To 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 would you guys let this happen to him? Why him? What do I say to them?”
Archives for news
The Passionate Discussion Continues Tuesday Night
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 StreetsTM, 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 StreetsTM the 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
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!
“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…..
Chief Ray Hoff, one of the best, passes.
CITY OF CHICAGO MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR RETIRED BATTALION CHIEF RAYMOND C. HOFF OF BATTALION 4 WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 26, 2011 AT HOLY FAMILY, CHURCH, 1080 W. ROOSEVELT ROAD
WAKE (AT CHURCH)
0900 HOURS TO 1100 HOURS FOLLOWED BY A MASS AT 1100 HOURS
UNIFORM MEMBERS WALK‐THRU AT 1030 HOURS
News has reached me that one of the most influential instructors in my career, retired Chicago Fire Battalion Chief Ray Hoff, had passed away earlier today. This brings great sadness, albeit tempered with thoughts of some of the finest training I was fortunate to receive in my career.
Ray Hoff. Once you see this picture, you begin to know him.
Chief Hoff is a third generation firefighter, serving most of his career as one of Chicago’s finest. He is the older brother of Chicago Fire Commissioner Robert “Bob’ Hoff, as well as his brother Rick, a white helmet in the Chicago burbs near me. Ray Hoff is most recently the Chief at Topinabee, Michigan.
The Hoff firefighter is a fireman’s fireman. They perform their job with pride, honor, and a commitment to each and every brother and sister fortunate enough to work alongside them. They each ooze “street cred.”
Though they would never substantiate the “rumor,: Ray and Bob Hoff were the brothers in the movie Backdraft. The early line of duty death funeral scene is based upon the actual event at the passing of their father, Tommy Hoff. Their relative silence on that rumor was a testament to their humility.
He was a sought after instructor on many levels, including the Illinois Fire Service Institute, which attracts the crème-de-le-crème. He lectured extensively on that which he knew best, how to operate safely and effectively on the fireground. He spoke eloquently on the Paxson Fire in Chicago, straight from his perspective as the first-in truck company at that horrific fire which claimed 20 lives.
In fact, Chief Ray Hoff taught me more on tactics and strategy in one hour than I learned in most 40-hour classes. He had the ability to speak “with” you, rather than just teach you. He was at his best when he was in “war story mode”, the way I found most appealing in learning anything regarding firefighting.
Chief Hoff lived and loved the fire service all the days of his life. In his passing, he certainly left the fire service in much more richer, wiser, and capable hands as he left an indelible footprint in many of our lives, especially mine.
Thank you Chief, from a grateful fire service. Godspeed.
Posted in Chicagoland, News, Training
He’ll come down. When’s the last time you saw a dead man in a tree?
On Wednesday, Firefighters in Vallejo, CA rescued a cat from a tree.
They also had to rescue the man who went up after the cat. The man apparently became stuck about 40 feet up, according to a report in the Times Herald by Rachel Raskin-Zrihen.
“His name is Joey, and we talked to him for a moment or two and he cooperated long enough that we were able to grab him, like his mother would do, by the back of the neck and bring him down the ladder,” Fire Captain Arturo Gonzales said.
Was he speaking of the cat?
Posted in Just For Fun, News
7-minute abs
Over 10,000 public safety workers are rallying at this moment at the Trenton Statehouse in yet another unprecedented effort to get their message out to New Jersey’s Governor.
In a report by Fox 29′s Katy Zachry, thousands of current and retired police and firefighters are trying to get the message out that New Jersey “is a much less safe place to live and work.”
12,000 Police, Firefighters Rally In NJ: MyFoxPHILLY.com
It’s yet another in the unexpected push back from those who have been the latest targets of elected officials looking for an answer to the econmic issues affecting us all.
Governor Christie, possibly considering a run for the leader of the Free World, has put forth a plan that would layoff even more workers and require those remaining to pay upwards of 30% toward their health insurance.
This coming just one day after the governor said he loves collective bargaining and he is ready to start negotiation with the state worker unions, the contracts for which are up in June.
Throughout America in previous years, major mismanagement of funds and raiding of pension coffers were the political answers needed to solve short-term financial headaches while at the same time getting re-elected to legislative positions at all levels.
As these actions are becoming more transparent, the local and state taxpayers are finally able to see the legislative shenanigans that have put them into the predicament now facing them.
National polling has surprised more than a few who thought the effort to end collective bargaining and further trash public pensions would be a cakewalk.
According to a Gallup Poll released last week, Americans strongly oppose laws taking away the collective bargaining power of public employee unions. The poll found 61% would oppose a law in their state similar to such a proposal in Wisconsin, compared with 33% who would favor such a law.
