Ben Fleagle's Comments

Great words and great post. I hope we are able to keep the spirit of these guys alive for a long time. Keep it going! Formal recognitions are very critical to rememberance. I will attend many in the future but this year I just felt like doing something different given our deparments low morale. The brotherhood is alive! I enjoyed you post.

I hope to see the column published elsewhere. It's really good.

Ben,

I have too many questions regarding the layout of your rescue scenario, the force vectors for the operation, trouble picturing the anchor plate, etc. to comment intelligently about the specifics. But, we have done similiar preplaced anchor points in some of our industrial settings. We have used purchased and certified anchor points and then have them installed according to the manufacturers instructions to ensure their safety ratings. You can buy certified anchors from most industrial suppliers in many different weight ratings. If you are having anchors made, make sure they are designed by an engineer, built by certified welders, and installed as designed. Usually the engineering company that designed it can provide you with the documentation on its weight rating. Another consideration based off of your location in Alaska is the maintenance of the anchor points. They will have to maintained to prevent rust, degradation of the concrete where the bolts are installed, etc. Weather does a number on steel and concrete in harsh environments. Sorry I am not more help. Best of luck and stay safe!!

Hows your Dad doing? Hope he is recovering well and back working on his pianos again. Let me know if they need anything.

Materi

Hey, Brother. I got to thinking about your last message you left me about how things are up your way. A buddy of mine just made Training Chief in Auburn,AL. They have a student program very similiar to yours and he may be able to provide some insight into some of the same problems they have run into over the years, or someone to bounce some ideas off of. Its been over 10 years since I've worked there, so........I may be a little rusty with the program. He'd be your best bet. Let me know if you want his info. Take care. FTM-PTB. FarSouth Ben.

So i had an epiphany tonight and it came at the most unopportune time, on our third fire of the day. The epiphany is this, it really is a bad idea to, in the middle of a right handed search, sneeze in your mask. Because it will unseat the nose cup and then deposite mucus all up the inside of face piece. Smoke conditions are one thing, snot conditions are a whole other ballgame!

I am good though, we have been staying really busy for about the past 5 rounds. economy goes down fire volume goes up. I guess its the silver lining around a dark cloud.

I got to see josh novinska up in milwaukee last week. I just keep crossing paths with the brother. Good guy, i like his attitude.

So how are things up north? whats new? You got any more trips planned to the outside anytime soon?

I will get that shield off to you this weekend.

Ben,
Yes please do... We welcome your input. If it gets too bad, we'll let you know!!! Just kidding Brother.

OK OK you win. I'm jealous of your fire. What does it look like again. I think it's orangish and it flickers right. it's been so long since i have had hose or a tool in my hand at a fire it's not even funny. Damn D/O position. pumping sucks after 10 minutes of being on scene. Sorry I haven't called cap still really busy. I'll try here in the next few days.

Nice work brother!

You guys pulled one out? Give me the details.

Hey brother sorry I didn't call. I'll try here in the next couple days. I have been really busy. I went as a cover company yesterday for Chief Packer's dept so they could go to the funeral and I had a class on wednesday I was teaching. It's been hectic. hope all is going good

I'm just an idiot I realized that it is Brent Keiser coming. I saw Farthest North FOOLS and immediatly thought of you. sorry bro. wish you were coming.

I'm doing good a little rough right now at my firehouse I ruffled some feathers apparently but trying to push through it. I heard your going to be at the FOOLS campout if so I'll see you there.

Great can't wait to see what you have to say in the Hazmat group called HazMat News and training Todd McKee

I noticed you started in Orange County. I was first introduced ro the fire service in OC with the ROP program. I lived in Corona at the time, graduating from Norco in 97.

Thank you Sir, it was just what I needed! I left a reply on your blog.

Keep Safe,
Jason

check out my new blog, I'll post some good runs and training on it as they come.

Hey Captian,

Thanks for leaving me some words, this site is going to be very helpful to me. Im very lucking to have Captain Berg as my training officer, he keeps me lined out with all the best training ops.

Thanks Gino
Engine co. 94

Captain Fleagle,

I must let you know that the modern legendary, Gino Bellizzi, is now a member of the Fire Engineering Training Community. You may have to get on his page and bust his chops.
I'm not sure if you got to meet him at the Convention in Seattle. He was up at the Academy on training day, but was in and out the others due to family commitments.
I love this guy, and he is probably one of the most knowledgeable, squared away, attitude appropriate, committed, loyal, American volunteer Fireman that have yet to know. You want to talk about energy.....Italiano Missimo Gino!
Get on and bust his chops brother!

Aw yes the NY hook big fan finally got the guys to buy into them a few months ago and now they are in love. Also got one of those dragon slayers. Mean looking fellow for sure. Great on sheet rock. Been working on our own "FOOLS trailer. Heard you guys were going to try and do something also? is that true?