Skip to content


The 2012 FireCritic / Ironfiremen 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way

1 comment

(NOTE: This post was delayed out of respect for our fallen Brothers who were ambushed and murdered in West Webster, NY yesterday 12/24/2012. Please continue to keep their sacrifice along with their friends and families in your thoughts and prayers)

Today ends the 2012 Fire Critic / Ironfiremen 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way!

For the last 12 days, with the help of our contributors; we’ve given away 44 prizes great prizes.  It’s been a huge success and we hope you’ve enjoyed it!

PLEASE take the time to visit our contributors to say “thanks” for giving back to the fire service.

BoxAlarmLeather.comFDCam.comCrosstitched.com ,ESSEyePro.com ,  SecondAlarmFire.com , CentreLearn.com , CommandSim.com , CommercialSolutions.ca , GloveCrafters.com , LeatherheadConcepts.com , NM-Coin.com , NYFireStore.com , RKECustomLeather.com , SmokeIsShowing.ca , and 1st In Leather Fan Page . 

Learn more about our contributors HERE

Here are our final 4 prizes and their winners …….

Prize #41 - FD Cam

This winner will receive the 1080p “Bulldog” series camera packages (Which includes Cam, BlackJack mount & 16gb SD card)

.

Winner : Jonathan Secrest

.

.

Prize #42 - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment

This winner will receive a Boston Leather glove strap.

Winner : Bronson Smith

.

Prize #43 - NM Coin

This winner gets a Fire Critic / Ironfiremen Challenge Coin and patch.

Winner : James Copas

.

Prize #44 - CommandSim’s Sims U Share

For use with Windows or MAC. This winner receives training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

Winner: Bryce Beuerlein

Special thanks as well to Rhett Fleitz aka the “Fire Critic” for pulling it all together. We believe this to have been the largest Give-A-Way held by Fire Service Bloggers EVER!

Be sure to keep up with us throughout the year … you never know where we may be or what we will be into next. Of course you can always find  us here on FireCritic.com or Ironfiremen.com. You can also follow us via Face Book by using the links below …

Ironfiremen on Face Book

FireCritic on Face Book

Well, even though the 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way is over, we still have 2 days remaining in the 2012 Ironfiremen.com’s Santa’s Sexy Helper installments. I guess since we have just 2 days remaining, ol Santa may need 2 helpers! And, I’ll add in one extra for our female fans / followers. I hope Santa finds ya under the mistletoe and that everyone has a SAFE and MERRY Christmas!

Here’s our Christmas Eve installment ….. I’ll have a “regular” post up later and don’t forget to check back tomorrow to see what ol Santa will find under the Ironfiremen.com Christmas tree!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay SAFE and in House!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE from Ironfiremen.com

Captain Wines

 

2 days left to win!

No comments

There are just 2 day’s remaining in the 2012 FireCritic / Ironfiremen 12 Days of Christmas but it’s not too late.

You still have time to score some FREE SWAG from our AWESOME Give-A-Way. The 12 Days of Christmas could possibly be the largest Give-A-Way held by Fire Service Bloggers EVER!

When it’s all said and done, we will have given away 44 prizes! None of this would have been possible without our outstanding sponsors. If you haven’t yet, please take a minute to find out who they are and what they’re all about. Be sure to use the links, visit and “like” their pages and THANK them for their support (unless you don’t like FREE STUFF that is..LOL).

Visit the 12 Days of Christmas sponsors HERE

View the prize schedule by clicking HERE

Click HERE to ENTER the 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way

Here are the Day #11 prizes and their winners …..

Prize #37 - Box Alarm Leather

This winner will receive a Fully custom carved and painted helmet shield.

Winner : Steven Price

.

Prize #38 - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment

The winner will receive a  Boston Leather glove strap.

Winner : Cesar Leos

.

Prize #39 - NM Coin

This winner will receive a Fire Critic / Ironfiremen Challenge Coin and patch!

Winner : Jon Knepp

.

Prize #40 - CommandSim’s Sims U Share

This prize is for use on Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

Winner : James Lerch

Congratulations to all of our winners. Tomorrow, Christmas Eve; is the final day so don’t forget to register. Help me and Rhett beat ol Santa to the punch and get some swag under your tree!

Speaking of Santa, I’m still rounding up some help for the big fella. Here is the 11th installment of Santa’s Sexy Helpers … ENJOY!

Stay SAFE and in House !

