with Honors from Recruit Class #14. A 16 week “Rookie School” where candidates receive State level training and certifications in classes such as Firefighter I & II, EMT-B, Haz-Mat Awareness, EVOC, MAYDAY, RIT and much, much more. It’s basically Firefighter “Boot Camp”.

Randy passed all requirements and graduated receiving the “Captain Chris Brown Character Award” It says a lot about how he handled himself during Recruit School.

As mentioned above, he was assigned to Engine Company #13-C on July 10, 2011 and most think that day (when the Rookies are assigned to company) is when you begin to “coast”….. NOT IN MY COMPANY!

For me, that’s when the recruits begin to learn the difference between “the book” and “the street”. This is the time where Captains and Lieutenants hone a young recruit into shape. It’s where and when they learn the “common sense” of firefighting. There are just so many “tricks” and “techniques” that we’ve learned over the years that just aren’t in the books…. this is our time to pass em on.

Plus, every Company / Department is different. We all have different response areas, different types of building construction, we need different hose loads, different strategies / tactics etc. This is the time that a Firefighter earns his stripes …. it’s when and where they learn to fight fire and become firefighters.

It was no different for Randy.

His first day was all about his SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus). If he didn’t know it inside and out … if he couldn’t operate with it on … if he couldn’t make a bottle last past the front door …. if he couldn’t recognize and correct a potential problem then he would be useless to me, the company and the Battalion.

That day, he did all his station duties wearing his SCBA.

He cleaned and swept. He mopped the floors and even mowed the grass while wearing his SCBA.

I posted about it HERE and took a lot of grief over it.

TRUST ME … I had his best interest in mind. I was not “busting balls” or picking on him. I needed to make sure he was comfortable in his SCBA. I needed to know that he could work in a stressful situation and remember to control his breathing …. trust me AGAIN … HE WAS STRESSED.

Much to my surprise (at the time), Randy did VERY well. I was impressed.

we moved on to Calling the MAYDAY …. Self Rescue … Searching …. Stretching the Line …. Fire Attack … Hydrant work etc.

In the past year, we’ve covered it all and in DETAIL.

I hope Randy has realized how lucky he has been to have had a Senior Firefighter like Todd “Boots” Harris and a Lieutenant like George Perdue to “show him the ropes”.

I think he knows and I’m sure he’s learned a thing or two along the way over the past year. As a Captain, it’s been exciting to watch …. a huge source of PRIDE in knowing that we are passing along something that we LOVE to do.

Again I’ll say that Randy has done VERY well. It’s obvious that this is the job he wants and he’s willing to work for it.

With all that, and a full year behind us; it was time for me to make a decision. Time for me to put MY name on the line.

Time for me to write a letter … one way or the other.

That picture to the left is the letter I wrote. Click on it and enlarge it so you can read it …. I think it’s pretty much self explanitory.

HE MADE IT!

I’m PROUD of Randy!

I’m PROUD of our Training Division, of my Company and of our Department for setting our standards so high. Randy will make a good fireman.

I hope that one day he will remember everything those who have contributed to his development gave … I’m sure he will … it’s in his character. More than that, I hope that one day, he too will pass along all that he’s learned to another young recruit. He should never quit learning.

Here’s the thing …. I’ve submitted the letter. If the Chief accepts it and signs off, the easy part is done …. NOW is when the HARD PART begins.

It’s EASY to get this far …. hundreds if not thousands of members get this far. The “hard” part is “keeping fire in your life”…. staying “Battle Ready”.

Keeping the desire to learn. To train, to stay healthy, physically fit and in the shape to do the job required of you. To keep motivated. To keep the discipline to push yourself to the “next level”. To maintain a positive attitude.

My good friend and Brother Firefighter Zach Green of MN8-FoxFire once gave me a gift. It was a framed quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson and it says ” Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path & leave a trail”

That’s a pretty awesome quote and I think it fits perfectly. Our “Rookies” are the next generation firefighters. We have to give and show them what we know and have learned then hope they carry on the tradition…. I’m excited to see where they take us!

Congratulations to Randy Armbrister and all the other members of Recruit Class #14 who have made it off probation … make us PROUD Brothers!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 14, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, Training, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: brotherhood, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Captain Wines, Fire Critic, firefighter pics, firefighter training, firefighters, IAFF, letters of recommendation, Probationary Firefighters, Randy Armbrister, Recruit Class 14, Rhett Fleitz, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Rookie School, SCBA, Scott Air Packs, Scott AP50, Statter 911, Todd Harris, training, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen, Zach Green

Mixed emotions

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I’ve attended two funerals within a week ( a Funeral and a Memorial service).

First, Rhett (FireCritic.com) and I attended the “visitation” or Family night for fallen Boones Mill VFD Lt. John Echternach Jr.

Lt Echternach became the 46th LODD (Line Of Duty Death) in the United States for 2012, he was the 3rd in Virginia for the year.

He was killed June 29, 2012 while assisting a motorist during the severe storm (derecho) that tore through SW Virginia. You can read more and find various links by clicking HERE .

What I didn’t write about in that post was the survivors. By that, obviously; I mean his family but that also includes his Fire Department Family.

The Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department has had a very rough road here of late.

Just in the last 30 days, they have responded to multiple traumatic fatalities and then had to respond to one of their own. Without the loss of their Brother, these type of incidents alone can be difficult to see / handle. When you add a LODD, it can become unbearable…. that was my first concern.

In the link above, I wrote that Lt. Echternach’s death hit “close to home”. One of the reasons I didn’t mention was / is my relationship with the Boones Mill Chief, Riley Peters.

