You got to see this to believe it!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
USA Wake Up
You're probably already aware of most of the information presented here,
but these guys did a nice job of dramatizing it.
http://oldbluewebdesigns.com/USSA.htm
but these guys did a nice job of dramatizing it.
http://oldbluewebdesigns.com/USSA.htm
Air Angels Crash Investigation
October 30, 2008
Beacon News Staff
Aurora -- With no indication of tower lighting problems or helicopter malfunctions in the fatal Air Angels crash two weeks ago, investigators have turned to the pilot’s background for clues.
Pilot Del Waugh’s “experience and background” will be looked into as the investigation continues, John Brannen of the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday morning.
His duty time and work on similar medical transport missions will be checked, as well as a 72-hour history of Waugh prior to the Oct. 15 crash. Waugh, two crewman and a 14-month-old patient died when the chopper struck a radio tower owned by WBIG-AM and crashed just east of Eola Road.
On Thursday, the NTSB released its first formal account of the incident. The seven-paragraph account covers the evidence obtained by NTSB investigators. It indicates “no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction” was found after inspection of the airframe, flight controls, engines and drive system recovered after the crash.
The report also states the helicopter’s rotor severed the conduit that provided electrical power to the strobe lighting system, which had been questioned by witnesses.
A report on a probable cause will take several months.
Beacon News Staff
Aurora -- With no indication of tower lighting problems or helicopter malfunctions in the fatal Air Angels crash two weeks ago, investigators have turned to the pilot’s background for clues.
Pilot Del Waugh’s “experience and background” will be looked into as the investigation continues, John Brannen of the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday morning.
His duty time and work on similar medical transport missions will be checked, as well as a 72-hour history of Waugh prior to the Oct. 15 crash. Waugh, two crewman and a 14-month-old patient died when the chopper struck a radio tower owned by WBIG-AM and crashed just east of Eola Road.
On Thursday, the NTSB released its first formal account of the incident. The seven-paragraph account covers the evidence obtained by NTSB investigators. It indicates “no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction” was found after inspection of the airframe, flight controls, engines and drive system recovered after the crash.
The report also states the helicopter’s rotor severed the conduit that provided electrical power to the strobe lighting system, which had been questioned by witnesses.
A report on a probable cause will take several months.
Fire in Naperville Restaurant
October 30, 2008
FROM STNG WIRE REPORTS
Two men were burned late Wednesday during an explosion and fire at a west suburban Naperville restaurant.
Emergency personnel responded at 10:53 p.m. to an explosion at Gigi’s Restaurant on the 2700 block of West 111th Street (Hassert Boulevard), Naperville police Cmdr. Joel Truemper said.
Emergency crews work the scene of an explosion Wednesday night at GiGi's Restaurant in Naperville. (Craig Watson/Special to the Naperville Sun) Two men were injured in the explosion. One man was “severely burned” and the other was “walking around.” Both men were believed to be employees and were taken to Edward Hospital in Naperville, Truemper said.
Truemper said six police units and multiple fire trucks remained at the battling the blaze early Thursday. The fire has not been extinguished as of 12:30 a.m. and has already caused substantial damage. The blaze did not spread to nearby stores in the strip mall but smoke damage is expected.
The restaurant’s Web site describes the eatery as a pancake house specializing in lunch and dinner -- especially Greek foods. Owner and host Peter Ladias has more than 30 years of restaurant experience, the site said.
The origin of the explosion was not immediately known and a police and fire task force has been sent to the scene to evaluate the cause and whether the explosion is suspicious.
Emergency crews remained at the scene at 12:45 a.m.
FROM STNG WIRE REPORTS
Two men were burned late Wednesday during an explosion and fire at a west suburban Naperville restaurant.
Emergency personnel responded at 10:53 p.m. to an explosion at Gigi’s Restaurant on the 2700 block of West 111th Street (Hassert Boulevard), Naperville police Cmdr. Joel Truemper said.
Emergency crews work the scene of an explosion Wednesday night at GiGi's Restaurant in Naperville. (Craig Watson/Special to the Naperville Sun) Two men were injured in the explosion. One man was “severely burned” and the other was “walking around.” Both men were believed to be employees and were taken to Edward Hospital in Naperville, Truemper said.
