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November 2011 Blog Posts (21)

Sawzall / Reciprocating Saw Ops

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…

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Added by Paul Hasenmeier on November 30, 2011 at 11:15am — No Comments

ChiefReason for Dummies

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…

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Added by Art "Chief Reason" Goodrich on November 26, 2011 at 8:42pm — 2 Comments

The Company Officer: An Embedded Leader

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…

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Added by Brian Brush on November 25, 2011 at 10:30am — 1 Comment

What is a "COMBAT READY" engine company?

Tim Linke from Lincoln, NE sent me this basic but thought provoking inquiry.  We all talk about being "combat ready".  Weather you use that particular term or not, if you're reading this you're probably interested in being your best, A+ performances all the time, etc...

 

So for those of us in an engine company - WHAT IS COMBAT READY?

dcfd   …dsc02735

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Added by Nick Martin on November 22, 2011 at 3:21pm — 1 Comment

ASKING FOR TROUBLE

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

Happy Thanksgiving, Brothers and Sisters!!!

 

 

 

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Added by Paul Combs on November 22, 2011 at 1:51pm — 2 Comments

I Punted; Super Committee Fumbles!

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…

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Added by Art "Chief Reason" Goodrich on November 21, 2011 at 8:33pm — 4 Comments

The First Attack Line is Not Magic



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…

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Added by Richard Riley on November 21, 2011 at 11:12am — 1 Comment

Inside Balloon Frame Construction

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,…

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Added by Jason Hoevelmann on November 18, 2011 at 10:48pm — 1 Comment

Firefighter Removal from Basement--Webbing Assisted

Here is a quick video of how to use a piece of webbing to assist a firefighter out of a basement window. Understand, that depending on the height of the basement, the length of webbing needed may need to be longer. A 30 foot piece of webbing tied in a loop will work for most situations. The reason the loop is used is so if the webbing slips, it wont completely slip out of your hands if your one of the firefighters pulling on the outside.
Thanks for reading and watching…
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Added by Jason Hoevelmann on November 18, 2011 at 5:51pm — No Comments

Van Halen: No Brown M&M's

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…

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Added by John Mitchell on November 17, 2011 at 1:25am — No Comments

Scott Flies Flag Backwards in Recent Ad

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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Added by Joe Cook on November 15, 2011 at 2:43pm — No Comments

NOVEMBER MAGAZINE CARTOON







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Added by Paul Combs on November 14, 2011 at 3:24pm — 5 Comments

Ohio; Community Organizing-Platinum Edition

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…

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Added by Art "Chief Reason" Goodrich on November 13, 2011 at 11:12am — No Comments

Mercury Exposure

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…
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Added by Paul Hasenmeier on November 11, 2011 at 11:28am — No Comments

THE FIRE LINE: OFF DUTY RULE #1

 

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…

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Added by Paul Combs on November 10, 2011 at 11:07am — 6 Comments

Liquid CO2 Hazards

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.

Added by Paul Hasenmeier on November 9, 2011 at 5:55pm — No Comments

Private Sacrifice

In honor of and with deep appreciation, this goes out to our veterans.

 

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.…

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Added by Art "Chief Reason" Goodrich on November 7, 2011 at 9:48pm — 3 Comments

Radio Show

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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Added by Paul Combs on November 4, 2011 at 8:40pm — No Comments

If you don’t eat your meat, you can’t have any pudding!

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…

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Added by John Mitchell on November 2, 2011 at 8:00pm — No Comments

All I Want is a Chest X-Ray

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

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Added by Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equip on November 2, 2011 at 12:00pm — No Comments

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