November 2011 Blog Posts (21)

Many of us in the fire service are getting back to the basics and this post will dive into Sawzall / reciprocating saw operations.  I’ve included a bit of history, pictures, and some tips that will hopefully help contain your emotions prior to throwing this valuable tool to the side.  Don’t be fooled, it takes practice to rip through the side of a bus, rear of a semi-tractor cab, or building construction materials quickly.   

History

I include this…

Over the years, I have had others try to tell me how to blog and what to blog. 

What they fail to understand is that just like anyone who writes, you develop a style that becomes distinctive and that differentiates you from others who engage in that type of writing, because let's face it; blogging is writing.

With that said, it has also been suggested to me on occasion that I shouldn't blog about politics at a fire service website, because it isn't about fire service…

I was recently reading about the history of the Navy Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) and modern Navy SEALs. The founding father was Lieutenant Commander Draper Kauffmann whom in 1943 was given a piece of property in Fort Pierce Florida, some men, and a blank sheet to write the plan for a new small unit Special Operations. One of his keys to the development of these teams…

No real opinion here - just going for a snicker or a snort!! :)

Happy Thanksgiving, Brothers and Sisters!!!

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I punted for our high school football team.

Punting was a very strategic part of our offense.

Back then; you know, in the "leather helmet" days, there were no fair catches. You either took the chance of catching the ball or letting it hit the ground and bounce until it was downed by the punting team.

My punts might average 35-40 yards-not very long-but they were extremely high.

The coach at the time taught me a soccer-style of punting that allowed me to kick very…

Thanks to fellow Traditions Training instructor Joe Brown for getting me inspired this morning about a topic that we often talk about, but rarely look at in depth.

Over the past few days, compliments of the Internet, several videos have been posted that…

This short clip show balloon frame construction from the inside. With Engine House Training, LLC this summer, we had the opportunity to hold a class in this building. It was going to be torn down and the interior wall coverings in most of the house had been removed. That exposed the balloon frame construction characteristics that we so often speak of but seldom have the chance to see.

Use this however you like and share it.  Hopefully,…

Ever have trouble pulling out for a run forgetting you left a coffee cup on the bumper?

Yeah, me too. 

In fact, I had this happen several times due to the fact that I couldn’t impress upon a rookie on my crew to make a walk around the engine before it moves. 

After losing a particularly valuable piece of equipment left on the tailboard after a call, I knew I had to…

I do not usually post on blogs but I recently saw this Scott ad that really twisted me up. I like the reason for the ad, however Scott's lack of detail/attention is somewhat ignorant... see for yourself.

The things I noticed are:

1) Not only did Scott deface the American flag by overlaying FDNY, the flag is also "flying" the wrong direction.

2) Why is…

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I find it hard to believe that no one in the fire blogosphere picked up this post-election story and especially since Ohio Governor John Kasich’s very political existence may have hinged upon its defeat.

But, $30 million union dollars later, “Issue 2”; otherwise known as SB 5 was repealed by the voters of Ohio and Governor Kasich was left wondering “why”.

From my perspective, it was the classic political cage match.

The union brought its street fighting style and the…

This information was passed on to me from David Walsh via Deputy Commissioner John Horan (OC Fire Services – NY).  The links below are very graphic pictures of severe effects from mercury exposure.  Of course its a potential hazard in many of our homes, but also on the fireground. 

Here’s a summary of the to-do’s if a CFL light breaks:

• Have people and pets leave the room.
• Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or door to…

Autumn in the Great Lakes. Cool crisp air, leaves brilliant in their Fall splendor, slight frost on the morning horizon - and the sound of distant gun fire blowing the be-jesus out of a poor, gentle deer!



Ok, ok, so I'm not a hunter - all the more reason to have some fun at their expense:) We have plenty in my department who are, and this time of…

Liquid CO2 is a hazard that is now being found in restaurants.  These systems are decreasing the number of CO2 bottle changes needed, however, many of the hoses are plastic and subject to damage.  When a hose develops a crack, the liquid CO2 expands at a high ratio quickly filling the area.  Unsuspecting persons may quickly become unconscious as O2 levels decrease rapidly. Continue reading.

The envelope measured four inches wide by six inches long. It has held up rather well. It almost has a waxy feel to it. I am sure that it was white at one time, but is now a dark beige color.

In the top, left corner scribbled in pencil is: “after 5 days return to Pvt.…

Blog Talk Radio: Episode 141

Had a great time talking with Chiefs Lasky, Coleman, Halton and Crawford last night during the radio show! Link to the archived stream is above.



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I read an article by an old acquaintance the other day.  I don't want to identify the author because this is not about the "who", but the "what." 

What a concept.  Here's an excerpt:

“There was a code that said that the coach was always right and you NEVER questioned a coach’s decision in regards to you. Like it or not, you had to respect it. It was not an option!  Sound familiar?  It should!”

“I came up in the fire service at a time…

By Chris Mc Loone, Associate Editor

With all the cancer research that goes on in the world today and with all the advisories to get screened early because early detection is key, the last thing I expected was an attempt to talk me out of it.

I am in my 19^th year in the fire service. I’m a volunteer in a company that may…