Truemper said six police units and multiple fire trucks remained at the battling the blaze early Thursday. The fire has not been extinguished as of 12:30 a.m. and has already caused substantial damage. The blaze did not spread to nearby stores in the strip mall but smoke damage is expected.
The restaurant’s Web site describes the eatery as a pancake house specializing in lunch and dinner -- especially Greek foods. Owner and host Peter Ladias has more than 30 years of restaurant experience, the site said.
The origin of the explosion was not immediately known and a police and fire task force has been sent to the scene to evaluate the cause and whether the explosion is suspicious.
Emergency crews remained at the scene at 12:45 a.m.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Home Explosion Believed Triggered by TV Remote
Associated Press
October 28, 2008
BILLINGS, Mo. (AP) – Authorities in southwest Missouri say a TV remote control probably triggered an explosion that destroyed a Christian County home on Tuesday morning.
The only person in the home at the time, Cindy Curry, 66, was blown outside but had only minor injuries. Firefighters said it’s amazing she survived at all.
Curry’s husband, Jerry, said he smelled propane gas in the 10-year-old house late Monday. But the smell was gone Tuesday morning, so he went out to have breakfast with friends.
His wife then turned on the TV, and Billings Fire Chief Henry Bos said it appears the remote control ignited propane still in the house.
The couple lost two of their dogs and a bird.
October 28, 2008
BILLINGS, Mo. (AP) – Authorities in southwest Missouri say a TV remote control probably triggered an explosion that destroyed a Christian County home on Tuesday morning.
The only person in the home at the time, Cindy Curry, 66, was blown outside but had only minor injuries. Firefighters said it’s amazing she survived at all.
Curry’s husband, Jerry, said he smelled propane gas in the 10-year-old house late Monday. But the smell was gone Tuesday morning, so he went out to have breakfast with friends.
His wife then turned on the TV, and Billings Fire Chief Henry Bos said it appears the remote control ignited propane still in the house.
The couple lost two of their dogs and a bird.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thermal Imaging Cameras Work
A Waltham man who collapsed after saving his wife from their burning vacation home in New Hampshire early yesterday would likely have perished if not for the thermal-imaging camera that enabled volunteer firefighters to locate him, authorities said.
"It was extremely smoky. There was zero visibility," said Deputy Chief Scott Taylor of the Sanbornton Fire Department in central New Hampshire's Lakes Region.
"The fire was contained to a room on the first floor," Taylor said, "however, he was found at the top of the stairs, unresponsive."
Despite his brush with death, Robert Livoti, 65, was treated at Franklin Regional Hospital and released.
"It was extremely smoky. There was zero visibility," said Deputy Chief Scott Taylor of the Sanbornton Fire Department in central New Hampshire's Lakes Region.
"The fire was contained to a room on the first floor," Taylor said, "however, he was found at the top of the stairs, unresponsive."
Despite his brush with death, Robert Livoti, 65, was treated at Franklin Regional Hospital and released.
Chicago Crews Take Gear Home for Obama Rally
Off-duty Chicago firefighters and paramedics have been ordered to take all of their gear home with them to speed deployment in the event of an emergency at Barack Obama's giant election night rally in Grant Park.
The order begins next Wednesday and continues until Nov. 6 -- two days after the election.
Firefighters have been ordered to take home gear that includes protective clothing known as bunker gear, gloves, face mask, helmet, boots and breathing apparatus tank.
Firefighters work 24 hours on -- and then have 48 hours off. Paramedics work 24 hours on -- with 72 hours off.
Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford acknowledged the order was prompted by the massive Obama rally.
"This way, their gear would be with them instead of having to go to the firehouse to get their gear. They could be sent to any location with their gear already with them," Langford said.
"It's a precautionary measure so they can respond if they have to in the unlikely event they would be required to report for duty," he said.
The last time firefighters were ordered to take their gear home was in August, when a South Side pumping station was swamped, raising concerns about widespread flooding.
The order begins next Wednesday and continues until Nov. 6 -- two days after the election.
