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Jack Be Nimble: The Apocalypse That Is East St. Louis IL

East St. Louis is the next Detroit, folks.  Can we find a way to prevent another “Burn” movie in our rich nation?

In a Nutshell:

These guys are victims of a broken system in which funding has been so drastically slashed that it can be argued it would be more conscionable to just let the city burn down to the ground then to continue to send our Brothers into harm’s way.

Check this out:

The men, women, and children of East St. Louis, IL used to have over 150 firefighters protecting the City.  That number has been slashed so that only 53 remain to “do the job.”

But wait- it gets much, much worse:

In just two months time, NEARLY HALF OF THOSE REMAINING WILL BE LAYED OFF leaving only 31 brave souls to perform the work 150 used to do. 

How many firefighters can your CITY turn out to battle a structure fire? 

East St. Louis IL settles for SIX.  That’s one pump operator, one commander, two on a line, and two left for entry, rescue, ventilation, RIT and anything else. 

Jack be nimble.

Now, check out this video put out by our ESL Brothers. 

It describes the insurmountable obstacles faced in striking clarity with actual HelmetCam footage of the fight they are waging.

 

Our Brothers in East St. Louis need us.  According to the website ESLfire.com, here’s how we can help:

"The fire department relies on money and grants supplied by local, state and federal agencies to assist in obtaining new equipment and fire apparatus. As of now grants are difficult to obtain and the fire department is looking for almost any donations of new or used equipment or money to purchase new or used fire apparatus. For more info on what is needed you can contact Chief Jason Blackmon at (618)-779-8471 or (618)-482-6800."

*  *  *  *  *

I'm waking up to ash and dust
I wipe my brow and I sweat my rust
I'm breathing in the chemicals

I'm breaking in, shaping up, then checking out on the prison bus
This is it, the apocalypse
Whoa

I'm waking up, I feel it in my bones
Enough to make my systems blow
Welcome to the new age, to the new age
Welcome to the new age, to the new age
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, I'm radioactive, radioactive
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, I'm radioactive, radioactive

I raise my flags, don my clothes
It's a revolution, I suppose
We're painted red to fit right in
Whoa

I'm breaking in, shaping up, then checking out on the prison bus
This is it, the apocalypse
Whoa

I'm waking up, I feel it in my bones
Enough to make my systems blow
Welcome to the new age, to the new age
Welcome to the new age, to the new age
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, I'm radioactive, radioactive
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, I'm radioactive, radioactive

All systems go, the sun hasn't died
Deep in my bones, straight from inside

I'm waking up, I feel it in my bones
Enough to make my systems blow
Welcome to the new age, to the new age
Welcome to the new age, to the new age
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, I'm radioactive, radioactive
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, I'm radioactive, radioactive

 

-Imagine Dragons  "Radioactive"

Click here

 

 

Posted in Brotherhood, Funding & Staffing, IAFF, News, Staffing, Videos, WTF?

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Posted by on March 13, 2013 • 1 comment

“JUST SEE” VIDEO: Why didn’t anyone stop this firefighter from blowing himself up?

Remember, it's not the LIQUID part of gasoline which will hurt you…...

 

 

There's a reason we learn about fire behavior so damn early in our careers.  But why do we promptly forget it? 

Stay stoked!

-J

Click here

 

 

Posted in News, Training, Videos, WTF?

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Posted by on February 8, 2013 • No comments

Illinois firefighters stand idle while man drowns (Video)

Here is a news story from Champaign IL.  It is accompanied by a video capturing much of the incident fom the shore. 

 

 

 

Some in the fire service are rightfully be asking "Yeah, but what are the facts?"

While we wait for the "facts" of the incident response, we must remember that the unfortunate reality is that perception often trumps reality.

The perception in Champaign IL is that the fire department didn't do enough to save this man's life as scores of onlookers and emergency personnel watched him die.

