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Supporting West, Texas and gearing up for FDIC

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Support has really been building for our Brothers and Sisters in and around the town of West, Texas following last week’s devastating and fatal blast.

The National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation has set up a special, National fund for the survivors.

“In light of the tragic event in West, Texas on Wednesday and in cooperation with local support efforts, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has established a national fund to accept monetary donations to assist the survivors and coworkers of the fire and EMS personnel who died in the line of duty”.

More about the Fund from the NFFF HERE

NFFF on Face Book HERE

DONATE to the West, Texas Fallen Hero Fund HERE

Tim Smith from the hit Discovery Chanel show “Moonshiners” is hoping his “celebrity status” can help raise funds as well.

When not filming his show, Tim also serves as the Volunteer Fire Chief for the Climax (Va) VFD.

Rhett posted about Tim, the show and him being the VFD Chief in December of 2011. It ended up being his 2nd most popular post on Fire Critic.com for 2011.

Read that post by clicking HERE

 Tim made our local news tonight due to his efforts to assist the West, Texas Fire Department.

Chief Smith left Virginia this morning at 09:00 am. They will be traveling down I-85 to Atlanta Georgia and then following I-20 into Texas.

They will be making as many stops as possible along the way to collect donations for West Texas.

They are accepting any and all donations … money, supplies, equipment etc.

If you, your Department or business would like to host Tim and his crew or have them stop at your location to pick up a donation, you can contact them through the Climax VFD site HERE (their itinerary is also listed on that site) .

Click HERE for video coverage from our local news station WDBJ 7

There is also a Memorial Service planned for this Thursday (April 25th) in Waco Texas. Rhett has all the details over on Fire Critic (I’ll include the link) and if they get a live stream out, we will do our best to have it up on both of our sites for those unable to attend in person.

Memorial Service details for the West, Texas fallen

More coverage of the West, Texa explosion including identities of the fallen from the Fire Critic by clicking HERE

Rhett and I will be at FDIC on Thursday but our thoughts will be in Texas. I hope yours will be as well.

We leave out for Indy on Wednesday morning at 7am. We have a couple Brothers riding up with us and a couple more sharing our suite. It’s going to be a GREAT trip.

Our first stop will be at the FOOLS Brotherhood Bash at 5pm Wednesday. It’s always a BLAST and a great way to kick off our trip.

FOOLS Bash event page on Face Book HERE

 Thursday, you’ll find us on the exhibit floor spending time between the MN8 FoxFire and Black Diamond booths (Booth #5571 for FoxFire and #2401 for Black Diamond). Be sure to stop by say hello!

Rhett and I are also hosting our very own “Meet Up” at FDIC this year! We’re getting the Brothers and Sisters together for some fellowship and Brotherhood at the Hard Rock Cafe @8:30 on Friday.

Ironfiremen / FireCritic Meetup “event page” HERE

View our complete FDIC itinerary HERE

We shouldn’t be too difficult to find anyway. For some reason, we always seem to stand out in a crowd.

Odds are you’ll find us wearing one of our kilts. Last year, we were sporting our ALT Kilts. This year, we will also be showing off our custom wear from Bunker Kilt!

You’re also likely to find us in our new Morning Pride turnout gear from Honeywell.

We’ll be updating our status on Face Book so you’ll know exactly where we are. Be sure to look us up and say hello. We LOVE meeting our friends, fans and followers … yea … BOTH of ya …LOL.

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book. Click HERE

I’ve gotta catch up on a little farm work tomorrow, wash the Blog Mobile and get packed but I’ll try to get another post up for ya tomorrow night.

Until I get back … stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on April 22, 2013 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A needed distraction …

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I’m gonna try getting out again for a little while. I’ll be heading North to attend the Long Island Fire, Rescue and EMS Mega Show on Feb 23rd and 24th. I think it will make for the perfect “distraction” from everything else going on in my life.

I’ll be up there with my MN8 FoxFire family working the booth. I’m not sure what our booth “number” is but we’re never hard to find. We’re the guys with the “glow in the dark” stuff and there’s usually a huge crowd gathered around …. look for us and stop by to say hello if you’re at the show.

I feel like it’s going to be a good trip…. I know it’s a much needed one for me.

As far as the show / booth goes, we’re bringing some new products with us…. our newest actually.

MN8 FoxFire has started making 1 x 3 inch helmet “bars” (as opposed to tetrahedrons) for those of you  not wearing a leather helmet (of course we’ll have plenty of our tetrahedrons available as well).

In true firefighter fashion, the bars have proven to be useful in other applications as well …. be sure to drop by and check em out…. I know you’ll love em!

We’ll have all of our other great products on hand as well …. Helmet Bands, Equipment bands, Grip Wrap, Epoxy, Tee-shirts, hats etc. and I’ll be on hand to give ya a personal demo. If you’re not familiar with our Products, visit our Web Site HERE or find and follow us on Face Book HERE .

We’re also going to have a special guest / visitor in the booth with us this weekend. My little sister, Marci; is gonna make the ride up with me !

EASY fellas…. EASY. Like I said … she’s my SISTER.

I’m not gonna call her a “booth babe” but she will be hanging out at the show with us. Be sure to to say hello and give her a  chance to tell ya how awesome she thinks our product and the entire MN8 FoxFire team is.

We’ll be leaving out first thing in the morning (Thursday) and arriving in Long Island sometime late evening.

Our travel route will take us straight up I-81 from Roanoke to I-78 to I95 and the Lincoln Tunnel (most likely). If you’re on the way and wouldn’t mind a visit, just let me know … we LOVE stopping by and visiting Firehouses when we travel (who knows, you may even make the pages of Ironfiremen.com). Marci and I both will be checking and updating Face Book as we travel so hit us up if you want us to drop by and / or meet up.