Captain Wines

More prizes and another Santa’s Sexy Helper

No comments

It’s day #10 of the 2012 Fire Critic / Ironfiremen 12 Days of Christmas  Give-A-Way and the prizes keep coming!

12 days of FREE SWAG from The Fire Critic, Ironfiremen.com and our awesome contributors! It’s FREE and EASY to enter and it’s not too late. All you need is a valid e-mail address and you could win too!

ENTER the 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way HERE

View the schedule of prizes HERE

Learn more about our contributors HERE

Here are today’s prizes and winners …..


Prize #33 - RKECustomLeather 

This winner will receive A custom leather radio strap – complete set up to include strap, case, sway strap, also stamped and paint job.

Winner : Michael Still

.

.

Prize #34 - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment

This winner will receive a Boston Leather glove strap

Winner : Scott Repke

.

Prize #35 - NM Coin

This winner will receive a FireCritic / Ironfiremen Challenge Coin and Patch.

Winner : Josh Parker

Prize #36 - CommandSim’s Sims U Share

This prize is good for Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

Winner : Brian Young

.

And, to warm your spirits on this cold and blustery day, here is Day #10′s installment of Santa’s Sexy Helpers … enjoy!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

1st day of winter and the 9th of the 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way!

No comments

It’s the first day of winter and here on the east coast, old man winter is making an entrance. It’s windy and cold but the Fire Critic and I can warm ya up with some FREE SWAG and another installment of Santa’s Sexy Helpers!

It’s Day #9 of the Fire Critic / Ironfiremen 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way and we have plenty of great prizes left to pass out! We started with 44 AWESOME prizes and have already seen 28 WINNERS! 

It’s still not too late to enter for your chance to WIN. All you need is a valid e-mail address….

ENTER the 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way HERE

View the schedule of PRIZES by clicking HERE

Visit and learn more about our contributors HERE

Here are our 4 newest WINNERS … be sure to ENTER for you chance!

Prize #29 - Leatherhead Concepts

This winner will receive a custom radio strap with anti sway strap, custom chinstrap and glove strap.

.

Winner: Andrew Moore

.

.


Prize #30 - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment

This winner receives a  Boston Leather glove strap.

Winner: Timothy Newton

.

Prize #31 - NM Coin

The winner will receive a FireCritic / Ironfiremen Challenge Coin and patch.

Winner : Sandy Christenson

.

Prize #32 - CommandSim’s Sims U Share

 Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

Winner : Jeremy McKim

CONGRATULATIONS to all of our WINNERS! Please take the time to use the links provided and visit our contributors. Without them, these great prizes would not be available (and there’s MORE to come!).

With only 4 days remaining, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. It’s a good day to stay inside the house and curl up by the fire. Can’t do that ??? No worries, maybe today’s installment of the 2012 Ironfiremen.com’s  Santa’s Sexy Helpers will warm ya up a bit … ENJOY!

4 days remaining ….. 4 presents under the tree … how good am I? The tree … the Christmas tree … on the left! There’s presents under it …. ON THE LEFT!  LMAO

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Don’t be left out .. register to win today!

No comments

It’s day #8 of the Fire Critic / Ironfiren 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way and the prizes are flying off the shelf!

This may be the largest Give-A-Way held by Fire Service Bloggers EVER! We have 44 prizes in all, valued at thousands of dollars and we’re giving them away!

There is still time for you to register to win. All you need is a valid e-mail address. It’s FREE and EASY … use the link below to sign up now.

ENTER the 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way HERE

As I mentioned above, we have 44 awesome prizes in all. The only thing better than our prizes are the contributors who supplied them. Use the links below to learn more about our contributors, the prizes and to see their schedule of release ….

12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way Contributors are HERE

Schedule of prizes can be found HERE

We’ve had 24 winners all ready … here’s 4 more to add to the list!


Prize #25 - 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment

This winner will receive a Boston Leather glove strap, and Boston Leather radio Strap.

Winner : 

Robert Diamond

Prize # 26 - ESS Eye Protection

An ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers.

Winner :

Dave Bucci

Prize # 27 - NM Coin

This winner will receive a Fire Critic / IronFiremen Challenge Coin and patch.

Winner : 

Cory Hyland

Prize # 28 - CommandSim’s Sims U Share

This prize is Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

Winner : 

Douglas Smith

CONGRATULATIONS to all our winners! Don’t forget, it’s NOT TOO LATE to enter for your chance to win. Submit your e-mail address in the link above to register!

Today is also day #8 of the 2012 Ironfiremen.com Santa’s Sexy Helpers! A little something I’ve done for the last few years to help but a smile on your face and maybe take your mind off the hustle and bustle of the Holidays even if only for a minute.

