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If you Want to be a clown ….Remembering our fallen and another LODD in Massachusetts

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photo from Roanokefirefighters.com

Sadly, reports are in of another Line Of Duty Death (LODD)  in Massachusetts.

Brother James “Jim” Rice , an 11 year veteran of the Peabody Massachusetts Fire Department was killed today on the scene of a 3 alarm fire at 5 Hancock Street in Peabody.

Brother Rice leaves behind a wife and 3 children.

More details and video on Fire Critic (Click HERE) 

Rhett’s link (above) also contains some audio. Early reports were of 3 firefighter injuries with one being critical.

The incident occurred in a 3 story occupied apartment building that displaced 13 residents. This is the 2nd LODD this month in Massachusetts. Firefighter J. Davies, of Worcester MA; was killed December 8, 2011 while operating at a fire at 44 Arlington Street.

See related post HERE

Please keep the Rice family, the Peabody Fire Department as well as all of our Brothers and Sisters in Massachusetts in your thoughts and prayers. I will attempt to keep you updates as more information becomes available.

Here in Roanoke, we’ve been remembering two of our fallen as well.

Two years ago today, we lost our beloved Battalion Chief Billy Obenchain to his battle with Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma ( CTC ).

Chief Billy retired in 2006 after serving 33 years in the Fire Service. His last assignment was Battalion Chief, C-shift North. I was honored to have worked for him.

A portion of my title “If you want to be a clown..” is a quote from a poem he wrote. That poem now hangs in our Regional Training Center and is read to every class of new recruits.

READ THAT POEM HERE

If you’re “on the job” …. hit that link above … it’s worth the read! The frame that the poem is hanging in also has the dollar bill that Chief Billy used when reading the poem to new recruits.

See related posts on Chief Obenchain  HERE   HERE   HERE  and HERE 

This past October also marked the 2nd anniversary of the death of Captain Chris Brown.

Chris was a 2nd generation firefighter, hired in August of 1994. His Brother remains on the job here in Roanoke as a Lieutenant (currently assigned to Station #6 C ).

Chris worked his way through the ranks to Captain and served his last assignment as the leader of “The Big Show” … Station #1 C.

Photos from Captain Chris Brown’s funeral HERE

Related posts and more pictures of Captain Brown  HERE  HERE and HERE 

Both of these Brothers remain in our thoughts and will continue to be missed by many.

Lt. Rob “Bugg” Reid posted a pic tonight on Face Book of the Christmas tree at station #5. If you look on the wall, to the left of the tree; you’ll see a framed t-shirt.  That shirt is in remembrance of Chief Obenchain and Captain Brown.

Every time I think of Chief Billy, 2 people automatically come to mind. His son Zach, who is on the job here; assigned to Station #2C and his best friend, Roanoke County Fire / Rescue Battalion Chief Gary Houff.

Chief Huff is now  engaged with his own battle with cancer. These two men ( Chief Billy and Chief Houff) must have been from the same mold because Chief Houff is fighting just as hard and proving to be just as stubborn.

Chief  Houff was the Battalion here on C-shift as well and even though he works for the County, we got to see each other a lot. Not just work either …. Chief Huff stayed by Billy’s side everyday of his fight. It was a true testament to BROTHERHOOD.

Well, Chief Houff crew (County Station #1) had him and his family out for Christmas dinner tonight. I got the call and had “Acting Battalion” Captain Clayton Martin come pick me up. Clayton and I rode out to sit with Chief Houff and his men of Station #1 tonight.

We had a BLAST!

Captain Witt  and Chief Houff have a squared away crew and it was an honor to sit around the kitchen table with these Brothers tonight.

There were plenty of stories, laughing and even a swelled eye or two between me and the Chief.

Gary is doing and looking well … another one who encompasses the name of this blog… “Wooden Ladders and Iron Firemen”.

THANKS for the invite and allowing us to share in the BROTHERHOOD experienced around that table tonight men!

Real quick, I’ll mention 1 of 2 visitors to our station tonight ( I’ll catch the 2nd tomorrow).

Our department Chaplin, Father Sandy Webb dropped in for a visit and to wish us a Merry Christmas.

