First off, let me say thank you for the continued support. My last post, “You can’t teach Heart” was very well received and I appreciate it . It’s nice to know that I still have a few readers / followers out there.
I do need to clarify one thing though. I’ve received several e-mails, phone calls, messages etc following that post saying how good it is to have the “old” Captain Wines “back”. They say they are glad I’m past (or over) my grieving etc….and that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
I know I took you folks to some “dark” places over the last 4 months but I felt compelled to do so. I shared with you some of my thoughts’ feeling and lessons learned following my brother’s death by suicide. I tried to be as honest and open as possible.
Just because I’m a little more visible and posting on a more regular basis doesn’t mean I’m “past” or “over” anything. I NEVER will be. There’s a hole in my heart that will never be filled.
There’s not an hour that goes by that I don’t think of Jackson. The reminders are EVERYWHERE and I can’t hide or run from them. I’m slowly learning to embrace them but it’s hard.
I’m fighting depression every minute I’m awake and I still grieve his death. It’s getting better but, it’s been an uphill struggle. I never knew or understood what a horrible illness / disease depression was (is) before the events of December 30th.
I haven’t told ya in a while so I’ll remind you now that we are ALL “climbing”. We are ALL fighting demons of one sort or another. I’ll also remind you that we are NOT alone … there ARE folks out there who know and understand what we are going through and they stand ready to help us through whatever challenges we face.
If you’re like me and need someone to talk to or lean on, PLEASE try one of the links below …. there’s no shame in it. It’s working for me and it can for you too …
Ok ….lets move on. So around where I work, it’s promotional testing time. That equates to “silly season” for me!
I call it that because everything required to participate in the process and because of all the “jockeying for position” that’s already started.
We will be testing for Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief. There will also be a Deputy Chief of Operations appointed due to an upcoming retirement. As far as the other positions, we don’t even know how many are open yet (around here, it all depends on who’s counting).
Promotional testing can be one of the most stressful events of a firefighter’s career. Usually, there’s a huge reading list, hours upon hours of study (additional times away from family), the testing process itself and then the waiting game.
We have a written test to narrow the field of candidates (Lieutenant-Captain) followed by a practical portion. For the Lt. candidates, the practicals are made up of a 10 minute presentation (on the same subject / topic which is announced following the written test), a driving course / evaluation, a pumping evolution and an IMS / Fire scenario.
The 1st Lt., Captain and Battalion candidates will also face a fire / IMS scenario, a “problem employee” situation and a presentation. Battalion Chief candidates will work an “in basket” scenario instead of the presentation. Again …. all very stressful.
Rhett actually took his written test on Wednesday. He take the practicals next week. Being that he is already a Lieutenant, he has the option to test for 1st Lt and / or Captain. He is testing for both.
GOOD LUCK to all of our candidates (at every level). As a Company Officer, I hope you’ll remember to take can of your members. If you do, you’ll have a long and enjoyable career. If you don’t …. LMAO … well lets just say that they can make you life hell.
That brings me to recruitment. I HATE that word. I guess it’s not so much the word as it is how many Departments go about it (“recruitment”). They’re doing it WRONG!!
I’ve always said that if someone has to come out looking for you, and then try to convince you that “this” is what you want to do or who you want to work for … THEN I DON’T WANT YOU. We’re FIREFIGHTERS ….. we deal with lives not files, folders or boxes!
I hear of Departments complaining about a lowered number of applicants all the time. They look at all these “outside” reasons in search for a reason /solution and always miss the issues core.
To me, it’s an internal issue. An issue within that Department. In my opinion, it shows a lack of (or poor) leadership / management (or something along those lines). Either way, I’d bet that the members of that Department are NOT happy. That’s sad because our MEMBERS are our best recruiters and it’s so easy to keep firefighters happy!
Think about it. When the members are happy, they reflect a positive image of their Department. When they’re out in the community and someone asks them about “what they do” or where / who they work for, a happy employee is eager to share that information and does so in a positive manner.
On the other hand, an unhappy or disgruntled employee’s response will most likely be “you don’t want to work here”…. OUR MEMBERS ARE OUR BEST RECRUITERS!
My good friend and Brother Tiger Schmittendorf is one of (if not “the”) our Nation’s top fire recruiters. He’s pictured on the far left in the photo above left (with Me, Rhett and Dave Statter). Tiger runs several web sites worth visiting and if you’re having recruitment issues / problems then he’s the man you want to see.
I am a career firefighter. Actually, I’m a paid, Union firefighter and I’m proud of that. I worked hard to get this job and followed in my fathers footsteps. I know that many men before me have sacrificed and paid dearly to allow me the opportunity to work in the greatest profession in the world and for that, I am thankful.
I also know that today’s fire service was built by volunteers. I’d dare say that every Fire Department in the United States started off as volunteer. Mine did. If you don’t know the history of your Department, you should.
Rhett wrote a book on the history of our Department. The book is titled “Firefighting in Roanoke” and traces our history up until the year 2000. He has plans for a second book if we ever find the time.
Chapter 1 is titled “The Volunteers“. Back in November 1882, the foundation of the Roanoke Fire/EMS Department was laid. A group of men with a vision and desire to serve created a Fire Board and Roanoke Fire Company No. 1. The Vigilant Steam Fire Company No. 1, The Junior Hose Company No. 2 and Friendship Fire Company would soon follow.
The Fire Board composed a set of Rules and Regulations or bylaws to govern the various Volunteer companies. IMAGINE THAT …. 100 years ago these men seen the need to have all their members / individual Departments working off of the same guidelines. It wouldn’t have worked any other way.
Today’s Fire Service is no different in that aspect. We are running and counting on mutual or automatic aid more and more these days… even here in Roanoke. We need to be compatible. Our lives and those of the people we are sworn to protect and serve depend on it.
It’s not easy. It takes discipline and strong leadership. Leadership at all levels. For the most part, we have a lot of that here in our area. Our City (all paid) is surrounded by either combination or fully volunteer Departments. For those that haven’t had to already, most are now working towards the “Combination” model.
Volunteering is difficult and almost impossible these days. The call volume in itself would keep most volunteers on the road most of the day and night. Our minimum standards have training hours up into the hundreds. Firefighter 1 & 2, Haz-Mat, Driver Operator, EVOC, Rope 1, RIT, May Day, Vehicle extrication, Confined Space and Technical Rescue are just some of the basic classes needed. Throw in a full time job, a family and a house with grass to mow etc and a volunteer has NO TIME REMAINING.
What happens is that more and more calls go uncovered (then turned over to the next jurisdiction / company) or response times get higher and higher until they reach an unacceptable level. The City, Town or County then HAS to do something. The result of late has been to supplement with paid employees.
We’ve seen it work here. In Wednesday’s post, I mentioned Roanoke County. Today, they remain a combination Department serving 251 sq miles. They have grown to 153 full time employees and approx. 250 volunteers. Individual “volunteer” companies still remain and operate administratively under their own rules and regulations. Operationally, everyone operates under the same protocol.
Bedford County is another good example.
Chief of Department Jack Jones and Deputy Chief Marci Stone have recently began supplementing their system with part time paid members. Not in every station but where justified and needed.
