In extremely local news, Bell County Kentucky fire protection is venturing down the subscription-based model that led to nationwide embarrassment in Obion County Tennessee, twice.

You’ll recall the headlines about firefighters responding to structure fires and standing by while they burned because they property owners had not paid their annual fire protection fee.  The Obion County firefighters were ordered by their administration to NOT take action, placing them in the unenviable position splashed across TV screens all across America.

In December Bell County KY Volunteer Fire Department shuttered two stations and initiated a subscribers fee of $30 per year for vacant land and $150 for occupied land.  The department claims lack of fundage and lack of volunteers, but the County disagrees and wonders where the $6 million of county money given to the non-profit fire department since 1979 has gone.  Until the two stations reopen, the county has cut off any further funding of the County Fire Department.

This is where it gets interesting. 

Daily Fire Fix has done gone mining and struck gold.  They found raw video of a public meeting of the Bell County Fire Volunteer Department in which enraged citizens join in shouting, arm waving, and finger pointing in what appears to develop into an unstructured confrontation of words between fire officials, lawyers and citizens.  At one point police from multiple agencies appear, apparently having been summoned by concerned witnesses, maybe one of the nice ladies sitting up front where the spittle was flying.. 

Check out the audio report on this and other stories over at Daily Fire Fix.com

Meeting Part One

Meeting Part Two

Meeting Part Three

Other links to this story:

WBIT-TV News Video: Bell County KY Closes Two Fire Stations

WBIT-TV News Video: BCVFD Proposes Subscriber Fee

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Today, I checked in over at the new Daily Fire Fix, where you can get a quick audio of today's happenings in the fire service.  They're also on iTunes.

One of their stories covered a subject near and dear to my heart, and what I believe is to be THE fire service story of 2012. 

No, I'm not talking about who the real fire critic is, or who fathered him.  Sorry to disappoint, that's already being covered.          

I know, I feel the same way. 

Anyway, I’m talking about the burgeoning heated debates on victim survivability profiling. 

There seems to be room for seating only on the two extreme sides of the fence on this one- be too safe, or too aggressive.  Why just two sides?  Are we so closed-minded that we can’t consider there may be an alternative to this black and white thinking? 

Can we just agree that we need to be SMARTER- instead of demonizing the Safety Sallys, or Testosterone Induced Warriors?  If the thought of developing a few more synapses to a few more brain cells is daunting to you, then maybe you ought to consider making your “second job” your only job.  Because we can’t give up on the thinking that is needed now more than ever.

We don’t have the same staffing, the same leaders, the same fires,- NOTHING IS AS IT WAS just 5 years ago folks.  Like it or not, the way we think about the fireground doesn’t apply anymore. 

The game board has changed.  If we can’t change with it, we’re heading for what one Chief has called 2012’s Perfect Storm.

Check out “Billy Goldfeder’s ‘More Facts, Less Emotion” to read why we need to change the way we have been looking at the way we operate, specifically on the “go-no-go” situation. 

Then lighten up, Francis, and get thinking.

Stay stoked!

-J

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Refusing to consider what Ronald Reagan called “revenue enhancements”, the people of Moline have spoken.  Bub-bye to 4-5 firefighter/paramedics PER SHIFT.

In six months the City of Moline, one of the “Quad Cities” along the Illinois-Iowa border will have its’ emergency medical services provided by a private entity. 

So how do you like your tea?  One lump or two?

"Are we doing it right or is everyone else doing it right?” asks Moline (IL) Mayor Don Welvaert.  "When you look around us at the greater region, ourselves and our sister city of Rock Island are the only two public EMS systems left in the greater area."

The use of the word “greater” is now arguable.

The city council’s alderman voted 4-4 on the proposed budget package and Welvaert cast the deciding vote, effectively eliminating the positions of twelve of the city’s firefighter/paramedics.  The budget looks to close a $1.7 million dollar deficit.  The Council’s vote clears the way to begin accepting proposals for which the city hopes to choose one and have the private firm in place providing service on July 1, 2012

“I'm just looking at it from a financial point of view. What are the real numbers, because we've heard real numbers from A to Z. If the citizens of Moline are willing to fully fund EMS services and support personnel the tax rate would have to be readjusted," says 4th Ward Alderman Ted Ronk.