Riley is a retired Captain from the job (Roanoke fire/EMS October 2009 ), he was my Dad’s Captain for a while. Our relationship off the job (if we ever really are “off” the job) was closer than while on. We shared a business, a hobby and spent most every weekend together.

I call him by his old firehouse nick name, “Big Joe” and consider him family. I mentioned his retirement in an old post from the “Melrose Misfit” days Here.

While on the job in the City, Big Joe tested for Battalion Chief year after year. He always tested well but, for whatever reason; never received the promotion. That was a shame.

Following his retirement, he joined the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department and soon made Chief, not Battalion but Chief of Department. Obviously, the position carries a lot of responsibility.

Some guys snickered saying “ole Riley finally made Chief” … well, the jokes on them because Riley has made a GREAT Chief for Boones Mill ( I wish he would have gotten the same chance in the City … he would have been great to work for).

When I first learned of Lt. Echternach’s death, I called “Big Joe” to check on his and the mental state of his members. He, along with the Franklin County Department of Public Safety; had already called in a CISD (Critical Incident Stress Debriefing) team for a debriefing and had others planned.

These types of meetings / sessions are designed specifically for the mental health (well being) of the members. Big Joe was on top of it. It’s been apparent to me ( as I expected) that Chief Peters’ main focus has been on the family of Lt Echternach, and the members of BMVFD (as it should have been). What has worried me is who’s been looking after “Big Joe”?

I can’t imagine the stress. Everything he is having / had to deal with and no time to grieve from himself. It’s been all about the Family, all about the members (again, as it should be), gotta get this done, coordinate this, notify this agency, file this report etc. A lot of which I’m sure he’s never had to do before.

I’ve talked to him several times since the Funeral and he seems to be doing fine. I actually called him just this morning. He says that there are several others (beyond me) checking in on him and he is very appreciative.

Big Joe is a Fireman’s Fireman and it’s difficult to read his emotions (even for me). I may have to just go kidnap him and get off somewhere with a couple of cold beers. My emotions are mixed in that I’m concerned that he hasn’t had the time or chance to grieve .. to vent. Beyond that, I’m also proud … VERY PROUD of the job he’s done and how he’s handled these difficult times.

To me, it shows the professionalism, of not just Big Joe (Chief Peters) but also of the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department and the Franklin County Department of Public Safety. It’s Pride, Honor, Tradition, Respect and Brotherhood at it’s finest … WELL DONE BROTHERS….. WELL DONE!

The 2nd funeral I attended was that of my 2nd cousin, US Army 1st Lt Chase Prasnicki.

Chase was killed in Afghanistan less than 4 days after he arrived. He was 24 years old and had been married for only 7 months.

John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

Chase was a HERO in all aspects of the word. Read “Another Funeral” HERE.

More coverage of the funeral from local News HERE and HERE .

Again, I found myself saddened, but also honored. It’s difficult for me to explain but I’ll try to give ya a sense of it.

You see, I really didn’t know Chase, he was 20 years my junior. My family owned a piece of land with a cabin on Panther Mountain. That’s where a lot of the boys (and some of the girls) of the family learned our “life lessons” as kids / young adults. I have some GREAT memories of that cabin and my time on the mountain. I’m sure all my cousins do as well …. we were ALL there at one time or another.

Chase was just born when I moved from Rockbridge County to Roanoke. By the time he was running the mountain, I was pulling 24′s in the Fire Department. That said, I knew his mother and grandparents well … we were family.

Like most of you, I have been saddened at the news of our soldiers killed in action….not just Chase, all of them. Saddened but with a sense of understanding. They were in the Armed Forces … they expected to go to battle and hopefully understood the sacrifices they may have been asked to give. Signing up was their 1st act of bravery. That said, I’ve often asked myself “why” and hope that their deaths were not in vein but the honest answer is that I’m really not sure.

The Funeral was humbling. I wore my Class A’s and stood shoulder to shoulder with some real HEROS. Every soldier there had a chest full of medals in honor of their sacrifice and service. The Church was packed and many folks lined the sidewalks to hear the service over a loud speaker.

I ended up taking the Buckaroo with me. We stood along the aisle so that others could sit. He was VERY well behaved. It was almost as if he knew we were at something “special”. We stood between a “Full Bird” Colonel and a Captain. They kept a keen eye on my little fella as he stood in front of me, holding my hat and paying attention to the happenings. It was a long service and a difficult stand. I’m proud to endured that along side so many great men.

The procession to the grave side was even more humbling. I’m not sure if it was because I was “back home” (in the country) or if it was because of Chase’s service but the vehicles traveling in the other direction even pulled over to the right and stopped as we passed (even on the 4 lane highway, Route 11). We just don’t see that here in the City and I had forgotten the “respect” often shown in smaller towns. People were standing in their yards or place of business along the way, holding signs or the American flag …. children and adults …. it brought tears to my eyes to see this type of patriotism, honor and respect.

Back at home, I received several e-mails and comments offering condolences etc and I’d like to take a moment to say THANK YOU.

Two e-mails in particular touched me deeply and I’d like to share parts of those with you.

The first one came from a good friend and Brother Bill Carey (Backstep Firefighter , Fire/EMS Blogs, Firefighter Nation etc). Here’s what he shared with me in part ….