As we look at the policy of an ice rescue, it seems as if some time might be spent looking into a clear and engaging public relations policy which might better manage this horrific tragedy.

So as we wait for the "facts" to emerge, one fact is clear:

A man is dead and the public is blaming the first responders.

That's a tough genie to stuff back into it's bottle.

 

Posted in Firefighting Operations, News, Rescues, Special Operations, Technical Rescue, Videos, WTF?

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Posted by on January 5, 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?

Posted in NetCast, News

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Posted by on September 14, 2012 • 1 comment

Where the rubber met the road.

 

 

This headline made it past all editors.

 

A Canadian firefighter looks on at accident scene near London, Ontario.

Yes, this was a rear-ender.

Posted in Just For Fun, News

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Posted by on June 13, 2012 • No comments

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"

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

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Posted by on February 9, 2012 • No comments

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

Listen to this very special firefighter's podcast here

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"

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

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Posted by 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 :

<a data-cke-saved-href='http://video.app.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&vid=d59e7576-1b69-4c4e-a958-1ac41591a7a9&from=&src=v5:embed::' href='http://video.app.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&vid=d59e7576-1b69-4c4e-a958-1ac41591a7a9&from=&src=v5:embed::' target='_new' title='Somersworth Firefighter Heads To Super Bowl'>Video: Somersworth Firefighter Heads To Super Bowl</a>

 

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!

 

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

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Posted by on February 2, 2012 • No comments

Does the 5-second rule apply to a transplant heart? Check out this video…

As reported on DailyFireFix.com:

It’s the 5-second rule practiced in fire stations all over the United States and, indeed, all over the world. 

You drop something on the floor and scoop it up.  Firefighters and paramedics do it everyday, although many won’t admit it.  Unless they can’t deny it, as was the case in Mexico City last week.

Exiting a helicopter in what was called “a rapid precision maneuver”, a couple of paramedics “dropped the ball”, or to be more precise, “almost broke a heart” on camera as the precious cargo rolled out of it’s cocoon cooler and tumbled onto the street.

From CBSnews.com

 

As you can see, the paramedics immediately employed the “rapid scoop” maneuver well within the five seconds allowed, and continued their race to the hospital where the package was dusted off and successfully implanted into its anxious recipient. 

I began to wonder what the paramedics first said to each other once safely out of the camera’s eye in the back of the ambulance?

Doctors are cautiously optimistic on the outcome saying the heart is doing fine. 

The paramedics? 

Well, they'll endure the wrath of their peers for years to come, constantly being reminded that "their heart was in the wrong place."

 

Like Firefighter Netcast on Facebook!

 

Posted in Just For Fun, News, Videos, WTF?

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Posted by on January 24, 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.

  1. You have just been appointed as fire chief of the GPVF and you have just seen this video.
  2. You are the fire chief of the Rural/Metro Fire Department, a neighboring combination department and you have just seen this video..
  3. 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

 

 

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

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Posted by on January 19, 2012 • 27 comments

PA LODD- 19-yr old Brandon Little dies while responding in his POV

A 19-year old Pennsylvania firefighter died in the line of duty while responding to a fire in his POV on Wednesday evening just before 6pm,

Brandon Little of the United Hook and Ladder Fire Company, Company 33, out of New Oxford, Pennsylvania crested a steep hill, apparently lost control of his Jeep Grand Cherokee and crashed through a post and rail fence before slamming into the roof of a house and into a tree.  Debris from the crash flew through the front window of the homeowner who called 911.

Speed is believed to have been a factor.

He was ejected from his vehicle, landing in the road.  Police do not believe he was wearing his seat belt. 

 

 

Here is the initial video report from WHPTV.com:

 

From abc27.com

 

 

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

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Posted by on January 19, 2012 • No 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

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

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Posted by on January 12, 2012 • 2 comments

Fatal Chicago Hi Rise Fire- If Only…..

