Where firefighters come to talk training

July 2010 Blog Posts (25)

Is making a mistake a crime

Chief Halton, I was made to smile as I could feel the anger generating from your thoughts thru your pc keyboard. It is a sad fact that so very, very few of today's politicians from the local level to state and federal levels have zero to little knowledge of how the actual agencies they are elected to oversee, function and/or operate. Equally sad are "appointed" heads of such agencies, specifically police, fire, and public safety, who have no prior experience in the specific agency they are… Continue

Added by Jon D Marsh on July 30, 2010 at 11:14pm — 9 Comments

Turning Heroes into Villains

It never ceases to amaze me how the small minded and weak tend to dominate the world of politics and government. I am convinced that these weasels who are so common in government work are constantly trying to get back at the rest of us who actually made the team in high school. I recently wrote about how difficult it is to make decisions on the fire ground. I spoke about how the mind works and how a complicated and dynamic environment like the fire ground can become very confusing very quickly.… Continue

Added by Bobby Halton on July 30, 2010 at 2:00pm — 7 Comments

Blame it on Adrenaline!

Paul Comb's illustration reminds me of the actions one might witness in so many of the nations firefighters ...when the alarm sounds the old adrenaline rush kicks in, and unfortunately it sometimes erases all memory of the hundreds of hours we've invested in training to be safe; suddenly our driving skills are comparable to to those of Earnhardt or Foyt while our knee crams our foot to the floorboard while it is on top of the gas pedal. Adrenaline turns due regard into first due, regardless… Continue

Added by Jon D Marsh on July 28, 2010 at 10:06am — 1 Comment

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities: VA

It is with deep sadness and regret that I post the second double firefighter fatality Line of duty death in as many days. Fellow brother firefighters Chief Posey Dillon and Firefighter William Altice. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and the members of the Rocky Mount FD.

Posey Dillon

Rank: Fire Chief

Age: 59

Gender: Male

Status: Volunteer

Years of Service: 20+

Date of Incident: 07/26/2010

Time of Incident:… Continue

Added by Brad Hoff on July 27, 2010 at 5:00pm — No Comments

Bridgeport's Fallen Wake & Funeral Arraignments

Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters of Connecticut

The Following is the official Wake and Funeral Arraignment Announcement from UPFFC , Secretary Louis P. DeMici

WAKE & FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:

The viewing for Brother Velasquez will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2010 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Klein Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06605; (203) 337-6195.

The viewing for Brother Baik will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2010 from 4:00 to… Continue

Added by Bobby Halton on July 27, 2010 at 2:34pm — No Comments

NO TIME TO STOP!

'Nuff said!!!

To see more of my work or to purchase prints, visit: www.artstudioseven.com

Added by Paul Combs on July 27, 2010 at 10:30am — 15 Comments

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities: CT

It is with great sadness and deep regret that I post a double firefighter fatality Line of duty death announcement of fellow brother firefighters Lt. Steven Valasquez and Firefighter Michel Baik. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and the members of the Bridgeport FD.

Steven Velasquez

Rank: Lieutenant

Age: 40

Gender: Male

Status: Career

Years of Service: 16+

Date of Incident: 07/24/2010

Time of Incident:… Continue

Added by Brad Hoff on July 26, 2010 at 1:15pm — No Comments

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: MA

It is with deep regret that I post the following USFA official line of duty death announcement of fellow brother firefighter David Sullivan. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and the members of the Otis FD.

David Sullivan

Rank: Firefighter

Age: 70

Gender: Male

Status: Volunteer

Years of Service: 20+

Date of Incident: 07/24/2010

Time of Incident: 1500hrs

Date of Death: 07/25/2010

Fire… Continue

Added by Brad Hoff on July 26, 2010 at 1:00pm — No Comments

JULY MAGAZINE ILLUSTRATION

Sorry, forgot to post this month's magazine commentary. Thanks for the gentle nudge by Chief Murphy:)

Not sure what else to say about this piece other than it's a "sign of the times". The fear of litigation may be pushing many Dept policies, but I'm not sure what choice the policy makers have. Lawsuits,… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on July 24, 2010 at 11:17am — 5 Comments

Use Incident Critiques To Learn All You Can

The title of this article may sound pretty basic, but there are too many times in which critiques narrow down to a couple of events or even a single action during an incident. The result is a misguided but well-intentioned lesson that doesn’t focus on the overall incident.

This has occurred on more than one occasion during my career with the MFD. One particular incident occurred in December 2008.

We had a structure fire which resulted in a Mayday with two firefighters… Continue

Added by Christopher Drake on July 24, 2010 at 9:36am — No Comments

Introductions

Hello all. I am new to the Fire Engineering community and am looking forward to sharing information which will not only help us stay safer, but maybe even put a smile on our face.