The Town of Bedford has a very strong volunteer Department ( I call em “Little Brooklyn”..LOL). Not only do they make their calls, they also run County wide as a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT). Their Chief, Brad “Bedford” Creasy; works for our Department and was a member of mine back at “old” station #3 when I first made Captain in 2000.
Another past member of mine, Brad “Opie” Glidden (from our Station #9 days); is the Vollie Chief for Company #13 in Bedford County.
Bedford County is approx 753 sq miles. They have to have Standard Operating Guidelines and a Chain of Command.
.
Franklin County is the same way. I was a volunteer there when they began supplementing with paid personnel back in the 90′s. Chief Ty Dickerson is doing it in Lexington. Augusta County is hiring. They ALL have coordinators / directors. They need em.
Being on the road as often as Rhett and I are, we get to meet some great members and visit strong companies. We have had the privilege of seeing some great leadership moving Departments forward in a positive manner. Our good friends “Big Nick” and “Little Nick” from Hyattsville are great examples. Nick and Nick have developed some great “Live In” programs that have helped keep volunteer companies meeting their benchmarks.
Learn MORE and visit FD LiveIn.com by clicking HERE
Another GREAT friend of ours is Chief Tiger Schmittendorf. Tiger runs the site “Run To The Curb” and is the leading authority on volunteer recruitment and retention.
My point here is that providing Emergency Services to our communities is becoming harder and harder these days and just like it did 100 years ago, it will take progressive and forward thinking to overcome the hurdles that lay before us. We have to work together as a team, as Brothers and Sisters. As a “Department” rather than individual companies.
The days of “Territorial” Volunteer Companies is passing. A 15 or 20 minute response time because you think it’s “YOUR” call and you don’t want to turn it over is unacceptable! Our citizens expect more. They demand more and they DESERVE it! We can not compromise on Public Safety for the sake of ego stroking.
The sad thing is that despite all the progress being made, one stand out can cast a black eye on the entire service. It’s been happening here.
My last few posts have been about one of our neighboring Counties, Botetourt; hiring a Emergency Services Coordinator.
Botetourt is a progressive County who is growing by leaps and bounds. They have recently started supplementing their system with paid staff and keeping in line with their 2003 Strategic Business Plan are now searching for a Coordinator.
They have met some opposition, most of which has been led by the Volunteer Chief of the Buchanan VFD, Billy Joe Carter.
Chief Carter opposes the new position for fear that the Coordinator will have the authority to assume command of an emergency scene. His quote in a local paper left me speechless.
“He said Tuesday that if an emergency services director assumes control of a scene “there are going to be a lot of hurt feelings and busted noses.”
Read my original post on the issue by clicking HERE
Well, that wasn’t bad enough. Jim Bob Billy Joe decided to get a little more publicity and take the issue a little farther. The next morning, he announced in a television interview that he intended to step down as Chief at the 7pm Wednesday night meeting.
He moved away from hurt feelings and busted noses and stated “you can’t fight politics”
Read that post and watch the VIDEO in my follow up post HERE
Well guess what ??? HE DIDN’T QUIT. The Buchanan VFD missed a golden opportunity. They should have accepted his resignation, taken his pager, radio and keys then filed a restraining order.
He’s an embarrassment to his Company, the County and the Fire Service.
In the interview where he announced to the world that he’d be stepping down, it was said he feared …
“the change will tear down the century plus tradition of the Buchanan Department”
I wonder what traditions he’s afraid of losing???? I’d honestly like to know.
I don’t know what this guys is so scared of. The same model / system has worked all around him. Traditions weren’t lost.
I don’t know why the issue gets under my skin but it does. I grew up in Botetourt. I have family there still. When Rhett and I travel, we are often looked at as representing the entire Roanoke area…not just the City. One guy is making an entire Company look like a bunch of hillbillies and it reflects on us all.
Today, he was quoted in the paper as saying “I don’t need anybody down here baby-sitting me,”. Apparently he does.
I’ve received numerous phone calls, e-mails and texts today.
We’ve been on “High Alert” and I’ve even been forced to get a disguise.
Rumor has it that John Boy Billy Joe is pretty upset with my opinion / coverage of this 3 ring circus and is on the hunt.
Actually, several of the calls were to warn me that he was on his way to beat my ass. I just can’t believe that’s true. No way a Chief would would react in this manner right?
I did a little checking just to find out exactly who it is that is apparently “after me” but I came up empty.
I did find someone sharing the same name and a similar address from back in 2002 but this guy had a felony charge for assault and 2 for eluding police ( found HERE ) . I guess there’s no way this could be the same guy. He couldn’t have felony charges and be a Chief… right?
The Fire Critic asks “Should Felons be allowed to be Firefighters?” Click HERE
Anyway, we made it through the day. Obviously, I’m very hard to locate.
I guess it’s a good thing he doesn’t know that I work on A-shift and that I’m on duty tomorrow.
I hope nobody tells him that I work at Station #3 on Williamson Rd.
It’s also a good thing that he doesn’t know that I’m the driver and sleep in the first bunk on the left in the Lieutenant’s bedroom.
Of course, if he knew I’m 5’1″ with light blonde hair, hazel eyes and a baby face I’d be near impossible to miss. Shhhhhhhh!
I just hope he isn’t smart enough to come at me by kidnapping Rhett. We have a srtick policy here at Ironfiremen.com …….
WE DO NOT NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORIST !
I am however always open to good debate. If Chief Carter or anyone else for that matter wants to debate / argue my opinion, Im more than willing to entertain their thoughts. I’LL EVEN POST EM HERE! Just write em down and send em in. Comments are easier than ever as long as you’re logged into Face Book or don’t hide behind an anonymous name. I’m waiting by the mail box!
LMAO… you guys stay SAFE and in House maybe this circus will move to another town.
I started “blogging” back in December of 2008 while assigned to Station #9C (The “Melrose Misfits). I never imagined that it would grow into something as big as it has or that it would have been as rewarding as it is. When I was moved from Station #9, I decided to create the Wooden Ladders and Iron Firemen Blog. Later, with Rhett’s help; we shortened the name to Ironfiremen.com and moved over to the Fire/EMS Blog Network. It was the best move I ever made.
The site continues to grow. My views or “hits” have TRIPLED from 2010 to 2011! I’ve always kidded about having 2 readers but obviously, there is a lot more than that. I still don’t understand why …. I don’t even know where I “fit in” as far as the “network” or other sites go.
By that I mean that I’m not sure there is even a “category” for me or the Blog. I’m not a straight forward ”news” or “educational” type of site. I don’t know what folks are looking for when they “click on” or visit Ironfiremen.com but obviously, they’re finding it (or something that keeps em coming back anyway).
One of the things I’m most proud of is having been voted
The distinction of Blog of the Year and the sites growing popularity has opened many doors and propelled us in several directions. Those of you who follow regularly know that Rhett and I have been “on the road” a lot this year and each trip has been related in some way or another to our sites.
Our advertising, promotional, branding and networking efforts has allowed us to meet some amazing people and make many new friends. Not only that, we’ve also become involved with several outstanding organisations within the Fire/EMS industry along the way.
We’ve accomplished so much in 2011 that it would be difficult to pack into a single post. That said, I’ll just hit the month by month highlights for ya and TRY to keep it short …. see if you remember these and ENJOY the “look back” ….
