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LOL …. those are 3 basic things I try my best to avoid fooling with because you never know what’s going to happen!

I guess I should add natural gas to the list as well. I’ve always hated those “odor of gas” calls, especially when you can’t find the source. Well today, that wasn’t a problem.

First thing this morning, we were dispatched, single engine no doubt; for a truck that had hit a gas line. Something didn’t “feel” right so, while still en route; I requested a Ladder be added to the assignment.

We were more than a block away from the address when we ran into what seemed like a wall of gas. A truck working in an alley way had taken a commercial gas meter completely off a building and natural gas was free flowing through the 1 inch supply line.

What made it more interesting was the location. On one side of the alley is all commercial buildings. On the other side however is all residential.

A quick investigation found the meter completely broken off below the shut off and there was no cut off box in the alley or street side…. in other words … I couldn’t stop the flow! I established “command” and quickly upgraded to a full assignment.

My first assignment was directed toward evacuation. We evacuated an entire block (20+ adults, 4 children and 4 pets) before the gas company arrived and was able to plug the leak. Lines were laid, staging areas established, streets closed etc. We were VERY busy taking care of everything that needed taken care of.

Here’s the thing …. it all went as smooth as silk and I LOVE IT!!! I know it’s supposed to happen like that on every incident but we all know it usually doesn’t. This incident got big quick and covered a large area. It had all the potential to turn into a real cluster but it didn’t and that’s because of the companies assigned.

I don’t brag enough about the Battalion I work in. Rhett (FireCritic.com) and I don’t get to “publicize” or talk about the Department we work for because we (or our sites) are not endorsed or supported by our Department. It’s probably (and honestly) closer to the exact opposite of support and that’s a shame. As much as I’d like to be able to tell ya what a GREAT job our Department does on a daily basis, I can’t.

What I will say is what a GREAT job C-shift and the North Battalion of my Department does. Today’s incident would not have ran so smoothly without the well trained and disciplined Officers and members we have on shift. We could have very easily made Fire Geezer’s headlines today with another big “Ka Boom”. Thankfully, we didn’t. It’s always a good feeling when you leave a scene knowing that everything went exactly the way it should have. I had that feeling this morning and it’s all because of the 21 members assembled on scene (and our AWESOME dispatchers).

So, what I wanted to say is THANK YOU for a job well done to each and every member assigned to that incident this morning. Your professionalism and dedication to duty make our job much easier and it’s an honor to work beside you all.

Moving on … I hope everyone had a great Memorial weekend. I hope more so that you took the time to remember the reason why we have Memorial Day in the first place.

I took a moment to reflect on our fallen and what Memorial Day means to me.

I thought not only of our soldiers but also of the 343 murdered in the towers back in 2001. They too were on the “front lines” of the war on terror.

My thoughts also lingered on a family member taken too early. The picture to the left is in memory of my cousin, Chase Prasnicki who was Killed In Action on June 27, 2012 just 5 days after his deployment. I wrote about Chase and others in a 2012 post….

Read “Mixed Emotions” from the Ironfiremen.com archives. Click HERE

It was kind of a difficult and emotional day for me. Thoughts and memories of my brother Jackson weighed heavy on my mind and heart.

Being surrounded by family helped get me through the day. My youngest daughter, Reba; was working but my eldest, Randi-Jo; my wife Donna, the Buckaroo and Kevin all spent the day with me.

Like everything I do, it was quite the adventure. I came across a fairly big snapping turtle on my way home yesterday morning. I don’t know how he got where he was but I decided to give him a ride up to the house and introduce him to our little creek.

Of course the Buckaroo had to check him out first. I took some video of him trying to put the turtle back in the truck …. here it is …

LOL…. don’t worry. No turtles or the Buckaroo were harmed in the making of that video. The day got better.

After a little farm work, we all loaded up on the 4-wheelers (quads for those of you above the Mason-Dixon…lol) and headed to our fishing hole.

The Buckaroo was pulling em out right and left! Here’s another short video of that …

After some fishing, we took a nice ride on the mountain. It was very relaxing and just what I needed. If only it could have lasted longer!

Well, we start our 4 day break in the morning and Kevin and I will be starting our first cut of hay. As funny as it sounds, I’m a little excited about getting back to spending all day in the tractor. That too is a peaceful place for me…

I’ll try to keep ya updated on our progress as well as cover a few more topics that I’ve been wanting to visit. Until I get back, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on May 28, 2013 • Filed under: command-leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Fire Dispatch, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 343, brotherhood, Buckaroo, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, cat fishing, Dave Statter, FDNY, Fire Critic, Fire Geezer, firefighter, firefighter pics, First Lieutenant Chase Prasnicki, Gas leak, house fire, Ironfiremen, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Memorial Day, natural gas, natural gas leak, Oconomowoc Wisc, snapping turtles, Social Media, Working fire

Forward thinking Chief vs. the “good ol boy system” … who has Public Safety’s best interest in mind for Botetourt County?

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Botetourt County’s Emergency Services has made our local news again. Just over a year ago, the County hired Carr Boyd to serve as their Emergency Services Coordinator. It was a HUGE debate and met with a lot of criticism.

Several of the County’s Volunteer Chiefs ( two, more so than others ) were very out spoken and did not support the hiring of this position. At the time, it seemed as if their main argument against the position was that the Coordinator would have the authority to assume command of an emergency incident if necessary. One Chief (now former) was even quoted as saying ….

if an emergency services director assumes control of a scene “there are going to be a lot of hurt feelings and busted noses.”

They were using terms like “my scene” and saying things like they didn’t need anyone coming in “here” and telling them how or what to do. There were a lot of egos flying around and it seemed to me that the only people who could get hurt were the ones whom Botetourt’s Emergency Services were there to protect … it’s citizens and visitors.

Here’s a quote from an article I posted back when this all started … “This job is NOT ABOUT YOU or being in “CONTROL”. It’s not YOUR fire. It’s about the people we have sworn to serve and protect. There is no shame in asking for or accepting help. If supplemental paid positions will decrease response times and increase the level of Public Safety in Botetourt County, then I’m all for it and any Chief in his right mind should be as well. Drop the egos and do the right thing guys. DO YOUR JOB … I have family who lives there and I’m depending on you! ALL OF YOU !” Read that entire article in the link below …

VOLUNTEER VS. PAID …RESPECT MY AUTHORITAH !!!