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book HERE

We’ll be staying at the Sheraton on Motor Parkway in  Hauppauge, Long Island. We’ll be looking for something to “get into” so if you’re close by or have any good suggestions, let us know. I know we’ll head into the City on Friday sometime (or maybe just one evening) but we’re flexable.

I think this trip will be just what I need to get back in the swing of things.

It’s gonna feel good to be back in New York, in my kilt and working. I’m excited! Hell, just being able to wear my kilt will make the trip worth while (of course I’ll wear my kilt ANYWHERE).

Wearing it around the farm draws too much attention (it distracts the cows …LOL). I had the chance to slide back into it down in Florida for 2013 Fire / Rescue East but I really wasn’t “there” yet. This trip feels more “normal” … like it should be.

The only thing that will be missing on this trip will be my “little buddy” …. the “Buckaroo #2″ … aka Rhett Fleitz (The Fire Critic). Yea …. once again, Rhett will be unable to make the trip. He’s afraid the hotels gym wont meet his needs / specs.

I’ve nicknamed him “WTA” (While Tony Atlas).

You see, Rhett’s been on a STRICT diet and workout program lately …. he’s “bulking up”.

He’s been drinking all the “muscle juice” he can find. Eating egg whites laid by a hen with only 3 tail feathers who sits on her nest facing east.

For lunch, the leaf of lettuce in his salads was grown on a glacier at the base of Mount Everest.

For dinner, a single green bean, uncooked and grown in only the purest of soils. 

For desert, he can down a 12 pack of creamy, delicious probiotic Activia yogurt faster than the cookie monster can eat a sleeve of Chips Ahoy. Of course he can “snack” on protein bars and such as long as he just eats the cardboard wrapper they’re contained in.

You see, Rhett in preparing to enter his 1st bikini contest …. no kidding ! A BIKINI CONTEST!

His wife Becky has been training for over a year now to participate in her first fitness / figure / bikini contest. She doesn’t need the training … she’s already HOT (blind … but HOT ..LOL). Well, Rhett decided he’d support her by being be her side in her endeavor … as in RIGHT by her side.

He wrote about it in a post titled  ”THE CHANGE BEGINS – TRAINING AND DIETING FOR A GOAL“ 

In all seriousness, Rhett’s been VERY disciplined in sticking to his diet / workout.

He’s sticking to it and it’s paying off …. HE LOOKS GREAT (although still not as good as Becky).

What he doesn’t realize is that like everything else in his life, he STILL wont surpass Dave Statter!

As hard as Rhett is trying, Dave does double the effort by accident. It just come natural to him and once again, “Fire Boy” is left playing “catch up”.

LMAO …. all kidding aside, Rhett has some family obligations keeping him from making this trip. We have PLENTY more scheduled for 2013 so it wont be long before we’re back on the road, together again.

So, I’ll try to keep ya posted as much as possible throughout the weekend. Once again, if you’re on our route or will be attending the show, be sure to let me know so we can meet up. Until I get back to ya ….

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on February 20, 2013 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Firefighter gatherings, a Priest and leaving the nest …

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I started my day off yesterday by joining the Brothers and Sisters of the Salem Fire – EMS Department and IAFF Local 3478′s for their 1st Annual Retiree’s Breakfast.

It was a GREAT event and very well attended.

The retirees LOVE these types of events.

It gives them the opportunity to spend some time with and visit members that they once worked with but may not have seen in a while.

It also gives them the chance to interact with the Brothers and Sisters still on the job and lets them know that they are still a part of the Department (family).

There were a lot of young members from L-3478 working, cooking and serving …. I was impressed. It’s a true display of BROTHERHOOD.

I tell every young member I can that if they ever get the chance to sit down with a retiree and chat … DO IT. All you have to do is ask a simple question and sit back listen. They’ll talk for hours! The stories you’ll hear are priceless and in cases like this, are part of your history. I recently wrote a post about Fire Department History here on Ironfiremen.com. If you haven’t already, click the title below to read it ..

“Fire Department History … it’s where we came from”

I know there were plenty of stories flying around yesterday. The Brothers had a ton of old photos, books and even slide show to bring back some old memories.

We’ve done several of these types of breakfasts here in my Local (L-1132) over the years. Rhett actually came up with the idea several years back and we made it happen. The most memorable one for me was about 3 years back. We captured several pictures and even some video of Retired Captain Pete Price. He died just 3 days later. Rhett covered the event on Roanokefire.com in the link below…

IAFF Local 1132 Retirees Breakfast

Thanks to the Brothers and Sisters of Salem’s L-3478 for inviting me to be a part of their special event…. I wish you many more successful ones. WELL DONE!

Yesterday (last night) was also the date of my Local’s Annual Banquet. It’s always a GREAT time with plenty Brotherhood, eating, dancing and yea … drinking.

It’s kind of a formal event as in the men always clean up and dress nice while the gals wear jaw dropping dinner dresses, high heels etc. With that said, by 11pm most of the men’s ties are off and around their heads like sweat bands. I’ve even been to a few where the dresses were over their heads too …LMAO.

Anyway, I decided to do something a little different this year (can you believe it…ME do something different??). I thought about wearing one of my kilts.

I wasn’t sure how it’d go so I asked the question on my Face Book Fan Page. The response was overwhelming to wear it … and I did. Shirt and tie, kilt and Black Diamond X2 Boots!