I LOVE Father Webb. We met back on St. Patty’s Day and really “clicked” ( yea.. me and a Priest)

I’m not sure if or how he knew I had a lot on my mind and was carrying a heavy heart today but it was comforting to have him in our house.

Father Webb has been a great addition to our family and I am thankful for his work.

Ok, out of respect for the topics and men I’ve mentioned tonight, I’m not going to add a Sexy Santa’s Helper to this post. I’m sure you all understand.

We start our 4 day in the morning but I’ll check back in before midnight.

PLEASE …. PLEASE….Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on December 23, 2011 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FALLEN

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**Note time change on Services for Brother Davies … correct time is 10am (post edited to reflect the correct time)***

It’s been a terrible and horrific week for Public Safety. Please continue to keep the Departments, family and friends of our fallen in your thoughts and prayers. Also remember that all across this country, members are pulling a tour…. today, tonight, tomorrow and everyday day / hour after.  That’s how we honor the fallen … by putting our boots on, getting back on the rig and doing our job!

Here are the funeral arrangements for last weeks LODDs…

Officer Deriek Wayne Crouse, Va. Tech Police Department.

Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg is serving the needs of the Crouse Family.

Visitation will be on Sunday December 11, 2011 from 3:00pm until 8:00pm at the Horne Funeral Home (1300 North Franklin Street Christiansburg, VA 24073-1416 (540) 382-2612.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday December 12, 2011 at Cassell Coliseum on the campus of Virginia Tech located at the corner of Washington Street and Spring Road beginning at 2:00pm

support the Crouse family here  … HOKIES FOR CROUSE

Related articles  HERE   HERE  and   HERE 

 

 

Firefighter Kevin Townes, Mt. Vernon, NY Fire Department.

Visitation “calling hours” will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (December 14, 2011) at Camelot Funeral Home,174 Stevens Ave., Mount Vernon, NY.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday (December 15, 2011) at Grace Baptist Church, 52 S. Sixth Ave., Mount Vernon,NY.

Related Articles  HERE  HERE and HERE

 

Mount Vernon, NY Fire Department

More from Ironfiremen.com HERE

 

Firefighter J. Davies, Worcester, Massachusetts Fire Department.

Visitation “calling hours” to be held at Mercandante Funeral Home, 370 Plantation St. in Worcester from 3 to 8 pm Wednesday December 14, 2011

Services to be held at 10 a.m. Thursday December 15, 2011 in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Worcester.

Related articles  HERE   HERE  and  HERE 

Worcester Firefighter’s Memorial 

Worcester Firefighter’s IAFF Local 1009

Worcester Fire Department 

WELL DONE BROTHERS …. REST IN PEACE!

Captain Wines

Posted by on December 10, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

OLD WOUNDS REOPENED AMID 3 LINE OF DUTY DEATHS

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Firefighter J. Davies

Like I said earlier, it’s difficult to get into the “Christmas Spirit” following today’s events. Rhett called me early this morning to make sure I was aware of what was happening in Worcester Massachusetts.

My phone was abuzz with messages and texts throughout the morning as we learned of the Line Of Duty Death of Brother Davies.

Our Brothers from Worcester responded to 44 Arlington Street around 4 am. Cold temperatures and high winds were already on scene. The Brothers arrived to find a working fire in a 3 story (“triple decker”) apartment and went to work.

A total of 12 people were rescued / evacuated from the structure before one of those occupants reported someone missing. Two crews re-entered the building for a secondary search in hopes of locating this missing occupant. Firefighters Davies and Carroll were one of those teams. The occupant was reported to have been in a upper, rear bedroom. About the time the members reached the area, a collapse of the rear of the structure occurred.

The result killed firefighter Davies and seriously injured Firefighter Carroll, trapping him  for nearly an hour.

Full coverage with fire ground audio and video from Statter911.com by clicking HERE

Worcester Firefighter B. Carroll

Any LODD is tragic but this Worcester loss comes just days from the 12th anniversary of the December 3, 1999 cold storage fire that claimed the lives of 6 other Worcester firefighters.

The members lost that day were  Paul A Brotherton, Timothy P. Jackson, Jeremiah M. Lucey, James F. “Jay” Lyons III, Joseph T. McGuirk and Lt. Thomas E. Spencer.

