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2 Great events and a miracle in Roanoke

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There are several GREAT events coming up and 2 of them will be here in Roanoke.

The 1st I want to remind you about is our 5th Annual Fire Officer Development Seminar to be held at the Roanoke Civic Center on September 20th and 21st.

This year the speaker will be Christopher J. Naum, SFPE. Chris has a long list of credentials which includes Chief of Training for the Command Institute in Washington DC. You may also know Chris from some very popular sites such as Command Safety, Buildings on Fire and The Company Officer .

This years topic will be  “Five Star Command; Redefining Fire Officer Training for Operational Safety & Excellence”. You DO NOT want to miss this event! Winchester to Bristol …. anywhere within 100 miles (or more)  needs to be here. I honestly don’t think that there is a firefighter or Department in Virginia that will not take something away from Chris’ lecture.

Rhett and I will also be on hand and helping with the event. That said, you know we’re going to end up somewhere drinking a few beers and talking over all the latest happenings in the Fire Service…. that alone is worth the trip..LOL.

Registration is still open and we have plenty of room so bring your entire company. The presentation is the same both days so you only need to attend 1 day. The classes last from 08:30-16:30 each day with lunch and “break” snack provided . We also have some great items to give away and raffle.

The 2nd event is FIRED UP FOR A CURE and Roanoke’s Bravest will be out in force to help extinguish Breast Cancer!

“The goal of this event is to prevent, educate and advocate about the importance of self breast exams, mammograms and also to remind citizens to practice their fire safety plans”. 

The event will also be held at the Civic Center on September 22, 2012 (the day after the Officer Development Seminar).

It’s a family oriented event with TONS of activities.

The day begins with a 5 & 10k run.

Even if you don’t participate in the run / walk, be sure to show up and cheer on those who do … you never know who see.

Yep … that’s Rhett ( Lt Rhett Fleitz of FireCritic.com) and his beautiful wife Becky after last year’s 5k.

Rhett and Becky ran as a couple last year. They finished 67 & 68th @ 32minutes and 27 seconds… VERY RESPECTABLE!

They are planning on running again this year.

You may also find …. The Roanoke Fire-EMS fire safety house and fire trucks, Free food, Roanoke police department displays, Live DJ, kids’ activities, raffles and door prizes, Breast cancer awareness displays and much more!

Visit Fired Up For A Cure’s Web Site or find them on Face Book

 Ok, there’s the events … here is the “miracle”…

That’s Roanoke City’s Engine 8 parked inside of Historic Fire Station #1.

Now, to many of you; this is no big deal but for those of us who were around for Station #1′s closing … it is.

You see, among all the “smoke and mirrors” a previous Chief used to “sell” shutting down the station there is one statement I haven’t forgotten.

That Chief gave the main reason for closing stations as that they could not accommodate “modern day fire equipment” … they wouldn’t fit. I guess he was thinking it was easier to build new stations rather than put a little extra thought into out truck specs.

After all, that is a 2012 Pierce Engine backed into the station (psssst … look past the gals fellas … there IS a fire truck behind them..LOL).  Read more on the closing of Fire Station #1 HERE .

LOL … so that’s the miracle and I couldn’t let the opportunity to share it pass by.

Ok, so today is the last of our cycle and Rhett is working for Randy.

I think Randy’s brain needed a little rest. Our Lieutenant, George Perdue has started working with him on driving / pumping. Those of you have follow the site regularly will know that our little “Rookie Randy” just made it off probation last month. Learning to drive and pump is just the beginning of what he now has to learn.

Read “And NOW, the hard part begins..” Click HERE

We’ve had a busy morning but this evening hasn’t been too bad.

Rhett seems a little excited due to the fact that he’s riding backwards. He actually thinks he may get on the nozzle tonight. What I haven’t explained to him is that I plan on stopping at the hydrant so he’ll be out doing the “Hydrant Wrench Shuffle” while I make the stretch …LMAO.

Here’s a shot of us posing with the newest addition to our Challenge Coin and patch collection.

They were sent to us by Brother  David Lee Pfeil Jr of the Fort Detrick, Forest Glen Fire and Emergency Services Station #54 in Maryland.

He is also IAFF Local F-151 

Both the coin and patch are AWESOME … THANKS Brother!