Well, it took just over a year for them to accomplish their goal. I hope they’re happy.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Carr Boyd will resign from the position effective at the end of the month. Some local coverage and video in the links below …

From WDBJ 7

From Roanoke.com

Above, I said it took “them” just over a year to accomplish their goal. By that, I meant the group that opposed the position in the first place…. YEA …. they never went away (well … one of em did). Some are actually still serving as Volunteers within the County (some being Chief and/or Company Officers).

More “hurt feelings and busted noses” for Botetourt County’s Emergency Services.

First off, I’m EMBARRASSED. I’m embarrassed and ASHAMED. There’s a WHOLE lot more to this story than is being told (in the “main stream” media anyway).

I’m embarrassed and ashamed because it seems as if Chief Boyd has been hung out to dry. The only person stepping out in support of him is, the newly appointed (and former) Buchanan Volunteer Fire Chief; John Manspile. In an article on Roanoke.com Cheif Manspile said …

“He’s been exactly what this county needed,” Buchanan Volunteer Fire Chief John Manspile said. “He’s been doing what was practical, what needs to be done. … I can’t see where he’s done anything wrong.”

Chief Boyd has yet to comment publicly on the issue. He’s showing a level of tact and restraint I don’t think I myself possess.

I’ve been looking (waiting) for someone to EXPLAIN. To tell us the details. Why would Chief Carr relocate his family all the way from NC to work a single year and then retire? Because he was FORCED OUT … that’s why (or that’s my opinion anyway).

I’m getting reports (off the record) that some members of the group that initially opposed the position and Boyd’s hiring never gave up their fight.

Reportedly lead by one of the Volunteer Fire Chiefs, who is himself a convicted felon; this group set out to rid the County of Boyd and apparently they have succeeded … BUT AT WHO’S COST?

It’s rumored that the group discovered an issue with Boyd’s training. I say “rumored” because I haven’t confirmed it as of yet. We know he was a Captain (and “Acting” Battalion Chief) in Charlotte, NC before coming to Botetourt County. He must have had some training.

The rumor continues that the group took the issue to the Board of Supervisors and gave the option … Boyd’s resignation or the resignation of several of the volunteers. If that is indeed the case, and how it “went down”; then the Board made the WRONG decision.

Read “Volunteer Leadership” Click HERE

Is this a “paid vs volunteer” or a “good ol boy club” issue? The County has already said that they plan to fill the position. I wonder if the same group opposes that? Or maybe it was just Chief Boyd they opposed? I wonder who they would support for the position …. one of their own?

Someone who wouldn’t have to make the tough decisions. Someone who wouldn’t have to enforce policy? Ahhhhh ….. the ol 2 steps forward, 6 steps back game!

Read some of the comments from Roanoke.com Click HERE

Just recently, the Botetourt’s Board of Supervisors heard the story of Volunteer Companies being unable to staff units while citizens were on scene performing CPR for extended period of time.

Like many other Departments across the Country, Botetourt needs to find new ways to meet the needs of their citizens. They need to find a new way of doing business in relation to providing Emergency Services. Carr Boyd was doing just that.

I’m not sure if the answer is through a Combination , Career or all Volunteer System but I do know they need to become “forward thinking” rather than taking leaps backwards (like it appears they just have). I also feel that whatever direction they decide to go, convicted felons and those who place personal gain over Public Safety shouldn’t be a part of it. The past Buchanan “issues” in Botetourt should have proven that point to the Supervisors.

I have spoken to Carr Boyd recently. Although he would not comment on the current issues, he did share that his main concern at this point is assuring that the members of Botetourt’s Emergency Services are taken care of (career and volunteer members) through this ordeal.

I’m sure he could have “thrown some stones” …. he didn’t. Instead, he took the road of a good Officer … of a good Leader … even after all this, he’s “looking after the men” (and women). Carr Boyd is a CLASS ACT. I wish some of remaining Officers in Botetourt County were more like him.

I wrote this post a couple days ago and have had it awaiting publishing in my que. Apparently, someone was looking over my shoulder as I was typing. I say this because of a comment I received last night. If you missed it, I posted it in a short stand alone post late last night.

Use the link below and take a look… it may help you understand just a little more of some of the challenges (and types of people) Carr Boyd faced over the past year…

Read CHRISTINE PADERICK … STOP READING THIS SITE!

I say instead of the Director of Emergency Services, Botetourt should rid their Department of Felons and allow the professionals (volunteer and career) to do their jobs and perform their duties.

I have a LOT more to say on this issue and will continue to gather the facts for a follow up post.

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on May 18, 2013 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, ems-topics, fire-rescue-topics, funding-staffing, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: Botetourt County Board of Supervisors, Botetourt County Director of Emergency Services, Botetourt County Va, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Carr Boyd, Christine Paderick, Dave Statter, FDNY, Felon firefighters, Fire Critic, firefighter pics, firefighters, house fire, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, MN8 products, Scott Paderick, Social Media, Statter 911, Troutville VFD, Working fire

Christine Paderick … STOP READING this site!

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I don’t know who she is or why she’d make this comment. I haven’t posted in a while yet she chose to comment on a post dated from May 3rd and on a topic that never mentioned her.

Maybe her guilt is troubling her? Maybe she thinks that I’m planning a post on the Botetourt County Emergency Manager, Carr Boyd’s resignation. Maybe she thinks I’ll say something as to how someone she’s connected with may have been at the root of or at least in part responsible for part of the problem. I’m not sure of her reasoning but she did not use any of the wording or language that would cause me to delete her comment. I’ll post it.

Just like me, CHRISTINE PADERICK is entitled to her opinion and I’m happy to share it here on my site. I don’t agree with it but it’s hers … just as mine is MINE. Here’s what she had to say…

Christine, if you are indeed “tired” of reading my “BS” …. dont hit the link or type my url into your browser. On a side note, if YOU need someone to talk to … I often share a variety of great links for counseling

Stay SAFE and in House !!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on May 17, 2013 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: brotherhood, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, Felon firefighters, Felons, Fire Critic, firefighter pics, firefighters, MN8 products, Scott Paderick, Social Media, Statter 911, Troutville VFD

Survivors

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Someone called me that the other day …. a “survivor” (as in a suicide survivor). I’ve never thought of it that way but it actually makes sense.