Firefighters have been ordered to take home gear that includes protective clothing known as bunker gear, gloves, face mask, helmet, boots and breathing apparatus tank.
Firefighters work 24 hours on -- and then have 48 hours off. Paramedics work 24 hours on -- with 72 hours off.
Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford acknowledged the order was prompted by the massive Obama rally.
"This way, their gear would be with them instead of having to go to the firehouse to get their gear. They could be sent to any location with their gear already with them," Langford said.
"It's a precautionary measure so they can respond if they have to in the unlikely event they would be required to report for duty," he said.
The last time firefighters were ordered to take their gear home was in August, when a South Side pumping station was swamped, raising concerns about widespread flooding.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Air Angels
In memorial of the Air Angels crew and patient
In remembrance of:
Flight Medic Ron Battiato, 41
Flight Nurse William Mann, 31
Pilot Del Waugh, 69
1 year old Kirstin Blockinger
May all these angels continue to look over us.
In remembrance of:
Flight Medic Ron Battiato, 41
Flight Nurse William Mann, 31
Pilot Del Waugh, 69
1 year old Kirstin Blockinger
May all these angels continue to look over us.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Firefighter's case settled
Firefighter's case settled
BRAINERD CITY COUNCIL
By MATT ERICKSON
Staff Writer, Brainerd Dispatch
The city of Brainerd has settled a grievance by a firefighter over his suspension and demotion.Fire Capt. Keith Stunek was suspended for 90 days and lost his rank as captain after he responded to a fire call in February when other firefighters believed he had been drinking based on what they observed and could smell, City Attorney Tom Fitzpatrick said.A test showed Stunek's blood alcohol content was 0.07 percent, below the limit for driving a vehicle but above the fire department's threshold of 0.04 percent, Fitzpatrick said."The fire department has pretty strict regulations and policy about not going to a fire scene if you've had alcohol," Fitzpatrick said.Stunek appealed the punishment, asking for $800 in attorney's fees, reinstatement of his rank, reinstatement of time on his pension and the removal of the incident from his personnel file.Stunek declined to comment when reached by phone Thursday. In calls to Dispatch editors he repeatedly argued his name should not be made public.Following a closed session Monday, the Brainerd City Council unanimously approved a settlement that pays Stunek's $800 attorney fees, reinstated his captain's rank effective Oct. 15 and gave him service credit to the fire relief association. The council, however, decided the incident would remain in Stunek's personnel file.Council member Bob Olson was critical of Stunek's suspension and demotion, not because he believed Stunek didn't deserve the penalties but because department heads made the decision without the council's knowledge or direction."The council knew nothing about this until we got a letter from Stunek's attorney on Sept. 8 telling us what happened," Olson said. "My whole context was it was done without council approval."Olson said he agreed to the settlement to avoid further legal costs but that staffers involved should be held accountable.City Administrator Dan Vogt said in his almost 20 years as city administrator he has never exercised discipline over paid on-call firefighters, instead referring such matters to the fire chief. Vogt said the question is whether paid on-call firefighters were considered city employees or served in more of a volunteer capacity. The city's League of Minnesota Cities attorney advised the council to clarify that in its employee policy manual or in the fire department policy manual."We didn't have a good definition of whether they're employees or not," Vogt said. "If it would have been a suspension and discipline of a full-time employee, there's no question it would have come to the council's attention."Fire Chief Fred Underhill could not be reached for comment Thursday.
(The last I knew is that if you are paying for compensation of any kind, including workers compensation, retirement fund etc. or other compensation they would be considered employees) (Volunteers would not receive any type of compensation at all.)
