March 2009 Blog Posts (167)

my job interview

after a long period of waiting, my luck comes out, my employer BRITAM called me and scheduled of an interview. after that i prepared my self for that interview, i reviewed some of my firefighting books and of course i depend and i just relay on my 10 years of a volunteer firefighter here..

just for info.. here in the Philippines if you have a chance to work abroad and earn dollars you will have the respect of your family and friends not just because of the money but you will be… Continue

Added by romwel on March 17, 2009 at 3:24am — 2 Comments

Clean SCBAs...Does anyone else other than me have a problem????

Seems after a structure fire everything gets packed up, but it seems my guys have a problem making sure that the equiptment used is put back clean & ready to go, and put on the rigs perfectly. dont know if I should lay it on my officers or blast them all at next meeting? ........Hope some of you fellas read this and give me some feed back.

Added by Palmyra Chief Donaghey on March 16, 2009 at 11:32pm — 11 Comments

Hey Everybody!

Sorry its been so long since I have gotten it touch with anybody. I have had alot going on and haven't had the time or the resorces to keep in touch. But I am slowly getting things back in order and I'm hopeful that things are going to get better. God Bless you all and be safe!

Added by Shawna on March 16, 2009 at 4:16pm — 2 Comments

New USFA Administrator

Firegeezer.com has just received the following press release from the USFA:

FROM: Nancy Ward

Acting Administrator

SUBJECT: Deputy Assistant Administrator for the United States Fire Administration

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Glenn A. Gaines, a 37 year veteran of the Fairfax County, Virginia, Fire & Rescue Department, to the position of Deputy Assistant Administrator for the United States Fire Administration (USFA); he will also… Continue

Added by FireGeezer on March 16, 2009 at 3:56pm — 1 Comment

Been A While

Hi gang its been awhile since I have had the chance to be on here,, I don't even know where to begin at. For starters My stepson and his fiance (who live with us, and I hope find a place soon) had thier baby about a week and a half ago, and let me tell you babies having babies is definitly not it, They have been to teen classes for taking care of babies but you sure couldn't tell it by the way they act around him. My wife just kinda tells them she will watch him on the weekend so they can get… Continue

Added by John on March 16, 2009 at 9:40am — 2 Comments

MA EMT-B writen test

I am studying for my MA EMT-B written test. I’m going over the practice CD and reviewing tests in the workbook. I was more worried about the practical test, which went fine. Any suggestions or thoughts? The test is on 3.19.09.
Thanks.

Added by Peter on March 15, 2009 at 2:14pm — 3 Comments

the passing of STEWART, Capt. George John

STEWART, Capt. George John – surrounded by his loving family at the Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe on Monday, February 2nd, 2009 in his 54th year. Cherished husband and best friend of Susan Stewart (nee Lawrie) of Simcoe. Loving and devoted father of Brooke Stewart of Simcoe and Abby Stewart of London. George will be lovingly remembered by his siblings Donna Simmons (Bob) of Simcoe, Linda Pai (Burkhard) of Penetang, Ruth Stewart (Andrew) of B.C. and Ross Stewart (Cathy) of Simcoe. George is… Continue

Added by Brad Duncan on March 15, 2009 at 12:51pm — 1 Comment

Early Morning City Fire Ravages Two Homes

Residents of Spruce Street, The City, awoke to find two homes in their neighbourhood engulfed in flames early yesterday morning. The fire completely destroyed an unoccupied house and extensively damaged another before fire officers could contain the blaze.

Ten officers with two fire tenders from Fire Service Headquarters under the command of Divisional Officer Lloydson Phillips and Station Officer Evans Morris attended the… Continue

Added by Glyne Alleyne on March 15, 2009 at 10:30am — 1 Comment

Another funny one

A 6 year old and a 4 year old are upstairs in their bedroom. 'You know what?' says the 6 year old. 'I think it's about time we started cussing. The 4 year old nods his head in approval. The 6 year old continues, 'When we go > downstairs for breakfast, I'm gonna say something with hell and you say something with *ss..' The 4 year old agrees with enthusiasm.