January 2011 . Looking at the stats, my busiest day as far as ”hits” was the 17th. I had 2 posts up that day as Roanoke’s Bravest battled a Multi-Alarm Fire and stupid drivers at a local Days Inn.
You can re-visit those posts on Ironfiremen.com HERE and HERE .
For MORE on that incident from Fire Critic and RoanokeFirefighters.com (including more photos) click HERE and HERE
The 17th may have been the site’s busiest day in January but the fire was not what stands out in my mind as most memorable.
It was January that the Roanoke Fire Department suffered an ” The End of an Era” with the passing of Battalion Chief Bobbie Slayton.
Chief Slayton served the City of Roanoke for nearly 45 years. He had been a Chief longer than I had been on the job. My dad worked for Bobbie as his Chief’s Aid / Driver for many years. Towards the end of his career, he was shuffled from his beloved “B-Shift” to “C” where I had the honor of working for him. Bobbie’s death was a huge loss for our Department. He’s still missed but spoke and thought of often.
He had suffered a stroke on December 26, 2010 and remained hospitalized until his passing on January 8, 2011. He was such an icon to our Department that, in his final days; our Local (IAFF L-1132) had a member “posted” by his hospital room door 24/7. It was only fitting that Captain Craig Sellers was by his side (along with family) when he passed.
The posts following his death were some of the hardest I’ve written. For at least as long as I’m alive, Chief Slayton will never be forgotten.
There’s a GREAT picture of Bobbie and the members of Station #1B with the restored Bell from the tower at now “Historic” Station #1. We now only use the bell for funeral services. The irony is that the bell Chief Slayton worked so hard to refurbish sounded his Final Alarm.
See related posts and photos from VaFireNews.com and RoanokeFirefighters.comHERE and HERE
February 2011 : The post receiving the most hits for February was when we announced winning the Blog of the Year contest but the month was really about football, fires and “support systems”!
There was plenty of fire to go around all across the State. We caught our share and even took in a job with our County Brothers. See that post HERE .
It was also the month that I first introduced a “semi-regular” column here on Ironfireman.com that I call “Tricks of the Trade” .
March 2011 : Things got REALLY busy for me and Rhett in March. Among everything else that happened, we would travel to EMS Today in Baltimore, Md and FDIC in Indianapolis.
FDIC was a BLAST! Rhett presented his class “Social Media in the Fire Service” for the first time … what an HONOR. I filled in and covered his position with Firefighter Netcast where once again I found myself surrounded by some of the top leaders of today’s Fire Service.
Who would have ever figured to see me hanging around folks like Chief Billy Goldfeder or Chief Alan Brucini? (we also met Captain Dugan who gave the Keynote Address along with retired FDNY member Kevin Shea). We met many friends and followers of our sites and made twice as many new ones.
Back at home, I would meet one very special new friend … Father Webb.
Father Webb was just meeting and “feeling us out” back on St. Patty’s Day but now has become our “Official” Fire Department Chaplin.
Chief Adkins fixed up a mess of corned beef and cabbage and we had Father Webb out to share in the meal. This was the beginning of a GREAT relationship between our members and Father Webb. I was and remain excited to have him on and at our side. I hope the relationship continues to grow and can mimic the one shared by Father Judge and the FDNY. See my related post HERE
Special THANKS to our Network boss Dave Iannone for the invite. It was a great oppurtunity where once again I was able to meet and talk with many well respected members of the Fire Service.
April was also the month where we had our biggest “Give Away” to date. After winning the Blog of the Year contest, I figured what better way to say “THANKS” to my readers than to give away a pair of Black Diamond X2 Boots? No “el-cheap-o, contesto’s” here baby … that was a high dollar pair of boots! Congratulations to loyal reader / follower Patrick Lynch of St. Michael’s College Fire & Rescue in Colchester, VT. on winning the boots. What was really cool was how we announced the winner …. watch this..
May 2011 : May would have me traveling the farther than I ever have. Thanks to the Roanoke Rampage Football Team, I would make my way out to California!
There were several highlights to this trip but the most notable would be getting to see my baby sister Jessi and meeting Captain Joe Schmoe of Report on Conditionsfor the first time.
Be sure to hit those links … it was a GREAT trip despite our loss on the field.
I continued to make new friends and meet readers and followers of the site. Casey Potter, wife of loyal follower and fan; Chris Potter invited me down for a surprise Birthday Party for Chris …. how could I not have attended?? See that post HERE .
The biggest news however would come on a GLOBAL level ….
We FINALLY KILLED THAT SON OF A BITCH!
I was on duty and glued to the TV. Emotion overtook me and I cried. I cried tears of joy and sorrow.
For me, it was like living the day of the attacks all over again. My mind was flooded with memories and emotion.
The tears of joy were of his death but the tears of sorrow were for the families of those he murdered. I knew that even then … at his death … he would cause pain to those left behind.
I hope our 343 fallen can now rest in peace. I hope his death brings some sort of comfort to the families left behind and like the Daily News so eloquently says .. I hope he ROTS IN HELL !
June 2011 : Big fires and more funerals.
We buried another member in June. Firefighter/Paramedic David “Dave” Palmer lost his battle with cancer. His was to be our 2nd LODD (Line Of Duty Death) since 2009.
“Big Dave” and I go WAY back. I made Captain in 2000 and was assigned to station #3 ( now considered “old” Station #3 and CLOSED which was located at 6th and Rorer) where we would work together.
Like Chief Slayton, Big Dave will not be forgotten either. I quite often find myself telling stories involving him in one way or another. Things were different back then .. it felt more like a “Fire Department” and we had a lot of fun while getting the job done.
The picture upper right is our crew standing in front of Engine and Medic #3 at the Station. Pictured from L-R is Dave Palmer, Mike Pruitt, Brad Creasy, Lt Richard “Patty” Patterson and myself.
See my related post HERE and coverage from Va Fire News HERE
June would also find me and Rhett together on the fire ground!
I was the Acting Battalion Chief while Rhett was riding the “seat” of of the 1st in Engine (#3) when we caught this 2nd alarm fire.
It was the first time in a while since Rhett and I had been together on a fire. This time however, it was me stuck out in the street and Rhett putting in the work.
I arrived 1st and upgraded the incident to a 2nd Alarm. I was able to catch some pretty good photos while doing my walk around and size up. This pic was taken just as Rhett and his crew were making entry. Some solid work put in on this one!
July 2011 : A new Rookie, Never Forgetting and Honoring our fallen!
July brought Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, Md. and our first 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
That climb (and the ones to follow) changed me forever. I’ve described the experience as beyond emotional and more near spiritual. I think I captured some of it in my postings because they remain my “most visited”
July as brought me a new “Rookie” Firefighter …. RANDY!
Randy Armbrister from Max Meadows, Va. The picture left was Randy on his 1st day out in the Company.
I wanted to make sure he knew and was comfortable in his SCBA so he started the morning with it on. He checked equipment, cleaned the station and even mowed the lawn with it on.
You’ve seen and read about Randy quite a bit here on the site and I have to admit that it’s been refreshing having a “Rookie” in the house.
It’s kept us busy and even allowed us “older” members to “pick up the pace” a little in an effort to assure Randy is well trained and ready for whatever is thrown at us. Randy has (and continues to ) met all expectations and challenges with a willingness to learn and a smile. He’s only disappointed me once but we corrected that problem QUICK. Read ” I had to PULL THE BOOK ” by clicking HERE .
