Coach's Blog

Pittsburgh asked to honor fallen Police Officers on Firefighter National Day of Mourning

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, and the Pittsburgh Police Department, have asked Steeler Fans to wear memorial shirts to Sundays nationally televised game against the San Diego Chargers. Three months ago tomorrow, three Pittsburgh Police Officers were gunned down in Line of Duty. See http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/sports/21182832/detail.html.

I mean no disrespect towards the fallen officers, or the Pittsburgh Police Department. But why this Sunday? Why pick a day, which justs… Continue

Added by Coach on October 3, 2009 at 9:37am — 10 Comments

Firefighter Safety

When are we going to get serious about firefighter safety, education, and accident prevention?

I find it both ironic and sad that so few of our departments have a recognized safety program. Business and private industry have their own safety programs. Programs that are designed to both investigate, and prevent, employee accident and illness. Does your department have such a program?

Some questions, just to prompt some thought.

Does your fire department have a… Continue

Added by Coach on September 20, 2009 at 10:02am — No Comments

Back in the Game

It just doesn't seem to stop. Too many news articles, stories, video links, etc of LODD notices and accidents/injuries involving public safety personnel.

Personally, I have not been on my own soapbox of late. Excuses are a dime a dozen, but life happens. Business obligations, personal responsibilities, and the fact that the day only has 24 hours in it limits what can be accomplished.

I don't know if it has been a single incident, or a culmination of numerous incidents of… Continue

Added by Coach on September 13, 2009 at 8:53pm — 1 Comment

Need I, or we, say anymore.....

2,966 victims [2,998 as of Spring 2009]

All but 13 people died on that day. The remaining 13 later died of their wounds. One person has died since the attacks, of lung cancer. It is suspected to have been caused by all the debris from the Twin Towers.

There were 266 people on the four planes:

• American Airlines Flight 11 (crashed into the WTC): 92 (including five terrorists)

• United Airlines Flight 175 (crashed into the WTC): 65 (including five… Continue

Added by Coach on September 11, 2009 at 8:03am — No Comments

Flying the Flag at Half Staff

Good afternoon:

We as members of the Public Safety community are very mindful of the customs and traditions of our various services. Many of the traditions within the fire department have been handed down for, well, since 1736. 1736 was the year that Ben Franklin started the first fire department in Philadelphia.

When we learn of a Line of Duty Death, we are quick to show our compassion, our grief, and our support of a fallen brother or sister. While we strive to follow… Continue

Added by Coach on April 12, 2009 at 3:00pm — 7 Comments

Physical Fitness, Apparatus Accidents, LODD's,

Good morning.

As is becoming my early morning custom, I have reviewed a number of fire service boards, blogs, web sites, and news sites, searching for news items of relevance to me. Although there is nothing new so to speak from last night, most recent postings are following common themes.

Line Of Duty Deaths:

We continue to lose our public safety personnel at an alarming rate. One week ago today three Pittsburgh Police Oficers were ambushed, shot and killed. A… Continue

Added by Coach on April 11, 2009 at 10:52am — No Comments

Pittsburgh Police, LODD's, some local stuff

Pittsburgh LODD's

First I want to extend my appreciation to all the Law Enforcement Officers from throughout the nation who converged on Pittsburgh following the tragedy last weekend. Three of our police officers were killed while responding to a domestic call. Guys dog pissed on a carpet, momma wants him thrown out of the house. Jerk pulls on a balistic vest, loads his weapons (includng an AK47), and ambuses the officers when they arrived. Yesterday 2 of our officers were laid to rest.… Continue

Added by Coach on April 11, 2009 at 10:50am — No Comments

Tribute to LODD's

I have had a series of discussions with a number of folks over the last few months regarding firefighter/EMS safety, and the sorrow for all involved when an LODD happens.