It’s been 75 days since my brother Jack made the decision to end his life and I’m still struggling through the loss. I’m still going through the grieving process and fighting depression.

I don’t know if I’m a “survivor” but I am surviving ….. day by day.

It’s been a rough few months and the past couple of weeks haven’t made it any easier. Two of my family members have had major surgeries or procedures and the LODD (Line Of Duty Death) of Scott Morrison on March 3rd hit close to home. Scott was a good friend and huge supporter… professionally and personally.

That word … “survivor” keeps popping up in my head…. I guess there are a lot of us.

Scott didn’t survive his fatal heart attack but his friends and family will.

There were (are) so many left behind that have to find a way to keep living… to keep moving forward with their lives despite their search for the answer to their question “why?”.

Scott is survived by a wife (Jessica) and two children (Kaitlyn and Sean). He is also survived by his Knotts Island Fire Department family (he was their Chief) as well as by “The Brotherhood”, and friends and family from all across the Nation. Scott left many survivors.

Rhett had some links and more on Scott’s death over on Fire Critic.com. Click HERE to read that post.

I didn’t attend the funeral. I had planned on it and intended to but I couldn’t. I couldn’t attend another funeral, see another casket or loved ones hurting. I wasn’t strong enough … I wish I was and regret not going.

Read Rhett’s post “Go to the funeral …You OWE it to them” from back in June 2011

I was already on the road the weekend of Scott’s funeral. I was in Charlottesville, Va at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

That Friday, my Senior Firefighter; “Boots” underwent some major surgery.

He’s actually been fighting for some time now. I haven’t talked about it here out of respect for his privacy but he’s given me permission to mention it now.

Boots had cancer …. now he doesn’t.

Now, he is a “SURVIVOR”.

With 25 years on the job, Boots is a GREAT Firefighter. More importantly he’s an even better person! He’s the type of man who is always giving and never taking. Always putting others first … never thinking of himself.

He didn’t deserve this battle but he’s quietly fighting it.

I’ve always known Boots was a fighter. I’ve always known he was strong … I just never realized how strong. Pushing down hallways or making rooms is one thing …. this is something different. Something much, much different.

They first tried radiation and he continued to report for duty. Many days, he left the station for his treatment and then returned for the remainder of the tour.

The radiation didn’t work and surgery was the only remaining option. On Friday, he spent over 5 hours in surgery. His recovery will be much longer.

For our local Brothers and Sisters, he is unable to accept calls at this times and is respectfully asking for no visitors. You can send him messages through any of my accounts (click for my e-mail or Face Book) and I will see to their delivery. If you’d like to send a card or something you can bring it by or mail it to the station (in attention to “Boots”) and I’ll get it to him. Message me here if you need the address or feel free to give me a call.

Tonight’s evening news reminded me of more survivors …. our Brothers and Sisters, as well as the many residents; of Breezy Point (and other areas affected by Super Storm Sandy).

These Brothers and Sisters not only lost $20,000 in band equipment, many lost their homes and personal belongings.

It’s not stopping them. They continue to play and will be on 5th Avenue tomorrow for the famed New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade. They too are “survivors” and they’re doing it so that others may too (survive).

“It’s good emotionally for us to be out there and get a sense of normalcy,” said Williams. “We’re still here. We’re still doing what we’re doing and we will get past this terrible devastation.” (a quote from Band founder and Pipe Major Terrence Williams at nydailynews.com)

Read the entire story from the Daily News by clicking HERE

I guess the point I wanted to make tonight is that there are “survivors” all around us. Many that we may have never noticed or thought of as survivors but they are there. I’m one of them. Despite my lack of postings / social media presence, I am surviving…. maybe you are too.

Read my post “We are all Climbing“

Instead of writing, I’ve spent the time with family (of course you … my readers / followers are family as well). I apologize for for not keeping you posted etc and want to thank all of you for the messages, e-mails etc sent checking on me.

Although I’ll never be the “same” again, I will find my “New Normal” . I’ve put my “boots” back on and now, I just need to get my focus back (click the bold quotations for previous related posts). I’m getting there. Thanks for hanging with and helping me throughout this journey…. I couldn’t do it without you!

Stay SAFE and in House ….

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on March 15, 2013 • Filed under: ems-health-safety, firefighter-safety-health, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 2013 LODD, Black Diamond Boots, Breezy Point, brotherhood, cancer, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, emotional health, FDNY, Fire Critic, Firefighter cancer, firefighter emotional health, firefighter pics, firefighters, house fire, Knotts Island Volunteer Fire Dept, LODD, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, NFFF, NY Daily News, NY St Patrick's Day Parade, Pipes and Drums, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Scott Morrison, Social Media, St Patrick's Day Parades, Statter 911, Super Storm Sandy, survivors, Todd Harris, Working fire

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

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(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

2 comments

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!

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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

Watch live coverage of the 2012 National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Weekend

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Live Video begins at 6:30pm

Posted by The Fire Critic on October 6, 2012 • Filed under: news • Tagged: Bells Across America, Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, Candlelight Service, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Captain Wines, Emmitsburg, fallen firefighter, fallen firefighters, Fire Critic, firefighters, FireHeroTV, Ironfiremen, IronFiremen.com, Light a virtual candle for a fallen firefighter, Line of duty Death, live coverage, live stream, live streaming, Maryland, Memorial Service, Memorial Weekend, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, News Media, NFFF, Remembrance Banner, reputation management, Rhett Fleitz, Ring a bell for a fallen firefighter, Social Media, Willie Wines Jr

We’re at it again ….

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My postings have been few and far between here lately but don’t panic …. that’s normal for me around this time of the year.

Hay season has officially started so the Buckaroo and I are spending most of our time in the tractor.

The days are long and hard and the honest answer is that by the time we get in … I’m just too tired to post.

I only wish that I could sleep as sound as the Buckaroo.