August 2011 : What a month! Fire rescue International in Atlanta, Ga, our 2nd 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Randy’s 1st fire and a GAY BAR !
I cried a lot in Atlanta … I get choked up now even thinking about it. Rhett and I would make our 2nd 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and this one would impact me even more than our first.
There were several things that happened in Atlanta that I will carry with me until I die
Before our climb, I remembered an e-mail I had received from my youngest daughter (Reba) back before our 1st climb in Baltimore. I had obviously saved it and opened and read it once again before our assent in Atlanta. I want to share that e-mail with you again …
“Dad , today after reading your most recent blog ” we are all climbing ” I wanted to tell you ….. Your the most amazing selfless person I know … You work so hard to save people you don’t even know and at the same time are working just hard to save all of us … You use your spare time to spread the word of your great profession that in my opinion (and yours) you can’t call a ” job” it’s just something you were meant to do …. There is no one else in this world like you !!!! ( well the buckaroo and I – but we are exceptions bc we are only a mold ) …. Good luck on your climb I know you can do it ESP bc of the cause but also because I’ve never seen ANYTHING you can’t do !!!! ( well you might not be able to carry Rhett lol unless u had to ) ….. Anywho …. Just wanted to let you know your amazing in everything you do and the buckaroo and I love and miss you very much …. Be safe have fun , Love .. Reba and YOUR buckaroo ”
How AWESOME is that?
I learned the same things listed in that e-mail about Rhett that day. I had “known” it but never really seen it until that climb.
Rhett and I are a lot alike, especially when it comes to Brotherhood and the job. We climb alike and for the same reasons… it’s a MEMORIAL.
We were HONORED to be in the 1st group up in Atlanta but quickly learned that we were attached to the “wrong” group. Lucky for us, they didn’t “get it” and soon left us behind. It was how it should have been … Rhett and I alone in that stairway … paying our respects. It was then that he brought me to tears and showed me what the words HONOR and RESPECT were all about.
Rhett was having a tough time with this climb. No breaks, no water, for whatever reason; he was struggling. Near the top, he stopped and turned around … I though he was quitting. ” I missed one” he said. He wasn’t quitting, he had missed a step, turned around and climbed that flight AGAIN! Nobody would have ever know right?? WRONG …. he would have. As bad as he was hurting, HE CLIMBED IT AGAIN ! BROTHERHOOD, HONOR,TRADITION,PRIDE and RESPECT … we live by it!
There was a lot more that happened on this trip …. We got to meet and share a meal withCaptain Mark Akins ( now Battalion Chief) and his crew from John’s Creek Station #63. See that post HERE
Rhett launch a new web site ( Daily911 Deals.com ) with partner Jeff Harkey while I worked the booth with Zach Green and Fox Fire.
I know it’s hard to believe but the trip ended up with us eating at a gay restaurant..yea… I was gonna kill him!
Funeral arrangements and details from the Gay Restaurant HERE and everything else Atlanta HERE
September 2011 : Pink shirts, more fire for Randy and our 3rd 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb!
Obviously, the most memorable for me was the Climb. Not only was it the 3rd for me and Rhett, we would make it on the 10th anniversary of the attacks and my dad would climb with us!
Kevin Totten and Tommy Warshaw joined us again while Bill Carey climbed with us for the 1st time. Rhett’s son Preston made it most of the way and Dad even carried the Buckaroo for one flight. Hit the link above .. it’s a good read.
October 2011 : The 30th Annual National Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial Weekend and an UNBELIEVABLE trip to New York City!
This would be my 2nd year attending the Memorial Weekend and I would find it just as emotional as the first.
Rhett and I were there fulfilling obligations with Firefighter Netcast. We had the honor of recording stories from the survivors. Once again, a lot of tears were shed as we listened to the families share their stories of our fallen Brothers and Sisters.
The Memorial Weekend is every October and if you’ve never attended .. MAKE PLANS NOW!
Rhett and I also made a trip up to the Big Apple. He was teaching Social Media in NJ and I was assisting Zach Green and Fox Fire in the City.
It was an AMAZING trip because neither Rhett nor I had been to the City since the attacks. It was a humbling experience.
While Rhett was teaching, Chief Billy Goldfeder had set Zach and I up with a personal tour of the Tribute Center. Co Founder Lee Ielpi would conduct the tour.
Lee is a retired member of FDNY’s Rescue 2 and lost his son, Jonathan; was on the job and assigned to FDNY Squad 288. Jonathan was murdered on September 11, 2001 in the attacks on the Trade Center and Lee would spend the next 3 months searching for his body. I don’t believe Lee has really EVER left that site since.
I can’t describe the tour he gave us … for whatever reason, there was a “bond” between us. Lee kept a hand on me the entire time, I can feel his touch even now as I reflect on our time together. It was a “father’s” touch and one I will cherish.
They recovered Jonathan’s body mostly in tact. They also were able to recover his turnout gear. That gear is on display at the Tribute Center. Lee wants us all to see that set of gear and to know the story behind it. Us .. me, you, him, her and our children. He suffers the pain of passing by that gear EVERYDAY hoping that we can all learn from this horrible act. If you’re ever in New York … GO!
December : Rhett and I returned to GROUND ZERO and made our 4th Memorial Stair Climb!
Not only was it our 4th climb, it was in New York City, at Ground Zero and in the shadows of The Freedom Tower ( 1 World Trade Center ) !
We were there helping out the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation.
Founding members of some of the 1st organized Memorial Stair Climbs, Oren Bersagel-Briese, Scott Eckels, Josh Smith, Brian Bush and Shawn Dunston ( along with Dave Statter) were also there.
Even though it was not “Official”, there was no way that we were going to be this close to Ground Zero, with this group of Brothers and NOT make a climb in Memory and Honor of our 343 fallen Brothers. SO WE CLIMBED ! We finished on the roof top looking down on the site where our Brothers had fallen. Where so many lives were lost and Heroes remain.
Rhett and I have been climbing so long and hard that we never really knew where we were going … WE FOUND IT THERE !
I’m not sure what I’ve done to deserve the life I’ve been given this past year but I am truly THANKFUL. Together, Rhett and I have made the journey of a lifetime in just a few short years. I can only imagine what 2012 will bring us.
I want to say THANKS to my wife (Donna) and entire family for the love, support and for putting up with me all this time. Thanks to Rhett for the friendship, the BROTHERHOOD and for taking me along. THANKS as well to you .. our readers because it is your support that has allowed us these opportunities. I hope, that if even in the smallest of ways; that we’ve been able to give something back in return!
Stay SAFE and in House and I’ll see you next year!
I knew that this was going to be rushed trip but also one that I wouldn’t want to miss.
This was not my first trip to DC but it was my first CFSI Dinner.
I still can’t figure out why I was invited but obviously, someone thinks pretty highly of me.
I had my suspicions all along but after I arrived, there was NO DOUBT. Ironfiremen.com is climbing the ladder!
They put me up in the Presidential Suite!
I figured it must be the Presidential Suite because they even had a picture of The White House above the bed …LOL
All kidding aside, SPECIAL THANKS again to Rhett’s sister Vanessa for hooking me up with a great room for the night. If you’re ever in DC and need a clean, comfortable hotel with FABULOUS service, go to the Starwood Hotels, Four Point Sheraton .