More details on the Cold Storage fire HERE

Visit Worcester Firefighter’s Memorial HERE

Worcester Firefighter’s IAFF Local 1009 HERE

Worcester  Fire Department  

Firefighter Davies was a 17 year veteran of the Worcester Fire Department. He was also the father of 3 sons.  I will keep you posted as more details and arrangements are released. Please keep the family and friends of Brother Davies in your thoughts and prayers. Hold a special place in your hearts and mind  for the Brothers and Sisters of the Worcester Fire Department as well as prayers, hopes and wishes for a full and speedy recovery for Brother Carroll.

I’m sure the Arlington Street fire was a sort of  ”mini- deja vu”    for the people of Worcester Massachusetts because we had something very similar right here in “small town” Virginia today.

There was another shooting on the campus of Va Tech today leaving two people, one of which was a Va Tech Police Officer; dead. The name of the officer (nor the 2nd deceased) has not been released at this time . It is believed ( but unconfirmed ) that the incident is a possible murder / suicide.

There were 2 active crime scenes (both on campus) following the shootings. Va State Police were also conducting operations at an I-81 rest stop in nearby Radford, Va.

The Va Tech campus was on “lock down” as was several nearby grade schools. Fire, Rescue and Police from  several adjoining  jurisdictions  responded to the incident.

Coverage, maps and timeline from CBS News HERE

photo from The Roanoke Times

Much like with the Worcester LODD, this incident opens old wounds and brings back unwanted memories. It was just back on April 16th, 2007  that Seung-Hui Cho murdered  32 people and wounded 25 on the VT campus before taking his own life. That incident is now often referred to as the “VT Massacre”.

Details of the 2001 VT Massacre HERE

I can only imagine the feelings and thoughts going through the minds of  the members on either of these scenes today … Worcester or Va Tech. I would guess several (and  I actually know of some ) of these members were on scene of the first incidents. I would also say and think that several folks (both civilian and on the job) relived those past feelings / emotions as today’s events unfolded.

I can remember the details of the Cold Storage fire coming out bit by bit. I also remember exactly where I was on the day of the VT Massacre. I was on duty. My daughter was in class … at Va Tech!

Today, many of those emotions returned for me. Following the news from Worcester, I thought … “oh no … not again!”. I also wondered how much more the brothers of Worcester can take? When I got the news of the on campus shooting, my thoughts went back to 2007 and how thankful I was that my daughter was safe and unharmed that day. My thoughts then turned to the murdered officer and the others who would be responding today.

You see, we are a small enough community down here that we still help each other out in times of need and know each other by name. I have several friends and Brothers on Police forces all around us. Dallas Leamon of the VT Police Department .. long time and good friend. George Jackson and James McClain also members of the VT Police Department as well as players for The Roanoke Rampage. Nathan Odell, Ben Machingo, and Sedrick Hayes also play for the Rampage while working for the Blacksburg PD. Travis Harvey is another player and works for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Dept. We also have several players who work for the Va State Police .. William Monteith, Richard Conley and  Corbin Brown.

These Brothers are safe and will return home at the end of their shift. They, as well as the slain Officer (who’s name has yet to be released) have my gratitude, sympathy and shall remain in my thoughts and prayers as well.

I wish it ended here but it doesn’t. There was another LODD this morning.

Firefighter Kevin Townes of the Mt. Vernon City (NY) Fire Department died on the scene of a working fire at about  2:45am this morning.

Members responded to 124 Lorraine Ave where they found a working fire in the basement. Brother Townes was on the 3rd in and collapsed of an apparent heart attack while donning his gear. Reports say treatment was quickly  initiated by members on scene but their efforts would not save Brother Townes.

More Details of the Mt Vernon, NY LODD from lohud.com by clicking HERE

Brother Townes leaves behind his mother, wife, three daughters and a son (children ranging in age from 12-24). He was a 25 year veteran of the Mt. Vernon Fire Department and the 1st LODD in the Department since 1995.

More on the Mt. Vernon, NY Fire Department HERE

As with all the members above .. please keep Brother Townes Department, friends and family in your thoughts and prayers as they move forward through these difficult times.

WELL DONE BROTHERS! We wont forget you .. and we’ll take it from here…

Captain Wines

Posted by on December 8, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, major-incidents, news, rescues, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

BREAKING NEWS: CAMPUS SHOOTING, 2 DEAD AT VA. TECH AND A LODD IN WORCESTER, MASS.