Send us your coin and you too can have it proudly displayed on Ironfiremen or FireCritic.com

Gonna wrap it up for tonight and try to get a little rest. The pace has kinda “pick up” around here … we just took in a bad one (EMS run) but I can’t give details yet. I will give a helmet tip to the Brothers and Sister from Medic #4 and RS1 … good job guys!

Ok, until I get back, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on August 23, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Crash kills 3 just miles from recently closed Wythe County Fire Station

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I’m learning more and more about the state of Fire and Emergency Medical Services in rural Wythe County, Va. and it seems as though County Administrators have a lot of cleaning up to do.

In my last post,  I told you about the Wythe County Board of Supervisors closing the doors of the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department. They sited the lack of “formal training” and financial issues as reasoning for the closure. I’m now learning that these are not the first “issues” the Board has had with the Speedwell  VFD.

Apparently, back at the first of the year; the board  passed a resolution banning convicted felons from serving on Fire or Rescue Departments (a good move in my opinion).

In September 2011, Michael Hale a 40 year Fire Department volunteer and then Chief of Speedwell VFD; admitted to and was convicted of felony embezzlement. Hale took more than $150,000 from his then employer (The Paper Clip) and sent it to his son who was feeding a heroin addiction

The Wythe County Board passed the new resolution just days after Hale’s release but apparently, he has been found inside the Speedwell Firehouse since. The Speedwell VFD was instructed to remove Hale from the rooster but did not do so until late June 2012. Additionally, the leadership of Speedwell would / did not release requested financial information / records to a special Task Force.

Hale was well liked and defended by many Wythe County residents who testified to his character. Mary Hedlund, then treasurer for the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department said “He’s just a good, honest person and would just help anybody any way he can”. Cue the banjos because I’m not sure I’ve met too many “good, honest” people who have stolen $150,000.

More from TriCities.com by clicking HERE

The County even formed a Task Force to study their local Fire / Rescue Departments in an effort to strengthen the relationship between the Volunteers and the Board. Sadly, it appears that the new Chief, Alfred Rosenbaum is no better than their last. It doesn’t seem like he’s been very cooperative or willing to work with County Administrators. The Task Force submitted 25 recommendations to the board. They only acted on shutting down Speedwell (for reorganization) and tabled the remaining 24 pending further review.

Supervisor Gary Houseman, the Task Force Chair, speaking of the Speedwell VFD; told the board “the task force does not see anything improving if we leave it alone”.

More from SWVAtoday.com HERE

Does any of this sound vaguely familiar?  It reminds me a lot of the Buchanan / Botetourt County issues that I’ve posted on recently (cue the banjos again please). If you’re new to the site and missed that circus, click the link below and follow all the links inside the post for the full picture …

Click HERE to read .. “It’s like a circus in Buchanan …”

 But wait … Wythe County’s problems go even deeper.  Now, the Wythe County Rescue Squad is also being investigated for “misappropriation of funds”. The squad lists itself as “A Volunteer/Career Organization”  (Visit their website HERE)

The Squad’s Director, Beth Crigger;  resigned in early August.

The Squad was also in the news lately after announcing that they were forced to “lay off”  two full-time workers due to “money issues”. They had unsuccessfully lobbied the Town of Wytheville, who already provides $25,000 annually to the Squad; for additional funding.

 

More from SWVAtoday.com click HERE

It seems like at least the County is stepping in to clean up some of all this mess. Apparently, they understand the liability placed them by having Departments run in this manner. Think about it this way …. what if an untrained member had gotten seriously injured or killed  while operating on an emergency scene… who would have been responsible? Take a structure fire for instance. If the County knowingly allowed non-certified members to operate out of County owned buildings, with County issued gear and on County owned apparatus, and they were killed or injured; I believe they (Wythe County) would, could and should be held liable. Today’s Fire Service can’t afford these “Good ‘ol Boy”  Departments / systems anymore and they shouldn’t be tolerated (by us or the citizens we protect).

Again I’ll say that it looks like they’re headed in the right direction to clean it up. I know that they are currently running a VDFP Certified Firefighter I class in Rural Retreat, Va. It’s estimated that around 20 members, County wide; are participating in the class. I’ve been told that there were no registrants from the Speedwell VFD. That’s SAD!