However, the nationwide cacophony of demands for lower taxes does not make that likely to occur.  Extremists like those in the Tea Party have demanded their political leaders not allow one extra penny of taxes.  Their extremist right-wing hero, Grover Norquist, has made many political “leaders” sign a pledge to that end. 

Can I warm up your tea for you?  Bub-bye 12 finely trained firefighter/paramedics. 

The vote was close. 7th Ward Alderman Sean Liddell who voted against the proposal put it this way:  "I would compare this call to privatize EMS in order to save pension costs being a boat that's taking on water and trying to bail out with a Dixie cup. Why would we cut personnel that all but pays for it?"

Union President Brian Vyncke expressed dismay that the city had not sought the union out earlier in the process to work toward a solution that would not result in slashing the daily staffing. 

“We understand concessions need to be made, but when they start threatening cuts of 4-5 firefighters on a shift, 18% of our guys, that's just not even remotely close to being fair."

The firefighter's union says this fight is not over. It will start negotiating with the city in January and the union says the goal is to save the 12 jobs.

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Over 10,000 public safety workers are rallying at this moment at the Trenton Statehouse in yet another unprecedented effort to get their message out to New Jersey’s Governor.

In a report by Fox 29′s Katy Zachry, thousands of current and retired police and firefighters are trying to get the message out that New Jersey “is a much less safe place to live and work.”

12,000 Police, Firefighters Rally In NJ: MyFoxPHILLY.com

It’s yet another in the unexpected push back from those who have been the latest targets of elected officials looking for an answer to the econmic issues affecting us all.

Governor Christie, possibly considering a run for the leader of the Free World, has put forth a plan that would layoff even more workers and require those remaining to pay upwards of 30% toward their health insurance.

This coming just one day after the governor said he loves collective bargaining and he is ready to start negotiation with the state worker unions, the contracts for which are up in June.

Throughout America in previous years, major mismanagement of funds and raiding of pension coffers were the political answers needed to solve short-term financial headaches while at the same time getting re-elected to legislative positions at all levels.

As these actions are becoming more transparent, the local and state taxpayers are finally able to see the legislative shenanigans that have put them into the predicament now facing them.

National polling has surprised more than a few who thought the effort to end collective bargaining and further trash public pensions would be a cakewalk.

According to a Gallup Poll released last week, Americans strongly oppose laws taking away the collective bargaining power of public employee unions.  The poll found 61% would oppose a law in their state similar to such a proposal in Wisconsin, compared with 33% who would favor such a law.

Unsurprisingly, Fox News originally “mis-represented” <cough> the statistics by reversing the polling data in their fair and balanced reporting, feeding their viewers data that 61% favored gutting collective bargaining.  And so it goes at Fox…

Other key results from that Gallup Poll:

— 71% oppose increasing sales, income or other taxes while 27% are in favor that approach.

— 53% oppose reducing pay or benefits for government workers while 44% are in favor.

— 48% opposed reducing or eliminating government programs while 47% were in favor of cuts.

Other polls are showing the same data.  In a CBS News poll, Fully 61 percent of those polled — including just over half of Republicans — said they thought the salaries and benefits of most public employees were either “about right” or “too low” for the work they do.

Credit CBS News

I’m imagining the reaction to this data by my vocal minority Tea Party Patriot friends and the closed-minded few who are instructed to see only one answer to the fiscal crisis- kill collective bargaining and gut the pensions.

The first thing that came to mind was the great hitchhiker scene from “There’s Something About Mary.”  At about the 1:00 mark in the video below, Harland Williams gives what I think to be that Tea Party reaction.

Its about time we’re hearing the other patriots standing up for what they think is right.  To the governors in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, and all across the nation, the sleeping giant has been roused.

Your cakewalk is over.

