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Ben Waller

Male

Bluffton, SC

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization: Fire/Rescue Department - Paid
Job Function: Battalion Chief / Division Chief
Years in Fire/EMS:: 37
Primary Fire/EMS Department:: An East Coast Fire Department
Years With Department/Agency: 9
Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations: Mt. Aetna VFD, Hagerstown, MD
Tri-Community VFD, Collegedale, TN
Highway 58 VFD, Harrison, TN
Bradley County EMS, TN
Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue, TN
Hamilton County EMS, TN
Hamilton County Hazmat Team, TN
McMinn County EMS, TN
Chattanooga Fire Department
Greenville County Technical Rescue, SC
Greenville County Hazmat Team
Greenville County COBRA Team
1996 Atlanta Olympic Games Swifwater Rescue Team
2000 Olympic Team Trials Swiftwater Rescue Team Leader
Contributing author, Fundamentals of Technical Rescue, Jones & Bartlett
Contributing author, Swiftwater and Flood Rescue FOG, Jones & Bartlett
Water Rescue Editor, Technical Rescue Magazine
Member, NFPA 1670 Technical Search and Rescue Committee
My Training:: M.P.A. Public Administration
B.P.S. Fire Administration
A.S. Paramedic
IFSAC Fire Officer I
IFSAC FF II
Tennessee Journeyman FF
South Carolina and Tennessee Fire Instructor
South Carolina, Tennessee, and National Registry Paramedic
EMACS and HAZWOPER Hazardous Materials Technician
NPQ Hazardous Materials Operations
WMD TERT
USAR Rescue Specialist
Technical Rescue Instructor
Extrication Instructor (Basic, Advanced, Bus, Big Rig, Instructor Trainer)
Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
Incident Command (NIMS) Instructor
Unified Command Instructor
ICS for Structural Collapse Instructor
Farmedic Instructor
About Me:: I'm living proof that rookies can survive their own stupidity through good luck.
Day Job:: Look up
Relationship Status:: Married
Why I Joined Fire/EMS: For the low stress, comfort, and the money.
Why I Love Fire/EMS: I get to work with some of the best people on the planet.
Top Issues Facing Responders:: The economy
Unrealistic expectations

Comment Wall:

Load Previous Comments

Peter Lupkowski

I too must compliment your referee blog. It definitely describes a significant part of the give and take here. Now I must take umbrage with the initial referee basis. As a ref I pride myself in catching the first violator, sometimes it is not the case. But in either event a rule was broken, a penalty assessed, and generally the chain of back and forth has been broken. Now how do I flag the blogs here?

Oct 21, 2008
Kimberly A Bownas

Hey Ben, thanks. I actually never realized we weren't friends either and what an oversight that was. Stay safe....

Nov 3, 2008
Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd

Hi Ben, Wanted to with you a Merry Christmas and to let you know that I've really enjoyed getting to know you in 2008. It's an honor to have you as a friend and mentor. Stay safe my friend. Mike

Dec 24, 2008
Russell Stine

Hey it's Russell Stine, I was an intern from OSU there back in 2005... So it's CHIEF Waller now, not a bad gig I suppose. I work for Memphis Fire as a firefighter/paramedic, hope you are doing well! Merry Christmas

Dec 24, 2008
Russell Stine

I guess what's saving me is that we're now doing 12/12, and Chief Ludwig has changed things around for us a lot. Our medical director is slowly progressive, we implement new stuff as the data becomes available. I guess it makes us a "Johnny Come-Lately" but at least it gets to us as it becomes feasible. It's strange going from a dept that has 2 or 3 stations to a dept that has nearly 60. My wife and I expecting a baby in Feb and I have a scheduled vacation in June, we're planning on leaving the baby with our parent's for a few days and coming to SC. We'll probably drop in...

Dec 25, 2008
VaLeRiE cRaWfOrD

Thank you Ben
Please have a safe and happy new year

Dec 25, 2008
Kimberly A Bownas

Glad to hear that you got it. Don't work to hard and I hope Janet gets better soon. Happy New Years and stay safe....

Dec 29, 2008
Sarah Turner

How are things in Hilton Head?

Jan 12, 2009
Sarah Turner

Sounds like you guys are doing pretty well at getting all your crap inline with the standards of the rest of the country. That is great to hear.. it is migrating here as well, what with all the publicity of the new chief of Charleston, I am sure you have heard. Things are drastically improving. Soon we will be on the same radio channel, and our rescue is going to be the main rescue west of the ashley, so we will be working together more than ever. I don't think our relationship with CFD has ever been bad over here across the Ashley, but improvement is always encouraged. I am pleased to be a part of it, and it can only get better. We have also managed to keep 11 of the 14 firefighters that we have hired this year, which is a huge improvement on our retention ability.
In other news...
the weather sucks.. booo...

