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Brotherhood of the Harrisburg, Pa. Fire Expo

I just returned from the Fire Expo in Harrisburg, Pa. It was another GREAT trip, full of BROTHERHOOD but not without it’s ups and downs. It was almost like a roller coaster ride … let me try to explain.

To begin with, although Harrisburg is a show Rhett and I have been wanting to attend for some time now, it was not on our schedule this year. As it turned out, Zach Green and our MN8 Fox Fire team really needed us so we began scrambling. I was able to work it out but Rhett wasn’t. Once again this year, I would be traveling without him.

The good news was that my wife was able to take some time off so she could go in his place. Donna has never traveled with us (or me) to one of these shows before so I was excited to get to show her what they are like and everything we do.

Donna and I loaded up the “Blog Mobile” and pointed her North….. we wouldn’t make it far though. About 15 miles into the trip, I stopped at the only stop light we would encounter between the house and Harrisburg. When I stopped, smoke was visible from under the hood, right at the windshield.

She says to me (as if I haven’t noticed it) … “I think the van is over heating”. My reply was simple… “nope”.

“We’re never gonna make it …. this thing is over heating already …. I’m telling ya” she says.

As the light turns green, I tell her … “Honey … it’s NOT over heating … IT’S ON FIRE”. You should have seen the look on her face…LOL. I pulled into the store parking lot just through the light and we get out. I popped the hood and she was rolling. Donna was about to panic and asked me “what are we going to do?”.

Calmly, I told her “calm down … I’m a fireman … look in the cooler and get me a beer” (I had a cooler packed for Expo). Then, her panic turned to anger …. “You’re NOT going to stand here and drink a beer while this van burns up!” LMAO. I didn’t pack or have any water (or an extinguisher) …. I need SOMETHING to put this thing out I quickly explained. Get me a beer and start emptying our luggage.

So there I am …. shaking and opening beers to extinguish the fire. You can imaging the look on Captain Week’s face as Roanoke County’s Wagon 10 rolled in!

Turns out, that while sitting in the driveway since FDIC; a bird had decided to use the engine compartment as a place for nesting. It was turning out to be a GREAT start of our trip!

We arranged for a tow truck and switched vehicles to get back on the road. We were running beside a gasoline tanker as it blew a trailer tire and sat for hours in bumper to bumper stopped traffic due to a crash just south of Harrisburg but we eventually made it to our hotel.

The next morning, the MN8 FoxFire Team would assemble on the exhibit hall floor for the first of three busy days.

Once again, we had Andrew Arnold and the Box Alarm Leather Team in the booth so it was almost like we were twice as busy.

Box Alarm and MN8 FoxFire have teamed up to deliver yet another GREAT product! With Box Alarm’s quality work (and a LIFETIME GAURANTEE), using 8-10 oz bridle leather (tanned in the USA), 3M’s flame resistant reflective fabric combined with MN8′s advanced illumination technology, these two “by firefighters, for firefighters” companies have delivered one of the best radio strap combination packages on the market! We debuted them at FDIC and SOLD OUT! They were just as popular in Harrisburg. To learn more about this new product, CLICK HERE or HERE .

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book. CLICK HERE

I’m always VERY busy giving demos while in the booth but I also get to spend a few minutes talking with hundreds of Brother and Sister firefighters. I think that’s one of the things I like the most about working these shows … meeting and making new friends within the Fire Service.

After the show on Friday, I did just that … met and made some GREAT new friends.

Donna and I got to spend the evening and share a meal with the Brothers and Sisters of Colonial Park Fire Company.

I have to tell ya …. these Brothers and Sisters “get it”.

When Lt. Mike Rodkey invited us out, I wasn’t sure if we could pull it off. When “on the road” we (the MN8 FoxFire Team) usually travel as a team and it’s difficult to drop in and visit a company with a crew of 8-10. On top of that, we had about 4 separate invitations / obligations for that evening and we were already worn out from the long days work in the booth. All things considered, Zach and I decided to split the team and try to cover as many obligations as possible. I was glad I made it to Colonial Park!

My visit started off with a tour of their house and rigs. “Cheech”, a Colonial Park “live-in” member; rolled out the red carpet. You could see the PRIDE in the company and it’s members as he showed me every little detail. Everything was neat, clean and in order …. another example of PRIDE.

I also got to meet and talk with Sam Swartz.

Sam is like the 2nd or 3rd most ACTIVE Senior member of the Colonial Park Fire Company with 50 YEARS OF SERVICE!

Sam showed me around their trophy / display room where they housed one of their earlier pieces along with numerous trophies, photos etc.

He also shared some of their HISTORY and TRADITION with me. I could have listened to his stories all week! IT WAS AN HONOR meeting him and having the opportunity to hear his stories!

After the tour, it was time to eat and just like everything else I had seen from Colonial Park, they went all out.

London Broil on the grill …… and I mean MELT IN YOUR MOUTH London Broil!

There’s something very humbling to me to get to sit down at a table with a group of firefighters and their wives, husbands and family and share a meal. A meal that they paid for out of their pockets and yet decided to share with me. It’s humbling because I know the sacrifices they’ve made to be able to do this. I’ve shared in it. It’s like we’ve known each other all along even though we’ve never met. It’s BROTHERHOOD.

We took a few photos and I got the opportunity to shake each of their hands and thank them before Donna and I had to head out to our next meeting. I would like to say to them once again … THANK YOU!

Find Colonial Park Fire Company on Face Book HERE

Eventually, we made it back to our hotel room for a few hours sleep. Before we knew it, we were back on the floor at Expo. The 2nd day was as busy as the first. Once again I got to meet several GREAT Brothers and Sisters during and between my demos.

After Saturday’s show, we were off to the “Progress Bash”. Although it wasn’t a F.O.O.L.S Bash, it was very much like one.

This Bash was hosted by the Progress Fire Company … just down the road from Colonial Park.

These Brothers and Sisters know how to throw a party!

The place was PACKED and we had a BLAST!!

I wasn’t the only one wearing a kilt (BunkerKilt.com) but I was shocked to see that I was the only one wearing my helmet (Phenix Helmets) . I do have to admit that I wasn’t the best looking one there in a kilt. I can say that for certain because the Girls of Fire House Dolls were also on hand. We took a few pictures together and I even got to review their 2014 calendar … TRUST me … use the link I provided and look them up … yo’r gonna LOVE the new calendar!

Stan Jaworski was also on hand with his camera. Stan is well known for his photos and I’m personally a big fan. Check out some of his pictures from the 2013 Progress Bash HERE and find him on Face Book HERE .

There were also some Pipes and Drums in attendance. I never caught their name nor learned if they were like a “renegade” bunch or not but either way, they did a very nice job! Here’s some video…

Progress Fire Company on Face Book Here

So it was another late night to bed and an early rise for day #3 of Expo. Again we were shocked at just how busy we remained. Just like days 1 and 2, we got to meet so many dedicated Brothers and Sisters.

We also had a very special guest salesman in the booth.

Word got out to 14 year old Ian Swarr that our Team was a little overwhelmed at our first Harrisburg Expo so he came to the Rescue.

Zach and the crew actually got to have dinner with Ian the night before and I thankfully were able to convince him into helping out on Sunday.

Ian is a true inspiration and I’m honored to call him my friend. He even took Donna around the Expo floor to introduce her to all his friends and “show her the ropes”

I’m not sure exactly what they did but they both returned with a sack full of swag and smiles on their faces …lol. If you want to talk about “heart” and meet a GREAT young man… look no further.

Learn MORE about Ian by clicking HERE!

There’s NO WAY I can mention everyone I got to see and spend some time with this weekend. I won’t even try because I know I will leave someone out. There are a few however that I want to give a “shout out” to and I think I know a way to encompass the rest.

Once again, we got to spend some time with the guys from Fire Cam. These guys are AWESOME (even Dave Statter hangs out in their booth). Rob Schield and Cris Burch are another example of guys who “get it”. If you’re not familiar with Fire Cam and their products, YOU SHOULD BE.

This is the ONLY Fire Helmet Camera designed by Firefighters. You can learn more and find them on the web by CLICKING HERE . Also find them on Face Book HERE .

Another name I want to drop is Clayton Murphy of Crosstitched. Clayton was also set up at Harrisburg and spent some time with us. For those of you who don’t know, Crosstitched is the designer and supplier of the IronFiremen / Fire Critic “Hey Brother” shirts. Crosstitched is another Firefighter owned company that needs (and deserves) our support. Clayton is a SUPER guys and ALL of his designs ROCK! Wait until you order some of his shirts … as soon as you see the box he ships in, you’ll know he’s a class act! He also does CUSTOM shirts !

Visit their Web site HERE or find them on Face Book HERE

I apologize for not listing everyone I met and spent time with. It is also nearly impossible to include all the pictures we took. I did put together a small photo album on Face Book. Take a look and feel free to TAG YOURSELF if included in one of the shots. Also, please share and / or tag me if you have a photo of us from Expo. Use the link below to view the album …

Harrisburg Fire Expo Photo Album

I have a few more stories to share with from Expo but I’ll catch them in a later post. There have been a couple LODD’s over the weekend and storms are tearing through the several states leaving huge paths of destruction and several dead. Please keep all those affected including the Brothers and Sisters responding to these incidents in your thoughts and prayers.

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on May 21, 2013 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, fires, news, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: Amazing Grace, Black Diamond Boots, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, car fire, Colonial Park Fire Company, Crosstitched, Dave Statter, fire, Fire Cam, Fire Critic, fire video, firefighter, firefighter calendars, firefighter pics, firefighters, Firehouse Dolls, Harrisburg Fire Expo, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, MN8 products, Pipes and Drums, Progress Fire Company, Sexy female firefighter calendars, Statter 911, vehicle fire, Working fire, Zach Green

You can’t teach HEART!

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I’ve been using that saying for several years now and believe it to be true.

We are surrounded by the absolute best instructors this profession has to offer on a daily basis. They can teach most any subject … strategy and tactics, search and rescue, ventilation, water supply, pump / ladder ops, incident command, high rise firefighting, Mayday, RIC etc. The one thing they can’t teach is “HEART”. You either have it or you don’t.

I’m not sure I can exactly define what I mean by “heart” but it’s at least a passion for “the job” as well as the drive and determination to fulfill the duties expected of us (both on and off the fire ground). It’s the willingness and eagerness to “do the right thing” no matter the cost and to sacrifice for others.

I’ve always said that all I need is a month or two in the same station and/or one working fire to know whether or not a probie (or non-probationary firefighter for that matter) “gets it”. That quickly, I can determine if he or she has “heart”.

You can buy all the newest and latest gear. This gadget, that one and two more of these. You can put this sticker or that one on your helmet, this decal on the back window of your truck. Wear any tee-shirt you want with whatever logo or saying on it.