If their leadership is uncooperative with County Administrators , (Supervisor and Task Force leader Gary Houseman said “We met with Speedwell and feel they have been less than forthcoming in turning in information we requested”) and their membership refuses to get “formal” training, is there any wonder why the County decided to shut the Station down?

The worst part of it all is that the citizens and visitors to Wythe County are the ones who are paying the price. Just Saturday, 3 people were killed approximately 8 miles from the Speedwell Fire Station. With Speedwell being closed, Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department and/or the Rural Retreat Rescue Squad became 1st due (both Companies do extrication work). Either of these units would have been the “extrication Company” anyway due to Speedwell not having the tools or training. Wythe County Rescue Squad was the 1st due ambulance but understandably needed additional mutual-aid units due to the number of patients.

More on the DEADLY CRASH from Roanoke.com CLICK HERE

 How about your Department? Do you allow Felons membership? What about training …. what is you minimal level of training before members are allowed to take in runs?  Do you live in Wythe County or near Speedwell, Va? Want to help?? You can find the application for the newly organized Speedwell VFD by CLICKING HERE . Let me hear your comments … place em here or via Face Book

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book. Click HERE

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on August 21, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, ems-topics, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, funding-staffing, major-incidents, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wythe County, Va. Board of Supervisors SHUT DOWN rural Volunteer Fire Department in the interest of Public Safety.

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Photo from WDBJ7.com

The Wythe County Board of Supervisors has shut down the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department in Virginia in what they say is in the interest of Public Safety.

“Virginia Code 27-10 provides that the governing body of the County may dissolve a fire company for any reason it deems advisable.” 

A Court injunction was granted and posted barring members from the building. They even changed the locks.

On Wednesday, former volunteers were turning in  their turnout gear, pagers, radios and all other County issued equipment.

A sad day for some and a much needed step in the eyes of others.

Wythe County cited “a lack of formal training” as just one of the reasons for shutting to doors.

Gene Horney, who is a county Supervisor and a firefighter said “The fire department’s not what it was four or five years ago. And to me, it’s gone downhill”.

Some of the Speedwell VFD member’s certifications have expired, others had no certification at all. The now former Chief, Alfred Rosenbaum; says they were receiving on the job training. He said “ ”We were doing in-house training. I was an instructor”.

Under the FAQ section of the Virginia Department of Fire Program’s web site, it states…

“What does it require to be a certified firefighter in Virginia?

Attendance at 115 hours for Firefighter I (HMA-CPR) *72 hours for Firefighter II (HMO) ** These hours include Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations ”

Financial problems were another reason cited for shutting down the Department. Although requested, no proof could be shown as to where the Speedwell VFD had ever filed taxes. On top of that, they have lost their non-profit status which means a huge loss in grant money.

The Speedwell VFD is located in rural Southwest Virginia near the North Carolina and Tennessee borders.

Wythe County plans to reorginize the Department and expects that to take about a month.

In the meantime, the citizens and visitors of Speedwell will be served by surrounding Departments such as  the  Ivanhoe Volunteer Fire Department, Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department, and Wytheville Volunteer Fire Department .

I believe the closing will almost certainly cause a delay in response to the area.

Here’s a copy of the news release obtained from News7 …

“On August 15, 2012, Wythe County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to reorganize the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department in an effort to ensure the community is served in the safest, most well organized manner. New members are needed to form the future of the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department and residents of the coverage area are encouraged to apply.

During the reorganization, the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department coverage area will be covered by surrounding departments to ensure the community is safely secured regarding fire response.  Ivanhoe Volunteer Fire Department, Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department, and Wytheville Volunteer Fire Department will be working to cover the Speedwell response area during this time.

New applicants should be residents who wish to serve their community. New members who wish to be considered for membership in the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department will need to made application Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department, Wythe County Offices, or online at www.wytheco.org. Applications are due August 29, 2012.
Virginia Code 27-10 provides that the governing body of the County may dissolve a fire company for any reason it deems advisable.  The resolution from the governing body regarding the dissolving and reorganization of the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department became effective immediately following the passing of the resolution on the morning of August 15, 2012.”

Video and more from WDBJ 7 .. click HERE

I’ll give ya my take on the issue a bit later … until then, tell me yours and Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on August 16, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, funding-staffing, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Roanoke Working! 5 civilians displaced, 4 firefighters injured

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Roanoke’s Bravest faced yet another heavily involved house fire at approx 1am Wednesday morning (8/15/2012).