When the mother walks into the kitchen and asks the 6 year old what he wants for breakfast, he replies, 'Aw, hell, Mom, I… Continue

Added by Andy Marsh on March 15, 2009 at 12:58am — 3 Comments

Going CRAZY!

I just herina surgery and I going nuts. This is the second one that I've had so they took out alot of scar tissue. But anyway can anyone give me any suggestions on what to do to keep me busy. Already missed one structure fire and two mutual aid calls.And reading is getting old quick.

Added by dj lee on March 15, 2009 at 12:16am — 5 Comments

haz-mat props

I'm looking for any hazmat props. I have looked everywhere and can't seem to find any. Does anyone know where to go? Just looking for the valves for a chlorine tank railcar and an 1 ton chlorine cylinder any help would be great.

Added by Doug Carter on March 14, 2009 at 9:45pm — 3 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 14, 2009

Today I went to my first St. Patrick's Day Parade in Morristown, NJ. Yes, at 47 I went to my first parade. We didn't have these parades on Long Island, and we never seemed to want to go to… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 14, 2009 at 8:41pm — 3 Comments

Dive team SOP's/SOG's

Am looking for assistance to write our dive team's SOP's/SOG's. Any team out there have any and would you mind sharing them? Thanks!!

Added by axeman on March 14, 2009 at 9:19am — 3 Comments

waddington VFD

just wanted to say high this is all new to me being on the net

Added by Matthew Mayette on March 14, 2009 at 8:26am — No Comments

Constant Battle

From Firehouse Zen: I am never surprised by the willingness of firefighters to fight for what is right. I have officers that work with me as well as friends throughout emergency services who seem like they are perpetually locked in battle with someone over something, and having been one of those people myself for a number of years, I know how exhausting and frustrating that mode of… Continue

Added by Mick Mayers on March 14, 2009 at 7:38am — 6 Comments

Second concussion this year...

mom woke me up an hour ago like the doctor said to but now i cant go back to sleep... so im gonna explain my day

well i had my first concussion this year back in january after a snow tubing wreck... i got up after hitting my head walked to the car and passed out... mild concussion. I honestly though this incident would be my only concussion . i dont play dangerous sports, or skateboard and my helmet is always on when im at a fire scene so this came up really out of… Continue

Added by Jessica Travis on March 13, 2009 at 11:14pm — 3 Comments

What am I doing?

The answer to that one simple question is this...EVERYTHING!

For one thing if you can't figure it out, I'm a fireman for one. So there's always something going on. But when it comes to stuff that has yet to happen...

Well first off, I'm going to the Pens game on March 22. It's going to be televised on NBC at 12:30 that day. That's my first live game. I've watched season after season of pens hockey and never been to a game. That's going to change soon. In April, Me, my… Continue

Added by Havok on March 13, 2009 at 9:53pm — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 13, 2009

Amazing things can happen on Friday the 13th. Since the last Friday the 13th, I've thought of the day as a good luck day. Today was one of those days.

It started by visiting a very kind penpal who lives nearby and who has an adopted son who is now grown-up. His situation was a bit different than ours, with our adoptions being private and hers through foster care. It's interesting how times have changed.

Next, I… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 13, 2009 at 8:52pm — 11 Comments

Second-Due Syndrome

There is a classic attitude that I've seen in quite a few places throughout my career. It is a side effect from the fact that all of us want to be members of the first company to a fire, but another unit gets to the fire first.

The result is what I call "Second Due Syndrome". If you're not there first, there's a subconscious pressure to drive a little faster, mask up a little quicker, and rush to get into the building before someone else gets all of "our" action.

Second… Continue

Added by Ben Waller on March 13, 2009 at 7:30pm — 11 Comments

Who Loves the Halligan?!

Firefighter Nation users now have access to special Web-only articles and extras through FireRescue magazine's blog. Check back periodically for more great tips and tactics!

TRUCK COMPANY OPS

In Praise of the Halligan, Part 2: More inventive uses for the truckie’s go-to tool

By Peter F. Kertzie

All photos Peter F. Kertzie unless otherwise specified