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LOL … Ahhhh the places I could go!

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LMAO …. I have SO much content and “directions” I could go in for a great post. Of course, my regular readers know that the one thing that I don’t tolerate is “fretting” so I guess I’ll shoot it to ya straight.

It’s been a busy summer for me but for some reason, these last few weeks have really taken their toll. I’m not sure if Im just getting old or if all my work, travel and “running around” has just finally caught up with me. Either way, I’m whooped!

It doesn’t help that Im riding as the “acting” Battalion this cycle. It seems like every time I ride the car, “something” happens so I’ve just been sitting back waiting for whatever it’s gonna be this time.

See previous post … “Buckle Up”

We’re working Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday this cycle (24 hour shifts). My first day had me starting out in a  “Harassment in the workplace” class. A half day in a class room with 2 lawyers … WoooooHooooo!  The remainder of the shift wasn’t too bad. No real big excitment. Several runs including a kitchen fire but nothing major. Wednesday, the Buckaroo and I had a busy day on the farm. Of course it rained all day so we were soaked and freezing by the time we got back to the house. Good thing for me is that I would be able to unwind later that evening.

Good friend and Brother fireman Captain Joe Lyons from the Westfield Fire Department in Indiana had contacted me about a trip he’d be making to our valley. Captain Joe, Senior Firefighter Chad Everitt and KME rep. Mike Smith arrived around 6pm Wednesday evening.

We wanted to make sure the guys were taken care of so Rhett (The Fire Critic), Todd “Boots” Harris and I met em at the hotel around 6:45. We ended up next door at a local Mexican Restaraunt for sizzling hot fajitas and cold beers.

It was a good dinner! We hit it off right from the start. Captain Joe was waiting outside the hotel when I arrived. I came disguised in my daughters little sports car type vehicle.  As I got out and headed to the front door, the Captain came to greet me. Hummmm … how’d he know it was me?? LOL. I guess the bunker boots,  mustache and cowboy hat were a bit of a clue.

These guys are good firemen. We were a good fit. It was like we had known each other for years. It’s funny how that works out amoung brothers. I’ve had the honor to meet folks from all across the Country and beyond yet we all seem to share the same experiences. It doesn’t where you’re from when you’re “on the job”…. we all “relate” . It’s the same story with different names from one state to the next.

The Capt. and Chad ( aka “Trucker” )  work for the Westfield Fire Department. Mike Smith is the President of Donley Safety , their local KME distributor. Westfield has a new KME ladder on order but is also working on a new “prop” for their training facility. The guys needed a fly section from an aerial for a paripit wall / roof mock up and Mike had the connections. KME’s ladders are built here in Roanoke so the guys hooked up the trailer and hit the road. West Virginia proved to be an interesting leg of their journey as they were able to stop and chat with one of their State Police officers (LOL). After meeting us, they probily thought they were STILL in West Va!

Anyway, yesterday; I got my Battalion paperwork duties cleared early and escourted the guys over to the KME facility at 07:30am. Afterwards, they would head out for home. I hope they enjoyed the trip … I know for us, it was an honor to meet and share a few stories, beers and a meal with our brothers from Indiana.  Let us know the next time you guys head our way!

After getting the guys over to KME, I headed out to our 4th Annual Officer’s Seminar.

This years presenter was Retired Deputy Chief James P. Smith of the Philadelphia Fire Department. Chief Smith is a GREAT speaker who presented   “Strategic and Tactical Considerations on the Fireground” .

Chief Smith has a book by the same title … find that book by clicking  HERE . To see more topics offered by Chief Smith, click  HERE  .

It was refreshing to here someone with Chief Smith’s experience and education speak. The Chief could talk “fireman” because he is one! He worked through the ranks … he’s “been there, done and seen that”.  He was even there for the  One Meridian Plaza Fire  back in February 1991.

Fire Service leader, good friend and Brother Chris Naum remembers the One Meridian Plaza Fire over on Command Safety.com HERE

The turn out for our Seminar was good but could and should have been so much better.