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It just doesn’t feel like the Christmas season with all this happening….

2 people are reported dead on the campus of Va. Tech following another shooting incident. There are at least 2 crime scenes being worked while a search for the gunman continues. Va Tech is currently on “lock down” and there are also report of one of the two dead being a police officer (unconfirmed at this time).

For the available details, go to one of our local news station …  WSLS 10  by clicking HERE

There was also a LODD early this morning in Worcester Mass. following a collapse that trapped multiple firefighters. Members were conducting a secondary search (following a report of an unaccounted for occupant) when the collapse occurred. A second firefighter remains in critical condition. This tragic event happens just days after the 12th anniversary of the December 3, 1999 fire that claimed the lives of 6 Worcester Firefighters.

Dave Statter has full coverage over on Statter911.com  CLICK HERE

I’ll update ya a little later on this evening … until then, please keep the Va Tech and Worcester Fire Department families in your thoughts and prayers.

Captain Wines

Posted by on December 8, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Where will you be?

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The 30th Annual National Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial Weekend will be held this weekend, October 14th-16th…… Will   YOU   be there?

YOU SHOULD BE!

The Fire Critic ( Rhett Fleitz ) and I will be there.

In my mind, this event should top your travel priorities for the year. Before you make FDIC, Firehouse Expo, FRI or any other convention / show, you should assure that you will be attending the National Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Md.

This year, the Foundation will be remembering and honoring 72 of our fallen Brothers and Sisters from 2010 and 17 from previous years. Even if these members are not from your Department or State, their deaths directly affect you. If you don’t think so, you’re wrong but that’s a separate post in itself.

View the 2011 “Roll of Honor” by clicking HERE

Look at it this way. With 89 members being honored just this year, odds are that one is from your or a neighboring state. The odds are even better that you heard or read about the death. Maybe even talked about it around your stations kitchen table.

Did you attend the funeral? The viewing? Maybe you wanted to but for whatever reason couldn’t. Maybe there were multiple losses near you that you couldn’t make at the time. HERES YOUR CHANCE. This weekend, you can remember and honor not just these 89 members but all who have gone before them.

The FireCritic Agrees … read his post “Go to the Funeral … you owe it to them

I found myself in that exact same situation this year. When Ashville, Nc. Captain Jeffrey Bowen was killed in late July, I felt it was close enough to home that I should attend. Ashville’s Department is not that much different than mine. Unfortunately, Ashville is a 4 hr drive and the services were held early enough that I couldn’t get there in time ( I was on duty the night before ).

See my coverage and multiple links to  Captain Bowen’s 2011 Line Of Duty Death in THIS post

Next year, I will have the opportunity to pay my respects to Captain Bowen at the 31st Memorial Weekend, and  I WILL BE THERE TO DO SO !

I guess what I’m saying here is that THIS IS YOUR CHANCE. If you go, you’ll thank me. The experience is beyond spiritual. I can’t explain it … you have to find out for yourself. This will only be my 2nd year in attendance but I will not miss another.

See Rhett’s 2010 Memorial Weekend in Retrospect  HERE   or related post from me  HERE  and  HERE .

Rhett and I will actually be working with / for the Foundation once again this year. We have rejoined Firefighter Netcast to help document and record the stories of the survivors. I will shed many tears. It’s humbling and a huge honor to see and hear the wives, children, mothers, fathers etc reflect on the memories of their lost loved ones …. of our BROTHERS and SISTERS.

If you simply can’t attend, don’t worry. Rhett, Dave Statter and I (along with many others) will have full and live coverage on our sites. Good friend, Brother and Fire Service leader Chris Naum has complete details for the weekend over at Command Safety.com

Find all the details from Command Safety’s Chris Naum by clicking  HERE  .

Rhett and I will load up and head out early tomorrow morning. I will start this trip with a heart already heavy.

My good friend and Battalion Chief Teddy Adkins called me this morning to let me know his mother had passed away in the night. Teddy is from deep Southwest Va. in Wise County.