The audio of this report can be found at Daily Fire Fix

A Sunday night hi-rise fire in Chicago that spread smoke and heat beyond the room of origin required over a 2-11 alarm assignment and over 150 firefighters to attack, contain, and eventually extinguish.

An EMS Plan 2 was initiated, calling in 11 ambuli as report after report continued to include new victims in need of emergency medical care.  2 firefighters were also injured, one seriously.

When Chicago’s finest arrived at the 21-story residential apartment building at 3130 N. Lake Shore Dr, they reported fire blowing out of a twelfth-floor window and attempted to put the building’s elevators into ‘fire mode’ without success.

Instead, they were forced to hump their hose and other equipment up the fire floor to make an attack, costing precious time which allowed the fire to grow exponentially.

One citizen was coming home from getting take-out food and had taken the elevator to 12.  Its doors opened, and she was blasted by the smoke and superheated gasses, killing her.

Many others reported hearing no alarms but were awoken by fire sirens.  Some residents, unaffected directly by the fire reportedly never woke up until the next morning, unaware how close they came to taking their final breath.

Here's the report from NBC Chicago:

 

32-Year-Old Dies in High Rise Fire: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

IF ONLY there was a way to alert all the souls sleeping in a burning building to the deadly danger!

IF ONLY we could invent a way that water could be sprayed on a fire right in the area it started immediately as technology discovers it!

IF ONLY we could figure out a way to have each unit’s door automatically close and keep a fire to its unit of origin with walls that could, in some way, be fire rated!

IF ONLY we were able to program elevators to return to the ground floor during a fire and stay there until fire crews could control them for safe use, rather than deliver unsuspecting victims into a 1,500+ degree hellfire death.

Of course, all of this is already possible. So what happened here?

A city ordinance requiring older high-rises to be retrofitted with a modern, connected alarm and detection system BY THIS MONTH was recently extended until 2015 by the city council, according to a Chicago Building Department spokesperson.

Also, older residential buildings in Chicago ARE NOT required to install sprinkler systems, instead they may opt to be evaluated and other safety upgrades can be put in place.

According to NBC Chicago, an employee of this building’s management company, Planned Property Management, declined to comment at the scene. The company’s president and chief executive officer, Robert Buford, was appointed to the city’s Community Development Commission in July.

So, just how much would it cost building owners to retrofit their money-makers with adequate detectors (beyond the first alert local models) and sprinkler systems?  According to the National Fire Sprinkler Association, the cost to retrofit is about $1.50 to $2.50 per sq. ft.

WHICH COSTS MORE?

Compare the costs of adding sprinklers and a building fire detection system with the cost to clean up, repair, and rehab the large area unnecessarily burned due to late detection and exponentially uncontrolled growth of a fire taking place in a non-sprinklered environment.

Compare the costs of adding sprinklers and a building fire detection system with the loss of rental income while repairs are being made to the large, damaged area of your money-maker.

Compare the costs of adding sprinklers and a building fire detection system to the cost of having to face litigation following the incident as building owners would face lawsuit after lawsuit from a single incident.

And finally, compare the costs of adding sprinklers and a building fire detection system to the unimaginable loss now being endured by the family and friends of one of the tenants of your money-maker, who when returning to her Lake Shore Drive apartment, was crisped as the elevator doors opened into the gates of hell.

Which costs more?  Which decision is the more fiscally responsible? 

Could it be that, at times, the power of the almighty dollar leaves us unable to rationalize between short term costs and long term gains? 

Stay stoked!

-J

The audio of this report can be found at Daily Fire Fix

Daily Fire Fix is a short audio rundown of what's happening in the fire service. 

 

 

Posted in Chicagoland, News, Videos, WTF?

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Posted by on January 9, 2012 • 2 comments

NFFF/CFD Video—> Make this a MUST WATCH FOR ALL FIREFIGHTERS. Perfect training.