We lost 3 Brothers in the One Meridian Plaza Fire. Due to the PRV (pressure reducing valve) limiting water to the upper floors, the members were forced to  hand jack 5″ hose to the 28th floor! Not just once … they made 3 stretches of 5″ !  Multple alarm  fires (as in 4th alarm and higher) seemed to be “normal” for Chief  Smith. He’s even taken in multiple refinary fires! How could you not learn something from a man with this kind of experience?

The seminar’s attendance was well rounded. We had members from The City, Roanoke County, Salem and several surrounding combonation or volunteer Departments. I hope we were able to “break even” on expenses so that a 5th Annual can be scheduled.

Obviously, these events come with a cost. In an effort to offset these cost, we do several things … raffles, 50/50 etc. I think the biggest “hit” is the helmet raffles.

Captain Billy Scearce from the Danville Fire Department put a custom paint job on two fire helmets.

These helmets turned out AWESOME !

See previous custom painted helmets from Captain Billy Scearce HERE .

 

 

 

 Special THANKS to Captain Billy Scearce for a FANTASTIC job! Find Billy on Face Book  .

I had to remain “in service” so I was in and out of the seminar to take in a few runs.

Nothing big until Captain Martin of City Engine #3-C advised dispatch to notify the Battalion that he was on scene of a mutual-aid “working fire” with our brothers from Roanoke County.

I switched over to the County tac channel just in time to hear command request a 2nd Alarm. I responded in.

By the time I got there ( less than 4 minutes) , companies were already taking up. WTF ?? I thought he pulled a 2nd??

Well, as it turns out; the IC (Incident Commander) struck the 2nd due to the occupancy. This location is a nursing / assisted living facility. Apparently, they had decent smoke showing upon arrival.

The 1st arriving members (County #5 and City #3) along with the sprinkler system were able to knock the fire down rather quickly.

It was a good call. We all know and had just heard from Chief Smith how it’s better to have companies rolling and not need them than to need them and not have them rolling.

My biggest shock was having that many members on scene of a fire under control and a Deputy Chief having to load hose! Yea… a County Deputy LOADING HOSE … on a City rig no doubt! LMAO.

Good job by all members on scene !

After the seminar, I had a pretty busy day. Sleeping in a strange bed in the busiest house in the City …. NOT MUCH REST.

The Brothers from County Station #1 must have known I’ve been having a busy month and invited me out for breakfast before they headed out to the 2nd day of our Seminar (same lecture in 2 days to allow for work schedules etc).

My wife dropped the Buckaroo off at the Station this morning and we headed out to meet Captain Witt and the crew.

BROTHERHOOD !  These guys “get it” .. A GREAT COMPANY !

Thanks to Captain Witt and the boys for the invite … we enjoyed it.

Tomorrow, will be just as busy.

I’ll begin the day with an airport disaster drill. Afterwards, I’ll head over to our “Fired Up for a Cure” event to benifit breast cancer.

There will be all kinds of activities on site.

Kid events .. Fire, EMS and Police demos, free ice skating, music, 5 and 10k runs, free food and much much more.

Check out Va Fire News for more details by clicking HERE .

I’ll even be wearing a PINK shirt ..

Check in tomorrow night for pics and details.

Until then, STay Safe and in House ….

Captain Wines

 

 

Posted by on September 23, 2011 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, major-incidents, news, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Buckle up!

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I really haven’t checked in with a “full” post since our 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Greenbelt, Md back on the 11th. I received a TON of e-mails, text messages and comments on the site from that post ( I Cried ) … THANKS!

I was hesitant to hit the “publish” button on that post. I had so much I wanted to say and share that I thought it came off as “rambling” and maybe even kinda “cheesy”.  Those of you who follow me regularly know that YES .. I do get emotional because I am passionate about the job. Sometimes, it’s difficult for me to control those emotions. The bad thing is that I type like I talk (and think ) and always say whats on my mind. Sometimes ( in my postings )  it comes across ok … other times not so much.

