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Brotherhood of the Harrisburg, Pa. Fire Expo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book. CLICK HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

I also got to meet and talk with Sam Swartz.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find Colonial Park Fire Company on Face Book HERE

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

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

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

These Brothers and Sisters know how to throw a party!

The place was PACKED and we had a BLAST!!

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

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

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

Progress Fire Company on Face Book Here

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn MORE about Ian by clicking HERE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harrisburg Fire Expo Photo Album

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

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

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

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

Promotions … “Silly Season” is here, recruitment, retention and more!

5 comments

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 …

The Sweeney Alliance, Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, North American Firefighter Veteran Network,

Grief.com, Recover from Grief.com ,

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.

Visit Fire Recruiter.com click HERE

I’m gonna stop here for now as I’m finding it difficult to focus.

We started our 4-day break Thursday morning and, later that evening; I decided to pull Ironfiremen.com’s mobile headquarters down to the farm.

Once again I find myself setup by the creek and to be honest, my mind is more on the camp fire and a tall tottie than it is on writing right now.

I’ll try to check back in sometime this weekend either here or on my Face Book page.

Follow IronFiremen.com on Face Book click HERE

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on May 3, 2013 • Filed under: administration-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: Black Diamond Boots, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, Fire Critic, Fire Recruiter, firefighter, firefighter pics, house fire, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, MN8 products, NFFF, North American Firefighter Veteran Network, promotions, recruitment and retention, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Statter 911, The Sweeney Alliance, Tiger Schmittendorf, Working fire

Supporting West, Texas and gearing up for FDIC

1 comment

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

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

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

More about the Fund from the NFFF HERE

NFFF on Face Book HERE

DONATE to the West, Texas Fallen Hero Fund HERE

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

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

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

Read that post by clicking HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Memorial Service details for the West, Texas fallen

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

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

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

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

FOOLS Bash event page on Face Book HERE

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

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

Ironfiremen / FireCritic Meetup “event page” HERE

View our complete FDIC itinerary HERE

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

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

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

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

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book. Click HERE

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

Until I get back … stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on April 22, 2013 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: Alt Kilt, Black Diamond Boots, brotherhood, building fire, Bunker Kilt, Captain Willie Wines Jr, City of West Texas, Climax VFD, Dave Statter, Discovery Chanel, FDIC 2013, Fire Critic, firefighter, firefighter pics, firefighters, Fools Bash, Hard Rock Cafe, Honeywell, house fire, LODD, MN8 products, Moonshiners, Morning Pride, NFFF, Statter 911, Tim Smith, turnout gear, West Texas, West Texas LODD, West Texas Memorial Service, Working fire, Zach Green

Captain Wines and The Fire Critic on Prime Time TV, fire video, FDIC and more!

1 comment

Once again I have a lot of catching up to do but this time, it’s not entirely my fault. The server for our network has been up and down over the past several days so we haven’t been able to get a post up. Hopefully, the situation is corrected now and we can get back to business as normal.

So, to catch ya up … it’s been a long week.

We worked the Thursday, Saturday, Monday cycle this week (24hr tours).

Goerge (my Lt) is off on vacation and Boots is still out on sick leave (he’s recovering well). That left just me and our newest member, Jerry Thompson at the station. Instead of calling in OT for the entire shift, the Company was placed out of service and Jerry and I detailed out to fill other vacancies for the day.

Jerry went to “The Green House” … aka Station #3 and I went down to Station #5 and rode the Ladder.

Yea… an Engine Captain on a Ladder. Well, around here; you never know what you may end up doing. I’ve explained it a few times here on the site that due to our staffing etc. an Engine Company can easily be assigned “Truck work” and vice versa.

I’ve also talked about having been assigned to a Ladder a couple times during my career. The truth of the matter is … I LOVE truck work! Especially now that 2 of our Trucks have the added responsibility of performing vehicle extrication for the City (Ladder 5 being one of them).

It was a good day with the Brothers and Sisters at Station #5. That evening, I got an over time man and put Lucky #13 back into service.

Turned out our OT man was none other than Captain Chris Trussler from down at “The Deuce” on B-shift.

Captain Trussler and I go way back….way … way … WAY back actually.

I call him “Lucky”. 1.) Because he’s got a little leprechaun in him and 2.) Because he’s so damn “lucky”.

We were both assigned to Ladder #2 as Privates back in the day (on different shifts). Like many Crusty Old Jakes, there are hundreds of stories involving / surrounding Captain Trussler. I was even involved in a few of em.

I always remember the one about a working fire in the projects near the station. There were reports of people trapped on the second floor and “Lucky” was assigned the search. The Brothers are going to work and here comes Trussler falling /rolling down the interior steps and out the front door. He had a victim. A 350 pound lady wearing her nightgown and a pair of gorilla slippers. They end up in the front yard with the lady on top of him. So a couple of the boys run over to make sure he’s still alive and he tells them … “I got the little one, her sister is still up there!” … LMAO!

Lucky’s a “Good Jake” and we had a BLAST reminiscing over old stories. He’ll be testing for Battalion Chief in the next few weeks and I hope he does well …. I’ll work for him ANY day.

Our middle day turned out MUCH busier. Instead of overtime, they transferred a man from the South Side. Keith Snead from Station #1-A was trading time with a C-shift Brother and drew the short straw. He hadn’t been here 10 minutes before we caught a working fire. Nothing says thanks for working on a beautiful Saturday morning like catching work at 07:30am. Unfortunately, the runs kept coming all day long. The saddest incident we ran was a vehicle fire. Nothing breaks your heart like rolling in on a 1967 Camaro that’s on fire. Here’s some video ….

The car was obviously custom. A good training point from this video … something to keep in your mind is just how custom it was. Even the engine was customized…. so much so that it had Nitrous aka Nitrous Oxide system. Yea …NOS… a 20lb bottle mounted beside the driver’s seat! Good thing Snead got a good knock on the fire.

I’ll let ya know how our Monday tour goes a little later but until then, I have plenty more to share.

To begin with … set your clocks, DVRs, VCR’s and whatever else you have. The Fire Critic, Rhett Fleitz; and I will be on Prime Time TV Sunday night at 7pm (April 28th)! That’s right … Rhett and I will appear on MSNBC’s 100th Episode of “Extreme Caught on Camera”. Check your local listings and be sure to check us out! Here’s the trailer …..

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

If you can’t wait until Sunday night to see us, all you have to do is show up at FDIC. Rhett and I will be heading up on Wednesday and staying until Sunday.

Most of my time will be spent on the exhibit floor with Zach Green and our MN8 Fox Fire family.

This year, our booth will be our biggest yet. So big in fact, that we even invited some friends. Joining us for FDIC 2013 will be Statter911, Box Alarm Leather and Fat Ivan.

Be sure to drop by Booth 5571 to say hello!

You will also be able to find us in the Black Diamond Boot Booth! You may remember that Ironfiremen.com won the “2011 Black Diamond Boot Fire Blog of the Year” contest.

That was a HUGE honor for me regardless of the contest, I’m a fan of Black Diamond Boots. I wear them EVERY DAY on the job. Actually, Rhett and I both wear the X2 Boot in our gear and we LOVE them!

Be sure to stop by Booth 2401 to say hello and try on a pair of X2′s

Visit the Black Diamond Web Site HERE

Find and “LIKE” Black Diamond on Face Book HERE

Find “Product Reviews” of the X2 Boot HERE

The exhibit floor is always exciting but also very busy for Rhett and I.

If you’re looking for a really good time and little more “face time” with either of us, be sure to attend our “Meet Up”.

That’s Right … Rhett and I, with support from Shane Parkins of NFE and others; are hosting our own Meet-Up this year!

Join us on Friday evening, 08:30pm at the Hard Rock Cafe. We’ve created an “Event Page” on Face Book HERE … be sure to stop by!

Find the Ironfiremen / Fire Critic complete Itinerary for FDIC 2013 HERE

We shouldn’t be hard to find. Fools Bash, Exhibit floor, Stop Drop and Rock and Roll, our Meet-Up and the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Unfortunately, I will not be climbing this year but Rhett will.

I will however continue to support the Climb and the NFFF by registering for the event. I will also be wearing my memory badges while all the other Brothers and Sisters are making their climb.

This year, I will be wearing an additional badge. One of a member who was not murdered on September 11, 2001 but died of suicide on September 5, 2012.

W.D. Patterson was a good friend of mine and a huge supporter of the 9/11 Stair Climbs and the NFFF.

More about W.D’s passing HERE and HERE

Read a Tribute to W.D by Brother Brian Edwards HERE

Register to CLIMB at FDIC by clicking HERE

Rhett and I will be updating you and sharing our FDIC experience throughout the week. Be sure to keep checking back here or on our Face Book pages.

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book HERE

I’ll try to get back to ya Monday night with an update and again on Tuesday before we head out Wednesday morning. As always, thanks for the continued support.

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on April 22, 2013 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Black Diamond Boots, Box Alarm Leather, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, Extreme Caught on Camera 100th Episode, FDIC, FDIC 2013, Fire Critic, fire video, firefighter, firefighter pics, firefighters, FOOLS, Fools Bash, Hard Rock Cafe, house fire, Lucas Oil Stadium, MN8 products, MSNBC, NFFF, Statter 911, W.D.Patterson, Working fire, Zach Green

Positional awareness …. where the hell am I ??

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For the followers of mine (yea…both of you) who aren’t “on the job”, the term positional awareness is one we use in reference to knowing “where” you are. We often refer to it as inside a structure or building …or at least on the fire ground. Another term that goes along with it is situational awareness … or knowing not only where you are but what is / can happen around you.

So where am I?? I wish I knew.

It’s an uncomfortable position for me. In the past, even when I’ve been somewhere I shouldn’t be; I at least knew I was there. Now, I’m not so sure. I’m lost.

If any of ya find me, please let me know or just take me home (of course I don’t even know where “home” is anymore).

Obviously, I’m not here (where I have been or where I’m used to being). I haven’t been for 3 months now and I can’t seem to figure it out.

I’ll assume that you guys have … figured it out that is. Obviously, by my lack of postings / presence something is still not right. I also know that you’re most likely tired of hearing me whine and cry … tired of my “softer” side. Many of you have sent e-mails, comments etc excited to see bits and pieces of the “old Willie” and that style of posting back. The honest answer is that I’m just not there yet. I tried to get there but couldn’t…. not yet. At least you haven’t forgotten about me.

There is a TON of material out there and things I want to say / comment on but I just can’t find the energy to sit down and write it out. I can’t find the words. It’s not “flowing” in my mind ….. I guess it’s what they mean by writers block (if you can call me a writer…LMAO).

I’ve been in a fog. Wondering …. aimlessly. Still searching for my answers. Answers I may never find.

Maybe this direction, these type of postings is where I need to be. Maybe I can be of more help to the Brotherhood by sharing these stories than I can of my everyday firehouse life / opinion etc.

I can’t imagine keeping a very big audience along this path but if I can make a difference in just one Brother or Sister’s life, I think it would be worth it.

I don’t know where I’m going yet … hell, I’m not 100% sure of where I’ve been now that I try to put it all into perspective. I think we’ve all been here … it’s just my first trip.

For me, the hits just keep coming. I feel like I can’t keep my head above water. I’m dry but drowning!

Jack’s suicide, my moms cardiac procedure (which turned out way better than expected) and, Boot’s cancer surgery. Everything seemed to hit at once. I’ve tried to be strong … to set an example…strong yet open. It hasn’t been easy. Everyone wants me back but I’m not sure I can get there. I’m not sure how much longer I can hold on to the little sanity I have but I’m trying.

