Skip to content

Archives for

See all posts in the network tagged with

Thief Steals, Crashes, Rolls Firetruck

4 comments

Don't Know How He Got Access to It

A PENNSYLVANIA MAN IS UNDER ARREST after stealing a Bristol, Rhode Island, fire vehicle and then crashing it.

Clayton Hardon of Devon, Pennsylvania, stole the Bristol F.D.'s "special hazards" truck (used for vehicle extrications and other special operations) early Saturday morning and took it for a joyride.  The ride didn't last too long, though, before he ran off the road, struck a tree and rolled the truck over onto its top.

WPRI-TV

Bristol police arrested him at the scene and charged him with a long list of complaints including DUI, reckless driving, and several more.  He suffered some undisclosed injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatement before he was taken to jail.

Fire officials are keeping mum on where the truck was parked and how Hardon was able to get into it and start it up.

WPRI-TV  has the story and a brief video report HERE.
The Providence Journal has MORE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

 

Posted by on July 18, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, crime, Fire Rescue Topics • Tagged: , , ,

Morning Lineup – July 18

Comments Off

Monday Morning – Time to Start Packing

We just got confirmation that Steve's perpetual pest, F. G. Gnome will once again be joining us at the Firehouse Expo later this week.  I think one reason he's dropping by is because he's depleted Steve's entire beer supply and he's getting cranky.  He still thinks he's going to be able to buy a National Bohemian Beer down here, but I've got a suprise for him.

Baltimore Bound!

The little guy can get under your skin if you don't watch out because he's very hyper and his behavior patterns are very gnomic.  But between all of us in the booth, I'm hoping we can keep him reigned in for three days.  He's not due to arrive until Thursday morning, so we've got some breathing room until then.

He even created pandemonium at his Netcast inteview

One thing you can do to help out is bring your camera with you when you visit us.  FG is a born ham and loves to have his picture taken.  A lot of people did that last year and it spoiled him, so he's coming back for some more adulation.  So help me out, please, and keep him occupied for a little while, would you?  Thanks.

Now let's get occupied with getting this equipment checked out.  It's Monday, so the long check-sheet gets filled out.  I'll get more coffee started and then we'll meet back in the day room later.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Special DVD Offer:

The Pink Panther Ultimate Collection – 35% off!

Nine Pink Panther Movies, plus nine PP cartoon collections….18 dvd's total.

CLICK HERE to read more and order.

Posted by on July 18, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup • Tagged: , ,

Croatian Island Fire Update

Comments Off

Fire Out by Saturday Night

THE STUBBORN WILDFIRE THAT THREATENED the entire island of Brac in Croatia has been extinguished.  (See the Firegeezer report from Saturday HERE.)

The fire was virtually out except for some hot spots Saturday evening, but as a precaution the fire service kept 372 firefighters on standby in case the wind whipped up again.  A long portion of the fire line is inaccessable to ground crews, so a carefull watch was required.  Sunday morning the situation had remained cool and non-threatening.

At 11:30 Saturday night the Prime Minister of Croatia, Jadranka Kosor arrived and spent today visiting the fire area and thanking the hundreds of firefighters, volunteers, and residents for their hard work in preserving the island with only one resident injured and no homes destroyed.

Updated story in Dnevnik HERE.

Posted by on July 17, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires, forestry, Wildland • Tagged:

10-year-old + Heimlich = 1 Saved Brother

Comments Off

Firefighter Father Taught Both Boys Young

A YOUNG BOY IN ALLENSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, remembered what his father taught him and what he has seen on tv cartoons to save his own brother's life Thursday.  Clayton Soule-Lambert, 5, was playing inside his house when he accidentally swallowed a marble and began choking.  Fortunately, his older brother Dylan, age 10, was nearby.  Their mother was in the shower at the time and their grandmother who lives with them was in the basement.  Neither woman could hear the boys' calls and commotion, so Dylan took command and recalled his training of the Heimlich Maneuver.

Dylan and Clayton Demonstrate How It's Done  (WHDH-TV image)

Taking the proper position behind his brother and hands just below the rib cage, Dylan began giving solid compressions and on the fourth one he was successful when the marble popped out.

This video report from WHDH-TV interviews both boys and they recreate the life-saving effort for the camera:

 

The children's father, Aaron, is a firefighter in Bedford, New Hampshire, and was at work when it happened.  But he had already seen to it that Dylan was ready for the emergency.  He told the press that he has always taught his children about life-saving techniques including the Heimlich.  Aaron said helping others is in his son's blood.  "He has three uncles that are also firemen, so he's been around it his whole life," he told WMUR.  (Ok…who's going to sign this promising prospect? … ed.)  

Hat tip:  Mark D.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 17, 2011 • Filed under: EMS Topics, rescue, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: , , ,

Sunday Morning 4-Bagger in New Hampshire

Comments Off

Destroys Three Buildings

AN EARLY-MORNING FIRE ON SUNDAY DESTROYED a local meat packing company and a residence in Hooksett, New Hampshire.

WMUR-TV

The fire was reported at 4:30 am when a neighbor spotted the fire which had started in a barn at the Garos Meat Packing Co.  It had spread to the slaughterhouse and was threatening an occupied residence when the neighbor, Mary Scott ran to warn them of the danger.  After failing to rouse the couple living there after banging on the door, she went around to the side and threw a rock through the window and that woke them up.  They escaped safely before the house caught on fire and collapsed.