 

 

 

The final version of this superb video is finally available.  Brought to us by our friends over at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and

featuring my fine friends at the Chicago Fire Department, this is excellent training and should be seen by every firefighter everywhere.

_________________________________________

“What’s most important is that we all go home.  We’re not Superman. We have families that need you to, so…we have other obligations as well. “

“When you’re a young kid, you got that cape on. you wanna go through walls. And if you don’t have the old timers, they’ll kinda  pull you back a little bit, They say hold on kid, understand what your doing, and why you’re doing what you’re doing, and to give yourself a way out.”

 “Have a wife turn to you, and look at you and say, “What the hell happened here? Where the hell was his hood?  Who was in charge? How did you guys let this happen to him? Why him?  What do I say to them?”

“If you think you’ve got some good reason for not wearing this or for not doing things the right way , write it down.  Because I need to read that to your widow.  Because I’m not going to know what to say.  You say it for me.”

I think the worse day I’ve ever had in my life is when I was five years old and my father was killed in the line of duty.  That day stays with me forever.  It’s like it happened yesterday.  I don’t want anyone else to have to go through that.  And I don’t speak just for myself, I speak for my family, I speak for the firefighters that worked with my father that were next to him when he got killed. It never leaves you.  It’s a scar you’ll always have.

“We don’t have any more room for badges on the wall.”

_________________________________________

 

Any kid can smear on the war paint.  It’s what you do once you’re all “warriored-up” that shows your true worth on our battlefields.

The firefighter I want with me on a line or with a tool by my side is a brother who is not only aggressive and eager to do the job, but also has the knowledge and seasoning to know when to go and when to think twice when it’s appropriate.  I don’t need young, dumb, and full of a battle cry and a death wish. 

If he aint got no brains, send him the f*&% away..

Stay stoked.

-J

 

 

Posted in Brotherhood, Chicagoland, Emergency Communications, Firefighter Safety & Health, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, LODD, Never Forget, News, Tradition, Videos

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Posted by on December 28, 2011 • No comments

UPDATED Video and Fireground Audio: 42-year old James Rice, a Peabody MA Firefighter Killed in the Line of Duty

 

 

Fireground Audio from YouTube

 

 

The Boston area has suffered another kick in the gut with the announcement today of the death of a Peabody MA firefighter who was injured earlier today in a three alarm blaze at a multi-unit building.

According to fire officials and hospital spokesperson, he has been identified as 42-year old James "Jim" Rice, an 11-year veteran of his department.  He leaves behind a wife and three young children.

Brother Rice was taken to North Shore Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

He was one of the best loved firefighters on his department and very active in his hometown.  Please pause and pray for our fallen brother, and the grieving young family he leaves behind..

Coverage from Statter911.com

More Info from Fire Critic

Posted in In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, LODD, News

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Posted by on December 23, 2011 • 3 comments

One lump or two? Moline drops the axe on 12 firefighter/paramedics.

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.

Posted in EMS, EMS Topics, Funding & Staffing, IAFF, News, Staffing, Videos, WTF?

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Posted by on December 14, 2011 • No comments

Five Alarm Building Fire in Downtown St. Louis- Live Video Now

A fire that may have been started by an explosion is now burning in a vacant downtown building along the riverfront in St. Louis.  No injuries were reported at this time, however the adjacent buildings had to be evacuated. 

The fire started just after 11 a.m. Thursday in the 700 block of South 6th Street. near the Poplar Street Bridge over the Mississippi River. 

Bystanders report the building is over 100 years old.

HazMat crews were originally dispatched due to an initial report of chemicals involved, however, chief officers on the scene have stated none have been found.

At one point early on, an evacuation signal was sounded sending all firefighters outside where an aggressive exterior attack was mounted as the north side of the building is reportedly appearing to prepare to buckle. Multiple elevated streams are seen making progress as the smoke pouring from the large building slowly lightens up in color.

The north side of the building is reportedly apearing to prepare to buckle. 