“Immediately after reading that the services are to be held in Lexington I recalled this quote from General Thomas Jackson. I treasure no other historical figure of our nation’s military more that Jackson; his book or maxims is a true value to everyone, especially those in leadership positions. When asked by Captain Imboden abut fearing his own death, Jackson replied

“Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.” “

Bill continued to say …

“To try and speak this to younger generations, especially those in the fire service, it is futile at best. Jackson did not mean to live his life in a fatalistic, laissez-faire attitude, but that he had a religious conviction, deeply grounded, unwavering, that applied not to “the cause” or the military, but to his own personal life. Whether it is old age and blissful retirement or just shy of four days in Afghanistan, may we all have the resolve to ready, to live equally brave, walk safe and live with conviction in what we set out to do, much like your second cousin.”

WOW! and that’s not even the entire e-mail. I can’t THANK Bill enough for his words and hope he doesn’t mind my sharing them with you … they were so powerful and touched me so that I couldn’t help but share them.

Another Brother and friend, Matt VanGiesen also took the time to send me a note. He said (in part) …

“I write this with tears welling in my eyes, for I truly understand the painful journey your family is on. My tears, born of sorrow, also flow with great pride as our country buries another HERO. It is because of great men like Chase that my family and I lie safely in our beds at night… I know that my words can not heal the pain, but offer them I must.”

Matt included THIS LINK to a post he published on his blog “Just a Vollie“

As always, THANKS for following. If you’d like, you can follow the site on Face Book by CLICKING HERE.

I’m back on duty tomorrow and have a post already lined up … you won’t want to miss this one! Until I get back to ya…. stay SAFE and in House.

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 12, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 2012 LODD, Backstep Firefighter, Bill Carey, Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department, brotherhood, Buckaroo, Captain Willie Wines Jr, famous quotes, Fire Critic, firefighter funerals, firefighter pics, firefighters, First Lieutenant Chase Prasnicki, Franklin County Department of Public Safety, funeral, IronFiremen.com, KIA, LODD, Lt. John Echternach J, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Riley Peters, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Statter 911, Stonewall Jackson, US Army 1st Lt Chase Prasnicki, Willie Wines Jr, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen

Another funeral

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John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

I’ll be attending yet another funeral tomorrow. I’m not looking forward to it. I don’t do well at them.

This one will be a little more difficult … it’s family.

My 2nd cousin, First Lieutenant Chase Prasnicki; was killed in Afghanistan by an IED on June 27th. He was a West Point Graduate and ”in Country” less than 4 days.

He’s now at home in many ways and will be laid to rest in Rockbridge County tomorrow.

The service will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Lexington, Va. at 11am. It’s the Church I grew up in as a child. His burial will follow in Buena Vista at Greenhill Cemetery… Details of arrangements HERE .

I grieve for the loss of a family member, a soldier and such a young man, Chase was 24 years old. It angers me as the death toll rises in Iraq and Afghanistan ( Faces of the Fallen ). It also fills me with PRIDE that we still have men and women willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man.

Our family has a deep and rich history of Military Service (as well as Public Service).

Although I did not make it into the Marine Corp, I will wear my Fire Department Class A uniform tomorrow.

I’ll wear it for several reasons.

To me, much like the Marine Corp Dress Blues; our uniform symbolizes Honor, Pride, Tradition and Respect. I’ll wear it in HONOR of Chase, those who have fallen before him and those who may fall after.

I also think our uniform reminds folks that we too know loss and sacrifice. We too are on the “front lines”. It all started with the murderous attacks of September 11, 2001 and we too were there to answer the call. I think a Fire Department uniform will fit just fine with all of the military ones that I’m sure will be present.

I hope you feel the same when wearing your Class A’s. I hope that every time you put it on, you remember our 343, every LODD and all of our soldiers who have and continue to fight and die for our freedoms.

More about Chase HERE HERE and HERE .

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 9, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, in-the-line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: brotherhood, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Captain Wines, Class A's, Dress Blues, Fire Critic, Fire Department Uniforms, firefighters, First Lieutenant Chase Prasnicki, funeral services, KIA, LODD, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Roanoke Fire/EMS, USMC, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen

Line Of Duty Death (LODD) #46, 3rd in Va.

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According to the US Fire Administration’s web site, Lt. John Echternach Jr. of the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department became the 46th LODD in the United States and the 3rd from Virginia in 2012 (complete list HERE).

His memorial service was held yesterday in Boones Mill.

Lt. Echternach was responding to a report of a house fire on the evening of June 29th as a severe storm (derecho) tore through SW Virginia. While enroute to the station, John came across a vehicle, in the middle of the road; that a tree had fallen across. He stopped to assist the occupants when a second tree fell and struck him. He was pronounced dead at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

This is another LODD that hit very “close to home” for me and several members of Roanoke Fire/EMS.

Many of our Fire Service careers started in Franklin County as volunteers. I started as a member of the Burnt Chimney VFD while my Lt. (George Perdue) served many years in Scruggs.

Several of our members also hold the honorable distinction of being “Life Members” of the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department. Just here at Lucky #13, on A-Shift; Captain Lynn Flora and Lt. Barry Ferguson served with Boones Mill.

They actually took our rig (along with Lt. Steve Jordan, another past member of Boones Mill) and covered the Boones Mill Station during the Memorial Service yesterday.

The picture above (left) is our Honor Guard folding the flag during the service. The honor Guard is made up of members from Roanoke Fire/EMS, Salem Fire/EMS and Roanoke County Fire / Rescue. These Brothers and Sisters ALWAYS do a fantastic job and I’ve heard nothing but good things from yesterdays service.

I would list their names, but they have none. They wear no Rank designation nor name plates. One of the Captains explained to me that when the Honor Guard is working “we don’t have a name, we don’t have a face .. we don’t exist as individuals. It’s not about us, it’s about that family and seeing that they are taken care of”.