The fire went to four alarms to bring enough firefighters and equipment to the scene to battle the fires in all three buildings.  The fire is out now, but investigation is just beginnig into the cause of the blaze.

WMUR-TV has the early report HERE.

Hat tip:  Mark D.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 17, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires • Tagged: , ,

A Sunday Emergency !

Comments Off

 

Season Two – Episode 19

Boot

 

The Paramedics and men of Station 51 become concerned when their mascot becomes listless and refuses to eat.

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 17, 2011 • Filed under: Sunday Emergency • Tagged:

Village Trustees Show Responsible Leadership

Comments Off

Almost Sounds Like They Read Firegeezer

THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE TRUSTEES of Croton-On-Hudson, New York, recognize the reality of the times and are taking responsibly good steps to maintain  proper EMS care for their residents.  An article in today's White Plains Journal News begins:

A paid emergency medical technician will start working Monday morning in the village, following a speedy decision by community leaders to authorize the hiring.

The paid position, which was put on the fast track at the urging of the village's emergency services director, was approved to solve a shortage of ambulance volunteers and get the ambulance to medical incidents faster. A recent study found that half of Croton's calls in May were handled by Ossining ambulance crews, adding about 10 minutes to a hospital trip.

The village took notice as the membership of the volunteer rescue squad dropped down to a low level and daytime responses were being scrubbed for lack of people on duty.  The new EMT slot will be filled on weekdays from 7 am to 7 pm (most likely covered by more than one person….ed.) and will permit the ambulance to respond with only one volunteer needed.

It is refreshing to see this kind of concern and solution by a council.  Some of the key quotes from the article are indicative:

"We knew we had to increase staffing and lower response times."

"The health and safety of the public trumps any financial concerns."

"We should be able to see a measurable reduction in response times, and that's good. I'm confident this is the right thing to do."

"It's the reality of changing times,"

　

The new-hire is an interim position allowing them time to advertise and open competitive bidding for the operation.

Read the entire article HERE.
Croton EMS WEBPAGE.
Croton Fire Department WEBSITE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 17, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, ambulances, EMS Topics • Tagged:

Morning Lineup – July 17

1 comment

Sunday Morning – Expo Week Begins

If you've been scanning the Upcoming Events posting each Wednesday, you may have noticed the announcement for the South Atlantic Fire Service Expo that is held each year in conjunction with the North Carolina Fire Chiefs Association annual conference in August.  This event has been growing in popularity and attendance steadily since they moved the event to Raleigh, the state capital, about three years ago.

They put on a good program each year and one of their events is a fire department parade held on Saturday, the last day of the conference.  The parade entries include modern fire apparatus, antiques, pipe bands, and honor guards.  The organizers have asked us to pass along to everybody that registration for parade units is now open and if you have a vehicle or represent one of the marching groups, you are encouraged to sign up now.  You can get more information and begin the registration process online by CLICKING HERE.  Raleigh is a friendly city and I know you will enjoy your visit, so check it out.  Thanks.

*  *  *  *  *

Speaking of Expo's, the GeezerGang is packing up our booth furnishings and banners, and getting ready to head up to Baltimore for the big Firehouse Expo at the Baltimore Convention Center that begins on Tuesday.  The Exhibit Hall opens Thursday morning and will be open on Friday and Saturday when the show concludes.  If you're planning on attending, or perhaps thinking about it, then don't forget to register online before you go and if you follow these simple directions, you can get into the Exhibit Hall for FREE, courtesy of Firegeezer:

1) Go this webpage: https://www.xpressreg.net/register/fire071/reginfo.asp?st=&o=85867&pc=&iq=&aban=

2) Fill out first two parts of Step 1, then in the Promo Code box enter: EX79

3) When you get to Step 3, click on Exhibit Hall Only. If you entered the Promo Code in Step 1, the fee will be showing $0 (watch out for the automatic subscription to the magazine just below. You have to de-select it or you're stuck with a subscription.)

4) Finish out the registration form. You will pick up your badge at the Expo registration counter.

5) Last step: Be sure to stop by Booth #743 and say hello!

The booth is empty now, but the whole gang along with theSTATter911 folks and the
Firefighter Netcast crew will be set up at the opening ceremony on Thursday morning.

Well, we'd better get this emergency equipment checked out first before we start loading up, so while you get started on that, I'll get a fresh pot of coffee going in the Bunn-O-Matic.  See you back in the day room in a little while…..Sunday routine today.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 17, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup, parades • Tagged: ,

Stubborn Wildfire on Croatian Island

1 comment

Over 25% of Island Burned So Far

A wildfire that started Thursday night has destroyed 1/4 of the occupied island of Brač in Croatia.  Our correspondent Nenad Ilisic has sent us this report on the situation there:

Thursday July 14 a wildfire fire started on the island of Brač in Croatia.

24 Sata

A strong south wind spread the fire very quickly. Although more than 120 400 firefighters, 40 75vehicles, 4 CL-415 and 1 AT-802 airplanes were engaged, they couldn't stop the fire and the first day ended with more than 2500 burned hectares. Heavy terrain in combination with wind constantly changing direction are the reasons why ground forces were not able to get the fire under control.