Those that choose public safety (either paid or volunteer) are a very unique group. Not only are they firefighters, EMT's, Paramedics (and yes I include the Police), but they are scout leaders, church deacons, political figures, community leaders from all walks of life. They raise funds for Jerry's kids, assist with… Continue

Added by Coach on July 1, 2008 at 12:39pm — No Comments

Latest stories from firefighterclosecalls .com

Just in case we all think that all is quiet on the safety front:

1. Police car and fire apparatus collide. http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?64873

2. Drunk Firefighter crashes fire truck. http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?64793

3. Civillian runs stop sign, collides with fire truck. http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?64776

4. 4 Illinois Firefighters recovering after explosion.… Continue

Added by Coach on April 29, 2008 at 8:07pm — 1 Comment

EMT Loses her right arm in Ambulance Accident

Tuesday, April 15, 2008- WEST NYACK - An emergency medical technician lost her right arm yesterday after the ambulance she was riding in struck a truck parked on Route 59 in West Nyack, Rockland County, N.Y. The impact sheared off the passenger’s side of the ambulance.

The above story is availalbe at http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?63821

The photo that accompanies that story is difficult for any EMS provider to look at.

I commend her co-workers… Continue

Added by Coach on April 16, 2008 at 8:00pm — 2 Comments

LODD Erie, PA,

According to WSEE TV:

A City of Erie firefighter, who was volunteering with another company at the time, has died in the line of duty. Officials say it was an equipment malfuction that killed the 26 year old firefighter.

Added by Coach on April 8, 2008 at 7:42pm — 2 Comments

Maryland, Apparatus Rollover

Saturday, April 5, 2008- Three members of the Carroll Manor Volunteer Fire Co. were taken to the hospital this evening after the fire tanker they were riding in overturned onto its side at the intersection of Md. 80 and Md. 85.
The extent of their injuries is not serious and ALL members were wearing their seatbelts.

The full story is available at http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?63167

Badger
Everyone Goes Home

Added by Coach on April 6, 2008 at 7:10pm — No Comments

North Carolina, Apparatus Rollover

Sunday, April 6, 2008- Three Asheville (N.C.) firefighters suffered scrapes and bruises, but no serious injuries after the fire apparatus they were riding in lost control and flipped on its side this morning.

The pumper truck was en route to a fire alarm activation call on Bingham Road when the accident happened about 6 a.m.

The ful story is available at http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?63178

Badger
Everyone Goes Home

Added by Coach on April 6, 2008 at 7:05pm — 1 Comment

3 NZ Firefighters Injured

Three firefighters are in a critical condition after explosions which engulfed a fire truck at a cheese coolstore at Tamahere, 9km southeast of Hamilton.

Eight firefighters were taken to Waikato Hospital after the explosions, at the Icepak Coolstores about 4pm on Saturday.

Read the full story at http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?63146

Badger
Everyone Goes Home

Added by Coach on April 5, 2008 at 1:22pm — 1 Comment

2 LODD's, Ohio

A veteran Colerain Township (Hamilton County, Ohio) Fire Captain and newly hired Firefighter were killed in the Line of Duty this morning when they reportedly fell through the first floor of a working house fire in Colerain Township.

The full story is available at http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?63098

Badger
Everyone Goes Home

Added by Coach on April 5, 2008 at 1:19pm — No Comments

Camden County (Georgia) Firefighter injured in apparatus accident

A Camden County, Georgia Firefighter was seriously injured in an apparatus accident. Full story at http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?63120

Badger
Everyone Goes Home

Added by Coach on April 5, 2008 at 1:16pm — No Comments

Brockway, PA . Fatal Structure Fire

10 persons died in a horrific residential structure fire in Brockway, PA.

The full story is available at http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?63033

Badger
Everyone Goes Home

Added by Coach on April 5, 2008 at 1:07pm — 5 Comments

3 Firefighters injured in Brooklyn

Three Firefighters were injured while battling a residential high rise fire n Brooklyn.

Full details are availalbe at http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?62983

Badger
Everyone Goes Home

Added by Coach on April 5, 2008 at 1:00pm — No Comments

Smile

Pastor's Business Card

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote 'Revelation 3:20' on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, 'Genesis… Continue

Added by Coach on March 31, 2008 at 9:35pm — 2 Comments

Multiple LODD's

The list of 2008 tragedies continues.

The latest LODD

18 year old Canadian firefighter killed in structural collapse. Full story available at http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?61328

A New Jersey firefighter was killed while fighting a house fire. Full story available at http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?61328

Multiple firefighters killed while fighting North Carolina Fire. Full story available… Continue

Added by Coach on March 10, 2008 at 8:57pm — No Comments

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