The Brothers and Sisters of A-shift arrived at 832 Staunton Ave NW to find heavy smoke and fire conditions from side “Charlie” (the rear of the structure).

The residents were home at the time of the fire but were able escape on their own.

Reports are that there were smoke detectors in the home but they were not working.

The were 5 residents who were displaced by the fire and will either stay with friends / family or be assisted by the Red Cross. The home sustained heavy damages estimated in the $80,000 range.

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

There were also 4 firefighters injured in the fire.

All of the injuries were described as “minor” with 3 having been treated at the scene while the fourth was transported to a local hospital.

The photo to the left is the right ear of Drew Abel, one of the firefighters operating on the 2nd floor.

Drew was on the nozzle and making a knock on the fire when he received steam burns to both his ears (the right more severe). He was wearing all of his PPE (including hood and helmet ear flaps) and wearing it correctly.

Roanoke carries both smooth bore and fog nozzles on their attack lines but I am unaware of which Drew deployed. Roanoke has a long history and reputation of aggressive, interior fire attacks. Most often, Roanoke’s firefighters will make their way to the seat of the fire before applying water. This tactic allows us to keep a large percentage of our fires contained to the room of origin. The “trick” to this tactic is that ventilation MUST be coordinated with the attack. If not, and the fog nozzle was deployed; these types of injuries can occur. Heres some local news coverage …

More from Roanoke.com

WDBJ 7

 

I have spoken with Drew and he is doing well. He will be placed on “light duty” for the next week or so until he is healed and should make a full recovery. GET WELL SOON Brother!

Rhett is still in the middle of his “16 Days of Swag” over on Fire Critic.com. In appreciation for reaching 5,000 Face Book “Likes”, he’s giving away a bunch of free  stuff   ”SWAG”. You can enter every day … check it out and sign up below …

Click HERE for the Fire Critic Give Away

Speaking of “Give A Ways” … The National Firefighters Endowment is also doing a give – a – way but in a BIG WAY! They are giving away a new truck!

Vote & Enter to win your choice of a new Ford or Chevy truck. 50% of your donation will go directly to support the fire department you vote for. The department with the most votes will win an additional $5,000 equipment grant from National Firefighters Endowment.

Learn more, enter and vote by clicking HERE

Bob Gard also has a chance for ya to win something REALLY COOL … a CUSTOM leather, Phenix 9/11 Remembrance Helmet !

Every $10 donation gives you a chance to win this helmet. The donations go to the South Dakota Firefighter’s Benefit which will be held in Sioux Fall, South Dakota on September 15th.

The Benefit is NON-PROFIT with all proceeds being split between the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and the National Firefighter’s Endowment.

 Learn more, get you chance for the helmet and register for the Benefit at the link below … pay special attention to who the SPEAKERS will be.

South Dakota Firefighters Benefit click HERE .

I also need to tell ya about the Southwest Virginia Fire Officer’s Association’s 5th Annual Fire Officers Seminar.

The Seminar will be held in Roanoke, Va on September 20th & 21st.

The speaker / presenter will be Christopher J. Naum!

Rhett and I consider Chris to be a good friend, a Brother  and a true Fire Service Leader. This will be our best Officers Seminar yet!

You may know some of his web sites ..The Company Officer,  Command Safety, Buildings on Fire.

His topic will be “Five Star Command; Redefining Fire Officer Training for Operational Safety & Excellence”.

If you are a current or aspiring Fire Officer and live within 100 miles of Roanoke, YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS SEMINAR!

Learn more and Register NOW. Click HERE

Don’t forget to “like” and “Share” this post on Face Book. I’ll check back in with ya in a day or so. The Buckaroo and I have school orientation tomorrow evening so it may be Friday before I get back. Yea … he starts pre-K next Tuesday … this ought to be interesting!  LOL

Until I do get back, you Brothers and Sisters stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on August 15, 2012 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, news, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

North Carolina Brotherhood

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I’m back from Raleigh, NC where I attended the Wake County Firefighters Association’s Brotherhood Bash . It was another GREAT trip despite how it started.