Alison Krauss has several lines in her song “Paper Airplane” that hits home with me … one says …. “And love is hard to measure
hidden in the rain. That’s why you’ll find me…Here all alone and still wondering why. Waiting inside for the cold to get colder…”

Another from the same song is ….“How many days should I smile with a frown? ‘Cause you’re not around with the sun on your shoulders…”

Here’s a video of her singing the song if you’re not familiar with it or her music … I’m a HUGE fan.

Smile with a frown … sound familiar to any of ya?

Now, for me at least; it keeps piling on and I’m faced with even more challenges … more questions, more demons and battles to fight.

Today, I moved Jackson’s things out of dad’s house (that’s where he had been staying since his wife put him out and also where he decided to end his life). I smelt him as I moved every box. I smell him now. It’s was like an avalanche of emotion overtaking me once again.

It still seems like only yesterday to me but I know it’s not. I know this because yesterday, I found myself waiting once again for the phone to ring. I waited but he didn’t make that Easter morning call. I wanted to dial his number but couldn’t. Nothing is as it should be.

I don’t know how dad has done it. How he’s stayed there in the house. Past the birthdays and holidays. He’s got to be hurting as much as me and it’s killing me knowing it.

It’s even difficult for me to be around dad now. Him and Marci both look like and remind me so much of Jackson that it hurts. Worse than that … it suffocates me. I can’t explain it. Is this the life I’m left to live? Alienated from my own family? When will it end? Will it ever? Apparently not…

Thursday, Donna (my wife); will have a lump removed from behind her breast (under her arm). We wont know what it is until they get it out and see.

The procedure is weighing heavy on my mind. She’s staying strong for me and the girls while I’m quietly bleeding out. I’m not sure how much more I can take.

I feel like an old dilapidated barn. Old and worn yet just strong enough to leave you wondering how it’s still standing. I wish I knew. I wish I had it’s strength.

I want to leave this place … to go somewhere … anywhere but here yet I know I can’t. I know all roads will lead me back …. back to my struggles, my challenges, back to the things you cant run from. I’ll stay and fight.

I know there are many of you out there fighting the same battles. Several of you have reached out and spoken with me personally. I’ll remind you once again of the many resources available to us. Resources unique to “public safety”…. resources who understand who we are, where we came from and the challenges we face.

Behavioral Health issues … Grief, Stress, PTSD … issues unique and as personalized as those suffering through them. Issues all of us on the job have faced (most of us anyway). Here are some links for help. Links that will help you begin your journey … friends to guide you down the path… your start to the healing process.

The Sweeney Alliance, Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, North American Firefighter Veteran Network,

Grief.com, Recover from Grief.com ,

“At an international conference on Friday, March 1, the NFFF (National Fallen Firefighters Foundation) introduced a new Behavioral Health Model that changes the way the fire service assists firefighters and others on the path to healing. It is based on the concept that no two firefighters will necessarily have the same reaction — not even to the same call”.

“Helping Firefighters Deal with Psychological Stress from Job’s Routine and Extraordinary Events”

Trust me Brothers and Sisters … USE THESE LINKS, the alternatives are NOT where we want to be. How well do you think you understand depression? Find out below …

Depression Quiz

I’ve talked about the stages of grief in a previous post titled “Melt Down”.

They are all experienced differently and in varying order but they are basically Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance, Pain & Guilt, and Reconstruction.

I’d say that the odds are that many of you know someone who is grieving. I’d also bet that you’re not sure what to say or how to act around them. Maybe this link will help ….

10 Best and Worst things to say to someone grieving

As for me, I’ve talked about not being able to eat or sleep. About not being able to keep anything down (on my stomach) and having an irritable bowel. I’ve shared being unfocused and distracted from rational thought, purpose or direction. What we don’t hear a lot about is where these things can lead when left untreated. Anger, the many forms of abuse … domestic, spousal and/or substance and even suicide .

There are many Brothers and Sisters out there battling Grief, Depression and/or PTSD that can’t see their way through or past their suffering. For many, suicide seems their only way “out”. Don’t stand idle and watch these Brothers and Sisters fall. Like many of you have done for me, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE in their lives as well, in their healing process. Start talking about Behavioral Health in your Department (paid or volunteer, large or small). Use the links I’ve provided and look for more.

The recent events of my recovery are merely an expected bump in the road. I’ve known that a holiday, a random picture, odor, memory etc would bring back a flood of emotion. I’m still searching for my “new normal” and fighting my way back to where I want and need to be. I’ll get there. Thanks again for all the continued understanding and support. I’m still here. I know this is not the post you were hoping / looking for but it’s all I have right now.

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on April 2, 2013 • Filed under: administration-leadership, ems-health-safety, firefighter-safety-health, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: Alison Krauss, Allison Krauss Paper Airplane, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, Depression, Fire Critic, Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, firefighter pics, Firefighter stress, Firefighter Suicide, firefighters, grief, house fire, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, NFFF, North American Firefighter Veteran Network, stages of grief, Statter 911, Suicide, The Sweeney Alliance, Working fire

A little “old school” Captain Wines catching up…

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I hope everyone enjoyed their St Patrick’s Day weekend … I know I did.

Our Parade was held on Saturday but I was working. I had pulled my tour on Friday and then covered for Rhett until about 1pm on Saturday. I think he had some kind of dance class or something.

Time lapse video and more on Roanoke’s St Paddy’s Day Parade. Click HERE

It looks like I missed a good parade but I did make it downtown to raise a pint or two later that evening. I had a BLAST.

Most every bar / pub was full of Brother and Sister Firefighters. Salem, Roanoke County, Botetourt, Bedford and more …. the Valley’s Fire Service was represented well. I seen some really cool shirts and even a few kilts. I had some GREAT conversations and was able to see some Brothers I hadn’t in some time. It felt good to be “out” again.

A Brother from a nearby Department took the opportunity to ask for some of my thoughts concerning RIT / RIC (Rapid Intervention Teams / Crews). Apparently, this Brothers Department is putting together their first RIT “bag” and developing SOP’s / SOG’s concerning the formation and activation of RIC.

The hot topic quickly became how a RIC should be equipped…. what tools they should carry. More specifically, he wanted to know should the RIC have a charged hose line? My reply … NO.

There is a Department very close to me who’s SOP’s say that RIC must have a charged line but I disagree with that philosophy.

I reminded this Brother that the “R” in RIC stands for “Rapid”. Advancing a charged line will only slow the crew down.

An additional line(s) should be put into place in an effort to protect the downed firefighter(s) and the RIC but not by the RIC themselves. In addition, if there’s active fire; containment / extinguishment efforts should continue until all downed members are removed from the structure.

I explained that the tools etc they choose to carry should be dictated by the construction and type of structure involved in the fire (as well as by the number and skill level of members assigned to RIC). Yea … “skill level”. I don’t want a bunch of “yard breathers” or screw ups assigned as RIC. Think about it…. if you “go down”, who would you want coming to get you?

Anyway, it was a good conversation and I told him I’d put it out here to hopefully generate some additional comments. Leave us your thoughts / comments …. what tools do your RIC carry? Do they take a charged line?

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book. Click HERE

Just in time for St Patrick’s Day, I received an AWESOME gift all the way from Ontario.

My good friend and Brother Mitchell Brown sent me this beer Stein!

Mitchell wrote me a little while back to ask if I drank beer …. LMAO ….yea! Next thing I know, I get a box in the mail.

You may know Mitchell or have seen some of his work on Face Book from over at “Smoke is Showing … Fire Ground Photography”. You can more of his photos on his web site by CLICKING HERE .

I also recently received the two framed pictures shown with the stein. Another good friend, Brother and GREAT photographer, Nate Camfiord sent them to me. Nate actually took the photo of me and Rhett (left) while Baron Mosley took the shot of me and Hunter of TEAM HUNTER. THANKS for thinking of me Brothers and for the AWESOME gifts!

I’ve actually been trying to get out of the house more and more each day.

A few weeks back, Rhett made the trek over the mountain and we paid a visit to my local VFD … Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Station #4

Firefighter (and Brother) Joe Francisco (2nd from right) has invited me out to the station on several occasions. For one reason or another, I haven’t been able to make it. I’m glad we made / took the time.

What a GREAT crew! These Brothers and Sisters meet at least once a week for some type of training and to eat together. Yea …. they cook and eat together on their training / duty night. BEAUTIFUL!

THANKS for the invite, the station tour and the Brotherhood shared that night. Thanks also for your dedication and service …. keep up the good work!

Speaking of Rhett, my little buddy / sidekick has apparently “caught feelings”. There’s actually a lot of that going around these days.

It seems as if a lone firefighter has messed up a “good thing” here in The Noke.

For some time now, Golds Gym has allowed our Firefighters to workout and use their facilities free of charge…. an AWESOME gesture that many of our members took full advantage of.

Indications are that a single member went overboard and abused Gold’s generosity. Rumor has it that this member was bringing multiple family members (or non-firefighter friends etc) to the gym under the free access. This lone member cost several others and Rhett is pissed!

“I only hope that I don’t find out who messed it up for us until after I cool off. Whoever it was just cost me about $400 a year. Not only that, but they gave me and my department a black mark.”

Read his entire post on the incident by clicking HERE.

For those of you who don’t know, Rhett has been on a strenuous workout and diet program for some time now. He’s bulking up for some kind of bikini contest or something that he entered with his wife (some details are in his post linked above).

It makes no sense to me. If I were him, instead of prancing around up on the stage in a speedo, flexing my muscles, I’d want to be out in the audience watching my wife.

I’d be sitting there with a beer when Becky comes out telling everyone “that’s my wife” and how I had to watch her try on 50 bikinis before she picked that one! LMAO

I also don’t understand all the fuss about Golds Gym. We have weights in the stations. Why can’t he just do like I do?

A few weeks on my routine and he could have a body like mine… yea … he could look this good too! LMAO

All kidding aside, Rhett has shown a level of focus, dedication and discipline that we all should have. He has not faltered or strayed (not even a single beer!).

His members were bragging to me just last Saturday how despite not eating with his members (being “in the kitchen”) due to his diet, he still cooks and runs the kitchen for them. He just has to prepare two meals vs one…. twice the work. That Brothers and Sisters is a good Officer (taking care of his members despite his needs / desires) … it’s Brotherhood and his members recognize and appreciate it.

He knows I’m just busting his balls a little with the jokes. I hope he knows how proud I am of his accomplishments and the example he’s setting for the rest of us (no matter the outcome of his bikini contest..LOL) … keep up the STRONG WORK Brother!

So there’s an attempt at an “old school” type of Ironfiremen.com post. Many of you have been missing and looking for em. Hope you enjoyed it … I’ll give ya more soon.

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on March 19, 2013 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, news, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: Beer Steins, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Catawba Volunteer Fire Department, Dave Statter, Fire Critic, firefighter fitness, firefighter pics, firefighters, Golds Gym, house fire, Hunter Mosley, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Mitchell Brown, Rapid Intervention Crews, Rapid Intervention Teams, RIC, RIT, Roanoke County Fire and Rescue, Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Station #4, Smoke is Showing, Smoke Is Showing Fire Ground Photography, Statter 911, Working fire

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

A needed distraction …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on February 20, 2013 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: Alt Kilt, brotherhood, building fire, Bunker Kilts, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, Fire Critic, firefighter, firefighter fitness, firefighter pics, firefighters, house fire, John Deer, Long Island Fire Rescue and EMS Mega show, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, MN8 products, Statter 911, Working fire, Zach Green

I dont know ….