As a 24-year veteran of the fire service, I have had the opportunity to work as both a volunteer and career firefighter. In the US Coast Guard, I practiced maritime firefighting as well. No matter where I've worked, lessons are there for the taking. As a career firefighter, I've never forgotten where I came… Continue

Added by Christopher Drake on July 23, 2010 at 3:34pm — No Comments

FDA Seizes Cyanide Antidote Kits (CAK) - NOT Cyanokit

The following are links to the FDA press releases distributed yesterday by the Federal Drug Administration regarding seizure of the Cyanide Antidote Kits (CAK) from Keystone Pharmaceuticals. Do not confuse the CAK with Cyanokit and/or Hydroxocobalamin.

According to the FDA, the Cyanide Antidote Kits (CAK):

1.have not proven safe or effective for their intended use;

2.the kits are also misbranded because their labeling does not contain adequate directions… Continue

Added by Shawn Longerich on July 23, 2010 at 12:35pm — No Comments

BLAZIN' RACE 5k

Hey, Gang: If you're in the NW Ohio area, please come join us for the 4th annual Blazin' Race 5k (July 31st, Bryan, Ohio) - an event sponsored by firefighters, for firefighter wellness. All proceeds go to the Bryan Fire Department (my Department) to purchase fitness equipment and programs to help keep us ready to serve our community. It's also a great way to promote wellness and positive relations with the general public. If you'd like more… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on July 21, 2010 at 9:30pm — No Comments

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: PA

It is with great sadness and deep regret that I post the third firefighter death in lesss than a week from my home state of PA. USFA official line of duty death announcement of fellow brother firefighter Richard Springman. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and the members of the Trout Run Volunteer Fire Co.

Richard L. Springman

Rank: Firefighter

Age: 20

Gender: Male

Status: Volunteer

Years of Service: 6

Date of… Continue

Added by Brad Hoff on July 15, 2010 at 10:38am — No Comments

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: PA

It is with deep regret that I post the following USFA official line of duty death announcement of fellow brother firefighter Engineer Charles Hornberger. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and the members of the Milmont Park Fire Company Station #49.

Charles Hornberger

Rank: Engineer

Age: 60

Gender: Male

Status: Volunteer

Years of Service: 30

Date of Incident: 06/30/10

Time of Incident: 1140hrs

Date of Death:… Continue

Added by Brad Hoff on July 14, 2010 at 2:00pm — No Comments

WHAT BROTHERHOOD?!

I'm pissed - and have been for months about this topic. I can't begin to tell you how much I hate the divisive and contentious career v. volunteer crap!! I see this play out too many times as it tares good, well trained, dedicated departments to shreds. I'm tired of volunteers whining about their lack of respect, tired of… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on July 14, 2010 at 8:30am — 19 Comments

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: PA

It is with deep regret that I post the following USFA official line of duty death announcement of fellow brother firefighter Chief Driver Douglass Smith. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and the members of the Liberty hose Co. No. 1.

Douglas L. Smith

Rank: Firefighter - Chief Driver

Age: 50

Gender: Male

Status: Volunteer

Years of Service: 29

Date of Incident: 07/09/2010

Time of Incident: 1030hrs

Date of… Continue

Added by Brad Hoff on July 13, 2010 at 9:46am — No Comments

FIREFIGHTER CANCER SUPPORT NETWORK’S ANNUAL GALA FUNDRAISER

FIREFIGHTER CANCER SUPPORT NETWORK’S ANNUAL GALA FUNDRAISER TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!! Don’t miss out on this amazing event! This year will be another fun-filled evening, with top-notch entertainment and spectacular auction and raffle items.

Firefighters are faced with life threatening tasks daily. Additional threats while fighting fire, for which they are trained, is the devastating news of being diagnosed with cancer as a result of their duties. Founded by a 19-year… Continue

Added by Bobby Halton on July 12, 2010 at 2:51pm — No Comments

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: SC

It is with deep regret that I post the following USFA official line of duty death announcement of fellow brother firefighter Engineer Charles Flintom. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and the members of the Pelham-Batesville Fire Department.

Charles Robert “Bob” Flintom

Rank: Engineer

Age: 61

Gender: Male

Status: Career

Years of Service: 30+

Date of Incident: 07/01/2010

Time of Incident: 1000hrs

Date of Death:… Continue

Added by Brad Hoff on July 12, 2010 at 12:45pm — No Comments

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: TX

It is with deep regret that I post the following USFA official line of duty death announcement of fellow brother firefighter Captain Thomas Araguz III. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and the members of the Wharton Fire Department.

Thomas Araguz III

Rank: Captain

Age: 30

Gender: Male

Status: Volunteer

Years of Service: 11

Date of Incident: 07/03/2010

Time of Incident: 2130hrs

Date of Death:… Continue

Added by Brad Hoff on July 7, 2010 at 10:30am — No Comments

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