So, I got in to town, grabbed a quick shower, changed and headed out for the Hospitality rooms before the dinner. Paul Andrews and Mary Valline of Go Forward Media met me in the lobby and gave me the FULL TOUR. Mary is the “Director of Events” while Paul is the VP of e-media Sales and Development. This basic means Mary sets everything up and Paul knows EVERONE there! LOL
The Hospitality rooms were full of our Nation’s Fire service leaders. Not just Chief Officers and legislators but Fire Service Product manufactures as well. Like I said … Paul knew em all and introduced me to each one.
I was fortunate and honored to meet the likes of the Lovely Mrs. Kimberly Henry who is the VP of Sales and Marketing for PBI Performance Products Inc. I also met Mr. Ken Creese who is the Director of Sales and Marketing for Sutphen. The list goes on and on and I was humbled and honored to meet each and every one of them.
Later in the evening, while in the restroom; the gentleman standing beside me spoke. “I LOVE that mustache”. I expressed my gratitude and glanced over (having to be careful looking over considering the place and position we were in ..LOL) and much to my surprise … there stood Randolph Mantooth ! Johnny Gauge. Johnny Gauge of EMERGENCY! HOLY COW !!… and he “loves” my mustache!
When I got back to our table, good friend and fellow Network Blogger Mike Ward was standing there. As we were shaking hands, I was so excited I had to tell him (Mike posts on FireGeezer who does the weekly segment Sunday Emergency) “I just met, talked to and “took a leak” beside Johnny Gauge!”. Of course, Mike immediately tweeted on how he sincerely hoped I had washed my hands! LMAO ….
I also had the chance to meet and speak with several folks whom I have followed and admire but have never had the opportunity to met in person.
Ray McCormick walked up and introduced himself. RAY McCormick! I have followed Ray for some time now and have a lot of respect for the work he has done to move our profession forward.
Urban Firefighter Magazine is an online publication that is a MUST READ! If you haven’t checked them out yet … DO IT NOW! Trust me.
So, after “rubbing elbows” with all of those folks, we headed up to the dinner.
The room itself was awe inspiring for a guy like me.
I went to the table number listed on my ticket.
Actually, there didn’t seem to be a bad seat in the house. I introduced myself and took my place at the table.
Then, much to my surprise (and like Rodney Dangerfield); Dave Iannone came to inform me that I was in the wrong seat … I was suppose to be at his table … the “FRONT ROW”! LOL
Now we weren’t on the front row but we were pretty damn close. WOW!
I was seated beside Jeff of Elsevier Publishing.
WHAT A GREAT GUY! I have been around Jeff several times now while working with Firefighter Netcast for Fire/Rescue Magazine and he is an absolute honor to be associated with. A CLASS ACT ! I was never told, nor did I ask who paid for my seat but I feel like and assume that it was Jeff and Elsevier Publishing. Thanks to him and them for allowing me this opportunity. I hope I represented myself and our table well.
Just like the hospitality room, my table was full of “high profile” and big names within the Fire Service.
Bill is the “man behind the curtain” for the Network and also writes his own blog Back Step Fire Fighter
Bill is such a fun guy to hang with! A WILD one this guy !! The only bad thing is that you can hardly get a word in edge wise around him … LMAO!!!!! If you know Bill, you’ll see the humor in that comment.
Bill Carey is very quiet and shy. Hidden, behind this facade; there is one of the most educated and intelectual men I have ever met. He’s “crazy smart” in a way I can relate to.
Bill and I had a conversation a little while back about a post he made. The post was about the Arlington Cemetery . The teams who take care of escorting the bodies of our fallen hero’s to their final resting place and an “unofficial” program for our wounded warriors to rehab on horseback. We both share a love of horses so I understood his perspective and direction. The irony and his educated grasp of literature in this post is awe inspiring.
Our table had many other Talets as well. Tim Sendelbach, Editor in Chief; of Fire Rescue Magazine. CHRIS HEBERT …. that’s ***CHRIS HEBERT*** from the Go Forward Media and the Network was also there and seated just one seat away. Special thanks to Chris for all he’s done to help me and this site reach the point we have.
Dave Iannone, President and CEO of Go Forward Media was obviously there … he’s the reason we (or I anyway) was there. Special thanks to Dave as well for all his efforts in bringing Ironfiremen.com forward.
Of course, no event such as this would be the same without Tiger Schmittendorf. Tiger was his “normal self”. The jokes .. “yankee” accent and slow eating habbits.
Tiger is one of our next great leaders within the Fire Service. I say that knowing that he already is … “next” may not be the right word.
Just as I had feared .. 4 or 5 forks, a bunch of spoons and several knives. I just sat and waited for Jeff to pick one up and followed his lead.
The menu … Bread … some kind of red (maybe tomato) soup with baccon (the baccon made it work) … a salad (a “hunk” of lettuce, a slice of tomato and walnuts dribbled with dressing) started the feast. After, Prime Rib and somekind of seafood with rice (???) squash, asparagus and yada, yada yada.
Jeff bought several bottles of wine for the table. Red and white and both in a corked bottle .. not from a box LOL.
Each plate looked like something from one of those cooking shows on TV …
They even make ketchup and mustard designs on the plates … LOL
There were several awards presented along with many great speakers. It was refreshing to know that, while our government was literally facing closing shop; there are still people in Washington who understand and respect the services we provide.
After dinner, there was more “meet and greet” with the attendes ….
A highlight of the night was for me to meet one of our local Chiefs.
Bedford is a large County close to our City. It is basicly a combination Department / County that has a diverse population and development.
Chief Jones is a young and agressive Chief who has brought a lot of positive change to Bedford County and their delivery of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. In times of lay offs, brown outs and budget crunches, Chief Jones finds ways to bring quality training and programs to his members so that they can provide better services to the citizens of Bedford County! Great job and keep up the good work Chief! It was an honor to finally shake your hand!
So, that about sums up the night. A couple of beers at the Irish pub and back the the hotel room for a few hours sleep.
Up at 5 am .. a shower and pack and checked out by 6am. There must be a TON of bankers in Washington because apparently everyone up there keeps “banker hours”. LOL … If ya want to get around in DC without hastle … do it at 6am.
So, I made it home, safe and sound and drove straight to the Tech Farm to meet some folks and start my days work. The best part of it all was that the Buckaroo met me there and hung with me all day.
He got a new toy tractor (because he’s spoiled) and decided he’d move gravel ….
LMAO … he thinks he move the whole pile !
He played long and hard enough to do it ……..
That was the best part of the trip … comming home to him ….. safe and sound.
That said, not all of our Brothers from Washing DC had that same oppurtunity this morning. Early Saturday morning, 5 of our brothers were injured (burned) while fighting a house fire in NE Washington….. one critical. Dave Statter has the story and complete datails (with video and audio) HERE .
PLEASE keep these brothers in you thoughts and prayers!
Ok, I’ll check back as soon as I get the chance …. until then, stay safe and in house!
That’s right … another “give away” … this is your chance to win a FREE pair of the Black Diamond X2 Boots !