This year, I’ve receive a little negative feedback. One of my Face Book followers called our Sexy  helpers “trash” . Another demanded to “keep it off Face Book”. Some are asking for more “skin” but my biggest comment / complaint has been that I’m forgetting my female readers, followers and fans.

My apologies ladies … here’s a special installment for Day #8 … enjoy!

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Counting down to Christmas with FREE SWAG!

No comments

It’s day #7 of the Fire Critic / IronFiremen 12 Days of Christmas and the prizes keep coming!

Rhett and I have teamed up with some great companies to allow us to give away 44 prizes during our count down to Christmas. This could be the largest Christmas Give-A-Way by Fire Service Bloggers in history!

Signing up is FREE, EASY and it’s NOT TOO LATE !

ENTER the 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way HERE

We have given away 20 prizes already with 4 more going out today! The prizes are as awesome as the companies providing them. Use the links below to learn more about our prizes, the schedule of release and our contributors.

Learn more about and visit our Give-A-Way contributors HERE

View the schedule of prizes by clicking HERE

Here are the prizes and winners for Day #7 …..

Prize #21 - 1st in Leather

Today’s winner will receive a one Piece Custom Classic Helmet Shield and matching Glove Strap.

.

.

Winner : Michael Westrick

.

Prize #22 -ESS Eye Protection

ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers.

Winner : Tom Jagla

.

Prize #23 - NM Coin 

This winner will receive a Fire Critic / IronFiremen Challenge Coin and patch.

Winner : Dwayne Klepper

.

Prize #24 - CommandSim’s Sims U Share

 Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

Winner : Lee Powell

Congratulations to today’s and all of our winners!

Christmas will be here before ya know it …. I hope you’ve gotten all your shopping done. Better yet, I hope ol Santa is ready. Just in case he isn’t I’ve been rounding up some “helpers” to keep him motivated and going. Here’s the latest installment of the 2012 Ironfiremen.com’s  Santa’s Sexy Helpers …. ENJOY!

(Just “click” on the thumbnail to get the full image.)

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

The gifts keep coming!

No comments

Christmas will be here before ya know it and I hope you’re ready. Around the FireCritic / IronFiremen World Headquarters, it’s almost like Christmas came early.

For the last 6 days, we’ve been passing out gifts like Santa Claus himself! It’s all part of the 2012 FireCritic / Ironfiremen 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way.

This could very well be the largest Give-A-Way by Fire Service Bloggers in history!  We have 44 prizes in all …. $$Thousands$$ of dollars worth of FREE SWAG! Who doesn’t LOVE free swag?

Signing up is FREE, EASY and it’s NOT TOO LATE…. simply use the link below.

ENTER the 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way HERE

 Learn more about the prizes and their schedule HERE

More about our contributors HERE

Here are the prizes and winners for Day #6 …

Prize #17 –  Smoke is Showing

A Brotherhood Print, 16×24 plate mounted

Web Site – SmokeIsShowing.ca

Facebook - Smoke Is Showing Fan Page

Winner: 

Gary Freundlich

Prize #18 - ESS Eye Protection

ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers

Facebook - ESS Eye Pro Fan Page , Twitter - @ESSEyePro, Youtube - ESSEyePro

Winner:

Andrew Walker

Prize #19 -NM Coin

FireCritic / IronFiremen Challenge Coin and patch.

Facebook - NM Coin LLC Fan Page

Twitter - @NMCoin

Winner:

Tim Newton

Prize #20 -CommandSim’s Sims U Share

Facebook – simsUShare

Community –  Command Sim Community , Twitter - @SimsUShare

Winner : 

Chris Wuertz

Congratulations to all of our winners!

Today is also the 6th installment of the 2012 Ironfiremen.com Santa’s Sexy Helpers! With only a week left until Christmas, I’m sure Santa can use all the help he can get.

I’ve kinda taken it upon myself over the past few years to help the big fella out and conduct a search for suitable “helpers”.  Since I’m the one doing the searching, I figured they may as well be “easy on the eyes”. Better yet, maybe I’ll find some “sexy” helpers…. in hooker boots …. YEA … in hooker boots!

I’m a sucker for “hooker boots” ….LOL

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

Santa’s Sexy Helpers and more FREE STUFF!

No comments

It’s day #5 of the 2012 Fire Critic / IronFiremen 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way!

