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Another Stolen Ambulance

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Left Unattended

IN NEW YORK CITY, A MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL ambulance was taken early Monday morning on a "joy ride" by a Bronx man suspected to be high on drugs.  The ambulance was parked outside the hospital while the crew was inside picking up some equipment when Michael Navarro, 30, climbed into the cab and drove off.  Security cameras caught the theft on tape confirming him as the thief.

NY Daily News

When the medics returned to where they left the ambulance, they discovered its disappearance and flagged down a policeman on foot patrol.  While he was calling in the complaint, the ambulance dispatcher was notified and was able to pinpoint the vehicle's location from the onboard GPS system.  Navarro was nabbed about three miles from the hospital about a half-hour after he had taken the unit.

The New York Daily News has the full STORY HERE.

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Posted by on November 8, 2011 • Filed under: ambulances, EMS Topics • Tagged: , ,

Morning Lineup – November 8

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Tuesday Morning – Election Day in Some Areas

Mark your Day Planner for a Thursday evening training session that will be held online.  The Draeger Corp. will be hosting a free webinar, "Understanding Flashovers" hosted by 28-year veteran of fire services and captain of the Los Angeles Fire Department, Craig Nielsen. The goal of the webinar, which takes place at 8 p.m. EST, is to educate firefighters on the warning signs crucial for all in the field:

• What are flashovers?
• Why are they occurring more frequently?
• What are the warning signs?
• What are the safety precautions for handling it?

These questions and more are covered in the webinar.  CLICK HERE to register for the online session.  They will also conduct a live Q&A session during the webinar.

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Chief Billy Goldfeder included a notice in yesterday's Secret List that the Philadelphia Second Alarmers have just celebrated their 90th anniversary.  They are the local buff club that operates the volunteer canteen service for the PFD and are one of the oldest canteen units currently in service.  Quoting from Chief Goldfeder's posting:

Once upon a time, on a cold winter night in Philadelphia back in 1921, their Firefighters were hard at work operating at a large waterfront fire as a group of spectators looked on. As they watched, the group wondered amongst themselves how the Firefighters could do their job in the midst of such cold temperatures. But rather than just wonder, the people decided to take action.

The group went to a nearby restaurant and carried cups of coffee to the Firefighters. That one act of kindness soon evolved into repeated acts, as members bought hot food and beverages with their own money and took it to the scenes of fires and accidents. This eventually turned into a permanent association, giving birth to the Philadelphia Second Alarmers.

Since 1921, the Second Alarmers have responded to fires of two or more alarms in the region. The group provides aid to both crews working at the scene as well as victims. The group is funded by donations from the police and fire department.

Matthew Grady at NewsWorks has a good write-up that more completely describes the Second Alarmers operations, both past and present in THIS ARTICLE.  Take a few minutes to check it out later today when you get a break.

Speaking of checking out, let's get the equipment checked out now.  I need some more coffee, so I'll get the Bunn-O-Matic going again and make sure we have plenty when we meet back in the day room in a little while.

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

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Posted by on November 8, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup

Ohio Ambulance in 4-Vehicle Crash

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Struck By Errant Sedan

A MENTOR, OHIO, FIRE – RESCUE DEPARTMENT AMBULANCE was involved in a multi-vehicle wreck Monday morning when an oncoming auto crossed the center line and struck it.  The ambulance was reportedly responding to a call and had no patient onboard.

Fox News

The accident occurred on a highway bridge that goes over railroad tracks around 10:20 am.  The offending car struck the ambulance causing it to spin around and come to rest against the curbstone while pinning a pickup truck against the safety railing.  A fourth car was also involved.

WOIO-TV

The two firefighters were transported along with two other drivers, one in serious condition.

ABC News 5 has a brief video report from the scene:

 

WOIO-TV has more plus a 10-image photo gallery HERE.

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Posted by on November 7, 2011 • Filed under: ambulances, EMS Topics, Vehicle Operation & Ambulances, Videos • Tagged: , ,

Bringing Tristan Home

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Firegeezer notes:  In this week leading up to Veteran's Day on Friday, we are presenting this touching documentary on the final trip of a firefighter in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, who was killed in combat in Iraq.  The preparations for this tribute were done on a moment's notice, but you will see that literally dozens of fire departments sprang into action to honor this young man.  The compassion, honor, and brotherhood that they exhibited is touching.  Please join us over the next five days as we ride along, Bringing Tristan Home.