Jan 13, 2009
Christopher J. Naum, SFPE

Hey Ben...
Greetings from cloudy and snowy NY...where the temp is 20 degrees and falling, with a low tonight at 5 above w a wind chill of -20 below....( I miss SC...) Thanks for the comments, it was great meeting and talking with you, along with the other great guys. I'm already discussing some other programs with the Academy to bring back down this year.. you and I will be talking much more as we go forward.

Stay safe brother...Chris

Jan 13, 2009
Shawn

Alright Chief...I need to get a photo...your right.
As for the hazmat...kinda sorta got it answered...still gonna work on putting something together.

Fitzy

Jan 30, 2009
Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd

Hi Ben, I am sorry for not being able to spend the time lately on the FFN, keeping up and staying more in touch but it just hit the eleventh hour for me and 2/2 was my interview for the Logistics Captain job. I should know something hopefully tomorrow, 2/4 which is my seventh anniversary date since promoting to Captain and my 35 anniversary since I first met my wife. 2/2 was our 29th wedding anniversary. Time sure fly's sometimes...
What I am wrestling with now is whether or not I want to retire this March. Hitting the magic 55 means that I can retire at 3% of my salary for every year that I have worked. I am working on buying back time from prior government employers that I paid retirement too. My goal is to retire at 100% of my current salary. I may be able to make it happen. This being the case, we may be getting together for dinner down the road in Hilton Head.
I've got to tell you that it sure felt both good and bad going back to the fire station. I've found myself getting up really early and taking it all in. My station is remarkable just like yours I am sure with the ocean being in view and so close.
I'll let you know how things turn up for me as soon as I find out Ben.
Take care of yourself,
Mike

Feb 4, 2009
Kimberly A Bownas

LOL, I love the video that you put up with the lifeguard. That was too funny. I am waiting for the Junior whiner to comment back to all of our comments, I think he might not but then again, I guess we shall see.

Feb 13, 2009
Jason Louthan

That sounds like alot of changes happening. It is nice to hear that the training center is acctually happening. I was reading one of my many rescue mags the other day and lo-and-behold the is Chief waller now as teh Swiftwater technical Advisor (not sure on the exact title) but congrats. I knew you were up on your stuff but sounds like you are the man. I am actually starting to develop the swiftwater program for OSU this year so I am looking to start traveling through the country looking at others that are being delivered. Well congrats on all the changes and keep me posted on all the happenings.

Feb 14, 2009
Jason Louthan

Well congrats on the position, it sounds like an honor to just be asked. I may have to get in contact with you on my upcoming program project. Maybe FSt will pay me to come out to HHI for "work" or vacation whatever you want to call it. As far as Jones and Bartlett goes, I have done a little work for them myself with the new Technical Rescue manual. IFSTA and FST (where I work) are both part of OSU but actually two seperate entities. We try to work together as much as possible since we are both so close but we also work with others to get programs and information. We just try to do the best we can, the more help the better.

Feb 15, 2009
Jason Louthan

Where is Chief Osterman these days?

Feb 16, 2009
Jason Louthan

The Engines are really nice. It will be nice to finally standardize all the Engines. Did you guys just finally get tired of the refurbs or how did you convince the city to release that much money at once?

Feb 18, 2009
Jason Louthan

When I was there last you had just purchased the second tiller and wwas looking at having two truck companies. Whatever happened with that?

Feb 18, 2009
Southern Chick

hey there! and thanks so much for all your support! we love yall!

Mar 1, 2009
Southern Chick

well tell your son thanks as well, for what he does! and we really cant thank yall enough for all the support, it helps us get through the day knowing someone is thinking about us over here! So thanks agian!

Nickie

Mar 1, 2009
Jason Louthan

Chief,
Can you provide me with some information about go-no go training regarding heat. I remember HHI haveing something that if the heat got up to a certain point that the guys didn't do much outside. Do you still have something in place?

Mar 1, 2009
Jason Louthan

Thanks, that helps alot

Mar 1, 2009
abreality

Hey Ben,

Not sure if this is contacting you off group. Let me know or tell me how to get a hold of you. The best way to get a hold of me is to email me at abreality2@gmail.com. Thanks for the quick reply. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. - Andrew

Mar 13, 2009
Moose

Hey Ben,
Just wanted to say hello and hope all is well with you. Im trying to get back to my life now that winter is over, and wanted to shout out to my friends here at the Nation.
Stay Safe

Brian "Moose" Jones

Mar 19, 2009
Sarah Turner

Hey there! Put up pics from the Lasky Salka seminar. Hope you are having fun down there in HH

Mar 28, 2009
k hig

Hi Ben,
Thanks for the tip on the chevrons, when ever i need some back up on the issue you always seem to have my back. Thanks again.