Find me on FACE BOOK HERE

I’m not certain but I’d bet that it was the first time a member has worn a kilt to a Local 1132 Banquet. I’ve got to tell ya … Rhett and I LOVE wearing our kilts. They’re a huge success everywhere we go.

The one I wore last night is new and came from Bunker Kilts. It’s an AWESOME kilt that looks, fits and feels great. Rhett and I will have a full review of the Bunker Kilts up soon over on our Firefighter Product Review site. We’ve already completed a review for our other kilt (Alt Kilt.com) . See that review by clicking the link below ..

Fire Product Review.com / Alt Kilt review

I made it through the night and into work this morning. Today was our vacation sign up day where every member of the Battalion signs up for the vacation (days off) they will need for 2013.

Chief Adkins pulls all the Captains down to his office to assist with sign ups so I just took my entire crew. After the sign up was complete, we ate breakfast with the Brothers and Sisters from Station #5 and had a special guest.

Chief invited our Department Chaplin, Father Sandy Webb to stop by … we had a special surprise waiting.

The North Battalion (C-Shift) purchased a “Fire Department” Bible for Father Sandy. We even had his name printed on it.

Father Sandy always talks about how much we mean to him and we wanted to make sure that he knows how much he means to us.

Father Sandy is our first “real” Department Chaplin and I can’t imagine having one any better.

I’m not sure if we (or Father Sandy for that matter) knew exactly what his “duties” would be but I can tell ya that he’s far exceeded our expectations.

He’s always there when we need him … even when we don’t know that we do.

I’m his biggest fan and have posted about him on several occasions. Like the time I first met him click HERE . When he blessed my new helmet click HERE or when he arrived on scene just when all hell broke loose .. click HERE .

Father Sandy loved his gift and I’m sure it will be put to good use.

I’m not a good Christian nor do I push my (or any) religion on others. I will say that if your Department doesn’t have a Chaplin, IT SHOULD.  Father Sandy has been a great comfort.

I grabbed this picture by #5′s Christmas tree before we left.

Pictured from L-R (standing) Lt. Kenny Shelton, Capt. R.T. Flora, Father Sandy Webb, Chief Teddy Adkins, Lt. Rob Reid, FF James Gish, FF Randy Armbrister and Lt. Cortney Price (fill in from station #8). Kneeling L-R is FF Todd Harris, FF Travis Meador and FF Jason Anuszkiewicz .

Ok … and now for the BIG NEWS……  WE’RE LOOSING RANDY!

Yep, our favorite little Rookie Firefighter, Randy Armbrister is being transferred out. Tonight will be his last assigned here with us. Starting next cycle, Randy will be at Station #5 C-Shift.

He’s leaving “the nest” and we’re gonna miss him. Randy has been a joy to live and work with.

I’m also very proud of him. He’s accomplished a lot in just under a year and a half.

The ones of you who have followed the site for a while have watched Randy develop into a great young firefighter.

Although it saddens me, the move will be a good one for Randy. He’ll do well at #5 and will only be stronger, more experienced and better trained because of it.

I’m going to do a “stand alone” post on his leaving over 4-day break. I can’t wait to look back through all those posts and pictures. Be sure to keep checking back and look for it … it’s gonna be a good one!

Apparently the word about his move is out because the folks down around Station #5 were dancing in the streets this morning … here’s the video

LMAO .. ok, so I’ll get back with that post ASAP but until I do, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on December 8, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, 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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Working Fire, Extrication and Firehouse Expo!

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

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

Engine 5 was first due with us on their heels.

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

See that post by clicking HERE .

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

The pic right  is a MVC we caught last day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details for FOOLS Bash HERE 

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

 Follow MN8 FoxFire on Face Book HERE

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

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book HERE

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

Captain Wines

Posted by on July 15, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The simplicity of Brotherhood

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It’s Tuesday and I’m still in the bed. It’s been a long standing kind of joke with me but I always tell everyone … if I owe you money, a shift at the firehouse or if there is something you’d like to say to me and you hear I’m at the doctor’s office or the hospital … you’d better get there quick. LOL

Well now’s the time. I think I’m going to have to go.

That said, I’ve been laying here, watching cartoons with the buckaroo; unable to get up and move around ( he leaves me that little spot to the left just above his head by the way…LOL). Anyway, being tied to this bed has given me the chance to do some thinking and I’d love to share this thought with ya … hang with me while I try to type it out.

It’s seems as though for so many, the meaning of the word “Brotherhood” has been lost. Not just the meaning either, when you think about it; you really don’t even hear the term used that much anymore.

That is unless you’re around me and Rhett.

For us, it’s all about Brotherhood. We define it as Honor, Tradition, Pride and Respect.

We even had “chips” made with those words on it.

It’s our business card if you will. We call them “Brotherhood Chips”.

It’s what we pass out when meeting Brothers and Sisters for the first time. It’s a pretty cool idea and they have been a huge hit!

Click HERE to get yours !

My point here is that it’s more than a “word” for us … more than a “term”.

Everyone asks us what the meaning of Brotherhood is, why it’s not as prevalent anymore and where it can be found. I’ve said it many times here on the site and will say it again … the Brotherhood is all around us!

It was everywhere at FDIC.

Take the Pipe and Drums for example. Did you folks realize that these Brothers and Sisters receive NO ACCOMMODATION?

FDIC doesn’t supply travel expense, hotel rooms or even event passes!

They are up there, on their own dime; because they WANT to be. Yet they ARE the opening ceremony.  They played before the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. They played at the FOOLS Bash. At every bar in the area. THEY MAKE THE SHOW and it costs them. They sacrifice their time and money for US. That my friend is BROTHERHOOD.