Dozens of FD's in Two States Honor a Firefighter / War Casualty

In August, 2006, Bryn Athyn Fire Co. (Montgomery County, Pennsylvania) lost a member, killed in action while serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq. Tristan Smith was a young man, recently promoted to Lieutenant in the fire company, and nephew of Chief Kris Smith.

The fire company learned that his remains would be released from the Dover Air Force Base mortuary on Friday, September 8, and transported back to Bryn Athyn by government contracted hearse. A number of members got together and decided to send apparatus to Dover to provide a fire department escort. Word got out, so on that day Bryn Athyn Engine 11, Special Service 11 and Ambulance 355-1 were joined by Willow Grove Fire Co. Engine 10-2 and Horsham Fire Co. Squad 15.

Life member and former Deputy Chief Greg Jakubowski used his many connections as he states:

“Advance contacts had been made with numerous area companies, along with Tucker Dempsey, 1st Vice-President of the Delaware State Fire Chief’s Association, to properly respect Tristan on his ride back. Tucker is past chief of the Cheswold, Delaware Fire Company. He had connected us with Kevin Wilson, past chief of the Clayton, Delaware Fire Company, retired Delaware State Police officer, and Chief of the Wyoming, Delaware Police Department. Tucker coordinated the Delaware state fire response, and Kevin assisted us in gaining a Delaware State Police escort and was the designated Public Information Officer to interface with the Delaware media. Both of these individuals were HUGE assets in coordinating our trip down and back through Delaware.”

Bryn Athyn career FF/EMT Jeff Tarman made contact with members of fire companies in Delaware County, Pa. to let them know of our plans. Plymouth Township, Montgomery County Fire Marshall Andy Mount did the same in central Montgomery County.

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On the way down we took a brief rest break at Cheswold, Delaware’s station before continuing the short distance to Dover.

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At the time we were to depart Dover AFB we learned that there had been some misunderstanding on the part of the hearse driver. He had left the base and got onto Delaware Rt. 1 to begin what he thought would be a routine trip. A Delaware State Trooper who had been assigned to escort the procession through the state quickly stopped the hearse and explained to the driver the change of plan. As Greg Jakubowski explains in his write up “…but not until the procession had entered Delaware Route 1 North, bypassing a Dover Fire Department memorial with crossed ladders and an American flag set up on Route 113 just North of the Route 1 turnoff.”

Once formed, the procession moved from Rt. 1 to US 13.　

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The towns that we passed through or near in Delaware included Cheswold, Smyrna, Blackbird, Townsend, Middletown, Odessa, Port Penn, Saint Georges, and Wilmington Manor.　

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Other nearby fire departments also picked spots along the highway and joined in. At each town we went through there was apparatus staged beside the road. When it was possible there were traditional aerial ladder arches with flags displayed, or even single aerials with flags. Members stood beside the road to render honors. 　

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Tomorrow – Part 2:  We continue through Delaware into Wilmington, then cross into Pennsylvania.
CLICK HERE to read Part Two.

Part 1 path of travel:

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Posted by on November 7, 2011 • Filed under: culture, Engineer's Desk, News • Tagged: ,

Retired Volunteer FF Perishes in House Fire

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First-In Found Him Right Away, But Was Too Late

A 75-YR.-OLD FORMER FIREFIGHTER in Battle Creek, Michigan, died in his home Sunday morning when a fire swept through his house.

Battle Creek Enquirer

John Tenney was found in his wheelchair in the living room of the house by a police public safety officer who arrived right after the call came in.  Unfortunately it was too late to save Tenney who was already dead.  A neighbor reported seeing smoke coming from the house around 7:25 am and called in the alarm.  Tenney had been temporarily disabled following knee replacement surgery.

WOOD-TV Ch. 8 filed this video report:

 

The fire is believed to have started in the basement and is not considered to be suspicious.  The house is a total loss with the interior completely gutted and some floors collapsed.

The Battle Creek Enquirer has the full story including a description of the rescue attempt by his friend HERE.

John Tenney pictured in 2010

Mr. Tenney was locally known as a long-time midget race car driver who raced for 27 years and was inducted into the Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

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Posted by on November 7, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires, Videos • Tagged: , , ,

Product Review – Fat Ivan Lightweight Door Chock

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Firegeezer is collaborating with TheFireStore to have
firefighters in the field test and review products found in their catalogue
and then publishing the reviews here and in TheFireStore's
own fine blog, On Scene, which is posted several times each week.