24 Sata

Friday, early at sunrise, 5 CL-415, 3 AT-802 and 2 Mi-8 helicopters started to aid firefighters on the ground, who fought the fire all night, with minor success. 250 firefighters are at the moment engaged with more reinforcement on the way. More than 200 persons (tourists and residents) were evacuated. For now there are no reports of injured people. More than 250 sheep didn't survive. Many vineyards and olive groves are destroyed. Last information says that more than 4000 hectares are burned that is almost 1/4 of the island surface. Almost all air forces were engaged during the day to their limits until there was no more visibility to fly.

This Video Shows the Canadair Tankers Refilling From the Sea

 

Just another day at the beach!

The fire is easy to see from Split. Ash from fire ''snowed'' on the town 17 km away. There is one more night of uncertainty for all people on the island, firefighters included. The only hope is that if the wind weakens during the night, there is large possibility for firefighters to take control of the situation Saturday.

Additional photos available:
24 Sata has a 34-image photo gallery HERE.
Jutarnji has a 30-image gallery HERE.

This graphic animation illustrates the area involved:

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 16, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Firefighting Operations, Fires, forestry, Videos, Wildland • Tagged: ,

“51 in Quarters” a Huge Success

1 comment

A Banner Day for Emergency! Fans

IF YOU HAVE BEEN READING our weekly Upcoming Events column each Wednesday, then you may have noticed the item announcing a special event that was held last Saturday, July 9 by the Los Angeles County Fire Museum.  They are the owners and restorers of the squad truck and two pumpers that appeared in the still-popular tv series Emergency! that ran for five seasons (plus a couple of years of specials) in the 1970's.

The Ward LaFrance pumper that was used during most of the series was just retired from active duty two years ago and restoration was completed in time for this special open house at L.A. County Station 127 that served as Sta. 51 in the series.  All three vehicles were parked at the station for the first time in more than 30 years and a big open-house party was held for the public.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief, A.J. Heightman, who himself credits Emergency! with inspiring him to become a paramedic and push for improved EMS throughout America, traveled to the event and wrote up a fine article about the big day. 

JEMS

It was published on JEMS website HERE along with many photos and interviews.  It makes for some great Saturday reading and we encourage you to take the time to soak up the lengthy report.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 16, 2011 • Filed under: culture, EMS Topics, fun, News • Tagged: ,

Bungling Copper Thief Blows Up Six Houses

Comments Off

 

Man Arrested For Foul Deed

THIEVES TRYING TO DISMANTLE an electric service line in Yorkshire, England, last week gave up on their effort and left the wires dangling at the rear of a block of rowhouses in Castleford.  The situation came to the attention of the fire brigade around 1:30 am Friday, July 8 when they were called out for a series of several small fires behind the homes.

Realizing the imminent danger that the arcing wires were producing, the firefighters evacuated the entire block and got about 30 residents out of their sleep and into the street just moments before the hazard triggered an explosion that destroyed two houses and  damaged four others. 

West Yorkshire Fire – Rescue image

The firefighters had just removed the last two occupants who needed to be removed by ladders when the a large explosion occurred.  This fire brigade video documentation of the incident captured the blast and you can see just how close they came to losing some firefighters:

 

A spokesman for the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service told the press: 'If the house had exploded only seconds earlier, there is no doubt in my mind that it would have killed or seriously injured the occupants and the firefighters who were risking their lives to rescue them. We can’t stress enough how devastating this could have been.  Instead, they lost their homes and possessions rather than their lives. If people continue to tamper with equipment on the electricity network, it is only a matter of time before more people die.'

BBC News

A 27-yr.-old man has been arrested for implication in the crime and is still being held by Yorkshire Police.  He has not yet been publicly identified and investigation may lead to more arrests.

The Yorkshire Evening Post has MORE.

Harrowgate News

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 16, 2011 • Filed under: crime, explosion, fire, Fires, Videos • Tagged: , , ,

Morning Lineup – July 16

Comments Off

Saturday Morning – Time to Start Packing

The 2011 version of the Firehouse Expo opens up tomorrow and gets into full steam on Monday.  There are always several thousand people enrolled in the wide array of classes and seminars that will be held over the 6-day span and on Thursday the exhibit hall opens for three days of display.  Lots of new firetrucks to look at as well as rescue vehicles, equipment and gadget of all sorts.  Just about every major, and not so major, fire and EMS equipment manufacturer will be there along with a few hundred vendors who sell a wide variety of playthings as well as personal equipment.  It's a great place to stock up on things that you carry in your running coat pocket along with books – hundreds of books – and gift ideas.

And…….once again Firegeezer will be there.  We'll be set up in Booth #743, right in the heart of the exhibit center.  Joining us again as he has every year we've been there, will be Dave Statter of STATter911 fame.  Also, for the 2nd year now, the Firefighter Netcast crew will be there with their recording equipment set up for more interviews and I understand they might be doing some live netcasts too.

We have a big double-booth and there will be things happening every minute along with your favorite fire/rescue bloggers Bill Schumm, Mike Ward, Dave Statter, Rhett Fleitz, John Mitchell, and more contributors, too many to list.  Also GeezerDotter and GeezerGrandotter will be there with a supply of Firegeezer coffee mugs and travel mugs for you to buy and take home with you.