BRAINERD CITY COUNCIL
By MATT ERICKSON
Staff Writer, Brainerd Dispatch
The city of Brainerd has settled a grievance by a firefighter over his suspension and demotion.Fire Capt. Keith Stunek was suspended for 90 days and lost his rank as captain after he responded to a fire call in February when other firefighters believed he had been drinking based on what they observed and could smell, City Attorney Tom Fitzpatrick said.A test showed Stunek's blood alcohol content was 0.07 percent, below the limit for driving a vehicle but above the fire department's threshold of 0.04 percent, Fitzpatrick said."The fire department has pretty strict regulations and policy about not going to a fire scene if you've had alcohol," Fitzpatrick said.Stunek appealed the punishment, asking for $800 in attorney's fees, reinstatement of his rank, reinstatement of time on his pension and the removal of the incident from his personnel file.Stunek declined to comment when reached by phone Thursday. In calls to Dispatch editors he repeatedly argued his name should not be made public.Following a closed session Monday, the Brainerd City Council unanimously approved a settlement that pays Stunek's $800 attorney fees, reinstated his captain's rank effective Oct. 15 and gave him service credit to the fire relief association. The council, however, decided the incident would remain in Stunek's personnel file.Council member Bob Olson was critical of Stunek's suspension and demotion, not because he believed Stunek didn't deserve the penalties but because department heads made the decision without the council's knowledge or direction."The council knew nothing about this until we got a letter from Stunek's attorney on Sept. 8 telling us what happened," Olson said. "My whole context was it was done without council approval."Olson said he agreed to the settlement to avoid further legal costs but that staffers involved should be held accountable.City Administrator Dan Vogt said in his almost 20 years as city administrator he has never exercised discipline over paid on-call firefighters, instead referring such matters to the fire chief. Vogt said the question is whether paid on-call firefighters were considered city employees or served in more of a volunteer capacity. The city's League of Minnesota Cities attorney advised the council to clarify that in its employee policy manual or in the fire department policy manual."We didn't have a good definition of whether they're employees or not," Vogt said. "If it would have been a suspension and discipline of a full-time employee, there's no question it would have come to the council's attention."Fire Chief Fred Underhill could not be reached for comment Thursday.
(The last I knew is that if you are paying for compensation of any kind, including workers compensation, retirement fund etc. or other compensation they would be considered employees) (Volunteers would not receive any type of compensation at all.)
Pennsylvania Tanker Rolls Over Responding
SHADE TOWNSHIP -- Two firefighters were taken to the hospital after a tanker truck rolled onto its side on the way to a brush fire Thursday afternoon.
Two firefighters were in the Hooversville Volunteer Fire Co. 1994 Mack Tanker on Falling Timber Road at 3:32 p.m. when the truck landed on its side while rounding a curve. Fire Chief James A. Karashowsky said he had not talked to the firefighters and was not sure how the crash happened. The brush fire the firefighters were responding to was about a quarter mile up the road.
"I still didn't get an opportunity to talk to them," he said.
Karashowsky declined to release the firefighters' names. Both were taken by ambulance to Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown.
"They were veteran firefighters," he said.
The fire truck was purchased new and was fully paid for, Karashowsky said.
"It was my pride and joy," he said.
The truck will most likely be totaled, he added.
"If I had to guess, I would say totaled," he said. "The cab is shot and that is not counting anything underneath."
The truck was hauling 3,000 gallons of water, which drained onto the road. Crews worked to salvage hoses and other equipment, but Karashowsky said he will not know what can be salvaged until he can get a closer look.
The truck was insured. State police are investigating the crash, but did not release any additional details Thursday evening.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Two firefighters were in the Hooversville Volunteer Fire Co. 1994 Mack Tanker on Falling Timber Road at 3:32 p.m. when the truck landed on its side while rounding a curve. Fire Chief James A. Karashowsky said he had not talked to the firefighters and was not sure how the crash happened. The brush fire the firefighters were responding to was about a quarter mile up the road.
"I still didn't get an opportunity to talk to them," he said.
Karashowsky declined to release the firefighters' names. Both were taken by ambulance to Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown.
"They were veteran firefighters," he said.
The fire truck was purchased new and was fully paid for, Karashowsky said.
"It was my pride and joy," he said.
The truck will most likely be totaled, he added.
"If I had to guess, I would say totaled," he said. "The cab is shot and that is not counting anything underneath."
The truck was hauling 3,000 gallons of water, which drained onto the road. Crews worked to salvage hoses and other equipment, but Karashowsky said he will not know what can be salvaged until he can get a closer look.