The message I was trying to deliver was how honored and proud I was to have participated in this climb. It was the 3rd climb this year for Rhett ( Fire Critic ) and I and,  our  2nd with Kevin Totten and Tommy Warshaw. I got to climb with my dad who is retired from the job with right at 30 yrs while Rhett climbed with his 8 yr old son!

More than telling our story, I wanted to inspire you to experience  your own.

I’m sure these climbs will hold a different meaning for each climber while Im just as sure that you’ll have to climb to find it. Other than climbing on the rigs everyday and performing our duties with PROFESSIONALISM, PRIDE and HONOR I can’t think of a better way to honor the 343 FDNY fallen.

I had mentioned in my post how we were planning to climb in Richmond before Chief Bashoor invited us to Greenbelt. What I failed to mention was that 4 of our brothers from Roanoke did attend the Richmond climb! You guys may remember a past Lieutenant of mine  from back in the Melrose Misfit days … Rob “Bugg” Reid. If not,  CLICK HERE  for a great post and the chance to meet “Bugg”.  He had wanted to organize a climb here in “The Noke” but couldn’t get the details worked out with the “powers to be”. They represented us well and even climbed with their SCBA !  THANKS …. CONGRATULATIONS and WELL DONE men!

So, obviously, Im back to work. Laast cycle was a mess due to my being off for the climb, Boots being on vacation and Georgie off sick. Little Randy stayed at Lucky #13 one day but would ship out to ride the Medic on the last day of the cycle.

He ran out of Station #5 and had a pretty busy tour.

He continues to see and hear things that aren’t an everyday occurance down in Max Meadows, Va.

He was almost involved in a fist fight and bitten. Yea …. BITTEN (he said she was tougher than she looked..LOL)

We also managed to squeeze in a little SWR (Swift  Water  Rescue) training …. just wait till little Miss Dana sees him in his new vest and fancy hat!

So, we took a 4-day break and returned to duty this morning. It’s gonna be a long cycle! Once again, I’m riding as the “North Side” Battalion Chief. For some reason, whenever I ride “the car”; we’re busy. This cycle has already started out that way!

Last time I rode the Battalion … see 1st arriving pics and post from a 2nd alarm fire

I rolled into the Chief’s Office this morning with a full schedule. Every Captain and 1st Lieutenant on the shift had manditory “Harassment in the work place” training …. WooooooHooooo !!

We also had “night training” scheduled for Station #5 at our Regional Training center beginning at 19:00 (7pm).

Take the busiest company in the Battalion out of service for a while and “something” is bound to happen..right?

 

The call went out as a stove on fire.

Boots got Georgie and Randy in first for a quick save.

This one could have turned bad QUICKLY.

There’s also a quick and simple PSA from this incident … NEVER leave pots / pans unattended while cooking.

A 2nd PSA is to install smoke detectors and assure they have working batteries. The detectors in this house  alerted the two occupants and allowed them to exit the home safely before our arrival.

The night is young yet and I sure hope things quiet down a bit. I have a busy day on the farm tomorrow and the next two days  here is looking full as well. Tomorrow evening, Rhett and I will get to meet another reader / follower of our sites. Captain Joe Lyons from the Westfield Fire Department  in Indiana will be stopping in town.  Rhett and I will give him the nickel tour of our city, make sure he gets a good meal and share a few stories over a cold adult beverage. I believe the Capt will be in town to visit our local ladder truck manufactoring company.

On Thursday, when I return to duty; we will be holding our 4th Annual Officer’s Seminar. This year, our featured speaker will be Retired Deputy Chief James P. Smith from the Philadelphia Fire Department !

This is a GREAT OPPURTUNITY for our area firefighters.

The Chief’s topic will be “Strategic and Tactical Considerations on the Fireground” This is one of many topics that Chief Smith lectures on across the Country.

Click HERE for more topics offerd by Chief James P. Smith

Click HERE for Chief Smith’s 2nd edition book “Strategic and Tactical Considerations on the Fireground”

This will be a 2 day seminar (same presentation, Thursday and Friday 08:30-16:30) and there may still be space available. If interested, contact one of the Chiefs listed on the registration form above / left.