Unsurprisingly, Fox News originally “mis-represented” <cough> the statistics by reversing the polling data in their fair and balanced reporting, feeding their viewers data that 61% favored gutting collective bargaining. And so it goes at Fox…
Other key results from that Gallup Poll:
— 71% oppose increasing sales, income or other taxes while 27% are in favor that approach.
— 53% oppose reducing pay or benefits for government workers while 44% are in favor.
— 48% opposed reducing or eliminating government programs while 47% were in favor of cuts.
Other polls are showing the same data. In a CBS News poll, Fully 61 percent of those polled — including just over half of Republicans — said they thought the salaries and benefits of most public employees were either “about right” or “too low” for the work they do.
Credit CBS News
I’m imagining the reaction to this data by my vocal minority Tea Party Patriot friends and the closed-minded few who are instructed to see only one answer to the fiscal crisis- kill collective bargaining and gut the pensions.
The first thing that came to mind was the great hitchhiker scene from “There’s Something About Mary.” At about the 1:00 mark in the video below, Harland Williams gives what I think to be that Tea Party reaction.
Its about time we’re hearing the other patriots standing up for what they think is right. To the governors in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, and all across the nation, the sleeping giant has been roused.
Your cakewalk is over.
Stay stoked!
-J
Posted in Brotherhood, Funding & Staffing, News, Staffing, Videos
What have the unions ever done for us?
Ask a silly question, get a silly answer.
Posted in AFFI, Brotherhood, Change, News, Videos
Ever Want to Use Spike Strips? DEPLOY!
DEPLOY!
Finally.
After enduring days, weeks, months of heightened onslaught from politicians and various interest groups, the fire service is starting to fight back.
And we need to help.
Today.
Let’s think about the cool car chases we see on Cops and other similar TV shows. The criminal behind the wheel loses control of steering and powering the fleeing vehicle once the spike strips are deployed, and the chase is ended without any further danger to the innocent public.
As firefighters, we need to deploy our own spike strips for the same reason. Take away the steering and power of the lies being fed to the public before any further damage is done.
Fortunately, we are beginning to see some push-back in defense of the roles firefighters play in their communities. Slowly and not a moment too soon, we’re starting to see brave defenses begin to bubble up to the surface and shine some daylight on the truth.
Among those efforts this month, the IAFF is stepping up to the plate and mounting an effort. Check these out:
First up, a video that’s been out for awhile and puts the entire issue into perspective:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af9do3wNC8s
Next, a message from Harold Schaitberger that succinctly describes the facts that are missing from the vicious assaults we’ve been hearing lately. Take a look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gziy_zpEqmc&feature=related
Next up, a video made available for download on YouTube so that firefighters across the land. Whether volunteer, POP, POC, career, military, or private, we all should use it to throw down some spike strips on our own.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO-4O1Ccxtw
Finally, a video sent me by an east coast brother which I’ve echoed to my friends today as well.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/41503200#41503200
If you’ve had enough, spread the word.
Steer your email, facebook, and other social media contacts to the video links above. And if you know of any others, please pass them along to me so I can echo them as well.
It’s time to end this crap and get these lying drivers off the roads before they do any more damage.
Stay stoked!
-J
Posted in Brotherhood, Funding & Staffing, News, Pub Ed, Staffing, Videos
“Just-See Video”: Indy firefighter saves dog with CPR
At a huge townhouse fire overnight catches Indianapolis firefighters in action, including one unidentified firefighter giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to one grateful family’s black lab.
Here’s the full video report from WTHR.com:
Stay stoked!
-J
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?
Posted in Change, Fire Prevention & Education, Funding & Staffing, NetCast, News, Pub Ed, Staffing, Videos
“Just” See Video- The crime, the revenge, the reaction on a stolen snow shovel in Chicago…
Cameras are everywhere….
Watch as sweet revenge is taken on a thief caught on camera snatching a snow shovel from the porch of a Chicagoan’s home during last week’s blizzard here in the Windy City. This thief didn’t realize that the owner has an extensive video surveillance system set up around his home.
Polls being taken all week are running 90% in favor of the revenge. What say you?
Stay shoveled!
-J
Fire Daily’s 360 Burn Size Up of the Fire Webs 2/8/2011
VERBOTEN!
Lantigua’s Constitution Lacks a First Amendment
Lawrence, MA Mayor William Lantigua has informed his non-school city employees that they are banned from making public comments including on internet social networking sites without clearance from his office.
The provisional fire chief until last month, Brian Murphy, is no longer employed at the Lawrence Fire Department. Last month, Mayor Lantigua said that the chief’s criticism of cuts to the department’s budget were “causing unwarranted fear in our city,” and that any further comments “may lead to disciplinary action, including termination against you and/or members of your department.”
The issue of workplace speech by public employees has gone before the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts several times in recent years. Each time, the court has consistently distinguished between speech by employees who are on-duty and off.
So, back to the courts we go. Oh to be a lawyer in Lawrence.