No firefighters are reported injured at this early report.

Click here for live video from Sky Zoom 4

Video from Fox2now.com

Posted in News, Videos

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Posted by on December 8, 2011 • No comments

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

It happened again.  We shouldn’t be surprised. 

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…..

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

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Posted by on December 6, 2011 • No comments

“Warning: This video is graphic and depicts a man being rescued from his burning home.”

“Warning: This video is graphic and depicts a man being rescued from his burning home.”

That’s the disclaimer shown at the beginning of this video just posted in YouTube by NewsWorking out of Pennsylvania.

On NewsWorking’s website, an accompanying article tells of firefighters arriving to a woman telling them her husband went back into their burning home to rescue their dog.

The video shows various emergency responders in action including police officers and Whitehall’s firefighters removing the victim from the front door and the eventual arrival of EMS.

Comments?

Stay stoked!

-J

Posted in Firefighting Operations, Fires, News, Rescues, Staffing, Videos

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Posted by on December 1, 2011 • 4 comments

The Daily Show and Fire Daily Both Agree: Former Volunteer Firefighter Brian Williams Should Have Reacted Differently

Yesterday, I wrote a short article "NBC blew it. Then they blew it again."about how NBC and Brian Williams mishandling of their response to a fire alarm during a live news broadcast did our nation's public a great disservice.

A little digging, and I found this today in the Washington Post:

A NBC News rep told The Associated Press it was just a drill and that technicians couldn’t immediately turn off loudspeakers on Williams’ new studio — as if that somehow made it seem better, not worse.

If Brian Williams truly knew that there was no need for alarm, a simple single-sentence explanation would have kept our nation's schoolchildren from wondering "why the pretty newsman isn't going outside."

Today, a video out from the folks over at Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" shows just how foolish the response was.

At the end, a choice to laugh it all off.

Ha ha ha.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Ha.

All better now?

 

Stay stoked!

-J

Posted in Fire Prevention & Education, News, Pub Ed, Videos, WTF?

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Posted by on December 1, 2011 • No comments

NBC blew it. Then they blew it again.

Whenever I give a size up upon arrival of a commercial fire alarm with people huddled outside in the parking lot, I never use the phrase “the building has been evacuated.”  Why?  More times than not, someone, apparently armed with omniscience (look it up) or at the very least a crystal ball refuses to budge.  Either the uninterrupted status of their valuable task at hand is paramount to life safety, or they are much too important (or comfortable) to be bothered by the multi-thousand dollar alarm system to move from their post.

Better to say “occupants are exiting the building” and remember that someone’s ass is still probably glued to their leather chair. 

What are the chances that the alarm is false?  What are the chances that there is no fire?  What are the chances that it’s just burnt popcorn again by those secretaries on the third floor?

Pretty high.

But what if?

And further, what if that one "glue-ass" morphs into two?  Then four.  And so on and so on….

This is why what happened Tuesday evening is another huge blow to the fine folks in the fire prevention bureau.  If NBC doesn’t stop what they’re doing and evacuate when the fire alarm sounds, why should anyone else?

What does this teach our school children?  I think it will never get that far, but does anyone still remember “Our Lady of Angels?”  Thank God our children still evacuate when they hear an alarm.  They are still smarter than some of the adults who grace God’s green earth.

Why is it that commercial buildings are never fully evacuated when the fire alarm goes off? 

There are many, but one of the primary reasons was further implanted in millions of American’s minds Tuesday night.  In the midst of NBC’s live network newscast, the fire alarm went off.  Did they evacuate?

Nope.

Earlier this summer, I was invited into the very room where Brian Williams’ desk sits for the nightly news.  I can vouch for the fact that there is no quick way out of this inner Sanctum, nor the busy control room off to Brian’s right.  If there had been an actual fire, we would have lost who some call “America’s hardest working news anchor.”