Read Renegade Pipes and Drums

As Rhett and I walked around the floor of FDIC, in our ALT Kilts …wearing Phenix Helmets with custom fronts from Box Alarm Leather and fire boots; all eyes were on us.

I don’t say that bragging but everybody in that exhibit hall saw us. At first it may have been “look at those two yahoos” but very soon those same people were trying to get our names, pictures with us and a chance to get us in their booth.

My point here is this. While walking, we noticed it. We seen you see us coming. I don’t know if it’s a “southern thing” or not ( shit… did I just put Rhett in a “southern” category?? I must be sick) but when you make eye contact with one of us … we speak.

Now, for us; it’s not “hello” or “good day”…. our response is almost  always “HEY Brother”.

It’s another “head turner”. It’s almost like we catch em off guard with the word “Brother”.

Some would (and have) argue the point of how do we know if that person is a “true” Brother / Sister or not. Maybe they’re a MUTT? For us, it’s simple. If you’re where we are, we share at least something in common. We’re at that same place for a reason right? And for us, it’s about the Fire Service. Until proven otherwise … we give ya the benefit of the doubt.

Read “Are YOU an undercover Brother“

I mentioned in my previous post how at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Brothers and Sisters were sharing and giving each other ( and me) words of encouragement. “Good job Capt”. “Way to go Capt”. “Keep it up Brother”….etc.  (Read that post HERE )

Hell …. just climbing is an act of Brotherhood!

What I failed to mention was the aid the the Brothers and Sisters taking a break were offered.

These climbs are NOT easy. Many members have to stop to rest and / or cool down along the way. In Lucas Oil Stadium it was easy…. you just grabbed a bleacher seat. I know that Rhett asked each and every member we passed 1.) if they were ok 2.) If we could help carry some of their gear back down.

Yea… he offered to take on more of a load just to lighten someone elses. Someone we didn’t know … but a Brother or Sister none the less.

Do you realize how easy it is / was to ask such a simple question??? Maybe the hard part is knowing to ask?

SIMPLE things. I’ve received a ton of phone calls, e-mails, texts etc with get well wishes etc. Some from Brothers and Sisters I’ve never met beyond Face Book, Twitter or my site. IT’S AWESOME !

“Thinking about ya Brother.. hope you’re feeling better”. WOW …. just a note that quick made my day.

“Brother”??  Am I a Brother??  Maybe just calling someone “Brother” will push them to become a better one. Maybe it will open their eyes that others view them as such?

Brotherhood doesn’t have to be something huge. It’s caring about and looking after one another. RESPECT for your fellow members. Pride in how you represent our profession. The Tradition of looking after and caring for our own and Honoring   those who came before us, those beside us today and all who will follow.

Sorry I got on a rant … THANKS for the get well wishes… I’m tougher than I look and just may live.

Stay SAFE and in House

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on April 24, 2012 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Booth Babes, FDIC another 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and more!

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We are back from FDIC 2012. We actually drove home through the night (last night) because  I’m sick… and NO … not like “hung over” sick…. “sick” sick.  Despite having to cut the trip short, we had a BLAST!

Rhett ( The Fire Critic ) and I try to “step it up” a little at each event we attend and FDIC 2012 was a HUGE SUCCESS for the Fire Critic and Ironfiremen.com.

Our main reason for the trip was to help Zach Green and the  MN8-FoxFire  Team in booth #3026. It was an easy job because the product is so good that it sells itself.

Rumor is that this year set a record for attendance and sales at FDIC and I would bet that we were one of the top 5 busiest booths. Several of the staff members from FDIC even came by and asked me what all the “hype” was about around our booth. As soon as I got them in the tent … they understood.

Jacob and Troy from the TV show  ”Swamp People” were in the Ferrara Fire Truck booth ( I don’t understand the connection ) but it was the MN8-FoxFire booth that was SWAMPED.
I guess Rhett and I were kinda like the FoxFire “booth babes”. I say that for several reasons. One of the reasons is because we were wearing kilts. Not dresses … kilts (it’s defined by what you ARE or are NOT  wearing under em …lol). Not just any kilt either. We were wearing our custom kilts from ALT KILT.

ALT KILT on Face Book HERE

They wear a HUGE SUCCESS and the “hype” began as soon as we arrived.

We got into town on Wednesday evening and headed straight to the Fire Rescue 1 Meet Up and the FOOLS Bash.

Everywhere we turned, we were meeting and greeting Brothers, Sisters, friends and followers (new and old alike). I have to be honest with you … we were not expecting that.

Now don’t get me wrong … we LOVED it! Everyone there wanted to meet, talk to and get a picture with us. We didn’t make it past 20 foot into the gates.

In the past, whenever folks would come up to us and say  ” I love your site and read it every day”, we would always reply “so you’re the one” …LOL. Well, it was very apparent at FDIC that we now have at least a few more than “one” loyal reader / follower and if we didn’t get the chance to tell ya at FDIC, THANKS!

We  passed out every Challenge Coin, patch and Brotherhood Chip we had with us and needed a few hundred more! If you missed us at FDIC or wasn’t there to get yours, don’t panic…. you can still get one. For our Challenge Coin, patch and custom badges ….

Visit NM Coin Here

 

 Also visit The Chip Site to find where our Brotherhood Chips were made 

It was a fun night! The next morning, we opened the booth and was again over run. Folks were showing up to meet and visit with us and to get a personal demo of the MN8 FoxFire Products. We knew then that this would be a show like no other that we have attended.

We apologize to any of you that we didn’t get to speak to personally and wish we could have spent more time with those  who we did. Several times, there were folks waiting for a picture while we were giving product demos etc.