This week we are reviewing the Fat Ivan Lightweight Door Chock.  This compact, durable plastic and steel adaptable door chock  easily slips into your pocket and can be used in several different ways.

The Stafford County, Virginia, Fire & Rescue Dept. Training Division recently tried out the Fat Ivan door chock in a variety of doors and situations. Here is what they found with it:

The Fat Ivan door chock works better than expected. We used the Fat Ivan on both residential wood doors and commercial steel doors. Both trials allowed us to advance hose, not worry about the door closing behind us, and kept the entry and exit point open during the exercise.

Interior and exterior doors have one thing in common, they have steel door hinges. We had at least two hinges on each door encountered that made the Fat Ivan deployment easy to secure through its built in magnets. Steel doors and steel door jambs were the easiest to chock. The Fat Ivan secured to all parts of the steel door assembly. Door closures are no match for the Fat Ivan.

The hook assembly was fast and easy to deploy. The Fat Ivan worked equally as well on the top hinge, the center hinge, the bottom hinge, and even at the base of the door.

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We have one complaint that could easily be remedied, no illumination on the Fat Ivan that we used. The Fat Ivan did not make locating an open door easy in a darkened environment. The Fat Ivan was very hard to locate in the interior of a burned structure. It looked much like the interior furnishings that were burned. (editor's note: They were using the black-colored chock. There is also a yellow version available.)

…….. Lt. Matthew Warren

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Another Fat Ivan (the yellow model) was tested at a firehouse in Baytown, Texas, and this was their consensus:

We've played with the Fat Ivan around the station a bit and I'm satisfied enough that I've put it in my bunkers. I'm always circumspect when someone invents a better mousetrap that happens to cost several times as much as the old. I tend to think that most of our tools carry their forms for a reason and that it's only occasionally that one can be truly improved. The Fat Ivan is one of those.

It's definitely more reliable than an old wooden wedge and it's actually more compact and easier to carry. The only shortcoming is that it won't work on doors that don't open at least 90 degrees but that's a minor tradeoff for how firmly it holds those that do.

…….. Lt. Patrick Mahoney

"Very easy to use and store in your gear. Smaller than the wood wedge. Easy to spot" …. a Baytown firefighter.

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For more information on the Fat Ivan Door Chock along with an instructional video and to order one from TheFireStore, CLICK HERE to go to their catalogue page.

To follow their blog On Scene, CLICK HERE.

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Posted by on November 7, 2011 • Filed under: Product Reviews • Tagged:

Miami Firefighter Robbed While on Hydrant Inspection

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Sadly They Need a Police Escort in the Middle of the Day Now

A MIAMI, FLORIDA, FIREFIGHTER WAS INSPECTING a fire hydrant that had been reported as needing attention on Sunday afternoon.  Since it was just a half-block from the firehouse in the Liberty City neighborhood, he walked to the hydrant to check it out.

The Miami Herald reports this morning:

Shortly before 12:30 p.m., the firefighter checked the hydrant near Northwest 15th Avenue and 47th Street to make sure it worked, and then walked back to his station, just a half block away, said Lt. Ignatius Carroll, a Miami Fire Rescue spokesman.

That was when a man came up to him, armed with a semi-automatic gun, police said. The man pointed it at the firefighter and demanded the gold chain around his neck.

The firefighter took off his chain, threw it toward the gunman, then ran in the opposite direction, police said. As he ran, the gunman fired three shots. None hit the firefighter, police said.

The entire article is HERE.

WFOR-TV Ch. 4 filed this video report:

 

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Posted by on November 7, 2011 • Filed under: crime, Fire Rescue Topics • Tagged: , ,

Morning Lineup – November 7

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Monday Morning – Got  the Picture?

One of my favorite sayings these days is, "Everything is on the internet!"  If you have a question about anything at all, the answer is always under your keyboard.  It's just amazing how much is there.  My dear, late father was perpetually puzzled by how it all got there, wondering "who's putting all that stuff on there?"  It is impressive.

This was emphasized last week when GeezerDotter's flat-screen tv suddenly lost all color in the picture screen and everything was displayed in black & white.  Being a well-trained moderne with a batch of tech-savvy kids, she knew just what to do…..go to the internet.  Not too many years ago, the first step was to call a tv repairman and get him to come out and pillage your purse after fixing it. 