So while the Buckaroo and I have been hard at work on the farm, the “busy season” has also began for me and the “Buckaroo #2″ …. aka Rhett.

This is the time of year that we typically hit the road for conferences, teaching, speaking engagements etc.

Last week, we even teamed up with Dave Statter so he and Rhett could present “Social Media in the Fire Service” at the Ohio Fire Chief Association’s Leadership Seminar in Newark, Ohio. See my previous post HERE .

Follow Iron Firemen.com on Face Book Click HERE and “Like”

We had a BLAST in Ohio and met some really great folks.

It seems as if these Ohio Chiefs “get it”.

Rhett and Dave presented what is most likely the most well rounded class on “Social Media in the Fire Service” in the nation. They were able to really engage the Chiefs. Actually, the class kind of continued later on that evening out on the dock over a few beers.

We even had the opportunity to share a meal with the members of Newark’s (Ohio) Station #1

They have a GREAT house and even better members! Thanks for the meal and the BROTHERHOOD!

This week, Rhett and I are at the Monmouth County Fire Academy in Howell, NJ teaching social media for Kean University .

I think this is like the 5th time Rhett has taught up here for Kean.

Once again, we’ve found ourselves on the Jersey Shore.

See previous posts HERE and HERE

Rhett keeps talking about some kind of “situation” with this gal named “Snooki” or something. Apparently, she’s pregnant and they aren’t sure how it happened. He says they are even filming a TV show about it and he thinks we should be on it.

I don’t know how he talks me into all this stuff …… next thing you know, we’ll be paying child support to some Jersey gal who is already making 5 times my salary.

Well I don’t know about any TV show or it’s cast but I do know that we have met some GREAT folks up here.

Last night, Tim Mickens picked us up at the hotel and took us out for a pizza and beer.

Tim is a Brother firefighter from the Little Silver Volunteer Company here on the Jersey Shore.

Apparently, Tim has been following our sites (and on Face Book) and didn’t want to miss the chance to meet us in person.

I’m glad he didn’t …. Tim is a GREAT guy who obviously “gets it”.

He took us out to Zacharys and we had a BLAST!

The food was awesome … the beers ICE COLD and the Brotherhood strong.

We shared a ton of stories and bonded new friendships.

Even our waitress, Amy; had a good time …. I don’t think she has ever met anyone quite like us….. LOL

She was a real cutie and yes Dave Statter …. she IS standing up and Rhett IS taller than her (he was so excited..LMAO)

The only thing in NJ hotter than Amy last night was the fire we missed in Long Branch….

See the related article HERE

I think Tim actually got the page for the fire but we were already too many beers into the night to go. And, while I’m talking about fires …. they have a couple going today here at the Monmouth County Fire Academy.

This is an amazing facility. I will try to get out and grab a few pictures during lunch break and update you on our trip later on. It’s going to be a quick trip for us and we’ll be heading home this evening so I’m not sure if the update will come tonight or sometime tomorrow. At the least, we’ll be able to throw some pics up on Face Book so keep checking in with us regularly.

Follow IronFiremen.com on Face Book..click HERE

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

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on June 2, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Training, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: brotherhood, Buckaroo, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, fire training centers, fire training facility, firefighter pics, firefighters, Ironfiremen, Long Branch, Long Branch NJ, Monmouth County Fire Academy, multiple alarm fire, Rhett Fleitz, Social Media, Social Media in the Fire Service, Statter 911, The Fire Critic, video, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen, Working fire, working fire photos, working fire video, working house fire

Did ya feel it??

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My post last night was titled “where were you when the world stopped turning?” . Well it didn’t stop today but it did shake a little…. in Ohio anyway. Why you may ask???

I’m in Newark, Ohio with Rhett and Dave Statter …. yea…. they’re together!

We’re up here because they are presenting on Social Media for the Ohio Fire Chief Association’s Leadership Seminar.

“Presenting” as in teaching … TOGETHER … IN THE SAME ROOM!

In speaking of Face Book, one of the slides says .. “If Face Book were a Country” …. it continues to say that it would be the 3rd largest in the world (behind India and China) but I say it still wouldn’t be big enough for these two heads / egos …LMAO!

All kidding aside, the Ohio Chiefs assembled here are getting one hell of a class. The only way it could be any better would be if we had Curt Varone of Fire Law Blog along.

Despite all of the rumor and hype, Rhett and Dave work very well together …. especially in this arena.

It’s actually very funny because I get to see both sides. When in public, they are always throwing “jabs” at each other (although they are very professional while teaching / speaking) BUT …. when we are alone, they can often be seen holding hands and skipping down the hallway of our hotel…LMAO (I throw up in my mouth every time I see it).

Follow and “LIKE” Ironfiremen.com on Face Book HERE

If you or your Department hasn’t had a class on Social Media …. it’s not too late. We see so many Chiefs who say our Department doesn’t have a web site or Face Book account so “we’re not on it”. Our reply is simple …. how many members do you have? How many of them have Face Book, Twitter accounts etc?

“I don’t know”

Then guess what???? Your Department IS on Face Book, Twitter etc. If those members post pictures, comments etc then they are putting a view / perception of your Department “out there” and you have no idea about it. No idea and no control. You should see the look on their face when they realize it. In some cases, I will actually locate pictures etc of that Department’s apparatus etc and show them.

The material covered goes much deeper than this. Today’s presentation was broken into 7 sections over 6 hours and we just “brushed” on the topics. It’s a GREAT presentation and TRUST ME …. you and your Department NEED IT!

Find out how to have us speak at you event / Department HERE or HERE

I also need to say what GREAT hosts the Brothers up here in Ohio are. We are staying at and the seminar is being held at the Cherry Valley Lodge . It’s a VERY nice venue but of course … that’s how we roll!

We were met with open arms and Assistant Chief Tom O’Brian even invited us out to Newark’s Station #1 for dinner this evening.

The entire group has been very interactive with the presentation and is full of what seems to be some forward thinking and good Chiefs. I can’t name them all but just for example, we’ve met Chief Tom Stewart and his Assistant Chief Matthew Noble of the Orange Township Fire Department .