We made every effort to step aside real quickly and hope we got to all of you. We put a bunch of pictures up on our Face Book pages. Be sure to take a look at em and tag yourself if we didn’t already. Also, if you have one of or with us that we don’t … please tag us as well.

Find, Like and Follow us on Face Book HERE

So, after the floor closed for day 1, we have several dinners to attend. Our first was with Fire Rescue Magazine / Firefighter Nation  where we actually received some pretty cool recognition. If you’re not a subscriber of Fire Rescue Magazine or a member of Firefighter Nation … YOU SHOULD BE  (hit that link above). Here’s what they had to say about the award we received …

Fire Service writers, bloggers receive awards. 

Afterwards, we had a team dinner with the MN8-FoxFire Team. Zach gave us a special gift of a framed quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson…

“Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”  

Very fitting for MN8-FoxFire, The Fire Critic and Ironfiremen.com. I can’t wait to see where we end up on this journey.

That said .. I have to stop this post here. As I mentioned above, I’m sick and attempting to write this post from bed. I’ll do my best to follow up with a “Part 2″ as soon as possible. Sorry to make ya wait … thanks for following and be sure to hit that Face Book link above for more great pictures from FDIC.

You can also read a “FDIC Wrap up Part 1” post from Rhett 

Until I get back, Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on April 22, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, news, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FDIC 2012

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We made it … don’t ask me how but we did. Rhett, Andrew Catron, Mike Elston and I are at FDIC 2012 and already having a BLAST!

We got in yesterday and met up with Zach Green and the MN8 FoxFire Team.

We made the Fire Rescue 1 Meet Up and the Fools Bash last night….. everyone says I had a great time.

Rhett and I even wore our new kilts from Alt Kilt and they looked AWESOME.

I’m not sure we are going to have a bunch of time for posting etc. but we are getting a lot of pics. We will at least try to get some up on Face Book so you folks at home can follow along …. here are a few to get ya started …

Ironfiremen.com on Face Book 

Don’t forget to hit “Like” and become a fan (follow) us on Face Book! Also check in with the Fire Critic  and  MN8 Fox Fire  to keep up with us while we’re in Indy. Speaking of MN8 Fox Fire … that’s where you’ll find us…

 MN8 Fox Fire FDIC  Booth 3026

Stop by for a visit and picture …. we can’t wait to see you!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on April 19, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A little prayer never hurts… of course clean balls goes a long way as well.

1 comment

I don’t event know where to begin. We head out for FDIC in the morning and I’ve  been busting my butt for the last several days trying to get everything caught up on the farm so that I can be away. Sorry I haven’t gotten a post up but I figured you kind of enjoyed looking at those MN8-FoxFire tetrahedrons anyway. Yea…. you’re welcome and NO… I wont tell ya whose they are.

I guess the best place to start tonight is with the Buckaroo. Today is his Birthday!  He turned 4 years old and I couldn’t be more proud.

I remember the day he was born like it was just yesterday. I was on duty with the Melrose Misfits at Station #9. I had the boys out doing Pre-Fire Plans when I got “the call”. I slid over to the Medic Unit with Ben “Tyrone” Obaugh, marked it out of service and headed to the hospital.

Tyrone stood guard by the door and within no time, the Buckaroo was born and I was cutting the cord. I think Tyrone was as nervous as I was. It was the first  (and only) time he had seen me cry. I was honored to have been able to share that moment  with one of “my boys”.

I can’t count the moments I’ve shared with the Buckaroo . That’s him at just a week or two old in the old “War Wagon” from Station #9.  I’m looking forward to a million or two more …. HAPPY BIRTHDAY little fella.

Speaking of being proud and sharing “moments” …. I went to church this past Sunday. I went and the lightning didn’t strike nor did the roof cave in. What’s more is that I didn’t go alone … there was a whole group of firefighters in attendance.

Our Battalion Chief (Theodore “Teddy” WENDALE Adkins) thought it was a good idea and invited us all to attend our Department’s Chaplain Father Sandy Webb’s Church ( St. John’s Episcopal Church). Without pressure, several members attended.

My entire Company was there and once again I found myself humbled. I say that because I don’t (can’t) talk a lot about faith / religion with my members. I do think and worry about it often …especially with our Rookie Randy. I hope and would like for him to get started in the right direction at this point in his life (new job, new home, getting married etc) and hope we are setting the right example. I’m not saying that Church is necessarily the “right” direction but I at least want him to know and understand that if that’s his chosen path then I support it. Not just me either … the entire company does… WE support it.

As a Company, we live, eat and play together. Because of that, we are united and that enables us to fight together (fire fighting). Now, we’ve added another level to our bond of Brotherhood and have attended Church together. We’ve prayed together and this past Sunday, even received Communion together. I could write an entire post on the emotions I felt knowing that George, Todd and Randy were knelt beside me. The look in Father Sandy’s eyes as he moved from one firefighter to the next. My eyes swelled with tears. Tears of Pride, Honor, Tradition and Respect. It is the sharing of these moments …. personal / private moments that make us stronger. It’s what makes us BROTHERS.

So, how am I going to go from Church with Father Webb to clean balls??? Kilts of course!

That’s right, The Fire Critic ( Rhett Fleitz) and I have just received our new kilts from ALT Kilt.

These kilts are AWESOME! 

I had no idea that they were so well constructed. The material is heavy duty yet comfortable. They fit perfect and look GREAT . I can’t wait to wear this thing at FDIC this week!