He was already headed home to be with his family and make arrangements when he called. I offered to drive or just ride with him but he was half way there. I told him to call as soon as he knew the arrangements or if he needed ANYTHING. As soon as he calls, I’ll have to figure out the details between Maryland and Wise (anybody own a small plane?).

Anyway, please keep Chief Adkins and his family in your thoughts and prayers … they’ll be in mine.

Hope to see ya in Emmitsburg … Rhett and/or I will update from the road, after we arrive and throughout the weekend. Thanks for reading / following the site. Please take the time to hit “share”,  “like” or “reccommend” on FaceBook or retweet us on Twitter.

Most importantly, Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

 

 

 

Posted by on October 13, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Less than 12 hrs til 4 day

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We’re winding down a fairly busy cycle. It’s been a good week but I’m ready for our 4-day break!

I think Randy is looking forward to it as well.

This week’s training centered around “calling the MAYDAY”, “Search and Rescue” and “Vent Enter Search”.

Of course, we caught our normal run load and had some cleaning to do in between…

Well, LOTS of cleaning!

Like I said …. Randy’s moma would be so proud!

He’s scrubbed his little fingers to the bone and next week he will even get to COOK !

LOL … you shoulda seen the look on his face when we told him he would be cooking next cycle.

He went from scared to disappointed when we gave him the rules … 1.) No TV dinners   2.) No hamburger helper   3.) No instant potaotes   4.) MEAT and POTATOES are a “staple”   5.) No pre-made meals from Moma   6.) we eat at noon and 6pm.  (unless we caught a run)

LMAO … this is gonna be good.  Like all of us were, he’s nervious already. Cooking at the firehouse can be VERY stressful but it’s also somewhat of a life lesson. I’d dare say Randy hasn’t had to prepare many meals for himself at this point in his life, much less for himself and 3 fretting firemen.

If he tackles this challenge like he has every other to this point, he’ll do just fine.

So far, I’m happy with his performance. He must be happy as well because he is still walking around with an ear to ear grin.

He’s caught some decent runs over the past few weeks but has yet to catch anything really “bad” or serious.

He hasn’t caught his first fire yet and as we all know, that will be his first “TRUE” test. We did catch a small compactor fire today with our Brothers and Sisters from Stations #5 and #3.

Last cycle we caught a roll over MVA out on I-581 with our brothers from #3 and County Station #1.

The vehicle contained a lone female occupant who escaped with only minor injuries despite the high M.O.I ( Mechanism Of Injury ).

This is a very busy Interstate so the incident could have been a lot worse than it was.

The other good news is that there were several “lessons” for Randy…. He got to work with one of our Mutual Aid Departments. That means he was tested on his knowledge of his radio ( we were operating on a “County” tac channel ). He got to see first hand the importance of stabilizing a vehicle involved in an accident. He also got to see the dangers of working an incident along the Interstate.

The highlight of the incident was that he got to meet the County’s 2nd best pump operator…. Brandon Sheppard

I say he’s the “second best”  because Brandon just completed a DPO … “pump operator” class and the facts are facts.

Unlike his typical performance, Brandon did NOT finish at the top of the class.

I’m not sure of HER name but I know that at least one other firefighter finished ahead of Brandon.

LOL …. OK, OK … I’m doing a little “fretting” there.

Brandon is a great pump operator despite where he finished in the class or who finished ahead of him. A good fireman, great friend and top hand around the farm!

He also has on a cool helmet band … a FOX FIRE  illuminating helmet band!

Their whole company is wearing them (that’s Brandon’s Captain Brian Witt pictured left) !  Back when I first did a Product Review  of Fox Fire, we painted one of County 1′s axes.

I trust and value Captain Witt’s opinion and thought it was a great opportunity to spread the product around through some diverse companies / response areas.

Apparently, Captain Witt and his crew were so impressed with the illuminating epoxy that they decided to buy the helmet bands as well. LOOKING GOOD GUYS!

Oh yea …. here’s another lesson Randy has learned since being on the job here at “Lucky #13″

When it says “NO PARKING  ..FIRE LANE”  DONT PARK THERE !

PEOPLE …. these lanes are marked for a REASON and YES … the “no parking” part means YOU!

Of course, the owner of the grey vehicle was in a much bigger hurry than we were. Their business was also twice as important as the job we were called to do.