WOW! I’d also like to share with you a tribute that Steve Mills wrote in honor of Lt. Echternach. I believe Steve has served with the Boones Mill VFD for at least 30 years now. His tribute was published in our local paper, The Roanoke Times.

“Today we bid farewell to a hero, Lt. John L. Echternach Jr., of the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department.

John never piloted a disabled jetliner to safe landing in the Hudson River, nor did he perform a daring rescue of a wounded comrade while under enemy fire.

There will be no books written about John, and his life’s story won’t be gloried on the silver screen.

Slight in stature, John didn’t look like a hero, and his quiet and unassuming personality didn’t suggest that he was, either. But John Echternach personified the unsung hero who resides in all of us, yet all too seldom rises to the surface.”

Read the entire Tribute by clicking HERE .

Va Fire News

The Franklin News -Post

WDBJ 7

Boones Mill VFD on Face Book

Franklin County Department of Public Safety

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 8, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 2012 LODD, Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department, brotherhood, Captain Willie Wines Jr, derecho, Engine Company 13, FEMA, Fire Critic, Fire Department Honor Guard, firefighter pics, firefighters, Franklin County Department of Public Safety, Honor Guard, house fire, Line of duty Death, Lt. John Echternach Jr, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Severe Storm, severe weather, US Fire Administration, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen

Camera tricks from The Fire Critic, a mixed bag including Roanoke working

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We’re back on duty for the middle day of our cycle. We returned from our 4 day break to work the 4th of July.

Our day was fairly quiet but the pace picked a little just after dark.

I was still “riding the car” as acting Battalion last day. That’s why the night was busy (I’m a black cloud).

I also had a ride a long with me for 1/2 the shift … and that’s why the day was quiet.

Nate Camfiord has lived in the area before, but has spent the last several years up in Northern Va. He’s looking to relocate back to our area and decided to look me and Rhett up while here.

I had never meet Nate before but we are “friends” on Face Book. He posts a lot of fire related pictures and they’ve always caught my attention…. he’s caught some GREAT shots. I gave him a tour of the City and our stations and he was able to snag a few shots along the way.

They’re not like “buff” pictures … Nate’s shots seem to “tell a story”. If you haven’t seen his work, check em out on his FB page by clicking HERE .

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book..click HERE

My pictures are nowhere near the caliber of Nate’s but I did think this was a pretty neat shot.

I also have a CRAP camera.

Several years back, the Melrose Misfits bought me a Cannon Power shot. I LOVED it! That baby took a beating. I carried it in my gear, on the rig or where ever.

Finally, I she had all she could take a month or so back and it was replaced with Kodak something or another. I don’t like this one at all. From what I can tell, the Cannon is discontinued so I’m going to have to find a suitable replacement. If you have any suggestions …. send em my way.

So anyway, the picture was taken from atop Engine 5. As soon as Nate left the station from his ride a long, we caught this run for a kitchen fire…. LOL that’s always how it works.

I also found a video that was shot while we were working an extrication. Engine #13 responded for a hit and run. We arrive to find moderate damage and the front doors jammed. I established command and called in the boys from Ladder 5. They got all 4 doors and the roof making for GREAT patient access. Also on scene were Medics #5 and #4.

So, I’ve gotten a few comments / questions about The Fire Critic (Rhett Fleitz) and his lack of postings of late. Well, rest assured, my little buddy is alive and well.

He’s taken a little bit of “family time” (which is very contagious) and he’s been without power since the big storm last week.

Well, it’s been all that plus this “workout kick” he’s been on.

Yea … Rhett’s on a workout kick. He’s EAT UP with it actually.

Now, I don’t care what he does at the station but his new fascination is even affecting our personal lives.

On our last road trip, he was sipping on some kind of health shakes that his wife mixed up for him before we left… yea Statter … it was like putting bottles in the diaper bag before heading out.

THEN at the hotel, I get out of the shower to find this –>

Can you guess who packed which bottle??? LMAO … it’s almost embarrassing. I mean my little buddy on steroids … all JUICED up!

That stuff ain’t good for ya.

It’s already started to mess with his brain. This stuff has got him so screwed up that he went out and bought a used tire to “play with” at the Station.

He calls it his “toy” and says he spends all day out on the pool just flipping it around. Why didn’t he just grab a tin can out of their recycle bin and go out and kick that around?

That’s what I used to do as a kid and I turned out fine. AND .. I’m in good shape….. hell, I’m in my PRIME ..LOL

Well, I’ve done a little digging and think that Rhett my be using some of his old “camera tricks” on us … yep this photo may have been staged.

My investigation found that they actually have 2 “workout tires” at Station #3.

One for Big Dave Lucas and a “special” one for Rhett

Aint it cute Dave Statter???? And just his size too …LOL

Ahhhh … the things little Rhett can do with photo shop. I think he even doctored those arms in the pic above…

LOL … all kidding aside, Rhett has been working our very regular and it’s paying off. I wish I had his drive and dedication. He even managed to squeeze a post out about it… Read “A New Toy at the Firehouse”

In other news, Rookie Randy is home from his Honeymoon and Back to duty.

I’ve been worried SICK since he’s been gone.

Off somewhere, shacked up in some hotel room doing Lord knows what.

Now he’s home, all tired and dirty. I’m not sure what he got into but it’s bad.

He’s got something on his lip that wont wash off.

I’ve scrubbed and scrubbed. I even did the ol Granny trick … you know … lick your thumb and scrub. LMAO … Randy says it’s a “mustache” … he CAN’T be serious. With a peach fuzz, dirt smudge on his upper lip, he’s going to talk to ME about mustaches???

I also need to pass along a PSA.