But now the first step is to call up a search engine.  Deftly entering the right keywords, Tami learned that, according to the sounds and signals the set was making, that her problem was a burned out color wheel.  I didn't know that tv sets had "color wheels" and she didn't either, but she next called a couple of tv shops and got estimates that were running about $150 to $165 for the part and around $300 for the labor to install it.  Now $300 is a lot of money when you're feeding a family of six, so it was back to the internet and the next step, ordering the part online.  That saved $30 already.

Then two days later when the part showed up, GDotter and #2 son ran the search engine again looking for the instructions on how to remove and replace the bad color wheel.  And would you believe it?  Some kind soul has gone to the trouble to post a YouTube video showing step-by-step how to do it.  So the two of them gathered around the tv and set up the laptop with the YouTube video displayed and went to work using the play/pause button on the video and in less than two hours the tv is back in color and the purse is still unabused.  Total savings, over $350.

Yep, "Everything is on the internet!"

Everything except our checksheets, that is.  We still have to use the pen-on-clipboard technology to get this equipment checked out, so let's get started.  Monday is the expanded inspection, so I'll make an extra pot of coffee.  We'll meet back in the day room later, a lot of topics to cover today.

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 7, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup

Promotional Opportunities

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Two Top Spots in Topeka

THIRTY-TWO YEARS AFTER THEY came to work together, Topeka, Kansas', two top fire officers will be retiring on the same day at the end of this year.  Fire Chief Allen Bradshaw and Deputy Chief Edward DeWitt will both retire on January 1, while working their last day on the job December 23.

Both men were appointed to the FD in the same year and worked their way up the ranks paralleling each other.  Bradshaw was appointed to the top position in October 2009, replacing Howard Giles who had been hired from outside and had a stormy relationship with the firefighters his entire tenure.  In a press release, the City of Topeka announced:

During his tenure as Chief, Bradshaw was instrumental in successfully reopening lines of communications between the firefighters and top administration following years of strained relations between the two groups. He helped negotiate the 2009 contract – the union had previously been working under an expired contract – and negotiated a new three-year contract which expires in 2013. His administration also worked under a "call back" budget that had been reduced for 2010 and 2011. The department also ended 2010 under budget.

Bradshaw oversaw the remodel of four stations. The department secured grants for new breathable air compressors, safety vests, fire prevention devices, and a Safer Grant that allowed for the hiring of nine firefighters. New performance assessments for all department classifications were put in place under his watch as well as a new tracking system for gear, training, leave and safety equipment.

"When he took over, Chief Bradshaw faced many daunting challenges – a workforce where morale was at an all-time low, fire trucks that were literally falling apart, fire stations that were sub-par, and an expanding community expecting continued adequate coverage in new growth areas," Interim City Manager Daniel Stanley said. "He has met and exceeded all expectations, addressing those challenges in an admirable and professional manner.

Bradshaw's father Richard also served as fire chief in the early 1990's.

KTKA-TV has the STORY.
Topeka Fire Department WEBSITE.

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Posted by on November 6, 2011 • Filed under: Command & Leadership, Fire Rescue Topics, labor • Tagged: , , ,

M5 Crash Update

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Source of "Fog" Investigated

ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON THE fiery freeway crash in Somerset, England, Friday night (reported in Firegeezer HERE) have been released.  The death toll has been revised down to 7 killed (from the initial estimate of 16) and 51 injuries.  Four of the seven fatalities were in one vehicle.  The total number of vehicles involved is 34.

ITN News video clip

The survivors of the crash reported a "black fog" suddenly descending onto the roadway shrouding the vehicles and causing the high-speed collision.  Police are now investigating smoke from a public fireworks display that was being held at a nearby rugby ground as the source of the thick, black cloud that enveloped the traffic.  The Taunton Rugby Club has confirmed that they were holding a fireworks display that evening.  BBC News adds:

"Our main line of inquiry has now moved towards the event that was on the side of the carriageway," (Assistant Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, of Avon and Somerset Police) said.

"We do believe that whilst there was fog and difficult conditions in the area, that actually from witness evidence there was very significant smoke across the carriageway that in effect caused a bank, similar to a fog bank, which was very distracting and very difficult to drive through.

"We will be doing everything we can to find out as quickly as we're able to what's behind that. Accountability is clearly something we will look at when you've had have an incident such as this."

