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Got a bad attitude? Do us all a favor and call in sick.

Everyone in the fire service can point to a time in their career where they developed a bad attitude. Many times, the attitude was the result of something that happened earlier that may or may not have been fair. It could be argued that the bad attitude was “deserved”.

I’m here to tell you: that is crap.

The moment you put on your job shirt or uniform, you have NO RIGHT to be pissy about anything. In our brotherhood, there is no room for it- now or ever.

I’m not saying you should never get upset about something that you feel strongly about- that’s to be expected in our high-stress work environment.

Yet there is a time and a place to be Mr. Negative, and that place is not at work. Your bad attitude is highly contagious. It has already affected you, and will quickly spread to everyone around you. Nope, work is the time to show up with your A-game.

Every minute of every day, you owe that A-game to your crew. That’s the time to show them that –no matter what- their safety is paramount. They can count on a clear-headed partner when the shit hits the fan. Everyone Goes Home. Remember the old cliché “Your crew is only as strong as it’s weakest link?” Don’t be that weak link. Don’t ever let your buddies know that you are capable of being the weakest link.

You also owe it to yourself, my friend. Do you truly take pride in your work? Not the kind of pride in that you help people and save property- that’s all well and good, but it’s also automatic. It’s handed to you when you walk in the door.

I’m talking about the pride you have to earn: The pride in THE WAY YOU OPERATE as a person- especially when you have every right to be pissy.

Will others say that you are THE GUY they would want to be with on the line inside a job gone bad? Maybe you’re not quite as good as you want to be yet, but you have the mindset to be focusing on constant improvement. That’s great.

But if you can’t come to work without leaving your crap attitude at home, we don’t want you here, brother, Do us all a favor and call in sick and stay home with Mr. Pissy. Come back when you're not so sick.

Remember how stoked you were when you first found out you were hired? You have the best damn job on the planet, and you love it! You wouldn’t trade it for any other job, would you? So, come to work with that stoked feeling every shift. That’s the contagiousness we all need these days in the fire service.

That’s the guy we want with us on that line.

Stay stoked!

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John Mitchell is a 34-year student of the fire service on volunteer and career departments as both a firefighter officer and paramedic in suburban Chicago. He has served as a training officer and college lead instructor for firefighter and EMS courses. John is the President of Diamondplate Productions which produces The Daily Fire Fix© and Firefighter Netcast©. John also responds to national disasters across the country as a member of the FEMA’s Command Staff in External Affairs.

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Posted in Brotherhood, Firefighter Safety & Health, In Da House, Leadership, NetCast, Staffing, Tradition, Training

Tagged bad attitude, Daily Fire Fix, daily fire news, Diamondplate, Diamondplate Productions, EGH, everyone goes home, Fire, Fire Daily Fix, fire fighter, fire netcast, fire podcast, fire radio show, Fire Rescue Network, Fire Service, fire service news, fire training, firefighter, firefighter netcast, firefighter podcast, firefighting, John Mitchell, Life Safety Initiatives

Posted by John Mitchell on January 30, 2013 • No comments

Should EMT’s and firefighters carry guns on the job?

That’s certainly on of today’s hot topics as first responders continue to face increasing risks associated with performing our duties to an increasingly-violent society.

But would arming first responders improve their safety or lead to other, potentially serious issues?

From an article today in the Dayton (OH) Daily News:

On Sunday, an EMT in Fort Wayne, Ind., was injured after he was struck by bullet fragments when his ambulance was shot 17 times while transporting a stabbing victim, according to news reports.

In June, an ambulance that was responding to a call of a shooting in Houston was shot at least four times by the armed suspect.

In March 2011, a Long Island paramedic was responding to a car crash, when suddenly the motorist pulled out a gun and unloaded on first-responders. Police eventually killed the gunman, but medic crews had to hide behind an ambulance to avoid gunfire.

And there are countless unreported instances in which first responders are put into a situation where the scene is not always safe, or becomes unsafe in the blink of an eye. Is it fair to ask us to face these potentially fatal scenarios with only our wits?

Some point to an era wherein we are increasingly targeted by vicious gangs, anti-government extremists, unpredictable criminals and intoxicated or infuriated people. Counting on law enforcement may leave us vulnerable to injury, and worse. Carrying a concealed weapon could give us the ability to protect ourselves against potentially fatal attacks.

Others are quick to remind us that police officers are specifically trained to try to bring suspects and attackers under control by using less-lethal force, and they only withdraw their guns as a last resort. So, unless armed first responders go through the same training as police officers, we will have only concealed firearms at our disposal for protection, which could result in deadly mistakes, and of course, increased liability for our employers.

And doesn’t it always come down to money? Whether the argument is who pays to arm us, or who pays the lawsuit settlements, Let’s never forge:t it’s always about the money.

How do you feel? Is it time we should start packing heat next to our halligan?

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Posted in NetCast, News

Tagged armed firefighters, armed paramedics, Diamondplate Productions, EMT, fire daily, firefighter, firefighter netcast, first responder, John Mitchell, paramedic

Posted by John Mitchell on September 14, 2012 • 1 comment

A Fire Chief Tells His Tragic Story- FF Netcast Stand Down for Behavioral Health- Part 3

Click play button to listen

In part 3 of our series, listen in as Chief Pat Kenny bares his soul about his struggles, both personally as a father and professionally as a chief officer at his department, with the tragic suicide death of his young son.

Chief Kenny tells us how they all made the painful journey in a way which turned the page on how his firefighters related to that incident and how they will pbe better equipped to handle this type of medical emergency- before it becomes fatal.

Over the past few days and weeks, the fire service news has been inundated with stories of firefighters who have taken their own lives. It’s times like these which force us to pause and realize that the mental health challenges we face every day are truly no different than any physical challenge such as a bum back or sprained knee that keeps us from operating at our best. Why then are we treating these obstacles in such a different way?

The truth is that now, more than ever before, our brothers and sisters in the fire and EMS services, along with our families, have an incredible amount of new resources with which to assist us as we begin to change our attitudes toward the way we address these issues which have always been there, but we were always afraid to confront. The result is that more and more of us are emerging from our behavioral issues as much more healthy, productive, and happy firefighters, moms, and dads.

Now that’s great news.

Firefighter Netcast is suspending our regular programming schedule to bring you re-broadcasts of some of this great news so we can apply it as its needed- starting now.

One of our most listened-to shows was originally netcast late last summer and features two special guests who lead a thought-provoking discussion on firefighter behavioral health. Battalion Chief Jeff Dill of the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District in suburban Chicago is an Illinois licensed counselor of behavioral issues specifically for firefighters.

Chief Dill is joined by another suburban Chicago Fire Chief- Pat Kenny, retired chief from the Hinsdale and Western Springs fire departments. Chief Kenny is the Assistant Executive Director of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and a representative at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Seminar on Depression and Suicide held last summer in Baltimore.

Moreover, Chief Kenny is the father of Sean Kenny, who took his own life back in 2006. Listen to Chief Kenny as he offers a firsthand account of what its like to go through the torture of having lost your son to suicide, and how to deal with his loss publicly as a chief officer in his own department.

It’s very powerful stuff.

I urge you to listen in to each of the segments of this Stand Down for Firefighter Behavioral Health. It’s our hope that we can learn to approach these issues we face with a new attitude, and realization that we are winning these battles, just as we have overcome countless challenges over the storied history of this, the greatest service on earth.

Links to Listen to our Previous Episodes

"Stand Down For Firefighter Behavioral Health"

Part 1- The Invisible Scourge

Here's how big of a deal all of this really is.

Part 2- The Firefighters Mental Health Toolbox

Do you know what you should do if you think your buddy needs some help?

———————————————–

B/C Dill is a nationally recognized authority on behavioral health issues within the fire service. He established Counseling Services for Fire Fighters, LLC based on the tragic events that surrounded Hurricane Katrina. When speaking with firefighters who returned after serving the community of New Orleans, Jeff heard the pleas of firefighters who had a difficult time talking with counselors who did not have any firefighting experience. They became frustrated and never did seek the help they needed. You can listen to Jeff’s last appearance on the Firefighter Netcast Show here: “Counseling For a Firefighter- By a Firefighter” In this program, Chief Dill tells us about a new resource coming to the aid of the fire service. Last month, Chief Dill announced the formation of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA). The new 501(c) (3) organization was established to directly educate firefighters/ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and their families about behavioral health issues such as depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and addictions, as well as firefighter suicides. FBHA's sole goal is to promote good mental health to the men and women of the fire service/EMS and their families, as well as make a significant difference in reducing the numbers of firefighters who are turning to suicide to ease their pain. FBHA Founder Jeff Dill holds a Master's Degree in Counseling, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois.