If your riding around in the Catawba area and see my Dodge 5500 (the “Cowboy Cadillac”) , any of my tractors, a fork lift, 4 wheeler or a pedal car fire truck coming … yeild and move to the right.

The Buckaroo, at 4 years old; now has his driver’s license …LOL

I don’t know where or why he got the idea but he’s been on a mission to get/have a driver’s license.

Well, all he had to do (and he knew it) was to tell his Granny. She promised to make him one and mail it to him straight away.

I couldn’t drive past the mail box without stopping for a week. Well, it arrived and he was tickled to death!

Just the fact that there was a letter in there addressed to him had him excited.

I’m going to stop here for tonight and try to get a little rest.

I’ve got a long day of storm clean up and hay to make tomorrow. If any of ya feel like chucking some square bales in 100 degree heat tomorrow, just give me a call…LOL

We’ll be back on duty Sunday to finish up the cycle.

I’ll check back in with ya then but, until I do …. stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 6, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: brotherhood, Buckaroo, building fire, Cannon Sure Shot, Captain Wines, Dave Statter, Evan Williams, fire buff, Fire Critic, Fire Department ride alongs, fire video, firefighter pics, firefighters, house fire, Ironfiremen, Kodak, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, physical fitness, Randy Armbrister, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Statter 911, used tires, video, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen, work outs

It’s like a circus in Buchanan but they’re calling it a carnival…they even have a parade

35 comments

I don’t even know where to start with this post.

The Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department (Botetourt County, Va) is holding their Annual 4th of July Carnival this week. Tonight, they even close down Main Street and have a Parade right through the middle of town… “Enjoy displays of dozens and Fire and Rescue Vehicles as they make thier way up Main Street joined by marching units, bands, floats and displays by local civic organizations.”

LMAO … I can see that line up now.

Personally, I don’t see the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department holding a “Carnival” as such a big deal … it seems to me as if they’ve been running a 3 ring circus down there all year long!

Buchanan’s Chief, Billy Joe Carter; has placed himself and his Department in the headlines of our local media several times this year. He first drew my attention back in January, 2012 when he was injured on a fire. After my Initial Post, there were several issues from that incident that drew my attention and raised questions in my mind.

I raised some of those questions / concerns in a later post titled “The Illusion of Death”

In February, Botetourt County was in the process of hiring an Emergency Services Coordinator … a much needed position. Chief Carter was outspoken and very much opposed to the new position. Here’s how he was quoted in our local paper ….

“He said Tuesday that if an emergency services director assumes control of a scene “there are going to be a lot of hurt feelings and busted noses.”

Read that previous post HERE

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Days later, he was interviewed by one of our local TV news stations where he announced that we was stepping down as Chief citing “you can’t fight politics” … (Read “The Plot Thickens“) . As it turned out, he didn’t resign at all. In my next post, “Volunteer Leadership“; I wrote “The Buchanan VFD missed a golden opportunity. They should have accepted his resignation, taken his pager, radio and keys then filed a restraining order.”

Later, I learned that Chief Carter and other members of the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department may have had past criminal records. Not misdemeanors … felonies. I posted about that issue HERE .

Now, he and a former BVFD member are back in the headlines and, this time; the charges are much more serious.

Police have charged Steven Patrick Prease, a former Buchanan firefighter; with two counts of capital attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and one count of capital attempted murder of other persons .

Apparently, all of the details of the event weren’t readily shared in the paper. Read the initial article from Roanoke.com …

Botetourt County man faces attempted murder charges after standoff

But wait….. IT GETS WORSE!

Chief Carter was also on the scene that night and is now under criminal investigation by the Virginia State Police!

Botetourt Co. sheriff says Buchanan fire chief complicated event

Here’s how I understand the story …. Apparently, police responded to a domestic dispute where shots had been fired. Later, a witness says that the suspect was out in the street “pacing” when 2 men came walking out of the woods. The suspect apparently recognized one of the men as Chief Carter (as did the witness) and yelled “Whoa, Jimbo! We’ve got us a war tonight!”

The suspect then went back inside the home and got a gun. He came back outside and interacted with Carter before the two ran into the woods with Carter lighting the way. Later, at about 1am; the witness says she heard approximately 20 gun shots. The Sheriff was unable to confirm the number of shots fired.

Authorities were eventually able to get Carter to come out of the woods and Prease followed some time later. No one was injured in the shoot out. Prease was arrested and is being held without bond.

Carter was quoted in the article …. “I wasn’t working with the sheriff’s office because the sheriff’s office didn’t want my help,” Carter said. “I was doing it as a friend. But more I was doing it as a brother. You don’t forget who you ride with.”

“The sheriff criticized the actions of the fire chief, describing them as an interference.”

“I don’t know how to put out fires and he don’t know how to investigate a crime,” Sprinkle said. “You’re skirting the issue of obstructing justice. He needed to back off, I don’t care how good a friend he is.”

Another black eye and more damaging press for Botetourt County and the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department. It seems to me as if there has been one common denominator in all their issues / troubles and I can’t figure out why they don’t just get rid of the problem.

I hate to say “I told you so” but ….. I told you so. One of my latest posts, “Porn Star or felon…which do you want in your station” drew a lot of comments. Many of which (to my surprise) defended a felon’s right to a 2nd chance and the opportunity to serve his/her community in a Fire/EMS capacity. I wonder if those people who commented still feel the same way after reading Buchanan’s latest issues.

Is this continued behavior the result of a criminal history or is it a lack of management / leadership from higher authorities within Botetourt County?