Or a mayor.
Artist rendering
I’ve got a minivan and I’ll use it!
An Arlington, Massachusetts man was arrested Friday and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after he allegedly ran into firefighters who had been clearing hydrants.
59-year old Leo Najarian reportedly came out of his home to confront the firefighters about shoveling snow from the hydrants and leaving some on “his” sidewalk. According to the Arlington Police report on the incident, Najarian was yelling and arguing with the firefighters.
When the firefighters told him to leave, Najarian allegedly got into his vehicle and backed into Lt. Brian Gerra, who was not seriously injured, according to a police.
Apparently not a good listener with firefighters, Najarian also decided he didn’t need to listen to police. When they ordered him to stop, he fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
Flying Robotic Firefighter
In the latest chapter of “Where the Hell is My Damn Jet Pack I Was Promised When I Was a Kid”, firefighters in Australia have bypassed the spectacle of a “Flying Mitchell” and opted instead for the CyberQuad. This robot allows for firefighters to get an aerial perspective of a fire scene. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade is currently deploying it to detect hot spots in their war on wildfires which has been raging for weeks.
Note to everyone- this is by no means the end. I’m still impatiently waiting for my damn jet pack.
Stay stoked!
-J
Posted in 360 Burn, Administration & Leadership, Funding & Staffing, Leadership, News, Staffing, Videos, WTF?
Camden’s Sugar Daddy?
I know we’re only five weeks in, but my vote (so far) for Fire Daily’s “Person of the Year” goes to the citizens of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Virtually every other citizen -nay- “patriot” in our wondrous country is screaming at the top of their lungs for their governmental leaders to hold the line on spending and slash the tax burdens that weigh so heavily upon them.
Not Philadelphians.
Unencumbered by economic woes and apparently flush with manpower and resources, the leaders Philly taxpayers have elected to control their purses are preparing to step up to the plate and dole out their hard-earned cash to the red-headed stepchild across the Delaware.
In a different taxing body.
In a different state.
Read this report from a P
hilly fire captain in his blog, First In, complete with a letter from the Camden Chief to his troops.
In the letter, Camden Fire Chief Michael Harper writes about the current efforts between his city and Philadelphia to develop a “mutual aid package for extraordinary aid of fire department services.” This Philly fire captain is not looking forward to taking his Pennsylvania certifications and Pennsylvania equipment into the hell hole that is now Camden and doing the work previously done by the Camden guys who now find themselves without a job.
Ahhh. Now it makes complete sense how Camden officials could assure their citizens that public safety would not be compromised when they slashed personnel last month.
So to all the taxpayers in Philadelphia, thanks for having the wisdom to elect such generous leaders to share your vast wealth and resources!
Stay stoked!
-J
Posted in 360 Burn, Funding & Staffing, News, WTF?
Camden NJ FF Bobby Eckert oozes pure class Monday; Tuesday, he and 1/3 of his department are axed…
You may have heard the woes of the City of Camden, NJ which sits across the Delaware River from Philly, It ranked 2nd on a list of the nation’s most dangerous cities, down from first the previous two years. Violent crime is five times the national average according to FBI statistics. Three of Camden’s seven previous mayors have landed directly in jail for corruption, one while still “serving”.
Things are so bad, that tomorrow the city will have to find a way to make due with up to 383 less city employees which accounts for one quarter of the city’s employees. Gone will be nearly 44% of it’s police department.
The Camden Fire Department will lose fully 1/3 of its staff.
Not to worry though- we hear that the cuts will not affect public safety- that from Mayoral spokesman Robert Corrales ia a post from CNNMoney.com: He reassures the residents by proclaiming, “We’re still going to protect our residents,” and public safety “will remain our top concern. We’ll shift our resources to be more efficient with what we have.”
Well. we’ll see how ‘resource shifting” works out for the citizens of Camden in the upcoming days and weeks.
Amid all the blathering and baying, I ran across a Facebook update from Camden Firefighter Bobby Eckert, who is now my newest friend. Earlier today, he posted:
“Well tomorrow I turn in my badges and gear…I just want to say it was an absolute dream come true to be a fireman in Camden. It was nothing but a pleasure to work with everyone I worked with. I learned a lot and thank everyone who has taught me along the way…Lets Keep Are Heads Held High Tomorrow…They CAN’T Take Away Our Pride!!!!!!
Wow.
Hang in there, Bobby! Today’s fire service has a place for firefighters with this type of attitude and this much class. You will land on your feet, if not in Camden, somewhere else. And the fire service will be the better for it.
Thanks for sharing and know that there are thousands out here rooting for you and your partners.
Stay stoked!
-J
Posted in Brotherhood, Funding & Staffing, News, Staffing, WTF?
