Anthony Avillo's Comments

Thanks Anthony! I just wanted to let you know that I read your "Fireground Strategies" book when I took a Fire Company Administration course at Ocean County College in New Jersey when I lived up there and found a lot of great tips! I have never gotten the chance to meet you, but I do know that your department is one of the best known in Jersey. I wish you were teaching at teh Monmouth County Fire Academy when I still lived up there. I was the last class to have been taught by the late Capt Fitzgerald from Newark, so I went through tthe acadwey in 2002. I was a volunteer in Union Beach. I am now a career firefighter in Fort Myers, Florida and I am still using great tips from firefighters in your department, along with FDNY and Jersey City. Firefighting is much different in the south, which styaffing and knowledge issues. Fire has developped much faster with woodframe and warehouse type construction in the north. CBS with woodtruss buildings have taken over down here giving a false sense of security when it comes to the strength of a building. I have been reading some of your posts and I am taking some knowledge from many others on this site and am trying to develop them into training for my department. Thank you and if I have any questions, I will be sure to get back to you. And if you ever come down to florida to teach, it would be a pleasure to meet you.

I had to do to that once and it was real difficult. I am a very energetic speaker and it was hard for me to sit for one hour! You did great! Keep in touch! Todd

Thanks for the help and the support.

Great FDIC on line! Loved it my entire crew listened!

Chief,
I am having problems regarding the NFPA requirements. I am and have been receiving major pushback from my department (including Chiefs) regarding some of the procedures regarding gear, equipment, and apparatus inspections that I have established for my company. The procedures specify when and how to perform the inspections, as well as, checklists that record the activities. I have taken the information from the various NFPA standards and the Manufacturers documentation, and recommendations. The issue is (as I have been told by numerous past and present officers) that NJ has not adopted NFPA STDs; therefore, we don’t have to follow them. I am in the process if trying to determine if that is a true statement, but even if it is not, there is nothing that states that we can’t and shouldn’t. I feel that if (god forbid) there is an incident; I (as an officer and person) have done everything possible to ensure the safety of my firefighters. Am I off the wall for thinking like this? No, I hope.
Questions;
If there was an incident are we not going to be held to the national STDs in a court of law?
Other than the POSHA Document from the Division of Fire and Safety is there any documentation that states NJ does or does not follow NFPA STDs?
Thanks
DON’T be the next one, BE safe!
Richard

Thanks Chief...

Hopefully the hard work will pay off. I watched the webcast you had last week at FDIC online. I took notes... and enjoyed it... stay safe.

Excellent broadcast on FDIC online. It shows that if you plan for it, it can happen. Again superb.

Thanks for the comment chief, as for my location, I am in mount ephraim NJ, just a few miles from camden city. I am slowing adding to my page, and all the info will be up soon.
Stay safe

Chief, Thanks for all your guidance throughout the years. You are a true motivator and innovator and we are all grateful for that. If I am half the chief officer you are I know I will be successful. I also want you to know that I have to order a new copy of your book because I wore out the original one. Thanks again and hope to see you soon.

Chief,
I took the first Officer Development course that you gave at the Monmouth County Fire Academy. It was one of the most instructive courses that I took because of you teaching technique and personal experiences. I wanted to let you know that after taking your course I implemented a number of new SOPs (I stopped using the term SOG. SOGs are procedures without ba!!$, right) at the company level. I now have all firefighters that ride the apparatus wearing seatbelts in the apparatus (as well as in their POV), wearing chin straps at all times, and wearing the waist belt on their SCBA to name a few.
I just wanted to let you know how you inspire those around you and I respect and appreciate you as a Chief, an Instructor, and a Firefighter.
DON’T be the next one, BE Safe!
Richard Michitsch
2nd Lt, Midway Hose Company Number 2, MBFD

Thanks for the response brother. As far as my page it is a work in progress.

Welcome to the New Jersey Group. Make sure you invite your fellow New Jersey Brothers. This is your group so feel free to pass on some knowledge, start or join any discussion, or if you’re looking for a place to vent, vent away.

Welcome to the site. Take a look at the New Jersey group located at http://community.fireengineering.com/group/newjersey. Feel free to join and make it your own.

Chief,
This means that you will have the ability to start any discussions specifically related to this group. You will have access to the group as an administrator. I have learned that it hard to come up with new ideas for discussion on a regular basis. It is apparent, that you have some experience and knowledge that can be shared. let me know what you think.
Thanks

Chief
We have almost 300 FF, 13 Engine Co. 4 Truck Co. 1 ARFF (Gary/Chicago International Airport) And yes the Jackson 5 originated in Gary. lol
I'll be looking for the artical on the DRD you guy are doing. Take care and stay safe MB

Chief,
I would like to give you access as an administrator to the Flashover group. Anything you think that is applicable,please feel free to post it.

Thanks Tony, I have enjoyed your postings and replys. Seems that we have meny similar interests and thoughts about our service. You must be an old truckie.....

Thanks Chief! I'm really enjoying this site! Probably spending too much time here too. LOL!! Stay safe!

Thanks Chief, if god is willing hopefully they will be engine guys like me!