Mr Bangham said the major crime teams and collision investigators from the road policing unit were working on the investigation. "If there's going to be a joint investigation then it is a crime investigation as well as a road policing investigation," he said.

Mr Bangham said the investigation will look at how the fireworks event was organised, what permission was given for it and what was and was not meant to be happening.

 

Additionally, the "explosions" that witnesses reported hearing were cases of aerosol cans contained in one of the burning tractor-trailers.  All of the vehicles and debris have been removed by Sunday morning, but a stretch of pavement was destroyed by the fire and will have to be replaced.  The road is expected to be reopened by Monday morning.

Read the full BBC article HERE.
The Guardian has MORE.
Firegeezer video report on the incident HERE.

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 6, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fire Rescue Topics, Mass Casualty Incident, Videos • Tagged: , , ,

Hunter Dies After Setting Clothes on Fire

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Fell Out of Tree Stand

A MAPLE GROVE, MINNESOTA, MAN died Saturday morning following a tragic accident while he was deer hunting.  It was the opening day of deer season and Arthur Knafla, 84, was already in his partially-enclosed deer stand near Hibbing when he attempted to light a propane space heater.

Instead, he set his clothes on fire and in the ensuing actions, fell out of the tree.  Meadowlands Ambulance responded on the call, but Knafla was pronounced dead on the scene.

Reported in the Duluth News Tribune (HERE).

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 6, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fire Rescue Topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Free is worse than $$-for-service

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Free WiFi is often worthless … another road trip memory

In 2003 Borders Bookstores started offering T-Mobile WiFi "hot spots" at their coffee shops. While working at my travel intensive part-time gig, often found the T-Mobile service in Borders the most robust. 

You could buy a day card or establish a T-Mobile account.  My account started 92 months ago.

Around the same time, AT&T was offering a similar service at Barnes and Noble bookstores. I liked Borders better, plus I was already paying for two other internet services.

Signal strength and speed

Ever operate a fire attack hose with low pressure?  The hose is full. When the nozzle is opened you get a puny stream and the hose collapses.

Would get the same experience when on the road. Would see "four bars" on the signal strength at a hotel or free public WiFi hotspot. It would take forever to connect to the Internet.

Often was unable to work within the online course management system the university uses for distance education classes. Very frustrating, as I was teaching three distance education courses a semester.

Started tracking data transfer speed using Speakeasy. Here is an example:

I would see 0.02 mb speed in hotels. Four bars of signal strength but the data capacity of a 0.5" booster line. Worthless, and costing $12 a day.

The speed would climb to 0.4 mb, if you logged on at 4 am. A great example of thin resources.

The paid T-Mobile service at Borders provided adequate speed, around 0.8 mb, so I could work on the classes.

The Free WiFi War

In 2009 Borders changed vendors and offered FREE WiFi in all of their stores. By then I was on my second generation of plug-in broadband "aircard" and rarely needed a HotSpot.

Was in Oklahoma where my wireless broadband service was poor. An  irritating deja-vue as I was seeing a speed of 0.03 mb at the local Borders. Too slow for me and a far distance from the 0.8 mb I used to get when I paid for the service.

Speed makes a tremendous difference. Completing the same online tasks takes twice as long if the speed is below 1.0 mb, four times as long if the speed is below 0.4 mb and impossible with speeds below 0.1 mb.

The Technology Response

As a rookie road warrior I had no cell phone, 12 feet of phone cord and a 28.8k/3200 baud dial-up modem. Early business trips featured hotel telephone/telecommunication and Kinko charges exceeding the car rental bill.

My 2009 smartphone has more memory and computing power than the 1994 laptop with the 28.8k modem. Today I whine when I cannot get 1.5 mb or better through the plug-in broadband "aircard."

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on November 6, 2011 • Filed under: Technology & Communications • Tagged: , , , ,

Morning Lineup – November 6

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Sunday Morning – What's Shakin' ?

 I wake up this morning (early, of course, because of the time switch) and see where Oklahoma experienced the most severe earthquake they have ever recorded last night, a 5.6 magnitude shaker.  Don't you wonder if something weird is going on here?  It was just a little over two months ago when Virginia experienced its most severe earthquake in 114 years, registering 5.8 on whatever scale they use.  Along with those have been some larger-than-usual quakes in the places where they are a more regular occurrence, including a recent whopper in Turkey that clocked in a 7.2 measurement.