I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts on this one …. I’ll keep ya posted as more details emerge. Until then, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 5, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: Botetourt County, Botetourt County Emergency Services, brotherhood, Buchanan 4th of July Carnival, Buchanan 4th of July Parade, Buchanan Vol. Fire Chief Billy Joe Carter, Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department, Captain Willie Wines Jr, convicted felons, Dave Statter, Fire Critic, firefighters, Harmony Rose, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, police stand off, Porn Star, Roanoke.com, shoot out, Steven Patrick Prease, The Roanoke Times

To the Rescue

3 comments

I’ve had several interesting conversations this week about the Fire Service and our members.

In a time of crisis, such as with the severe storms this past Friday; we are always front page. I don’t think most folks realize that we are on the job 24/7. Even the days when thousands of people don’t need us, there are still several hundred who do. We are always working … even on our days off.

One of the conversations I had was kind of centered around “helping our own”. Actually, the question “who helps us ( first responders ) ” was asked. Who comes to “our” rescue? My first though was “you’ve got to be kidding”. There are so many people out there working on our behalf … directly or indirectly. Really??? Like who?

I began to throw out names …. see how many you know and think of their contributions to the Fire Service before clicking on their name for a link to their bio.

Glenn Gaines

Harold Schaitberger

That’s a VERY impressive list …. each a huge contributor to the Fire Service and all advocates for our health and safety. These were just the names “off the top of my head”. I could have listed many more. How many did you recognize? Do you know the work they’ve done (and continue to do) on your (our) behalf? YOU SHOULD!

How about this one …. Shane Parkins.

Shane heads up the National Firefighters Endowment. Everyday, Shane is working to get firefighters the money and equipment we need to remain safe and effectively do our jobs.

Here’s a quote from their “about” page …
“National Firefighters Endowment is a non-profit, public charity with a driving passion to protect the lives of our firefighters. We believe that small actions can have life altering results and that the right equipment in the hands of our heroes can literally be the difference between life and death. “

Here’s the thing … Shane makes it EASY. Even now, he’s running a $5,000-$6,000 dollar equipment grant. All you have to do is submit a short video explaining your need and why your department deserves to be chosen. Click HERE for full details.

Here’s another thing …. Shane thinks that WE are the heros. I hope he understands just how much his work means to us out on the streets. It’s not easy. We are good friends and talk often. I can attest to the fact that Shane often finds himself wondering how to fund “this” or “that”. I also know that many times, he often uses his own money to assure our Brothers and Sisters are well equipped.

You can help. You can help the National Firefighters Endowment help Brother and Sister firefighters all across the Country. It’s cheap, easy and full of reward.

Join the NFE Officer’s Club HERE

The National Firefighters Endowment Officer’s Club allows you to make a monthly donation as low as $10 per month. In return, you’ll receive 1 of 343 Challenge Coins and be entered into monthly giveaways. Hit the link above to learn more about the different ranks/levels within the Officer’s Club.

How about Bob Gard? Never heard of him either??? Bob is a Brother firefighter from South Dakota. More than that, he is the organizer of the South Dakota Firefighter’s Benefit to be held on September 15, 2012 in Sioux Falls.

It’s the first ever benefit of this kind to be held in South Dakota. Bob is bringing firefighters from all across the State together in an effort to help not themselves, but firefighters and their families from all across the Country!

“The SD Firefighter Benefit was created to bring firefighters from across the state together to raise money for organizations that are solely funded by donations, and work to better the fire service. This year we have selected the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation find out more about this organization at www.firehero.org, the second organization is the National Firefighter Endowment find out more herewww.thethinredline.org.”

Can’t make it out to Sioux Falls?? Don’t panic …. you can still help. A $10 donation will get you entered into a drawing where the Benefit is giving away a custom Phenix Leather Helmet and 2 cash prizes ( $300 and $100).

The Helmet is AWESOME and even comes with a custom front.

Every $10 donation gives you another entry in the drawing.

More DETAILS by clicking HERE

You can use the secure “DONATE” tab located at the bottom right hand side of the link above.

It will be the best $10 you’ve spent …. hit the link!

Zach Green of MN8-FoxFire

Need another one???? How about Zach Green.

Zach is an “illuminating Genius” and the owner / President of MN8-FoxFire.

No, MN8-FoxFire is NOT a non-profit business but I can tell you for certain that Zach’s main focus is firefighter safety.

Beyond that, Zach and the MN8-FoxFire team have come to the aid of our Brothers and Sisters MANY times.

Raising money for the FDNY Rescue 2 MayDay Fund, Supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, The National Firefighter’s Endowment and the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs. He has donated product to our Brothers and Sisters in Detroit and MANY, MANY more worthy causes.

Rhett and I do some work for Zach and MN8-FoxFire but more than that, we are good friends. I say that because I know where his heart is …. with his fellow Brothers and Sisters of the Fire Service.

Now, Zach and MN8-FoxFire is taking it to the next level. Recently, he traveled to Canada where he had the honor of meeting Wayne Jasper. Wayne is the Director & LODD Chairman of the CFFF (Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation).

Their conversation turned to the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial…. both Canadian and American. He was shocked to learn of the poor showing from Americans at the Canadian event and vowed to make a difference.

A LODD (Line Of Duty Death) doesn’t stop at the border … they affect us all … the BROTHERHOOD.

Read Zach’s post from his visit to Canada HERE

The result of Zach’s trip and talk with Wayne is that we are now organizing a bus trip to Ottawa, Ontario for the 2012 Canadian Firefighters Annual Memorial Ceremony and Dedication of the Canadian Firefighters Memorial!

The event will be held at 10am on September 9, 2012. Our bus will be pulling out of Cincinnati, Ohio on Friday September 7th. We will make another stop / pick up in Detroit and return home on the 9th, following the events.