We tried the other companies and ALT KILT was the only one who came through for us. If you’re thinking about, wanting or looking for a kilt (and you will be after you see us in em) then TRUST ME … Alt Kilt is where you want to shop.Hit any of the links above for their web site or find, like and follow them on Face Book

Find Alt Kilt on Face Book Here

So, we now have kilts and are planning to wear em at FDIC this week. Good thing AXE  just sent us some of their newest products for a “review”. See that post on IronFiremen.com by clicking HERE . The good news for any and everyone who will bump into us at FDIC is that the good folks from AXE also included some of their existing products in our “care package” … ie: the Axe Detailer

LMAO … so anyway, look us up at FDIC … we want to meet ya! The easiest way to find us will be in the MN8-FoxFire Booth inside the exhibit hall.

Visit Captain Wines and The Fire Critic at FDIC in the MN8-FoxFire Booth #3026

Show us your “tets” and tell us your FoxFire story. Let us give ya a personal demo and make plans to meet up with and hang out after hours! We will have our new challenge coins, patches and a new “chip” to pass out.

Yep … patches and a new Challenge Coin from NM Coin .

Not going to be at FDIC???? Don’t panic. You can now purchase Ironfiremen and FireCritic merchandise directly from NM Coin!

Be the first member of your company to have our coin and/or patch …. CLICK HERE for some special offers and great DEALS on our collector items.

These guys do GREAT work…. Our coins ROCK!

If you’re in the market for badges, name plates, coins, patches etc you HAVE to look these guys up. Hit their link above or find, like and follow them on Face Book … tell em Rhett and I sent ya,

Find NM Coin on Face Book HERE 

We’ve got a full but GREAT schedule while at FDIC. We will be at the Fools Bash, The Fire Rescue 1 Meet Up, The Fire / EMS Blog Meet Up, The 5k run, The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Stop Drop and Rock and Roll and much much more! Like I said, FIND US …. hang out and tag along. We’ve already picked up two Brothers ( Mike Elston and Andrew Catron ) who will be making the trip up with us. We are going to have a BLAST!

Rhett has our itinerary in a Fire Critic post HERE.  We will take and have plenty of photos etc from our experiences and will try to keep you up to date through Face Book ( not sure we’ll have the time for a full post here).

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book HERE

Hit the “LIKE” button and be sure to follow … you wont want to miss anything this week! Until we get back to ya … stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on April 18, 2012 • Filed under: news • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gearing up

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I know where the term “March Madness” comes from but for me, it has nothing to do with basketball.

In my world, it’s tax time. Time for me to figure out my fertilizer needs and how I’m going to pay for it. Time to find enough money to fill our diesel tanks before the cost per gallon makes it impossible. Time to prep all the equipment for the fast approaching hay season and time to move all the cattle to summer pastures.

A busy time on the farm to say the least. It’s also the beginning of the busy time for The Fire Critic (Rhett Fleitz) and Ironfiremen.com. Our “travel season” is just around the corner and our schedule is filling fast.

Rhett and I have actually already had a good start to 2012 and it’s only going to get better.

We kicked off the year with a couple unexpected trips but we wouldn’t have traded them for the world. We get into a little bit of everything but, January started off with a first for us…. motivational speaking. We had kicked the idea around for a long time but The Swoope Volunteer Fire Company’s Awards Dinner was to be our first venue. We were a huge success!

Find, Like and Follow the Swoope VFD on Face Book by clicking HERE 

Read my post on the event HERE   

Still in January, we got together with Zach Green and the awesome team at MN8-FoxFire and raised some money for the FDNY’s Rescue 2 MayDay Fund. You may remember the December 19, 2011 Brooklyn blaze that seriously injured firefighters Wiedmann and Gersbeck of the Famed Rescue 2.

Thanks to the efforts of our readers and loyal FoxFire customers, we were able to raise over $2,300.00 for the fund that supported these two members and their families during their recovery! It was a very humbling experience. We presented the check in person to Captain Flaherty and the men of Rescue 2.

Read the related posts HERE  and  HERE 

At the time, Brother Gersbeck and been released for the burn unit to continue recovering at home. Firefighter Weidmann remained in critical condition and would require many more surgeries and accompanying time in the unit. Well guess what?? Last Friday, March 23rd, Brother Wiedmann was finally released. Let me rephrase that … not only was he released, he WALKED OUT of the burn unit!

Firefighter Robert Wiedmann heads home: MyFoxNY.com

After returning home from New York, we intended to take it easy and rest up before our full schedule began. Well, that didn’t happen. Somehow or another, we had to find the time to launch a new web site. We have been doing product reviews on our sites for a while now but we never really had a place that was easy for our readers to find them all.

We would soon launch Fire Product Review.com .

It’s a GREAT site!  Not only do we give you our review / rating of the products, we also allow YOU to score them as well!

Yea …. with our site, you get to rank the product too. Maybe you found something we didn’t. Maybe the product is not as effective for how you operate. Not everyone will agree with our opinions and we wanted to make sure that you get the “Low-Down” on these products before spending the money. If you haven’t already …check us out. Be sure to tell us how you would “score” the products we’ve reviewed.  Use the link above to visit the web site or …

 Click HERE to follow Firefighter Product Review on Face Book

We didn’t stop there. Instead of that “rest” we were supposed to be getting, we then teamed up with the National Firefighter’s Endowment to create and support  ”Brotherhood Cuts“.

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

Visit the National Firefighters Endowment HERE 

Our involvement would have me packing my bags again in March. I traveled to Pinnacle, NC to visit with the Shoals VFD and open our 1st ever event. The goal was to raise money to purchase “Bail Out Bags” for the Surry County Departments.  Thanks to Firefighter Chaplain Chris Gillett and several others, they raised over $2,000.00 towards their purchase!