Obviously, it's very difficult to drop everything and flip off the switch when we are surprised by the fire alarm.  Which is exactly why such an incident needs to be planned for in advance, practiced, and put into play each time a fire alarm is activated.  Does NBC have such a plan?

One night later, I'm watching Brian Williams now on this evening's news cast.  He apologized.  Not for their inaction.  He expressed sorrow for the viewers who had to put up with what happened. 

Too hard on NBC?  Then so be it.  They dealt the fire service a huge blow by their non-actions on live TV in front of millions.  Then they blew it again by missing an opportunity to set their viewers straight on what should be done when the fire alarm sounds.

Posted in Fire Prevention & Education, News, Pub Ed, WTF?

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Posted by on November 30, 2011 • No comments

Timely Monday Morning Training

“One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six who jumped in the rear, we need massive EMS here.”

Most of you reading this have already probably heard the sad news on the passing of FDNY Brother Joey DiBernardo, one of six forced to jump 4 stories rather than be burnt alive back in January of 2005 in what has come to be known as “Black Sunday.” 

Of the six, Lieutenant John G. Bellew and Lieutenant Curtis Meyran succumbed to their injuries that day.  Firefighters Jeffrey Cool, Eugene Stolowski, and Brendan Cawley survived their jumps along with Lieutenant DiBernardo with massive physical injuries as well as haunting emotional trauma which remains to this day.

This morning an email from www.FirefighterCloseCalls.com (Home of the Secret List) is making its way to thousands of Brothers and Sisters, imploring all of us to take a few short moments to fully understand what has happened and who we have just lost.  Along with Chief Goldfeder and the others at Firefighter Close Calls, I want to make sure everyone gets this important message as we prepare to lay our Brother to rest tomorrow. 

Please ensure these videos are seen by all your companies, either at roll call, or shortly thereafter.  If you are on a volunteer department, please forward this information to all your contacts immediately.

For further enlightenment, utilize the NIOSH report and encourage discussion among your crews.  As usual, Command Safety lays out all the information you need to make the training useable, understandable, and accessible.

Here are the links:

Message from Firefighter Close Calls

Video about Brother Joey DiBernardo

Video about the Black Sunday Fire.

NIOSH Report

Command Safety’s Comprehensive Look at the Incident

 

God Bless you, Joey.  May he keep you in His tender care.

Posted in Brotherhood, Close Calls, Firefighting Operations, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, LODD, Mass Casualty Incident, Never Forget, News, Training, Training & Development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Videos

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Posted by on November 27, 2011 • No comments

Ohio Voters Deal Right-Wing Extremist Koch Brothers a Humiliating Blow

After watching the Koch-funded farce in Wisconsin earlier this year, Ohio voters screamed “hell no” against their statehouse Republican’s attack to limit collective bargaining abilities of 350,000 unionized workers.  The vote is a solid rejection of the nationwide attempt by the infamous Koch Brothers (not of Ohio) to bust unions.

According to reports from the Associated Press, Ohio voters rejected Issue 2, an effort to turn back the Senate Bill 5, the bargaining law that would have dealt a blow to government employees including firefighters.

Republican Gov. John Kasich has made SB 5 the centerpiece of his administration, but nearly one third of Republicans polled stood up and said that this bill goes too far. This isn’t about partisan ideology. The battle here isn’t Republicans versus Democrats. This is about a large swath of our society that has been squeezed in a vice of greed.

We Are Ohio, the union-backed coalition opposing the law, had significant leads in both fundraising and polls heading into Election Day, building off anger over the bill that prompted days of Statehouse protests earlier this year.

Just more proof that the voice of the people is worth far more than the millions of dollars pumped in by outside extremists. 

Congratulations, Ohio.  You showed them!

Stay stoked!

-J

Posted in News

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Posted by on November 8, 2011 • No comments

This is only a test. Right? Right.