Stay stoked!
-J

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DEPLOY!

Finally.

After enduring days, weeks, months of heightened onslaught from politicians and various interest groups, the fire service is starting to fight back.

And we need to help.

Today.

Let’s think about the cool car chases we see on Cops and other similar TV shows. The criminal behind the wheel loses control of steering and powering the fleeing vehicle once the spike strips are deployed, and the chase is ended without any further danger to the innocent public.

As firefighters, we need to deploy our own spike strips for the same reason.  Take away the steering and power of the lies being fed to the public before any further damage is done.

Fortunately, we are beginning to see some push-back in defense of the roles firefighters play in their communities.  Slowly and not a moment too soon, we’re starting to see brave defenses begin to bubble up to the surface and shine some daylight on the truth.

Among those efforts this month, the IAFF is stepping up to the plate and mounting an effort.  Check these out:

First up, a video that’s been out for awhile and puts the entire issue into perspective:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af9do3wNC8s

Next, a message from Harold Schaitberger that succinctly describes the facts that are missing from the vicious assaults we’ve been hearing lately.  Take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gziy_zpEqmc&feature=related

Next up, a video made available for download on YouTube so that firefighters across the land.  Whether volunteer, POP, POC, career, military, or private, we all should use it to throw down some spike strips on our own.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO-4O1Ccxtw

Finally, a video sent me by an east coast brother which I’ve echoed to my friends today as well.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/41503200#41503200

If you’ve had enough, spread the word.

Steer your email, facebook, and other social media contacts to the video links above.  And if you know of any others, please pass them along to me so I can echo them as well.

It’s time to end this crap and get these lying drivers off the roads before they do any more damage.

Stay stoked!

-J

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Fire Prevention is now Risk Reduction

On Firefighter Netcast last week, we were privileged to listen in to an informal back-and-forth discussion between five nationally-recognized Fire Chiefs and State Fire Marshal’s on Chief Billy Hayes’ premiere show, “Stop, Drop, and Roll With the Punches.”

If you haven’t heard this fascinating program, please take the time to check it out here.

The guests spoke of the new role that faces us as promoters of fire prevention, that being “risk reduction” on a community level.  The fire service finds itself beyond reacting and responding, evolving into the star of the “risk reduction” role in our communities.

That doesn’t mean say good-bye to stop, drop, and roll, or the importance of Exit Drills in the Home (my department’s Sparky costume will still need to be laundered on a more frequent basis). Kids will always need to learn safety, and we will always be there for them.

But now administrators are forced to find more and more to cut. Savvy leaders are looking at adopting a strategy of risk reduction as an investment that could potentially produce huge returns down the road.

My good friend and fire service leader, Chris Naum, posted an article on The Company Officer yesterday on this very subject as well:

“Fire departments will need to shift from traditional emergency responses services and transition into a combination of emergency responses services with a primary focus on being a community reduction team focusing on public safety in a multidimensional approach of safe buildings through code enforcement, building requirements, environmental impact, community safety, responder safety, community health and wellness and community risk reduction through research and education. We will become the mother ship that guides critical thinking in all aspects of safety throughout our community:

An ounce of prevention is worth a boat load of money

We know that a little money now will save us big money later.  If you buy into this principle, then you‘re at the starting gate.  Now how do make it happen in your community while the winds are not right for increased revenues on any level?

We need to become effective communicators with our constituents.  We need to be able to build and foster relationships with city hall that will make them eager students when we educate them on the possibilities of “risk reduction.”  We’ll need to become masters of salesmanship and teachers of the year.

One of the guests on the Netcast, Chief Dennis Rubin, has worn the hats of both fire chief and city administrator.  It is from from that unique experience which he urges fire chiefs to meet more frequently with city managers and to “be frank and be direct.”  We’ll need to be up front and provide honest assessments that city council can work with.

And for us to do that, we’ll need to provide accurate and comprehensive data. Unfortunately, many of us have little or no data to use as our proof of need.  It’s the cops, flush with all kinds of charts, graphs, and percentages can clearly quantify their successes, and thus, are winning the battle for the funding!