Joining Chief Dill will be a very special guest- retired Fire Chief Patrick Kenny of the Hinsdale (IL) Fire Department. Chief Kenny is the Assistant Executive Director of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and a representative at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Seminar on Depression and Suicide.

Tragically, in 2006, Chief Kenny lost his son Sean to suicide. He reflects on the obstacles and challenges he faced as a father as well as a chief officer during his personal nightmare. Since then, Chief Kenny has traveled across the nation and around the world sharing his intensely personal story and promoting advocacy of mental health awareness in the fire service and beyond.

Find out more by visiting any the links above, or browsing these others:

"A Father's Grief"

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Posted in Chicagoland, EMS Health & Safety, Firefighter Safety & Health, NetCast, News

Tagged Chief Pat Kenny, Counseling Services for Fire Fighters, CSFF, daily fire news, Diamondplate, Diamondplate Productions, EGH, everyone goes home, FBHA, Fire, Fire Daily Fix, fire fighter, fire netcast, fire podcast, fire radio show, Fire Rescue Network, Fire Service, fire service news, firefighter, Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, firefighter depression, firefighter netcast, firefighter podcast, firefighter suicides, firefighting, Fires, Hinsdale Fire Department, IFCA, Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, Inverness Fire, Jeff Dill, John Mitchell, Life Safety Initiatives, national fallen firefighters foundation, nfff, Palatine Rural Fire Protection District, Patrick Kenny, Sean Kenny

Posted by John Mitchell on February 9, 2012 • No comments

Listen to the Firefighter Netcast’s Stand Down for Behavioral Health- Part 1

Over the past few days and weeks, the fire service news has been inundated with stories of firefighters who have taken their own lives. It’s times like these which force us to pause and realize that the mental health challenges we face every day are truly no different than any physical challenge such as a bum back or sprained knee that keeps us from operating at our best. Why then are we treating these obstacles in such a different way?

The truth is that now, more than ever before, our brothers and sisters in the fire and EMS services, along with our families, have an incredible amount of new resources with which to assist us as we begin to change our attitudes toward the way we address these issues which have always been there, but we were always afraid to confront. The result is that more and more of us are emerging from our behavioral issues as much more healthy, productive, and happy firefighters, moms, and dads.

Now that’s great news.

Firefighter Netcast is suspending our regular programming schedule to bring you re-broadcasts of some of this great news so we can apply it as its needed- starting today. One of our most listened-to shows was originally netcast late last summer and features two special guests who lead a thought-provoking discussion on firefighter behavioral health.

Battalion Chief Jeff Dill of the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District in suburban Chicago is an Illinois licensed counselor of behavioral issues specifically for firefighters. He formed “Counseling Services For Firefighters” to offer just that- firefighters who know where firefighters are coming from and thus are best quipped to relate and help their brothers and sisters. Chief Dill is joined by another suburban Chicago Fire Chief- Pat Kenny, retired chief from the Hinsdale and Western Springs fire departments. Chief Kenny is the Assistant Executive Director of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and a representative at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Seminar on Depression and Suicide held last summer in Baltimore. Moreover, Chief Kenny is the father of Sean Kenny, who took his own life back in 2004. Listen to Chief Kenny as he offers a firsthand account of what its like to go through the torture of having lost your son to suicide, and how to deal with his loss publicly as a chief officer in his own department.

It’s very powerful stuff, and I hope you’ll join us for the next few days as we bring you all of the segments of this amazing show. It’s our hope that we can learn to approach these issues we face with a new attitude, and realization that we are winning these battles, just as we have overcome countless challenges over the storied history of this, the greatest service on earth.

B/C Dill is a nationally recognized authority on behavioral health issues within the fire service. He established Counseling Services for Fire Fighters, LLC based on the tragic events that surrounded Hurricane Katrina. When speaking with firefighters who returned after serving the community of New Orleans, Jeff heard the pleas of firefighters who had a difficult time talking with counselors who did not have any firefighting experience. They became frustrated and never did seek the help they needed. In this program, Chief Dill tells us about a new resource coming to the aid of the fire service. Last year, Chief Dill announced the formation of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA). The new 501(c) (3) organization was established to directly educate firefighters/ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and their families about behavioral health issues such as depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and addictions, as well as firefighter suicides. FBHA's sole goal is to promote good mental health to the men and women of the fire service/EMS and their families, as well as make a significant difference in reducing the numbers of firefighters who are turning to suicide to ease their pain. FBHA Founder Jeff Dill holds a Master's Degree in Counseling, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois.

Joining Chief Dill will be a very special guest- retired Fire Chief Patrick Kenny of the Hinsdale (IL) Fire Department. Chief Kenny is the Assistant Executive Director of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and a representative at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Seminar on Depression and Suicide.

Tragically, in 2006, Chief Kenny lost his son Sean to suicide. He reflects on the obstacles and challenges he faced as a father as well as a chief officer during his personal nightmare. Since then, Chief Kenny has traveled across the nation and around the world sharing his intensely personal story and promoting advocacy of mental health awareness in the fire service and beyond.

Find out more by visiting any the links above, or browsing these others:

"A Father's Grief"

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Posted in Brotherhood, Change, Chicagoland, EMS Health & Safety, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighters, NetCast, News, Tradition

Posted by John Mitchell on February 3, 2012 • No comments

Fire Daily’s 360 Burn Around The Fire Webs

Check out Daily Fire Fix for today’s stories!

These Tunes Are ON FIRE!

A neighbor observed his 57-yr old neighbor listening to music in his BMW parked in the driveway of his home. Shortly thereafter, the car was ablaze, and as was caught on police dash cam, responding officers noticed the man was still inside. The Police officers are seen reaching into the vehicle and dragging him away from the intense heat and flames, clearly risking their lives . The man, described as having been incapacitated, and he was transported to the hospital suffering only from minor smoke inhalation. You gotta love the dash cam!

Injured CFD's Finest Rescue Carful of Criticals Who Pulled Out In Front Of Them

Alcohol is being investigated in the cause of an intersection accident in which Chicago Fire Department engine 62 struck an automobile on Monday night injuring ten including 4 firefighters. 3 children and two adults were critically injured. According to initial reports, the automobile proceeded into the intersection after stopping, and the engine did not have enough time to avoid the crash. Witnesses at the scene reported that firefighters injured in the collision immediately began to treat those in the automobile before other firefighters and paramedics arrived. The 18-yr old driver has since been charged with DUI and other traffic offenses. Check out the news report from MyFoxChicago.com :

9 Injured When Chicago Fire Truck Crashes Into Car: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

Patriots Send NH Fireighter to the Super Bowl

A New Hampshire firefighter will be unable to respond to calls this weekend because he is a volunteer. Why? The New England Patriots chose 10 “Super Persons” from around New England, police, firefighters, teachers, and military members, all a part of their Celebrate Volunteerism Campaign. One of those winners is Somersworth NH firefighter Tim Wilder. Tim is headed to the Super Bowl this weekend along with nine other public service workers. Watch the video from WMUR TV :

Nom Nom Nom…..

Here's some secret recipes for firehouse snacks on this- the most glorious weekend to be on shift at the firehouse- the Super Bowl! First up, an ultra simple idea that will make you look like you know how to make something- even though your partners will realize you can’t. Get a brick of Philadelphia cream cheese, put it on a plate, pour some shrimp sauce over it. Wallah- with a few triscuits, you’ve got a dipping delight!

Now for a secret recipe from my firehouse that is sooo simple and soooo yummy, you’ll make it even during the off season. Pop a blob of beef roast into a crock pot at the beginning o your shift and cover it with a big jar of giardinara peppers. Cook it on low heat til game time, open the lid, shred the meat with a couple of forks and serve it on some fresh French bread with a little mozz or provolone- and you’ve got some of the best Italian beef sandwiches you’ll ever taste.

