January 2009 Blog Posts (170)

the thanks we get...

I've been in the fire service for 10 years...Up till now I have only heard stories of stuff like this.

Two days ago I recieved a call of a pile of trash on fire and left unattened. I rode over and spoke with the homeowner. He was a great guy who had a hose out and didn't have a problem with me coming over to check up on his pile. He was there with it. His truck was parked on the side of the house, whoever called it in probly couldn't see his truck. At that point all seemed to be over, he… Continue

Added by Matthew Cosgrove on January 8, 2009 at 7:52pm — 7 Comments

Looking for Virginia Volunteer Fire Depts.

Hey i just moved to Chesapeake Virginia ad im looking for a Volunteer Fire Department to join......Can any one point me in the correct direction?

Thanks Mase.

Added by Mason on January 8, 2009 at 5:28pm — No Comments

Articals For Sale.

I was wondering if there was a way to put a firefighter articals for sale site on FFN ? I think that this would go over good. What is evryone eleses thoughts on this ? Good or bad idea ?

Added by LEO AFD389NY on January 8, 2009 at 2:59pm — 9 Comments

The littlest fireman (a real tear jerker!!)

Some of you may know this story, but is you don't please keep reading. A friend posted this on myspace and it had me crying by the end. I did a little bit of research on it to say if it was "fact or fiction." It is a fact it took place in 1981 and was one of the original "Make-a-Wish" requests. I have included a link about the whole story. Like most tales over time it has "grown" alittle. But after seeing the facts about it I just had a couple of more tears run down my cheek. This story is… Continue

Added by Capt.Alex Arnold on January 8, 2009 at 11:31am — 6 Comments

Don't Write a Robbery Note on Your Paycheck!

Taken from KCMQ.com.

"A Chicago bank robber got away with $400 after passing a threatening note to a teller demanding money. But, cops were able to track him down and arrest him later because he had written the note on the back of his pay stub! Wow…great thinking. Why not just drop off a fingerprint, blood sample and driver’s license next time?"

Stay safe,

Bruce C Ziebarth

Check out my other articles:…

Continue

Added by Bruce C Ziebarth on January 8, 2009 at 9:00am — 2 Comments

WTF is wrong with US?

Today the United States Fire Administration released the preliminary results of 2008 Firefighters Fatalites. Although medical problems are still the leading cause ( mostly heart attacks/strokes) 29 firefighters died in crashes! 15 of these firefighters died in vehicle crashes, where in every case SPEED and THE LACK OF A SEAT BELT play a role in thier deaths!!! I cannot understand why with all that is publicized, why firefighters don't or refuse to wear seat belts?????? I am all for the… Continue

Added by Bruce Mack on January 7, 2009 at 8:16pm — 7 Comments

Blackjack Flashlight holder

I just recieved my new blackjack holder in the mail today and I must say it seems to be really well built, I tried it out and still have to put it on my helmet at work but Man it works great, keeps the light tucked up under the brim of the helmet so there is entanglement issues in my opinion a great piece to have.

Added by John on January 7, 2009 at 4:23pm — 1 Comment

Our thoughts are with you

Last night during some of the worst weather of this round of ice, station 25 (of monroe county,pa) was called out for a dwelling fire in a private community called Pocono Country Place. Surrounding companies were called for mutual support, and soon after the chief called for a RIT team from station 45, possible entrapment. (I got to listen to it unfold as I was at my "real" job.) I found out today that a father who had awakened his family thought he was missing one of his children went back in… Continue

Added by Eric Scheirer on January 7, 2009 at 1:06pm — 1 Comment

Don't Want a DUI? Don't Blame Your Daughter!!

Taken from KCMQ.com.

"Police say a Utah woman tried to avoid a DUI by putting her daughter in the driver’s seat before police arrived. The woman drove recklessly in a parking lot, then hit a curb and blew out a tire in the process. Witnesses told cops she then switched places with her 15-year-old daughter so the girl would be in the driver’s seat when police got there. The woman was found to have a blood alcohol level more than 3 times the legal limit. I’m going to take this woman… Continue

Added by Bruce C Ziebarth on January 7, 2009 at 12:00pm — No Comments

Setting Yourself on Fire Does Not Impress the Ladies

Taken from KCMQ.com.

"A 33-year-old Swedish man was hospitalized after trying to impress his girlfriend with a party trick. The man suffered serious injuries after pouring gasoline on his arm and then setting it on fire. In addition to suffering burns on his arm and other body parts, he now faces public endangerment charges too. Wow, I bet his girlfriend was reeeeeeally impressed!"