This is going to be a GREAT trip!! By chartering a bus, we are able to make it affordable but we need your help in filling the seats. Help us show our Canadian Brothers how strong the Brotherhood is here in the USA. Help us show them that Brotherhood extends well beyond any border.

We will be staying in the Main Stay Suites which are located within walking distance of the Memorial and anything else we may need. We priced the room at 2 people per room but each room is a “suite”. They have 2 bedrooms, plus a fold out (so we can obviously sleep more than 2 per room if you have a group that wishes to do so.

To go, you MUST have a valid passport and you can NOT have a criminal record. As it stands now, if we get a min. of 30 passengers, the cost will be $530 each. That’s 3 days and 2 nights, travel and hotel. If we get 40 passengers, the cost drops to $470 and if we fill the bus at 50, the cost will be $440. The cost will also drop per person if you elect to sleep more than 2 people per room.

We only have a few weeks to hold our reservations so let us know your thoughts …. good idea or not. I think it is and I also think that if you go, it will be a trip you’ll never forget. We have a lot of “surprises” in the plans already.

Purchase your ticket HERE or call Robyn at 540-461-0954 for more details

So there ya have it …. a pretty decent list of members helping members. Just a few of the folks who come to “our” Rescue. Again I’ll say that this list could be MUCH longer and I apologize to those whom I didn’t include. I’ll add a note of THANKS to all of those (mentioned or not) who give of their selves for our fellow Brothers and Sisters. If you know someone who fits this bill, be sure to thank them as well.

I’m back on duty tomorrow as Acting Battalion. I’ll check in as soon as possible but until then, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 3, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: Bobby Halton, brotherhood, Canadian Fallen Firefighters Memorial, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Chief Billy Goldfedder, Dave Iannone, Dennis Compton, Fire Critic, Fire Engineering Magazine, Fire Hero.org, Fire Rescue Magazine, Fire/Ems Blog Network, firefighter pics, firefighters, Glenn Gaines, Go Forward Media, Harold Schaitberger, Hero Rush, IAFF, IronFiremen.com, LODD, MN8 FoxFire, MN8 products, National Firefighters Endowment, NFE Officer's Club, NFFF, Phenix Leather Helmets, Ron Siarnicki, South Dakota Firefighters Benefit, The Thin Red Line Card, Tim Sendelbach, Zach Green

A vision of calm in the midst of hell

4 comments

I’m on 4-day break and glad of it.

I’ve been the acting Battalion this past cycle and on our last day, I had the worst shift of my career.

I say that for several reasons and if you can stick with me for a while, I’ll try to explain why.

My last tour was this past Friday, June 29, 2012. That’s when the storm hit. I don’t know what “kind” of storm it was but I know it was bad. The worst I’ve seen. I’ve never been in a tornado but I can only imagine that what we encountered is what they sound and feel like. It wasn’t a tornado (or at least I don’t think it was) but there were several things that struck me as odd.

First, there was NO WARNING. I received a text message a few minutes before it hit. The text was from an off duty Battalion saying “bad storm headed your way … just saying”.

The second odd thing was that there was no rain … just VERY high winds. We are used to severe thunder storms around here but this was different.

I had just gotten back to the station. The boys had saved me a plate from dinner and I was starting to warm it up. We began to hear the wind howling through the cracks of the doors and windows of the brand new station. It commanded our attention.

Some of the guys stepped out side. That was a mistake. They were immediately sand blasted by dust and debris. Visibility was less than 20 feet. Then, the tones hit.

We were out the door, responding towards our first of what would be hundreds of incidents. We were headed towards an apartment fire off Hollins Road. I was first out with the Engine and Ladder following. Within 2 blocks, I was in shock. ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE.

I’m not a veteran, but I felt as if I was in a war zone. It was almost like the movies. Power lines were arcing and falling in front of the Chiefs buggy as I swerved right, then left to dodge the falling trees and limbs. It was an obstacle of total chaos.

Dispatch called while I was en route…. she told me that they were over run with calls and weren’t sure what to do. I advised her to switch CAD over to “Crisis Mode” and to do the best they could, I’d call her back when possible. I then began to call Administrative Chiefs and update them on what was happening. Apparently, the storms hadn’t hit their communities yet because they didn’t seem too excited. A call from me alone should have been a “hint” that things were getting bad in the City.

When I cleared the first incident, dispatch advised that she had more incidents pending than we had apparatus to respond. She further advised that she had Medic Units (ambulances) responding to reports of house fires by them selves …. NO Engines or Ladders available!

Dispatch split the incidents into two tach channels, North side incidents on one, South side incidents on another. Our rigs were scattered. Engine #6 (from the South side) ended up in my Battalion and I couldn’t have been more happy. The Captain on E6 for C-shift is Scott Mutter. Scott and I came up together and I consider him the best firefighter we have on the job. I knew I could give him assignments and not worry … not that I couldn’t do that with other companies … it’s just that comfort factor that Scottie and I have with each other.

I ended up on a brush fire just across the tracks on the South Side. It was decent in size but under live, arcing wires. With me in the Chief’s buggy, there was nothing I could do. Scott and Engine 6 were close by, so I called him in and left the Police on scene until he arrived.

My next call sent me back into North West. Another report of a house fire. En route, I was once again dodging downed trees and power lines. Dispatch came back and advised multiple calls on this one and that it was fully involved.

My route in was blocked by trees and wires so Medic #5 got in first. They confirmed the reports but I didn’t need that … I could already see it from blocks away.