To begin with, Rhett had to back out at the last minute so I was forced to travel alone. Now don’t panic … Rhett’s just fine. I stopped by the drug store before I left and picked him up some Monistat 7 …. he sould be just fine in a week or so (LMAO…just don’t tell him they make a Monistat 1..LOL).

I also messed up on the hotel. You see, Rhett or Zach always handles our accommodations ( we most always stay in a suite ). Since I was alone and on my own, I just looked up affordable hotels in the Raleigh area. I checked out the pictures and found something that seemed clean and affordable … I mean I was just going to be there for one night..right?

When I arrived, I knew I was in trouble. The hotel I choose was on Capital Blvd. and was located behind a “check cashing” store and a pawn shop. The “office” had hours of operation, a sliding window and a ton of video surveillance. Again, I figured, how bad can it be?

I had a few farm chores to accomplish before I left home, so I was in jeans, a button up shirt and my cowboy hat ( I obviously didn’t “fit in”..LOL). I was hot, tired and dirty. All I wanted was a tottie and shower before heading out for the Bash. After checking in, I get out of the car and I’m immediately approached by a young fella asking to borrow some money. I politely said no and went about my business.

There were a few steps up to a landing and my room was just down the way. On the way up, I noticed my new friend was following. When I got to my door and sat my bags down, I realized he now had a friend. Apparently, he (the friend) thought he knew me because he called me “Tex”. He also must have thought I was deaf because he asked if I hadn’t heard his friend needed some money.

How unthoughtful of me! I apologized for the inconvenience of them having to walk all the way to my room and paid the “friend”. Apparently, the original kid didn’t want his half of the payment and just up and ran off. Anyway, I went back to the vault office and got a refund on the room. I was lucky and found a nice room in the downtown area. I also got that tottie and shower I was after.

 

After cleaning up and jumping into my Alt Kilt, I headed around the corner to Napper Tandy’s  for the Wake County Firefighter’s Association’s 2nd Annual Brotherhood Bash.

I HAD A BLAST !

The Brothers and Sisters in North Carolina really made me feel at home …. it’s obvious they “get it”.

The Brotherhood was EVERYWHERE. I met and talked to so many great folks. Some of them even recognized me from the site!

The beer was cold, they had a GREAT band plus, Pipe and Drums! Although I don’t believe they called themselves “renegades”, I do think that the player in attendance were from Pipe and Drum groups from all across the state. Whatever they call themselves, these Brothers and Sisters did an AWESOME job. To me, a Fire Department function just isn’t complete without the Pipes and Drums ….. I LOVE EM!

I wish I could remember the names of everyone I met but I can’t.  If you see yourself (or someone you know) and I didn’t name them, please “tag” the photo. Along those same lines, if you use a photo of me ( and we took a ton of em ) please “tag” me as well.

And, while we’re speaking of “tagging”, if you haven’t already, follow me on Face Book. We are almost at  3,000 ”likes” !

Follow Ironfiremen on Face Book .. click HERE

One of the things Rhett and love the most about these type of events is getting to talk with Brothers and Sisters from all across the Country. It really seems like we all share the same problems / issues. It’s not all bad either. I had a great conversation about “leadership” with a newly promoted Captain. We talked about how to EARN respect instead of demanding or expecting it. We talked about team building and securing the confidence of those you mean to lead. Of course strategy, tactics and training were also hot topics for the night.

I also had the honor of meeting Battalion Chief Don Crafford of the Thomasville Fire Department. That was another GREAT conversation. The Chief even says that he’ll be wearing an Alt Kilt at next years Expo … I can’t wait to take that picture!

The Chief was very impressed that I made the trip from Va just to attend their Bash. I explained to him that it’s simply part of what Rhett and I do, that the Brotherhood knows no boundaries…. there are no borders, County or  State lines.

He even tried to give me gas money! Obviously, I couldn’t accept it so we both decided to put it into “the hat” for the Bash. A GREAT conversation and an even better gesture! THANKS Chief .

I also got to spend some time with our good friend Jeff Harkey of FireNews.net

You guys may remember Jeff from a post of mine last August when I was going to kill him and Rhett. Take the time to read this one … you’ll laugh your ass off .

Read Funeral Arrangements for Rhett Fleitz and Jeff Harkey by clicking HERE

The Bash was held in conjunction with the South Atlantic Fire-Rescue Expo  and Jeff plays a huge role in putting it on. It looked like a GREAT show! Rhett and I will definitely be back next year …. maybe even teaching… we’ll see.