Read that post by clicking HERE 

Now, we are gearing up for FDIC (Fire Department Instructor’s Conference) to be held April 16-21st in Indianapolis.  It’s a HUGE event and once again, Rhett and I will team up with Zach Green and the MN8-FoxFire Team!

Visit us in Booth #3026 !

We already have a very busy schedule for the week but want you to tag along. The easiest thing to do will be to meet us at the booth. We might even have a couple “Booth Babes” on hand!

We will be able to give you a personal demo of the FoxFire Products. Did I mention “Booth Babes“? There, we can also  share our itinerary with you so that we can spend some time together away from the convention floor.

There are several other events to attend other than the classes and exhibit floor while at FDIC. There’s the FOOLS Bash, the IAFF party, a 5k run, Battle of the Bands, Stop Drop and Rock and Roll for the NFFF, a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, an exhibitor’s combat challenge and so much more! We’re going to have a BLAST!

Rhett and I will be wearing our new patch!

Yea … we’ve had our own patch designed by the folks at NM Coins LLC. These guys did an AWESOME job! They have also created our new Challenge Coins and badges.

We should have a few “give aways” on hand for FDIC.  The coins and patches will also be available to purchase very soon in case you miss us at FDIC. We will let you know where and how asap. Until then, check out NM Coins and let em know what you think of the design. Better yet, throw some business their way and let em do the same for you and/or you company / Department.

Visit NM Coins HERE

Like and Follow on Face Book HERE 

I guess I should also mention that we will be wearing kilts.

In preparation, I’m going to take Rhett to a tattoo parlor sometime this week. I’m going to have the devil put on one of his knees and the great Chicago fire on the other. It will be more realistic that way because Rhett wearing a kilt is going to look like HELL!   LMAO !

All kidding aside, check out the folks over at Alt Kilt and pick one out one for yourself. Don’t be the only guy at the next event in long pants!

Visit Alt Kilt by clicking HERE 

So there ya have it …. Rhett and I are geared up and ready to go … I hope you are too! The next big trip is FDIC and we’d love to meet you there. We should be easy to find but just in case … remember Booth 3026 ! 

Im on duty tonight and will back Thursday and Saturday. I’ll check back in asap … I’ve got some breaking news out of Botetourt and a few local happenings to report as well. Until I get back …

stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by on March 27, 2012 • Filed under: news • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Happy St Patrick’s Day from IronFiremen.com

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Once again, I have to start off with an apology. My postings have been few and far between here lately but I should be back on a regular schedule soon. As always, my excuse is work. I’ve been completely swamped but I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Today, instead of joining my Brothers and Sisters on the Parade route and raising a few pints in celebration of St Patrick’s Day, I’m working day 2 of a 72 hour tour. Yea … 3 days straight! Friday, I worked to pay back some time that I owed to Captain Flora, of A-shift; here at Lucky #13. Today, I’m doing the same for Lt. Hauck of B-shift. Both of these Brothers worked for me a little while back to allow Rhett and I to travel.

We have both posted about “trading shifts” many times. Working a 72 would not have been my first choice …especially over the St. Patty’s Day weekend but, when you owe someone time, you don’t have the luxury of picking the day (you pay them back on a day THEY need .. not one that suits YOUR schedule).

So anyway, here I am…. at the firehouse.  I hope you folks are not stuck on duty and are having or had a GREAT St. Patrick’s Day! If you’re still at it, raise a pint or 20 for me!

I hope you all have on a little something green or you may get a pinch.

For the lads, I hope you’re covered head to toe (of course I’m talking to firemen and know that you are all most likely butt naked by this point). As for the Lasses, well …. hopefully they have on a wee bit less or at least look as good in it as the little leprechaun pictured to the right does.

Since poor little me is stuck here … maybe you guys could send me some pictures of your adventures today. Marching in the Parade … Pipes and Drums … sexy little leprechauns etc. Send em to the comment section here or to my Face Book Fan Page.

Follow Ironfiremen.com on FaceBook by clicking HERE then “Like”

I have a touch of green on myself today.

I’m wearing Station #3′s 2012 St Patrick’s Day shirt design.

It’s a great looking shirt! The hippies Brothers over at Station #3 call the place “The Green House”. It’s all about going “green” over there. Automatic lights, toliet water re-routed to the showers, rain water for washing the rigs, trash compactors, compost piles etc.

Since #3 is all about everything “green”, they’ve adopted the Hulk as their mascot. The shirt has the Hulk holding a leprechaun in one hand and a bunch of shamrocks in the other. There is even a pot of gold by his feet. A pretty cool design on a quality shirt. I think the shirt was developed by Eric Mulford or “Wing Nut” as I call him. Great job guys and THANKS for giving me the chance to buy one.

St Patrick’s Day always takes my mind to New York City and our Brothers of the FDNY. I used to go up every year for the Parade. We had been up so often that they even let us march along side them. My last trip up was March 2002 following the September 11th attacks. I march with the Brothers of 39/16 and will never forget the experience. I haven’t returned for a parade since.

Today is also my dad and step mothers anniversary. I missed the wedding to go to NYC for the parade but they took it really well ( they ran off to the beach and forgot to get me a ticket / hotel room  anyway …LOL ). So HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Pop and Robyn.

It was also on St Patrick’s Day 1 year ago that we met our now Fire Department Chaplain Father Sandy Webb.

Father Webb has come a long way in the past year and again I’ll say that I’m honored to have him by our side.

It started out over a meal of corned beef and cabbage. The next thing we know, he is our official Chaplain. He made it out for several visits and has even taken in a few runs with us. He has responded to all 2nd alarm and greater fires. He’s blessed my new Phenix leather helmet and now has even participated in training with us. He’s been a GREAT Chaplain and an even better friend.