What I’ve failed to describe to this point is how many incidents and directions I had responded to up until this point. There was no rhyme or reason … we were going everywhere … from one incident to the next, trying to do our best. There was not an Engine or Ladder in the territory it should have been.

I had NO IDEA who or how many Engines I had coming. A Medic was on scene and then Engine #2 pulled up.

Engine #2 didn’t lay a line but went straight to work on one of the exposures (the Bravo one). The next Engine coming (Engine #8 from deep South West) was to be 2nd in and they caught the closest hydrant and got it into E2.

It was a long lay and the hydrant SUCKED. Engine #6 had heard everything happening and headed our way … it was a good thing.

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Streets were blocked, lines were arcing, trucks were stuck at dead ends due to debris. I had a single Engine on scene and no water. I was fixing to loose the entire block! Companies were arriving not knowing what order they were in … 1st in, 2nd in etc. Even though I gave directions of travel, most of them couldn’t be completed due to debris etc.

In my career, I have never felt out of control on an incident until this one!

Two Captains immediately came to my rescue. Captain R.T. “Skippy” Flora (E5) and Captain Robert Perdue (E14) came to the command post and began to assist. Things were still “going to hell in a hand basket” but I wasn’t standing there alone at this point. Again, I’ll say that I’m not sure I can make you understand the “state” we were in …. I had never been inundated with this many incidents. I had never witnessed this much destruction in and entire shift, much less within an hour…. then I seen him.

Father Webb was on scene and our eyes met.

He had been doing a ride-a-long with Engine #6 and there he stood.

When our eyes met, he had a calm look on his face. He smiled at me and winked as if to say he was secure in knowing that I was in command. I don’t think he had a clue how lost I was at the time or how bad our situation was but just that simple nod and wink brought me back to reality.

Father Webb, wearing his white leather and gold shield couldn’t have been more reassuring and calming for me. He must have thought that everything would be fine because I was there, but I knew it would be because he was. That’s when things started to come together.

I had called for a second alarm (which was stupid) and things were falling into place. The building of origin was confirmed to have been evacuated with all occupants out safely. The two exposures were searched and also found to be “all clear”. Engine #2 had saved the exposure and now we were focused on the building of origin.

Multiple lines were laid and we even established a relay from 4 blocks away to assure a good water supply. Despite our efforts, the house was a total loss and seemed sure to collapse into the Bravo exposure. It was still burning and sending members inside was NOT an option. I called in an excavation crew to execute a “controlled collapse” … to knock it down where WE wanted it to fall so we could continue to put it out. That was ANOTHER “first” in my career.

The title of this post relates to Father Webb being on scene. Again I’ll say that in my career, I have never seen this much destruction, had this many calls or had our resources spread so thin at one time. I was totally OVERWHELMED and our Chaplain provided that “vision of calm in the midst of HELL”. It’s not a fair comparison but it took me back to 9/11. I can’t help but to think that our Brothers and Sisters of the FDNY felt that same “calm” as they saw Father Judge in the lobby of the towers. Again, I know it’s not the same but it’s also not the first time I’ve related Father Webb to Father Judge …

See a previous post by clicking HERE

So, After seeing Father Webb, things ran a lot smoother but I messed up ten ways to Sunday on this one. The good news is that nobody was injured and I learned several lessons.

At the time I marked a working fire and requested a 2nd alarm, I think we had somewhere around 140 calls pending. 140 calls waiting for a rig to clear so they could respond to another incident ALONE!

I never should have committed all those resources to a single incident. Lucky for me, this was the biggest incident of the night ( maybe because I made it so). There could have been other incidents where we were more needed. At one point, I had 7 Engines, 3 Ladders and 4 Medic units assigned.

I should have held only 2 Engines and a Ladder and concentrated on saving the exposures …. we WERE in crisis mode and I ended up knocking the house of origin down anyway.

Why was I thinking about this one incident when we had 140 some others pending?

I shouldn’t even have been responding to incidents … our Oficers are more than capable of running an incident and I could have been of more use in the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) or dispatch.

That’s why I’ve never made Chief … I think like a fireman!

I was lucky again in that my decision didn’t affect other families. I got Companies cleared reasonably quick and we continued to run calls throughout the night. ALL MEMBERS of Roanoke Fire/EMS did an outstanding job that night…. NO LIVES WERE LOST !

I’ll post more on this event very soon … it’s one of those incidents that I just cant “shake”. It came out of nowhere, without warning and put me in the middle of what seemed like a war zone. I was out of my element and didn’t make the decisions that I thought I was poised to make. I was not as “battle ready” as I thought.

The other part to this story is that it’s far from over. Virginia is in a “State of Emergency” and many remain without electricity. Temps are at or above 100 degrees with no relief in sight. There was millions of dollars of damages last Friday and I’ll bet that the insurance companies will call the events “an act of God” to avoid paying (which is sure to raise tempers along with the temperatures). The power companies are telling us that it may be weeks before electricity is restored. No water, no ice, food spoiling etc. Stores are closed and prices will soar will they can reopen. I don’t know how much more we can take. We are about to be tested again …. I think I’m better prepared for the next round… I hope it wont be as bad as I think it will but either way, I still hope Father Webb (or your Chaplain) is close by.

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 1, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, Fire Dispatch, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, major-incidents, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 2nd alarm, brotherhood, building collaspe, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Crisis Mode, Father Mychal Judge, Father Sandy Webb, fire, Fire Critic, Fire Department Chaplain Programs, firefighter pics, firefighters, fully involved, fully involved structure fire, house fire, IronFiremen.com, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, major fire, major incident, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Scott Mutter, Severe Storm, State of Emergency, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen

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