Stay safe
Higgins.

Apr 26, 2009
k hig

I know what you mean; I think they are the great the only problem is common sense isn’t so common which leads to multiple injections and even with that it still has no effect on some of the members here.

Apr 26, 2009
Bonnie

I just read your post on favorite quotes. I got a good laugh out of them, especially shark bite. Too funny.

Apr 28, 2009
Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich

Ben:
Thank you, brother.
TCSS.
Art

May 1, 2009
Southern Chick

Hey there! Thanks for the comment! And Thanks for your support! Yall Mean A Lot 2 Us! Take Care and agian thanks for your support!

Much Love,
Nickie

Jul 28, 2009
Steven C. Hamilton

Please see my update to the PPV for defensive operations forum.

Jul 30, 2009
Rusty Mancini

Thank you Ben for accepting me.I lived in Harrison TN. years ago.Lived down by the ski club at the river.Worked in Cleavland TN.Was there for the blizzard in March 1993 that was ugly.You have an impressive history with the fire service! Once again thanks Chief.

Sep 6, 2009
Rusty Mancini

Amen to that Brother!

Sep 6, 2009
Meghan Barr

Hi Ben,
My name is Meghan Barr and I'm a reporter for the Associated Press. I am writing a story about acquired structure burns, and I noticed that you had posted a comment on a discussion thread about them a few months ago. I'm trying to talk to firefighters about whether they think the practice is safe or not. If you are willing to chat with me about this, please contact me at mbarr@ap.org. Even if you don't feel comfortable commenting for my story, I would appreciate any advice on where to find more information about live burns. Thanks very much!

Best,
Meghan

Sep 9, 2009
Rusty Mancini

Ben, I didn't want you to think I was hammering you by the sledge hammer comment I posted. You did the right thing by posting your blog and exposing this matter. Yesterday after I commented on that post, I question myself on my reply, I was shocked when I went back to scratch it and it was deleted. Anyway my friend, good job!

Sep 20, 2009
rescueortruck

do u trade fire t- shirts? if so would love to get one from your dep. write back stgcop@yahoo.com

Oct 1, 2009
Jason Louthan

Things are good. The wife and I were actually thinking of you guys the other day. We were talking about how nice it would be to move to HHI and I could get a job with the FD. I told her that would be great if they had a TO postion. But that is just wishful thinking because I can't get her to move out of OK because of family and we just had a baby girl. Regan Lesley Louthan 4 months old.

Oct 2, 2009
Rusty Mancini

Ben, I sent you a message.

Oct 9, 2009
Reg Mathis

Hey Ben,

Small world, huh? Next time you head through and have about 2 minutes, drop me a note and I'll give you a tour of our station! 2 minutes should about cover it! But at least we can offer you a cup of coffee!

Oct 10, 2009
Firefighter Walther

thanks for the group add bro!

Oct 12, 2009
WestPhilly

I think I might have just been converted.

Oct 16, 2009
WestPhilly

It wasn't me, Ben. WN is such a friggin tool!

Oct 17, 2009
WestPhilly

It seems to be un-closed now.

Oct 17, 2009
Capt.Jocelyn Chiasson

Hi Ben ,

Thank you very much for adding me as friend i can see your veteran with alot of experience and i hope to be able to learn alot from you if you don't mind!!!
and i seen a few post where people with no experience thing that propane is not a accelerant...
well they don't kow what they're talking about!!!

take care brother!!
J.C.

Oct 20, 2009
Capt.Alex Arnold

Alex, It might do you more good to carry a copy of The Prince by Niccolo Machievelli. Unfortunately, some people use that line of thinking instead of the ones for which you advocate.
Sadly Chief you couldn't be more right. But, I have been around the world and seen many other systems and ways of living. For all of "her" imperfections, the good old USofA is still the best.

Dec 19, 2009
C

I am still working on my certifications (which are all IFSAC). Can you tell me more about what the written tests are and what you need to score on them?

Jan 18, 2010
Jason Hoevelmann

large area search outline 2.pdf

May 10, 2010
Jack/dt

Chief,
You want to take pot shots at Gregory that's your call, but do it on his comments page and not mine. What...you want I should pass him a note after gym class?
Sheesh.

Aug 24, 2010
Gregory Borg

Ben, do I need to CC you on all my e-mails? I thought I was talking to Jack. I will say the same thing to you, as I already have. You just have to right, and no I do not agree with your sensitivity argument, that is a sidestep. On negotiations I meant negotiating for firefighters and you know it. In Washington workers have rights, the union stands up for them. You have my profile site talk directly.

Aug 25, 2010
Mark Fuqua

Thanks for having me as a friend.

Sep 25, 2010