Give me one set of steps, leading to an attic where fire is rolling down on you while blowing out the eaves and/or dormer.

Push into the fire floor from the adjacent window or the floor above to search without a hose line. Try a little VES (Vent Enter Search) when the floor is rocking.

Crawl down a dark, black, smokey hallway. So dark you can’t see your nose or the lens of your mask. The heat so hot that every breath you take hurts. Reaching out … feeling for anything you can find…. a hole to fall into or a body…. who knows? It’s your first time in this situation …. you’ll wonder how close you’ll be to that body when you find it and what it will look like when you get there.

It’s already hot and getting hotter. Open the nozzle or not? Keep pushing or back out? Someone will understand …. the circumstances just weren’t where we needed them to be … right? Nobody will blame or question you. There are multiple reasons to quit and turn around but only two reasons to keep pushing…. 1.) Someone is (or may be) in there and 2.) this is what you took an oath and signed up for …. it’s your DUTY and job!

Do you have the HEART to push on or will you quit? It’s not easy … if it was, any and everyone would do it. If you don’t (have the heart), I’m sorry…. IT CAN’T BE TAUGHT.

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How about the EMS call at 3am? The nausea and vomiting for 2 days. The abdominal pain or difficulty breathing despite the fact they smoke 3 packs a day.

Do you get up bitching? Complaining and cursing? Are you mad because you came to work, fully knowing your job was to staff the ambulance ; and they actually asked you to run a call? Did you think there was a call volume “limit” when you joined?

Or, do you realize that although this is your 15th call of the tour, it may be the caller’s 1st emergency. Do you even consider that the person you’r responding to may be a family member of mine. Maybe they are kin to someone you work with…. maybe they are related to you? If you knew that going in, would your outlook have changed? It shouldn’t …. every run should receive the same commitment.

To me, that’s a little bit about what “HEART” is on the job….. it’s doing our job and doing it with PRIDE, HONOR and RESPECT.

There is also “HEART” away from the job and I guess the better word there would be “off duty” because those of you who have “HEART” are never really “off the job”.

Rhett and I are fortunate in that we Know, meet and see a lot of Brothers and Sisters who “get it” … who have “HEART” and/or display, understand and promote “The Brotherhood”. We see examples of it on a daily basis because we know what we’re looking for. The sad part of what we see is that so many Brothers and Sisters look right past it never knowing what they saw.

I could give ya many, many examples but instead, I want to share just a few with ya from our experience at FDIC 2013 (this will by far not be ALL the examples we encountered).

Take the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb for example.

This is the first time FDIC has had 343 climbers. This year, they actually surpassed that number.

NONE of these climbs are easy. I often see folks in the staging areas and think to myself … “”they are going to have a hard time making 110 stories”. They HAVE to know that going into the climb themselves yet, they register and show up anyway. THEY CLIMB! That’s HEART!

During the climb, you’ll find many who, instead of making a “race” out of it; stay behind to assure every member completes their journey (climb). Anybody can pass the Brother or Sister in front of them and push on to “look good”. It takes HEART to hold back and assure nobody is left behind.

I’m surrounded by Founding and Committee Members of the Stair Climbs. You would think “that” sacrifice would be enough.

NOPE … Brothers like Rhett Fleitz, Brian Brush and Andrew Catron continue to climb. For them, this is their 6th or 7th climb (maybe even more for Brian).

Why? They’ve done their duty. By completing just one, they’ve accomplished more than most. For them (us) it’s not about that. It’s about HONOR. Honoring our fallen.

It’s about SUPPORT. Supporting the NFFF and our fallen’s families.

These Brothers “GET IT”. Not only that, they want YOU to get it as well! They promote the Climbs and sacrifice their time to serve on committees, organize events etc.

I’m not saying you have to “climb” to “get it” but these Brothers DO and that’s why they CLIMB!

I’ll give ya another example…. Kim Fitzsimmons.

Many of you may know Kim from her Face Book Page. Others may know her from her fire ground photography (or her drawings with red crayons…LOL)

Some will know her as a member of the National Firefighter’s Endowment “Officer’s Club”.

Seems like a pretty full plate towards “the Brotherhood”, “getting it” and/or having “Heart” huh? Well, Kim learned of the “Meet-Up” Rhett and I were having at FDIC and she decided she just couldn’t miss it. She drove all the way up to FDIC just to attend our Meet-Up knowing it was sponsored in part by the NFE! She wasn’t “looking” for anything …. she wanted to support and promote the NFE while sharing and spreading The Brotherhood. She made the drive alone … she “gets it”. Kim has HEART!

Here’s another NFE Officer Club Member who “gets it” ….Jill Boden.

Jill attended FDIC all week. We first met her at the FOOLS Bash but have known her for some time now through her Face Book page as well as the Officer’s Club.

She attended the NFFF Stop Drop and Rock and Roll Event as well …. anywhere support for the Brother / Sisterhood was needed, Jill could be spotted.

She “worked the room” of our Meet-Up like a pro. Introducing herself and spreading the word about the NFE, the NFFF and more. Jill also “gets it” and she displayed it all week!

Lori Mercer is another one with “HEART”

Lori is and runs Firefighter Wife.com .

Not only does she look after us …. she’s devoting her time to take care of our spouses as well!

Her mission … “Strengthen, ignite and rescue Firefighter marriages. Nurture our fire wife community with encouragement, support and friendship. To Build up our fire wives in mind, body and spirit to be wise, strong and enduring. To bring an even deeper sense of community to the fire service family” .

Must I say more? OBVIOUSLY … Lori “GETS IT”. I hope you get it too! Use the links below to get a head start …..

Firefighter Wife.com Firefighter Wife on Face Book

Ok …for a final two (but not the only remaining) examples from FDIC, I’ll go back to our Meet-Up.

At the end of the night, a young (or at least “younger”) Brother came up to me. He wanted to buy me a beer (the event was over and the open bar changed to cash bar). He was in the group of members from Tennessee that included Shane Lester and William Banks.

Some wore helmets, others cowboy hats. They were ALL Brothers who obviously “get it”.

Anyway, I already had 2 full beers in my hand (I know…. what are the odds of that…LOL) and it was last call.

I told this young brother that instead of buying me a beer that I obviously didn’t need, to give the $5 he was going to spend to the Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation .

I watched as he walked over to Ryan, Zane, Nathan and Rob Wiedmann and handed them the money. HE HANDED THEM THE MONEY! I can’t tell you how good it felt to see a young member “GET IT”. I hope he understands what (and why) he did what he did. He summed up what our Meet-Up was all about!!

Some many other Brothers and Sisters in attendance that night kept thanking me and Rhett for hosting the event. They kept saying that we were what the Brotherhood was all about and how much they looked up to what we do for the fire service.

I explained to each of them …. Rhett, Shane (NFE), Andrew and I did nothing. We rented a room and bought a bunch of beer.

They …. EVERY Brother and Sister in attendance did so much more. They gave the true display of Brother.

Again I’ll say that I and many others can / could teach you / them to perform most any task required of us in the Fire Service. We CAN’T teach them to sacrifice their time and money to spend time promoting the Brotherhood and supporting organizations worthy of our attention.

YOU CAN’T TEACH HEART!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on April 30, 2013 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Andrew Catron, Brian Brush, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, FDIC, FDIC 2013, FDIC Meet Up, FDIC Memorial Stair Climb, FDNY, FDNYs Bravest, fire, Fire Critic, firefighter pics, Firefighter Wife, firefighters, Fools Bash, house fire, Jill Boden, Kim Fitzsimmons, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Michael Dick, Model City Firefighter, NFFF, Ray McCormick, Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation, Statter 911, Stop Drop and Rock and Roll

FDIC 2013 Ironfiremen & Fire Critic Style!

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FDIC 2013 was a HUGE success!

Despite having to drive 8 hours in the pouring rain, we made it home safely. I hope everyone else did as well.

I’m worn out … mentally and physically. Spent some time with the Buckaroo and my beautiful bride before heading out to the hot tub for a little “unwind” time while thinking over everything we experienced this week.

Can you tell by the pic? You can take the fireman out of FDIC but you can’t take FDIC out of the fireman! LOL

What I mean by that is FDIC is so huge and all encompassing that there’s no way you can attend and not come away with something. A full week of training and Brotherhood shared by the absolute BEST in our business! I’ll share with ya a little of what I experienced and brought home …

Unfortunately, Rhett and I did not attend any of the training this year. Our schedule simply wouldn’t allow it.

This year, we represented 2 GREAT companies and friends of the Fire Service while working their booths on the exhibit floor.

Black Diamond Boots asked us to be in their booth this year and we couldn’t have been more pleased. Rhett and I are both big fans of Black Diamond and the X2 Boot. We wear them in our gear and have for years.

That’s what makes it easy for us to be in a booth like Black Diamonds (that and the “Booth Babes”) …. it’s a great product and we use it daily. We believe in it and can talk to potential buyers in an up front and honest manner.

When we’re standing there selling these boots, we are WEARING them. We wear them ALL DAY LONG … 3 days in a row! We work in them, we climb in them. We can do this because they are a great boot …. they fit well and they’re comfortable.

Would you trust a fire boot salesman wearing Nike tennis shoes? I didn’t think so. Anyway, we got to meet a lot of great Brothers and Sisters shopping for boots. We (Black Diamond) even gave a pair away each day. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to try on a pair. It was GREAT meeting you all. We know you’re gonna love this boot so be sure to visit their web site or find them on Face Book to locate your local dealer.

Black Diamond Boots Dealer locator Black Diamond on Face Book

We only spent 4 hours with Black Diamond. The rest of our time on the floor was spent with Zach Green in the MN8 FoxFire booth.

Rhett and I have been part of the FoxFire Family for several years now. We’re a natural fit!

It’s another product that we use every day on the job. It’s a product geared toward firefighter safety and accountability …. AND IT WORKS!

By firefighters for firefighters … who understands us better?

This year was VERY exciting for Zach and our team as we unveiled several NEW PRODUCTS at the show. One of those products is a SCBA Identifier Tag. Another GREAT “Illuminating” product to aid us in visibility and accountability.

We also had our good friends from Box Alarm Leather in the booth to help promote our Illuminating Radio Straps.

That’s right …. made right here in the USA by Box Alarm Leather, they come with a lifetime warranty and THEY GLOW!

Rhett and I have been big fans of Box Alarm for years as well. GREAT quality with quick and reliable service. They are the company who made our custom fronts as well.

You can purchase the Radio Strap, a universal radio case and anti-sway strap as a complete kit or purchase them separately (they ALL “Illuminate”!!!). Be sure to visit these links to learn more and order yours today!