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and some other guy

 

Unless, by some horrific coincidence, something really bad happens at the same time.  Then we're screwed,

Wednesday at 2pm ET, in partnership with the FCC and local and national broadcasters, FEMA is participating in a national test of the Emergency Alert System.  This will be the first nationwide test and will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

The test will not involve other communication devices such as the Internet, LAN and mobile telephones. No other communications networks or devices will be impacted by the test, meaning that people will be able to continue use their cell phones, the internet and other communications channels during the test. There will be no disruption of those services.

Here’s the rub: some TV stations across the country may not have the ability to change the text seen on screens within their viewing area to read “This is only a test”.  They will only have a voice saying it’s just a test.  This is a limitation of the old system.  Sight- and hearing-impaired citizens may be alarmed by what they may think is an actual emergency.

FEMA and the FCC are actively developing a new system which would address this and other issues, including those which may affect disabled people.

FEMA is trying to spread the word to those persons who may be alarmed by what they may think is an actual emergency.  If you know anyone who may be affected by this limitation, please let them know that this is only a test.

As the nationwide test takes place, this is an excellent opportunity to take a quick look at your personal disaster plan.  What actions would you take in the event of a true emergency?  Are you prepared to move quickly with the items you’ll need should you be directed to do so?  Alternatively, are you prepared to shelter in place (SIP) for a period of 3-6 days?  What items would you really wish you had that you could lay hands on now BEFORE the event? 

Check out www.Ready.gov for useful information on how to ready yourself and your family (not ‘if’ but) when the next emergency surprises you!

So don't worry when the test occurs.  It should be only about 30 seconds, then Maury will be right back with the DNA findings and lie detector results…

Posted in News, Pub Ed, Technology & Communications, Videos

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Posted by on November 8, 2011 • 1 comment

You’ve spilled something there on your shirt, Chief.

A conversation heard at a Midwestern fire department between Bobby, the Training Officer and his Chief:

 

Fire Chief:  Go away, Bobby, I’m eating.

T.O. Bobby:  Hey, Your Eminence, I have some good news and I have some good news.

Fire Chief:  You know me, Bobby.  Give me the bad news first.

T.O. Bobby:  There is no bad news, Chief.

Fire Chief:  There’s never no bad news, Bobby.  This is 2010, remember?

T.O. Bobby:  Well, Chief, it’s actually 20-   Doesn’t matter.  Anyway, it’s true.  No bad news, today!

Fire Chief:  OK, then give me the second good news thing first.

T.O. Bobby:  Ahh, still trying to trip me up, eh?  OK, well I found a way to get some kick-ass training for a few of our guys and want to allow YOU the opportunity to offer it to them.

Fire Chief:  That’s what I’m not paying you anything extra for, Bobby.

T.O. Bobby:  What would you say if I found a place, a NEARBY place, which offered a fire training and leadership conference?

Fire Chief:  You mean Indiana?  You know we can’t afford that anymore, Bobby.  Those dinner receipts from Shula’s put us over budget again last year.  T.O. Bobby:  No, not there.  Closer.  And we don’t have to stay in the Super Duper 6 Motel on the freeway on the other side of town because we didn’t lock in our room reservations back in 2006.

Fire Chief:  Hey, it was only 17.5 miles away and the parking downtown was under $30 a day, what are you complaining about?

T.O. Bobby:  Who’s complaining?  When we needed to get to the convention center, I fought to sit in the middle of the front seat of our Command Vehicle with your CAD shoved up my a—

Fire Chief:  Should have called shotgun there and back all included no take-backs.  Did you find a place that we wouldn’t have to drive to from the hotel?

T.O. Bobby:  Yep.  You’ve spilled something there on your shirt, Chief.

Fire Chief:  And we certainly don’t want to wait for such an event to happen one per year.  Fire training has been treated more like an anniversary than a continuous opportunity.  We need it all the time!

T.O. Bobby:  That’s another good news item.  This event is only a few weeks away, and the next a couple of weeks after that.  They’re scheduling a bunch of regional training seminars all next year customized to the area in which they’re presented!