Read a related post about Father Sandy Webb by clicking HERE 

Ok, moving on … I have a LOT of catching up to do so hang with me and be sure to hit all the links I provide.

Voting has begun for the 2012 Fire & EMS Blog of the Year !

The contest is once again hosted by The Fire Critic (Lt. Rhett Fleitz) and is sponsored by Fire Rescue 1.com and EMS1.com 

I was not eligible for the contest this year because Ironfiremen.com is the reining 2011 Black Diamond Footwear Fire Blog of the Year ! 

It has been a HUGE honor!

Kelly Grayson of  A Day In The Life Of An Ambulance Driver  was the much deserving winning in the EMS category.

Kelly and I (along with some others) will be the judges for this years contest.

I don’t know how many, but there were a TON of nominations. The list has been narrowed down to 28 … 14 Fire and 14 EMS related Blogs. The competition is TOUGH as they are all very good sites. Use the link below to submit your vote!

Click HERE to review nominations and VOTE for the 2012 Fire & EMS Blogs of the Year 

MN8-FoxFire doesn’t need your votes but they do want / need your help and submissions.

Zach Green and the MN8-FoxFire Team have come up with another GREAT way to keep us involved in their product.

The product was designed for us (firefighters and our safety) in the 1st place and MN8-FoxFire has always done a fantastic job of listening to our  wants / concerns and adjusting their product accordingly.

They are rewarding us again with more customer / user input. MN8-FoxFire wants your help in designing their next shirt. HOW COOL IS THAT ?!?

They are currently taking submissions for their next shirt design. The winner and the shirt will be reveled at FDIC next month. The MN8-FoxFire logo will be on the front and the winning design on the back. And YES … the shirts “glow” just like their other products! Here’s a short quote from their site …

 ”The same photoluminescent technology used in Foxfire’s fire safety products will be used in the ink displayed on the shirt, enabling the graphics to brightly light up in the dark. We are looking for a design that is fabulously eye-catching and creative, but also wearable and practical. Design something you would be proud to wear yourself.” 

Click HERE for DETAILS, RULES and how to SUBMIT 

 Visit the web site by clicking HERE or find them on Face Book HERE

FDIC is just around the corner … April 16-21. MN8-FoxFire will be there once again in full force and that include me and Rhett. That’s right … make you plans now to meet up with me and Rhett while at FDIC. Our schedule is filling up fast but we will be easiest to find in the Fox Fire booth #3026 … be sure to stop in and say hello and get your personal demo of the FoxFire products!

Have you seen our new patch?

Oh yea baby … Rhett and I will have our very own patch for our uniforms etc by FDIC. They look AWESOME!

They are being made by NM Coins LLC. They are also making our badges and a new challenge coin.

We will have some to pass out at FDIC and will soon get ya the details on how to order one for your self in case you don’t get the opportunity to have your hand delivered.

I’m VERY excited on how things are shaping up so far this year …. it’s gonna be our best yet!

.

Visit NM Coins web site HERE or find them on Face Book HERE

 

You may also spot us wearing our new kilts at FDIC. Yep ….you heard me correctly … Rhett and I will be wearing  KILTS !

We’re going to keep some of the details under wraps for now ( and hopefully a lot more “under wraps” while we are wearing them) but I will let you know that they are being made by  ALT.KILT.

Check out their web site HERE  or on Face Book HERE. 

I also want to give you an early “heads up” on another one of our scheduled events. Rhett and I will be heading out to Sioux Falls South Dakota in September. Bob Gard is planning one hell of an event and if you are anywhere near or can make the arrangements to get out there… YOU ARE NOT GOING TO WANT TO MISS IT !

We need to tie up just a few more “loose ends” before we let all of the details out but I will tell ya that the event will benefit some very important organizations and  it’s gonna be BIG!

Make plans to be out there for the September 15th event ! 

Rhett and I will actually be out there Sept. 12-16th with a VERY full schedule. Bob has events and stops scheduled all week … come on out and join us … you wont be disappointed.

Find and “Like”  Bob Gard on Face Book HERE 

Ok, I’m going to stop here for tonight. I told ya in the beginning that I’m working B-shift today. What I failed to mention was that I’m riding backwards. It’s the Lt’s job to drive and that’s the position I’m covering but figured that the firefighter from B-shift ( Brian “gooch” Reger ) is better suited to wheel (it’s been a while for me).

Anyway, I’m riding backwards and we even caught a little work a few hours ago. Not much of a fire but I did have to make a stretch and even if I have to say so myself …. I still have it …LOL .. it was a text book stretch. The Brothers and sisters of B-shift put in some quick work, made a great stop and spared the owner a lot of damages. Well done fellas (and Heather).

I know I shouldn’t mention it but will whoever is attempting to fret Captain Dillon today PLEASE STOP.

We’ve been getting “hang up” calls all day and apparently, someone has hacked into the Engine’s computer.

I’m not sure how it happened but somehow, they got to our background and screen saver!

Some kind of little dancing elf or leprechaun or something … LMAO!

We’ve been trying to figure out how to change it or get it removed but it’s just beyond our computer skills (wink wink).

That should be enough to hold ya for tonight … I’ll still be here tomorrow for my regular shift (Sun, Tue, Thurs) and will try to get back with another post or two. Don’t forget to VOTE for you favorite Fire & EMS Blog of the year over on The Fire Critic. If you didn’t hit the link at the beginning of the post … CLICK HERE .

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

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on March 17, 2012 • Filed under: ems-topics, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,