Just maybe there really is a supernatural force building up and getting ready to wreak planet-wide destruction.  It might be a good idea to check out Amazon Books and see if they have a DIY manual on ark-building.  If it starts raining for 40 days and 40 nights, it would be wise to be prepared.  The U. S. Coast & Geodetic Survey agency maintains a webpage listing all the earthquakes over the past 7 days HERE where you can check out the 20 to 30 quakes that rumble every day throughout the world.  Keep in mind the Boy Scout's motto:  Be Prepared.

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While we're talking about weird happenings, I'm glad to see that we are finally off of that nutty Daylight Saving Time phase.  I know, I know ….. some people like it because it supposedly makes it easier to have evening cookouts and all that kind of stuff, but does it really?  Personally, I just don't like messing with Mother Nature.  I envy those folks in Arizona and Hawai'i where it stays on Standard Time all year around.  They still manage to play outdoors in the evening, and I don't think they ever see 40 days and nights of rain.

 

But we see 40 days and more of equipment checks, and today is no exception.  So let's get started with that while I go check Cook and see how the Sunday breakfast is coming along.  I'll make some more coffee while I'm in there.  See you back in the day room in a little while.

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 6, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup • Tagged:

It Is Not a Good Idea To Rob a Hotel Clerk When There is a Martial Arts Convention Going On in Town

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Always Read the "Welcome" Board Before You Start

A LOCAL YOKEL IN LOS ANGELES, California, decided to hold up a hotel desk clerk this past Wednesday.  After casing out the lobby, he strolled into the area behind the check-in desk and pulled out a 9mm pistol, then instructed the  clerk to empty out the cash drawer.

All this time he was oblivious to the strategically place surveillance cameras recording his every move and facial twitch.  After he scooped the loose cash into his man bag, he started out into the lobby just as the elevator was discharging two martial arts experts who were in town for the convention.  You can see what happened next on this video tape provided by the Los Angeles PD:

 

After cuffing the dummy, the police checked his man bag and found the stolen money and his handgun.

KTLA-TV has all the details of the STORY HERE.

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 5, 2011 • Filed under: crime, News, Videos • Tagged: , ,

A Troubling Anonymous Resolution

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Anonymous member released at a troubling price

Yesterday, as part of a long post on Anonymous Iberoamerica announcing release of their member, included the following message:

"[The freed Anonymous member] has sent us a message," a posting early this morning read. "If Anonymous unveils any name related to the cartel, the family of the kidnapped Anonymous member will suffer the consequences. For each cartel name revealed, 10 people will be put to death."

"The Anonymous collective has decided by consensus that the information which we have will not be disclosed for now, as we understand that we cannot ignore threats that involve innocent civilians who have nothing to do with our actions."

Comunicado #OpCartel

As a collective, there is little command-and-control discipline. Two articles provide additional information.

Paul Wagenseil, writing in Friday's MSNBC, wrote about the threat and the dynamics in Anonymous wins victory in drug cartel fight: Cartel releases kidnapped member of hacking group; data still may be shared

Unofficial Anonymous spokesman Barrett Brown , a Dallas based member, attempts to distance his desire to expose Los Zeta from the Anonymous collective.

Scot Terban, a security specialist based in Connecticut who blogs as "Krypt3ia," wrote an open message to Brown that he would meet a pointless, violent end.

"Any data you have will serve no purpose. The cartel owns the government there," Tarben posted. "You will not be a hero or a martyr. You will have been just stupid."

John P. Mello, Jr., writing in PC World today, points out that Brown has a six-figure advance from Amazon.com to co-write a book about Anonymous.

Click to Hacker Group Member Released By Drug Cartel for more information.

Sorta miss the old days when governments would secretly pay ransom for a secured release.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Earlier:

October 29: High Tech High Noon Showdown

November 01: Anonymous backs off

Posted by on November 5, 2011 • Filed under: crime, culture, current events, News, Technology & Communications, Urban Commander • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Promotional Opportunities

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Running Low on Chiefs

HIGHWOOD, ILLINOIS, OPERATES A PAID FIRE DEPARTMENT without a fire chief, instead assigning their Deputy Fire Chief Ronald Pieri to all fire chief duties and responsibilities.  Unfortunately for the city, their chief supply became depleted when Pieri was arrested Tuesday on a felony warrant charging him with theft of services and property. 