If you want to show some true effort with a quick, easy, and healthy Super Bowl food idea check out the video below from TheFirehouseChef. In this episode, Ryan celebrates one of the most hallowed days at the firehouse- Super Bowl Sunday- with his famous Chipotle Chicken Salad Crostini. Although it’s great all year long, this finger food combination of chicken, garlic, and chipotle is sure to be a crowd pleaser. And here’s a secret- The full video recipe enables guys like me to shine in the most valuable position in the firehouse- the shift’s cook.

Bon Appetit!

Got something to get off your chest?

Call the Fire Rant Hotline

888-887-8718

and let it all out on our voicemail!

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Posted in 360 Burn, Chicagoland, Fires, In Da House, In the Line of Duty, Just For Fun, NetCast, News, Tips and Tricks, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, Videos

Tagged Barnegat, Barnegat Police, car fire, Celebrate volunteerism, Celebrate volunteerism program, CFD, Chicago Fire Department, Chipotle Chicken Salad Crostini, Daily Fire Fix, daily fire news, dash cam, dashcam, Diamondplate, Diamondplate Productions, engine 62, Fire, Fire Daily Fix, fire engine accident, fire fighter, fire netcast, fire podcast, fire radio show, Fire Rescue Network, Fire Service, fire service news, fire truck accident, firefighter, firefighter netcast, firefighter podcast, firefighting, Fires, Italian beef, John Mitchell, New Hampshire firefighter, Philadelphia cream cheese, shrimp sauce, Somersworth, Somersworth fire, Somersworth firefighter, super bowl, the firehouse chef, TheFirehouseChef, Tim Wilder

Posted by John Mitchell on February 2, 2012 • No comments

Video: Worst Fire Department in the United States?

This article is also found at Daily Fire Fix

Probably Not.

Daily Fire Fix ran across this video with the interesting title and had to see what was going on. It’s actually a compilation of videos of the Grant’s Pass Rural Fire Department in Josephine County Oregon which is in southwest OR along I-5 and the California border.

Grant’s Pass Rural Fire Department is one of three private fire departments competing for fire protection “contracts” for properties in the county. See if you share the myriad of emotions that others have when you see these “firefighters” in action at a residential structure fire.

One you are past the “Oh my God’s” and the “What the &%^#’s”, I’d like to challenge you to watch it a second time. Only this time, I want you to ask yourself, “if I’m watching this fire department floundering on video, how many other fire departments in the United States operate in similar ways, with no command structure, old equipment, no PPE, no money, and no clue?”

My guess is that there are quite a few.

Now, let’s take this a step further.

I’d like to pose a challenge to you, the firefighter: Put yourself into each of the following roles and think about what actions you would take based solely upon the information in the videos and what I have provided you in this article.

You have just been appointed as fire chief of the GPVF and you have just seen this video.
You are the fire chief of the Rural/Metro Fire Department, a neighboring combination department and you have just seen this video..
You are a resident considering with which department to contract your fire protection services: GPVFD at a very, very low cost (45 cents per thousand) , GPFR at a cost five times that of GPVFD, or elect to opt out entirely from any fire contract and you have just seen this video.

If you’d like to, leave a brief comment to this article, or call in and leave a voicemail with your input. I’ll report back later here on Daily Fire Fix with your ideas.

It's easy to identify the problems. Got any solutions? 888-887-8718

Stay stoked!

-J

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Posted in Command & Leadership, Firefighting Operations, Fires, NetCast, News, Training, Training & Development, Videos

Tagged accountability, Diamondplate, Diamondplate Productions, Fire, fire fighter, fire netcast, fire podcast, fire radio show, Fire Rescue Network, Fire Service, fire training, firefighter, firefighter netcast, firefighter podcast, fireground video, Grants Pass, grants pass Oregon, Grants Pass Rural Fire Department, hugo, hugo Oregon, John Mitchell, ppe, rural metro fire, SCBA, tunnel loop road, worst fire department

Posted by John Mitchell on January 19, 2012 • 27 comments

Video: Fire officials tell public to “SHUT UP!” at meeting. See how well that went over…

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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Posted in Funding & Staffing, NetCast, News, Staffing, Videos

Tagged bcvfd, bell county, bell county volunteer fire department, closed fire station, Daily Fire Fix, daily fire news, Diamondplate, Diamondplate Productions, Fire, fire board meeting, Fire Daily Fix, fire fee, fire fighter, fire meeting video, fire netcast, fire podcast, fire radio show, Fire Rescue Network, Fire Service, fire service news, fire subscription fee, firefighter, firefighter netcast, firefighter podcast, John Mitchell, Obion County, Pay to Spray

Posted by John Mitchell on January 12, 2012 • 2 comments

Lighten Up, Francis.

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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Posted in Funding & Staffing, NetCast

Tagged Billy Goldfeder, Daily Fire Fix, daily fire news, Diamondplate, Diamondplate Productions, Fire, Fire Daily Fix, fire fighter, fire netcast, fire podcast, fire radio show, Fire Rescue Network, Fire Service, fire service news, fire staffing, firefighter, firefighter netcast, firefighter podcast, firefighterclosecalls.com, go no-go, John Mitchell, lighten up Francis, safety sally, victim survivability profiling, VSP

Posted by John Mitchell on January 2, 2012 • 1 comment

Leave a voicemail letting Firefighter Netcast know what you think about “Pay to Spray” in Obion County TN and elsewhere! Toll free 888-887-8718

Click the picture for the story from WPSD

In rural Obion County, Tennessee, another fire burns a structure to the ground as firefighters stand idly by, obeying the orders of their administration NOT to extinguish the fire.

Why?

The property owners did not pay for fire protection. The rural portions of the city of South Fulton are not taxed like the citizens of the city are, and therefore do not contribute to the staffing, maintenance, and service the city department provides.

Furthermore, these Obion County rural homeowners went to the polls and CHOSE NOT to pay taxes for the city department to provide coverage to the rural area. So the city offered a “subscription-based” fire protection service, giving rural homeowners the option of obtaining fire protection for a mere $75 per year.

Some paid, some didn’t.

It should be noted both properties that burned were owned by homeowners who knew they were not going to receive fire services because they had made a conscious decision to NOT pay the fee.

What do you think?

Should the firefighters have put out the fires anyway?

What do you think of this type of fire service funding?

Who is at fault? The homeowner? The firefighters? The administration? The Tea Party? Obama?

We want to hear your comments. Call us toll-free at 1-888-887-8718 and leave your thoughts on our voicemail. We’ll play as many as possible on our next episode of the Firefighter Netcast Show.

888-887-8718

Firefighter Netcast

This ain't your Daddy's fire service radio podcast…..

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Posted in Change, NetCast, News, Staffing, WTF?

Tagged Crockett, Diamondplate, Diamondplate Productions, Fire, fire fighter, fire netcast, fire podcast, fire radio show, Fire Rescue Network, Fire Service, firefighter, firefighter netcast, firefighter podcast, John Mitchell, Obion County Fire, Pay to Spray, South Fulton, Subscription based fire

Posted by John Mitchell on December 6, 2011 • No comments

Here’s my rant on “Never Forget”. I hope it pisses you off.

Click here to listen to my ranr as I gave it on this week's Firefighter Netcast program

It’s been 10 years since the horror. How are you remembering?

We see the networks ramp up their coverage of the tragedy with all the videos seen and various fire entities do their best to commemorate the lives of the three thousand taken that day- including 343 of our nation’s finest.

We’re remembering by hearing stories of individual lives lost and those left behind, by attending local tributes, by ringing bells, by running stairs, by wearing bracelets, by carrying photos around our necks and in our helmets, by wearing t-shirts admonishing us to “never forget,” by getting misty at the piper’s playing of Amazing Grace and the mournful notes of a bugler signaling Taps.

It’s the national response to an American tragedy with millions of Americans remembering/commemorating/memorializing- each in their own way. It’s the way we do things. We pause, we remember, and we move on.

Is it enough, Brother? Hell no, it’s not.