Everyone knows I am the Black Diamond Footwear 2011 Fire Blog of the Year . I was not content with just letting myself sit back and bask in the glow of being the winner. I decided to swindle talk Black Diamond Footwear into allowing me to give back to my readers and fans.
That’s right! I am giving away a brand new pair of Black Diamond X2 boots.
The very simple rules are below:
This is a GREAT pair of boots that you’ll be sure to enjoy. There have been 2 reviews from the Fire / EMS Blog Network on the boots already. See Tiger Schmittendorf’s ” Black Diamond’s X2′s To The Rescue“ or A Firefighter’s Own Worst Enemy’s “Black Diamond X2 Boots“ Look for future reviews on the boot here on Ironfiremen.com or on The Fire Critic.com
You must submit a photo of yourself in front of your rig (fire apparatus…Engines, Ladders, Command vehicles and ok, ambulances count for you proud types!).
You do NOT have to be a firefighter to enter but you MUST submit a photo of yourself in front of (beside, behind etc) a piece of apparatus.
Ok, let me clean up the last post a little or at least explain some of the pics. I don’t know how but I managed to loose more than 1/2 of it in the publishing process. I was pushed for time so instead of rewritting the whole thing, I just threw in several pics for ya.
I basicly ended with Rhett and me visiting the Black Diamond Booth. We got a great tour / demo from the owner himself Alan Lunder.
We also spent some time with the Black Diamond Gals ….
Yea… that’s the pic I’ve been waiting all week to get!
Notice the girls and I are wearing the new X2 14″ pull on Fire Boot
I have some more exciting things planned with Black Diamond and will fill ya in as soon as I get all the details finalized.
Thanks again to Alan and Black Diamond Boots for all they do! Take the time to visit their web site and order your pair today …. tell em I sent ya.
We also spent some more time with Zach Green of FoxFire.
Rhett (Fire Critic) began a 3 part “product review” for FoxFire just last week. I think I’ll be doing one for them as well.
You guys know me well enough by now to know that I tell it like it is. If I don’t like something (a product etc) … I’ll say it and I wont push or promote something that I don’t believe in or trust either.
That said, Zach’s product is unbelievable.
It’s not without flaw and there is room for improvement in every new product. Another good thing here is that Zach listens. He is a firefighter himself so he knows how we are….. he’s “one of us”
He has already gotten imput and suggestions and made the necessary adjustments.
I can’t wait for you guys to see this stuff in action … and you HAVE to. It’s just that difficult to explain adequately.
The other cool thing is that he not only has FoxFire Gals … he has something better…..
That’s Ayrie Uckotter who pulls everything together for Zach … her official title?? “Illuminating Goddess”
Look for more exciting news about FoxFire and their products in the future here at Ironfiremen or from the FireCritic.
So, after the floor closed Thursday, we headed out to an event called Stop, Drop and Rock and Roll.
After dinner and drinks, they held an auction to raise funds for the foundation .. Chief Billy Goldfedder had the honor of being the auctioneer and did a fantastic job.
We never miss an oppurtunity to snap a pic and “compare staches” when we’re together and this trip was no exception. Chief Billy came up to say hello and we grabbed this shot…
Yea .. I know … he’s got me. Great Stache Chief!
Speaking of the auction … the top bid went to a leather helmet from PHENIX . The helmet went for like $4,000. Yea… 4 GRAND and worth every penny if you ask me.
#1 … it was / is a GREAT cause.
#2 … The helmets are GREAT! Look, fit, functionality, customability etc … you gotta check out these folks and their line of products (hit the link above). Their price includes your choice of liner and the shield … AND THE SHIELD. Here’s a shot of a natural colored on with an awesome shield…
Again, look for more and exciting news about the National Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial in the future here on Ironfiremen.
We shortened our stay at the Stop Drop and Rock and Roll even to make yet another dinner with Elsevier, Go Forward Media and Firefighter Nation. It made for a long day but worth every minute.
Yesterday was just as busy. I spent the day back in the booth with John Mitchell and Firefighter Netcast. It’s a great “gig” for a man in my position.
I get to listen “first hand” to so many great speakers and interviews. A big part of our job here at FDIC was recording interviews for Fire Rescue Magazine.
Just like at FRI in Chicago, Editor in Chief; Tim Sendelbach conducted the interviews and once again he did a fabulious job!
Here, he’s pictured with 2 of his 4 guest. The “Bloke” in the middle is from Australia while the gentleman to the far left hales from Sweden.
It was a GREAT interview. I can’t give away too much here but I will say the discussion will change the way you think … and maybe even operate. The other guests had been involved in some live fire studies conducted in Chicago. The information they were able to collect and diseminate may change the way we work. More GREAT STUFF from Fire Rescue Magazine!
After a long day in the booth, we headed out for a cold beer before attending the “Meet Up”.
We ended up stopping in the “Wild Beaver” …. I LOVE THIS BAR!
LOL …. This is our waitress. I don’t know her name and it really doesn’t matter
It was cool to once again “put a face to a name” here in Indy.
If you’re on the job or anywhere are extrication, Mike’s site is a MUST read.
This was his first time meeting me or Rhett and attending a Fire/EMS Blog Network function. I think he enjoyed himself and actually seemed pretty excited about the experience. It was great to finally meet ya Mike … keep up the good work!
So, the next stop was the “Meet Up”
The meetup was hosted by Fire Rescue Magazine, Firefighter Nation, and FireEMSBlogs.com and sponsored by ISI and Black Helmet Apparel.
This is where I caught Dave Statter Naked …
Get your minds out of the gutter! I can’t believe you guys read this far waiting and hoping for a shot of Dave in “the buff” … you’re all SICK ..LOL
What I mean is that this is the first time I’ve seen Dave where he WASN’T working. He ALWAYS has a mic or video camera in hand looking for that next big story.
Here, I caught him relaxed. No computer, no mic or camera … just enjoying the evening. The sad news is that it didn’t last long.
Our sponsors had TONS of “give aways” for the night and they chose Rhett to “do the honors”
Poor Dave… he was CRUSHED!
Once again the “Fire Boy“ from Roanoke managed to top Dave Statter
Right place at the the time ??? Who knows the story here is that it brought Statter to tears… yea … I got the pic!
That’s Dave wiping a tear ….. LOL
All kidding aside, the Meet Up was GREAT! Thanks to ISI and Black Helmet Apparel for sponsoring the event.
We made it back to our hotel room and got up once again this morning to stand our post on the exhibit floor for the final hours of the show.
We ended the event with an interview with ”Doc” Multrup.
Tiger Schmittendorf (from the Firefighter Netcast show Story Tellers ) spent some great one on one time with the Chief Emeritius from Hyattsville, Md.
I love Tiger’s “platform” on FireFighter Netcast. He does just what the name says … he records our stories… our history.
That said, Doc Multrup had some great tales!
Again that was the part of this job that I enjoy so much … hearing these interviews in person and first hand!
We finished our work week with a Firefighter Netcast business lunch / meeting. There, I got to meet Chief BillyHayes. Chief Hayes is the newest addition to the Firefighter Netcast family. His show will focus on prevention and risk reduction in the fire service. I have meet Chief Hayes before and can assure you that this is yet another show on the netcast that you will not want to miss.
Another note here is that all the Pod Cast this week were sponsored by FD LiveIn and Wall Shields.