They showcased a lot of the Tradition, Honor and Pride held by the North Carolina Firefighters. They had several pieces of antique apparatus on hand including hand pumpers and steam engines. These were not old run down pieces either … they were immaculate and in working order! How do I know they worked??? THEY PUMPED EM! Yea … THEY PUMPED EM!

Dave Statter’s #1 Fan, Mike Legeros has some video of them in use on his Face Book page HERE . He also has some GREAT photo albums of the Expo and Bash in the links below …

Mike Legeros Expo 2012 album HERE

Mike Legeros Brotherhood Bash 2012 album HERE  

Again I’ll ask you to share any phots or video you might have of the Expo / Bash and I’ll do my best to get em up. I also want to say THANKS for the invite and all the Brotherhood shown to me while in Raleigh … it was an HONOR meeting each and every one of you!

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on August 11, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Roanoke Valley working … fatal fire and mock disaster (multiple shooters at community college)

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It’s been a busy day for  Fire / Rescue and Police members of C-shift in the Roanoke Valley (Va).

My tour started with a fatal house fire.

We were assigned to provide mutual-aid to Salem by filling one of their stations. Very soon after,  we were redirected and ordered to report to the scene of the fire.

Knowing I was heading for “work” (and unsure of the resources Salem had on scene), my Battalion added and additional Engine and Truck (Engine 4, Ladder 5) to the Mutual-Aid assignment.

We arrived to find the Brothers and Sisters of Salem Fire & EMS hard at work. They had made a great knock down on the fire and searches were underway.

Crews were able to locate one person dead inside the home. Further details of the fire, the name, age etc of the victim can not be released at this time. Notification of family members of the deceased are still pending and the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.

Read local news coverage HERE

I will comment further on what stood out in my mind and that is how well our Mutual-Aid system worked (especially considering everything else happening in the Valley this morning …more on that in a moment).

Like I stated, at first; we were dispatched (as a single Engine) to fill a station for Salem. They have 3 stations (use the link above for more about Salem Fire & EMS) and all of them were assigned to the fire. When they realized they still needed more resources, we were redirected into the fire.

The location of the incident was just a block from the City / Salem line. My Battalion added an Engine and Truck to the incident so Roanoke County Fire & Rescue then stepped up to provid the coverage for Salem’s station. That’s 3 jurisdictions working together and it was executed flawlessly. We don’t do a lot of mutual-aid for working fires ( it’s mostly for EMS runs and goes both ways between all 3 jurisdictions) so it’s not like we get a lot of practice / training on it.

I’ve got to say that it felt good knowing that all 3 localities were working so well together to get the job done. Different radios, different dispatch centers, protocols etc …. a job well done by everyone involved.

Here’s the other part …. all of this happened while a MOCK disaster was going on at a local Community College. Reports are that 350 Fire, Police and EMS personnel were on hand for this training exercise. There were 150 school employees and volunteers playing the role of victims.

The scenario was multiple shooters on campus with several fatalities and many more wounded. It was an obvious test of our skills and resources. Reports are that the event went well although I’m sure (and hope) there will be some “lessons learned”.

More local coverage from WDBJ 7  HERE

In other news,  Rhett  (FireCritic.com) is giving away some GREAT “swag” to celebrate hitting 5,000 “likes” on Face Book… get on over there and get yourself some…

Free “swag” from FireCritic.com HERE

Hitting the 5,000 mark is a HUGE DEAL and Rhett is returning the favor with 16 days of free stuff …. no kidding. Hit the link above to get your name in the hat!

Speaking of giveaways, I’ve got 2 more that you’re gonna love.

Shane Parkins over at the National Firefighters Endowment is giving away cold hard CASH and you choice of a brand new Ford or Chevy pickup truck …. that’s right … A NEW TRUCK!

Click HERE for more details from NFE

You’ll also want to make sure to get a chance at winning a custom 9/11 Commemorative Leather Helmet. It’s a Phenix helmet and it looks GREAT! Each $10 donation will receive 1 entry into the drawing. The helmet is 1st prize, 2nd prize is $300 and 3rd prize is $100. Find more info and ENTER to win HERE

This giveaway is part of the South Dakota Firefighters Benefit to be held September  15 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The benefit is the first of it’s kind in South Dakota and all proceeds go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the National Firefighters Endowment.