Stay safe,
Bruce C Ziebarth

Added by Bruce C Ziebarth on January 7, 2009 at 9:21am — 2 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...January 6, 2009

To all of my friends at Firefighternation.com, thanks for letting me blog this.

I am sitting home writing this article while my daughter is at the Morris County Youth Shelter, waiting to go to residential treatment for drug use. It took her almost two years to get there. I would like to share this story, in the hope that other parents can look at the resources I used to help us get the treatment she needs.

We… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on January 6, 2009 at 10:22pm — 3 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...January 6, 2008

This is going to sound silly, but this weekend when we had our officer's party I had a "field of dreams" experience. I had the privilege of sharing the kitchen with one of our firefighters who is always the cook at events. I did what I had done when I cooked with my Dad, chopped, talked, let him talk, listened to stories, clean up and basically just learned.

I never knew when I joined the Fire Department that the people I… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on January 6, 2009 at 9:45pm — No Comments

Grilled Marinated Sirloin Flap Steaks

yield: Makes 4 to 6 servings

active time: 15 min

total time: 45 min

We make this super-easy, super-tasty dish all year long. The bold combination of soy sauce, balsamic, and maple syrup works its magic on the meat quickly, so it only needs to marinate for as long as it takes to get your grill fired up. In the fall and winter, we pair this steak with maple-sweetened butternut squash. Come summer, its a natural with a tomato salad and corn on the cob. hide… Continue

Added by Deborah Doane on January 6, 2009 at 7:42pm — No Comments

Coco Choco Cluster Recipe....Got this from a great web-site for good food ideas!

The specifics: I used Marcona almonds (already fried, so I did not toast them) and a 70% Dolfin Chocolate, this amber colored Halen Mon Gold smoked finishing salt, and Blue Bottle Coffee Yemen San'ani - not available on their site right now. To melt the chocolate use a double boiler or if you are like me, and don't own a double-boiler cobble one together using a tiny saucepan set under a larger mixing bowl. Fill the saucepan with an inch or two of water and bring to a simmer - place the big… Continue

Added by Deborah Doane on January 6, 2009 at 7:32pm — No Comments

PEANUT BUTTER PUDDING!! Found this delicious dessert..gotta try it!

Peanut butter pudding:

1/2 cup sugar

5 teaspoons cornstarch

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup creamy (smooth) natural peanut butter (made with only peanuts and salt)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate pudding:

6 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder

Pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

4… Continue

Added by Deborah Doane on January 6, 2009 at 7:23pm — No Comments

Whats in your Pockets?

So as my questions asks, "What is actually in your turnout pockets?" I am a firm believer that every firefighter should be equipped with the basic tools required to start self-preservation/rescue operations when confronted with firefighter entrapment.

Now I am pretty sure folding spanners have a place on the fireground but when was the last time you used one inside a burning building? Besides modern fire apparatus have so many spanners mounted on it, it will make your head spin. So… Continue

Added by FETC on January 6, 2009 at 3:00pm — 4 Comments

Life as a small town volunteer #3

Death... Something that we as firefighters have to deal with. A part of the job. There isn't any way to become used to it. If it no longer effects you then maybe a different line of work is in store for you. In the short time that I have been a part of the fire service I cannot or should I say that I do not want to remember those scenes that I have been on where someone has lost their life. Thankfully none of these has been a fellow firefighter and I hope to never experience that loss. There… Continue

Added by Gordon "Gopher" Runer on January 6, 2009 at 3:00pm — 4 Comments

Plug Away: Drills for improving communication & success on a forward lay

QUICK DRILLS

Plug Away

Drills for improving communication & success on a forward lay

By Homer Robertson

What’s the one fireground task that the least-experienced member of your company is often assigned to perform, without help? As a new firefighter, I remember going out to the apparatus bay with the company officer or the apparatus operator first thing in the morning, and they would tell me, “If we get anything today, you’re plugging.” They… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on January 6, 2009 at 8:00am — No Comments

5th Alarm and we missed out!

Paint and soft furnishing shop, plus others lost in a major fire last night in Dargaville (North Islands, New Zealand)

This fire went to a 5th Alarm with over 100 firefighters attending. We were put on station cover but didn't get to roll, just sit and listen. No injuries to firefighters or the public, just property damage.

A firebuff friend happened to be visiting relatives in Dargaville when the fire started and has captured some wonderful… Continue

Added by Mark Montgomery on January 6, 2009 at 5:45am — 2 Comments