Arrangements as they are announced for Chicago firefighters Cory Ankum and Edward Stringer
Stay tuned to FireDaily.com as we will be updating this page with all the information you’ll need immediately upon notification of arrangements for both Brothers Cory Ankum and Edward Stringer throughout the upcoming days. We all join together to keep them, their families, and Brothers and Sisters in our warm thoughts and loving prayers, especially during this holiday season.
Edward Stringer Visitation and Funeral
Visitation is Monday, December 27, 2010 (3A) (EMS2) from 3pm-9pm
4727 W. 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL
(see map and directions below)
Funeral is Tuesday, December 28, 2010 (1A) (EMS 2) at 10am (tentative)
7740 S. Western, Chicago, IL
(see map and directions below)
Cemetery is pending
Cory Ankum Visitation
Visitation is Wednesday, December 29, 2010 from 3pm-9pm
Apostolic Church of God
63rd and Dorchester
(see map and directions below)
Funeral is Thursday, December 30, 2010
Location and times TBA
Hotel Information
Room blocks have been held at the following hotels for the week of 12/27 through 12/31
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 East Wacker (312)565-1234
$89 a night rate plus tax – mention block: “Firefighters Union”
Fairmont
200 North Columbus 1-800 526-2008
$119 a night plus tax with free parking – mention block : “Fire”
Ankum Family Memorial Fund
A memorial fund has been set up for the Ankum Family at Chase Bank. You can call any Chase Bank and tell them you would like to make a donation to this fund. Tell them it is a business fund under FF Corey Ankum Memorial Fund.
Maps and Directions
Click on the maps to visit their web page
Blake Lamb Funeral Home
click on the map for Blake Lamb's web page
St. Rita of Cascia Chapel
click on map for St. Rita's web page
Leak and Sons Funeral Home
Apostolic Church of God
Posted in Brotherhood, Chicagoland, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, LODD, News
VIDEO AND FIREGROUND AUDIO: (LODD) CFD’s Cory Ankum and Edward Stringer die, 19 firefighters seriously injured in Chicago Building Collapse- 100 years to the day of the Chicago Stockyards Fire that killed 21 firefighters
> Click here for comprehensive information regarding funeral arrangements, maps, hotels, etc. <
Two firefighters have lost their lives, and 19 others seriously injured in a building collapse during a fire this morning in an abandoned commercial building fire this morning at 1744 E. 75th Street in Chicago’s South Shore.
One of the firefighters, 34-year-old Cory Ankum from Tower Ladder 34, had been on the department only sixteen months. Corey had previously served as a Chicago Police officer before joining the city’s fire department. His wife is Mayor Richard Daley’s personal secretary. He is a father of three children under 12 years old, including a one-year old child.
The second firefighter is identified as Engine 63′s Edward Stringer, a 12-year veteran of the CFD. According to “a highly-dependable source” inside the CFD, he was working as a “relief Lieutenant”, covering for another Lieutenant for an unknown reason . Before Stringer went in with the hoseline, the normally-assigned Lieutenant showed up told him he could leave now. Stringer declined the offer, saying “I got it”, and went inside. The ensuing collapse killed him and Ankum.
Live Fireground Audio during the initial response and mayday
The tragic fire comes exactly 100 years to the day of another Chicago fire tragedy. On December 22, 1910, 21 firefighters died when a wall collapsed upon them at the Union Stockyards Fire. Until the collapse of the World Trade Center’s twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001, no single disaster in the history of the United States claimed the lives of more firefighters.
Many of those responding to the 3-11 fire left services commemorating that event and responded to today’s scene to assist in the rescue effort.
According to Chicago Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff, firefighters entered the burning structure because of reports there may have been squatters inside the old laundry and cleaning facility. So far, no other victims have been located.
At one point in the 2-11 fire, a wall collapse occurred, sending the flat wooden roof crashing down on firefighters burying them in the rubble. Instantaneously, a mayday was sounded and rescue efforts were mounted.
The fire was initially brought under control with two lines when the collapse occurred. The alarm was escalated to a 3-11 and an EMS plan 2 bringing in 10 additional ambulances. Two firefighters were quickly rescued, and the other two needed hydraulic tools for their rescue in the rear of the building as the fire continued to progress.
All firefighters have finally been accounted for. The initial accounting was difficult as the fire came in right at shift change. Normally assigned crews were mixed between the two shifts.
Everyday Chicagoans joined firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement along the streets as the fire department ambulances carrying the bodies of the two Chicago firefighters passed by on their way to the Medical Examiner’s office. Firefighters were too overcome with grief to grant interviews with the press just a few hours after the tragic events.
Posted in Chicagoland, Fires, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, LODD, Major Incidents, News, Videos
We should be ashamed of ourselves.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Lame-as-F@#k Congress | ||||
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First responders and their families loaded buses Tuesday and went to Washington to implore our government to end the stalling and do what’s right- Pass the damn bill already.