Chief Rick Anderson of the Ashland Fire Department ( IAFF L-1386 ) is also here and playing a huge roll in making the event run so smoothly. Again, I can’t name every Chief or Department represented but again I’ll say TRUST ME … the Ohio Fire Chiefs are a great bunch of guys who seem to “get it”.

I’ll try to post more on today’s events and tonight’s dinner later on tonight. Rhett and I have a few stops to make along the way of our trip home tomorrow and they should make for some good stories as well. Until I get back to ya … try to picture Rhett and Dave holding hands and skipping down the hallway (without upchucking) but most of all …. stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on May 23, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, technology-communications, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: Ashland Ohio Fire, brotherhood, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Chief Matthew Noble, Chief Rick Anderson, Chief Tom Stewart, Curt Varone, Dave Statter, Fire Critic, Fire Law, firefighter pics, firefighters, IAFF, IAFF L-1386, Ironfiremen, Leadership Seminar, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Newark, Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, Ohio Fire Department, Social Media, Social Media in the Fire Service, Statter 911, training, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen

Where were YOU when the world stopped turning

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I’ve got a lot of catching up to do and I’m not going to get it done in tonight’s post…. I hope this one will be short and sweet and I’ll get more up tomorrow.

The title of this one has a few meanings to it. First off, I went to an Alan Jackson concert this past Friday night. IT WAS AWESOME!

I’m not sure who to thank … my Department, our Civic Center, the concert promoters or Alan Jackson himself because our tickets were free. Somehow or another, both the Fire and Police Departments received several free tickets to disperse to their members.

Our Department simply paged out that they had em and to call if you wanted a set. I made the call without thinking. Had I have thought about it, I most likely wouldn’t have called. It’s the beginning of hay season and a very busy time on the farm. I’m not a fan of big crowds or loud music …. I don’t “get out” and it’s most often by choice.

After I got the tickets, I began regretting it. Too much going on, having to end my day early … take a bath etc. In my mind, the only “plus side” to going was that my wife (Donna) would get a much needed and deserved night out.

When we walked inside the civic center, I was shocked … it wasn’t a good turnout for the show. I figured Alan Jackson would see all the empty seats, play a few tunes and haul butt. HE DIDN’T.

We had GREAT seats and the stage had a large TV screen on both sides. The camera crews did a fantastic job of getting the “right” shots and provided plenty of close ups of Alan. It was evident in his facial expressions that he was playing for / from his passion for his job (it was obviously not because of a “packed house”) He played as if he was standing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry or Madison Square Gardens. The music was not too loud or over bearing nor was there an excess of lights, explosions etc…. it was Alan Jackson singing.

I know most of his songs but have never seen him perform live. I was hoping he would play “Where were you when the world stopped turning” and he did. I stood through the entire song. Donna kept pulling at my shirt, wanting me to sit but I would have none of it.

I stood to honor and thank him for honoring us.

He even had the well know picture of the firefighters raising the flag at Ground Zero on the screen as he sang.

If you even have the chance to see an Alan Jackson concert … GO!

I’ll throw in the video for anyone who has never heard the song ( and I doubt there’s anyone who hasn’t ) but there’s NOTHING like hearing it live and in person ….

Ok, the 2nd meaning of the title for this posts is due to where I am tonight and more than that … WHO I’m with. Rhett and I are on yet another “road trip” but, this time; Dave Statter is with us (or we’re with him…lol).

Yep … Rhett and Dave are traveling together and I’m along to chaperon.

Apparently, I’m good at what I do because it’s been nothing but a “love fest” thus far … it’s almost sickening…LOL

We are in Newark, Ohio where we (Rhett and Dave ) have teamed up to present on social media in/for the Fire Service.

We are at the Ohio Fire Chief’s Association’s Leadership Seminar and these folks are in for a real treat!

I’ll update ya more in tomorrow’s post on how we’re getting along. The two “stars” of the show are currently down in the hot tub working out their pre-show jitters so I should have plenty to report.

For a little local “catch up”, the Brothers and Sisters from our South Side caught a little work last day ( Sunday ) and a citizen caught it on video. Rhett has the complete set of all 3 videos over on Va Fire News HERE . I’ll include “part 1″ which includes the knock down …

I’ll check back tomorrow…. until then, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on May 22, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: 9/11, Alan Jackson, apartment fire, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, FDNY, Fire Critic, fire video, firefighter pics, firefighters, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, Social Media, Social Media in the Fire Service, Statter 911, video, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen, Working fire

FIRE CRITIC AND IRONFIREMEN.COM ON THE ROAD AGAIN NYC 2011

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It’s been a while since I’ve checked in but it’s not because I’ve been slacking.

I’m actually posting this installment from NJ. Rhett and I have been between NJ and New York City for the past several days. We’ve been up here with our good friend from Fox Fire Zach Green.

Find Zach, MN8 Products and Fox Fire on Face Book HERE

It’s been a ton of work and a hectic schedule but we are also having a blast. This is basically a work trip for us. I will be assisting Rhett while he teaches his “Social Media” class in New Jersey. He is teaching through Kean University for the 2nd time …. a great class if you ever get the chance to catch it.

We are also doing a little leg work for Zach and Fox Fire. This has allowed us to visit a few of the elite companies of the FDNY.

We started out at Rescue Company #4 in Queens ( Wednesday).

Rescue 4 is a GREAT house!

Back in “the day”, I (and good friend / brother Captain Todd Stone) would go up and ride at R4. That was an awesome experience. I haven’t been to or rode a rig in New York since 2002. It felt great to be back in a FDNY house.

The Brothers of R4 were very welcoming. They opened the house and treated us very well. This was Rhett and Zach’s first visit to a Rescue Company in FDNY. They were very impressed.

After leaving our Brothers in Queens, we headed into Manhattan. Our first stop was Times Square and then down to Ground Zero and the Freedom Tower . It was unbelievable to see at night!

We ended up at FDNY’s Ten House ….Engine 10 / Truck 10 … this was another AWESOME visit. For those of you who don’t know, 10 House is located right at Ground Zero.