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I’d like to make this a “regular” Ironfiremen.com post. I’d like to bring ya some controversy, some training thoughts or at least a picture of some half nudity ( I was called the “titty blog” earlier this season you know?). I can’t do that …. not yet …. I’m not “normal” at this point and I’m not sure I’ll ever be.

I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. I also know that you, my readers and followers; will only follow so much of my “preaching”. I have got to get back to somewhere close to what made you follow the site. It’s difficult to do. I WANT you to continue following because now I know that I have something very important to tell ya …. I wasn’t always sure of that…. I am now.

We’ve hit most every subject here on Ironfiremen.com over the years. It’s most often a topic around firefighter safety and/or saving our own…. that’s where my heart lies. To me, there’s not a more important issue to speak about. I’ve spoken of the “typical” MAYDAY on multiple occasions. As in when a firefighter finds him or herself in danger. Knowing where, when and how to call for help and to not be ashamed of it. We’re getting better at it.

I’ve added to the topic and written about a “personal” mayday in that we also need to call for emotional support. We need somewhere or someplace to “vent”. Someone to tell what’s on our minds. A place to share our emotions and feelings. The good and the bad. I’m not sure you understood what I was saying at the time but … PLEASE … read em again by hitting the links below….

“A BAD day for Randy gets worse … “ and “Time for a MAYDAY”

My support following Jack’s suicide has been phenomenal. I’M LUCKY ! I know that. Not all of you have the “reach” or support group that I’m subjected to. I wish you did …. we ALL deserve it.

Jack’s death has not been easy on me …. it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever encountered. I LOST MY BROTHER! Dad lost a son!

He killed himself in my dad’s home …. I was there. I seen it. I worry about what dad seen and had to do before I got there. I worry about the brothers and sisters who responded to our home for this type of incident. What they had to see and their knowing that it was “our” house and family member (Dad and myself).

I knew how to respond … as a first-responder but never thought I’d be there as a brother. Never thought about having to care for dad being there. My wife, my sister, my cousin …. friends and family. This was personal …. it was FAMILY.

I assisted in the arrangements. We took visitors, smiled, hugged and shook hands …. I didn’t want to. It’s what I was taught to do and what needed to be done. I had to “hold it together”. I slept in the basement, just feet from where Jackson slept every night. Feet from where he eventually took his own life. I say I slept but the honest answer is that I laid awake there every night … unable to sleep. Pondering, waiting for him to walk into that room.

Today / tonight is NOT all that different. I re-live those moments (many of which I can not share yet) with every breath. I think of it as “ground hog day” …. it will never end and forever haunt me.

I didn’t think I could but last week, I took a step forward. I returned to duty and I’ve never been so scared in my life!

Within 10 minutes of entering the station, we received a call (run). We were tones for a possible house fire. My mind was racing (for reasons yet divulged) . What would I do? How could I focus on the task at hand when my mind was somewhere so far away? Was I placing my members in danger? Could I make the right decisions? Would I do the right thing?

Luckily, the house was not on fire. The basement had flooded due to the rain and snow, The occupant had several cans of gasoline (and other flammable liquids) stored down there which had overturned due to the high water. The home had gas hot water and heat but luckily, the water level had snuffed out the pilot lights. We secured the utilities, pumped the water and vented the home/ It was an otherwise “routine” run but my mind was in a million places. It could have gone so bad so quickly.

We continued to run that day. One call after another. We caught a 5 vehicle accident involving an ambulance (with a patient on board) form a neighboring agency and ended the night with a 2nd alarm at a 1st due 9 story apartment complex. My nerves were shaken to say the least. It wasn’t an easy tour.

How do I talk about it? Who do I tell?

Can I talk to dad about it? About my fears? He retired with 30 years of service and the title of one of the best firefighters on the job. How about my Chief? Which one? Which has REALLY been there? Which would understand? Maybe they’d seize this opportunity to find the reason to get rid of me once and for all? No ….. I couldn’t share any of this with them.

E.A.P (Employee Assistance Program) …. what do “they” know about what I’ve seen? What I think and / or fear? They aren’t firemen …. they don’t know what we’ve seen …. what we’ve done. I had nowhere to turn. OR SO I THOUGHT.

Brothers and Sisters I’m telling you NOW ….. we DO have somewhere to go … somewhere to turn to … someone who’ll listen. I’m going to start talking about it a lot. I’m going to because I want YOU to know that they are there. THEY …. someone who UNDERSTANDS, and they are there for US!

I’m in a deep, DARK place in my life but I also know that I will pull through. I KNOW I WILL because of the support I have received … the support WE have.

There’s NO SHAME in it. TALK ….. SHARE YOUR FEELINGS. Your pain, sorrow, hurt and even joy. SHARE IT. …. LET IT OUT, it’s therapeutic. TRUST ME.

It doesn’t make us “less” of a fireman … it makes us STRONGER. It makes us BETTER!

I’m getting there … little by little. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think about or miss Jack. He was my little brother … I’m supposed to think about him. I was here to take care of him. I may have failed.

I watched the Super Bowl last night … I don’t watch football …. Jackson did. I pulled for the Ravens. They were the “home” team and from what I can tell, the “underdogs” as well. That sums us up ….(me…you… Jackson) the home team AND the underdogs.

Well, we won. We won yet I’m still here. I’m still lost.

I’ll keep searching till I find what it is I’m looking for. Maybe one day, I’ll share it with you … I’m not ready yet. I’ll keep looking. Digging, scratching. I may never find it but I’ll look. My dad and mom found it …. it came to them … I should be so lucky.

Until then, I’ve realized that I have chosen to live. I had to. There’s no life without it and unlike Jackson, I realize how many people love, think about and depend on me. I’m in it for the long haul. The Paul Harvey commercial reminded me of that …. we ( I ) have a purpose….

The support I’ve received through this trying time has been overwhelming. The phone calls, e-mails, messages etc. The comments and concern about me and my entire family. What really got me was when they asked about the Buckaroo. How he was doing. Well, the honest answer is that I haven’t been here for him. We haven’t explained whats going on to him. All he knows is that his uncle Jackson is gone to be with Jesus and that his Paw-Paw isn’t around much anymore. It has to be confusing.

That’s another reason to get back into shape. So that my family can get back to “normal” as well. Of course, when I say “my family” I mean you as well. I sold most of my cattle. When I say most, I mean that I still own those that nobody else would buy … my long horns.

That means that the Buckaroo and I still have some obligations to fulfill. Our animals come first. So for all of you asking ….. THANKS. It hasn’t been the best of circumstances for him but he’s doing OK. I haven’t been “there” for him but I will be. Here’s a short video of us heading out to feed / water yesterday. I hope you enjoy it.

My other family …. I’ll be reaching back to them as well. Closer to my firehouse family … to the Brotherhood and to my wife and children. It’s ok to need and want to lean on each other in times like these. I know none of you will let me slip … much less fall.

Also please don’t forget to reach out if and when you need someone to talk to, WE ALL DO. Once again I’ll add some links that have been helpful for me … USE THEM.

Grief.com, Recover from Grief.com , The Sweeney Alliance,Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, North American Firefighter Veteran Network

I’m back on duty tomorrow and will update ya as soon as possible …. THANKS again for the support!!!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on February 4, 2013 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, ems-health-safety, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: brotherhood, Buckaroo, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, emotional health, emotional health and wellness, Farmer, Fire Critic, Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, firefighter emotional health, firefighter health and wellness, Firefighter mental health, firefighters, grief, Ironfiremen, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, mental health, NFFF, North American Firefighter Veteran Network, Paul Harvey, Roanoke Fire/EMS, stages of grief, Statter 911, Super Bowl, Super Bowl Commercials, The Sweeney Alliance, Willie Wines Jr, Working fire

$$ Thousands $$ in FREE swag plus some eye candy!! … MERRY CHRISTMAS from Fire Critic and Ironfiremen.com

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Tomorrow is the BIG DAY ! Thursday December 13, 2012 kicks off what is possibly the largest giveaway by Fire Service Bloggers EVER!

The Fire Critic / Iron Firemen 12 Days of Christmas starts tomorrow and we’ll be giving away thousands of dollars worth of “swag: right up until Christmas. There will be 44 winners in all and the prizes are AWESOME!!!

It FREE and EASY to ENTER TO WIN. It’s also not too late. If you haven’t already, simply use the link below to register ….

Enter to WIN by clicking HERE !

We will draw the winners every day (afternoon / evening) right up until Christmas. You can see who won and the prizes they’ll receive by checking here or over at FireCritic.com

You should also be following our “Fan Pages” on Face Book. Join over 18,000 others an stay connected to The Fire Critic and Iron Firemen.com by using the links below …

Find Ironfiremen on Face Book HERE and The Fire Critic on Face Book HERE

Our banner (above) details the businesses who provided these great products for the give away. Use the links below for more details on these companies, including Face Book pages, web sites etc. You will also find a schedule of the products to be given out. DON’T FORGET … it’s NEVER too late to enter.

I will also begin the 2012 installments of Santa’s Sexy Helpers here on Ironfiremen.com tomorrow!

For all our new followers / readers, it’s kind of become a tradition for me to share a daily picture of some of Santa’s little helpers.

If these little helpers are as NAUGHTY as they appear, they most likely will not receive a visit from ol Santa. At least maybe they will earn some bonus points for next year due to putting a smile on our faces!

They (the photos) get better each day so be sure to check in daily! Just wait til ya see what we’ll leave under the tree for ol Santa Claus on the 25th!!!

I’ll check back with ya tomorrow with the 1st of both….. our 1st winners from the Fire Critic / Iron Firemen 12 Days of Christmas and the 1st installment of the IronFiremen.com 2012 Santa’s Sexy Helpers (the photo above is just a teaser) !

I hope you enjoy em both …. THANKS for the continued support! Until I get back, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 12, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 12 Days of Christmas, 2012 Santa's Sexy Helpers, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, Fire Critic, Fire Critic / Ironfiremen 12 Days of Christmas, firefighter pics, firefighter products, firefighters, free giveaway, Holiday give away, house fire, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Rhett Fleitz, Santa's sexy helper, Statter 911, Working fire

WTF ! Rookie Randy leaving Lucky #13

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In the words of Chief Billy Goldfeder … WTF !

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

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

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

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

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

Read “Our new Rookie … “ by clicking HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Of course sometimes it took more than one try …LOL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Firefighter gatherings, a Priest and leaving the nest …

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

It was a GREAT event and very well attended.

The retirees LOVE these types of events.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IAFF Local 1132 Retirees Breakfast

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

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

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

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

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

Find me on FACE BOOK HERE

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

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

Fire Product Review.com / Alt Kilt review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on December 8, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: Alt Kilt, Black Diamond Boots, brotherhood, building fire, Bunker Kilts, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Captain Wines, Dave Statter, Fire Critic, Fire department Chaplin Program, Firefighter Bible, firefighter kilts, firefighter pics, firefighters, house fire, IAFF, IAFF Local 1132, IAFF Local 3478, Ironfiremen, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Randy Armbrister, retired firefighters, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Salem Fire / EMS, Willie Wines Jr, Working fire

Roanoke’s Bravest face another heavily involved structure fire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Defining Aggressive, Part I Tasks and Identity

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

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

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

Story from Roanoke.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

The location was actually a fairly large church.

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

We were first in on this one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until I get back, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

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

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

2 comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find local news coverage HERE.

(more pictures in the link above)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Captain Wines

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

Follow up on Wytheville … Damn that evil Captain Wines and his mustache!

5 comments

The comments etc are heating up following my last post surrounding several issues in Wythe County Va. … more specifically, the Wytheville Fire Department.