This pic is of Chief Ed Plauger.
He was being interviewed by Tim Sendelbach …
Chief Plauger was the Incident Commander at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 ….
Yea …. he was the man who handled ALL OF THAT.
Again… I heard Chief Plauger speak about Incident Command FIRST HAND!
WOW!
My point here was to hit FD Live In and Wall Shields for their support. Please take the time to hit their links above and see what these folks are all about!
I’m a huge fan of both and luckily, I got to spent a lot of time with the guys from FD Live In….. Nick and Nick (Big Nick..Little Nick)
Big Nick and I seemed to “connect”
He stuck to me like glue and was really cool and fun to hang with.
Knowing how I am… I had to screw with him a little … imagine that…
I got him on the “arm wrestling” deal. I always pick the biggest, meanest, youngest guy in the room. I do that because I’m the exact oppisite…LOL.
We were talking about “the job” ..my size … heart etc. so I challanged him. “I’ll arm wrestle ya for $20 bucks”.
He bit. We made it all the way to the table and even locked grips. Then I continued our conversation. Size makes no difference. Age neither. I had the advantage because I had a tool. Not just ANY tool … the best any of us can carry … OUR HEADS.
I had told him I’d “arm wrestle” for $20 … I NEVER said I’d beat him…… LOL. It was all in good fun and I think he even learned a lesson. Anyway, thanks to Nick and Nick as well as to Wall Shield for the fun night!
Ok, so I hate to drag this post on and on but there has been so much here at FDIC to talk about. I guess in the end, its about all the people we met and the conversations we had.
People I’ve never met … old friends … leaders in the Fire Service etc… It was a good trip. Now, I have to pack up and prepare to head home in the morning to check in on the Buckaroo and catch up on all the farm work that has been neglected this week.
I’ll leave ya with some more pictures and maybe even a brief description … thanks for following … don’t forget to “friend” “share” and “Tweet”
I check back in as soon as I can .. You guys stay safe and in house…
Wow !!! What a day. Networking, registration, setting up etc and we haven’t really began to work. It’s been a long but very fun day. Again, we have met so many people who know our name or face (well … my face anyway). The networking and discussions have been awesome!
I can’ believe I’m getting paid for this …. I still don’t understand why but I’m glad Art gave up the position. Anyway, I have too much to tell and too little time. It’s almost 1 am and we have a long day tomorrow. That said, I’m just gonna give ya a bunch of pictures from the days events.
I’ll follow up sometime tomorrow with some descriptions and details of whats happening here in Indy. As always, please remember to “share” , “friend” or “recommend” us on Face Book or to “tweet” the post so as many people as possible can see whats happening at FDIC.
Rhett will teach his Social Media class tomorrow at 13:30 in room 134-135. John and I will be manning the Firefighter Netcast controls from the Fire/Rescue Magazine Booth (#4244).
We’re here all week … look us up. Visit in person or contact us via Rhett’s cell which can be found on his Face Book Page
Well the snow found us. Here in Catawba, we had about 4-5 inches before it changed over to sleet. Chores don’t change just because of the weather, so I had all the regular feeding etc to do. The Buckaroo took the day off despite spending several days last week brushing up on loader operations …
I missed the little fella today because there was plenty of shoveling to do seeing as how I’m back at the station tomorrow. I tried to wait until as late as possible so the bulk of the ice would be on top of the snow and I could get it all in a single pass. If I had of shoveled earlier, the I’d have been left with nothing but ice… hard to scrape. Hard to scrape unless you know what you’re doing, have the right tools and nice …. ummmm … errrrr…. well you need the right tools
Most of you know me by now so you understand that I like to group tasks together … I get more done that way. Now everyone knows that your first inclination when the white stuff hit the ground is to run out and make a big ol snow angel. Well, being the thinker I am .. I figured out how to put the two together … snow angels and shoveling …
LMAO .. got you fellas on that one didn’t I? You guys get enough “eye candy” so that one was for Hydrant Gal and all my female readers. The sad news for the ladies is that obviously, that is NOT my butt.. LOL. Ok, all kidding aside, it’s been a mess up here today. As usual, my thoughts often drift to my Brothers and Sisters on duty today and tonight. Just getting to an incident will be difficult. Side walks will be iced over, lines will freeze and slip / fall hazards are increased. I could make an entire post on the hazards our members will encounter tonight and how those hazards will affect and change our strategies and tactics. I’ll spare ya that post for now and move in another direction.
I hope you took the time to tune in to Firefighter Netcast last night for Taking it to the Streets, hosted by Chris Naum. His guest list read like the “who’s who” of Fire / EMS blogging world and the Fire Service in general… { Deputy Coordinator Tiger Schmittendorf (NY), Chief Glenn Usdin (PA), Bill Carey (MD), Chief Doug Cline (NC), Lt. Rhett Fleitz (Va), Lt. John Mitchell (IL), Art Reason and Dave Lablanc }. I was also a guest. Last night’s title was ” Looking Forward Through The Rear View Mirror “. Chris wanted to discuss what “stood out” or impacted the Fire Service in 2010 and what were that is in store for us in 2011.
As usual, I wa a babbling idiot. I know what I want to say but for whatever reason can’t get it off my tongue while sitting in front of a microphone. Mush mouth … tongue tied … whatever you want to call it .. I feel like I’ve just left the dentist or like I’m chewing my own tongue…
I know … who wouldn’t chew that tounge … but you understand what I’m saying here…. on the Netcast, I seem / feel “flustered”. So, I wanted to take the time to go over my thoughts etc from the pod cast. Although there were MANY issues that affected the Fire Service (directly or indirectly) in 2010, I sat down with a list of my “Top 3″.
FIREFIGHTER FATALITIES. Depending on whos list you look at (which is another issue within itself), thus far in 2010 we have suffered 78 – 82 firefighter fatalities (Line of Duty Deaths..”LODD’s”). While this number is lower than in previous years, to me; it is still unacceptable! What I wasn’t able to communicate was some of the issues surrounding these LODD’s. My numbers come from the Untied States Fire Administration who show the number at 78 between the dates of 1/1/2010 -11/30/2010.
Of those 78 LODD’s 16 or 20.5% occured while responding to an incident. They also report the ”cause” of 46 or 58.9% of the fatalities to be from stress or overexertion. As for the “nature”, 43 or 55.1% were from heart attacks. They list 51 or 65.3% of the fatalities as volunteer firefighters. 23 of the fatalities were age 61 or older, 76.9% were over the age of 40 (I’m 41).
There are other sites / stats available that break down the LODD’s even further .. seat belt use etc. My point would be that many of these tragedies were / are preventable. We could debate minimal physical fitness standards, the use of CPAT, hiring and retirement ages, responding POV, minimal standards, yearly physicals etc. I could go on and on but again, this issue alone could be a book or at minimum a multi-page post. The bottom line is that LODD’s can be reduced!
The Economy. Wow! Where do I begin? We all know that history has a tendency to repeat itself. A low economy means higher unemployment. Less jobs, less money. History has shown Fires increase in a poor economy. Arson rates tend to jump as well. A poor economy means more work for us. More work means a greater chance of injuries / fatalities.
The economy affects our job as well. Less money in general means less for proper training, equipment etc. Again, this equation equals injured or dead firemen.