I’d say Truck 10 is one of the most recognizable post - 9/11 Ladders in the City ( in my opinion ). I’d say most of you have seen the American flag and 9/11 photo on the side. Their previous rig was destroyed during the attacks. They were able to recover one of the doors and now have it displayed in a memorial inside the house…. a VERY emotional display!

You also have to understand that due to their location, this House is FLOODED with visitors / guest. I’m sure the last thing these guys wanted to see was the 3 of us rolling in. We would have never known that by their reactions. Just like at Rescue 4, we were welcomed with open arms.

These Brothers opened their doors and made us feel right at home. It’s an awesome feeling to know that you can walk into a firehouse anywhere in the Country and be taken care of …. BROTHERHOOD !

After our visit at Ten House, we had to choose between eating or catching a Broadway show. Remember now that Rhett and I have been on the road since 5 am that morning and had only stopped long enough for a pack of nabs and a cold beer. I was about to STARVE.

That said, we decided to eat. Now remember, when we travel with Zach Green; WE EAT WELL !

This trip would be no exception…. we chose Ben Benson’s Steakhouse .

OMG!!! What a great steak!

Nothing says “a good time” like sharing 10lbs of beef and a bottle of good wine with friends.

I gotta say … it’s nice to sit down at a fancy restaurant every now and again. This place was way out of my league ( that’s why I was drinking wine .. they didn’t have Old Milwaukee ..LOL ) but I don’t think anyone noticed. Bottom line, it was a great cap off to our first day in NYC.

Oh wait…. that wasn’t the end of our night…

We also found time to hang out with that Occupy Wall Street thing ..?!?

Yea.. while out walking we stumbled upon a tent city full of …. ummmm …errrrrrr …. well, it was crowded.

Come to find out, we were smack in the middle of the occupy Wall Street thing…

Next thing we know, there is a mob marching down the street, riot police and helicopter hovering above our heads.

Rhett and Zach fit right in … before I knew it, they were holding hands with some long haired dude singing Kumbaya! LOL

So, after that; we headed to our hotel for a quick night cap before I tucked Rhett in for the night. We would have another long day Thursday.

Rhett was on the road at 5am heading down to Jersey for his first class. I would hang in the City with Zach while we finished up a little work and some more networking. We started our day out back at Ten House before heading up to Rescue 1 .

It was very emotional for me to be back in that house.

I have posted here numerous times on doing the NFFF 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs. I have always climbed in honor and memory of Joseph Angelini (Sr). “Joey” was assigned to Rescue 1 and I am lucky (and honored) to have not only met and knew him … I RODE WITH HIM ON RESCUE 1 !!

See a previous posts on Joey Angelini HERE and HERE .

Of course every firehouse in the FDNY has some type of memorial, but Rescue 1 had Joey everywhere. If you double click the picture left, you’ll notice him in the upper / left row of pictures. Anyway, it was difficult for me, but I kept my composure. We were once again welcomed with open arms!

I REALLY enjoyed this vist. We were met by Lt. Tarabocchia …

A GREAT GUY …. we hit it off right from the start! ( it’s a mustache thing ).

It was almost like we were part of the company and we never even spoke of my previous year’s rides with Rescue 1. They had a visit from a Chief, a tour with a couple of kids and even conducted a in house drill. I had told the Lt. that if things got too busy or crowded, we could slip away somewhere and return later …. He wouldn’t hear of it.

So, we got to hang out through it all.” The Lou” even gave me a special tour of the house and shared some personal pictures / stories … I was HONORED.

I didn’t think we would be able to top that visit … the day only got better. We had reached out to good friend, Brother and Fire Service Leader Chief Billy Goldfeder (that’s another mustache thing). Chief Billy set us up in a way that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay.

He sat us up for a tour of the WTC Tribute Center . Not just any tour mind you … this was set up by Chief Billy Goldfeder … we had a PRIVATE tour. Think that sounds cool ??? What would you think if I told you that the founder himself gave us the tour? Yea … Lee Ielpi himself gave us a personal tour!

I had heard the name but it never really registered until I met him. Lee was retired from Rescue 2 (Brooklyn) at the time of the attacks. His son however was on the job. Lee’s son was murdered that day along with 342 more of our brothers. Lee headed straight down to Ground Zero that day and hasn’t left yet. Here’s a short video..

MORE VIDEO LINKS HERE and HERE .

Words can’t describe the emotions of this tour. For whatever reason, Lee and I seemed to “connect” from the beginning. We cried together that day and I will never forget the time we spent together. I will post a TON more on Lee and the WTC Tribute Center in the very near future. He made a huge impression and has motivated me to become a part of his battle.

The Tribute Center is a MUST SEE for everyone.

It’s located within it’s own building and tells the story of 9/11 through several perspectives. They have some remarkable displays and do a fantastic job of telling the story.

The tour continues outside (across the street) to the site of the Reflecting Pools and Freedom Tower.

The site is still under construction (obviously) but is also a MUST SEE . We were there in the pouring rain yet found it difficult to leave knowing that we hadn’t see it all … another emotional visit.

Needless to say, the next few hours were spent quietly … reflecting.

SPECIAL THANKS TO CHIEF BILLY GOLDFEDER FOR GIVING ME THIS EXPERIENCE!

We did have more work to do so, we collected ourselves and headed out to Brooklyn for a visit with Rescue 2.

Captain Liam Flaherty and his crew also opened their house to make us feel at home.

We shared some great conversation around their kitchen table while watching the Rangers game. I had been to R2 before but have never ridden. I had also meet Captain Flaherty before while at Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, Md. earlier this year ( see that post and pictures again by clicking HERE )

We were all beat by this time and once again headed back to our hotel for a few hours sleep.

This morning, Rhett and I loaded up and headed back down to Jersey for a 2nd day of teaching Social Media. Zach will catch a flight back to Ohio around mid day. I have a lot more info to share with you about our trip but I’ll save that for posts later this week.

As soon as we finish up class, Rhett and I will be back on the road and headed home. Rhett works tomorrow and I’ll return to duty on Sunday. Special thanks as well to Roanoke Brothers Lt. Barry Ferguson, Lt Chuck Sharp and Captain Craig Sellers for covering my shifts Wednesday and Friday.