And don't forget….. if you register online before you set out for Baltimore, you can get the 3-day pass to the exhibit hall for Free if you follow these simple steps:

1) CLICK HERE to start your registration.

2) Fill out first two parts of Step 1, then in the Promo Code box enter: EX79

3) When you get to Step 3, click on Exhibit Hall Only. If you entered the Promo Code in Step 1, the fee will be showing $0 (watch out for the automatic subscription to the magazine just below. You have to de-select it or you're stuck with a subscription.)

4) Finish out the registration form. You will pick up your badge at the Expo registration counter.

5) Last step: Be sure to stop by Booth #743 and say hello!

And while you are at the Expo we want you to plan on spending Thursday night at the annual Firefighter Nation meetup.  Check this out and see how you can get free drink tickets:

FirefighterNation.com, FireEMSBlogs.com and FireRescue Magazine are pleased to announce the Firefighter Meetup in Baltimore to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The event takes place Thursday night, July 21st at Uno's in Harborplace, 201 East Pratt Street from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Join many of the web's top fire service bloggers, firefighters from across the region and around the country, at this special event

The first 50 firefighters to stop by the FireRescue Magazine/FirefighterNation.com (Booth 724), Fire Geezer (with Statter 911, Firefighter Netcast at Booth #743) or National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (Booth 252) booths at Firehouse Expo on Thursday will also receive a complimentary drink ticket for the event.

Uno's will donate 20% of the proceeds (excluding tax and tip) from Thursday night's event to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (http://www.firehero.org)

So there you go, partyguys and gals….the fun starts Thursday morning and just keeps on going.

Now let's get our weekend party started and get this equipment checked out.  I'm going to get some party-coffee going and then we'll meet back in the day room in a little while.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 16, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup • Tagged:

Friday’s Missing Caption

1 comment

*  *  * *  *

THIS PHOTO THAT CAME IN from Getty caught my eye, even though I think I know what they're trying to do.  Or do I?  This shot arrived without the correct caption, leaving it up to us to figure out what all is going on here.  There's no doubt that they're firefighters, but what is this new method?  And what are they standing in? 

It's up to you to provide the answers for us, so let us know what you think they are and post them in the Comments so that we can learn.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 15, 2011 • Filed under: caption contest • Tagged:

Fire At Plastics Recycling Plant Brings 20 FD’s

Comments Off

Started As An Outside Fire

A MID-DAY FIRE AT A PLASTICS RECYCLING plant in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, Friday grew to four alarms before it was knocked down.

The fire started in an outside trash storage area (perhaps a dumpster) at the National Plastics and Manufacturing Co. around 11:15 am.  While one of the four employees on site tried to extinguish the fire, another reported it to the 9-1-1 dispatch center.  The man who made the call noticed that the fire was growing rapidly and starting to get into the building, so he found the other worker who was inside the building at the time and notified him of the blaze.

The fire began in or near this dumpster
and spred from the trash to some stacks of
 plastics awaiting recycling. (Palmer Forks Patch)

While the fire was getting hold to the corner of the building, the employees were able to remove all the forklift trucks as well as the propane bottles that were inside.  The fire had by then extended to stacks of scrapped plastics in the outdoor area and was sending large quantities of thick, plastic smoke up and getting attention throughout the area.  The building that was getting burned is sprinklered and the system kept the extending fire in check.  Altogether the FD units contained the fire and prevented any further extension.

 Well-placed fire streams plus the sprinkler
system kept the fire contained.  (Express-Times)

About 14 to 20 fire companies from Pennsylvania and New Jersey were called to the scene to get enough manpower on hand for the job and the fire flow demand caused a water pressure drop in the area.  A neighboring water company used a connector line to supplement the fire flow needed.  As the firefighters would get the fire knocked down, it would flare up again much like a hay bale fire.  A special-call to the Lehigh Valley airport brought a foam truck to the scene around 2 pm and it sped up the extinguishing efforts.  By 3 pm the fire was knocked down with only some hotspots burning.

Express-Times

The Express-Times has the full STORY.
The Palmer-Forks Patch has more plus a photo gallery HERE.

Hat tip:  Carmine S.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 15, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires • Tagged: , ,

Fire Destroys University Dormitory Building

1 comment

Almost All Students Gone For the Summer

A TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY (Alabama) DORMITORY WAS DESTROYED Thursday evening by a fire that is initially believed to have started from a lightning strike.

WSFA-TV

A thunderstorm was passing over the area when the fire broke out in the roof of the 73-bed, 3-story building just before 5 pm.  The dorm was largely vacant due to the summer break, but three students were in residence for the summer term.  None of them were in the building when it caught fire, though.

Seven other fire departments assisted the Tuskegee Fire Department in dousing the blaze.  The fire was knocked down in about an hour, but some units remained for a few hours working the hot spots.

WSFA-TV provided this video report:

 

Read more plus view a photo gallery on WSFA-TV HERE.
There is no further information about the fire because the university police would not allow any news agencies on campus.  We don't know what they are trying to cover up.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 15, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires, Videos

Guilty Plea For Antique Firetruck Insurance Fraud

Comments Off

Facing Prison on Felony Counts

A MANHEIM, PENNSYLVANIA, MAN PLEADED GUILTY this week to two separate charges involving insurance fraud and arson.  One of the instances concerned his "antique" fire engine as reported by the Patriot-News.