Some are even trying to make me out as the “bad guy” here.

It’s been suggested that I am untrained and lack the intellect to publish my opinion or comments on Fire/EMS related issues pertaining to communities that I don’t live in (For some unknown reason, apparently; my mustache is also partly to blame …lol).

Read my previous post HERE

There are several issues here and, if you’ll stick with me; we’ll go over them.

First off, this is MY site. The views and opinions published here are MINE. They are in no way connected to, approved by or endorsed by my employer. With that said, I would hope that my 25+ years in Fire/EMS (paid and volunteer) along with my certifications, experience etc does allow for me to form an educated, valid opinion on such issues. This site is merely an outlet for me to voice them. With all due respect, if you don’t like the stories I publish … don’t read them. I value your opinion and your right to disagree with mine. My comment policy is open as long as it’s kept civil. There are a few words / phrases that will cause your comment not to be “approved” but it has nothing to do with whether or not you agree with or speak positive of me or this site (very few comments have NOT been approved … none pertaining to the Wytheville post).

I’ve been asked … why “pick on” Wytheville, their Fire Department and the Chief?

I’m not “picking on” any of them. I’m publishing information related to issues that I see as problematic for the Fire Service and the communities we serve.

They are not small issues either …. there are some very serious problems exposed in my post and many more questions left unanswered.

I see myself as an advocate for the Fire Service. Like my father, I too am a firefighter and I take a lot of PRIDE in that. I have that same PRIDE for the Brothers and Sisters who came before us … the ones who helped build the American Fire Service and bring us to the level at which we are today … the best in the world! That’s why I titled this site as I did … a reflection back to the days of “Wooden Ladders and Iron Firemen”.

I’m an advocate for firefighters, paid and volunteer alike. “Everyone Goes Home” is not just a “catch phrase” for me. I work extensively with multiple organizations to directly support Departments and their members in need. I am fortunate enough to be able to do so on a level greater than just the community I serve.

I’m also an advocate for those we protect …our citizens … our communities …. large and small. Part of our duty as firefighters is public education and I believe it goes deeper than fire prevention. I think we also need to educate our customers on acceptable levels of service. What SHOULD they expect from their Fire Department? They also need education on what’s needed to meet those standards as far as funding, staffing, training, equipment etc. In some communities, our firefighters need that same education.

So, back to Wytheville. I’ve been posting about Wythe County for some time now. It all started back when I posted about the issues in Botetourt County and convicted felons serving on Fire/EMS agencies. Several months back, Wythe County made a bold and smart decision (in my opinion) in not allowing felons to actively serve. They also faced issues within the Speedwell VFD and were forced to make another bold decision that closed the doors “in the interest of Public Safety”.

The Wythe County Board of Supervisors has earned my faith in being able to make the right vs popular decision. I think they acted appropriately in both of the previous situations. Find Wythe County’s web site HERE.

Now, they’re facing issues within the Wytheville Fire Department and I believe they can all be traced back to poor leadership / management. These issues are not new, nor were they “made up” by me. Where is the first place to look within a Department when you have issues such as these??? The Chief. In this case, The Wytheville Fire Department’s Chief is Ronnie “Ron” King ( find his Firefighter Nation Bio HERE )

I don’t know Chief King personally, nor do I have anything “against” him. This is NOT a personal attack. For all I know, Chief King is a great person and an upstanding member of his community.

I’ll just add that it takes more than that to be the Chief of a Department. Among other things, it takes responsibility. Responsibility for his members and the community they’re sworn to serve and protect.

Most recently, the Wytheville Fire Department has had 2 fires within a week. The fires were just miles apart and approx 5.8 miles from their station. Both homes were a total loss. Now don’t get me wrong … houses burn down … urban and rural. I’ve made plenty of vacant and parking lots over my career. What troubles me is some of the details involved in these fires.

A secure, well established water supply seems to be at least one of the issues on both incidents. Was the Wytheville Fire Department not aware that water is an issue in this area? Have they not Pre-Planned this area and made preparations for water? Why are neighboring jurisdictions not automatically dispatched to these areas to assist with tankers? Do they not have automatic and mutual aid agreements within their own County? Is this a Department or County issue?

Are all the tankers in the County outfitted the same? Do they have the same diameter hose, type of couplings etc? Are they compatible with each other? If not, are the members aware and do they carry the necessary adapters? All this information should be worked out well in advance of a fire.

It’s been said that there were “issues” with a dry hydrant on one of the fires. Was this a training issue, equipment failure or something else? What exactly was that problem and who is working to correct it?

The Chief was quoted in an article talking about the “new technique” he deployed on the Crockett’s Cove Road fire. They basically preformed salvage efforts as opposed to extinguishing the fire (members did enter the Chase Lane fire for interior attack and searches). It made no sense. I’m not alone in my thoughts here … watch the video (just for a good laugh) and then read the article and the comments from SW Va Today in the link below….

Full article from SW Va Today found HERE

(Also read comments from my Face Book pages HERE and HERE)

I’d love to know more details and the thought process here. If the house was too well involved to enter for suppression efforts, then what made it safe enough for salvage operations? I’m pretty well versed on strategy and tactics yet I still can’t make sense of this operation ( “new technique”). Maybe instead of cutting the exterior walls, they could have cut a hole in the roof for ventilation? Knocked it down from the exterior before pushing in (transitional attack)? I don’t want to “Monday morning quarterback” this one to death but there just seems to have been so many more options. BASIC options that may have resulted in the saving of more than a few guns, some cloths and an x-box.

I’m sure there were factors on scene that I’m not aware of … after all, I wasn’t there. I’m curious as to the minimum level of training within their Department. How many of their members are “certified” for interior operations? How many of those were on scene of the Crockett’s Cove fire?

How often to they train? What are the topics and who are the instructors? Do they have a Training Chief (Officer)? Do they ever train with their neighboring Departments?

How many members do they have on the roster? How many were on scene and in what time frame? Do they use the Incident Management System and if so, how are they accountable for those members? What is their policy on responding in personal vehicles?

I believe the town staffs a single paid member at the station who acts as a Driver / Operator (engineer). Do they allow this member to leave the station with a staffing of only one?

So many of these questions/factors could have fatal consequences if not answered / addressed. Do they have the “it will never happen here” mentality? I hope not…. the results can be devastating…FATAL.

Can you imagine the NIOSH report should something ever happen when tactics like these are being deployed on a regular basis? Who would they hold accountable? The County? The Town? The Department? The Chief? The Training Officer? It doesn’t matter because it wont bring back the dead. Death is not an “illusion” … it’s VERY REAL and never pretty.

Read a previous post “The Illusion of Death” click HERE

Again, more and more questions arise. Minimum staffing. Just how effective is a single member responding on a piece of apparatus? Did you watch that video above … YOU NEED TO. Yea.. but our members live close and can get there quick. Really? How quick? How fast will they have to drive to do so? There have been 73 Line of Duty Deaths so far this year. 46.6% of them were volunteers. 15.1% of those were while responding (find the entire report and more details HERE).

Again, I think I’ve raised some legitimate questions and concerns. If the members of the Wytheville Fire Department have become complacent, they need to WAKE UP. Firefighting is NOT a hobby! Maybe the residents of Wythe County don’t expect more .. if they don’t, they’re being cheated and the Wytheville Fire Department is doing their community a disservice. From what I’ve seen, the money spent on turnout gear and suppression equipment could be better spent somewhere else. They could run a salvage crew (related links HERE and HERE) and do the same as what they appear to be accomplishing now.

I should add here that I’m certain the Wytheville Fire Department, as well as Wythe County; has some GREAT firefighters. These Brothers and Sisters have a response area that includes 2 major Interstates (I-81 and I-77), urban / wild land interface, industrial complexes etc. I hope they have a Chief capable of leading them in the right direction … Im not sure they do and if I’m right, I hope they find one. Their lives (and those of their community) depend on it.

I hope that by shedding light on these issues, the Wytheville Fire Department will emerge a better trained, safer and more efficient Department. That’s up to them and their leadership. I’ll extend an offer to these Brothers and Sisters to help in any way possible … all they have to do is ask.

I’ll remind those who commented stating that my facts in the original post were wrong that I attempted to contact the parties involved before publishing. I even requested transcripts from their 911 coordinator (who I believe is also a volunteer with the Wytheville Fire Department) through the Freedom Of Information Act so I could assure my timelines were accurate and read the communications first hand. So far, I have only been contacted by the Auxiliary and a member of the WFD who was pictured in the post.

Instead of following my site, maybe these folks should keep up with our good friend Dave Statter (Statter911.com) …. ok … they should follow us both.

Dave would have told them to reply to my requests and “get out in front” of the “issues”. That’s always better than playing “catch up” in these type of incidents .

Had they have replied, I would have been able to publish their “side” of the story. The side that despite all the comments etc, I still haven’t heard. Some of the comments are saying I have it all wrong but nobody is telling me what’s right.

As always, the comment section remains open. I’ll be back on duty tomorrow and check back in with ya as soon as possible. Until I do … stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on November 24, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Fire Dispatch, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, funding-staffing, news, Training, Uncategorized • Tagged: brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, Fire Chief, Fire Critic, Fire Department tankers, fire video, firefighter pics, firefighters, fully involved house fire, house fire, leadership, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, NIOSH, NIOSH Reports, rural water supply, Statter 911, Volunteer firefighters, Working fire, Wythe County, Wytheville Fire Department

New firefighting technique developed in Wytheville, Va?

17 comments

I’ve heard a lot of troubling news out of Wytheville, Va lately. The latest reports just shine more light on how bad the situation in Wythe County, Va really is.

You may remember back in August 2012 when I posted about the County (Wythe) closing the doors of the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department. They cited ”a lack of formal training” as just one of the reasons for the closure.

I later learned that they also had some trouble surrounding the former Speedwell Chief, Michael Hale; who had been convicted of felony embezzlement.

Read those previous articles HERE and HERE

Apparently, the County’s Chief Officer problem is not isolated to Speedwell.

In less than a week, the Wytheville Fire Department has had 2 house fires less than 4 miles apart in the Crockett’s Cove section of the County. Both homes were a total loss … burnt to the ground. The incidents happened just 5.8 miles from their station.

A lot of the reports I’m getting seem to point to poor leadership / management within the Department. In my opinion, some of the stories even border negligence.

Before I go further, let me say that I attempted to contact many of the parties involved. I even requested a transcript of the latest incident from the Counties E911 director, Mr Davidson. I explained that I was working on a story surrounding these incidents and wanted to assure the information I have is as accurate as possible. I have yet to receive a reply from any of the people / agencies I contacted.

The latest fire occurred at 214 Crockett’s Cove Road on Friday, November 16, 2012 @ 2:15 pm (5.8 miles from the Wytheville Fire Department).

The home was a “TOTAL LOSS” with damages estimated at $75,000.

One of the sad things surrounding this incident is that they (the Wytheville Fire Department) are almost bragging about it!

The Chief, Ronnie King ??? He’s taking FULL CREDIT.

A local paper, SW Va Today; even used the headline ”Firefighters try out new technique in fire“.

“King, who thought of the idea, said he had never studied the technique in all of his years as a firefighter. I’d never heard of such a thing in all my hours of training, and I’ve had thousands and thousands of hours of training,” he said. “We plan on using it again.”

Chief King boasts 24 years in Fire / EMS. Read his Firefighter Nation Profile HERE

My first question is why Chief King didn’t name or title this new, revolutionary technique? He could have easily dubbed it something simple … maybe the “watch us let your house burn down technique”.

You see, instead of fighting the fire, which started in the living room and was “room and content” upon arrival; King directed his members to go straight to salvage operations.