Ron Pieri  (Lake County Sheriff photo)

It is alleged that he had been claiming false work hours on his time sheets.  He was released on $5,000 bail and has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Chicago Tribune posted the STORY.
Highwood Fire Department WEBSITE.

2002 Smeal Quint – 75' ladder, 2,000 gpm pump

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 5, 2011 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, crime, News • Tagged: , ,

16 Dead and Counting in Fiery Freeway Crash in UK

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Britain's Worst Auto Crash in 20 Years

Update, Sunday morning: Death toll revised down to 7.  Other new information in Sunday update HERE.

A HORRIFIC ROADWAY ACCIDENT occurred in Somerset, England, when a "black fog" suddenly dropped down on the M-5 motorway.  Witnesses said a truck suddenly disappeared from sight and before anyone could comprehend what was happening, a large chain-reaction wreck started unfolding.  Immediately a fire broke out within the wreckage and large flames and a fireball were seen by people away from the crash scene.

Press Association

The accident occurred around 8:30 pm Friday night in the northbound lanes of the freeway and involved at least 23 cars and 4 tractor-trailers.  The latest casualty count stands at 16 dead and 43 injured.  The Guardian reports:

Avon and Somerset police confirmed on Saturday morning that the 43 casualties ranged from those with life-threatening injuries to the walking wounded.  Assistant Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said some people had been trapped in their burning cars. A number of the vehicles were incinerated.

"The emergency services have been working tirelessly. The incident was very, very challenging and on arrival crews were faced with literally one massive fireball.  Most vehicles were well alight and most continued to burn for a considerable time. This made it very difficult to search the vehicles. Some of them have been burned to the ground,"  Bangham said.

 

Dr Colin Close, medical director for Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, said it was dealing with a range of injuries including broken limbs and complex chest, abdominal and lung injuries.

An emergency helicopter was utilized to fly another surgeon in from a distant hospital to assist with the overload in the operating rooms.

Telegraph

Police expect the highway to be closed for at least 24 hours before the wreckage can all be cleared away.

Read the entire article in The Guardian HERE.
The Telegraph has MORE. 
12-image photo gallery HERE.

Updated Sunday Morning:  Additional information plus probable cause in Firegeezer update HERE.

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 5, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fire Rescue Topics, Mass Casualty Incident, rescue, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: , ,

Morning Lineup – November 5

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Saturday Morning – Show Us Your 'stache

There has been a lot of publicity in the past week or so about men (preferably) growing moustaches during the month of November to help publicize cancer "awareness" and encourage men to get pre-cancer screening.  I'm not fully up to speed on the program, but I have heard promotions on some tv shows and sporting events where the athletes have joined in the event.

Yesterday I got word that some of out firefighter friends up in Quebec are helping out by having some online fun while pushing the message.  The pompiers have re-named November to be referred to as Movember.  To quote their description:  Movember, the month formerly known as November, is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men's health.  To help it along, they have set up a Facebook community page that is open to all FB accounts called, Pompiers "MoBros" firefighters.  They're asking all moustache-growers to post their pics or videos of their brush on the page's Wall.  I don't think there are any prizes involved, but you will certainly be judged by the court of public opinion, so look your best, brush it out and post it HERE.

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While that's growing out, let's head on over to the apparatus and get our equipment checked out.  It's Saturday and there's no telling what kinds of trouble the weekend shoppers will be getting into.  I'm going to get some more coffee going, too.  See you back in the day room.

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 5, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup

Firetruck Collision in North Carolina

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At an Intersection

A GASTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, fire engine was involved in a collision shortly before noon Eastern today (Friday).  The Crowder's Mountain F & R engine 55 was returning from a call when it was struck on the right side by a passenger car.

Crowders Mountain F&R photo via FireNews.net

Police say that the engine was making a left turn when a car in the oncoming lane ran into it.  Two of the three firefighters had minor injuries and were transported.  Damage to the truck is estimated at $150,000.

FireNews.Net has more of the story and photos HERE.

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Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 4, 2011 • Filed under: apparatus, Fire Rescue Topics, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , ,

Cotton Warehouse Burns All Night

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Still Burning Friday Morning

A LARGE WAREHOUSE FILLED WITH COTTON BALES in Glendale, Arizona, caught on fire around 9 pm Thursday night and was unstoppable inside the metal building.  As the fire spread through the stacks of cotton bales, the heat soon brought down the roof, completely destroying the building.

KNXV-TV

The Glendale FD has ten units, including some from Phoenix, on the scene in a containment mode while the fire burns out underneath the collaped roof.