Rhett and I have joined with some GREAT companies to provide our readers with a shot at 44 AWESOME Prizes …. $$thousands$$ of dollars worth of FREE SWAG!

Signing up is FREE and EASY. It’s NOT TOO LATE. You can still register to WIN by using the link below ….

ENTER the 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way HERE

This may very well be the largest Give-A-Way by Fire Service Bloggers EVER! What else would you expect from The Fire Critic and IronFiremen.com? It’s HOW WE ROLL …..LOL!

In case you missed em, here are our 12 winners to date …Tim O’Connor, Rachel Deel, Doug Baker, Dan Miller, Peter Grocholski, Eric Klein, Ben Coffman, Jennifer Bolick, Miles Silk Jr, Cliff Phillips, Matt Johnson and David Walls.

Learn MORE about Give-A-Way Contributors HERE

View the schedule of Prizes by clicking HERE

Here are today’s winners ……

Prize #13 - Commercial Solutions

 True North Gear bail out kit complete with hip pouch, 50 ft of FR Rope and F4 descender

.

Winner: Will Sergent

.

.

.

.
Prize #14 - ESS Eye Protection

ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers.

Winner: Nick Butta

Prize #15 - NM Coin

Fire Critic / IronFiremen Challenge Coin and patch.

Winner: Eric Ciecko

Prize #16 - CommandSim’s Sims U Share

Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

Winner: Colt Eberling

CONGRATULATIONS to our 4 newest WINNERS! 

It’s also Day #5 of the 2012 IronFiremen.com Santa’s Sexy Helper installment! With ONLY 8 Days until Christmas, I’m sure ol Santa has his hands full. Of course if these gals were actually his helpers, I’d have to worry about what his hands were full of …LOL.

Every day until Christmas, we’ll bring ya another Sexy Helper. Maybe if for only a second, they will distract you from all the hustle and bustle of the Holidays and put a smile on your face … or at least a grin!

They’re getting better every day and I can’t wait to see what Santa will find under the tree on the 25th. You guys might outta keep checking back and find out as well …. enjoy Day #5….

Stay SAFE and in House … I’ll check back later!

Captain Wines

More free “swag” from The fireCritic and Ironfiremen.com

No comments

It’s day #4 of the 2012 Fire Critic / IronFiremen.com 12 Days of Christmas and we’re just getting started! Thousands of dollars worth of FREE PRIZES … 44 in all and there’s still time for you to register. It’s FREE and EASY !

ENTER the 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way HERE

Who doesn’t love free swag? Just take a look at all those GREAT CONTRIBUTORS !

The prizes are AWESOME, just ask Tim O’Connor, Rachel Deel, Doug Baker, Dan Miller, Peter Grocholski, Eric Klein, Ben Coffman, Jennifer Bolick, and Miles Silk Jr. 

Learn more about the contributors HERE

View the PRIZE SCHEDULE by clicking HERE

Here are today’s WINNERS …..

Prize #10 - Glove Crafters

A pair of Fire Armor structural firefighter gloves, a glove strap, and t-shirt.

.

Winner: Cliff Phillips

.

.

Prize #11 -NM Coin

Fire Critic/Iron Firemen Challenge Coin and patch.

Winner: Matt Johnson

Prize #12 - CommandSim’s Sims U Share

Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

Winner: David Walls

It’s also time for our 4th installment of Ironfiremen’s 2012 Santa’s Sexy Helpers! It’s just 9 days until Christmas and I’m sure ol Santa needs all the help he can get. I hope you’re getting all your shopping done. If ya still have some last minute buying to do, try shopping with the contributors of the 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way.

Mean while, enjoy today’s pic ….

Yea …. I know. YOU’RE WELCOME!

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

Day #3 … Santa’s Sexy Helper and The 12 Days of Christmas Winners

No comments

It’s day 3 of the 2012 FireCritic / Ironfiremen 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way! 

12 days of FREE SWAG from the Fire Critic and Ironfiremen.com …. 44 gifts in all! Entering is FREE , EASY and it’s NOT TOO LATE! Sign up now for your chance to WIN!!!

ENTER the 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way HERE

The FireCritic, Rhett Fleitz and I have teamed up with some GREAT companies to provide 44 AWESOME PRIZES to be given away during the 12 Days of Christmas!

Meet / Learn more about our contributors HERE

View the schedule of prize give-a-ways HERE

Here are the WINNERS for Day #3 ….

Prize #7 – NY Fire Store  

FDNY ball cap, Engine 34/Ladder 41 “Hell’s Kitchen t-shirt and hoodie (sized XL/able to exchange)

WINNER: Ben Coffman

.