Saturday will be the last day of our cycle but another full one as well. I have an Airport Mass Casulity Drill scheduled in the morning and our “Fired Up For A Cure” event that evening.

Not only will I be there, I’ll be wearing a pink shirt. YEA … a PINK shirt!

I’ll post more on the shirt deal tomorrow or next day.

In the meantime, Rhett has more details on the event over on Va Fire News … CLICK HERE .

Like I said … it’s gonna be a wild cycle … you’d better BUCKLE UP!

I’ll check back in as soon as possible. Until then, Stay Safe and In House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on September 21, 2011 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Back to Back 2 bangers in “The Noke”

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Photo from WDBJ7.com

For the 2nd day in a row, Roanoke’s Bravest have struck a 2nd Alarm.

Last night’s blaze was located in an apartment building on Westover Ave. in the South West section of the city. The incident occurred around 10:15pm on B-shift.

See Thursday’s downtown 2nd alarm fire HERE

Ladder 7 was first in with heavy fire and smoke showing from the 3rd floor. The 2nd alarm was immediately struck. The 2nd alarm brought all 4 ladders and nearly 40 firefighters to the scene.

No firefighters were injured but 2 civilians were transported in stable condition.

Photo by Drew Abel

One of the injured was trapped in a 3rd floor bathroom.

An “unknown” firefighter had reached the bathroom window and taken the glass from a ground ladder as members from “Lucky”  Engine Company #13 arrived on the interior. Although blackened with smoke and soot, the victim was conscious and communicating with the firefighter on the ladder.

Firefighter / EMT Brian Reager was the first to reach the man on the interior and determined his status. Captain Phil “Triple D” Dillon quickly decided that the best means of egress was through the interior. Assisted by Firefighter / Medic Dennis Hayes, the 3 members quickly and safely escorted the man to awaiting medics for treatment / transport.

WELL DONE LADS!

A second person was also transported in stable condition with reports of 1st degree burns and smoke inhalation.

See Local news coverage  HERE  and   HERE  .

Also visit  VAFIRENEWS.COM  for more pictures of the incident. Brother Drew Abel (from Station #3-A) must live close by and was able to grab some great shots.

“WELL  DONE”  to all the Brothers and Sisters on B-shift for another quick knock down and safe operation.

Stay Safe and In House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on July 30, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, rescues, 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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Another Hectic Day In “The Noke”

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Well, hectic for me anyway.

It’s my 3rd and final day of  ”riding the car” this week. The Chief will be back to duty next cycle and I get to go back home to “Lucky #13″.

As I said, in an  earlier post  this week; riding the car isn’t  ALL  bad. Some days are better than others and for me, it’s always a little difficult in that you’re just “filling in”. You’re working with somebody else’s “system” if you will. It’s not like you come in and change everything around to how you would want / like things…. you’re not the Chief … you’re just filling in.

The good news is that I didn’t have any 2 bangers today nor have I burnt the roof off any structures. The bad news is that the tour isn’t over yet.

Today has been more of a run around day. Running around for this and that, TONS of paper work and of course a trip to the Chief’s office for a meeting …. I LOVE THOSE!

So, here it is 10:30 and I haven’t gotten a post up yet. I tried to tune in to tonight’s show on  Firefighter Netcast  but had to run. The good news there is that they put an edited version up a few days following the “live” so you can listen to their shows anytime.

So, since it’s so late; I’m gonna try for a quick post with just a few highlights etc …

photo by Mike Overacker of Roanokefirefighters.com

If ya caught Monday’s post, you know that I had a 2nd alarm fire last day. You would also know that “Fire Boy” Fleitz was working some trade time and was in the seat of the first arriving Engine. What’s more is that he also had the nozzle. He made a good knock on the fire but don’t tell him I said so … his head is big enough.

That said, EVERYONE on scene did a great job. Various things worked against us from the beginning and for what we had, the results weren’t so bad.