Why are our Brothers and Sisters STILL waging a war to obtain benefits from the long-term effects of their heroic actions working “The Pile” in the hours, days, and weeks that followed?

The same government that told them- within days- that The Pile’s environment was “safe” to work in is STILL denying that the cancer ravaging their bodies is connected in any way. Our Brothers and Sisters are being told that enough time hasn’t past to make that determination.

How does this make you feel?

The only reason I ask is that I’m not hearing much from any of you out there whenever these stories of how we are being treated bubble up to the surface..

This treatment of the “other heroes” of the days and weeks that followed the deaths of the 343 is ludicrous and they deserve much better than this.

This is pure crap and it pisses me off. Where is your outrage?

Howabaout the unconscionable lack of progress made in one of the findings of the 9/11 commission wherein police and firefighters are STILL unable to communicate with each other when (not if) the next attack occurs? Ten years later!

Again, How does this make you feel? Again, I ask is that because I’m still hearing crickets as these stories get reported.

This is pure crap and it pisses me off. Where is your outrage?

As we pause to remember the brave folks who gave their lives at The World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and in Shanksville, please- don’t forget so many of the others who are still suffering today from working the pile, and those who will suffer in the future because we have –to date- STILL FAILED to do everything we can to help us meet the challenges from the next attack.

So, go ahead and buy the t-shirt. Wear the bracelet. Climb the stairs with or without gear. Put the stickers on your truck bumper and make your helmets look cool.

But I dare you to be outraged and to do more. Do what the fallen would want you to do. Make yourself heard whenever you feel that they would want you to do so.

Don’t forget – NEVER FORGET- that the attacks on America and indeed- America’s fire service continue to this very day.

Never forget that.

Stay stoked, my friends.

-J

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Posted in Brotherhood, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, LODD, Major Incidents, NetCast, Never Forget, News, WTF?

Tagged 9/11, 9/11 Commission, Diamondplate, Diamondplate Productions, FDNY cancer, Fire, fire fighter, fire netcast, fire podcast, fire radio show, Fire Rescue Network, Fire Service, firefighter, firefighter cancer, firefighter netcast, firefighter podcast, John Mitchell, september 11, september 11th, the pile

Posted by John Mitchell on September 8, 2011 • 1 comment

Anyone else notice the rate of fire service suicides is astronomical? Here’s what you need to know.

On Wednesday night at 9pm ET, in a very special Firefighter Netcast show, I welcome back Jeff Dill, a Battalion Chief of the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District in Inverness, IL, and retired Fire Chief Patrick Kenny of the Hinsdale (IL) Fire Department..

You can listen to Jeff’s last appearance on the Firefighter Netcast Show here: “Counseling For a Firefighter- By a Firefighter”

In this program, Chief Dill tells us about a new resource coming to the aid of the fire service. Last month, Chief Dill announced the formation of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA). The new 501(c) (3) organization was established to directly educate firefighters/ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and their families about behavioral health issues such as depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and addictions, as well as firefighter suicides.

FBHA's sole goal is to promote good mental health to the men and women of the fire service/EMS and their families, as well as make a significant difference in reducing the numbers of firefighters who are turning to suicide to ease their pain. FBHA Founder Jeff Dill holds a Master's Degree in Counseling, and is a Licensed Profes+sional Counselor in the state of Illinois.

Tragically, in 2006, Chief Kenny lost his son Sean to suicide. He reflects on the obstacles and challenges he faced as a father as well as a chief officer during his personal nightmare. Since then, Chief Kenny has travelled across the nation and around the world sharing his intensely personal story and promoting advocacy of mental health awareness in the fire service and beyond.

Find out more by visiting any the links above, or browsing these others:

"A Father's Grief"

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Posted in Chicagoland, Firefighter Safety & Health, NetCast

Tagged Chief Pat Kenny, Counseling Services for Fire Fighters, CSFF, FBHA, Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, firefighter depression, firefighter suicides, Hinsdale Fire Department, IFCA, Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, Inverness Fire, Jeff Dill, Palatine Rural Fire Protection District, Patrick Kenny, Sean Kenny

Posted by John Mitchell on August 2, 2011 • 3 comments

NFFF Special Activities at Firehouse Expo in Baltimore next week!

FirefighterNation.com, FireEMSBlogs.com and FireRescue Magazine are pleased to announce the Firefighter Meetup in Baltimore to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The event takes place Thursday night, July 21st at Uno's in Harborplace, 201 East Pratt Street from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Join many of the web's top fire service bloggers, firefighters from across the region and around the country, at this special event

The first 50 firefighters to stop by the FireRescue Magazine/FirefighterNation.com (Booth 724), Fire Geezer (with Statter 911, Firefighter Netcast at Booth #743) or National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (Booth 252) booths at Firehouse Expo on Thursday will also receive a complimentary drink ticket for the event.

Uno's will donate 20% of the proceeds (excluding tax and tip) from Thursday night's event to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (http://www.firehero.org)

The Meetup is sponsored by Wall Shields (http://www.wallshieldsco.com) and Firefighter Monopoly (http://www.firefighterplay.com) and presented by FirefighterNation.com and FireRescue Magazine (http://www.firefighternation.com) and the blogs of FireEMSBlogs.com (www.fireemsblogs.com)

As we approach the tenth anniversary of 9/11, here is an excellent opportunity to share a laugh, a drink, and all for a great cause, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

We look forward to seeing you there!

FOUR DAYS OF GIVING TO THE NFFF

In addition donations from the Meetup going to the NFFF, pick up a special Uno's Dough Rai$er ticket at the booths listed above ANY time during Firehouse Expo and then grab a bite to eat or more at Uno's ANYTIME between Thursday and Sunday of Firehouse Expo and 20% of your bill (excluding tax and tip) will ALSO be donated to the NFFF! So if you don't want to wait to get started, you can also head to Uno's for dinner Thursday night prior to the event — or anytime through Sunday — to have a great meal and donate to a worthy cause.

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Posted in Brotherhood, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, NetCast, News

Tagged baltimore, Dave Statter, Fire geezer, fireemsblogs.com, Firefighter Monopoly, firefighter netcast, Firefighternation.com, Firehouse Expo, FireRescue Magazine, John Mitchell, national fallen firefighters foundation, nfff, Statter911.com, Uno's, Wall Shields

Posted by John Mitchell on July 12, 2011 • 2 comments

The Passionate Discussion Continues Tuesday Night

Link to the live show

Join in on Tuesday May 17th at 9pm ET for another special and exciting program continuing our series discussion on the Emerging Tactical Renaissance in the Fire Service.

Taking it to the Streets^TM, radio program hosted by highly regarded national instructor, author, lecturer and fire officer Christopher Naum, continues to provide provocative insights and dynamic discussions with leading national fire service leaders and guests on important issues affecting the American Fire Service with applications internationally within the tradition and brotherhood of the Fire Service.

This edition of Taking it to the Streets^TMthe program is all about being COMBAT READY and THE FIRE SERVICE WARRIOR

Joining the program will be special guest, Christopher Brennan the author of The Combat Position: Achieving Firefighter Readiness, published by PennWell Books and the author of the notable blogsite, The Fire Service Warrior.

Christopher Brennan is a firefighter in the suburbs outside Chicago; a field instructor for the Illinois Fire Service Institute; and a consultant for local, state, and federal agencies.

He joined the fire service in 1997 as a paid-on-call member of the Calumet Park (IL) Fire Department.

During his career, Chris has worked for the Calumet Park Fire Department, part-time for the Darien-Woodridge (IL) Fire Protection District, and as a career firefighter and engineer with the Harvey (IL) Fire Department.Chris is an active instructor teaching for the Illinois Fire Service Institute, has taught terrorism response training overseas, and has been an instructor for FDIC.

He is a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, and the Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors.

He is also the author of numerous articles for fire service magazines, including Fire Engineering.

Join in on what is certainly going to be an insightful look and discussion of the path of the fire service warrior.

Discussions on what is meant by embracing the philosophy of the fire service warrior, and striving for the ready position—the synthesis of physical and mental readiness that allows for suggested optimum fireground performance— and its potential application towards reducing firefighter injuries and fatalities

We’ll further explore how as Christopher Brennan states; “Today’s firefighter must be a warrior who will unflinchingly put his very life in harm’s way to accomplish a mission, but who is also fully informed about the path being chosen”.