Find MN8 FoxFire on the Web or on Face Book

Find Box Alarm on the Web or on Face Book

I guess I should back up just a little an say that we arrived to FDIC on Wednesday.

We parked the “Blog Mobile”, ran our bags up to the room and headed out to the F.O.O.L.S Bash.

The Bash is ALWAYS a good time and we haven’t missed one yet!

The only thing we enjoy more than meeting all the Brothers and Sisters at the Bash is when the Pipes and Drums start to play!

I posted a short video of them playing in a previous post this week … CLICK HERE to see it.

Like I mentioned above, beyond the training events at FDIC, there are PLENTY of “Brotherhood” related events.

Another one that we NEVER miss is the Stop Drop and Rock and Roll event put on to benefit the NFFF (National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation) .

It’s a GREAT event! “Over the past ten years, Stop, Drop, Rock ‘n’ Roll has played an important part in helping us honor America’s fallen firefighters. It is a chance for firefighters to give back to the fire service and have fun at the same time. Through a small donation at the door you have all helped the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation honor and support the families of firefighters who have died in the line of duty.”

This years entertainment was none other than Darryl Worley and he did ONE HELL OF A JOB!

He played acoustic and sounded GREAT and even took the time to sign autographs and pose for pictures afterwards. He ended the show with one of his hits, “Have you forgotten?”

The only thing better than listening to Darryl sing was getting to dance to his music with the CEO of Phenix Helmets, Nicole Clesceri ! I’m not sure of the final numbers but I think the auction went ok as well this year. I do know that everyone in attendance had a good time and we can only hope we raised a LOT of money for the NFFF and our surviving families.

Another event we attended was the Fire Rescue, Fire / EMS Blog Network and Firefighter Nation “Meet Up”.

For those of you who don’t know, Rhett, Dave Statter and I (along with SEVERAL others) have our sites hosted by the Fire / EMS Blog Network. The Network is FULL of many great writers providing us all with a variety of resources related to the job.

Fire Rescue Magazine Editor in Chief, Tim Sendelbach recognized several of our writers for their contributions this year. I was honored to have been one of those recognized. It was totally unexpected … I was humbled and HONORED.

Afterwards, we headed over to dinner with our MN8 FoxFire family.

Every year at FDIC, Zach treats the team to dinner on Friday night.

It amazed me to think back over the past few years and realize just how much (and quickly) our team / family has grown.

Maybe that explains why Zach and MN8 FoxFire was presented the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award earlier this month. This year, there were at least 20 people at our dinner! next year, we just may have to rent out the entire building!

Speaking of renting out an entire Building …. later that evening, Rhett and I also hosted our very own “Meet-Up” at the Hard Rock Cafe and it too was a HUGE success!

WOW! There were 100-150 people who came out to share a few drinks and some Brotherhood with us. We have always wanted to do something like this but for one reason or another haven’t been able to pull it off.

Our good friend and Brother Andrew Catron, from the blog The Model City Firefighter took the lead for us and put the event together. We couldn’t have done it without him! Shane Parkins, another great friend, Brother and President of the National Firefighter’s Endowment was also a huge contributor in that he helped sponsor the event. We should also mention (and THANK) Rob Schield from Fire Cam and Chris McCorkle form Blackjack Flashlight Holders for providing some great gifts for us to give away at the event!

For me, beyond the attendance; there were several highlights of the evening. The first, was a special presentation made to me by Erin and Stephen Foster of Ayden’s Gifts .

“Our missions are to bring handmade memorials to those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Our goal is to paint something for you to cherish for years to come! Whether it is a plate, mug or figurine!”

This presentation was totally unexpected and caught me off guard. HONORED and HUMBLED doesn’t even begin to define what (or how) I felt. I’ve spoken here on the site many times of late about showing and sharing emotions (despite the outer appearance of being “tough” firefighters) …. Erin and Stephen brought me to tears that night and it happened in front of a huge crowd.

Im still not quite sure what to say.

The quote above is from their site and as far as I’m concerned, they have succeeded in accomplishing their mission! Just look at the detail here.

It’s in Carolina Blue … Jackson’s favorite team / color. It has the Carolina logo. The foot, to me; symbolizes all the “foot prints” Jackson left in my life and on my heart. The quote on the outer rim is from an Allison Krauss song that I posted about just a few weeks back in a post called “Positional Awareness … Where the Hell am I ??” .

PLEASE …. take the time to check out their site. Read the story of why they do what they do and look at some of their art work. Be sure to like and follow them as well.

Adyden’s Gifts Blog Ayden’s Gifts on Face Book

Another highlight for the night was having FDNY’s Rescue 2 member Rob Wiedmann stop by.

You may remember Rob (and Firefighter Gersbeck) was seriously burned in a December 19, 2011 Crown Heights fire in Brooklyn, Ny. It was an unimaginable event that was caught on video. Dave Statter still has it up over on Statter911.com CLICK HERE for the video .

Rhett, Zach(MN8 FoxFire) and I teamed up to collect money for Rescue 2′s MayDay Fund which supported the families of Rob and James. Our reader support for the fund raiser was nothing short of amazing AMAZING and we soon hand delivered a check to Captain Flaherty and the members of rescue 2.

Read about it in a previous post of mine “Money WELL Spent!” .

Rob actually dropped by our booth on the exhibit floor of FDIC. We said he simply wanted to stop by to say hello and thanks us once again for our efforts following his injury.

He also wanted to assure his gratitude was passed along to all of you who gave support (including thoughts, prayers etc).

Rob is a GREAT guy who for me, defines the meaning of HEART. I have a saying I use often … “You can’t teach heart” and Rob is a prime example.

His training and instinct played a huge role in getting him out of that building BUT … it was also “HEART”. Heart has kept him going throughout his healing process (28 months now with more surgeries scheduled). Heart drives him to continue to get out and promote the Fire Service and our Brotherhood. I’ll have more on “Heart” in an upcoming post ….
Rob was there with a few Brothers from Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation , Ryan “Birdman” Parrott, Zane, and Nathan.

You’re going to start hearing a lot about these guys and their efforts here on Ironfiremen.com in the future. We asked Ryan (the group’s founder) to say a few words at the Meet-Up and then we passed my boot around for their cause. We raised $730.00 in about 10 minutes! Be sure to check out the links below to learn more about these guys …

Sons of the Flag Web Site Sons of the Flag on Face Book

Again I’ll add that what really “made” the meet-up was everyone who attended. We got (and continue to get) so many comments about how much we (Rhett and I) are doing for the Brotherhood. I explained to several of the folks there that night …. we didn’t do anything. We rented a room and bought some beer. YOU GUYS … you Brothers and Sisters are the ones who showed up. You’re the ones who sacrificed your time and made the decision to attend. YOU are the the ones who “made” the event …. THAT Brothers and Sisters was the display of Brotherhood that night! Thanks again for attending!

Rhett did a little “name dropping” and shared his views on our Meet-Up and FDIC in general over on the Fire Critic. He also has links to some great pictures … read that post in the link below

FDIC Wrap Up: The FireCritic and Ironfiremen Meetup

There is so much more I want to share about our Meet-Up but I think I’m going to work it into one of my next posts. All in all, FDIC was a huge success for us and we can’t wait until our next event.

Thanks to EVERYONE who took the time to come up and speak to us. Be sure to follow us on Face Book to find more pictures and info on FDIC and more! Be sure to keep check back and THANKS for following …

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book Click HERE

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on April 29, 2013 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, fires, news, Training, Uncategorized • Tagged: Ayden's Gifts, Black Diamond Boots, Box Alarm Leather, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Darryl Worley, Dave Statter, FDNY, fire, Fire Critic, fire video, firefighter, firefighter pics, Fools Bash, house fire, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, MN8 products, NFFF, Phenix Fire Helmets, Sons of the Flag Burn Foundation, Stop Drop and Rock and Roll, Zach Green

Wytheville finds some water!

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Photo by Jeffery Simmons

I don’t have many details yet but, apparently; the Wytheville Fire Department and Chief Ron King have abandoned their recently discovered “new firefighting technique” and resorted to fighting fire like the rest of America … by putting water on the fire.

The Wytheville Fire Department, along with the Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department responded to a house fire on West Lee Highway on Thursday December 27, 2012.

Chief King, and the Wytheville Department made the local news back in November when he opted to conduct salvage operations vs extinguishing a fire in the Crocketts Cove section of Wythe County, Va. Chief King took full credit for this “new technique” saying that he had never studied the technique in his “thousands and thousands of hours of training”. He also said, “we plan on using it again”. Find the entire article in a previous post below…

READ “New Firefighting technique developed in Wytheville, Va?”

Photo by Jeffery Simmons

My post on the issue resulted in several comments and e-mails (use the link above for that post).

My favorite comment was posted to my Face Book Fan Page by Jacob. He never came right out and asked but I think he wanted to marry me. Yea… out of the blue, this kid wanted my address so he could send me some rope and a vibrator! Yea … a vibrator LMAO! Read that post below.

Read that post by clicking HERE

Well, I never received the vibrator or the rope and, judging by the pictures of the most recent fire, Chief King has changed his mind as well. At least they are flowing water and the local news even said they were using an elevated master stream.

Full story from Tricities.com found HERE

I raised several valid questions out of the previous Wytheville issues and have yet to receive a valid response / argument. I even requested the audio files of the fire ground audio from the Crocketts Cove fire through the Freedom of Information Act and never received them.

I gave them the benifit of the doubt thinking that maybe they didn’t know what the Freedom of Information Act was. With that in mind, I posted a portion of the Act for them.

“Any public body that is subject to this chapter and that is the custodian of the requested records shall promptly, but in all cases within five working days of receiving a request, provide the requested records to the requester or make one of the following responses in writing:”

It also says “Failure to respond to a request for records shall be deemed a denial of the request and shall constitute a violation of this chapter”

I guess I should have also included portions of the Act that discuss the violations or failure to disclose requested information.

“ 2.2-3713 for a violation of § 2.2-3704, 2.2-3705.1 through 2.2-3705.8, 2.2-3706, 2.2-3707, 2.2- 3708, 2.2-3708.1, 2.2-3710, 2.2-3711 or 2.2-3712, the court, if it finds that a violation was willfully and knowingly made, shall impose upon such officer, employee, or member in his individual capacity, whether a writ of mandamus or injunctive relief is awarded or not, a civil penalty of not less than $500 nor more than $2,000, which amount shall be paid into the State Literary Fund. For a second or subsequent violation, such civil penalty shall be not less than $2,000 nor more than $5,000.”

More and more details are being brought to my attention every day. The Virginia Department of Fire Programs was apparently brought in several years back to preform a “study” of Wytheville’s operations. Obviously, the findings from that study have been totally ignored.