As if on cue, news just in hours ago that Republican Senator Tom Coburn, from Oklahoma, has vowed he will block the Senate leadership from bringing up the vote once again by Christmas.
“Mr. Coburn wants the package to be funded through spending cuts, the aide said. He and others in his party have questioned whether the money would overlap with workers’ compensation and other aid provided to Sept. 11 first responders.”
I see.
So, we’re done being on vacation during the tax bill which cost nearly a trillion and we should start shouting again about 6.2 billion?
Got it. We’re all back to worrying about the deficit. As long as everyone tells me when to put on my three-cornered hat and brew up some tea, I won’t be forced to think for myself. I’ll just let these “leaders” do my thinking for me.
Merry frickin’ Christmas, Senator Coburn. Do what you think is right are instructed to do.
Where is our outrage on Congress’ failure to pass the Zadroga Bill?
Why should it take nine years for us to act when our fellow brothers and sisters took less than 9 seconds to react and do what we do best?
Day by day, month by month, year by year, 36,000 American heroes we so lovingly call our brothers and sisters, are slowly dying from the effects of the tainted atmosphere at Ground Zero
The same government that told them the air was safe to work in is still denying benefits that would help save their lives.
Where is our outrage?
Why aren’t we just as furious as this Congressman?
Brothers? Sisters?
No one deserves a “family” that lets this inhuman insanity happen to their loved ones.
We get the government we deserve. WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT.
We should be ashamed of ourselves.
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
Posted in Brotherhood, In the Line of Duty, Line of Duty, LODD, NetCast, Never Forget, News
Tweet Tweet… A Little Birdie Just Told Me Your Engine Company Was Out Of Service
The citizenry in FDNY’s East Village are being notified when their local apparatus is unavailable to respond to their potential emergencies.
According to a story out in the New York Post today, firefighters of Engine Company 28 and Ladder Company 11 have been tweeting these unsanctioned announcements.
“We’re just trying to let people know when we’re not around,” said a source familiar with the instant-messaging tactic, which has nothing to do with the FDNY’s official Twitter account.
The holiday staff at Fire Daily, after checking out yet another installment of Dave Statter’s new-found hilarity, “Animated Comments- Thanksgiving Edition”, quickly returned to reality long enough to scrub their eyes and ears clean of all they had just witnessed before checking into the reported tweetster.
Some of the tweets are coming from ManCB3FireWatch who offers up the following for a profile on his account on Twitter:
Manhattan Community Board 3 We serve as a method of letting the residents of Alpha City & LES know when their local fire companies are closed for the day or placed out of service.
FireDaily is now following ManCB3FireWatch on twitter, although there is no guarantee as to how long the account will remain active.
Until then, what we have NOT got here…is a failure to communicate.
Posted in 360 Burn, Funding & Staffing, News, Technology & Communications
My Worst Call- The Seven Angels of Fox River Grove
Everyone has their worst call.
Mine occurred 15 years ago this morning as an express commuter train traveling at about 70 mph struck a school bus packed full of high school students. Seven died and dozens more were injured.
Bus body comes to rest 180 degrees and off the chassis
The bus was stopped for a red light and a few feet of the rear portion remained within the path of the speeding train. As the train gates came down on top of the bus, students screamed for the driver to move. Some seated in the rear of the bus left the seats and ran forward to get c;ear of the impact point.
The train struck the bus, separating the body from the chassis with such force that several of the children were cruelly hurled directly through the side wall and windows of the bus as the body spun 180 degrees in a fraction of a second.
Four died instantly, three others would fight for their lives before succumbing to their injuries.
My department was small, and I was the lone full-timer. Not yet on duty, I responded from home, about three blocks away. Our Assistant Chief was having coffee across the street with a neighboring chief and was on the scene instantly. He established Command and immediately called for a five-alarm EMS response and an additional request for three medical helicopters.
Arriving a few moments later, I was tasked as the triage officer. I just went into automatic mode as I suspect everyone else did as well.
The chaotic scene, littered with dead and dying children, was awash with passing motorists cradling the injured. Nurses suctioned airways, off duty firefighters forced entry into the mangled school bus.
There was screaming, and there was silence. It was the most surreal event of my life.
Eventually, as resources arrived, everything gelled and ran as smoothly as could be expected. An impromptu sector called “parents” was set up to control the response and notifications paramount during the incident.
In the following days, a dozen satellite trucks and the constant drone of helicopters permeated out small community. It was the nightmare that seemingly had no end. Rescue workers followed up with their patients with daily visits to their hospital bedsides. Sadly, wakes and funerals seemed endless, but the community responded with open arms and compassion.
Each year we pause to think of the seven angels taken away from us on that crisp, sunny morning. God bless those children and those they left behind.