This is exactly why we in the fire service will have to become masters of salesmanship.  We have to concentrate on fostering the  necessary relationships with our public and elected officials to convince them that such an investment in risk reduction will pay off handsomely.

Let’s take back some of the loot going to the cops!

Ammunition

Chief Rubin points us to CitiStat, a data-driven management approach which originated in Baltimore and utilizes real-time performance information to improve resource allocation and deployment decisions, develops more effective operational practices, provides relentless follow up and assessment, and ensures accountability throughout government. The program was a 2004 Innovations in American Government Award winner, and has been adopted by numerous agencies throughout the nation and internationally as well..

Is CitiStat something that fits into your management process?  Back in 2007, as his research project for the National Fire Academy’s Executive Officer Program, Fire Chief Gregory Bulanow of the North Charleston (SC) Fire Department focused on determining the efficacy of CitiStat for his department.  His research paper is available online and is a great place to start your foray into using this tool in your agency..

If CitiStat does not fit your local needs, at least it demonstrates how it is possible to share real-time data to track our successes and failures, in a way to get our agencies to work together in an efficient, cohesive way.  Perhaps applying just some of CitiStat’s principles to your management team can make the difference between having true data to rely upon, or punt and hope you get it close.  Just by meeting with your department heads and administration every couple of weeks, you’ll experience a shared resolve, incredible communication, accountability, and the growth of a healthy working relationship vital for our continued success.

Is that what both you and your city manager might want?

Another Huge Transition

I believe we find ourselves in the midst of another huge transition in the fire service.  The time is now to plan how you can successfully navigate your way through this change and emerge on the other side with a healthy and efficient organization that continues to provide the high level of service demanded by our communities.

Sometimes change is good.  But change is also inevitable.

Are you prepared for it?

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VERBOTEN!

Lantigua’s Constitution Lacks a First Amendment

Lawrence, MA Mayor William Lantigua has informed his non-school city employees that they are banned from making public comments including on internet social networking sites without clearance from his office.

The provisional fire chief until last month, Brian Murphy, is no longer employed at the Lawrence Fire Department.  Last month, Mayor Lantigua said that the chief’s criticism of cuts to the department’s budget were “causing unwarranted fear in our city,” and that any further comments “may lead to disciplinary action, including termination against you and/or members of your department.”

The issue of workplace speech by public employees has gone before the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts several times in recent years. Each time, the court has consistently distinguished between speech by employees who are on-duty and off.

So, back to the courts we go.  Oh to be a lawyer in Lawrence.

Or a mayor.

Artist rendering

I’ve got a minivan and I’ll use it!

An Arlington, Massachusetts man was arrested Friday and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after he allegedly ran into firefighters who had been clearing hydrants.

59-year old Leo Najarian reportedly came out of his home to confront the firefighters about shoveling snow from the hydrants and leaving some on “his” sidewalk.  According to the Arlington Police report on the incident, Najarian was yelling and arguing with the firefighters.

When the firefighters told him to leave, Najarian allegedly got into his vehicle and backed into Lt. Brian Gerra, who was not seriously injured, according to a police.

Apparently not a good listener with firefighters, Najarian also decided he didn’t need to listen to police.  When they ordered him to stop, he fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter.

Flying Robotic Firefighter

In the latest chapter of “Where the Hell is My Damn Jet Pack I Was Promised When I Was a Kid”, firefighters in Australia have bypassed the spectacle of a “Flying Mitchell” and opted instead for the CyberQuad.  This robot allows for firefighters to get an aerial perspective of a fire scene.  The Metropolitan Fire Brigade is currently deploying  it to detect hot spots in their war on wildfires which has been raging for weeks.

Note to everyone- this is by no means the end. I’m still impatiently waiting for my damn jet pack.

Stay stoked!

-J

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I know we’re only five weeks in, but my vote (so far) for Fire Daily’s “Person of the Year” goes to the citizens of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Virtually every other citizen -nay- “patriot” in our wondrous country is screaming at the top of their lungs for their governmental leaders to hold the line on spending and slash the tax burdens that weigh so heavily upon them.