It also seems that there could be some “conflicts of interest” involved with the person whom I requested the information from in the first place (involving an ex-wife and her current relationship).

It now seems the problems in Wytheville reach deeper than first suspected. Again I’ll say that I can’t understand why the Board of Supervisors accepts this liability. I’ll keep ya posted as more details surface.

So, I trust and hope you all had a VERY Merry Christmas and I wish you all a prosperous, healthy and SAFE New Year.

My Christmas couldn’t have been better. It was spent surrounded by family and friends and I even managed to get a few awesome gifts.

Pictured right is the gift Rhett (FireCritic.com) gave me. It’s a custom leather radio strap made by Wolfpak Leather Works .

This strap is AWESOME. The detail and craftsmanship are second to none. It not only has my name on it, it also includes the Buckaroo and Ironfiremen.com THANKS Brothers!

I still haven’t got a good picture of it yet but, I had Rhett a custom apron made.

I have to admit that it too was a pretty awesome gift.

It’s made of PBI (just like our turnout gear) has striping, pockets d-ring snaps and his name. He LOVED it.

The apron was made by our good friends over at Blue Ridge Rescue Suppliers .

We’ve already received several comments and e-mails asking where the aprons can be purchased. So far, this is a “one of” but if they receive enough interest, more will be made. Use the link above ( or just CLICK HERE )to contact Blue Ridge Rescue Suppliers and inquire about the aprons. Actually, check them out for any and all of your equipment needs. Call or e-mail and be sure to tell em we sent ya!

Tonight, I’m covering a shift for Rhett.

I’m working at Station #3-A. His Captain, Mac Craft; is on duty and we decided he’d make the better driver / operator so I’m riding the seat and Mac is driving.

It’s been a while since I’ve been behind the wheel so I’m sure everyone is safer this way….LOL

Thanks to Captain Mac for letting me have his seat today.

Rhett’s down in Nashville with family but will be home in time for the New Year. 2013 is shaping up to be our busiest year yet and I’m sure it will also be our best!

Be sure to keep checking back for our 2012 Year in Review posts …. if you haven’t been following along, you’ll never believe where we’ve been and what we’ve gotten ourselves into!

Do you guys remember little Hunter Moseley?

I first introduced you to him through a post back in November (linked below)

Read “PRIDE … Going the extra mile and making a kid smile”

Well since that post, Hunter has made several new friends and had some great experiences.

He now has “Team Hunter” shirts and his own Face Book Fan Page. Take a moment to visit and “LIKE” Hunters page … your support makes a difference for him and his family!

Visit and “Like” Team Hunter on Face Book HERE

My regular shift has me back Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week. I’ll check back in as soon as possible. Until I do, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 29, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: Blue Ridge Rescue Suppliers, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Custom Leather Radio Straps, Dave Statter, fire, Fire Critic, Firefighter Aprons, firefighter pics, firefighters, house fire, Hunter Moseley, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, WolfPak Leather Works, Wooden Ladders and Ironfiremen, working house fire, Wytheville Fire Department

MERRY Christmas from Ironfiremen.com Headquarters

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Following the tragic events of Christmas Eve, the Fire Service is in shock. Having lost 2 Brothers in a senseless act of violence, it’s difficult for those of us on the job to be “merry” about anything. Our hearts are heavy while our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of our fallen and injured.

photo from democratandchronicle.com

Firefighters Michael Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczówka were killed by a sniper after arriving at a house fire in West Webster, NY yesterday.

Firefighters Theodore Scardino and Joseph Hofstetter were also shot in the incident and remain hospitalized.

An on-duty Greece police officer John Ritter, was injured by shrapnel in the attacks as well.

The Fire Critic and Statter 911 has full and continuing coverage of the incident, arrangements and more over on their sites…

Webster, NY coverage from the Fire Critic HERE

Coverage of Webster from Statter 911 HERE

I’ll share more of my thoughts on this issue, as well as the Sandy Hook incident when I feel it’s more appropriate. It’s been a difficult month for the Fire Service but we will recover.

So, I was on duty yesterday and the “good” part of my Christmas started then.

Rhett came by at shift break to exchange gifts.

He got me a custom made leather radio strap from Wolkpak Leather .

This strap is AWESOME!

The front says “Captain Wines” while the back says “IronFiremen.com”. The anti-sway strap even has “Buckaroo” stamped into it!

Wolfpak is the guys who made our custom suspenders as well. They also personalized those to include the Buckaroo’s name. These guys do GREAT work and it’s evident in their finished product. The fact that offer the option and that Rhett thought enough to include the extra stamping is AWESOME. It was the PERFECT gift!

In return, I got Rhett an APRON …. LOL..yea…. an APRON!

Not just any Apron mind ya …. I had him one custom made from Jamie Brads of Blue Ridge Rescue Suppliers .

It turned out AWESOME! It was WELL ABOVE my expectations.

The material is actually PBI (the same stuff our Turnout Gear is made of).

It has the reflective stripping just like our gear. The same buckles, snaps and even has pockets!

As much as Rhett LOVES cooking, this should make a great gift.

I even had em put our patch in the center (in case he gets lost at the grocery store).

If nothing else, he’ll stand out in the kitchen.

We’ve already had several folks ask where and how to get one. Even though this was a custom job, Jamie and I discussed the possible demand for them once we got some pictures out.

If you’re interested, use the link above (or just CLICK HERE ) and let Jamie know ….

So, I got off duty this morning and headed home.

As it turns out, I was better than I thought I had been and old Santa made a stop in Catawba!

This is where I received my best gifts of the season.

I arrived home to be surrounded by family.

The Buckaroo, my girls (Donna, Randi and Reba), my sister Marci (and Aaron) and even my mom and step father were in from North Carolina.

The stockings were hung and packages under the tree… it made for a peaceful morning.

The Buckaroo had a BLAST and that’s what it’s all about.

I hope that all of you had just a memorable Christmas as I did.

I hope that yours was spent with friends and family as well.

Thanks for all the well wishes, cards etc that we’ve received through the site, Face Book and even “snail mail” ….. it’s humbling.

For those of you who pulled a tour (or has to tomorrow) THANK YOU for the service. Thank you for covering the shift so that the rest of us can be at home, protected with our families.

We wrapped up the 2012 FireCritic / Ironfiremen 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way yesterday (we actually released the final winners this morning HERE). Congratulations to all of our winners and THANKS to our contributors!

The 2012 installments of the Ironfiremen.com’s Santa’s Sexy Helpers ends today. We worked our way up to see what ol Santa would find under the tree and I don’t think he was disappointed. Actually, I think Mrs Claus was also pretty happy.

Here is the final installment of Santa’s Sexy Helpers for 2012 … one for the guys and gals… ENJOY!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 25, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 2012 FireCritic/Ironfiremen 12 Days of Christmas Give-A-Way, 2012 Santa's Sexy Helpers, Blue Ridge Rescue Suppliers, building fire, Custom leather work, Dave Statter, emergency traffic, EMS, EMT, fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Department, fire service, firefighter, firefighter ambushed, Firefighter apron, firefighter down, firefighter shot, firefighter wounded, firefighters ambushed, Firefighting, Fireground Video, Fires, Glenn Usdin, grandmother, hammer, house fire, house fire video, IronFiremen.com, John Ritter, joseph hoffstetter, Joseph Hofsetter, Lake Road, Leather radio strap, line of duty, Line of duty Death, LODD, Michael Chiapperini, Mike Chiapperini, Monroe County, New York, paramedic, people shot, radio traffic, Rhett Fleitz, Shooting, shots fired, Social Media, STatter911.com, structure fire, Theodore Scardino, Tomasz Kaczówka, video, Webster, William Spengler, Willie Wines Jr, Wolfpak Leather

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.com, FDCam.com, Crosstitched.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

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 25, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, 1st In Leather, 2012 Santa's Sexy Helpers, 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment, Box Alarm Leather, CentreLearn, Christmas, Command Sim, Commercial Solutions, Crosstitched, ESS Eye Pro, FD Cam, FDCam.com, fire, Fire Armor, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire service, FireCritic.com, firefighter, Firefighting, Glove Crafters, Holiday Give-A-Way, IronFiremen.com, Leatherhead Concepts, NM-Coin, NY Firestore, Rhett Fleitz, RKE Custom Leather, Sims U Share, Smoke is Showing, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr

2 days left to win!

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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

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 23, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, 1st In Leather, 2012 Santa's Sexy Helpers, 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment, Box Alarm Leather, CentreLearn, Christmas, Command Sim, Commercial Solutions, Crosstitched, ESS Eye Pro, FD Cam, FDCam.com, fire, Fire Armor, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire service, FireCritic.com, firefighter, Firefighting, Glove Crafters, Holiday Give-A-Way, IronFiremen.com, Leatherhead Concepts, NM-Coin, NY Firestore, Rhett Fleitz, RKE Custom Leather, Sims U Share, Smoke is Showing, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr

More prizes and another Santa’s Sexy Helper

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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

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 22, 2012 • Filed under: news • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, 1st In Leather, 2012 Santa's Sexy Helpers, 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment, Box Alarm Leather, CentreLearn, Christmas, Command Sim, Commercial Solutions, Crosstitched, ESS Eye Pro, FD Cam, FDCam.com, fire, Fire Armor, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire service, FireCritic.com, firefighter, Firefighting, Glove Crafters, Holiday Give-A-Way, IronFiremen.com, Leatherhead Concepts, NM-Coin, NY Firestore, Rhett Fleitz, RKE Custom Leather, Sims U Share, Smoke is Showing, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr

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

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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

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 21, 2012 • Filed under: news • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, 1st In Leather, 2012 Santa's Sexy Helpers, 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment, Box Alarm Leather, CentreLearn, Christmas, Command Sim, Commercial Solutions, Crosstitched, ESS Eye Pro, FD Cam, FDCam.com, fire, Fire Armor, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire service, FireCritic.com, firefighter, Firefighting, Glove Crafters, Holiday Give-A-Way, IronFiremen.com, Leatherhead Concepts, NM-Coin, NY Firestore, Rhett Fleitz, RKE Custom Leather, Sims U Share, Smoke is Showing, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr

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

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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

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 20, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, 1st In Leather, 2012 Santa's Sexy Helpers, 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment, Box Alarm Leather, CentreLearn, Christmas, Command Sim, Commercial Solutions, Crosstitched, ESS Eye Pro, FD Cam, FDCam.com, fire, Fire Armor, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire service, FireCritic.com, firefighter, Firefighting, Glove Crafters, Holiday Give-A-Way, IronFiremen.com, Leatherhead Concepts, NM-Coin, NY Firestore, Rhett Fleitz, RKE Custom Leather, Sims U Share, Smoke is Showing, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr

Counting down to Christmas with FREE SWAG!