Yes … SALVAGE. I don’t know how Chief King never learned that term in his “thousands and thousands of hours of training”. It’s such a simple term .. SALVAGE.

They cut a hole in an exterior wall on the opposite side of the home from the room of origin. They then formed a human chain to pass out firearms, clothing and even an X-Box. (click on the picture to enlarge it and you’ll see the members operating at the “hole”)

I need to get on the phone to Bobby Halton, Ray McCormick and a few other Brothers because apparently we’re going to have to change the technique of VES (Vent Enter Search) to Vent Enter Salvage.

Full story from SW Va Today HERE

When the Chief finally decided to try the technique the rest of American Firefighters use, putting water on the fire; he pulled small diameter hoses, attempted an exterior attack and quickly ran out of water…. IMAGINE THAT.

It’s my understanding that the Chief (Department) has a strict policy on interior firefighting. It’s very seldom attempted and then only at the discretion and orders of the Chief. The same policy applies to calling for mutual aid or additional resources such as a TANKER (Reports are that it was 45 minutes into the incident before mutual aid tankers were requested).

Egos, power struggles and a lack of training all seem to be prominent issues within the Wytheville Fire Department. The “good ol boy” system at work again as the Chief is elected by the members.

Here are some questions for the Chief …. Why did you not enter the house and attempt to extinguish the fire? Why did you not enter to “search”?

His reply is going to be that it was more than “room and content” upon arrival (it wasn’t). That the fire was too heavily involved.

Why then did you enter for salvage operations? Why did the members performing this “new technique” not have on proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus)?

What if the room you opened up was the bathroom? What would you have salvaged then? Did you know it was a bedroom in advance? Did you use a chain saw or rotary saw? Was the power company on scene, did you pull the meter or cut cut through the live wires?

Why waste water on a pile of rubble? If you let the house burn down, why not just let it burn itself out (note the small diameter hose line still in use in the picture above left)?

Did your members run out of pizza? Yea … PIZZA. Apparently, the Wytheville Fire Department has a VERY supportive Auxiliary. Several pizzas were delivered to the scene and consumed while the home continued to burn. Yea .. a house burning party in celebration of Chief King’s new X-box saving technique and it all happened in front of the residents!

Now, I’m all for salvage operations and firefighter rehab but COME ON…. pizza! Salvage is a vital part of our job but the best way to perform salvage is to extinguish the fire! Maybe then, these residents would have a TV to play their X-box on. Maybe they would have a home to put it in?

Apparently, Chief King is not a quick learner because he faced similar problems on the fire at 193 Chase Lane just a few days earlier on November 12th.

Once again, members ran out of water and there was a delay in requesting mutual aid tankers.

The use of small diameter hose lines was also reported.

The fire was said to have started “in the chimney” and the results were a total loss with damages estimated at over $70,000.

Smoke detectors alerted the residents of this home who all were able to escape without injury.

Chief King said “They are fortunate to be alive”.

That’s one thing he’s said that I’ll agree with.

Read the fully story HERE

The Wytheville Fire Department protects approx. 13,400 residents.

They cover a response area of 91.14 square miles.

Their claim an average response time of 3-7 minutes to their approximately 200 calls per year.

The Town of Wytheville has an ISO rating of 6 while the County’s rating is 9.

Here are some of the members giving a “thumbs up” at the Chase Lane fire. I guess they’re thankful to be alive.

Note the clean dry gear, the lack of SCBA and the small diameter hose line.

We can only hope Wythe County Administrators get a quick handle on this situation before there is a LODD (Line Of Duty Death) or the loss of civilians.

They seemed to have handled their Felon problem as well as the Speedwell issues rather swiftly. I believe that some of the Council members are actually volunteers themselves (hopefully that gives them a better understanding of the severity of these issues). They should at least start by dispatching additional tankers (or more) on all reported structure fires.

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book… Click HERE

I’ll keep ya updated on the situation as best possible. I hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving Holiday and remembered to think about our Brothers and Sisters out there pulling a tour away from their families.

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on November 22, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, Fire Chief Ronnie King, Fire Critic, firefighter pics, firefighters, firefighting operations, fully involved house fire, house fire, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Ronnie King, salvage, Statter 911, Working fire, Wythe County Va, Wytheville Fire Department

Veterans Day 2012

1 comment

Not to confuse the two, Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving.

Veterans day’s origins reach all the way back to 1918 with the German’s signing of the armistice, on the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month; ending World War I.

Right or wrong, I look at Veteran’s Day in a little different light. I say that because in my thoughts and reflections of this day, I include Fire, Rescue and Police members. I do that because in a way, we too are Veterans. Meaning no disrespect to those who have served in our armed forces, we too have stood on the “front lines” here at home. We are often the first to respond and first on scene when terrorism strikes here at home. In each and every City and Town, we are the first line of defense.

The photo to the right is the Header from a web site I happened across.

“The goal of this effort is to create and strengthen the connection between those who serve in the military and those who serve in the fire service as a means of bolstering both their ranks, their morale and their respect for each other’s work. We have plenty in common.”

Vist Soldier / Firefighter by clicking HERE

I also ran across some great Veteran’s Day quotes in an article over on the Huffington Post . Here are a few of my favorite …

“When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?” -George Canning

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” -Elmer Davis

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

THANKS YOU … to all our Veterans. THANKS to all who have served, over seas or at home. May God bless and protect each and every one you. May he also comfort and watch over your families while you’re away.

(Use the link above for more Veteran’s Day quotes from the Huffington Post.)

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Back on the job, it’s been BUSY, BUSY here in “the Noke”. Today is the last of the cycle for C-Shift and many have earned our upcoming 4-day break.

Last day, Friday; the Brothers and Sisters of the North Side were facing a series of suspected arsons. Actually, the South Side was affected as well seeing as how Engine #6 took in a fire in North East and ended up on the nozzle.

The incidents began around 11pm and lasted well into the morning.

There were several vehicle fires, one with extension to a structure; and a house fire (unoccupied).

I love the media coverage of these incidents (what little there was). If you didn’t know better, it sounds like PD handled the incidents. That could be really good news for Roanoke’s Bravest because if the Police Officers are going to handled the fires, maybe the firefighters will get guns !?! LMAO … who do ya think that would work out?

Local Coverage HERE, HERE and HERE .

Speaking of Engine #6, I got to work on the SouthEast Express with the Brothers and Sisters of A-Shift yesterday.

I was paying back some time I owed to Brad Creasy ..aka “Bedford” (pronounced BED FUD).. LOL

I had the boys a bit worried. I had been off sick the day before and wasn’t 100%. I was uncharacteristically quiet and it had em on their toes.

We had a good shift and even got to get out and enjoy the day with the community.

I love working that section of town and out of that House. Dad spent the majority of his career there and it’s where I made Lieutenant. I have a ton of GREAT memories from my days there, working and/or visiting dad.

Away from the station, it’s been just as busy. So busy in fact, that Rhett even had to make a post on IronFiremen on my behalf.

Well, that’s kind of the truth. You see, a previous Volunteer Fire Chief from our area is back in the news. The charges against him keep getting worse and worse. This time, it’s RAPE.

It was recommended by a Judge that I refrain from posting on this upstanding citizen and I did. Rhett, however; was able to get the story out and keep you all updated on the latest.

There are several issues from this story that need attention. Several lessons to be learned. I think I can talk about them without making “Mr innocent” the center of attention. I’ll try to get those posts up soon. Meanwhile, check out the Fire Critic’s quest post on Ironfiremen.com by clicking the link below.

“Questions remain for Botetourt County after former Chief arrested for RAPE”

I think he did a good job with the article and I can’t wait to see how the rest of this story unfolds. Thanks for taking the time Brother!

I say thanks for taking the time because Rhett is just as busy, if not more; as I am lately.

He’s been slamming the posts out over on the Fire Critic web site.

This is his busiest time of year posting wise.

To begin with, this is the time of year when he announces his picks for the Top Ten Firefighter Calendars. He does the list for both Male and Female Firefighter Calendars. If ya missed that post, use the links below ….

The 2013 Top Ten Calendars as chosen by The Fire Critic…

Top 10, 2013 Female Firefighter Calendars… CLICK HERE

Top 10, 2013 MAle Firefighter Calendars… CLICK HERE

This is also the time of year when Rhett puts out his Top Ten list for “Christmas Gifts for Firefighters”

This is my favorite list that he puts out all year. It’s always FULL of great gift ideas for the firefighter in your life. As much as I hate to mention it, Christmas is just a little over a month away. Get that shopping done early and allow for shipping time. He changed his format just a little this year and actually has several items in various categories. It’s a GREAT list … check it out below …

Fire Critic’s 2012 Top Ten Christmas Gifts for Firefighters!

We’ve also been busy over on another one of our sites that you may find helpful here at Christmas.

Of course, this site is a good one for firefighters year round … not just at Christmas.

The site is unique in that we allow you … the reader and consumer to “rate” the product as well. This way, you’re not just getting our opinion … you’re getting those of Brothers and Sisters from all across the world.

We have several new reviews up and several more awaiting posting. If you have a product you’d like us to review, CLICK HERE . Check out our reviews through the link below …

Click HERE for Fire Product Review.com

Find us on Face Book HERE. Click “Like”

Ok … that should keep ya busy and entertained for a bit. I’ll check back in over 4-day break. Until I get back, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on November 11, 2012 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: 2013 Firefighter Calendars, 2013 Top Ten Calendars, 2013 Top Ten Female Firefighter Calendars, arson, arson fires, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, famous quotes, Fire Critic, Firefighter Christmas gifts, firefighter pics, Firefighter Product Reviews, firefighters, house fire, Huffington Post, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Product Reviews, sexy firefighter calendars, Soldier / Firefighter, Top Ten Calendars, vehicle fire, Veterans Day, Veterans Day 2012, Working fire

A couple small fires, audio of Captain Wines establishing command and some firehouse fun

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I guess I should catch ya up seeing as how I haven’t posted since Halloween.

Not only was Halloween a busy shift, it was a busy cycle. We worked Monday, Wednesday and Friday last week. I HATE that cycle. This time, I even managed to squeeze in Hurricane Sandy, her aftermath and Halloween into the mix. You can read my Halloween post HERE .

My “black cloud” followed me the entire cycle, Friday was no better than Monday or Wednesday.

We had two small fires, one on the North Side, the other South Side.

The common denominator with the two seemed to be Engine Company #4, They were first in on both incidents (Smoke and More … running 4 !).

The first was a report of smoke inside and apartment. Members arrived to find a moderate smoke condition inside a second floor apartment.

The trouble was, there was no fire. Their investigation continued to the floor below where they located the source of the smoke. With the assistance of Ladder 5, the fire was quickly knocked down and the structure ventilated. Nobody was displaced and damages were minimal.

Later in the evening, Engine 4 would arrive to a single story ranch, residential structure to find a chimney fire in progress.

It’s funny how at this time of year we always see something like this incident. October is Fire Safety Month and our Department does an excellent job of educating / reminding our citizens about smoke detectors, batteries, chimney inspections, E.D.I.T.H (Exit Drills In The Home), Having 2 ways out, Meeting places, Stop, Drop and Roll etc.

All this work and effort yet we still see fires / incidents that could have been avoided.

Anyway, once again; the members on scene did a great job. Engine 4 was assisted by Ladder 7, Engine 1, Engine 8 and Medic 4, Battalion 1 and RS1. They got the fire out of the box (stove), used a dry chem, chimney bombs, PPV and chains to clear the flue. The better news is that they performed these operations without causing damage to the home (smoke etc) so once again, nobody was displaced.