.

.

Prize #8 – NM Coin

Fire Critic / Ironfiremen Challenge Coin and patch

WINNER: Jennifer Bolick

.

Prize #9 - CommandSim’s Sims U Share

Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

 WINNER: Miles Silk Jr.

CONGRATULATION to the WINNERS!

Today is also day #3 for the 2012 Ironfiremen.com’s  installment of Santa’s Sexy Helpers! I figured since it’s only 10 days until Christmas (YEA …. 10 days!!) that we’d give ol Santa 10 helpers….

They should help get thing in order around the North Pole !

As always, THANKS for supporting FireCritic and IronFiremen.com  If you’re not already, be sure to “Like” and FOLLOW us on Face Book as well …..

IronFiremen on Face Book / FireCritic on Face Book

Keep checking back … Santa’s Sexy Helpers are only going to get better, there are plenty more prizes for the 12 Days of Christmas and of course we’ll throw in a few “regular” posts along the way!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Day 2 … Santa’s Sexy Helpers and The Fire Critic / IronFiremen 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way Winners!

No comments

Are you excited yet?? It’s just 11 days until Christmas and the 2nd day of the Fire Critic / IronFiremen 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way ! 

We’re giving away $$ THOUSANDS $$ of dollars worth of FREE SWAG from now until Christmas day (44 prizes in all!)! If you haven’t registered yet …. YOU SHOULD.  It’s not too late and it’s FREE and EASY .

Sign up and ENTER to WIN by clicking HERE

Congratulations to our “Day 1″ Winners, Tim O’Connor, Rachel Deel and Doug Baker !

Here are the Winners and prizes for Day 2 ……

Prize #4 - Crosstitched  - Crosstitched t-shirt, hat, and stickers.

Winner: Dan Miller

 

 

Prize #5 – ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including  eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers

Winner: Peter Grocholski


Prize #6 - CommandSim’s Sims U Share -
 Windows or MAC. Training technology aimed to help instructors rapidly create realistic, localized experiences they can use to train on and discuss.

Winner: Eric Klein

Congratulations to today’s Winners !

Remember, it’s not too late for you to SIGN UP to win !

 

View the complete schedule of Prizes HERE

Details and listing of contributing companies are HERE 

Today is also the 2nd day of the 2012 Ironfiremen.com’s Santa’s Sexy Helpers! Every day until Christmas, We’ll post a new picture of a Sexy Helper in hopes of keeping your spirits high.

In true Ironfiremen.com fashion, the pictures will get better and better as we close in on Christmas (in my opinion anyway). On Christmas Day, I bet ol Santa will be surprised to see what we leave under the tree ….. keep checking back daily so you can see as well. H

So here’s Day #2 of the 2012 Ironfiremen.com Santa’s Sexy Helpers …. ENJOY

Ho Ho Ho !   Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Fire critic vs Statter911 … deja vu!

1 comment

It’s like I’m stuck inside the movie Ground Hog Day.

The Fire Critic / Statter 911 feud is heating up again. It’s the same old story … “ratings”, “hits” and now … Face book “likes” … GEESH!

The battle has been going on since Moby Dick was a tadpole. Rhett has always wanted to be crowned the “King of Blogs” .

Well apparently, my telling him he was “King” wasn’t enough. Well … if it was, it sure didn’t last long. Rhett ended up in the ER over it. The one good thing that came out of that whole ordeal was that we finally learned that deep down … way, WAY deep down … Dave Statter really cares about Rhett..

Back then, it was all about our blogs (web sites). Life was simple. A post here, another there. A good title was all you needed to draw traffic.

But, now that Face Book steers Social Media; it’s a lot more difficult. It’s time consuming and labor intensive. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an accepted part of the job. Fire Geezer is even working on legislation to make it “presumptive”.

It’s a dog eat dog world out here in Face Book / Blog land. The sad news is there are often causalities … people even catch feelings. There’s a lot of smoke and mirrors …. tricks played, slight of hand, set ups and more.

In the latest of events, Rhett (Fire Critic) has been pushing to surpass Statter in Face Book “Likes”. This is a measurable “status” that could actually indicate who’s indeed the “King of Blogs” (or of Face Book anyway). Here’s how it went down ….

Statter has been running a Give-A-Way on Face Book.

Dave is giving away 5 individual “Bricks” from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s   “Walk of Honor” !

It’s FREE and EASY to sign up!

You can enter to win through his Face Book Page (with hopes you’ll “Like” it while there) or by sending him an e-mail.