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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

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 19, 2012 • Filed under: news • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, 1st In Leather, 2012 Santa's Sexy Helpers, 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment, Box Alarm Leather, CentreLearn, Christmas, Command Sim, Commercial Solutions, Crosstitched, ESS Eye Pro, FD Cam, FDCam.com, fire, Fire Armor, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire service, FireCritic.com, firefighter, Firefighting, Glove Crafters, Holiday Give-A-Way, IronFiremen.com, Leatherhead Concepts, NM-Coin, NY Firestore, Rhett Fleitz, RKE Custom Leather, Sims U Share, Smoke is Showing, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr •

The gifts keep coming!

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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

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 18, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, 1st In Leather, 2012 Santa's Sexy Helpers, 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment, Box Alarm Leather, CentreLearn, Christmas, Command Sim, Commercial Solutions, Crosstitched, ESS Eye Pro, FD Cam, FDCam.com, fire, Fire Armor, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire service, FireCritic.com, firefighter, Firefighting, Glove Crafters, Holiday Give-A-Way, IronFiremen.com, Leatherhead Concepts, NM-Coin, NY Firestore, Rhett Fleitz, RKE Custom Leather, Sims U Share, Smoke is Showing, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr

Santa’s Sexy Helpers and more FREE STUFF!

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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

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 17, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, 1st In Leather, 2012 Santa's Sexy Helpers, 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment, Box Alarm Leather, CentreLearn, Christmas, Command Sim, Commercial Solutions, Crosstitched, ESS Eye Pro, FD Cam, FDCam.com, fire, Fire Armor, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire service, FireCritic.com, firefighter, Firefighting, Glove Crafters, Holiday Give-A-Way, IronFiremen.com, Leatherhead Concepts, NM-Coin, NY Firestore, Rhett Fleitz, RKE Custom Leather, Sims U Share, Smoke is Showing, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr

The Newtown, Connecticut murders and Firefighter Stress

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I haven’t talked about the murders here on IronFiremen.com yet. Like many, I’m still trying to understand this horrific event. I’m not even sure what to say yet … what can you say?

I’ve watched a lot of the news and read several of the articles / stories. I was glad to see that tonight, at least some of the media got it right. Tonight, they quit interviewing kids and parents. They quit with the unbearable questions.

For what I’m sure will be a short lived period, they turned the cameras off the survivors / mourners and listed the names of those murdered.

To me, this should have been done much earlier (with respect to the families etc). I say that because the name of their murderer was up quickly. Every station had it up in bold. His name and picture.

I could care less about him. He’s not important to me. We will never know his motive or reasoning and there’s no reason to speculate. We can’t ask or beat it out of him. He took the cowards way out and died a much too easy death.

Here’s the thing … he will be remembered. His name and face was imprinted into our heads before we knew the victims. It’s still happening. They (mainstream media) are already posting his picture and making comparisons with other recent mass murderers ( Virginia Tech, Denver etc). His name could (and likely will) become more recognizable than his victims and that’s sad.

THAT’S WHO WE SHOULD BE REMEMBERING … THE VICTIMS.

Here are the names (and ages) of those we should remember. Don’t forget or lose them in the ensuing media circus ….

Mary Sherlach, 56; Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, 47; Lauren Rousseau, 30; Victoria Soto, 27; Olivia Engel, 6; Emilie Parker, 6; Rachel Davino, 29; Anne Marie Murphy, 25; Charlotte Bacon, 6; Daniel Barden, 7; Josephine Gay, 7; Ana Marquez-Greene, 6; Dylan Hockley, 6; Madeleine Hsu, 6; Catherine Hubbard, 6; Chase Kowalski, 7; Jesse Lewis, 6; James Mattioli, 6; Grace McDonnell, 7; Anne Marie Murphy, 52; Jack Pinto, 6; Noah Pozner, 6; Caroline Previdi, 6; Jessica Rekos, 6; Avielle Richman, 6; Benjamin Wheeler, 6; Allison Wyatt, 6.

I also hope the first responders are not lost or forgotten in the media’s search for “who” and “why”.

The Police, Fire and Rescue members who responded to the scene.

I don’t even want to imagine what they encountered. I can’t. Dave Statter had Police and Fire radio traffic up early. I’ll add the link …

Sandy Hook radio traffic HERE

I’m certain their lives will be changed forever. I’ve thought of their pain everyday since the shootings.

What I haven’t seen or heard about yet is how those Brothers and Sisters are holding up.

I’m sure there are Counseling Units / Services on site and that they will remain for some time. I’m not sure it will be enough.

Again I’ll say that this was a life altering event / incident.

From what I can tell, Newtown is a relatively “small” town / community. It is the 5th largest “Town” in Connecticut at only 60.38 sq miles.

Newtown Connecticut web site HERE

Sandy Hook is a Borough within Newtown. It was the Sandy Hook Fire Station that was shown so much in the media coverage.

Early in the incident, the station was used as a staging / assembling area. I would imagine that like with most small town Departments, the station was a familiar, comforting place for the community.

Sandy Hook has 2 Stations, 8 pieces and over 60 members. I haven’t heard how many member’s children attended the elementary school if any.

Sandy Hook Vol. Fire & Rescue Co. web site

Please keep these Brothers and Sisters in your thoughts and prayers as well. I would imagine that the population of Sandy Hook and Newtown has tripled with the sudden influx of media etc. That means that the possibility exists for the call volume of Fire, Rescue and Police to increase as well. They could be busier now than ever before and at a time when they can least afford it.

While I’m on the subject, let me say that this season (Thanksgiving / Christmas) is typically the worst for us on the job.

For whatever reason, we seem to see a lot of fire in these months and we tend to see an increase in suicides as well.

It’s supposed to be a time for family. A time of peace and joy but that’s not always the reality we see out here in the streets.

We never get called out because something “good” is happening but, at this time of year; it’s maybe a little more difficult see and deal with.

FireChief.com is reporting that Firefighting is the second most stressful job in the Nation and I think this is our most stressful season.

READ Firefighting the Second-Most Stressful Job in the Nation, White Paper Reports

As Company Officers, it’s our responsibility to take care of our members and that includes AFTER the call. Make sure you understand and recognize the signs of stress. Also make sure your members know that they have a place to “go” … someone to confide in and “talk” to.

Here are some links that may be helpful ….

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 16, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, Emergency Communications, ems-health-safety, ems-topics, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident, news, patient-management, special-operations, Uncategorized • Tagged: brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, EMS, EMT Suicide, fire, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, FireCritic.com, firefighter, Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, firefighter pics, Firefighter Suicide, firefighters, Firefighting, house fire, IronFiremen.com, mass shootings, Newtown Connecticut, Paramedic Suicide, Rhett Fleitz, Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co., Social Media, Suicide, sweeneyalliance.org, Willie Wines Jr

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

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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

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 16, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, 1st In Leather, 2012 Santa's Sexy Helpers, 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment, Box Alarm Leather, CentreLearn, Christmas, Command Sim, Commercial Solutions, Crosstitched, ESS Eye Pro, FD Cam, FDCam.com, fire, Fire Armor, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire service, FireCritic.com, firefighter, Firefighting, Glove Crafters, Holiday Give-A-Way, IronFiremen.com, Leatherhead Concepts, NM-Coin, NY Firestore, Rhett Fleitz, RKE Custom Leather, Sims U Share, Smoke is Showing, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr

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

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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

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 15, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, 1st In Leather, 2012 Santa's Sexy Helpers, 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment, Box Alarm Leather, CentreLearn, Christmas, Command Sim, Commercial Solutions, Crosstitched, ESS Eye Pro, FD Cam, FDCam.com, fire, Fire Armor, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire service, FireCritic.com, firefighter, Firefighting, Glove Crafters, Holiday Give-A-Way, IronFiremen.com, Leatherhead Concepts, NM-Coin, NY Firestore, Rhett Fleitz, RKE Custom Leather, Sims U Share, Smoke is Showing, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr

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

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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

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 14, 2012 • Filed under: news • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, 1st In Leather, 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment, Box Alarm Leather, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, CentreLearn, Christmas, Command Sim, Commercial Solutions, Crosstitched, Dave Statter, ESS Eye Pro, FD Cam, FDCam.com, fire, Fire Armor, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire service, FireCritic.com, firefighter, firefighter pics, firefighters, Firefighting, Glove Crafters, IronFiremen.com, Leatherhead Concepts, NM-Coin, NY Firestore, Rhett Fleitz, RKE Custom Leather, Sims U Share, Smoke is Showing, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr

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

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 13, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, 1st In Leather, 2nd Alarm Fire Equipment, Box Alarm Leather, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Captain Wines, CentreLearn, Christmas, Command Sim, Commercial Solutions, Crosstitched, Dave Statter, ESS Eye Pro, Face Book, FD Cam, FDCam.com, fire, Fire Armor, Fire Blogs, Fire Critic, Fire Department, fire service, FireCritic.com, firefighter, Firefighting, funny videos, Glove Crafters, IronFiremen.com, Leatherhead Concepts, NM-Coin, NY Firestore, Rhett Fleitz, RKE Custom Leather, Sims U Share, Smoke is Showing, Social Media, Statter 911, Willie Wines Jr, xtranormal videos

Fire Critic / Ironfiremen’s 12 Days of Christmas winners!

1 comment

Today marks the 1st day of the Fire Critic / IronFiremen 12 Days of Christmas!

We will be giving away THOUSANDS of dollars worth of FREE SWAG! Every day from now until Christmas someone will win! Signing up is FREE and EASY and it’s not too late …..

Sign up & Enter to WIN by clicking HERE !

Day 12 winners / prizes are as follows ……

Prize #1 - CentreLearn- 1 year unlimited subscription for one person to CentreLearn’s library of online continuing education courses. They have more than 200 hours of CE in for paramedics, EMTs, and Firefighters.

Winner: Tim O’Connor

Prize #2 - ESS Eye Protection - ESS Eyepro kit including eye protection sunglasses, hat, shirt, huggie, and stickers

Winner: Rachel Deel

Prize #3 - 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: Doug Baker

Congratulations to our first winners and THANKS to all the companies who donated the prizes. Please use the links provided to learn more about these companies!

View the prize contributors HERE

View the schedule of prizes HERE

Today is also the 1st day for Ironfiremen.com’s Santa’s Sexy Helpers posts for 2012! Every day until Christmas, we’ll post a new picture of one of Santa’s Sexy Helpers here on Ironfiremen …. In true Ironfiremen.com fashion, the pictures get better each day and will end with a very nice surprise for ol Santa.