Not Philadelphians.

Unencumbered by economic woes and apparently flush with manpower and resources, the leaders Philly taxpayers have elected to control their purses are preparing to step up to the plate and dole out their hard-earned cash to the red-headed stepchild across the Delaware.

In a different taxing body.

In a different state.

Read this report from a Philly fire captain in his blog, First In, complete with a letter from the Camden Chief to his troops.

In the letter, Camden Fire Chief Michael Harper writes about the current efforts between his city and Philadelphia to develop a “mutual aid package for extraordinary aid of fire department services.”  This Philly fire captain is not looking forward to taking his Pennsylvania certifications and Pennsylvania equipment into the hell hole that is now Camden and doing the work previously done by the Camden guys who now find themselves without a job.

Ahhh.  Now it makes complete sense how Camden officials could assure their citizens that public safety would not be compromised when they slashed personnel last month.

So to all the taxpayers in Philadelphia, thanks for having the wisdom to elect such generous leaders to share your vast wealth and resources!

Stay stoked!

-J

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You may have heard the woes of the City of Camden, NJ which sits across the Delaware River from Philly,  It ranked 2nd on a list of the nation’s most dangerous cities, down from first the previous two years.  Violent crime is five times the national average according to FBI statistics.  Three of Camden’s seven previous mayors have landed directly in jail for corruption, one while still “serving”.

Things are so bad, that tomorrow the city will have to find a way to make due with up to 383 less city employees which accounts for one quarter of the city’s employees.  Gone will be nearly 44% of it’s police department.

The Camden Fire Department will lose fully 1/3 of its staff.

Not to worry though- we hear that the cuts will not affect public safety- that from Mayoral spokesman Robert Corrales ia a post from CNNMoney.com:  He reassures the residents by proclaiming, “We’re still going to protect our residents,” and public safety  “will remain our top concern. We’ll shift our resources to be more efficient with what we have.”

Well. we’ll see how ‘resource shifting” works out for the citizens of Camden in the upcoming days and weeks.

Amid all the blathering and baying, I ran across a Facebook update from Camden Firefighter Bobby Eckert, who is now my newest friend.  Earlier today, he posted:

“Well tomorrow I turn in my badges and gear…I just want to say it was an absolute dream come true to be a fireman in Camden. It was nothing but a pleasure to work with everyone I worked with. I learned a lot and thank everyone who has taught me along the way…Lets Keep Are Heads Held High Tomorrow…They CAN’T Take Away Our Pride!!!!!!

Wow.

Hang in there, Bobby!  Today’s fire service has a place for firefighters with this type of attitude and this much class.  You will land on your feet, if not in Camden, somewhere else.  And the fire service will be the better for it.

Thanks for sharing and know that there are thousands out here rooting for you and your partners.

Stay stoked!

-J

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The citizenry in FDNY’s East Village are being notified when their local apparatus is unavailable to respond to their potential emergencies.

According to a story out in the New York Post today, firefighters of Engine Company 28 and Ladder Company 11 have been tweeting these unsanctioned announcements.

“We’re just trying to let people know when we’re not around,” said a source familiar with the instant-messaging tactic, which has nothing to do with the FDNY’s official Twitter account.

The holiday staff at Fire Daily, after checking out yet another installment of Dave Statter’s new-found hilarity, “Animated Comments- Thanksgiving Edition”, quickly returned to reality long enough to scrub their eyes and ears clean of all they had just witnessed before checking into the reported tweetster.

Some of the tweets are coming from ManCB3FireWatch who offers up the following for a profile on his account on Twitter:

Manhattan Community Board 3  We serve as a method of letting the residents of Alpha City & LES know when their local fire companies are closed for the day or placed out of service.

FireDaily is now following ManCB3FireWatch on twitter, although there is no guarantee as to how long the account will remain active.

Until then, what we have NOT got here…is a failure to communicate.

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