This is a never ending gift and an AWESOME gesture. You can never go wrong remembering our fallen or supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Rhett also has a Give-A-Way going. Well actually, Rhett and I are working together on the largest Give-A-Way in the history of Fire Service Blogs (that’s what we’re saying anyway …LOL)

We are giving away $$Thousands$$ of dollars worth of free “SWAG” over the 12 days of Christmas. There are winners EVERY DAY and  44 PRIZES to be handed out! If you haven’t registered yet, it’s NOT TOO LATE . It’s also FREE and EASY ….

CLICK HERE & Register to WIN

The 2012 Fire Critic / IronFiremen 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way has been a HUGE success!

You can see who our first WINNERS were by clicking HERE

It was the Give-A-Way that helped spur the growth on the Fire Critic’s Face Book Page . Mine has been growing as well (I’ve passed the 5,000 mark!!). Well Rhett was feeling his oats and made the statement that if the fans / readers helped him surpass Statter 911 in “likes” then we would give away a free leather fire helmet. Well, today he did it ….

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, once again; it all got turned around on our beloved “Fire Boy”. That Dave Statter is smarter than he looks …. check out the latest video …..

LMAO … “T-Bone” … BaHahahahahahhahahahaha…

All kidding aside, both pages are great to follow (like) and it’s silly not to enter both Give-A-Ways. I hope ya got a chuckle out of this one. I’ll be back on Friday with the Day 2 WINNERS in the 12 Days of Christmas plus another installment of the 2012 IronFiremen.com’s Santa’s Sexy Helper!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Why modern Building construction (design) SUCKS!

4 comments

I’m SICK. I’m not sure I can say it enough to make ya fully understand. I think one of “Santa’s Sexy Helpers” must have “slipped me a mickey”.. LOL.  I’ve always said that if you ever hear that I’m in the hospital and really want to see (or cuss ) me, you had better come quick because it’s BAD. Well, I didn’t go to the hospital but I seriously considered calling a Medic truck to come get. We worked yesterday (26th) and I had to mark the Engine out of service and call in overtime for me to go home.

I don’t think I’ve ever left mid way through a shift but last night was for the safety (and health) of my men as well as for my self. I was useless. I don’t know what I caught but I couldn’t even drive myself home. To spare ya the details, I had it running from both ends. I’m glad the fellas do a good job with their station chores / cleaning because Georgie found me laying in a stall (the cool floor gave some comfort). Anyway, they got me a ride home and I made it none to soon.

Laying in my own bathroom floor, back and abdomen muscles pulled and knotted;  my mind drifted to building construction… yea.. you guys already know I’m “warped”. You see, in older homes, the bath tub was most always directly across from the toilet .. less than arms reach as a matter of fact. That way, when faced with a dilema such as mine; one could take care of business from the seat while leaning to the tub for the upper end… gross I know but it works. I don’t have that luxuryin my home. Everything is so spread out. Who needs that much room in a bath room? Everything should be within arms reach … convenient …. accessible.

Damn modern designs / construction! Nothing left to do but the old “back and forth” … the old “switcharoo” ….

The good news (or bad … depending on who you are) is that I lived through the night. I still can’t eat or move about much but I’m gonna survive. Laying here, trying not to shake around too much; I figured I’d try to give ya a little update …

I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas (or Happy Holiday) and that you were able to spend it with friends and family. Our Christmas Eve tour was not uneventful but could have been much worse. Lucky 13 caught an EMS run just before midnight where we were able to make a positive impact and hopefully bring some Christmas cheer to two children who desperately needed some. I wrote a post on the incident but haven’t published it yet .. I may a little later on.

While we were out on that call, our Brothers and Sisters from “The Deuce”, stations #3 and #5 caught some work in a commercial structure. The fellas made a quick knock down, was able to reach “loss stopped” quickly and avoided injury to civilians or FD personnel. Well done boys! Rhett has some other Christmas fire from around the Country over on Fire Critic  HERE.

Anyway, the rest of the night was quiet and we were able to get home on Christmas to be with our families. I have gotten several e-mails asking about the Buckaroo, that “Lightning Bike” and pictures. Well, how dare you even question me?? Didn’t you see the pic from the  “Christmas Eve Update”  post? Hell or high water wouldn’t have stopped me from getting him that bike … he just tripped 100,000 on the odometer…. LOL

Boots also hooked him up on a Tonka dump truck and cement mixer … he LOVES toys that load, dump etc…

Santa scattered the little fella’s packages between 3 or 4 places so as you can imagine … he didn’t get much.