I’ll give ya more in the next day or so … until I get back, Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on October 28, 2011 • Filed under: in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: Ben Benson's Steakhouse, Captain Willie Wines Jr, FDNY, FDNY Rescue 1, FDNY Rescue 2, FDNY Rescue 4, FDNY Ten House, firefighters, Firehouse visits, Fox Fire, Freedom Tower, Ironfiremen, Joey Angelini, Lee Ielpi, Liam Flaherty, Lt Tarabocchia, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, MN8 products, New York City, NYC, occupy wallstreet, Social Media, The Big Apple, The Fire Critic, Times Square, WTC, WTC Tribute Center, Zach Green

Busy last day before vacation

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Well, I’m not actually going on “vacation” but I will be off for 13 days if I can only make it to 07:00am tomorrow morning!

On Tuesday, Rhett Fleitz ( Fire Critic) and I will head out for Atlanta, Ga. and Fire Rescue International ( FRI ) 2011 ! We have a GREAT week planned and hope to see you there. While at FRI, Rhett will be facilitating a 90 minute discussion on Social Media and Incorporating Technology in the Workplace on Friday, August 26, 11:00 am-12:30 pm in the Firehouse Café. If you are reading this and will be at FRI then you should make plans to attend this discussion!

Rhett will also be working the floor of FRI for the new company he and partner Jeff Harkey just launched … Daily 911 Deals! You have GOT TO check these guys and the new site out. Their 1st “DEAL” is scheduled to go live tonight! Basically, they will provide various Fire, Rescue and Police products for a limited time, in limited numbers at GREAT savings! I know what the 1st deal is but don’t want to spoil their unveil. TRUST ME…. it’s is something you will want / need and the price is UNBELIEVABLE! If you haven’t registered yet hit the link above and do so NOW. Also, don’t forget to follow and like them on Face Book and Twitter.

On Wednesday morning, Rhett and I will participate in our 2nd 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb !You may remember that we, along with Salem Fire / EMS Captain Kevin Tottin; just completed our 1st climb while in Baltimore, Md. for Firehouse Expo. See related post HERE HERE and HERE . If you’re going to be in Atlanta and haven’t registered yet, you can do so HERE .

I will also be working the floor ( or a booth anyway ) with my good friend Zach Green for MN8 Products / Fox Fire ! We were a HUGE success at Firehouse Expo last month and I hope to improve on our sales while in Atlanta.

If you haven’t seen these products yet PLEASE take a minute to hit the link above. This stuff REALLY WORKS and will make your job safer! Drop by our booth and I’ll give you a personal demo. We have a completely darkened tent and when we get you inside where you can see the illuminating quality of these products, you’ll be amazed. I love the look on firefighter’s faces when they step inside.

If that’s not incentive enough for you to drop by, I think we will also have a couple of ”booth babes” on duty. They’ll be pretty enough to get ya to stop long enough for Zach and me to rope ya in and show you the product.

Like I said, take the time and stop by …. you’ll thank me for it!

We have a ton of other stuff on schedule for FRI as well. One of the events Im most excited about is that we were invited to a firehouse for dinner. I mentioned several posts back on the fact that we were planning to attend FRI. Next thing I know, I get an e-mail from Brother Mark Akins of the John’s Creek Fire Department. Captain Akins wrote of how he and his crew are huge fans of Ironfiremen.com ( of course, they had never heard of Rhett or Fire Critic…LOL ) Captain Akins extended several offers of good ol “southern hospitality”….. how could we refuse?

Rhett and I will be eating dinner at Station #63 on Wednesday night following the Stair Climb. I’m a little nervous because, as I understand it; Sergeant Tom Johnson (from the Rescue) will be the cook that night. Rumor has it that he’s a “box and can” cook. I received an anonymous note saying to pray that the can opener remains in good working condition or we may starve! LMAO …. I’m just kidding Sarge. Rhett and I are humbled and honored that you guys will share your table and break bread with us. TRUE BROTHERHOOD! We look forward to meeting you guys and can’t wait to sample some of your famous Hamburger Helper.

I’ll post more on our trip and plans in the next day or so …. I missed last days post because I had too much other stuff going on. Last day really wasn’t that exciting anyway, so you really didn’t miss much. I even had to ship little Randy out so the new “star” of the blog wasn’t here.

We shipped him out to Station #14 under the leadership and direction of Captain Robert Perdue. On a side note, Captain Perdue is off for a while due to having surgery today. Get well soon Capt and call if ya need ANYTHING. Any way, Captain Perdue is known as a slave driver who trains ALL DAY LONG. He was even assigned to the Training Division at one time.

Well, the Captain must have been in rare form on Wednesday because he wore my poor little Randy out!

They sent me this pic and and I blew a gasket!

Here I am trying to mold Randy into a fine tuned firefighting machine and Captain Perdue wears him down to a frazzle in ONE DAY! LMAO. They actually had a decent day of work. I asked Randy this morning what he learned while at the one, four. Now remember … he’s from Max Meadows, Va. His reply was that he learned that here in “town”, some men actually dress up like a woman! LMAO … I guess he has never seen that down in good ol Max Meadows.

Today, we got him right back into his groove. We started the morning with multiple runs back to back. He was assigned to cook again today and was actually spotted in the kitchen several times. Of course lunch was late but that was because of all the runs. We do need to have a class on how to drain the grease from ground beef! LOL … I though he fixed hamburger soup.

He did a little better at supper time with a little assistance.

Some kind of “chicken smack” in gravy, mashed potatoes, brocoli and home made mac and cheese … UMMM UMMMM !

Awwww.. his Moma is gona be so proud!

Today’s training was a little easier to stomach than Monday’s CPR training ( I still can’t get the images of him french kissing the manikins out of my head ..LOL ).

He worked on exposure problems and deploying a 2 1/2″ line vs. 1 3/4.

We got to talk nozzle selection, available GPM’s (gallons per minute) and effective stream application.

Another effective tool we carry here on Lucky #13 is a 500 gpm Mercury Monitor. With minimal reaction force, these bad boys are a dream to operate. That said, I hope it stays on the rig tonight!

We also had a few special Guests today. Not just special ….. VERY SPECIAL. Hillary and Sam are driving South for vacation. Against her better judgement, she decided to allow husband Dave Statter to tag along and figured they’d just drop him off in Atlanta along the way.