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While we’re talking about fires, I’ll back up to the small one I had Halloween evening. I managed to be first in with the Chief’s buggy and established command. All members on scene, as always; did a GREAT job. I have some of the audio from the fire and will share it with you. It’s nothing spectacular. I’m not sure it sounds as smooth as it ran because a lot of my orders etc were done face to face. Everyone seemed to arrive at the same time (which is a good thing). Again I’ll remind you that, in my Department; our Incident Command model works toward 3 Bench Marks … “All Clear” on Primary and Secondary Searches, “Under Control” and “Loss Stopped”. You hear use make all three in the audio below…

Click HERE for Working Fire audio

Again, the good news was that we had no major incidents over the cycle (Monday’s post found HERE). With that said, the calls seemed to keep coming in … one after the other. I managed to throw my helmet up on the dash and turn on my FD Cam during one of our runs, If you’re not familiar with FD Cams, check them out by CLICKING HERE.

It’s a GREAT camera! Rhett and I both have one and should have a review up very soon over at Fire Product Review.com . Take a short ride with me while responding in the Battalion buggy by watching the video below ….

So that was some of the work that went on last cycle but, there was also some fun squeezed in as well.

The North Battalion runs out of Station #5 and C-shift has a great crew, Three of the members were adopted from The Melrose Misfits so it’s almost like being home again when I work out of that house… ALMOST.

They’re a strong crew. They work and train hard but they also play hard. You never have trouble finding a good laugh around this bunch!

Since it was Halloween, the boys figured to get some candy for the Trick or Treaters. Of course, they had to get some of those super sour tarts for themselves as well.

It wasn’t long until the shenanigans began.

Who could eat the most of em at one time?

Who could tolerate them the longest?

Who would be the first to give in?

Of course the only thing funnier than watching Wheezy suffer through a mouth full of em was watching him convince Carlie that it wasn’t “that bad”…

LMAO … yep … She tried it!

Poor gal. Actually, the pictures don’t do it justice… you had to be there.

I do have to say that she took it like a Champ. Had I have been the Judge, Carlie would have been crowned the winner. She’s tougher than she looks … that is until the “Boogie Man Mask” comes out. Then she screams like a… well…. she SCREAMED! LMAO

The boys caught her heading to the bunk room. The put the Boogie Man Mask on and met her (unexpectedly) at the door. I think they took about 10 years off her life! LMAO … I know … they used to get me ALL THE TIME with that damn mask! Check it out…

Ok, the wind everything up, I’ll just add that between chores, the Buckaroo and I did get out and vote .

I’m not going to say which way I went, nor will I bitch or gloat about the results. I will say that I’m honored to live in a Country where I have that choice. My voice was heard, regardless of the results.

With that said, I hope to now be part of the solution … not the problem. I will support our government anyway I can in hopes of improving our way of life.

I hope you can find a way to do the same.

In closing, please continue to keep our Brothers and Sisters on the Northeastern Coast in your thoughts and prayers and they continue to recover and rebuild.

Stay SAFE and in House … I’ll check back in as soon as possible.

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on November 9, 2012 • Filed under: command-leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, Fire Dispatch, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, news, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: brotherhood, Buckaroo, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, chimney fire, Dave Statter, Fire Critic, fire ground audio, fire photos, firefighter pics, firefighters, house fire, Incident Command, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, response video, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Statter 911, video, Working fire

Fortunately spared

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Hurricane Sandy didn’t hit S.W. Virginia as hard as expected. We were fortunate. Not all of the East coast was.

I would not have bet on her missing us. Like the hurricane, everything was in place for “the perfect storm”. You see, I’m riding as the acting Battalion for the North Side this cycle. The last time I rode was back on June 29th when a “Derecho” blew through town.

At the time, I didn’t even know what a “Derecho” was. Now, I’ll never forget. We were right smack in the middle of it …. a living HELL. Read my post about that night by clicking the title below.

A Vision of Calm in the midst of Hell

I say we were fortunate yesterday because as bad as I thought we had it back in June, it was NOTHING compared to what our Brothers and Sisters on the North Eastern Coast (and inland) faced last night.

Sandy made landfall in New Jersey but caused havoc from South Carolina to Maine. She was devastating to say the least. Reports are of at least 48 dead (including a LODD) and millions without power. In New York City, entire blocks burned. Houses were washed away in New Jersey, businesses destroyed and more, much more and worse.

The damages and rebuilding costs are sure to be overwhelming. The loss of life, 10 fold.

Lt. Russ Neary of Easton, Connecticut has been identified as the Firefighter who died in the Line Of Duty. More details in the links below …

Easton, Connecticut LODD Lt. Russ Neary (FireCritic)

You can also find more coverage of Hurricane Sandy and her after math in the links below …….

Raw Video of FDNY in action (Dave Statter)

Hurricane Sandy coverage from The Fire Critic

Fox News.com

For many of the millions in the path of (and affected by) hurricane Sandy, those hours she devoured the East Coast may have very well been the worst of their life.

On the other hand, I feel as if it may have been “our finest hour” for first responders (I say that with all due respect to the affected …. allow me to explain).

You see, those Firefighters, Police Officers, Medics, National Guard, Coast Guard members etc. pulling a tour also lived in Sandy’s path. They knew all to well that their personal lives / property would be affected yet they “stood their post”. It’s what we do !

They stood their post and performed BEAUTIFULLY!

I’ve read reports of members swimming to burning building to make searches / rescues.

Fire trucks loaded onto tractor trailers to better handle the high and rising water in the streets.

Rigs drafting flood water to knock down heavily involved buildings.

Swift Water teams making countless rescues.

Much like those members guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the actions of our Brothers and Sisters in response to hurricane Sandy scream of PRIDE and HONOR.

I should also mention the dispatchers (telecommunicators) on duty during the storm. WOW ! There’s no way we could do what we do without them.

I tried to listen to FDNY’s live dispatch between our runs and they continue to amaze me with their proficiency.

If you’ve never listened in, you should. You’ll be shocked. Take a listen and see what I mean, thanks to our Brothers over at The Bravest.com

There were several individuals (on the larger scale) who stood out in my mind as well.

Folks like Mike Brooks of HLN, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, NYC Mayor Bloomburg and a few more.

I know Mike Brooks personally and he had one hell of a segment on HLN yesterday. I haven’t been able to find it yet so I’ll wait until tomorrow to tell ya why these folks stand out in my mind.

I’ll also give a tip of the hat to my administration. Although we weren’t hit as hard as most (or as expected), we were prepared.

Unlike when the Derecho hit, we were not caught off guard. We were kept informed, given up to date projections / information and provided the necessary resources.

Fortunately, we only faced high winds and cold temps. Apparently the clean up from June’s Derecho was effective because we didn’t see near the number of downed power lines.

The Brothers from Stations #6, #11 and #1 made quick work of a residential fire over in South East. Other than that, we were spared any major incidents.

Just a quick post to say WELL DONE to everyone who pulled a tour during hurricane Sandy. STRONG WORK ! As power is restored and the water recedes, our duties will be just as hazardous. Situational and Positional Awareness !

Stay SAFE and in House … I’ll check back in tomorrow night.

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on October 30, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, Dispatch & Communications, Emergency Communications, Fire Dispatch, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident, news, rescues, special-operations, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: 2012 LODD, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Dave Statter, derecho, FDNY, Fire Critic, fire dispatch, fire video, firefighter pics, firefighters, FOX News, house fire, Hurricane Sandy, IAFF, live dispatch, LODD, LODD Lt. Russ Neary, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Lt. Russ Neary, Mike Brooks, perfect storm, Roanoke Fire/EMS, severe weather, Statter 911, The Bravest.com, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Working fire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about Augusta County Fire/Rescue by CLICKING HERE

Stay Safe and in House!

Captain Wines

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

The calls you just can’t “shake”

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It’s like scoring the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl. Like hitting the home run with bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, game 7 of the World Series. The play of all plays if you will. If only we were playing a game.

In our line of work, the consequences are much more severe. Here, in the real world; people die. We never want to see these tragedies happen but if and when they do, we want to be there. We want to be the one to find the victim, “make the grab” and save a life. It’s what we train for and why we’re here.

Read my post The Illusion of Death HERE

Many of us will work our entire career and never have the opportunity. These are the “lucky” ones. There are a lot more of us who will see more than our fair share of these types of incidents … house fires with entrapment, severe burns, fatal fires, arson / murder etc…. the kind of calls you never forget.

There’s a difference in the calls you never forget and the ones you can’t shake…. I have them both.

I hadn’t been on the job no time when I caught my first fire with Ladder 2 (I believe it was actually less than a month). The Captain had knocked on the window and yelled back to tell us (me and Scott Mutter) that we were going “work”….a “10-71″. Once there, we got off the rig, grabbed our tools and headed to the house to make our searches.

We were met in the front yard by a man pleading for help. He was burned. BAD. His skin was hanging off his body. He was almost “zombie like” in his movement and sounds… arms outward, walking stiff legged. I almost didn’t realize what I was seeing. I want to say “erie” but it was so much more than that … it was scary.

I had never seen a burnt person before much less one walking around pleading for help. We were already masked up and luckily, the Medics were right behind us to render aid. Because it was a “first” for me, this call is one that I will never forget but, in all honesty; it’s not one that I think about or remember often… I have those too.

I also remember my first “grab”. It was January 13, 1994 and I was driving the Battalion Chief.

We got there with smoke showing from a single story brick ranch and people screaming “he’s in the basement”. The Chief (Patton) took the basement door and I went in. I remember hearing him before seeing him. It wasn’t words I heard, it was his struggle for breath. A sound I hadn’t heard before.

Still, I found him quickly. At only about 110lbs, I grabbed him by the wrists and pulled with everything I had. I degloved him in an instant. I then got under his arms and around the chest to place him in a fireman’s drag. I made it back to the basement door where the Chief and others helped get him up the steps and to the yard for medical treatment. He lived for a few days before passing in the burn unit at UVA.

Not too long afterwards, I would move to Engine Company #5 and share the bucket with Scott Mutter ( one of the best firemen I know). At the time, #5 was arguably the busiest house in the City. We seen a ton of work. One year in particular, I believe we had 13 burn victims or fatalities. I remember one night, we were on our 2nd or 3rd fire of the shift. After locating a body in a 2 story, wood frame house fire, one of the guys from Engine #7 asked us about it. He wanted to know how we were always the ones finding the victims or bodies. How were we able to do it so quickly. I think he even surmised that we must have been setting the fires ourselves. Without missing a beat, Scott simply told him “we’ve never found one out here in the front yard” (That statement would not hold true for very long). Having already changed our bottles, we headed back inside the house to finish the job while leaving the inquisitive fireman in the yard to ponder our reply.

I made the 2nd “grab” of my career while assigned to #5, it may have even been the year that we had so many fatalities ….I’m not sure. This one was much like the first in that I heard her first, only time; I knew what the sound was and located her quickly back in the kitchen (1st floor).

I managed to drag her to a front room where other companies had took a window. I passed her out to the boys from Engine #3 and the awaiting Medics. I later learned that she was somehow related to one of our EMS supervisors and that she had lived. Although I’ve never seen or spoken to her since, I will never forget that night and the pride I felt in not only ”doing the job” but “doing it right”.

Again, there are so many things we see and do but will never forget, so many experiences…. good and bad

Read my post “Ramblings” and the subsequent ”Update“

Of course, like in the link above; even the “good ones” have a dark side. At the other end of the spectrum, try crawling through pitch black darkness reaching out for a sign of life and fearing what it may look like when you’re all of the sudden mask to face with it. The smell of burnt flesh. How severely burnt flesh contorts a body as it shrinks…. drawn lips and melted ears.