I mentioned in  Monday’s post  that I was first in and my next two rigs to arrive were Ladders. We had multiple Engines out of service for various reasons at the time of the incident.  The building was boarded up so I assigned the first in Ladder (Ladder 5) to open up and set to the roof for vertical ventilation.  I had to hold the 2nd truck down at the street ( a very long driveway to the fire building) until Rhett and his crew laid in from the hydrant. Once Rhett (Engine 3) got there, he was alone.  Well, as far as I ‘m concerned he was alone. You see, we run 3 man companies. We are assigned 4 but due to vacations, holidays, duty injuries, vacancies etc we end up running with 3 (never less).

So, when Rhett dropped a man at the hydrant all that was left was the driver / operator and him. I needed water on that fire and quick. I couldn’t send him alone so I had to attach the 2nd Ladder (Ladder 7). So now I’ve lost a ladder company to fire attack (of course our ladders run with 3 as well and the operator stays with the rig). 

See how this one started off on the wrong foot? 3 man companies SUCK!  Anyway, it all worked out in the end. The fire went out and we had no injuries. It just kills me knowing what “could have been” had we had enough Engines in place or 4 man rigs.

So, as you can see from the pic above; Rhett was happy to catch a little work. He probably still has that grin on his face. He posted 2 good articles on the fire .. check em out …

From Va Fire News.com   Two Virginia Fire Bloggers write about 2nd Alarm fire in Roanoke

From Fire Critic.com   I Caught a Job … Fire Critic and Ironfiremen.com on scene!

photo by Mike Overacker at Roanokefirefighters.com

The little fella has been busy with his postings today.

He has another good article over on Va Fire News concerning a Roanoke Firefighter being awarded $2,000 following an arson conviction.

I don’t know where or how the court came to the $2,000 figure nor do I believe that I’ve ever heard of a firefighter being awarded money following a conviction.

see the Va Fire News article  HERE   and read local newspaper coverage  HERE

I’m not sure about the details of how all that works. Will the money be paid directly to the firefighter? Will the money go to the City and then into the fireman’s pay check? If so, will it be taxed?

Can the convicted even afford to pay everything he was sentenced to? You would think that if he had that kind of money, he wouldn’t be setting fires to collect insurance money. I’ll be curious to see how it all works out. If you guys have even had a situation like this, drop me an e-mail or comment and let me know how it worked.

Va Fire News also has 2 articles up on the Va Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service which was held 6-4-2011.

I posted live coverage and a promotional video of the event HERE

I listed the name of some of the team from the Roanoke Valley but missed a few from Salem and Roanoke County. The two brothers from Salem that I missed were Smitty and Mike Elliston. They are picture left with the Roanoke guys. The County brothers must have slipped off somewhere because none of them are pictured but I now  know Jeff Lawson and Toby Martin were there.

See the Va Fire News articles   HERE   and  HERE   there’s even some video of the bag pipes!

ok, I’m gonna wrap it up and try to catch a little sleep. We start our 4 day break tomorrow and will back on Monday. I’ll check back before then though.

Until I do … stay safe and in house!

Captain Wines

Posted by on June 8, 2011 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2nd alarm in the “Noke”… 1st arriving pics and more.

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Wow … what a day!  I think I’m a “poop magnet” when I  ”ride the car”  because I always end up having days like this.

It’s been busy busy ALL DAY LONG.

Meetings, more meetings, paper work, classes, routine calls and then a 2 banger. I’ll start with some of the classes.

Lt. Jim Hylton and Firefighter Todd Releigh put on a DPO (Driver, pump operator) class today. They had members from our Department as well as from other surrounding Departments. It’s a great class for new and old pump operators. As you can see, they even cover drafting which is something most of our City Firefighters don’t have a lot of experience with.

We also had ARFF training scheduled today for a couple of our City companies.

The first session was attended by Engine and Medic #3.

Yea…. that’s the ol “Fire Critic” himself pictured with Captain Clayton Martin of #3-C.

I guess things have been a little too slow for “Fireboy Fleitz” over on A-shift so he traded a little time to get over on C-shift for a day.