Rhett and I will not only be there, we will also be touring across the State with Spartan ERV. Yea… me and Rhett touring South Dakota in a fire truck! We’ve got several stops along the way to Sioux Falls and will have  plenty of “swag” to pass out as well. Once in Sioux Falls, we will be the keynote speakers for the benefit … if you’re anywhere close … you’ll definitely want to BE THERE.

Learn more and register for the South Dakota Firefighters Benefit HERE 

I’m gonna stop here for tonight … got another long day ahead of me tomorrow. I’ll be heading down to Wake County’s 2nd Annual Brotherhood Bash !

The South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo  is also happening this weekend but I think the Brotherhood Bash is all I’ll be able to attend.

I may end up making this trip alone …. Rhett has run into a few logistical problems but either way, IT’S GONNA BE A BLAST! If you’re planning on being there, look for me and come say hello. If you weren’t planning on being there .. PLAN ON IT…lol. More details in the link below …

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Wake County 2nd Annual Brotherhood Bash

I’ll get back to ya as soon as possible …. I may even grab a few pictures from the Bash. Until I do, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on August 9, 2012 • Filed under: command-leadership, Dispatch & Communications, ems-topics, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, mass-casualty-incident, news, patient-management, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Getting high and rocking Fire Rescue International (FRI) 2012

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“High” as in a mile high … as in Colorado high …as in Rocky Mountain high.

Rhett and I just returned from FRI 2012 ( Fire- Rescue International) in Denver, Colorado and WE ROCKED IT!

You should have heard Rhett banging out John Denver tunes on the street pianos of downtown Denver…. LOL

It was another GREAT show and experience for us. We have a good time anywhere we go but this trip was AWESOME! If you didn’t make it, start planning now to join us in 2013 back in Chicago.

Once again, we traveled as Team MN8-Fox Fire along with the Prez Zach Green and the lovely Kelly. This trip,  we also had   Chief Robert R. Rielage (Wyoming, Ohio Fire Department) Bryant Davis (Captain, Wyoming Ohio Fire Department) and Paul Dykena (firefighter Kirtland Air Force Base) along for the ride.

We made an awesome team!

Once again, the MN8-FoxFire booth was the center of attention.

I truly believe that we currently  have the best product on the market when it comes to firefighter accountability. In my demo/ product presentation, I talk about visibility, accountability and orientation ….. this product offers all 3!

If you’re not using our product, you should be. Zach is honoring the “show price” for the next few days so be sure to check us out asap and start “Illuminating” your Department!

Buy MN8-FoxFire HERE

When we got into Denver, Rhett and I had the day to our selves.

We had decided that there was no way that we could be “that close” to Colorado Springs and the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial without stopping in ….

we rented a car and struck out!

It was an AWESOME ride with unbelievable views!

I had been to the Memorial 20 some years ago as a Rookie Firefighter. I traveled out with good friend and Brother Randy Smith (now 1st Lt of Ladder #1C).

The trip and the names on that wall made an impression on me … one I’ve never forgotten.

Two of the names on that wall came from my Department and Local  (IAFF Local 1132)…. I remember their deaths.

Robert G. Cassell and Harvey H. Helm were killed by a drunk driver on November 1, 1985.  We’ve since had 2 “medical” LODD’s while no others have been lost while on scene of an incident.

In the picture to the left, I’m standing in front of the 1985 section of “The Wall”…. obviously, we took the time to find Helm and Cassell.

It was a somber moment … humbling.

We were there alone and never spoke a word …. quiet. Each knowing what the other was feeling / thinking, we said a silent prayer for all of the names before us. I hope they never add another.

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book Click HERE

So, the following day was all work at our FRI Booth.

Like I said above, we were busy … VERY BUSY.

The great thing about being so busy is that we get to meet so many great folks …. people from all across the Country and even some from others.

For us, that’s a big part of the shows … networking … meeting our Brothers and Sisters and hearing their stories.

We get a small chance for that while on the floor but the honest answer is that we’re really too busy to talk as much as we’d like. The real networking comes in the evenings … after the show .. out on the town.