LINKS

Surviving on the Fireground: Chris Brennan Talks Situational Awareness at FDIC 2011, HERE
A Culture of Excellence – Christopher Brennan , HERE
The Fire Service Warrior Blog, HERE

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Posted in Change, Firefighting Operations, NetCast, News, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics

Tagged Christopher Brennan, Christopher Naum, combat readiness, Combat ready, Fire, Fire Service, fire service warrior, firefighter, firefighter netcasst, firefighting, John Mitchell, Tactical Renaissance, Taking it to the Streets

Posted by John Mitchell on May 16, 2011 • No comments

Gray- it’s so black and white.

There’s a great video going around this week featuring John Salka at Andy Fredericks Training Days. Someone in the audience captured a snippet of what Chief Salka was saying and shared it with the rest of us who couldn’t be there.

Essentially, Salka was putting forth his opinion on how a four-man engine crew should be deployed when first on the scene of a house fire. In the instance he describes, he makes the point that the company officer should not remain outside when establishing command as that decision leaves the interior attack team of two firefighters ‘unsupervised’.

One brave firefighter in the audience is not afraid to disagree and stand up for this decision, citing ‘command and control’ and ‘directing incoming units’ as the reason for sending in the two blue shirts alone.

Click this link to see the video- definitely worth your time:

John Salka at Andy Fredericks Training Days 2011

Quick- which one is right?

The company officer should always go in to supervise the attack.

The company officer should trust his crew and assume command outside.

Scenario aside, I began thinking yet again how we have been inundated with right/wrong – left/right – black/white. We are now a “polarized culture”, forced to decide between two opposite options. What ever happened to the middle ground?

Attention to any of you who only think in black and white: Gray exists.

I’m amazed that, a full quarter of a century after this gray-haired company officer first received his training, there are still fire departments across the country who don’t understand the concept of “interior command.”

Interior command involves maintain control of the situation from the inside while simultaneously mounting an initial attack. Yes, this can be done!

In my department, the first arriving fire officer (or firefighter if no officer is there) establishes command on all incidents. When establishing command, the company officer needs to decide if the incident is better served by establishing exterior command, interior command, or passing command to the next arriving officer. Each incident will be different, taking into account the fire stage, smoke conditions, need for immediate rescue/extinguishment inside, training and capabilities of his/her crew, ETA of the next company, etc. In effect, what will be happening in the next five minutes?

If your department establishes command only from the outside, then I would urge you to consider the option of “interior command.” It may not seem black or white, but that’s just fine… Gray is OK. All it takes is a certain number of operational brain cells combined with ensuring that you communicate to everyone- those on scene, those still coming, and dispatch as well- what it is that you have and what it is that you are doing.

This spring and summer, I’ll be working with Chief Christopher Naum and his Firefighter Netcast program, “Taking It to the Streets,” to explore, among other things, the controversial topic of “too safe” vs. “too aggressive.” I am looking forward to a passionate discussion from both sides of the debate. I urge you to participate as well!

As the series progresses, we may see some middle ground (“gray” if you will) emerge that may hold some viable options for you and your agency/department. Sign up for free notifications and RSS feeds of all the programming at http://firefighternetcast.com.

Thanks to the audience member who had the foresight to capture Chief Salka’s “point” being made, as well as to the firefighter who, among his peers, risked his neck to dare to disagree- in effect furthering the discussion we so desperately need. That is really brave, and refreshing!

Be aggressive, be smart, and stay stoked!

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Posted in Change, Command & Leadership, Firefighting Operations, Leadership, NetCast, News, Training, Training & Development

Tagged 2 in 2 out, Andy Fredericks Training Days, Christopher Naum, establishing command, fire podcast, firefighter netcast, interior command, John Mitchell, John Salka, Taking it to the Streets

Posted by John Mitchell on May 12, 2011 • 2 comments

“Taking Up” debuts online Wednesday!

"You can do everything right in this job and still get killed" – Paddy Brown, Captain Ladder 3 – lost 09/11/01

Wednesday night, the Firefighter Netcast family grows once again as John and Rhett welcome the newest member of the Firefighter Netcast family, Lieutenant David LeBlanc, from East Harwich, MA.

His new program is called “Taking Up”- reflections on the right, the wrong, and the why. In each program, Dave will facilitate commentary about today’s Fire Service, training and techniques. We’ll be focusing on keeping our members safe while adhering to the principals of our Profession.

Dave is not a stranger to Firefighter Netcast, having been a contributor and guest several times over the last year. Indeed, he has made a great impression on us all. He is also a contributor to Backstep Firefighter over at Fire EMS Blogs as well as many other sites..

Through his writings and appearances on the show, one thing becomes glaringly clear: Dave LeBlanc is passionate about the fire service. He is never afraid to voice his opinion, yet can always be counted on to respect those who differ with him.

This is exactly the type of discussion Firefighter Netcast is looking to create- that banter back and forth around the station’s kitchen table, or as we jaw around the back step of the apparatus.

Dave LeBlanc began in the Fire Service in 1986. He was a Call Firefighter for the Dennis Fire Department and a Volunteer for both the West Haven Fire Department and the Allingtown Fire Department in West Haven, Connecticut. He has a Bachelors degree in Arson Investigation from the University of New Haven.

In 1993 he started working full time for Harwich Fire Department in Massachusetts as a Fire Alarm Operator. He became a Firefighter in 2000. He is currently a Lieutenant assigned to Harwich Station 2 in East Harwich, MA. Now, he brings his experience, his ideas, and his flavor to Firefighter Netcast.

So, join us live on Wednesday night, April 6 at 9pm ET for the premiere of “Taking Up”, or visit FirefighterNetcast.com to download this and every other show for listening at your leisure.

Firefighter Netcast- this ain’t your Daddy’s fire service radio podcast…..

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Posted in Firefighter Safety & Health, NetCast, News, Tradition, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics

Tagged 9/11, Allingtown fire, arson investigator, Backstep Firefighter, Bill Carey, Dave LeBlanc, david leblanc, Dennis fire department, East Harwich, East Harwich fire, Fire critic, fire daily, Fire EMS Blogs, fire podcast, fire radio, fire techniques, fire training, firecritic.com, FireDaily.com, firefighter netcast, firefighter podcast, Harwich station 2, John Mitchell, Paddy Brown, Rhett Fleitz, Taking Up, West Haven Fire

Posted by John Mitchell on April 5, 2011 • No comments

You can’t win if you don’t play. You In?

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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Posted in Change, Fire Prevention & Education, Funding & Staffing, NetCast, News, Pub Ed, Staffing, Videos

Tagged baltimore, Billy Hayes, Christopher Naum, CitiStat, Dennis Rubin, Executive Officer Program, fire prevention, firefighter netcast, Gregory Bulanow, John Mitchell, National Fire Academy, NFA, North Charleston, North Charleston Fire Department, risk reduction, Stop Drp and Roll with the Punches, The Company Officer

Posted by John Mitchell on February 9, 2011 • 2 comments

Aggressive vs. Safe- Here’s to the end of Either/Or

I would like to direct your attention to Backstep Firefighter and today’s well-written article “The 2011 Firefighter” by my fellow brother, Dave LeBlanc. Among other things, Dave wrote about being an aggressive firefighter vs. an overly-safety-conscious firefighter as we enter the New Year.

This is a topic that will be revisited on a regular basis- in 2011 and that is a good thing. I’ve heard excellent arguments on both sides of the issue, and Dave is one of the best at articulating his opinions on the issue. In fact, Firefighter Netcast’s Chris Naum recently hosted “Looking Forward through the Rearview Mirror” on his program “Taking it to the Streets” during which this very topic was discussed.

You can download this impressive show to your mp3 player here.

As we continue to debate aggressive vs. safe, I would encourage everyone to consider that the truly successful, efficient, and valued public servant will be the intelligent, well-trained firefighter who neither goes completely aggressive nor ineffectively safe.

If you want to be the best, most efficient savior of lives and property, then you will come to understand there is an inherent value on both ends of the debate.