Be sure to check back daily to see the winners of the 2012 Fire Critic / IronFiremen 12 Days of Christmas and to have a little peek at the daily Santa’s Sexy Helper … Here’s today’s….ENJOY !

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 13, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, CentreLearn, CommandSim’s Sims U Share, Dave Statter, ESS Eye Protection, fire, Fire Critic, Fire Critic / Ironfiremen 12 Days of Christmas, firefighter pics, firefighter products, firefighters, house fire, IAFF, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, product give -a-way, Rhett Fleitz, Santa's helper, Santa's sexy helper, Statter 911

WTF ! Rookie Randy leaving Lucky #13

1 comment

In the words of Chief Billy Goldfeder … WTF !

Well Trained Firefighter … and I hope that’s how our little “Rookie Randy” is leaving station #13… well trained.

It’s been a good ride and I’m gonna miss him. Yesterday was Randy’s last tour assigned to Station #13C. Next day, he’ll report to Station #5C.

I hate to see him go, but it will be a good move for him.

I never agreed with a “rookie” being assigned to our house in the first place. We are not the busiest company in the Battalion nor do we have a Medic Truck (ambulance). All new hires are required to become ALS providers within 3 years so assigning them to a station with an ambulance only makes sense.

Anyway, on July 10, 2011 Randy Armbrister was assigned to Station #13 C.

Read “Our new Rookie … “ by clicking HERE

Even though he had just completed our 16 week Rookie School (Class #14), we still hit the streets on day 1 to assure he had the “basics” down.

We spent that first day catching hydrants (snap and screw), stretching and advancing lines and learning to stick with the Captain.

We also worked a lot with SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus). Some of my readers / followers of the site thought I had gone crazy.

I had Randy sweeping, mopping and even mowing the grass while wearing his air pack.

It may have looked crazy from the outside looking in but I wanted to be sure he was familiar and comfortable with his SCBA … he life depends on it.

He did well with it … VERY WELL. Come to find out, Randy actually received an award from his Recruit Class related to SCBA. It didn’t matter to me because we were going to go over it again and again and again anyway.

We tried to teach him everything he’d need to know for a 30 year career.

We covered everything from making his bed, brushing his teeth, washing cloths, showers, cooking etc. We even talked about girls … yea … GIRLS.

Ya see, Randy is not from around here and one day I caught him in a “stare” .. “transfixed” even so I had pull the book.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, PLEASE take the time, use the link and read the post from that day… it’s funny as hell! Read “I had to Pull the Book” by clicking HERE .

LMAO … Randy was progressing just fine …. his mom would have been so proud. Read “Randy’s Moma” by clicking HERE .

Of course safety was our TOP priority as is evident in this picture. There had been heavy rains with a good chance of flooding so we had Randy wear his PFD (Personal Flotation Device) all day … the Chief was VERY impressed! LMAO

All kidding aside, we worked very hard with Randy of things such as ROAM (Rules Of Air Management), MAYDAY, RIT (Rapid Intervention Team), self rescue and more.

It’s a good thing because before too long, Randy caught his first job.

We were 2nd due but got the nozzle. A 2nd floor bed room, well off extending into the attic.

I got to the top of the steps and closed the bedroom door until Randy was in position. When I opened her back up, the fight was on and Randy had it darkened down in no time!

We also got to do a little salvage and overhaul operations. A good learning experience for a Rookie Firefighter. Randy put in some SOLID WORK.

Of course there was a lot more of burning up the books than our customers homes around Station #13.

Don’t get me wrong, Randy has seen some work over the last year and a half but we’ve kept him in the books more than anything.

It takes a lot of discipline for a young firefighter to keep his nose in the books.

If you don’t have an assignment from the Officer, you should be studying or looking over something.

Mouth shut, ears open is a good rule of thumb for the Rookie firefighter.

Randy did a good job at that. Of course he always had that Max Meadows smile on his face and knew to ask questions whenever he had em (other than on the scene).

I’d say he learned a good bit just by watching and listening. I hope he did anyway.

We made a lot of progress over the last 17 months and logged some valuable training.

Hands on, on the job, book, computer, simulators and more.

We trained just about any and every way I could think of and Randy passed every test.

Of course sometimes it took more than one try …LOL

Just look at the windshield of the driving simulator …. LOL

I wish we had just a little more time with Randy because we were just starting to work on pump operations and driving the Engine. That may have him a little behind the others in his class but I felt as if there were more important things to focus on. Im not 100% sure that a 1 yr man should be driving anyway. Let em learn the job of being a firefighter before worrying about friction loss and all that.

So you can tell that we stayed busy but we also have had a lot of fun along the way.

Our Company is more than a group of firefighters … we’re a family and we’ve watched Randy grow into Well Trained Firefighter.

We’ve watched him grow into a husband, having married the love of his life… Mrs Dana.

And even watched him grow into a mustache! If you can call that think on his lip a mustache ….LMAO

Our Lieutenant, George Perdue and Senior Firefighter Todd Harris have both worked equally as hard to ensure Randy received the training he needs.

We’ve done our part and now he’s “leaving the nest”.

He’s not excited about going but we’ve told him that in no time, he’ll realize that there’s more out there than Station #13.

It’s a chance to learn, to grow and to become a better firefighter. We told him to hold his head high and maintain the work ethic etc that we taught him. I’m sure he’ll make us proud because he already has!

Roanoke’s Bravest face another heavily involved structure fire

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The Brothers and Sisters of B-shift had another busy night.

Lucky #13, led by Captain Phil “Triple D” Dillon was first in on a well involved 2 story residential structure fire.

It took firefighters about 40 minutes to get the fire “under control”. All searches were found to be “all clear” as the house was unoccupied and under renovation. The cause remains under investigation while damages are estimated at $80,000.00
Captain Dillon and his crew made a quick knock down and stretched inside while the 2nd due companies protected the exposure and performed other vital tasks.

You can tell by the photo above right that these Brothers and Sisters faced a pretty substantial amount of fire. The photo (above right) is actually a screen shot from video footage captured on the cell phone of a WDBJ 7 news reporter. The picture to the left is what they managed to save.

It’s obvious that the Brothers and Sisters of B-Shift, North Battalion put in some solid work. Nobody, civilian or firefighter; was injured in the blaze although Captain Dillon (#13-C … left in the photo right from 2007) said at shift break this morning that he hasn’t faced that much heat in quite a while.

Captain Dillon is an “aggressive” firefighter who has seen more than his fair share of work. When he says it was a “hot” one, what he means is that it would have melted the paint off the gates of hell …LOL.

When I say he’s “aggressive”, I should add that it’s a calculated aggression. An educated aggression …a cautious aggressiveness even though the two words contradict themselves (if that makes sense). How do you define aggressive? My good friend and Brother Bill Carey has a great post on that exact topic over on Backstep Firefighter. Click the title below to view that post …

Defining Aggressive, Part I Tasks and Identity

So anyway, I know that Captain Dillon follows my site and what I can’t figure out is why he didn’t deploy the newest firefighting technique recently discovered in Wytheville, Va by Chief Ronnie King. If you haven’t heard of this revolutionary technique, don’t worry. I covered it’s discovery right here in the pages of Ironfiremen.com. Read that post by CLICKING HERE .

I don’t know what Captain Dillon was thinking when he decided to put WATER on the fire! Maybe if he had “thousands and thousands of hours of training” his strategies and tactics would have been different? Anyway, you can see the entire video from WDBJ7 (where the screen shot, top, right photo came from) in the link below. I’ll also add the video from WSLS and the story from the local paper.

MUST SEE VIDEO from WDBJ7. Well involved structure fire Roanoke, Va

Story from Roanoke.com

Today has been just as busy around “Lucky #13″.

We even got to do a little work with our Brothers from Roanoke County.

We’re kind of “out on the border” here at #13. We are right at the line for Roanoke County on one side and the City of Salem on the other.

We have both mutual and automatic-aid agreements with both agencies and it goes both ways. We run into the County and City of Salem and they in turn respond into the City when needed.

Today, we caught a small fire contained in a very confined space above an entrance way.

The job took more overhaul than extinguishment but the members (City and County) did a good job of getting to it.

The location was actually a fairly large church.

Had this fire gone undetected, it could have resulted in a huge loss.

We were first in on this one.

Well, we were the first piece of fire “apparatus” on scene anyway.

Little Brandon Sheppard was actually first on scene and established command.

Yea … Brandon had command and ordered me to work! LOL

My long time followers may remember Brandon from back in our “Melrose Misfits” days. The “powers to be” worked it out where Brandon was allowed to spend a tour with us in the City. He was actually “assigned” to the City as a Roanoke County Firefighter. I’m not sure it had ever been done before.

It was actually an awesome idea and proved to be a great experience for Brandon. Take a moment and read my post (and the comments) from January 25, 2009

Roanoke County FF/Medic assigned to City Station for a day

I have a lot more to share with ya but I’ll stop here for now. Just for a teaser, I’ll tell that I received some AWESOME upgrades for my Phenix TL2 Leather Helmet. Tomorrow night is our Union’s Annual Banquet (IAFF Local-1132) so I should have some good pics for the next post. Saturday, we sign up for vacation and Father Sandy is scheduled for a visit. Lastly, I have some BIG news concerning our beloved “Rookie Randy” … you’re not going to want to miss it.

We’re also trying to boost my Face book presence. If you haven’t done so already, please visit and like my “Fan Page” Let’s see if I can get to 5,000 by Christmas … I promise to keep ya entertained.

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

Until I get back, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 6, 2012 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: Automatic aid, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, fire, Fire Critic, fire video, firefighter pics, firefighters, firemen, fully involved, house fire, IAFF, IronFiremen.com, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Melrose misfits, Mutual-aid, Overhaul Operations, Randy Armbrister, Roanoke County Fire / Rescue, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Statter 911, Working fire, Wytheville Fire Department

Fire truck roll over, working fire, a strange rescue, some rope and a vibrator

2 comments

Where else, other than Ironfiremen.com can you find a title like that? LMAO Ok, first off, let me update ya on the roll over accident involving Bedford Engine 1 yesterday. The accident happened as the Engine was responding to a brush fire on Peaks Road. There were 4 members on board and all were transported to local hospitals (at least 1 was air lifted). Initial reports were of 2 members having serious injuries. The good news is that none of the injuries sustained were serious and all 4 members were released from the hospital by late yesterday evening. Bedford’s Engine 1 is a 2007 Seagrave Marauder II. Rhett broke the story yesterday over on FireCritic.com you can read his post HERE . Read some local news coverage HERE and HERE.

Find Bedford Fire Department’s Web Page HERE or on Face Book HERE

Yesterday was a busy day in “The Noke” as well.

This picture is from Ladder 7 as they are responding in with smoke showing.