The sad thing is that our business had us on the upper floors of this building so we were away from our rigs for some time. We musta parked a little too close to the passenger vehicle making it impossible for the driver to manuver out of the prime parking spot. Hope we didn’t make em too late  :-)

OK, to wrap up tonight, Captain Jeffrey Bowen of the Asheville, NC Fire Department will be laid to rest tomorrow.

Coverage of this 2011 LODD can be found  HERE  HERE  HEREand HERE

Jeff Harkey, over at FireNews.net has all the details of the service as well as for the “Fallen Firefighter Fund” which has been established as an education fund for Captain Bowen’s children.

North Carolina is close to home and I really wanted to attend this service. I had even intended on taking Randy along with me. I think that attending a LODD funeral early in his career could make an impact on how he views firefighter safety as well as the reality and dangers of our job. Something good out of something so tragic maybe. Anyway, Ashville is 4 1/2 hrs away. The service begins at 11am and we’re on duty until 7am. There’s no way we would / could make it in time. At the least, I will be there in spirit. I will stop whatever Im doing tomorrow morning at 11am, hold a thought and say a few words for Captain Bowen, his and the Asheville NC Fire Department family. If you can’t make the service, I hope you’ll do the same.

Gonna wrap it up for tonight and start looking for 07:00 am. I’ll check back in as soon as I can …

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on August 1, 2011 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Multiple Alarms in “The Noke” and LODD in NC

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Photo from WDBJ7.com

A fire on the roof ( a/c air handling unit ) brought multiple alarms today in Roanoke.

Battalion Chief 1-C was first in with heavy black smoke from the roof of a 10 story newly renovated hotel / apartment building.

The incident brought multiple alarms while crews quickly went to work to contain the blaze and minimize the damage. The fire was found to be from, in or around an air conditioning / air handling unit on the roof. The fire was quickly extinguished but smoke filled the building between the 10th and 4th floors. The building was evacuated and all searches found to be “all clear”. Companies then worked to ventilate the structure and minimize water damage to the upper floors.

See Local news coverage and photos  HERE and HERE

The Brothers and Sisters of C-shift did an excellent job in near 100 degree heat. Damage estimates are not available at this time but no civilians or firefighters were injured. Our Brothers and Sisters in North Carolina were not as fortunate.

Photo from Statter 911.com

Captain Jeffery Bowen 37, a 13 year veteran of the Asheville, NC Fire Department was killed this afternoon while battling a fire in a five story commercial structure.

Captain Bowen leaves behind a wife and 3 children.

7 other members were injured in the blaze with at least 1 having been transferred to a burn unit.

Get more details, photos and video  from The Fire Critic or Statter 911

My thoughts and prayers are with the Bowen family as well as with the family of the Asheville Fire Department. I will try to update with info and arrangements as they become available.

We are on duty and I have a lot to report … it just doesn’t seem right to do so following the report of Captain Bowen’s death. Let’s everyone stay safe and in house and I’ll update ya later.

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on July 28, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Back to duty ….

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Well, vacation is over and I’m back to duty. I was kinda hoping for a slow day but in the Fire Department, that’s always a gamble. Our Battalion Chief is off on vacation this cycle (Sat, Mon, Wed) so I’m bumped up and “riding the car” (our term from riding the Chief / Battalion vehicle).

Riding the car has both good and bad points. On the good side, you’re not tied to a single company. When I’m at my regular assignment (“Lucky” Engine #13) we are confined to our “first due” territory. When riding the Battalion, my first due is the entire “North side” but I can roam basicly anywhere within the City limits .. North or South.

The bad side is all the scheduling, paperwork and additional responsibilities. Riding the car also means that you’re assigned to every fire run within your Battalion …. ie: you run more calls. Thankfully, it hasn’t been too busy on me today.

Nothing major to report so far.

I ran a vehicle fire earlier this morning with our brothers from the South Side (“The Big Show” … Station #1).

The fire was on our side of the tracks but in one of the locations where both North and South side companies respond.

The Brothers got in there fast and made quick work of the job. It was a “can handle” for the Engine and Medic.

The call came in as next to and spreading to a structure so it got a “full response”.

That means 2 Engines, a Ladder, a Medic unit, an EMS Supervisor and the Battalion ran the call.