I bet if he had known how hard we were gonna work him, he may have just stayed home.

The temps were soaring despite the early start. That’s the air craft simulator pictured behind them. It uses propane to simulated fires in the tires, engine and passenger compartment. They also use the mat to simulate fuel fires.

We also have a Recruit School in progress over at our Regional Training Center. The school last 14 weeks and is comprised of recruits for the City, County and Salem. Tonight was their “night burn”. I had intended to make it over and grab a few pics but things didn’t work out.

Just after lunch and prior to my next “meeting” for the day, companies were toned out for smoke from a building at one of the local NW parks.

I arrived first and this is what I found … I called for a 2nd alarm in my size up.

You are looking at side “Delta”. The drive allowed me to approach from “Brovo”, drive past “Alpha” and set up just off the circle drive way on “Delta” where I also got a good view of  side “Charlie”.

The building was vacant and boarded up.

My next arriving truck was Ladder #5 with Captain Croft, Gish and Brady McDonald.

Those boys jumped off the truck, opened up and got the stick on the roof in NO TIME. Solid work.

The 2nd arriving rig was another Ladder (L7) ! Yea … I needed an Engine and QUICK.

Fire Boy Fleitz was there (riding the seat of Engine 3) but was still a few blocks out catching a hydrant. We had to hold Ladder 7 until Rhett and the boys from 3 could get into side “Alpha” with the water supply.

Engine 3 laid the line and took “the address” while Ladder 7 then positioned on side “Bravo”.

Engines 4, 2 and 1 followed and we pushed in for a quick knock down and searches.

“Fire Boy Fleitz” had the nozzle.

They made it back for a quick knock down and were backed up by a  company on the 2nd floor and another headed to the attic for extension.

That’s where she gave us a little trouble.

Upstairs, they encountered 12 foot ceilings that were sheeted with multiple layers of plywood. There was no stairway or scuttle hole for easy access to the attic.

They were getting the saws, attic ladders etc in place to make a good access but the fire just had too much of a hold. All companies were ordered to evacuate the building and report with PAR (personnel accountability report). Once we knew we had everyone out and accounted for, we opened the ladder pipes and ground monitors into the dormers and through our vent holes.

We got a good and somewhat quick knock down of the attic at that point.

Shortly after, we shut the master streams down and got the crews back in there to mop it up.

All searches were completed and found to be “all clear”.

Extensive overhaul was conducted and the fire was  marked “under control”

Thanks to all the members on scene for a great job … SOLID WORK!

I’ll throw in a few more random pics …

See more photos for Lt. Mike Overacker (Retired) HERE

We also have been expecting a guest tonight. Two firefighters from Washington DC are ridding across the Country to raise money and awareness for ovarian cancer. That’s 6,000 miles on a motorcycle. The brothers left DC today, stopped in Richmond for lunch and were scheduled to eat and sleep here at Station #5 tonight.

Their trip didn’t start out so well. One of the riders crashed. He was unable to continue due to the damage to his bike but from what we can tell, he escaped with only a broken toe. After assuring his travel partner was ok and all details were taken care of, one rider decided to tackle the journey alone.

Oleg Pelekhatyof DCFD Engine #4 arrived at the station around 08:30 tonight.

Just in time towash up and eat.

He looked tired,  hungry and like he needed a little rest. I mean who wouldn’t ?? Look at the seat on that thing …. LMAO

 

Obviously, the bike pictured above right is NOT what Oleg rode in here on.

Here’s a shot of him and bike he DID ride in on … a Harley.

We got him cleaned up a bit, filled his belly and had some good conversation.

Mike Elliston from Salem dropped in to welcome him as did our Chief of Department David Hoback.

The boys from 5 presented him with the station’s  Challenge Coin and we snapped a few pics before tucking him into bed. Here are the pics ..