Jeffrey Clark, 16
Stephanie Fulham, 15
Susana Guzman, 18
Michael Hoffman, 14
Joseph Kalte, 16
Shawn Robinson, 14
Tiffany Schneider, 15
Our Seven Angels.
Posted in Chicagoland, Disasters, Major Incidents, Mass Casualty Incident, Never Forget, News
Washington State Referees Become the Latest Victims of Common NONsense
Can you believe the story out of Washington State in which a dozen or so high school football referees face disciplinary action for their outrageous behavior this week?
Drunk or high? Nope.
None were involved in a physical confrontation with players or parents. No accusations of throwing a game, neither.
So what happened?
They donated all their paychecks for this week’s games to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in support of breast cancer research. If that weren’t enough, they decided to use pink whistles during the games as well.
Here is the video report from KING 5 News:
Fresh out of the cacophony in Obion County, Tennessee, here is yet another example of common sense gone nuts. Just as the firefighters and their policymakers in South Fulton found themselves embarrassed in a global outcry of “what are you idiots thinking?”, the Washington Officials Association has become a victim of their own short-sightedness by publicly condemning the officials- for supporting breast cancer research without permission.
Todd Stordahl, chairman of the WOA, says he has little choice but to discipline officials who used colored whistles. He claims that letting them continue without punishment would send the wrong message to student athletes. “It sends the wrong message to kids,” he said.
Hey Todd? What about the message being sent out by the WOA?
Again we find ourselves realizing the idiocy of reacting the wrong way. Sometimes, the result is not what we expected- nor wished for. But when we react without thinking it all the way through, we deserve the fallout.
Idiots.
Whoa! What Did THESE Council Members Say?
Minds are like parachutes. Just because you've lost yours doesn't mean you can borrow mine.
As we trudge through the muck of crap we’ve been hearing from Oakbrook, Illinois, Xenia, Ohio, and Obion County in Tennessee, I have become weary, incredulous, and frankly- pissed off.
You’ll understand then, how ecstatic I was when this video was forward me.
It’s from a Village Board meeting in a neighboring town of mine- Palatine, Illinois. Firefighters stepped up and shared with those who hold the purse strings the reality of operating as a firefighter and paramedic in their local community. As these council members fervently extol, their eyes were opened.
Palatine Council Meeting Clip 10-4-10 from AFFIVideo on Vimeo.
It’s a welcome breath of fresh air when I needed one most. The video gives us hope that sanity still exists despite the slop we’ve been enduring.
It worked in Palatine. I wonder if we can make this work elsewhere?
Hmmm.
Stay stoked!
-J
Posted in Administration & Leadership, AFFI, Change, Chicagoland, Firefighters, Funding & Staffing, IAFF, News, Pub Ed, Staffing, Videos
Chicago Fire: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Remembrance Night
On the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, many of us in and around the Chicagoland area are gearing up for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Remembrance Night at Toyota Park on October 8.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will host a hospitality area at the game. Here is your chance to participate in one of our area’s biggest fund raisers for the NFFF.
Here’s what you get:
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Ticket to see our champion Chicago Fire play the Columbus Crew!
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Admission to the special NFFF Hospitality Area for two hours prior to the game!
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All inclusive of food and beverages!
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Silent Auction with proceeds to benefit the NFFF!
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$10 of each ticket is a donation to the NFFF!
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Camaraderie with the best group of people- your fellow firefighters, their families, and friends!
Get your group together, check out renting a bus or two, and come down and party with your fellow firefighters, watch a great soccer match, and support a fantastic cause- the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation!
Click the picture below to purchase your tickets. Be sure to use the promo code “nfff”
Click here for tickets. Use promo code "nfff"
Posted in Brotherhood, Chicagoland, In the Line of Duty, Just For Fun, Line of Duty, Never Forget, News, Videos
NIOSH report out on Homewood (IL) Fire Dept. that killed Brian Carey last March. Happy Groundhog Day- again.
not again.....
NIOSH Report 2010-10 is out, and it ain’t pretty.
Familiar? Yes.
Pretty? Pretty hard to swallow…again.
The report once again shines the tired spotlight upon familiar factors that continue to injure and kill firefighters despite our commitment to “never forget.”
But we are forgetting.
First, a short review of the findings made by NIOSH on this interior attack on a well-involved residence with the report of people trapped inside.
On March 30, 2010 The Homewood (IL) Fire Department arrived and found heavy fire conditions at the rear of the house and moderate smoke conditions elsewhere inside. A search crew immediately entered to rescue a civilian trapped in the rear of the house, and a handline crew quickly advanced a 2 ½ inch line into the front door.
conditions as crews went interior (photo by Warren Skalski)
From the report, a photo of the A-B corner showing conditions prior to the hostile fire event in which thick, black smoke can be scene billowing out the front door, A-side. Although difficult to see in this photo, the A-side picture windows are covered in soot. What can we determine is going on inside as two are searching and two are operating a hoseline?