Kenneth L. Boughter, 30, was arrested this past November following investigations by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Insurance Fraud squad for schemes against the State Farm Insurance Company.  In one of the cases he had filed a claim for the alleged theft of his 1975 fire engine in August 2008 and he collected $21,000 from the insurance company. In fact, Boughter had moved the truck from a storage building in Conewago Township and hidden it in Juniata County.

In the other case he was accused of setting fire to his Cadillac Escalade in April 2009 and filed a claim for the "accidental" loss.  Instead of paying the claim, State Farm initiated an investigation (no doubt triggered by the "coincidence" of the previous claim for the firetruck filed just a few months earlier….ed.)  That resulted in the arrest and charges of one count of Arson Endangering Property (F2), one count of Arson Reckless Burning or Exploding (F3),two counts of Insurance Fraud (F3), one count of Criminal Attempt/Theft by Deception (F3), one count of Theft by Deception (F3),one count of Criminal Conspiracy (F3) and two counts of False Reports (M3).

He will be sentenced in September.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 15, 2011 • Filed under: antique apparatus, crime, News • Tagged: ,

A Haircut Versus a Beheading

2 comments

A Little City With Big Problems

Central Falls, Rhode Island, looks headed for disaster this summer as the tiny city of 20K confronts an $80M unpaid bill for firefighter and police pension benefits. Robert Flanders, the state-appointed receiver (in itself hardly a good thing) has referred to the need for pensioners and others to engage in give-backs as a "haircut being better than a beheading."

Central Falls appears ready to follow in the footsteps of Prichard, Alabama, which recently declared bankruptcy, also over the crushing burden of pension obligations. In the case of Prichard, the end was foretold years in advance as city officials correctly forecast the demise of the unfunded pension system right on schedule.

As can be imagined, now is not exactly the time to be seeking help at the state level for fiscal problems. Rhode Island has refused to bail out Central Falls and is, itself in less than sanguine financial shape. Since the selling of municipal bonds to finance government debt is so widespread, municipalities of every size and level must ensure that their bond rating remains reasonably healthy lest they lose their ability to finance operations. Allowing Central Falls to capsize is a small price to pay.

According to the New York Times, if Central Falls were contributing the required amount to sustain the pension systems for police and firefighters, it would represent 57% of the local property tax revenue. This, of course, shines a bright light on the level of benefits for retirees which has been compared to being at the same level as much larger and more prosperous cities.

Aggravating the situation is the fact that Central Falls firefighters, like thousands of others nationwide, voluntarily do not participate in social security. Social security participation was once seen as unfair and redundant for municipal workers and they were effectively allowed to opt out. Perhaps that decision will appear unwise in retrospect as the sole source of retirement income dries up. Should firefighters who opted out of social security and now face the loss of retirement benefits be allowed to seek federal aid for their loss of benefits? That would hardly seem fair to the thousands of others who dutifully paid into social security as a back-up or secondary source of benefits.

Rhode Island has the highest per capita spending for firefighters in the nation as well as among the most aggressive labor rights. Given their state of crisis it will be interesting to see if correlations are drawn between the two.

……………. Eric Lamar

sources:
New York Times
Providence Journal

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 15, 2011 • Filed under: commentary, Eric Lamar • Tagged: ,

Morning Lineup – July 15

3 comments

Friday Morning – Who Wants to Volunteer?

On Wednesday an announcement from Sullivan County, New York, stated that the county's largest volunteer ambulance service will be taken over and operated by a private firm, Mobilmedic EMS.  Come Sunday, after 41 years the Town of Liberty Volunteer Ambulance Corps will cease to exist.  The reason for the takeover is predictable …. the "enormous cost" of maintaining the level of care and the three ambulances.

This is typical of the sea change that is roiling the EMS programs across the country.  The rising costs of staying open and a dearth of new volunteers to replace the older ones as they drift away from the squad.  Liberty's situation is not unique, nor is it temporary.  It is reality in the EMS delivery model and indicative of the cultural change that is slowly moving through the volunteer first-responder universe.

While many people don't want to believe that it's going to happen to their rescue squads or VFD's, it's bound to show up in your town eventually and it's not just because of expenses.  If we choose to, we can start buying smaller fire engines or lower-cost ambulances.  Some communties are already pooling their resources to purchase and put in service aerial trucks that are owned and maintained jointly by a few localities.  There are several alternatives available to hold down expenditures, but I have to point out that in some cases your own government works against you.  Cash-strapped New York State, for example, has discontinued the sales tax exemption on volunteer squads' fuel purchases.

But the strongest forces pushing this change are two that we have chatted about previously here more than once.  First of all is the dwindling pool of people who genuinely want to spend the time and effort to participate.  A large percentage of people in the age bracket that most volunteer were recruited  from have a different concept of volunteerism these days.  These folks, often referred to as the "me" generation, get their rewards from making themselves feel better instead of making their neighbors feel better.  So they will drop by the firehouse or squad building once a week to mow the grass, weed the flower bed, or tidy up around the station and then return to their circle of friends where they will modestly boast that they "volunteer down at the rescue squad."