How many Departments have you read about lately who are imposing lay-offs, station closings / consolidations, brown-outs or cuts is any other form? This affects the safety of our citizens and firefighters alike.
Social Media. Social Media made a HUGE impact in 2010. Just look at the number of Fire/ EMS blogs out there today. Information that used to take weeks or months to spread now, crosses the Country (and World) in minutes.
Look at it as a “teaching” and / or “learning” tool. Again, I can get information and “lessons learned” from an incident on the opposite coast as it happens. Look at sites such as www.firefighterclosecalls.com( home of “The Secret List”). Up to date, accurate information that can save our lives. The very show last night. Chris Naum covers topics such as “Redefining the Fire Ground” .. all his work is directed in making our job safer and easier. The host of last night’s show .. Firefighter Netcast .. WOW! what an asset to the Fire Service. You don’t have to travel to the Expo’s or seminars anymore. Rhett and John bring the “Who’s who” of Fire Service Leadership directly to you in you home, station or wherever. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of more examples.
Consider sites such as Face Book. Most every department now has a Face Book and Twitter page. These sites are used to communicate with the Fire Service and community alike. These sites now can be accessed through smart phones etc .. easy access by almost any and everyone. Pay attention to the number of “friends” or “shares” next time you visit you’r favorite site. Take a look at the numbers from Firefighter Nation…. again .. WOW. I don’t think we were seeing numbers like this in 2009.
One thing to think of and caution one another here is that we have also seen socila media affect the Fire Service in a negative way in 2010. Inapporite pics, videos etc have led to Departmental “black eyes”, adminsitrative leave without pay, dismisals, law suits etc. Good and bad.. Social Media made a huge impact on the Service in 2010.
Ok, I know I’m getting long winded here but again, I just want to make sure you folks that tuned in last night had an idea of “w here I was headed” with my thoughts (even though I never got there..LOL). I’m gonna wind it up for the night, maybe a hot tub and then a movie. Speaking of movies … a good friend came by the other evening and had a little trouble getting through “security”. Since there’s presents under the tree, the Buckaroo has been on high alert! LMAO .. it got me thinking of a movie and I found the clip .. could this be my little Buckaroo in a year or so???
LMAO.. that’s a good movie. Ok, so I bet you thought I had forgotten… naaaa .. just making ya sweat it out (and read the entire post). I’ll close with Day 9 of Santa’s Sexy Helper …
I’m back on duty tomorrow.. until next post, stay warm, safe and in house!
I just got a call from a buddy who is down in Florida. The Temp is in the upper 60′s and he’s walking the beach in shorts. Another good friend, Captain Joe Schmoe; over at Report on Conditions titled his last post ”Heat Wave. The temp there yesterday was 78. He even has pics but he’s NOT gloating. Grrrrrrrrrrr! It’s not even officially Winter here yet and our temps can’t get much above freezing. Factor in the wind chill and I don’t even want to talk about it! I used to love this time of year. Now, all I can think about is the beach … the Outter Banks … OBX.
Boots kicked off at the beach’s edge ….
The peaceful, WARM feeling you get from the sound of the waves crashing onto shore ..
Lazy days by the pool or out fishing ….
I think I need a vacation! AXE just sent me a package of “Travel Size” product .. maybe (in order to give it a fair review /trial) I should have them send me to a beach somewhere to try it out. What good is “travel size” bottles if you don’t travel? Hummmm? No need to send the Company jet Jill … just plain ol “coach” tickets will do ( I’ve been needing one of those NSA ”pat downs” anyway). LOL … who am I kidding … the closest I’ll come to a beach before spring would be a litter box by the fireplace!
Alright .. moving on. Extrication. Today, we had a very good class on Vehicle Extrication “awareness”. I haven’t been assigned to an “extrication truck” since I was a Private. We cut a lot of cars back then but that was long ago. Today, everything has changed. I have tried to keep up with the advancements and new technologies but, nothing compares to hands on. Here on the Fire/EMS Blog Network, we have a great site (resource) dedicated to extrication. Check out Boron Extrication . If you cut cars, it’s a good MUST read.
Here in the “Noke”, we have 2 companies to cover our extrications (pin jobs). Ladder #5 covers the North Side while Ladder #1 handles the South. Our class today was with L5. Here’s a pic of her set up…
Our Department (and committee) did a great job of designing this truck. Her entire right side is dedicated to extrication and each tool / piece of equipment has a spot. Well equipped, very organized and easily accessible. Here’s a shot of Lt. Brown giving us “the tour”…
I did have to ride Engine #5 for a few hours last week. While I was there, we caught a MVC involving a school bus. School was out by this time and the kids had all been dropped off. Luckily for everyone involved, there were no injuries. Lucky! This is what it looks like when the “A-post” of a Pontiac Sunfire meets the bumper of a school bus while traveling in opposite directions ….
Add a Jag to the mix and the picture doesn’t look any better ….
Do ya recognize the member on the left? Yep … that’s Paramedic wanna be “Doctor” Travis “Wheezy” Meador. Rumor has it he asked Santa for one of those fancy Littmann Stethoscopes for Christmas … hope he’s been a “good boy” LOL.
Speaking of asking for Christmas… I’ve figured out what I’m gonna get (of course I’ll have to buy it myself). I’m gonna get one of those fancy, big screen Robot telephones.
Oh yea! Then, I’ll be able to approve comments for the site, check stats, update my status, check and post to “picture book” etc. all from my phone, regardless of where I’m at. I could also then show off some of my “robot” dance moves …
What?? Don’t like the “moves” ? Check out these “Robot” moves…
Those guys look more like “Androids” than “Robots”…. Maybe that’s why they call the “Robot Phone” a “Droid”? Hummm.
Ok, enough with the cheesy videos… let’s get to why you are all here (well, why all the guys are here anyway). Here’s tonight’s installment of Santa’s Sexy Helper .. Day 17
Day 17
I’m gonna wrap it up for tonight. I have a long day scheduled for tomorrow so I had better try to get some rest … that hasn’t been working so well around here lately. Even our Brothers and Sisters on B-shift caught some work yesterday. Heavy fire from a single story, residential structure. Another quick and aggressive attack held damages to a minimum with no injuries. Well done fellas.
Last thing, don’t forget to tune in to Tiger Schmittendorf’s show tonight on Firefighter Netcast. Tiger is the host of Firefighter Story Tellers. Tonight’s guest is Retired Buffalo Lt. Patrick Coghlan. The direct link to the show is HERE.
Ok, until next post, keep warm and dry. Stay safe and in house!
Just because I’m a little more visible and posting on a more regular basis doesn’t mean I’m “past” or “over” anything. I NEVER will be. There’s a hole in my heart that will never be filled.
I call it that because everything required to participate in the process and because of all the “jockeying for position” that’s already started.
We have a written test to narrow the field of candidates (Lieutenant-Captain) followed by a practical portion. For the Lt. candidates, the practicals are made up of a 10 minute presentation (on the same subject / topic which is announced following the written test), a driving course / evaluation, a pumping evolution and an IMS / Fire scenario.
That brings me to recruitment. I HATE that word. I guess it’s not so much the word as it is how many Departments go about it (“recruitment”). They’re doing it WRONG!!
I’m gonna stop here for now as I’m finding it difficult to focus.
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