Of course the vehicle was nowhere near the structure so the “can handle” signal was given and most companies returned to service.

It was kinda funny, I ended my last shift with a car fire and started this one with another.

The remainder of the day has been routine runs, a little R&R and some paperwork.

Since I’m bumped to the Battalion, “Georgie” and “Boots” have bumped at Lucky #13 as well.

When I’m off or away, my Lieutenant (George Perdue) steps up and operates as the OIC (Officer In Charge) of the company. In turn, that also means that “Boots” (Todd Harris) moves up to the driver’s seat.

They have had a fairly busy tour today.

Georgie sent me this pic of a vehicle vs. a boat ….

LMAO … a vehicle vs. a boat in the city … imagine the things running through your head en route to that call

Obviously, the boys made quick work of this incident as well .. no serious injuries.

My last post was on today’s events in Richmond, Va. Today was the Va. Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service. Our Honor Gaurd participated in the ceramony and we had several Chief Officers and members in attendance as well. One of our own, Battalion Chief Billy Obenchain; was one of the 7 members honored today.

I had several postings on Chief Billy, his battle with CTCL and his passing here on the site. View on of my favorites  HERE .

The 7 members remembered and honored today were .. Billy Obenchain, William “Danny” Altice, Posey Dillon, Timothy Pigg, Carl Persing, William “Hal” Clark and Zyglmantas Zalys. We should also take a monent today to remember our two brothers lost in San Francisco. Today we learned that FF/Medic Anthony Valerio did not survive his injuries sustained in a house fire this past Thursday. His Lieutenant,  Vincent Perez died at the hospital that morning.

I didn’t get to watch the entire live coverage today but I understand that it was a beautiful service and that our Honor Gaurd represented us well. I’m sure Chief Billy was looking down on the boys proudly and with a smile.

The Honor Gaurd, families and most attendees received these “Challange Coins” … a VERY nice touch!

The members of our Honor Gaurd who were in attendance were … Battalion Chief Roger Manual, Captain Chris Trussler, Lt. Robert Reid, Lt. Dan Goodwin, Zach Obenchain (Chief Obenchain’s son), Richard Lipes, Travis Meador,  Josh Hull,  and Jeff East. There are also members from Salem and Roanoke County who serve in the Honor Gaurd but I’m not sure who were in attendance (sorry guys .. drop me a note and I’ll update the list).

In other news, The Roanoke Rampage played our last game of the 2011 season today against the Washington Generals in DC.

We were forced to play “Ironman football” again and sadly lost.

This finishes out our 2nd season in the National Public Safety Football League with a record of 1-3.

Obviously, I wasn’t able to make the game because I couldn’t get off or find coverage for my shift. I’ll post more on my thoughts and the team in the future but for now, I’ll say that I have been greatly disappointed with the support that we have received. I’ll add that I have also been twice as proud of all the coaches, players and staff for the job and effort put forth in an effort to support two great charities. There is a TON of work that goes on “behind the scenes” to make these events happen and much of that credit goes to our Team President and player Captain Todd Stone and his wife Marci. The players … what can I say? They take a beating in the name of charity. This is FULL CONTACT football folks … the hits are REAL. I am proud to have taken the field with these guys and want to say “THANK YOU” for the time and effort. I hope we continue building and play again in 2012.

Well I didn’t make it to DC but the Buckaroo took the girls up to support the team despite my absence.

Of course, since he was already there; he scheduled in a tour of DC as well.

And what would a tour of DC be without a trip to the Zoo??

LOL .. two monkeys!

Look at the little fella ride that thing…. is there any doubt why I call him my “Buckaroo”? LOL

That’s my boy …. if he can’t ride or eat it … he pees on it …LOL

I’ve gotten several text messages and calls and they seem to be having a good trip.

I think it’s just what the Buckaroo needed …. a short break from farming.

The last few weeks have been hard on the little fella.

What with all the  barn building, mowing, tedding, raking and baling hay and all…oh yea .. and let’s not forget the creek playing.

I think I almost wore him out.

He has slept like a rock every night

LOL .. whats up with that hair???

So there ya have it … I think I’m going to stop here for tonight. Hopefully, I’ll get back on a regular posting schedule now that I’m back to a normal routine and not working from sun up to sun down.