As bad as all that sounds, it gets even worse. Although we never forget calls like the ones above, others almost haunt you. Not only do you not forget them, you think about them often … even dream about them. Well, it’s more like a nightmare than a dream and I have those too.

I guess it’s kinda like PTSD . Mine had actually gone away for awhile until triggered by a recent event. Now don’t panic here folks … I’M FINE but the topic etc has been on my mind for a few weeks now (thus my lack in postings) and I figured what better therapy than sharing it with ya.

Scott and I had both made Captain. I was at Station #3 and he was back home at #5 (neighboring houses). We were both on the same shift. The early morning call came in as a house fire in the “projects” just between our two stations. It was May 5, 2002.

I got there first with smoke showing in the street but due to the weather, it was hanging low to the ground and spreading. We were going to have to look for this one.

Both crews scrambled for the source and finally we found the apartment. It was only a minute but seemed like an eternity. My firefighter had the line and made a knock on some fire on the 1st floor while I took Scott’s firefighter to the 2nd floor for a search ( Captain Mutter had established Command).

Because of the apartment layout, I did a left hand search and stuck to it. That meant I passed some doors thinking I’d get back to them on our way out. The fireman with me was fairly new and I didn’t want to separate us.

Our pattern took us to the master bedroom where we found a female victim. I don’t know the legalities involved so I wont give too much detail. I will say that very soon after finding her, there was no doubt that she was dead and that something much worse was going on.

By now, the acting Battalion had arrived and assumed command from Scott. I radioed that I had located a victim but was not bringing them out. Captain Mutter then made his way to us to see what we had found. In the room, I was focused on nothing other than the body and the circumstances in front of me. We were trying to “figure it out” …. what we were looking at…. what was going on. I told Scott and the boys that I was going to do a face to face with the Chief and explain why we were leaving the body. I didn’t know how to nor did I want to say it over the radio.

Scott realized that this was where our (my) search had ended and began making his own (and completing mine/ours). Soon after, he located 2 children, both without a pulse and neither breathing. They were down between the mattress and wall, inside the first room to the right at the top of the steps. It would have been the 1st room I searched had I have done a right hand pattern vs. the left.

They were babies …. just babies. So small that Scott carried (ran) them both out to the ambulance at the same time. The 3-year-old Jaide and 2-year-old Marcasite, were later pronounced dead due to smoke inhalation.

As it turned out, Askia Na’im Tahriq Shabazz, also known as Jermaine Donell Poindexter had set the fire in an attempt to cover up a murder. He set the fire knowing the children were in there. I’d love 5 minutes alone with him!

He made the “15 Most Wanted” list and evaded police for months after. His father and brother, Anthony Duane Poindexter, 29, and Robin Leon Smith, 50, both pleaded guilty to one count of being an accessory to arson after the fact.

Read the story from Roanoke.com HERE

That’s one of the calls that haunts me still today ( I have another ). I see their faces. They often wake me from my sleep. I see her body. The look on her face and what he did to her. I remember trying to figure out what I was looking at. I see the lifeless bodies of those two children in Scott’s arms. The look on his face as he rushed them to the ambulance. I still feel the hurt of knowing I failed those two children.

I often wonder “what if”. What if I had went right instead of left? What if I had finished my search instead of staying with the adult body and what I was sure was a crime scene? What if we had gotten there quicker? What if Scott and Engine #5 had been 1st in? Would any of it have changed anything?? I’m not sure but at least they may have had a better chance… I’ll never know.

I haven’t had those dreams or woken up in a panic for a couple years now. That is until a few weeks ago anyway. I had a similar incident (not involving children) just a few weeks back and apparently it has rekindled all these old memories. Once again, I find myself unable to sleep or awake in the middle of the night checking to make sure the Buckaroo is not between his mattress and the wall.

I missed another one. I entered the structure as “search group 3″. The initial searches were negitive but the IC was almost sure someone was still inside the home.

I sent George left while I went right. Because of the previous story, I always go right now . The house was full of clutter and visibility was near zero. We entered the basement. In the middle of a back room, I moved off the wall to investigate something my tool encountered in the center of the room. Unbeknownst to me, when I went back for the wall; I had moved forward enough to completely bypass the bathroom door. I missed it completely.

We searched our way to the 1st floor and found nothing. We were then reassigned while yet another crew (Ladder 5) began their search as Search Group 4. Ventilation was beginning to taking affect and allowed the Brothers from #5 found the body.

There are a TON of lessons here in my ramblings and again that’s why I’m sharing it with you. We’ve been put into a position where Engine Companies are doing Truck work while the Truck Company is doing Engine work. That’s not an excuse. We have to know each others job and we have to know it well. I don’t care what your assigned to or riding. You never know what task may be assigned to you or your company any more. Practice your searches because YOU NEVER KNOW. Then … PRACTICE em some more. It’s all about technique …. even with my experience, we sometimes miss something.

Like Ladder 5 did with me, back your Brothers and Sisters up. Double check that they double checked. Expect the unexpected and do it right the first time.

Remember the jobs that will help you. Move past the ones that wont. We have so many outlets in today’s Fire Service to help us through these issues … USE THEM! Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Department Chaplains, your Brother and Sister Firefighters, your wife (or husband), write a blog, keep a diary …. whatever or whoever …. utilize the resources available to you. Also remember that Rhett and I are always available. You can vent to us or we can point you in the right direction for the assistance you need.

That said, THANKS for letting me vent! I’m back on duty tomorrow and will try to get back on a regular posting schedule. Thanks as always for reading and following. Don’t forget to “Friend request” Share and ”Like” us on Face Book and Twitter. As soon as we hit 5,000 “likes” we’re going to do a HUGE give-a-way!

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book HERE

So, until I get back, Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on September 4, 2012 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, funding-staffing, news, rescues • Tagged: arson, Askia Na’im Tahriq Shabazz, brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, EAP, Fatal house fire, Fire Critic, Fire Department Chaplains, firefighter pics, firefighters, house fire, Ironfiremen, Jermaine Donell Poindexter, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, murder / arson, PTSD, rescue, Rescued from fire, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Scott Mutter, Statter 911, Va fatal house fire, Working fire

Roanoke Working! 5 civilians displaced, 4 firefighters injured

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Roanoke’s Bravest faced yet another heavily involved house fire at approx 1am Wednesday morning (8/15/2012).

The Brothers and Sisters of A-shift arrived at 832 Staunton Ave NW to find heavy smoke and fire conditions from side “Charlie” (the rear of the structure).

The residents were home at the time of the fire but were able escape on their own.

Reports are that there were smoke detectors in the home but they were not working.

The were 5 residents who were displaced by the fire and will either stay with friends / family or be assisted by the Red Cross. The home sustained heavy damages estimated in the $80,000 range.

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

There were also 4 firefighters injured in the fire.

All of the injuries were described as “minor” with 3 having been treated at the scene while the fourth was transported to a local hospital.

The photo to the left is the right ear of Drew Abel, one of the firefighters operating on the 2nd floor.

Drew was on the nozzle and making a knock on the fire when he received steam burns to both his ears (the right more severe). He was wearing all of his PPE (including hood and helmet ear flaps) and wearing it correctly.

Roanoke carries both smooth bore and fog nozzles on their attack lines but I am unaware of which Drew deployed. Roanoke has a long history and reputation of aggressive, interior fire attacks. Most often, Roanoke’s firefighters will make their way to the seat of the fire before applying water. This tactic allows us to keep a large percentage of our fires contained to the room of origin. The “trick” to this tactic is that ventilation MUST be coordinated with the attack. If not, and the fog nozzle was deployed; these types of injuries can occur. Heres some local news coverage …

More from Roanoke.com

WDBJ 7

I have spoken with Drew and he is doing well. He will be placed on “light duty” for the next week or so until he is healed and should make a full recovery. GET WELL SOON Brother!

Rhett is still in the middle of his “16 Days of Swag” over on Fire Critic.com. In appreciation for reaching 5,000 Face Book “Likes”, he’s giving away a bunch of free ~~stuff~~ ”SWAG”. You can enter every day … check it out and sign up below …

Click HERE for the Fire Critic Give Away

Speaking of “Give A Ways” … The National Firefighters Endowment is also doing a give – a – way but in a BIG WAY! They are giving away a new truck!

Vote & Enter to win your choice of a new Ford or Chevy truck. 50% of your donation will go directly to support the fire department you vote for. The department with the most votes will win an additional $5,000 equipment grant from National Firefighters Endowment.

Learn more, enter and vote by clicking HERE

Bob Gard also has a chance for ya to win something REALLY COOL … a CUSTOM leather, Phenix 9/11 Remembrance Helmet !

Every $10 donation gives you a chance to win this helmet. The donations go to the South Dakota Firefighter’s Benefit which will be held in Sioux Fall, South Dakota on September 15th.

The Benefit is NON-PROFIT with all proceeds being split between the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and the National Firefighter’s Endowment.

Learn more, get you chance for the helmet and register for the Benefit at the link below … pay special attention to who the SPEAKERS will be.

South Dakota Firefighters Benefit click HERE .

I also need to tell ya about the Southwest Virginia Fire Officer’s Association’s 5th Annual Fire Officers Seminar.

The Seminar will be held in Roanoke, Va on September 20th & 21st.

The speaker / presenter will be Christopher J. Naum!

Rhett and I consider Chris to be a good friend, a Brother and a true Fire Service Leader. This will be our best Officers Seminar yet!

You may know some of his web sites ..The Company Officer, Command Safety, Buildings on Fire.

His topic will be “Five Star Command; Redefining Fire Officer Training for Operational Safety & Excellence”.

If you are a current or aspiring Fire Officer and live within 100 miles of Roanoke, YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS SEMINAR!

Learn more and Register NOW. Click HERE

Don’t forget to “like” and “Share” this post on Face Book. I’ll check back in with ya in a day or so. The Buckaroo and I have school orientation tomorrow evening so it may be Friday before I get back. Yea … he starts pre-K next Tuesday … this ought to be interesting! LOL

Until I do get back, you Brothers and Sisters stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on August 15, 2012 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, news, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: brotherhood, Buckaroo, building fire, Buildings on Fire.com, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Chris Naum, command safety, Dave Statter, Fire Critic, firefighter burns, firefighter injuries, firefighter pics, Firefighter PPE, firefighters, house fire, Ironfiremen, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, National Firefighters Endowment, NFFF, Phenix Helmets, PPE, Rhett Fleitz, Roanoke Fire/EMS, South Dakota Firefighters Benefit, Southwest Virginia Fire Officer's Association's 5th Annual Fire Officers Seminar, Spartan ERV, TheCompanyOfficer.com, Wooden ladders and Iron Firemen, Working fire

Roanoke Valley working … fatal fire and mock disaster (multiple shooters at community college)

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It’s been a busy day for Fire / Rescue and Police members of C-shift in the Roanoke Valley (Va).

My tour started with a fatal house fire.

We were assigned to provide mutual-aid to Salem by filling one of their stations. Very soon after, we were redirected and ordered to report to the scene of the fire.

Knowing I was heading for “work” (and unsure of the resources Salem had on scene), my Battalion added and additional Engine and Truck (Engine 4, Ladder 5) to the Mutual-Aid assignment.

We arrived to find the Brothers and Sisters of Salem Fire & EMS hard at work. They had made a great knock down on the fire and searches were underway.