The fire was located in the 2500 block of Johnson Ave.

It was actually a storage building / warehouse for CMC Supply (plumbing supplies).

Members arrived to find heavy fire and smoke conditions. Damages are estimated at $300,000.00 and was the result of arson.

This is not the first time Roanoke’s bravest have battled a fire at CMC.

Back in the mid to early 90′s it took multiple alarms and a Department call back to control a blaze at this same location.

The buildings were (and are) full of plumbing supplies… PVC’s, plastics etc.

Yesterday’s fire occurred on B-shift and took the Brothers and Sisters only a few hours to control.

Members broke shift and remained on scene for days following the fire back in the 90′s.

No injuries were reported and by all appearances, the Brothers and Sisters of B-Shift put in some solid work.

One juvenile has been charge with arson while charges are pending on two others.

Find local news coverage HERE.

(more pictures in the link above)

For some odd reason, it seems as if arson is on the rise in Roanoke lately.

Earlier in the week, Roanoke Police arrested a man for ransacking a local Church. 21 year old Nathaniel Alan Lutz has been charged with breaking and entering as well as arson. It’s reported that several items inside had been set on fire. Church members became aware of the break in the following morning and called police. The fires had apparently burned themselves out and the Fire Department did not respond. Read some local coverage HERE .

Here’s a pretty cool video for all our animal lovers out there ( Smurf should REALLY love this one). One of my readers, Pat sent it in for us to take a look at. The video was loaded to YouTube by Jack Hillmann. His description says that while driving, he hit 2 falcons. One was killed and the other trapped under his vehicle. Apparently, Jack stopped at a local firehouse for assistance. I can see “Moline Fire Department” on the side of the rig and will assume it’s Moline IL. If you guys know who these Brothers are, please let me know so I can give them credit. I’m sure their efforts made a lasting and positive impression on Mr Hillmann … a positive public image. WELL DONE Brothers!

Speaking of positive publicity, my last post, “Pride .. Going the extra mile and making a kid smile” has received a fair amount of attention.

Apparently, you guys jumped into action and the cards etc have been rolling in to make little Nathan Norman’s Christmas wish come true.

Nathan is 6yrs old and lives in Rustburg, Va. He is battling terminal cancer and had a special request / wish for Christmas. He’s a huge fan of Firefighters, Police, EMS, and Hospital workers. He wanted (hoped) to receive some Christmas cards / pictures from those of us serving in those positions. Rhett and I sent a shirt, Challenge Coin and card …. apparently a lot of you did as well! THANKS! Here’s a post / update his mom recently posted to Face Book …

“We want to once again just thank everyone for your love and support!!!!! There have been so many cards/gifts/emails/visits from police, fire, ems, border patrol, secret service, etc from all over the country. The entire family is so grateful and humbled by the response of everyone. Just to update: Nathan is still on chemotherapy for hopefully up to 18 months. He is doing well on the chemo and as of last month the tumors were stable (cancer was there just not growing). He is still fighting strong while we pray for a cure!”

Follow Nathan’s Christmas: The Page on Face Book. Click HERE

Another previous post of mine has drawn a lot of attention as well. If you missed “New Firefighting technique developed in Wytheville, Va?” you need to take a minute and read it. Be sure to also read the article from SW Va Today as well …. you’ll LOVE the quotes from Chief King and it’s also what prompted me to write the post (find that article HERE). I did a follow up on the original post and that article can be found HERE . I did the follow up because a few comments I had been receiving. They were obviously from people within or close to the Wytheville Fire Department (or their Auxiliary) and were attempting to defend Chief King and the actions of the WFD.

What still amazes me is that in all of their comments, nobody has offered a rebuttal. They simply continue to question my training, credentials, character and more (including my mustache). They rant about how my information / facts are incorrect yet they fail to offer “their side” of the story.

They still fail to see the seriousness of the issues that were raised and the effects they could have on their Department and community … everything from liability to insurance, ISO ratings and more. Their silence and/or lack of a rebuttal also somewhat implies my information is correct. I also trust my sources to be accurate (one of which being the SW Va Today article where Chief King was quoted). I have spoken directly to at least one of their members over the phone. I even requested a transcript (and/or audio recording) of the incident from their 911 center under the Virginia Freedom Of Information Act . I made the request through Mr Davidson who is listed as “Emergency Mangager/911 Coordinator/Haz-Mat Coordinator” on the County’s web site under the Department of Emergency Management. I believe he is also a member of the Wytheville Fire Department.

My request was made November 21st and on the 26th Mr Davidson responded saying that the incident in question was actually a “Town” call and that he had forwarded the request to the necessary people (their PIO, Chief Dispatcher and Director of Public Safety for the Town). I haven’t received a response from either of these folks as of this post. I added a link to the FOIA a few paragraphs above. To save you the hassle of reading it all, page 5 is where it talks about requesting information and the time frame a Public Body has to respond to a request. Here’s an excerpt .. “Any public body that is subject to this chapter and that is the custodian of the requested records shall promptly, but in all cases within five working days of receiving a request, provide the requested records to the requester or make one of the following responses in writing:” It also says “Failure to respond to a request for records shall be deemed a denial of the request and shall constitute a violation of this chapter”.

I mentioned in my update post that the Wythe County Board of Supervisors has earned faith in being able to make the right vs popular decision on issues such as this. I maintain that faith and hope they work quickly to resolve some of these issues before someone gets seriously injured (or worse). Ok, so back to the comments. I’ve actually stopped replying to many of them. Trying to debate the issues with some of these folks is just a wast of time. It’s like playing cards with my brothers kids or something. Some of them are quite interesting though … like this one posted to my Face Book page from “Jacob” (I’ll need to censor some of it …you’ll understand)

“Wow I am very sorry to say that all your info on Wytheville FD is false. I have 2 presents for you so if you could send me your address you will kindly recieve a rope and a vibrator. GO FK YOURSELF AND HANG YOUR ASS WHEN DONE. Ron King is a great man and the 2 houses that are now a loss is not his fault. One was a fully involved structure fire when they arrived NOT “room and contents fire” like you mentioned. I do not hear the family complaining about the house being gone to the county or even the town. The fd did what they needed to do and thats it. Chief King was smart not to send them inside with hoses and yes you are correct about ONE thing. they used small diameter hoses….. DUH did you really think they were going to drag the 5″ out and carry it into the house. Your eyes must be in your mouth and that mustache is affecting your vision. You also said that you have not heard from the 911 dispatchers or the department.. HMMMMM So where are you getting your information on repsonse time and the fact that they had to call for a tanker. Maybe you should get all your facts together before you start running your damn mouth. OR in this case your fingers. If you are going to bash a fd do it to one that actually has problems like * Springs FD in NC or * cnty FDs since they dont let women in the departments and that ***** Springs has someone in the dpt just a year after he sexually assulted a female in training there. You are a disgrace. Iron firemen my ass. You panzy ass looking shit. Remind me to never live in your departments area. It would take you even longer to get to my house fire because you mustache would slow your asses down”

Rope and a vibrator?? …. WOW! This guy is going all out. He must be rich!

I wonder how he knows about my back ache? I’ve always heard that vibrators can do wonders for a sore back but I’ve never tried one.

I’m so excited in anticipation of these gifts that I researched them on the internet… who knew there were so many options? Different colors even! Decisions …decisions!

I actually though they were called massagers and I would have never guessed that you don’t have to plug them into an outlet anymore? You gotta love the power of batteries.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank Jacob for his comment (and gift offer). It was obviously very well thought out, to the point and very articulate. By simply pointing out that the family is not complaining about their house burning down, or that the WFD members didn’t stretch 5″ in for an attack, he has already educated me beyond my expectations on the issues surrounding these incidents. Maybe I should offer him a “guest post” here on Ironfiremen.com so others can share in his knowledge and experience. Of course, some of the other comments I’ve received are just as good as Jacob’s so I may have to allow for more than one.

I’ll think that one over and meanwhile, you folks stay SAFE and in house!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 2, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, Fire Dispatch, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, news, rescues, Uncategorized, vehicle-operations-apparatus, videos • Tagged: animal rescues, apparatus accidents, Bedford Fire Department, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, fire, Fire Critic, fire truck, fire truck crashes, fire truck roll over, firefighter pics, firefighters, house fire, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Nathan Norman, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Statter 911, Working fire, Wytheville Fire Department

Augusta County (Va) working, Fatal fire takes the life of 11 yr old boy

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A Dooms, Va. boy is dead following a fatal house fire early Sunday morning (September 30, 2012). Dustyn Fitzgerald was 11 years old and had just started attending Wilson Middle School.

The family was awakened by their 5 year old son’s screams for them to wake up. His room was on fire. The parents and 5 year old’s bedroom were both located on the first floor. Dustyn’s room was on the second.

The home reportedly had smoke detectors in place. The mother stated that they had been recently checked but they were not operating at the time of the fire.

The husband, wife and 5 year old were able to make it safely outside, despite the rapidly deteriorating conditions. The mother, Michelle Gibson; then made several attempts to alert and reach her elder son still trapped on the second floor.

“We were yelling for him and all he kept saying was, mama, mama, I can’t breathe, mama.”

“I kept hollering for him. I thought I heard him coming down the steps but he never came down.”

Meanwhile, a neighbor heard breaking glass and noticed the blaze next door. Flames were shooting from every window as he called 911.

The call was received at 08:31 and the first unit arrived at 08:37.

The picture to the left was taken just moments after their arrival.

A good friend and well respected Chief from Augusta County sent me this photo and a description of the valiant effort and heroics the Brothers and Sisters of Augusta County Fire / Rescue performed that morning.

Volunteer agencies Dooms, Wilson and New Hope along with career units from Augusta County Fire-Rescue Engine 111 and Waynesboro Fire Dept. were assigned to the alarm.

Waynesboro’s crew quickly stretched a line to the Alpha side in a effort to make a knock on the fire and protect the members from Augusta’s E-111 who were entering from the Delta side to perform a primary search. Dooms quickly established Command while Augusta’s Duty Officer had “Operations”.

Despite heavy fire conditions, extreme heat and extension to the floor above, two members from E111, who were described as two of the youngest; pushed to make the 2nd floor where they were able to locate the downed victim. The child was quickly removed from the structure and turned over to awaiting EMS personnel where he was pronounced dead.

Approximately 30 minutes later, the fire was reported under control.

More from WHSV.com by CLICKING HERE or from The News Virginian HERE

THIS IS WHY WE TRAIN. It is why we are here. Why we do what we do. Although the outcome was tragic, these Brothers and Sisters did everything within their power to change it. They were obviously “Battle Ready”. They were prepared and responded quickly. They were well trained, properly equipped, and disciplined.