Just as challenging to survival is the creeping rise of mandatory standards placed on the fire and EMS companies.  Back in the 1970's the Federal government imposed a minimum cu. ft. capacity in the patient areas of  ambulances and suddenly everyone had to upgrade to larger and more expensive units.  And this sort of upgrading has continued in various stages, especially in personal certification levels needed to be able to do the task.  It has reached the point where in many areas the official medical directors, a legal position in many states and counties, have arbitrarily taken it upon themselves to mandate at least one paramedic be on each ambulance.  Gee, that's a great idea.  Maximum care available to all who call the taxi ambulance.  Now we have advanced the minimum level of allowable participation from a 40-hour American Red Cross first-aid class to a 4-month fulltime medical training school.  For people who are interested in volunteering rather than a career change, that's asking them to spend every Saturday and Sunday going to the school for a full year.  With a very few exceptions, they just ain't gonna' do it.  And I can't say that I blame them.

So do you want ambulance service with fully trained paramedics?  Ok, but you're going to pay for it.  That's what we need to be telling our residents so that they understand what their costs are to maintain the service, and to avoid being surprised when the local ambulance stops responding.  The Town of Liberty Volunteer Ambulance Corps has been paying 90% of their "volunteers" to ride the ambulance.

Times News photo

Paid or volunteer, we still need to get this equipment checked out, so let's get started.  I'm going to get some more coffee going.   See you back in the day room.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

 

Posted by on July 15, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup • Tagged: , ,

Looking Back

Comments Off

 

Fire Engineering Magazine – May 1953

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 14, 2011 • Filed under: Looking Back • Tagged: , ,

“Let’s Set The Camera Up Right Here, Close to the Fire”

2 comments

Bring the action to the folks watching at home…

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 14, 2011 • Filed under: forestry, Videos, Wildland

Expand Your Personal Horizons

Comments Off

Consider This Advanced Management Training Program

As a point of personal privilege I'd like to use this space to endorse a program and a group of people that I think more in the fire service ought to know.

I am in Stillwater, Oklahoma, for two weeks of class right now; this week is Public Budgeting and Finance and next week is Public Personnel Administration. Oklahoma State University is here, along with its decades-old Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology program for undergraduates. That's the program that grew out of the old associate's degree in "firemanship" from which Alan Brunacini graduated some time ago. Someone else, also a long time ago, dubbed OSU the "West Point of the fire service" and the FPST program wears this with pride. The program is really more about engineering than anything and has little to nothing to do with firefighting. Still, a lot of aspiring firefighters come through for four or five years and then go off to the nation's fire departments with a really excellent understanding of fire prevention and protection.

More recently, in the halcyon days of the late 1990s, OSU started a master's program for fire people under the political science department. This program is more directly related to the fire service but also covers emergency management. A PhD is now offered as part of the Fire and Emergency Management Administration Program (FEMP). The master's degree talks a lot about public administration, fire service management issues, program evaluations, and emergency management systems. There is a strong international influence by the program's deal with the South Korean national fire academy, whereby OSU's professors teach courses in Korea and Korean fire officers come to Stillwater for classes. There are also fire officers and firefighters from Brazil, Nigeria, and all around the US here. The program is an elegant compromise between traditional on-campus program delivery and increasingly popular online models. Some classes are conducted online through videoconferencing where you have to be "in class" at certain times each week to interact with the professor and your classmates. Some are simply readings courses. In the summers they put on seminars; you do some reading and a pre-class assignment, come here for 40 hours in a week for each class, and then go home to do a post-class assignment. You can take just one class a semester or you can stack a couple, as I am doing. The delivery method is really one of the most enjoyable parts of the program; I feel classes that have no live component really shortchange the student.

If you are looking to further your education, improve your skills as a fire administrator, officer, or leader, or expand your scope into emergency management, then you'd be well advised to look into the OSU FEMP program. This is not a paid endorsement, but I am a believer in the program, its mission, and its students. If it sounds interesting to you, I'm confident you'd find it rewarding.

………….. Patrick Mahoney

OSU Fire Protection and Safety Technology webpage:  http://fpst.okstate.edu/index.php?slab=fpst-program

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 14, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, commentary, FireHat, Training, Training & Development • Tagged: , ,

Illegal Still Ka-Booms, Kills 5 in UK

1 comment

Sixth Man Critically Injured

A CONFINED EXPLOSION IN AN INDUSTRIAL SHOP killed five men instantly and critically injured a sixth Wednesday night in Lincolnshire, England.  It is believed that they were operating an illegal "vodka factory" inside the small, rental unit in a Boston industrial park and the unit was closed up to deter observation when the still blew up violently at 7:30 pm.

Metro Online

People living up to  five miles away heard the blast that warped the rollup door preventing immediate access by the fire brigade.  The East Anglian Daily Times reports:

Steve Moore, area manager from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service, said a total of six fire engines were sent to the scene.

"When the first crews attended they were faced with a really serious fire and a casualty who was outside the building suffering from burns," he said.  "The incoming crew then started to fight the fire, it was a really hot, intense fire."

The officer said the fierce flames set alight a car outside the unit and also buckled its roller shutters, meaning crews were forced to use hydraulic equipment to cut their way into the block.

"At that point we received further information that there may be further casualties," he added. Mr Moore said six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched the unit and found five further casualties.