This will lead you to gain the intelligence and experience to become the 21^st century firefighter- one who is BOTH effectively aggressive enough to bravely do what needs to be done to protect lives and property AS WELL AS smart enough to make intelligent decisions on the fireground that will allow us to perform our tasks without making the human mistakes that continue to injure and kill us each year.

Not either/or.

Both.

Are any of these statements untrue?

Constant training makes us better firefighters

If we apply the lessons learned from our experiences, we become better at what we do.

Our job is intrinsically dangerous.

We will never be able to guarantee we will all go home at the end of the day.

The success of the 21^st century firefighter will depend upon intelligence coupled with bravery, aggressiveness coupled with smarts.

We need to recognize that there is more to the debate than the either/or two polar opposites being bandied about in the recent past.

Thank you for reading Fire Daily. I hope it has helped spur your thinking.

Here’s to a happy, safe, smart, and proud New Year!

-J

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Posted in Change, NetCast, Tradition, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics

Tagged aggressive firefighter, Backstep Firefighter, Christopher Naum, Dave LeBlanc, either/or, firefighter intelligence, firefighter netcast, firefighter training, future firefighter, John Mitchell, safety sally, Taking it to the Streets, The 2011 Firefighter

Posted by John Mitchell on December 30, 2010 • 3 comments

We knew he was suffering, but we didn’t step up to help. Now he’s gone…

“It’s good to be strong and it’s good to be courageous. But it’s also good to ask for help. “If I had a good friend who said, ‘you need to get some help,’ I would listen. I would hope somebody would do that.” Fire Chief Bob Khan, Phoenix Fire Department, which lost four firefighters in seven months to suicide.

Whether we admit it or not, we are not immune to the effects of the unique stress we cope with each day as firefighters.

Many times, we keep these stressors bottled up inside us without seeking help. Other times, when we do seek help, we have a difficult time trying to relate to counselors who have zero experience as a firefighter, and become frustrated, eventually abandoning outside help often critical to our well-being.

Tonight, Firefighter Netcast introduces Jeff Dill, a Battalion Chief from suburban Chicago, who holds a Masters Degree in Counseling. Chief Dill has established CSSF, Counseling Services for Firefighters, which offers behavioral health support to firefighters; trains senior fire officers, and educates clinicians on the benefits of understanding the life and emotions- of firefighters.

The numbers of firefighter suicides are jaw-dropping. As often as a few times a week, Jeff finds himself answering calls for help from fire chiefs around the country.

Join the Firefighter Netcast Show tonight at 9pm ET for a live interview with Chief Dill, and learn how to recognize emotional distress in your partner or your loved one, and the steps you can take to help- before it’s too late. Participate in call-ins and chat room discussions.

This ain’t your daddy’s fire service radio podcast!

Jeff holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling. He is currently a Battalion Chief at Palatine Rural Fire Protection District in Inverness, Illinois. He is a member of the American Counseling Association, Illinois Counseling Association, Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association, Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs and Illinois Professional Firefighter’s Association. Jeff is also an alumni member of International Association of Fire Fighters. He is dedicated to educating firefighters and emergency personnel on the importance of behavioral health and suicide awareness.

CSFF Web Page

Facebook

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Posted in Brotherhood, Chicagoland, EMS Health & Safety, Firefighter Safety & Health, In Da House, NetCast

Tagged Counseling Services for Firefighters, CSSF, firefighter counseling, firefighter mental health, firefighter netcast, firefighter podcast, firefighter suicides, Jeff Dill, John Mitchell, Rhett Fleitz

Posted by John Mitchell on December 1, 2010 • 1 comment

Watch CBS News Sunday Morning this weekend….

photo by Capt. Willie Wines

This Thanksgiving weekend gave us the chance to reflect on all for which we are thankful. Whether it be for the love of family, the camaraderie of friends, or any of the various blessings bestowed on us over time, the opportunity to pause and reflect is always welcome.

It also got me thinking about one special event for which I am grateful to have been involved.

Earlier this year, my partner Rhett Fleitz and I were honored to receive an invitation to participate in the activities at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s 2010 Memorial Weekend on the grounds of the National Fire Academy in beautiful Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Firefighter Netcast was asked to help begin to produce a collection of audio stories about the fallen firefighter heroes told by family members. Led by the family escorts, many surviving spouses, parents, brothers, and sisters graciously offered very personal and highly emotional accounts to help us all come to know their loved one in a very intimate manner. The stories will be made available at FireHero.org

One story that had an immense emotional impact came up right out of the box, in our first interview of the Weekend. Most of you will remember the tragic story of firefighter Steven “Peanut” Koeser who died less than a year ago when a trash container on fire exploded killing him and seriously injuring many others.

Kelly Walesh and her daughter, Lexus, shared a powerful story of the kindness and gentleness of Lexus’ daddy, a man who loved the fire service nearly as much as his family. NFFF’s Dave Statter, a veteran news reporter got us off to a start by doing the actual interview, but I had a chance to talk at length with both Kelly and Lexus immediately afterward and was blessed with a personal account of how “Peanut” affected their lives in the short time they all had together.

I felt truly blessed to have them share their stories. If any of you readers have a young daughter, you’ll understand how it must have been to talk with young Lexus. Hearing the memories from this sweet angel brought me directly into the emotional extremes of love and loss being remembered that weekend.

I’ve just received word that both Kelly and Lexus will be on CBS News Sunday Morning this weekend as part of a spotlight on volunteer firefighters. Please check it out to hear a little of what we heard in October, and be thankful that you are so loved by those around you.

God bless you both, Kelly and Lexus, as well as all the others who have suffered the indescribable loss of a firefighter lost in the line of duty. We all stand with you.

photo by Glenn Udsen

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Posted in Brotherhood, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, LODD, NetCast, Never Forget, News

Tagged Dave Statter, firefighter lodd, firefighter netcast, John Mitchell, Kelly Walesh, Memrial Weekend, national fallen firefighters foundation, nfff, Rhett Fleitz, Steven Koeser, Steven “Peanut” Koeser, thanksgiving

Posted by John Mitchell on November 28, 2010 • No comments

360 Burn Size Up of the Fire Webs 9/9/10

Ellen Kicklighter

Beat That!

Firefighters from the Macon- Bibb Fire Department competed in the Georgia State Firefighters Competition Events this past month in Savannah Georgia. This event was part of the Ga. Association of Firefighters/Georgia Fire Chief’s Association Joint Conference that is held in August each year.

43-year old firefighter Ellen Kicklighter won First Place in the “Individual Rapid Dress” becoming the first female firefighter ever to win this Georgia State Firefighters Joint Conference event.

It took Kicklighter just 38 seconds to gear up and pack up, after which she put on that huge smile. Congratulations, Ellen!

“What if” Questions Are Sooo 90’s.

With his article September Training Prompt, Cut the blue wire – No! the red wire!, my good friend Bill Carey over at Backstep Firefighter addresses the point that this isn’t your father’s fire service anymore.

Building construction changes result in changes in fire behavior.

New automotive technology change the way we approach what used to be a “typical extrication.”

Smells of home-cooked meals wafting through our neighborhoods have been replaced- literally- by the small of meth cooking in multiple homes in the same block.

While the fire service continues its role as a front line responder, the fact of the matter is front lines continue to change. Questions that used to begin with “What do we do if…” now start quite a bit differently- “What will we do when…”

Take the lesson Bill offers us and apply it to your own agency. Begin the process of preparing for the new challenges that we face by answering the nagging basic question that keeps popping up: “What will we do when….”

Free Firefighter Podcasts- Load Up Your iPod!

Art Goodrich interviews Rob Schnepp and Steve Pasquale. Producers Rhett Flietz and John Mitchell are also pictured.

Speaking of not your father’s fire service, how about “not your daddy’s fire service radio podcasts!” I invite you to check out the newest of Firefighter Netcast’s programming from the floor at Fire Rescue International in Chicago last month.

Special guest Steven Pasquale (Sean Garrity) from TV’s Rescue Me was interviewed by Art Goodrich, and the Netcast team created their first video netcast of that interview regarding the roll-out of cyano kits.

Additionally, Fire-Rescue magazine Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach hosted about a dozen high-quality interviews of nationally-recognized fire service leaders, fire chiefs, and keynote speakers on a wide range of timely topics important to firefighters, company officers, and fire chiefs across the nation.