Again, I hope all of you had just as Happy and Merry Christmas and that all of your “Buckaroos” got everything they wanted. It seems like it was just this morning but Christmas morning  was more than 48 hours ago. Most of you are cleaning up from Santa and making plans for the new year. Yea … the New year is just around the corner .. Friday night at Midnight to be exact.

I’m not sure what I will do for New Year’s Eve. I usually don’t get too wound up or do the party scene thingy… mostly because I don’t get invited to any .. LOL. Anyway, I know that some of you take “ringing in the New Year” as serious as Christmas. Parties are planned, preparations made and resolutions offered.

Nobody is as excited to forget their “shaddy” past an start anew than 2 of my close friends and fellow bloggers. Rhett (Rhett Fleitz from Fire Critic) and Dave (Dave Statter from Statter 911) are usually “chomping at the bit” to see that old ball drop (yea.. I could go a long way on that statement but wont… for now anyway..LOL). These two jokers have been planning and preparing to bring in 2011 for weeks now …. you wont want to miss this party …

LMAO … here’s to a happy new year! I’ll check in with ya later … if I live. Until then, stay safe and in house!

Captain Wines

Warm thoughts, extrication and Santa’s Sexy Helper Day 17!

No comments

I just got a call from a buddy who is down in Florida. The Temp is in the upper 60′s and he’s walking the beach in shorts. Another good friend, Captain Joe Schmoe; over at Report on Conditions titled his last post  ”Heat Wave.  The temp there yesterday was 78. He even has pics but he’s NOT gloating. Grrrrrrrrrrr! It’s not even officially Winter here yet and our temps can’t get much above freezing. Factor in the wind chill and I don’t even want to talk about it! I used to love this time of year. Now, all I can think about is the beach … the Outter Banks … OBX.

Boots kicked off at the beach’s edge ….

The peaceful, WARM feeling you get from the sound of the waves crashing onto shore ..

Lazy days by the pool or out fishing ….

I think I need a vacation!  AXE  just sent me a package of “Travel Size” product .. maybe (in order to give it a fair review /trial) I should have them send me to a beach somewhere to try it out. What good is “travel size” bottles if you don’t travel?  Hummmm? No need to send the Company jet Jill … just plain ol “coach” tickets will do ( I’ve been needing one of those NSA  ”pat downs” anyway). LOL … who am I kidding … the closest I’ll come to a beach before spring would be a litter box by the fireplace!

Alright .. moving on. Extrication. Today, we had a very good class on Vehicle Extrication “awareness”. I haven’t been assigned to an “extrication truck” since I was a Private. We cut a lot of cars back then but that was long ago. Today, everything has changed. I have tried to keep up with the advancements and new technologies but, nothing compares to hands on. Here on the Fire/EMS Blog Network, we have a great site (resource) dedicated to extrication. Check out  Boron Extrication . If you cut cars, it’s a good   MUST read.

Here in the “Noke”, we have 2 companies to cover our extrications (pin jobs). Ladder #5 covers the North Side while Ladder #1 handles the South. Our class today was with L5. Here’s a pic of her set up…

Our Department (and committee) did a great job of designing this truck. Her entire right side is dedicated to extrication and each tool / piece of equipment has a spot. Well equipped, very organized and easily accessible. Here’s a shot of Lt. Brown giving us “the tour”…

I did have to ride Engine #5 for a few hours last week. While I was there, we caught a MVC involving a school bus. School was out by this time and the kids had all been dropped off. Luckily for everyone involved, there were no injuries. Lucky! This is what it looks like when the “A-post” of a Pontiac Sunfire meets the bumper of a school bus while traveling in opposite directions ….

Add a Jag to the mix and the picture doesn’t look any better ….

Do ya recognize the member on the left? Yep … that’s Paramedic wanna be “Doctor” Travis “Wheezy” Meador.  Rumor has it he asked Santa for one of those fancy Littmann Stethoscopes for Christmas … hope he’s been a “good boy” LOL.

Speaking of asking for Christmas… I’ve figured out what I’m gonna get (of course I’ll have to buy it myself). I’m gonna get one of those fancy, big screen Robot telephones.

Oh yea! Then, I’ll be able to approve comments for the site, check stats, update my status, check and post to “picture book” etc. all from my phone, regardless of where I’m at. I could also then show off some of my “robot” dance moves …

What?? Don’t like the “moves” ? Check out these “Robot” moves…

Those guys look more like “Androids” than “Robots”…. Maybe that’s why they call the “Robot Phone” a “Droid”? Hummm.