- photo by Warren Skalski
Here’s a shot of smoke blowing out horizontally from the B-side window after just being broken out by the firefighter there. Smoke is now pumping out with more speed from the front door. What is going on “inside the box” where the hoseline and search crews are operating? Now are we at a point in which we’re just about to kill firefighters?
At this moment, interior crews observed thick black rolling (moving) smoke banked down to knee level. As ventilation was taking place, the search crew saw flames rolling over through the smoke near the ceiling.
Then it happened.
That which we now all see from the comfort of our laptops and computer monitors- that which we have seen coming for quite some time in this story- moreover that for which we have been trained constantly- a hostile fire event (in this case a flashover) occurs.
It was inevitable here, and it was deadly here.
photo by Warren Skalski
According to the report, the search crew yelled to the hose crew to “get out” as they exited the building, then returned inside to rescue an injured hoseline firefighter. Once she was brought out, they returned in to find the victim firefighter trapped in his ruptured 2 ½” line with is SCBA facepiece removed. He was quickly removed and worked on the scene by paramedics before being transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
What can you do, reader, to keep this from happening the next time you find yourself on this type of incident, all too common for firefighters throughout the nation?
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Let’s see what NIOSH identified as factors which contributed to the death of one firefighter and the injury of another:
- Well involved fire with entrapped civilian upon arrival
- Incomplete 360 degree situational size-up
- Inadequate risk-versus-gain analysis
- Ineffective fire control tactics
- Failure to recognize, understand, and react to deteriorating conditions
- Uncoordinated ventilation and its effect on fire behavior
- Removal of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) facepiece
- Inadequate command, control, and accountability
- Insufficient staffing.
NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS
From their investigation, NIOSH offers recommendations which can be extremely useful for any fire department member, officer, training officer, and command staff to get across to their organization before they respond to a similar incident. Here are their recommendations:
Recommendation #1: Fire departments should ensure that a complete 360 degree situational size-up is conducted on dwelling fires and others where it is physically possible and ensure that a risk versus-gain analysis and a survivability profile for trapped occupants is conducted prior to committing to interior fire fighting operations.
photo by John Ratko
According to this report, a 360 was not done prior to the interior attack, and here’s what they would have seen in this photo shot from the C-side.
Recommendation #2: Fire departments should ensure that interior fire suppression crews attack the fire effectively to include appropriate fire flow for the given fire load and structure, use of fire streams, appropriate hose and nozzle selection, and adequate personnel to operate the hoseline.
The report looks at the handline selection of the interior crew, pointing out the relative maneuverability that an 1 ¾” line has over the deuce and a half used here.
“Fire fighters and officers need to understand that while a 2½-inch hoseline provides a greater flow, fire fighters need to be able to move the line quickly and efficiently interiorly, especially when performing a search and experiencing deteriorating fire conditions.”
Recommendation #3: Fire departments should ensure that fire fighters maintain crew integrity when operating on the fireground, especially when performing interior fire suppression activities.
The report describes a point where the hoseline team became separated. The 2010 IAFC ROE of Structural Firefighting states, “Go in together, stay together, come out together.”
Recommendation #4: Fire departments should ensure that fire fighters and officers have a sound understanding of fire behavior and the ability to recognize indicators of fire development and the potential for extreme fire behavior.
From the report: “The search and rescue crew (operating without the protection of a hoseline) were able to make a quick determination that the conditions within the house were imminent to flashover. They made an attempt to alert the victim and injured fire fighter/paramedic, but were too late.”
“If conditions are right for a flashover, there are only seconds to make a decision. Fire fighters will be met with a sudden increase in heat and rollover within the ceiling level. The injured fire fighter/paramedic was unaware that the conditions she was operating in deteriorated quickly. She remembers thick, black smoke pushing down to the floor while in the structure and then “the room and everything in it caught fire.”
“Prior to the flashover, windows on the B-side were vented and thick, black and heavily pressurized smoke billowed from these windows. The IC, and individuals working on the exterior, need to recognize this as a potential for extreme fire behavior and evacuate interior crews. Obtaining proper training and hands-on experience through the use of a flashover simulator may assist interior fire fighters in making sound decisions on when to evacuate a structure fire.”
Recommendation #5: Fire departments should ensure that incident commanders and fire fighters understand the influence of ventilation on fire behavior and effectively coordinate ventilation with suppression techniques to release smoke and heat.
Again, from the report: “During this incident, uncoordinated ventilation occurred while the hoseline and search and rescue crews were inside the house. The victim and other fire fighters, within the small house, were between the fire and the ventilation source. One fire fighter accounts heavy, turbulent, black smoke pushing from a window on the B-side after it was broken. Shortly after, the house sustained an apparent ventilation-induced flashover.”