She said he’s been very excited to get out of Statter 911 Headquarters and that he LOVES riding with his window down. He’s made several request for “stops” along the way as he’s spotted items / locations of interest.

On today’s leg of the trip, he kept talking about firehouses and how he’d really love to see inside one. Well, Hillary knew her route would bring them through “The Noke” so she planned a stop here at Lucky #13.

Dave was like a kid in a candy store. It was all Sam could do to keep him under control ! LMAO

No Rhett … it’s NOT an optical illusion … that actually IS Dave Statter in a fire truck!

Hillary and Sam got to ride as well. Just a quick cut around the block but pretty cool all the same.

Despite Dave’s rich history within the Fire Service, Hillary and Sam have never rode on a rig of any sort.

They say you always “remember your first” and I had the honor of giving Hillary hers! LMAO just kidding Dave.

It was very cool that Dave and his family took the time to stop by for a visit. Despite what you read on our sites, Dave (and Hillary) is a GREAT friend and has always taken care of me and Rhett.

Hillary will be dropping Dave off in Atlanta to attend FRI. Rhett and I will hook up with Dave Wednesday morning at the Stair Climb. You’ll see a lot more of us and our escapades from Atlanta throughout next week. Dave also has a very special report coming to Statter911.com very soon…. check it often …. you wont want to miss this one.

OK, I have to get some reports completed. I’m gonna stop here for tonight but will check back in as soon as I can. Until I get back…. Thanks for reading! Stay Safe and In House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on August 19, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, news, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, vehicle-operations-apparatus • Tagged: Atlanta, booth babes, brotherhood, Captain Mark Akins, Captain Robert Perdue, Captain Willie Wines, Captain Wines, CPR manikins, Daily 911 Deals, Dave Statter, EMS products, exposure protection, Fire Critic, Fire Department Ride Along, Fire Department training, Fire Rescue International 2011, Fire station #14, fire streams, firefighter products, Firehouse Cafe, firehouse cooking, firehouse meals, Fox Fire, FRI, FRI 2011, Ga., Ironfiremen, IronFiremen.com, Jeff Harkey, John's Creek Fire Department, John's Creek Station #63, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Max Meadows, mercury monitor, MN8 products, Police products, Randy Armbrister, Rhett Fleitz, Sgt. Tom Johnson, Social Media, Statter911, Va, Willie Wines Jr, Zach Green

Graduation Day in Jersey

10 comments

What a great couple of days in New Jersey!

Rhett and I have been up here ( New Jersey ) presenting his class on Social Media. The Official title is.. Social Media The Fire Service’s Next Big Innovation.

We were VERY well received and the students showed a great interest in the class content. There were 46 students total and I honestly believe that each one of them came away with “something” ( isn’t that what “teaching” is all about? ).

Another ” win / win ” for The Fire Critic and IronFiremen.com. Everyone learned something (including us) and graduated with flying colors!

Thanks to Rhett for allowing me to “tag along” on the trip and to Kean University, The State of New Jersey as well as to the Ocean and Middlesex County Fire Academies for the hospitality and allowing us this great opportunity to get our message out.

We taught 2 days in 2 locations. Ocean County Fire Academy and Middlesex County Fire Academy. The class rooms ( Academies … facilities) up here are UNBELIEVABLY nice … and that’s an under statement. First class all the way! Plus we got to hang out on the Jersey Shore .

At home, we have a training “center“. These folks have FACILITIES!

WOW ! The Class Rooms .. Multiple burn buildings … Flash Over Simulators .. Drafting Ponds / Pools … Confined Space setups … Vehicle Fire props … Smoke Houses .. Driving courses …etc . They have it all and in multiple buildings.

Here are several shots of the facilities we visited this week …..

Imagine if we all had resources like this! Geesh … I wish I had brought my gear so we could have done some “hot classes” LOL. I love the masonry burn buildings vs the metal / LP gas one we just purchased. I also like how these folks have them set up with multiple options / scenarios.

So, we’ve had a good trip and are headed back home. I’m on duty tomorrow (Friday) so we’ve been kinda rushed this evening to finish things up and get on the road. Lucky for me that I have a GREAT Lieutenant in George Perdue. George is off on vacation but is coming in to cover the shift until I get to the station. THANKS A MILLION “Georgie” … I owe and LUV ya!

Apparently, the boys have missed me while I’ve been gone. Captain Todd Stone and 1st Lt Tim Cady covered my shift yesterday. Both are great Officers and true BROTHERS but apparently, one of them dabbles in “decorating” ..LOL

This is my bed.

That is NOT how it normally looks ..LOL

WTF ?!? They have mounted some kind of plywood board or something and hung everything under the sun from it… an axe ..air bottle .. rope .. hydrant caps .. A hydrant wrench .. my helmet and EVEN A WEED EATER??? LMAO…. I love it !!

BEAUTIFUL !!!! ~~I LOVE Firehouse “fretting”.~~Wait… what I meant to say was that there are a lot of things I can tollerate but “FRETTING” is NOT one of them ..LMAO!

I miss you too guys and will be home by lunch time…

Like I’ve been saying, Rhett ( Fire Critic ) and I (Ironfiremen.com) have a TON of exciting events and news coming in the very near future! This will without a doubt be our best years yet.

Look for more classes, preoduct reviews and breaking news on upcoming events soon!

I’m gonna end here for the night but will try to check back in tomorrow night with a few more updates. Until I get back with ya … THANKS for following. Please remember to “Like” “Share” “Reccomend” and “Tweet” my posts.

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines.

Posted by Iron Firemen on April 21, 2011 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, news, technology-communications, technology-communications-ems-topics, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: Fire Department training Centers, Fire Service Instructors, Fire Service Social Media, firehouse fretting, George Perdue, Kean University, Lt. George Perdue, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Middlesex County Fire Academy, New Jersey Fire Service, Ocean County Fire Academy, Ocean County NJ, Rhett Fleitz, Roanoke Regional Training Center, Social Media, social media classes, Social Media in the Fire Service, Social Media; The Fire Service's Next Big Innovation, Training centers

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