Well it was a very long night in Operations. Even cops who dont like firefighters had the dignity to put aside their petty feelings and realize that but for the Grace of God we go. But listening to the job on the radio and following along on CAD, one could not help but feel sick to the stomach. As I commented, we heard the ladder companies on the roof and knew they were in trouble. Things went south in a matter of minutes.

Then to watch it on local media and realize that these silly girls they dress up and send to cover fires, have no clue what they are talking about as they try to 'report' on the scene. One reported couldnt figure out why all the jakes were standing by even after the fire was knocked down. "They usually pack up their gear and go home but now they are checking to make sure the fire is out." Um, not if they are all gathered outside. Blissful ignorance, indeed. This just underscores my feeling that many media outlets just find a warm body, dress them up, do their hair and makeup and send them out. Never mind that they dont have a clue. Hey lady, if the EMS guys are doing CPR on a firefighter as they wheel him out to the rig, "maybe" he is seriously injured? Duh!

Some are already equating this with the Charleston job and the Deutsche Bank in NYC. That is not right. There is no indication yet of fault in command or in the firefighting or prior inspection of the building. The investigation is not complete. But it does serve to remind us that firefighting is a dangerous job and remains so despite advances in techniques and technology. We must remain vigilant. God Bless.