I will leave ya with another fire picture. This one is not from my Department or anywhere around here I hope. I don’t know any details. I can’t even remember where I snagged it … Face Book or Firefighter Nation. I do remember that the person in the photo was bragging on how he really cooked his gear.

Hummmmmm. A shed fire … stories and reports of “MAYDAYS” and Firefighter fatalities daily … is the guy in this picture smart? 

Where are his Officers? Who would let a man get into this position with a dry line? Why would you?

 Doesn’t look so smart to me …. you be the judge.  What do YOU think? Leave me a comment.

Stay SAFE and in house!

Captain Wines

Posted by on June 4, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Va. Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service.

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Today, the Va. Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service will be held in Richmond. The promotional video for the service is below ….

You can learn more about service and those being honored at  VaFire.com .

Watch   LIVE  VIDEO of the service beginning at 11:30 by clicking  HERE.

Stay safe and in house!

Captain Wines

Posted by on June 4, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

MANDITORY retirement… how long is long enough?

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It’s The normal hustle and bustle of the Holiday season is expected but now I’m faced with the death and funeral of the wife of a VERY close friend while another good friend and now retired firefighter lies in the hospital. I seen my dad “Pop” at the funeral home tonight. He told me that he and Jimbo had been to visit with now retired Battalion Chief Slayton in the hospital. Pop was upset.

It’s difficult for us (firemen) to see anyone, much less someone you know, love and have worked so long and close to; be in a position where you can’t help them. Chief Slayton suffered a medical emergency just after Christmas and has been in the hospital since. I have spoke (written) about Bobby several times here on the site. Pop worked on Bobby’s shift and was his driver for several years. Bobby is like family … we have been on several off duty trips together, he shared and traveled together on our “2nd job” (the 3 of us .. me, Pop and Bobby).  He even came out and painted my house when I built it. ….my point here … we’re CLOSE. Here we are …

Bobby has a lot of pride in the job and for the time and effort he has put into it. His son is currently on the job here in the “Noke” and I know that Bobby couldn’t be more proud. Bobby pulled time in the busy companies. Old #3, the Squad, Station #9 and Historic #1. He seen some fire and was considered a “good Jake”. Another big accomplishment in his career was making it to the #1 spot on our “Seniority List”. Not only did Bobby hold that spot for some time, he also has the “record” for working the longest.

Chief Slayton was hired December 6, 1965 and retired July 1, 2010. That’s 44 + years! Rhett covered his retirment  HERE and I did  HERE as well. The question that keeps coming to my mind is … WAS IT WORTH IT?  He worked 44 years, has been retired for 6 months and is now facing the possibility of a lengthy hospital stay as well as rehab.

The Fire Geezer had a recent post Is he the oldest active firefighter in the U.S. ? No disrespect here but … this guy just turned 90 years old! Yea … 90!  Is this another LODD in the waiting? WIll it be the first of 2011? I hope not but why even be in the position where he could be?

Chris Naum touched on the topic / issue back before Christmas, with his stellar line up of guest; during his Firefighter Netcast episode of Taking it to the Streets. The show was titled “Looking forward through the rear view mirror” and can be heard  HERE.

Now, Chief Bobby is not 90 years old but it still kills me to see guys .. good guys .. work their ass off and put it on the line for so long only to reap the rewards of a short retirement. These guys deserve better… their wives and families do as well. Are the Cities, Counties , Townships etc doing their part? What ever happened to 20 and out? A “20 and out”  with a max hiring age. We know what’s killing firemen and at what age. When is enough… enough?  90 year old men have no business in the fire service and the days of 30 + year men should be out as well.

Rising insurance, lower retirements etc all play a part I know but these men (we) also pay a higher premium.  We are firemen … we don’t know how to go home, relax and do nothing but we had better learn before it’s too late.

What do you think ??? Should we have a mandatory retirement age? What should it be? Can you do years of service? If hired at 25yo and work for 30, how affective are you at 55? Who carries the burden of liability here?

I don’t know .. but I do know that I have to be on duty tomorrow so I’ll check back with ya sometime then. Until I do, stay safe and in house!

Captain Wines

Posted by on January 4, 2011 • Filed under: administration-leadership, firefighter-safety-health, funding-staffing, in-the-line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,