That’s when we REALLY turn it up a notch!

At places like The Tilted Kilt !

This is when we really shine …. trading coins, talking shop and posing for photos.

If you don’t have one of our Challenge Coins or patches yet, don’t panic. They are available online and you can have your custom patch or coin made as well. If you haven;t done so yet, visit NM Coin LLC for for more info and to get your Ironfiremen / FireCritic Challenge Coin (I’m heads …lol)

VISIT NM Coin LLC 

Of course, you’ll notice that once again we rocked our Kilts ( Alt Kilt.com ) and helmets with custom Box Alarm Leather Fronts!

It’s hard not to notice us and everybody seems to love the “look” … wait until you see what we are bringing out next ..lol

Want us in your gear? Wearing or using YOUR product? Check us out at ….

Firefighter Product Review

We also got to meet and hang with some big names and faces while in Denver.

That’s the other thing about these shows …. you just never know who you’re going to meet or bump into.

You guys know Michael Lombardi right?

Michael Lombardi as in the guy who plays the character ”Mike Silletti” in the TV show “Rescue Me“.

Lombardi was not only on the floor of FRI, his band; Blood Moon Therapy, played at the Hard Rock while we were there.

Rhett and I had the chance to see and meet with him at both places …. he’s actually a pretty cool guy. He loved the helmets, kilts and most of all .. “the stache”.

Find Michael Lombardi on Face Book HERE

We also got to see and hang out with the likes of Brian Brush as well as the guys from The  Remembrance Rescue Project and the Terry Farrell Fund.

All are a great bunch of guys …. BROTHERS

There is a lot of talk, debate, discussion, even scuttlebutt about these two groups going around as of late but for NOW … Rhett and I have been giving the “benefit of the doubt ”.

I will tell ya that we are involved. Asking questions, giving advise etc. I hope it’s taken to heart …. otherwise, one of the groups may not receive our support. As for now, what’s important (and what I wanted to share) is that we were all together … in one place …. drinking beers and sharing the Brotherhood.

Rhett gave his take on the issues in a previous post found HERE .

Read posts from “The Secret List”  HERE and HERE

We’ve since learned more details and that’s why / how we became involved. My “take” is simple ….. those Rescue Trucks HAVE TO SURVIVE …. they actually already have … they made it through the collapses of the World Trade Centers on September 11, 2001.

They are a mobile “Tribute” to the 343. A tool. A “tool” to educate the next generations as to the events of that fateful day. The day our Brothers and Sisters (such as Terry Farrell) were murdered.

I stood there in AWE as I looked at Rescue 4 ( Queens). I’ve rode along in that very rig. I couldnt help but think of the hands that have been on the door latches. I thought about the men who took their last ride in that very rig … and there it was … right in front of me. I was once again humbled and honored. Rhett and I can’t wait to get the chance to show this truck and tell it’s story to our children … ours and theirs. I hope the “issues” are soon resolved ..we’ll see.

So like I’ve been saying … it was a great trip and the best part is always the people we get to meet.

For all of you that we did get the honor of meeting, if we haven’t done so already; tag yourself in the photos. On the other hand, if you have pics of us,  tag us as well .

Our next road trip is planned for this upcoming weekend.

We will be heading down to Surry County, North Carolina to deliver “bail out kits” awarded by the National Firefighters Endowment. See how they earned the kits by clicking HERE.

If you’re not familiar  with the NFE, you should be … especially if your Department needs money… yea … I said MONEY.

How about your choice of a new Ford or Chevy truck? How about a $5,000 Equipment Grant? They’re easier to get than you may think. If you didn’t hit the link above, use the one below to find out how to apply. Don’t forget to join the “Officer’s Club” while you’re there …

Find the National Firefighters Endowment here

After our stop in Surry County, we’ll be headed to Raleigh for a F.O.O.L.S Bash …. more on that later this week. Until then,  I’ll leave ys with a few more pics from Denver … enjoy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rhett has a complete photo album of our trip over on his  Face Book page… be sure to check it out

FireCritic’s FRI 2012 photo Album on FB

As always, thanks for following along. I still have a little bit of “jet lag” and tons of work to catch up on around the farm …. it’s going to be a long day week.

That said, I’m back on duty Thursday and will check back in with another post as soon as I can. Until I do, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on August 7, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,