 

Learn more about  Oleg,  his journey, and donate to the cause  by visiting his site HERE

That’s all for now .. Im going to bed. I’ll check back in tomorrow or Wednesday. Until then, stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on June 6, 2011 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

More working fires… Another “Mutual-aid” and Santa’s Sexy Helper Day 18

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I know … I know … you’re welcome. I’ll get right to it and introduce “Santa’s Sexy Helper”  for day 18 …..

Day 18

Ok, we’ve got a ton of news to catch up on.  Roanoke’s Bravest had a busy night last night. I’m not sure what the actual temperature was (with or without the wind chill) but I can assure you, IT WAS COLD! The night ..or morning started with an apartment fire on the South-side. Around 3am, our Brothers and Sisters were called to a 3 story, 24 unit apartment building with heavy fire showing. The incident went to a 2nd alarm while some 45 residents were rescued / evacuated from the building. Roanoke’s Jakes made a quick attack and good stop on the blaze. No injuries to civilians or Fire personnel were reported. The Red Cross was put into action again and will aid 9 people with food, shelter and clothing. See our local news coverage  HERE.

During the fire, Lucky #13 had to move up and cover Station #5. We didn’t have to stay long before they were cleared from the scene and returned to quarters. I’m thankful for no injuries and the fact that some of our members didn’t have to battle the cold for very long. We made our way home and nestled back into our beds (I could have named my price to “Boots” for my electric blanket … or at least for enough room for him to lay beside me LOL ).  We weren’t there long before we were up again. This time, we were headed into Salem for a working fire. I don’t want to bring the “Vinton“  issue back up but, I do have to say; this “mutual-aid” response ran very smoothly.

I had NO IDEA where we were heading so, my head was in the map book.  Much like Engine #6 must have been going into Vinton, I was confused and “lost” from the start. We arrived to find Salem units on scene and going to work. A  one and a half story residential structure (log cabin / home) with smoke showing from sides Alpha and Bravo. Command had been ESTABLISHED and assignments were being given. With a Salem response, I have a separate portable radio …. our city radios do not have the Salem channels to switch to. I still have to mark en route, arriving etc with our City dispatch though (to “capture” our times etc). I grabbed the Salem radio and called “Command”. He replied immediately. I advised that we were arriving and requested an assignment. He instructed me to stretch a 2nd line from Salem Engine #2, gain access to the attic and check for extension. He gave me a radio designation of “attack group 2″. I heard other assignments being made and knew what operations were being conducted by the radio traffic. This is how a fire is supposed to run.

We quickly made the attic, requested and received a TIC ( Thermal Imaging Camera ). We found no extension and gave command an “all clear”. We then moved down and joined “attack group 1′. Command acknowledged, changed our radio designation and confirmed that we were now PAR ( Personnel Accountability Report )  with 5. There, we requested and received saws and went to work on overhaul operations. SMOOTH. Everyone on the same page. Clear, concise communications. IMS in place and followed. Assignments made and completed. No “tool” measuring … everyone working for the same goal.

Another quick and good stop / knock down and an example of how two neighboring  jurisdictions  can work well together. I do wish we (Engine #13) had radios for each member (Salem supplies us with only 1). I’m not sure if every member in their Dept. carries a radio but I think it’s a MUST. Should something “happen” to the Officer, the other 2 members have no communication. If something should happen to one of my guys… get lost … fall etc. again they have no communication. Maybe I’m  ”nit picking” here but I’ll nit-pick for safety any day. Bottom line is that I’d like to say “Well Done” to the Salem Fire / EMS Department! Solid and professional work. See the Salem Fire / EMS web site  HERE.

Ok, moving on with more good news … My “little buddy” Rhett Fleitz from over at  FireCritic has achieved yet another level of fame (like his ego needed that). Rhett’s submission to the First Due Blog Carnival 6th Edition ( hosted by The Backstep Firefighter ) concerning Social Media;  made its way to the IAFF site IAFF Frontline Blog. See their coverage HERE.

Ok, I gotta get out here a feed a few cows and horses but I’ll check back in later. As always, thanks for reading. Until I get back, stay safe and in house!

Captain Wines

Posted by on December 7, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, news, rescues, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,