Crews were able to locate one person dead inside the home. Further details of the fire, the name, age etc of the victim can not be released at this time. Notification of family members of the deceased are still pending and the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.

Read local news coverage HERE

I will comment further on what stood out in my mind and that is how well our Mutual-Aid system worked (especially considering everything else happening in the Valley this morning …more on that in a moment).

Like I stated, at first; we were dispatched (as a single Engine) to fill a station for Salem. They have 3 stations (use the link above for more about Salem Fire & EMS) and all of them were assigned to the fire. When they realized they still needed more resources, we were redirected into the fire.

The location of the incident was just a block from the City / Salem line. My Battalion added an Engine and Truck to the incident so Roanoke County Fire & Rescue then stepped up to provid the coverage for Salem’s station. That’s 3 jurisdictions working together and it was executed flawlessly. We don’t do a lot of mutual-aid for working fires ( it’s mostly for EMS runs and goes both ways between all 3 jurisdictions) so it’s not like we get a lot of practice / training on it.

I’ve got to say that it felt good knowing that all 3 localities were working so well together to get the job done. Different radios, different dispatch centers, protocols etc …. a job well done by everyone involved.

Here’s the other part …. all of this happened while a MOCK disaster was going on at a local Community College. Reports are that 350 Fire, Police and EMS personnel were on hand for this training exercise. There were 150 school employees and volunteers playing the role of victims.

The scenario was multiple shooters on campus with several fatalities and many more wounded. It was an obvious test of our skills and resources. Reports are that the event went well although I’m sure (and hope) there will be some “lessons learned”.

More local coverage from WDBJ 7 HERE

In other news, Rhett (FireCritic.com) is giving away some GREAT “swag” to celebrate hitting 5,000 “likes” on Face Book… get on over there and get yourself some…

Free “swag” from FireCritic.com HERE

Hitting the 5,000 mark is a HUGE DEAL and Rhett is returning the favor with 16 days of free stuff …. no kidding. Hit the link above to get your name in the hat!

Speaking of giveaways, I’ve got 2 more that you’re gonna love.

Shane Parkins over at the National Firefighters Endowment is giving away cold hard CASH and you choice of a brand new Ford or Chevy pickup truck …. that’s right … A NEW TRUCK!

Click HERE for more details from NFE

You’ll also want to make sure to get a chance at winning a custom 9/11 Commemorative Leather Helmet. It’s a Phenix helmet and it looks GREAT! Each $10 donation will receive 1 entry into the drawing. The helmet is 1st prize, 2nd prize is $300 and 3rd prize is $100. Find more info and ENTER to win HERE

This giveaway is part of the South Dakota Firefighters Benefit to be held September 15 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The benefit is the first of it’s kind in South Dakota and all proceeds go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the National Firefighters Endowment.

Rhett and I will not only be there, we will also be touring across the State with Spartan ERV. Yea… me and Rhett touring South Dakota in a fire truck! We’ve got several stops along the way to Sioux Falls and will have plenty of “swag” to pass out as well. Once in Sioux Falls, we will be the keynote speakers for the benefit … if you’re anywhere close … you’ll definitely want to BE THERE.

Learn more and register for the South Dakota Firefighters Benefit HERE

I’m gonna stop here for tonight … got another long day ahead of me tomorrow. I’ll be heading down to Wake County’s 2nd Annual Brotherhood Bash !

The South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo is also happening this weekend but I think the Brotherhood Bash is all I’ll be able to attend.

I may end up making this trip alone …. Rhett has run into a few logistical problems but either way, IT’S GONNA BE A BLAST! If you’re planning on being there, look for me and come say hello. If you weren’t planning on being there .. PLAN ON IT…lol. More details in the link below …

Wake County 2nd Annual Brotherhood Bash

I’ll get back to ya as soon as possible …. I may even grab a few pictures from the Bash. Until I do, stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on August 9, 2012 • Filed under: command-leadership, Dispatch & Communications, ems-topics, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, mass-casualty-incident, news, patient-management, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: brotherhood, Brotherhood Bash, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, fatal fire, Fire Critic, firefighter pics, firefighters, FireNews.net, house fire, Ironfiremen, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Mass Casualty Drill, mock disaster, mutual aid fires, Mutual-aid, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, National Firefighters Endowment, NFFF, Phenix Helmets, Roanoke County Fire/Rescue, Roanoke Fire/EMS, Roanoke.com, Salem Fire / EMS, South Dakota Firefighter Benefit, training, Va fire fatality, WDBJ 7, Working fire, WSLS 10

When staffing matters

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IT ALWAYS MATTERS!

Sooner or later, it’s gonna catch up with em …. the ole “do more with less” approach to Public Safety…. “playing the numbers” … I hate to see who’s gonna have to “pay the price”.

The sad thing is that it’s almost become an “accepted” practice and, a lot of the blame lies on us … the members. Soon after 9/11, after everyone forgot what we are asked to do on a daily basis; our bosses boss asked them to save some money somewhere…. anywhere … everybody had to share the cuts they said. Public Safety wise, trucks, equipment etc wasn’t going to change so the only place left to look was staffing.

They came to us … hat in hand, talking “hard times” that would soon get better. They needed us to do just a little bit more … a little more with less. Of course we stuck our chests out and said if it needed done, we’d do it …We’re FIREMEN …. it’s what we do. Now, the hole we’ve dug has only gotten deeper and deeper and I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to climb out.

It used to be that Departments running 3 and 3 ( 3 members on an Engine and 3 on a Ladder… counting the driver and Officer) was a joke… now, that’s good staffing. I know of Departments running with 2 and some even sending out a rig with just a driver! How did we let them convince us that these numbers are ok? Why do we continue to allow them to tell the citizens we protect that these same numbers are adequate when we all know THEY’RE NOT?!?

It’s happening everywhere …. closer to home than you may think!

The picture to the left is a fire in Roanoke, Va that occurred just last week. This single incident depleted City Fire/EMS resources. I’m hearing reports of a single City Engine remaining in service but, the local news reported every City Unit was called to the scene. ”We pretty much had all our resources at that fire,” Bradbury said.”

Read my post on the fire by clicking HERE .

Local news coverage HERE, HERE , and HERE

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book, click HERE and “like”

All additional calls for assistance were handled by Mutual-Aid companies from surrounding Jurisdictions …. some even volunteer. I wonder how many calls “deep” the City was before the system could be put into place and take affect. I wonder what the time delay was and if anyone suffered undue harm because of it. Is this simply the “cost of doing business”?

This is the 2nd fire in as many months that has depleted City resources. The first occurred on June 29th when severe storms tore through the area. Read my post from that night by clicking HERE .

It used to be that the “it only happens once every so often” excuse held water…. or somewhat anyway. Now, Departments across the country are facing large scale events that are happening much more frequent. If “playing the numbers” has been an acceptable “planning model”, I wonder what kind of plans these Departments now have in place to handle the next resource depleting event (for some, the next event is due to hit in less than 30 days…we ARE running the “numbers” right?).

I wonder if the “powers to be” thought their resources would become so “taxed” when they approved all the cut backs. The station consolidations and closures.

I wonder if they REALLY think that projects such as a $27 MILLION dollar renovation to a downtown building is worth more than Public Safety?

Well, at least it has a “living wall”, a “Koi pond” and a “Butterfly habitat”! Click HERE.

Ok, maybe a butterfly “habitat” is important for City development … at least they’re not messing with their pay or pensions …right?? WRONG …click HERE.

How about a $66 MILLION Art Museum? Money well spent?? Hummm CLICK HERE HERE and HERE.

Hey, it’s not just Virginia either … take Texas for example.

There are Departments down there that are REALLY hurting. Rhett had a post up a few weeks back about the Corpus Christi Fire Department.

See Fire Critic’s post (with video) HERE

What make this situation so bad is several items hot in the National news of late.

The first in my mind would be all the wild land fires they’ve been faced with recently. Acres upon acres, house after house burned. I bet the Brothers and Sisters in Texas could talk a while on staffing.

I’d love to see em sit down with Leslie Alexander to have that conversation … well Mr Alexander and Governor Rick Perry…now THAT would be a video worth watching!

Why Leslie Alexander and just who is he??? Well, he’s the guy who owns the Houston Rockets. The NBA team that just paid this guy $25.1 MILLION dollars to play basketball! CLICK HERE

YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!! $25 MILLION DOLLARS for one person … ONE PERSON to play basketball in Houston while just 200 miles away (and in many more areas of Texas) firefighters are putting their lives on the line understaffed and poorly equipped ?!?

Again, I’ll say a lot of the blame lies within ourselves. First, we buy the tickets to see this guy play. We buy the NASCAR tickets where drivers make millions per race weekend. The baseball tickets and $10 stadium beers. We are supporting them but getting none in return.

Why?? Because nobody knows what we do. Maybe it’s as simple as Republican vs Democrat.

I doubt that. The “general public” has no idea what we see and do on a daily basis. You’d be surprised at how many people that see a Fire Company shopping for groceries, think that the City (or Department) that those members work for are paying the bill. How many people in your first due know your schedule? If it’s a 24 hour shift like mine, do you think your everyday “customer” understands what working that kind of shift entails?

How about EMS runs? Do you ever hear “I called for an ambulance..not a fire truck”? Do your citizens understand the types of responses you’re faced with every day? Do they know and understand the levels of training your members are required to have and maintain?

Do they know the additional services your Department provides? Smoke detector installs, chimney inspections, child safety seat installations, school / church safety demonstrations etc.

Do they know your staffing? Do they understand what running with 3 and 3 means? Has someone sat them down and explained what happens when the first unit arrives on a working fire?

One guy driving … the Officer giving a size up, establishing command and setting the stage for incoming companies. That leaves ONE member. Now explain “2 in 2 out”.

The 2nd Engine stops at the hydrant. One firefighter gets out and hooks up. On scene, the driver gets out and assists connecting to the first rig. That leaves the Officer. (we now have 2 available members to fight fire etc).

The Ladder arrives and command needs a search. Don’t forget to ventilate and get some ladders set to the roof and 2nd floor. Which task should they preform first? The driver doesn’t have on gear yet. The Officer and lone firefighter can’t (shouldn’t) split up right … remember 2 in , 2 out … working in pairs.

Now, the Chief shows up along with a Medic unit and Safety Officer. That’s 13 members (6 pieces of apparatus) on scene and and only 4 available to get inside. It almost seems IMPOSSIBLE to accomplish huh?

Read “It’s all in the numbers …” click HERE

Again I’ll ask if you’r citizens are educated as to all the services your members provide and exactly what it takes to do so. How do you educate them? Is the only time your “customers” hear from you during a fund drive? Maybe just at election time or if you you happen to make the paper for whatever reason.

Don’t let every time they hear about or from you be shown in a negative light. Create a positive image of you and your Department and make sure as many people as possible see it! Take PRIDE in the job we do and share it with whomever will listen.

Social Media is a great tool to make it happen ….. you’re reading this aren’t ya? Web sites, Blogs, Face Book, Twitter etc … utilize these tools to get your message out. How about a Citizens Fire Academy?

Volunteer or paid, it doesn’t matter … we all need to do a better job of educating the public. STAFFING MATTERS!

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

Posted by Iron Firemen on July 29, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, fires, funding-staffing, major-incidents, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: brotherhood, building fire, Captain Willie Wines Jr, Fire Critic, Fire Department staffing, firefighter pics, firefighters, Governor Rick Perry, house fire, Houston Rockets, IAFF, Ironfiremen, Jeremy Lin, Leslie Alexander, Lt. Rhett Fleitz, minimal staffing for fire trucks, NBA, Roanoke Fire/EMS, staffing, Working fire

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