Neighbors say that there have been complaints and concerns about a group of Polish nationals that were suspected of operating the large still making counterfeit vodka and supplying local liquor outlets.

Press Association prepared this video report:

 

The Mirror adds:

Some 25% of Boston's 30,000 population is believed to be from Russia, Eastern Europe and also Portugal. Several people thought to be Eastern Europeans arrived at the scene of the blast asking about the identities of casualties.

Counterfeit vodka was found in the town in co-ordinated raids in March. A total of 88 litres of potential illegal alcohol was seized. Gary Seymour, assistant head of Lincolnshire's trading standards department, said: "Some of the illegally-made vodka has been found to contain high levels of methanol, which is used to make anti-freeze and some other fuels. Drinking it can cause blindness."

The industrial park has a mix of large, heavy industry and smaller shops working with metal and wood products.

BBC News has the details HERE.
The Daily Mail has MORE.
Metro has more HERE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 14, 2011 • Filed under: explosion, fire, Fires • Tagged: , , , ,

Around the Fire Web

Comments Off

Recent Postings on Other Websites That We Recommend

*  STATter911 has the details and videos covering a major fire in Buffalo, New York.  A lubricating oil and grease factory was burning so fiercely that the FD had to allow it to burn itself out.  Read about it HERE.

*  JEMS has the story HERE about a group of 400+ AMR medics in California voting to join the Steel Workers Union.  That's what it says.

*  The Iron Fireman is breaking in a new rookie this week and he tells us about it HERE.  (Firegeezer wonders, is "new rookie" redundant?)

*  Three years ago on July 1, 2008, we wrote (HERE) about a wildfire in California that was threatening the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, the oldest Buddhist monastery in the Western Hemisphere.

Equipped with a 50,000 gallon pool, two pumps and hose lines, the remaining monks and priests are shedding their robes and donning running gear. They have also jury-rigged a system of plastic water piping and lawn sprinklers across the roofs of their log-and-stone buildings. All their day is spent clearing fire breaks around the camp.

They’re not alone, however. Cal Forestry has encamped a 30-man inmate fire crew there so that they can be fed at the monks’ mess hall. This is not the first time the MFD (Monk Fire Dept.) has gone through this drill. In 1977 and 1999 the monks and forestry crews held off the flames of wildfires that moved through the 160 acre complex that is the oldest Buddhist monastery in the Western Hemisphere.

Captain Mike at FirefighterBlog covered the story extensively at the time and today he tells us about a book that has just been published that tells the story of the firefighting monk.  Read his POSTING HERE to learn about this interesting book and you will also find links to his fire coverage posted at the time.

*  The Fire Critic tells us that the final season of the tv show Rescue Me began last night.  He ruminates on it HERE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 14, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Blogs

Morning Lineup – July 14

1 comment

Thursday Morning – Sign Up Here

We seem to be going through a phase in this country where several of our elected officials think they have also been chosen to shape and guide our lives by mandating how we should live.  The real poster-boy in this movement is New York City Mayor Bloomberg who has made it his mission to control as much of the residents lives as he can, such as regulating how much salt a restaurant can use in its food preparation.

But this lunacy and need for power isn't limited to the two coasts where this is more visibly practiced.  Now an Ohio state legislator has gotten the urge to become a nanny-stater, too.  State Representative Cheryl Grossman from Grove City thinks it's a great idea if more people would learn how to perform CPR.  There's nothing wrong with that and fire/rescue agencies have been encouraging that for decades now.  But Cheryl wants to use her authority as a lawmaker to force people to take and pass a first aid course that includes CPR training. Her Big Sister program is proposed to begin with teenagers and perhaps be expanded later to the grownups.

Cheryl has introduced a bill in the House that would require anybody under the age of 18 to successfully complete the first aid/CPR class before they can get a driver's license.  How angelic and noble she must think she is.  We all know how earnestly the teens want to get their license, so by golly we'll force them to do all sorts of desirable things before we toss them this carrot.  Yes, she has taken it upon herself to decide for everybody else how they are going to live their lives.  Why not tack on an amendment that requires them to always wear socks that match their shirts?

If you've been following  current events recently, you know that Ohio, like most states, is going through a budgetary adjustment that is mandated by a massive shortfall in revenue and will end up with huge program cuts.  With growing unemployment in their Rust Belt cities, they are in difficult financial times.  And now this dame wants to plunge several hundred thousands of people into statewide CPR training.  How many instructors are they going to need for this project?  Who's going to pay for this, and with what?  Ohio's a big state, how many training sites will they need to process all these future drivers?  The bill, if passed, would require the state registrar to make available a list of organizations that offer the approved first-aid and CPR classes. Classes could be offered by driver's education schools, high schools, firefighters or others, as long as they are certified courses.  Do you think they are ready to handle this workload?

Now if you think CPR training is something that should be mandated by law, then add it to the school curriculum.  That's where teaching is done and that's where courses are mandated.  But to use entirely unrelated licensing authority to mandate it, however valuable we think it is, will just lead to a backlash and problems that don't need to be.  I support CPR training and I know that the world is a better place when more people can use it.  But this is not the best way to get it done.

Now let's get the equipment check done.  And I'll get the coffee-making done.  See you back in the day room.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Today Only!

