March 2010 Blog Posts (75)

I'm with STUPID

We’ve all heard the stories about firefighters doing stupid things on duty or off. Firefighters committing arson, breaking and entering, driving intoxicated, failing work-related random drug screening tests, abusing their domestic partners…the list goes on and on. As one of the replies to the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Fireman’s Association’s recent…

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Added by Ben Waller on March 21, 2010 at 3:00pm — 4 Comments

Promotional re-deployment

Keen to know what the current outlooks is on being deployed to another station when one obtains a promotion.The reason i post this is because after working for 12 years in one station and having lived for 44 years in the area i just think it a little bit crazy to move to another station where i have absolutely no idea of the area or any hot spots. I understand the reason for not working with the same people due to friendships obtained but i'm pretty sure just changing shift would be beneficial… Continue

Added by Wayne Martin Harvey on March 19, 2010 at 12:55pm — 3 Comments

The Right Time to Give: Through March 31, Pierce Is Matching Donations to NFFF

If you're considering giving to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, now is the right time. Through March 31, Pierce Manufacturing will double all donations up to $10,000 through the NFFF Full Throttle Support II initiative.

In addition, anyone donating is entered into a sweepstakes to win a custom, one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Firefighter Special Edition motorcycle.

“The Pierce family is an integral part of the… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on March 18, 2010 at 5:00pm — No Comments

@FireRECRUITER: The Art of Speed-Recruiting

If you had just 30 seconds to convince someone why they should join your volunteer fire department, what would you…

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Added by Tiger Schmittendorf on March 18, 2010 at 8:00am — No Comments

What to do when u feel u failed

yesterday i responded to a grass fire at a friends house and in less than a minute turned into a 3 alarm structure and house fire .There is nothing left but a chimney my friend has 3 kids and is now left with nothing. I feel so in adiquiat what do I say to her sorry your house is gone. sorry we failed. it was only a grass fire how did it go so wrong so fast what can i do to make our dept better. so that i never have to face a friend in failure

Added by Selena Guier on March 18, 2010 at 5:15am — 4 Comments

American Idol vs. American Politics

A few weeks ago, I had a chance to chat with an old friend about the upcoming elections and voting.

I confessed over a latte to being a political junkie.

She confessed to not being a political junkie.

“I hate politics,” she said. “Things in our country are a mess! I don't even vote.”

I tried to shame her into taking an interest in politics by explaining how it's these people who make all the decisions that directly affect her and her family. But, to no avail.

As we… Continue

Added by Sally on March 17, 2010 at 5:26pm — 1 Comment

What’s All the Hubbub about Striping?

Inside the Apparatus Industry

Story & Photos by Bob Vaccaro

By now most of us have seen new apparatus deliveries with the new NFPA 1901-required reflective striping on the front and rear. Whether you like it or not, it’s here to stay. In my opinion, it really makes a vehicle stand out on a highway, which was the intent of the standard to begin with.

Anything we can do to improve apparatus visibility on the fireground or at accident scenes is a… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on March 17, 2010 at 1:30pm — 4 Comments

The Science Behind Our Business: Use data to your department’s advantage

The following article was published in the March issue of FireRescue magazine.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

By Chief Jeffrey D. Johnson, EFO, CFO, MIFireE

The Science Behind Our Business

Use data to your… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on March 17, 2010 at 12:00pm — No Comments

ICD

Does anyone out here know of any FF's with a ICD in and working back on line full duty?

Added by Dave Hetzel on March 16, 2010 at 10:35am — 5 Comments

50 pounds

Sometime on Friday I hit 1100 miles for the year. I am about 3 weeks ahead of last years 1000 mile point and by April 9th I should have 1500.

My weight has fallen to 197 and the goal is 180 by June 1st. The cool part of this whole thing is I will be 50 pounds lighter some time this week, of course that depends on my mileage and how many cookies I eat!

This is a huge water mark for me as I have had a hard time breaking down the 200 pound barrier. That finally…

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Added by Allen Wahlstrom on March 15, 2010 at 11:30am — No Comments

Two Firefighter Deaths Highlight the Need for Rehab

Two Firefighter Deaths Highlight the Need for Rehab

Story & Photos by Jeffrey T. Lindsey

Training is an integral part of the fire service. Senior firefighters and company officers conduct training exercises and drill every day throughout the country. But whether it’s initial training or station drills, the risk of injury or death is always present.

Cases in point: On May 31, 2008, a firefighter recruit died…

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Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on March 15, 2010 at 10:30am — 1 Comment

Severe Weather Preparedness Resources Now Available

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Energizer and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) are teaming up with local fire departments to help families prepare for spring and summer’s severe weather, particularly the power outages that frequently result from them. The program officially begins on March 20, the first day of spring.…

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Added by IAFC on March 15, 2010 at 9:03am — No Comments

It was in the cards.

Blogger’s Note: The following is my submission to the Fire Critic’s First Due Fire Blog Carnival…

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Added by Tiger Schmittendorf on March 15, 2010 at 8:00am — 4 Comments

BROKEN - HEARTED (something i wrote)

BROKEN – HEARTED…

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Added by Kayli Borell on March 14, 2010 at 2:06am — 4 Comments

Training in the Volunteer Fire Service

Training in the Volunteer Fire Service

My time as a dedicated volunteer firefighter has been the experience of a lifetime. It has taken…

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Added by Kayli Borell on March 14, 2010 at 1:00am — No Comments

An amazing story, please read!!!

This is a story I just happened to come across on a newspaper's website. I have always been a very patriotic person and take pride in serving my community as a vol. firefighter, but this brought tears to my eyes. Here is the link: http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201003121071

I am sure this story will be made into a movie someday!

Added by Tammy on March 13, 2010 at 8:21pm — No Comments

Tim Karnisky’s Funeral Service

March 11, 2010

Firefighters from all around Monroe County attended a funeral service this afternoon for Brighton Firefighter Tim Karnisky. I would like to give a big thank you to everyone who attended and or helped out in anyway.…

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Added by Davin Eshelman on March 12, 2010 at 11:45am — No Comments

What About Bob? A message for firefighters who shun the job but take credit for the work

What About Bob?

A message for those firefighters who shun the job but take credit for the work

By Scott Cook

I recall my very first fire when I joined the Rendon Volunteer Fire Department here in Texas, circa 1988. I’d been through the fire behavior classes, the burn house, PPE instruction and all those things that… Continue

Added by Fire Rescue Magazine on March 12, 2010 at 8:00am — 6 Comments

Pirate Digs 811::: Know Whats BelowCall Before You Dig!...How much this video will in fire prevention?

Pirate Digs 811

The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) has created an educational video for children ages 8 to 11 years on the importance of calling 811 before you dig. The video is 7 minutes long and teaches children about damage prevention and its relevance to their everyday lives. The videos can be purchased by individuals or companies for $61.50 (per box of 50). To see a preview clip of the video, click here. (http://www.call811kids.com/)…

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Added by Paresh Trivedi on March 11, 2010 at 6:30pm — No Comments