KNXV-TV has this video report from the scene this morning:

 

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 4, 2011 • Filed under: fire, Fires, Videos • Tagged: , ,

One Ambulance Crash Nets Two Drunk Drivers

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On-Scene Cop Reels 'em In

A GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, AMBULANCE was transporting a patient non-emergency late Wednesday night when a private vehicle ran a flashing red traffic signal and caused the ambulance driver to swerve to avoid a collision.  The Life EMS ambulance ended up crashing into a utility pole while the offending car, a Jeep, stopped at the scene.

WOOD-TV

While a police officer was investigating the accident, another car came breezing through the crash scene and nearly struck the police cruiser.  The officer detained that driver and arrested both of the auto drivers on drunk-driving charges.  The patient was uninjured and another unit from Life EMS completed the transfer.

WOOD-TV was on the scene and filed this video report:

 

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 4, 2011 • Filed under: ambulances, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos • Tagged: , ,

Acadian Ambulance Acquires Texas Firm NorthStar EMS

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Increases Acadian's Presence in SE Texas

ACADIAN AMBULANCE SERVICE, A REGIONAL employee-owned firm that provides emergency and transport ambulance services in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, announced yesterday (Thursday) that they have acquired NorthStar EMS.  In their press release issued on Nov. 3, Acadian said:

The transition will begin immediately and will be completed in the next few weeks with no interruption in service to customers.

NorthStar, which has its home office in Humble, provides emergency and non-emergency transportation and is the sole 911 provider for Huffman. The expansion will add 150 full time employees, 30 ambulances and 10 wheelchair vans to Acadian’s Texas operations.

Acadian already provides emergency and non-emergency service to 14 counties in Central, South-Central and Southeast Texas. The company began operating in Texas in 2006. NorthStar EMS, founded in 1998, provides emergency and non-emergency transports throughout Harris County and in Dallas.

Acadian Ambulance photo

Acadian plans to hire all qualified, current employees of NorthStar, medics, dispatchers and managers, and they will immediately be placed in the employee benefits programs.

Read the entire press release HERE.
Acadian Ambulance Service WEBSITE.

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 4, 2011 • Filed under: ambulances, EMS Topics

Morning Lineup – November 4

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Friday Morning – Giddyup

British Pathe is one of the oldest motion picture / media companies in the world.  They primarily produced newsreels from 1902 until 1970 and since then have been maintained as a research archives with over 90,000 film clips in their library.  The Gothamist newspaper in New York City found that British Pathe is also the owner of what is believed to be the oldest film record of the FDNY.

The short, grainy clip appears to be a staged event for the camera that is representative of a response by some pumpers and a ladder wagon.  It gives a good view of what the apparatus and firemen's turnout gear was like when it was filmed in 1893.  Take a look:

 

While we are in the archives, let's pull out one more.  On the London Fire Brigade's 100th anniversary in 1966, they put on a show-and-tell for the Queen and rolled out a series of historic firefighting apparatus and machines.  This one is fun to look at, including the aerial ladder display at the end.  Click on the photo below and it will take you to the video page where you can play the clip:

 

100 YEARS OF FIRE FIGHTING

Your browser does not support iframes.

 

 

That was a nice diversion, wasn't it?  Ok, let's divert ourselves to our own apparatus now and get the equipment checked out.  I'll go fire up the Bunn-O-Matic and get the coffee going for our gathering in the day room shortly.

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 4, 2011 • Filed under: morning lineup, Videos • Tagged: ,

Looking Back

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Fire Engineering – May 1953

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 3, 2011 • Filed under: Looking Back • Tagged: ,

San Diego Hydrant Testing

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"Okay, so you got good pressure.  But what's the flow?"

A CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL around 3 am Tuesday morning in San Diego, California,  and sheared off a fire hydrant.  Unfortunately for the the driver, San Diego has a wet-hydrant system that immediately went into car-control-mode and kept the vehicle under control until the authorities arrived.

KGTV

Neighbors said that they saw people running away from the car and nobody was there when the FD arrived on the scene.  The car remained airborne for about an hour until the water department was able to shut down the water  main and bring the vehicle back to earth for a safe landing.

Fox News supplied the video:

 

KGTV has the STORY.

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"Only you can prevent first responder"

Posted by on November 3, 2011 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, hydrants, Videos • Tagged: , ,