Take a minute to check out the line-up over at Firefighter Netcast where you can download all of the past episodes. They are also available on iTunes.

Finally, please pause for a moment and pray for the swift recovery of a Bowie (Prince George’s County (MD) volunteer firefighter Patrick Ivey. Today, he will be undergoing the first of manu surgeries to his head for third degree burns he suffered when the helmet he had strapped on became dislodged by falling debris during an interior attack. He is in good spirits, let’s keep the vibe going…

Also, you may have heard about Forest Ranger Tech Don Lamb of the Kentucky Division of Forestry. While fighting a wildland fire yesterday, he was struck by a 10-foot burning log that had rolled off of a bluff down onto him. He was airlifted to the hospital unconscious from the blunt trauma and with blistering burns. Please keep your thoughts with him, his family, and friends as well.

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Posted in 360 Burn, Chicagoland, Firefighting Operations, In the Line of Duty, Just For Fun, NetCast, News

Tagged Art Goodrich, Backstep Firefighter, Bill Carey, bowie fire, cyano kits, don lamb, ellen kicklighter, female firefighter, fir podcast, fire rescue international, fire rescue magazine, fire service podcast, firefighter netcast, georgia association of firefighters, georgia fire chief's association, georgia state firefighters competition events, individual rapid dress, kentucky division of forestry, kentucky wildfire, macon-bibb, patrick ivey, rescue me, sean garrity, steven pasquale, Tim Sendelbach, what if

Posted by John Mitchell on September 9, 2010 • No comments

Just Say No

As you probably already know, an unprecedented meeting of the American fire service met in Tampa back in 2004. The Life Safety Task Force generated a list of 16 Life Safety Initiatives. I’m sure most of us had seen or heard them. But, if you are truly dedicated to saving your lives and the lives of those on your department and your crew, you will have come pretty damn close to memorizing them. Yes, they are that important.

I’d like to touch on one of those today. It is the fourth initiative, and it reads as follows: “All firefighters must be empowered to stop unsafe practices.”

In preparation of our latest program over at Firefighter NetCast, I was exposed to the arguments both for and against the use of positive-pressure attack. Chief John Kriska, a proponent of PPA, was the featured guest for the program which can be found at our site http://FirefighterNetCast.com or over at iTunes under firefighter podcasts. I ran across what may well be the best video out there to demonstrate what happens when a PPV is set in a doorway and started before adequate thought is given to its potential effects.

I have accumulated a fair amount of training whether it has been in the classroom, at a controlled practical evolution, or on the fireground itself. I know you have too, because I’ve seen you there as well, learning new ways to perform tasks, honing skills you’ve already learned, and perhaps even sharing your knowledge with others.

Help me then if you will, to figure out why we continue to see examples of near-fatal consequences on the videos regularly making the rounds on the internet? Surely you know of a few of these head-shaking videos, and you may have seen this one as well.

This article is not meant to argue whether or not PPA/PPV should be used on your fireground. Rather, as you watch the video, count how many “trained firefighters” it takes to kill an interior crew. Take a peek:

As this video clearly shows, there are several on the fireground who seem to have forgotten some of the basic stuff we learned in our very first fire training classes: fire behavior. As a “trained firefighter”, can you read the smoke? Does it tell you what is happening inside this “box”? Has the fire vented? Will it? What’s going to happen when it does vent? Where do you want to be when this happens? Would you have done anything differently before crawling inside?

Of course!

Sitting here in front of your computer monitor, not many of you would miss the signs of an impending hostile fire event, would you? I wonder if the guys in this video would see the same signs if they were watching the video rather than performing the dance toward death. If they were “trained” they probably would have seen the problems. Why then, did no one speak up in a real situation?

I’ve seen it locally. Firefighters with decades of experience seem to forget some of the basics. Perhaps they take a shortcut, emboldened by the lack of disaster as their shortcut worked so many times before. These are trained professional firefighters, many of them friends I have known for years. They know better. Why, then do we do stupid things on the fireground?

Maybe it’s because we have gotten away with it before.

Maybe it’s because no one stopped us before.

Maybe it’s because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”

But, maybe our luck will run out one day, as it does about every 80 hours here in America.

As a firefighter, do you feel you have the ability, indeed the responsibility to say “NO” to your company officer? As a company officer, do you feel you have the ability, indeed the responsibility, to say “NO” to your chief officer?

In this video, who should have said, “NO”? Everyone. Even the camera operator, if he/she were a “trained firefighter” should have the ability, indeed the responsibility, to keep our brothers and sisters from killing themselves, purely because we don’t feel it is our place to say “NO.”

Departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines must allow for “All firefighters must be empowered to stop unsafe practices.”

But moreover, each member must realize that they are not only able -but as trained firefighters- also responsible to stop unsafe practices. We need to establish ownership of this responsibility.

If you or your department hasn’t made this paradigm shift, the time is yesterday. Take your own steps now to enact each of the 16 Life Safety Initiatives. Let each of us “trained professional firefighters” all work together to get the job done safely so we all go home at the end of the day.

Just say no.

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Posted in Administration & Leadership, Change, Command & Leadership, Firefighter Safety & Health, Firefighters, Firefighting Operations, NetCast, Training, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos

Tagged 16 Initiatives, EGH, everyone goes home, firefighter fail, firefighter netcast, john kriska, Life Safety Task Force, national fallen firefighters foundation, nfff, sixteen initiatives, stupid firefighters

Posted by John Mitchell on August 26, 2010 • 1 comment

Explore the poisons in what we commonly call “smoke”

www.FirefighterNetCast.com

On Thursday, July 29th, Firefighter Netcast Presents The Voice of Reason will welcome special guest Shawn Longerich, Executive Director for the Cyanide Poisoning Treatment Coalition (CPTC) and can be found on the world wide web at www.FireSmoke.org.

The mission of the CPTC is to “focus the required attention and resources on the issues, the CPTC aims to increase awareness about the risk of fire smoke cyanide exposure as it relates to Awareness, Prevention, Protection, Detection, Diagnosis and Treatment”.

Please join Art and his guest, Shawn Longerich on Firefighter NetCast at 9:00 pm EDT on Thursday, July 29th for a very special evening as we explore the poisons in what we commonly call “smoke”.

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Posted in Firefighter Safety & Health, In the Line of Duty, NetCast, training-fire-rescue-topics

Tagged Art Goodrich, Chief Reason Art, CPTC, Cyanide Poisoning Treatment Coalition, Fire critic, fire daily, fire department web page, Fire Service, firefighter, firefighter netcast, FirefighterNetcast.com, John Mitchell, Live Netcast, Netcast, Podcast, Rhett Fleitz, Shawn Longerich

Posted by John Mitchell on July 28, 2010 • No comments

Thoughts and Prayers are Hollow Without Conviction

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, co-workers, and friends of Rocky Mount, Virginia Fire Chief Posey Dillon, who died today along with Firefighter William Daniel “Danny” Altice in a horrific traffic accident while responding to a house fire.

I’m following this tragedy from many sources, but I know my partner Rhett is all over it at VA FireNews. If the initial reports coming out of Rocky Mount are true, these two firefighters have died while not wearing their seat belts.

I’ll say it:

WTF.

We will never know if seat belts would have made a difference. Initial reports seem to say that a vehicle hit the apparatus. Nothing they could do, right? Plus, anytime any fire apparatus flips multiple times, the chances for survival are bleak.

But what are the chances for survival if the occupants are not belted?

As we all pause, yet again, to claim that our thoughts and prayers are with the firefighters and their families, make a difference. Vow to never let your apparatus turn a wheel unless EVERYONE IS BELTED.

Whether you are the company officer, the driver, or riding backwards- never accept- for any reason- that the apparatus moves without everyone belted. Period.

Has your department attained 100% compliance with signing the International Seat Belt Pledge?

International Seat Belt Pledge

“I pledge to wear my seat belt whenever I am riding in a Fire Department vehicle. I further pledge to insure that all my brother and sister firefighters riding with me wear their seat belts. I am making this pledge willingly; to honor Brian Hunton my brother firefighter because wearing seat belts is the right thing to do.”