Fire Chief:  Bet the event doesn’t have nationally-known speakers discussing current issues to the fire serice.

T.O. Bobby:  How much?

Fire Chief:  How much what?

T.O. Bobby:  Howmuchyawannabet?

Fire Chief:  Name one that I would know.

T.O. Bobby:  Mitchell.

Fire Chief:  Mitchell who?  Never heard of him.

T.O. Bobby:  John Mitchell?

Fire Chief:  Wasn’t that Nixon’s Attorney General?  He’s teaching fire stuff now?

T.O. Bobby:  No, no, no.  Look, forget Mitchell- that was a joke.  Let me try someone else.  Ever hear of Chief Brunacini?

Fire Chief:  Duh.  OK, who else?

T.O. Bobby:  Let’s see, they’ve got Dennis Rubin, Chris Naum, Rick Gasaway, Paul Hasenmeier, Tiger Something-or-other, and hey, Tim Sendelbach is keynoting!

Fire Chief:  And Nixon’s AG?  Isn’t he dead?

T.O. Bobby:  Yeah, Chief.  He’s dead. 

Fire Chief:  But you know our staff needs hands-on work.  Just last night, two guys from Red Shift busted two axes forcing entry into that house, remember?

T.O. Bobby:  Yes, Chief.  The unlocked glass sliding door kicked their asses.  That’s another plus.  The crack team from Brotherhood Instructors will be heading up several opportunities for hands-on training.  They’ve got classes on R.I.T., forcible entry, engine and truck company ops, and even that new “Man in the Machine” class we’ve been hearing about.

Fire Chief:  That’s hot.

T.O. Bobby:  Yes, Chief.  You made a little joke there.

Fire Chief:  What do you mean?

T.O. Bobby:  H-O-T.  Hands- on- tra… Never mind.

Fire Chief:  Well it all sounds great, Bobby-boy, but you know we can’t afford to send guys to conferences like these.  They’re too expensive, and most of the money just goes to some magazine publisher.  Not my idea of “sharing the knowledge.”

T.O. Bobby:  Chief, I know that.  But all this training comes at an affordable price.  I think you’d be surprised.

Fire Chief:  Surprised?  What have I told you about surprises?  I’m the friggin’ Chief- I HATE surprises.  Now go surprise me with cutting that 10 percent from your training budget.

T.O. Bobby:  That’s just it, Your Heaviness.  If we can sign up our guys by Friday, we can save 10 percent with Early Bird Registration.

Fire Chief:  You know, Bobby, you make it very difficult for me to pass on this opportunity.  To take advantage of the savings, perhaps we should use the Googles to sign up.  Can we sign up on the Googles?

T.O. Bobby:  Yes, Chief.  Just go to http://goforwardtraining.com/gateway/ and you can have all the information of the Gateway Midwest Program in St. Charles outside of St. Louis in October.

Fire Chief:  Bobby.  I have an idea. 

T.O. Bobby:  What’s that, Your Highness?

Fire Chief:  Let’s check out this new customized regional training I’ve been hearing about.  I think it’s near St. Louis or something.

T.O. Bobby:  Ahh, sure, Chief.  Great idea!

Fire Chief:  Make sure those Red Shift yahoos get signed up for the forcible entry program.  I don’t care if they’re free that weekend or not.

T.O. Bobby:  Doesn’t matter, sire.  There’s another regional conference set up in the Philly area just a couple of weeks later, and much more to come.

Fire Chief:  Your diatribe has become monotonous and tedious, as usual.  I grow weary of your presence.  Be gone. 

T.O. Bobby:  Done!

Fire Chief:  Oh, and Bobby?  Don’t forget to keep making me look good.

T.O. Bobby:  Of course, Your Majesty….

Posted in Chicagoland, News, Training, Training & Development

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Posted by on September 28, 2011 • No comments