 

Ok, enough with the cheesy videos… let’s get to why you are all here (well, why all the guys are here anyway). Here’s tonight’s installment of Santa’s Sexy Helper .. Day 17

Day 17

I’m gonna wrap it up for tonight. I have a long day scheduled for tomorrow so I had better try to get some rest … that hasn’t been working so well around here lately. Even our Brothers and Sisters on B-shift caught some work yesterday. Heavy fire from a single story, residential structure. Another quick and aggressive attack held damages to a minimum with no injuries. Well done fellas.

Last thing, don’t forget to tune in to Tiger Schmittendorf’s show tonight on Firefighter Netcast. Tiger is the host of Firefighter Story Tellers. Tonight’s guest is Retired Buffalo Lt.  Patrick Coghlan.  The direct link to the show is HERE.

Ok, until next post, keep warm and dry. Stay safe and in house!

Captain Wines

Naked Firemen? An early Christmas results in nudity at the Ironfiremen Headquarters.

5 comments

It’s not even Thanksgiving yet but it all ready feels like Christmas here at the Ironfiremen Headquarters. When I got home this morning, something caught my eye on the front porch. Something didn’t fit or was out of place. Hummmm..

A package??? For me???  I quickly turned and scanned the woods for a sniper. I checked my chest for red laser dots… this must be a trap … nobody sends me gifts. I snatched the package, dove into a forward roll and belly crawled through the door! Shewww … I made it! I scampered to my bedroom, locked the door and pulled the drapes (just in case). I gave the box a little shake, searching for a clue as to it’s contents; and noticed something odd. It smelt good. Yea… the box and I mean it smelt REAL good. Bomb or no bomb, now I gotta know whats in there. So, like a kid at Christmas; I tore into it.

AXE PRODUCT  WooooHooooo! Damn…. I almost forgot. Jill, from Axe; contacted me last week after my post Old Firemen and Dirty Balls . Somehow or another she found my site and seen the post. She LOVED it! They liked it so much, they even wanted to send us some of their product for use at the station. I can tell ya right now…. AXE and the IronFiremen are gonna be a good fit! Hell, AXE and all firefighters for that matter. I mentioned in the post how difficult it is to get the smell of a fire off (out of) our bodies for days following the fire. Axe is one of the products that I had found that actually does a good job at it (I had actually been using their product before the post).

I told Jill that instead of just accepting a gift, if she sent the product; I (we ) would do a review of the product as to how it works for firefighters. Well, she just didn’t send a bottle…. she sent EVERYTHING. We have Downpour Shampoo, Heat Shampoo / Conditioner, Zen Shampoo, Snake Peel Shower Scrub.. Desert Minerals + Cactus Oil, Fever  Shower Gel ..Brazillian Hot Mud + Red Dragonfruit Extract, Shock Shower Gel, and Rise Shower Gel. WOW! .. I had to try some of that smack right then and there…. and just like that… BAM!!! I’m NAKED.

Now, I feel good and smell ”DELISHIOUS” … LOL.  HOLY COW I’m gonna enjoy this review!  I even called in and let my “little buddy” Rhett get a “sneak peak” of the product…

LMAO!   Sorry bud.  All kidding aside, I will be doing a review of AXE. What do you guys use? Have you used any of these products? If so, what did you think? Good … bad … otherwise. Did it get that smell of smoke out of your pores? If not, what works? Let me know .. use the “contact” tab at the top of the page or put it in the “comment” section. Look for the results and more soon.

Ok, so it didn’t end there. No sooner had I gotten out of the shower did I hear someone pulling in the drive. I threw on a towel and headed out to see who it was. I gotta play the lottery tonight. Out in the driveway was James Tucker and his big brown truck and, we wasn’t just turning around this time. He had more packages!

We had a short chat and then once again I locked myself in the bedroom. MONOPOLY GAMES! WooooHooo again! The Firefighter and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) editions!

Man… I’m raking it in today! Special thanks to Dave and Chris over at  Go Forward Media  .  These are the guys who take care of us here on the Fire / EMS Blog Network. I have been planning some sort of give away / contest etc here on the site and want to use the games as prizes. I guess I should also work out something and add a little Axe product as well. Anyway, look for the contest soon. For now, I’m gonna jump back in the shower and try on a little of the Axe Snake Peel. I’ll check back in later on. Until then, stay safe and in the house!

Captain Wines