Last week at Firehouse Expo, I had the honor and priviledge to sit down and talk with Dr. Burton Clark, originator of the seat belt pledge. He is a man who has, for years, tirelessly been spreading the word for firefighters to buckle up.

We were recording an interview for Firefighter NetCast in which this wise man brought up a very valid point:

Wearing seat belts save firefighters lives, yet not all firefighters are wearing them. We can all make the decision to wear them. We can “decide”, as an entire group, to save lives.

This is different from deciding that heart attacks won’t kill us. This is different from deciding that walls won’t collapse, and stairways won’t fail. This is different from from deciding that flashovers and backdrafts and all the other hostile fire events won’t take us out.

We can’t decide on these. But we CAN DECIDE that failure to wear seat belts will no longer kill us.

I am sickened at the continued unnecessary gut-wrenching agony we all face as we begin the process to bury more brothers. Especially if it isn’t necessary.

As we watch the funerals, refuse to accept anything less than complete adherence to wearing belts. Commit to save ourselves from ourselves.

Put some oomph into your words concerning thoughts and prayers.

Click here for the link to the Seat Belt Pledge, and get your department 100% compliant.

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Posted in Firefighter Safety & Health, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, LODD, NetCast, Never Forget, News, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus, WTF?

Tagged burt clark, danny altice, dr. burton clark, everyone goes home, firefighter, firefighter death, firefighter funeral, firefighter netcast, international seat belt pledge, John Mitchell, national fallen firefighters foundation, Never Forget, nfff, posey dillon, rocky mount, seat belt pledge, seat belts, william daniel altice

Posted by John Mitchell on July 27, 2010 • 3 comments

Firefighter Storytellers Wednesday Night: “My dad was a Chief at the Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire.”

Like many other firefighters, Tim Sendelbach’s roots in the fire service started with his dad.

A fire chief in his hometown of Wilder, Kentucky, Tim’s dad was one of the many firefighters who responded to the horrific Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire on Memorial Day weekend in 1977.

You may recall it is the third deadliest night club fire in U.S. history, claiming 165 lives and injuring 200 more.

Now the editor-in-chief at FireRescue Magazine, Tim will share his unique perspective on this historic fire live this Wednesday night at 9pm ET on “Firefighter Storytellers”

Don’t miss this great opportunity to call in to talk with Tiger and Tim, hang out in the chat room, or just listen in live Wednesday night at 9pm ET as Firefighter NetCast brings you another engrossing edition of “Firefighter Storytellers” hosted by Tiger Schmittendorf.

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Posted in Disasters, Fires, Major Incidents, NetCast, Videos

Tagged Beverly Hills Supper Club, firefighter netcast, Firefighter Storytellers, FireRescue Magazine, John Mitchell, night club fire, Rhett Fleitz, RTTC, run to the curb, Tiger Schmittendorf, Tim Sendelbach, Wilder Kentucky

Posted by John Mitchell on July 12, 2010 • 1 comment

Wingnut of the Week: Homeowner Says Firefighter’s Gear Set Off Explosion That Severely Burned Them

Today, I’m editing the most recent program from Firefighter NetCast which aired live Tuesday night, July 6, 2010. It was the Happy Hour with guest host Justin Schorr, a San Francisco firefighter/paramedic, and well-known blogger otherwise known as The Happy Medic. Many thanks to Justin, a natural for guest-hosting our podcast. We hope to have him back soon!

After eliminating about a thousand “uhhh’s” made by yours truly, and only about 8-9 minutes in, Justin has brought up the story of four Sacramento firefighters who were investigating an indoor natural gas leak at a home on Monday when the home suddenly exploded. The firefighters inside were all burned about the head, face, and arms from the blast, but all miraculously survived.

Here is a KCRA.com video from a press conference held earlier this week that gives quite a bit more detail into the incident and the investigation that continues, including a look at the conditions of the firefighters.

I did a quick follow-up on the story and became outraged when I saw the newest headline from the KCRA.com website where the original story broke on Tuesday.

It is here I found Fire Daily’s Wingnut of the Week.

According to that report, as our four brothers are just starting the recovery process from their extensive injuries, the homeowner named Chris Liu, sat in his car in front of what was left of the home, still dressed in his American Airlines pilots uniform last Tuesday and told investigators he suspected the firefighters caused the explosion.

Whoa. The firefighters blew themselves up?

He declined to be interviewed on camera, but from his car, the airline pilot reportedly speculated that the act of forcing entry into his home sparked the gas fumes. You know- the sparks and stuff that come off wood.

Or, he continued, maybe it was the static electricity in their clothing.

Yeah, that’s the ticket. Why don’t you investigators take a look at the static electricity theory.

Nice, Captain Liu.

Howabout we leave the flap settings, ILS intercepts, and all that other cockpitting crap to you, and let us do the firefighting and the associated investigation into an incident that nearly killed four of us.

By the way Captain, the professionals investigating the incident have already recovered evidence- “physical evidence” nonetheless- that indicates the incident was a deliberate act. You know, like the kind of criminal act that could potentially murder innocent people including your public servants, leaving their families forever crushed by the selfish act of one motivated to such evil.

According to acting Sacramento Fire Chief Lloyd Ogam, the evidence found by investigators would not normally be in a vacant home. Someone must have put it there, huh?

Maybe it was the combination of physical evidence AND the static electricity of the firemen’s clothing.

KCRA.com also reports that Captain Liu (airline pilot, not fire captain or fire investigator captain) was “upset” that his wife had been questioned by investigators as to her knowledge of the incident.

So sorry to upset you, Captain Liu.

Although I was never taught the glideslope of a Airbus A320 on a crosswind landing at Albuquerque, my extensive training and experience as a long-time fire investigator teaches me that the questioning of your wife is a normal and necessary component of a comprehensive investigation into any fire incident, especially in what now looks to be a criminal act with near fatal consequences.

In fact, along with all parties that had an interest in the property, get ready to be asked the same questions, Mr. Liu. The gall of those investigators!

When you’re done Sherlocking the cause and origin of the incident, why not change out of your pilot’s uniform and pop on over to the UC-Davis burn unit to check how the brave firefighters and their wives and children are getting along during this horrifying ordeal at the vacant home you are fixing up? You know, the quarter of a million dollar home you reportedly bought last year for 38 grand after it foreclosed last summer.

Static electricity? Maybe.

Something else? Maybe.

See how premature and unfair it would be to come to a conclusion on this investigation, Captain Liu? Now, many of us brothers and sisters are interested more than ever in the outcome of this one.

So settle back, relax and have a nice flight Captain Chris Liu. You’ve earned your wings, sir.

Fire Daily’s Wingnut of the Week.

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Posted in Close Calls, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, NetCast, WTF?

Tagged Chris Liu, fire chief lloyd ogan, firefighter netcast, Happy Hour, Happy Medic, John Mitchell, Justin Schorr, KCRA.com, Rhett Fleitz, Sacramento fire department, Wingnut, wingnut of the week

Posted by John Mitchell on July 8, 2010 • 3 comments

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It happened again. We shouldn’t be surprised.

In rural Obion County, Tennessee, another fire burns a structure to the ground as firefighters stand idly by, obeying the orders of their administration NOT to extinguish the fire.

Why?

The property owners did not pay for fire protection. The rural portions of the city of South Fulton are not taxed like the citizens of the city are, and therefore do not contribute to the staffing, maintenance, and service the city department provides.

Some paid, some didn’t.

It should be noted both properties that burned were owned by homeowners who knew they were not going to receive fire services because they had made a conscious decision to NOT pay the fee.

What do you think?

Should the firefighters have put out the fires anyway?

What do you think of this type of fire service funding?

Who is at fault? The homeowner? The firefighters? The administration? The Tea Party? Obama?

We want to hear your comments. Call us toll-free at 1-888-887-8718 and leave your thoughts on our voicemail. We’ll play as many as possible on our next episode of the Firefighter Netcast Show.

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Maybe it’s because we have gotten away with it before.

Maybe it’s because no one stopped us before.

Maybe it’s because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, co-workers, and friends of Rocky Mount, Virginia Fire Chief Posey Dillon, who died today along with Firefighter William Daniel “Danny” Altice in a horrific traffic accident while responding to a house fire.

WTF.

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