Take another look at the picture above left (taken moments after arrival). What would your size up have been? With “confirmed entrapment” reported, would you have taken time for a walk around? What about the Rules of Engagement? How about Survivability Profiling? With only seconds to sum it up and decide, and that much fire showing upon arrival; would you have made the push ?

It was refreshing to read the Chief’s e-mail. The PRIDE he holds for his men, for his Department and the job was evident in his writing. Like him, I too commend the efforts of all members involved. WELL DONE Brothers … keep up the good work!

Learn more about Augusta County Fire/Rescue by CLICKING HERE

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on October 2, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, rescues, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: Augusta County Fire/Rescue, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, fatal fire, fire, Fire Critic, firefighter pics, firefighters, house fire, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Statter 911, Working fire

3 alarm fire in Roanoke, Va

2 comments

Roanoke’s Bravest responded to what would become a 3rd alarm fire on 10th Street NW last night. It’s the 2nd multi-alarm fire within the city limits in as many months…. read

A vision of calm in the midst of hell

Last night’s fire would empty every firehouse in the city causing the Department to “call back” members for duty. Typically, those members “called back” will staff “reserve” apparatus and place stations back in service.

Roanoke Fire/EMS operates with 11 Engine Companies, 4 Ladders, 8 Medic Units, 2 Battalion Chiefs and an EMS Supervisor which would have put 64 members on scene.

Local news sources report that over 200 residents were without power at one point and the blaze caused backups and delays on Interstate 581.

Two firefighters received what is being described as “minor” injuries while others were treated for heat related injuries.

Find more links with photos and video below ….

RoanokeFirefighters.com

WSLS.com

Roanoke.com

WDBJ7.com

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book .. click HERE

More details to follow ….

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 22, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: 3 alarm fire, all hands fire, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Captain Wines, elevated master streams, fire, Fire Critic, fire trucks, fire video, firefighter pics, firefighters, firemen, fully involved fire, house fire, Ironfiremen, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, master streams, Mike Overacker, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Roanoke firefighters, Roanoke Times, video, WDBJ 7, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen, Working fire, WSLS

A vision of calm in the midst of hell

4 comments

I’m on 4-day break and glad of it.

I’ve been the acting Battalion this past cycle and on our last day, I had the worst shift of my career.

I say that for several reasons and if you can stick with me for a while, I’ll try to explain why.

My last tour was this past Friday, June 29, 2012. That’s when the storm hit. I don’t know what “kind” of storm it was but I know it was bad. The worst I’ve seen. I’ve never been in a tornado but I can only imagine that what we encountered is what they sound and feel like. It wasn’t a tornado (or at least I don’t think it was) but there were several things that struck me as odd.

First, there was NO WARNING. I received a text message a few minutes before it hit. The text was from an off duty Battalion saying “bad storm headed your way … just saying”.

The second odd thing was that there was no rain … just VERY high winds. We are used to severe thunder storms around here but this was different.

I had just gotten back to the station. The boys had saved me a plate from dinner and I was starting to warm it up. We began to hear the wind howling through the cracks of the doors and windows of the brand new station. It commanded our attention.

Some of the guys stepped out side. That was a mistake. They were immediately sand blasted by dust and debris. Visibility was less than 20 feet. Then, the tones hit.

We were out the door, responding towards our first of what would be hundreds of incidents. We were headed towards an apartment fire off Hollins Road. I was first out with the Engine and Ladder following. Within 2 blocks, I was in shock. ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE.

I’m not a veteran, but I felt as if I was in a war zone. It was almost like the movies. Power lines were arcing and falling in front of the Chiefs buggy as I swerved right, then left to dodge the falling trees and limbs. It was an obstacle of total chaos.

Dispatch called while I was en route…. she told me that they were over run with calls and weren’t sure what to do. I advised her to switch CAD over to “Crisis Mode” and to do the best they could, I’d call her back when possible. I then began to call Administrative Chiefs and update them on what was happening. Apparently, the storms hadn’t hit their communities yet because they didn’t seem too excited. A call from me alone should have been a “hint” that things were getting bad in the City.

When I cleared the first incident, dispatch advised that she had more incidents pending than we had apparatus to respond. She further advised that she had Medic Units (ambulances) responding to reports of house fires by them selves …. NO Engines or Ladders available!

Dispatch split the incidents into two tach channels, North side incidents on one, South side incidents on another. Our rigs were scattered. Engine #6 (from the South side) ended up in my Battalion and I couldn’t have been more happy. The Captain on E6 for C-shift is Scott Mutter. Scott and I came up together and I consider him the best firefighter we have on the job. I knew I could give him assignments and not worry … not that I couldn’t do that with other companies … it’s just that comfort factor that Scottie and I have with each other.

I ended up on a brush fire just across the tracks on the South Side. It was decent in size but under live, arcing wires. With me in the Chief’s buggy, there was nothing I could do. Scott and Engine 6 were close by, so I called him in and left the Police on scene until he arrived.

My next call sent me back into North West. Another report of a house fire. En route, I was once again dodging downed trees and power lines. Dispatch came back and advised multiple calls on this one and that it was fully involved.

My route in was blocked by trees and wires so Medic #5 got in first. They confirmed the reports but I didn’t need that … I could already see it from blocks away.

What I’ve failed to describe to this point is how many incidents and directions I had responded to up until this point. There was no rhyme or reason … we were going everywhere … from one incident to the next, trying to do our best. There was not an Engine or Ladder in the territory it should have been.

I had NO IDEA who or how many Engines I had coming. A Medic was on scene and then Engine #2 pulled up.

Engine #2 didn’t lay a line but went straight to work on one of the exposures (the Bravo one). The next Engine coming (Engine #8 from deep South West) was to be 2nd in and they caught the closest hydrant and got it into E2.

It was a long lay and the hydrant SUCKED. Engine #6 had heard everything happening and headed our way … it was a good thing.

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Streets were blocked, lines were arcing, trucks were stuck at dead ends due to debris. I had a single Engine on scene and no water. I was fixing to loose the entire block! Companies were arriving not knowing what order they were in … 1st in, 2nd in etc. Even though I gave directions of travel, most of them couldn’t be completed due to debris etc.

In my career, I have never felt out of control on an incident until this one!

Two Captains immediately came to my rescue. Captain R.T. “Skippy” Flora (E5) and Captain Robert Perdue (E14) came to the command post and began to assist. Things were still “going to hell in a hand basket” but I wasn’t standing there alone at this point. Again, I’ll say that I’m not sure I can make you understand the “state” we were in …. I had never been inundated with this many incidents. I had never witnessed this much destruction in and entire shift, much less within an hour…. then I seen him.

Father Webb was on scene and our eyes met.

He had been doing a ride-a-long with Engine #6 and there he stood.

When our eyes met, he had a calm look on his face. He smiled at me and winked as if to say he was secure in knowing that I was in command. I don’t think he had a clue how lost I was at the time or how bad our situation was but just that simple nod and wink brought me back to reality.

Father Webb, wearing his white leather and gold shield couldn’t have been more reassuring and calming for me. He must have thought that everything would be fine because I was there, but I knew it would be because he was. That’s when things started to come together.

I had called for a second alarm (which was stupid) and things were falling into place. The building of origin was confirmed to have been evacuated with all occupants out safely. The two exposures were searched and also found to be “all clear”. Engine #2 had saved the exposure and now we were focused on the building of origin.

Multiple lines were laid and we even established a relay from 4 blocks away to assure a good water supply. Despite our efforts, the house was a total loss and seemed sure to collapse into the Bravo exposure. It was still burning and sending members inside was NOT an option. I called in an excavation crew to execute a “controlled collapse” … to knock it down where WE wanted it to fall so we could continue to put it out. That was ANOTHER “first” in my career.

The title of this post relates to Father Webb being on scene. Again I’ll say that in my career, I have never seen this much destruction, had this many calls or had our resources spread so thin at one time. I was totally OVERWHELMED and our Chaplain provided that “vision of calm in the midst of HELL”. It’s not a fair comparison but it took me back to 9/11. I can’t help but to think that our Brothers and Sisters of the FDNY felt that same “calm” as they saw Father Judge in the lobby of the towers. Again, I know it’s not the same but it’s also not the first time I’ve related Father Webb to Father Judge …

See a previous post by clicking HERE

So, After seeing Father Webb, things ran a lot smoother but I messed up ten ways to Sunday on this one. The good news is that nobody was injured and I learned several lessons.

At the time I marked a working fire and requested a 2nd alarm, I think we had somewhere around 140 calls pending. 140 calls waiting for a rig to clear so they could respond to another incident ALONE!

I never should have committed all those resources to a single incident. Lucky for me, this was the biggest incident of the night ( maybe because I made it so). There could have been other incidents where we were more needed. At one point, I had 7 Engines, 3 Ladders and 4 Medic units assigned.

I should have held only 2 Engines and a Ladder and concentrated on saving the exposures …. we WERE in crisis mode and I ended up knocking the house of origin down anyway.

Why was I thinking about this one incident when we had 140 some others pending?

I shouldn’t even have been responding to incidents … our Oficers are more than capable of running an incident and I could have been of more use in the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) or dispatch.

That’s why I’ve never made Chief … I think like a fireman!

I was lucky again in that my decision didn’t affect other families. I got Companies cleared reasonably quick and we continued to run calls throughout the night. ALL MEMBERS of Roanoke Fire/EMS did an outstanding job that night…. NO LIVES WERE LOST !

I’ll post more on this event very soon … it’s one of those incidents that I just cant “shake”. It came out of nowhere, without warning and put me in the middle of what seemed like a war zone. I was out of my element and didn’t make the decisions that I thought I was poised to make. I was not as “battle ready” as I thought.

The other part to this story is that it’s far from over. Virginia is in a “State of Emergency” and many remain without electricity. Temps are at or above 100 degrees with no relief in sight. There was millions of dollars of damages last Friday and I’ll bet that the insurance companies will call the events “an act of God” to avoid paying (which is sure to raise tempers along with the temperatures). The power companies are telling us that it may be weeks before electricity is restored. No water, no ice, food spoiling etc. Stores are closed and prices will soar will they can reopen. I don’t know how much more we can take. We are about to be tested again …. I think I’m better prepared for the next round… I hope it wont be as bad as I think it will but either way, I still hope Father Webb (or your Chaplain) is close by.

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 1, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, Fire Dispatch, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, major-incidents, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 2nd alarm, brotherhood, building collaspe, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Crisis Mode, Father Mychal Judge, Father Sandy Webb, fire, Fire Critic, Fire Department Chaplain Programs, firefighter pics, firefighters, fully involved, fully involved structure fire, house fire, IronFiremen.com, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, major fire, major incident, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Scott Mutter, Severe Storm, State of Emergency, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen

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