March 2010 Blog Posts (36)

Here is an interesting article about a device that in the future that may help us predict and prevent ourselves from being caught in flashovers.



Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - STOW — If you're an engineer developing a device to predict a flashover, you've got to know if the device is going to work in deadly conditions.



Last week, engineers and graduate students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute placed thousands of dollars worth of sensitive test equipment inside a concrete… Continue

Sometimes I'm just overcome by fits of silliness, and of course, it's always fun to prod the politicians.

You won't hear about this in the newspapers or on the nightly news but you will here!



The Nation's news media is reporting the following residential fire (non-arson) fatalities:



Friday, March 12



No fatal home fires were identified in the morning or afternnoon media searches.



Here is a link to see fire related fatalies for the week… Continue

Third Annual FDIC Courage and Valor Fun Run Thursday, April 22, 2010, 6:00 pm, White River State Park

The third annual FDIC Courage and Valor Fun Run will take place at the White River State Park located just a short walk from the Indianapolis Convention Center. The scenic, flat, fast course winds around the canal and provides runners with an absolutely safe (no traffic crossings) opportunity to enjoy a brisk fun run with their fellow… Continue

Ed Urbansky sent a message to the members of Official Connecticut State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Page.

Subject: CT LODD Beacon Falls

"It is with deep regret that Beacon Hose Co # 1 announces the LODD of past Asst. Chief and current Fire Police Captain Kevin Swan. At 05:08 March 10, 2010 Beacon Hose Co was dispatched to a report of a structure fire at 20 Susan Street . FP 23 (Capt Swan) signed on the air and died in his vehicle of an apparent heart attack."

Here is a link to the article on the sentencing of Joseph Taye who was found guilty in November of 2009 for the killing of Delaware City Firefighter Michelle Smith in a line of duty death on Dec 20th 2008.

Life sentence in firefighter's death

It is with deep regret that I post the following line of duty death of fellow brother in arms. Our sincere condolences go out to the family and the members of Beacon Hose Co. No. 1.



Name: Kevin Swan



Rank: Fire Police Captain



Age: 69



Gender: Male



Status: Volunteer



Years of Service: Pending



Date of Incident: 03/10/2010



Time of Incident: 0508hrs



Date of Death: 03/10/2010



Fire… Continue

New to the forum and looking forward to this new fire community

As a fire service instructor over the years I have met a lot of fellow firefighters and not until recently did I realize the stories from these firefighters were always the same from rookies and veterans. The rookies always say “we don’t fit in” and the veterans always say “ the rookies just don’t get it”. I guess the reason it didn’t hit me sooner was as a fire service instructor and as a company officer it is my responsibility to teach the rookies and the veterans on safety and the job. Each… Continue

It is with deep regret that I post the following from the United States Fire Administration concerning the line of duty death of fellow brother in arms:



Gerard Marcheterre



Age: 50

Cause of Death: Stress/Overexertion

Rank: Firefighter

Nature of Death: Heart Attack

Classification: Volunteer

Emergency Duty: Yes

Incident Date: 03/06/2010

Duty Type: Responding

Incident Time: 22:00

Activity Type: Riding…

Continue

It is with deep regret that I post the following from the United States Fire Administration concerning the line of duty death of fellow brother in arms:



Brian Rowe



Age: 66

Cause of Death: Stress/Overexertion

Rank: Fire Chief

Nature of Death: Heart Attack

Classification: Volunteer

Emergency Duty: Yes

Incident Date: 03/05/2010

Duty Type: Responding

Incident Time: 22:15

Activity Type: Driving/Operating…

Continue

Please help me and the Riverview Volunteer Fire Department Relay for Life Team reach its goal. This link will take you to a page that will accept on-line donations. Thank you for helping us fight cancer.… Continue

It is with deep regret that I post the following from the United States Fire Administration concerning the line of duty death of fellow brother in arms:



Brian P. Waynant Sr.,



Age: 45

Cause of Death: Other

Rank: Firefighter/Inspector

Nature of Death: Trauma

Classification: Career

Emergency Duty: No

Incident…

Continue

Firefighters



Looking at the statistics for 2009 Firefighter Fatalities there are three main causes of firefighter deaths – CARDIAC ARREST, APPARATUS SPEED and FAILURE TO WEAR YOUR SEATBELTS.



I know that you do not have a death wish so a bit of advice labeled as:



MURPHY’S THREE RULES FOR LONGEVITY:



1) BUCKLE YOUR SEATBELTS before any vehicle you drive or sit in moves from the apparatus bay, parking lot or your garage



2) SLOW DOWN – you cannot help…

Continue

Recently ISFSI Podcast host Steve Pegram talked with my fellow brother and good friend Deputy Chief Geoff Coon of the North Pole (AK) Fire Department.

Here is a link to the half hour podcast ISFSI - The Voice: Deputy Chief Geoff Coon of the North Pole (AK) Fire Department