Levana ClearVu Digital Video Baby Monitor – 32% off

CLICK HERE to learn more and to order.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 14, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup

Upcoming Events

Comments Off

Some Upcoming Events to Plan on Visiting

*  *  *  *  *

Professional Car Society
35th Annual International Meet

Dozens of authentically-restored hearses, limousines and ambulances
from all over the U.S. and Canada

July 12 – 16

Clarion Inn, Hudson, Ohio

*  *  *

*  *  *  *  *

*  *  *

*  *  *  *  *

 

*  *  *

*  *  *  *  *

The Cradle of Liberty Antique
Fire Apparatus Association

2011 Annual Muster

This year we will homage to the 100th Anniversary of motorized MACK fire apparatus. All makes are welcome. There will be over 50 awards given. See our website for more information and registration forms:  http://www.CLAFAA.org

*  *  *

*  *  *  *  *

August 10 – 13
Raleigh, North Carolina

Conference, training, golf tournement, Memorial Service, parade.

The South Atlantic FIRE RESCUE Expo is the new name for the statewide firefighter’s exposition held in conjunction with the North Carolina State Firemen's Association and the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs Annual Conference that can trace its beginnings back to the late 1800’s.

Please feel free to contact us at the North Carolina State Firemen's Association if you have any questions or concerns in regards to the Conference or Expo.

North Carolina State Firemen's Association
323 West Jones Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603

800-253-4733 Toll Free
919-821-2132 Local

CLICK HERE for full information and registration.

*  *  *

*  *  *  *  *

Toronto International Fire Buff Convention 2012

August 14–18, 2012 • Toronto, Ontario

Guided Tours of Canada's Largest Fire Department (5th Largest in North America)
Guided Tours of Large Suburban Fire Departments
Apparatus Displays
Professional Workshops
Spouses' Programme
Area Fire Buffing

Web page (URL):
http://www.torcon2012.com/

Greater Toronto Multiple Alarm Association
416-231-3578; gtmaa@gtmaa.com

International Fire Buff Associates, Inc.
schaetzp@msn.com

*  *  *

*  *  *  *  *

German-American Firefighters Association 28th Annual Fire Muster

August 28, 2011 • Southampton, Pennsylvania
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

The muster will be held rain or shine. We are expecting about 100 fire companies, vendors and fire buffs that will display antique, modern, special, unusual and otherwise interesting fire fighting apparatus. There are prizes for antique and modern vehicles owned by departments as well as individually owned. All entries will receive a dash plaque and a muster booklet.

Website:
http://sites.google.com/site/germanamericanffs/

contact info:
German-American Firefighters Association
215-332-7538; igafa@igafa.com

　

*  *  *

*  *  *  *  *

59th Annual International Fire Buff Associates Convention

September 6–10, 2011 • Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey

-Seminars including 9/11 First Responders
-Antique Fire Muster and Display
-Hudson River Harbor Cruise
-Demonstration and Display of Neptune Large Caliber Foam System
-Urban Search and Rescue Demonstration and Display
-Fire House Tours
-Tour of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Intrepid and other points of interest.

Web page (URL):
http://www.fbanj.com/

Contact:  Paul Schaetzle, President
schaetzle@fbanj.com

*  *  *

*  *  *  *  *

*  *  *

*  *  *  *  *

132nd Annual Firemen’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania Convention

September 21–24, 2011 • Kidder, Pennsylvania

Event hours:
Sept 21 11:30am onwards
Sept 22 8:00am-10:00pm
Sept 23 8:00am-11:00pm
Sept 24 8:00am onwards

One of our goals this year is to celebrate the proud history of the fire service by showcasing hand, horse and motorized antique fire apparatus. We will be displaying many of these units during the fire expo.  More info. on website:  http://www.2011pastateconvention.com/

*  *  *

*  *  *  *  *

WPI Firefighters' Fund 7th Annual Stop-Drop-n-Roll Chili Cook-Off

When? Saturday, October 15th, 2011 10 am – 5 pm

Where? Parking lot of Bass Pro Shop in Grapevine, TX

An October Texas tradition, the annual Stop-Drop-n-Roll Chili Cook-Off brings in thousands of rabid chili enthusiasts nationwide. Admission is free, and all-day chili sample cups are $5 a pop. Every dollar contributed or donated goes directly to the WPIFF: no expenses, no red tape, and no neglected firefighters.

$20 to register your chili team, prizes awarded to winners, vendor booths, kids activities, live music, raffle, and much more!

More info? Visit www.wpiff.org or call 888.616.7976 or email wpiff@williams-pyro.com

*  *  *

*  *  *  *  *

Kansas Firefighters Museum Parade

October 15, 2011 • Wichita, Kansas

The parade features antique fire engines, modern fire trucks, antique cars, local ROTC groups,
the Kansas Firefighter Calendar contestants, food, drinks, games and more.

Website: http://members.cox.net/ksfm/

 

*  *  *

*  *  *  *  *

*  *  *

Do you have a fire-related event, muster, antique show, flea market, etc., coming up? Send us the info. to: geezerguys (at) yahoo (dot) com.  Be sure to include website links, graphics and phone contact, and we'll post it in our Upcoming Events listings.  (Special thanks to Collectors Weekly for assistance  http://www.collectorsweekly.com/  )

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 13, 2011 • Filed under: Upcoming Events