Recommendation #6: Fire departments should ensure that fire fighters use their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and are trained in SCBA emergency procedures.
The victim firefighter was found with his facepiece removed. No conclusion has been drawn as to whether he removed it or whether it became dislodged from an exterior force. But the report emphasizes that firefighters be trained on those SCBA emergency procedures which have been shown to offer the best possible chance for survival.
Recommendation #7: Fire departments should ensure that adequate staffing is available to respond to emergency incidents.
See if you’ve heard this type of staffing report before:
“During this incident, the victim’s department responded with three personnel on the engine and two personnel on the ambulance, but the Still assignment also consisted of an engine, two ladder trucks, and a squad, with four fire personnel on each. It was routine to have an ambulance respond with an engine on a first due fire assignment. Due to short staffing, the ambulance personnel were tasked with fire suppression activities, thus taking them out-of-service as a medical unit.”
“Also, due to short staffing, the lieutenant/acting officer (IC) was required to ride and operate as the officer of E534. This removed him from his command response vehicle which would have allowed him to command at a tactical level versus having to potentially perform tasks.”
[Reader: Insert your emotional comment here]
Recommendation #8: Fire departments should ensure that staff for emergency medical services is available at all times during fireground operations.
During this incident, the victim and the injured fire fighter/paramedic responded in an ambulance. Upon their arrival to the scene, the IC immediately tasked them with interior operations due to staffing issues. The IC did not request an additional ambulance to respond to the scene for medical care until after the victim was down within the house. Additional resources (e.g., apparatus and personnel) arrived minutes after the ambulance’s arrival.
Recommendation #9: Fire departments and dispatch centers should ensure they are capable of communicating with each other without having to monitor multiple channels/frequencies on more than one radio.
During this incident, the IC had to monitor more than one radio and even had to go to the cab of his engine to accomplish this task. Having to monitor multiple radios and potentially take your eyes off the scene for a moment could be extremely detrimental to the management of the incident.
Recommendation #10: Fire departments should ensure that the incident commander, or designee, maintains close accountability for all personnel operating on the fireground.
During this incident, the accountability system was never set in place and a PAR was not conducted following the Mayday.
Recommendation #11: Fire departments should ensure that fire fighters wear a full array of turnout clothing and personal protective equipment appropriate for the assigned task while participating in fire suppression.
During this incident, the victim was discovered without a hood over his head or rolled down on his neck. NIOSH investigators could not determine whether this equipment was properly donned prior to the incident.
Recommendation #12: Fire departments should ensure that a separate incident safety officer, independent from the incident commander, is appointed at each structure fire.
Although there is no evidence that this recommendation, or certain others made above would have prevented this fatality, it is being provided as a reminder of a good safety practice.
Recommendation #13: Fire departments should ensure that all fire fighters are equipped with a means to communicate with fireground personnel before entering a structure fire.
During this incident, the victim did have a radio, but it was positioned in the back pocket of his station pants. Thus, when he donned his bunker pants, his radio became inaccessible during the incident.
Recommendation #14: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) should consider developing more comprehensive training requirements for fire behavior to be required in NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications and NFPA 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications.
Here, here! Let’s not forget the basics: Building Construction and Fire Behavior! Check this out and compare it to your training records:
“According to documented training reviewed by NIOSH investigators, the victim, injured fire fighter/paramedic, and IC had a combined 24 hours of fire behavior training out of 5,654 total combined training hours. Additional fire behavior training to include such areas as theory, chemistry, physics, smoke reading, current research, and the cause and effects of tactics during fire suppression operations may improve fire fighter safety.”
24 HOURS BETWEEN THE THREE OF THEM!
Again, I ask you, “How can the death of brother firefighter Brian Carey teach us that his life was not lost in vain?”
Again, I tell you: “Learn from what happened from that day. Then perform a long hard look at the way your organization operates, and utilize what you’ve learned here to make the changes necessary to ensure you and your brothers head home after the fire.
I can tell you that the news reports here in Chicago are all approaching this story from the standpoint that the fire department was “ill-prepared” in this case. Imagine how this sucks for this fire department, and each of the members that have to re-live the events of that night all over again- this time while being publicly undressed in the press.
Brian Carey
Then empathize with them and ask yourself how you would feel- as a proud firefighter- if this had been your department?
Don’t allow yourself the superficial response of pointing your finger at this department. That won’t help now. Instead, turn the finger back toward yourself and create from this tragic story a positive learning experience and opportunity to improve your situation.
START TODAY!
Stay stoked!
-J
To donate to the Brian Carey Memorial Fund, visit www.rideforboo.org. The site also offers registration for those interested in taking part in the ride to Colorado. Donations also can be made at any First Midwest Bank branch or can be mailed to: Brian Carey Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1171, Homewood, IL 60430. For more information about any of the events, contact Mike Bell at (708) 653-1394
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