The truck was insured. State police are investigating the crash, but did not release any additional details Thursday evening.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Smaller, Lighter SCBA
Washington, DC -- The Department of Homeland Security has awarded the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) a $2 million contract to develop a new pressure vessel that will make the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) worn by first responders substantially thinner and lighter.
Smaller, lighter SCBA will improve fire fighter safety.
"The IAFF is proud of its record as the leader in the development of projects that provide direct benefits to fire fighter health and safety. With all the recent technological developments and new materials we can work with, it's time to fast-track the introduction of new, lighter, less stressful, but highly protective equipment," IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger said.
The cylinders that contain the pressure vessels in existing SCBA account for much of the weight and size of the units. The weight and profile of those cylinders has been associated with increased rates of injury and fatalities for emergency responders.
The IAFF is working with Vulcore Industrial in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to use technology, engineering and new materials to modify the pressure vessel in a way that will reduce the weight and make it smaller and more flexible.
In initial prototype designs, the new pressure vessel offers an approximate 60 percent weight reduction over conventional SCBA cylinders. Prototypes also have a substantially smaller profile, measuring two inches in depth. Pressure vessels on conventional SCBA cylinders measure seven inches in depth.
The design braids new, thin, tubular pressure vessels in the harness assembly, instead of the large cylinders used today sitting on top of the harness assembly, allowing for greater mobility in confined spaces. Unlike conventional cylinders which contain air pressures up to 5000 psi, the new vessels won't fragment if they're ruptured. A punctured pressure vessel would simply vent contained air.
Members of Fort Wayne, IN, Local 124 have tested the prototypes in simulated confined space entry.
The IAFF's contract with DHS spans a 15-month period. The research and development is expected to result in a new, commercially available SCBA.
"The IAFF is confident that a new generation of lighter, low-profile SCBA will be available to the fire service when this important research concludes, and our members will be safer for it," Schaitberger said.
A Technical Advisory Committee of IAFF members will provide input for the integration, testing and introduction of the new pressure vessel technology. At the first meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee, several factors were identified that will help ensure a smooth transition of a new SCBA to the fire service.
Smaller, lighter SCBA will improve fire fighter safety.
"The IAFF is proud of its record as the leader in the development of projects that provide direct benefits to fire fighter health and safety. With all the recent technological developments and new materials we can work with, it's time to fast-track the introduction of new, lighter, less stressful, but highly protective equipment," IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger said.
The cylinders that contain the pressure vessels in existing SCBA account for much of the weight and size of the units. The weight and profile of those cylinders has been associated with increased rates of injury and fatalities for emergency responders.
The IAFF is working with Vulcore Industrial in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to use technology, engineering and new materials to modify the pressure vessel in a way that will reduce the weight and make it smaller and more flexible.
In initial prototype designs, the new pressure vessel offers an approximate 60 percent weight reduction over conventional SCBA cylinders. Prototypes also have a substantially smaller profile, measuring two inches in depth. Pressure vessels on conventional SCBA cylinders measure seven inches in depth.
The design braids new, thin, tubular pressure vessels in the harness assembly, instead of the large cylinders used today sitting on top of the harness assembly, allowing for greater mobility in confined spaces. Unlike conventional cylinders which contain air pressures up to 5000 psi, the new vessels won't fragment if they're ruptured. A punctured pressure vessel would simply vent contained air.
Members of Fort Wayne, IN, Local 124 have tested the prototypes in simulated confined space entry.
The IAFF's contract with DHS spans a 15-month period. The research and development is expected to result in a new, commercially available SCBA.
"The IAFF is confident that a new generation of lighter, low-profile SCBA will be available to the fire service when this important research concludes, and our members will be safer for it," Schaitberger said.
A Technical Advisory Committee of IAFF members will provide input for the integration, testing and introduction of the new pressure vessel technology. At the first meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee, several factors were identified that will help ensure a smooth transition of a new SCBA to the fire service.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Deer
Got a deer lick today and put it out behind the house. Hope to attack the deer closer to the house for a better look. From the smell of the block it should attract them? Rain today, almost could be snow, which is what they are getting in the Dakota's. Too soon for that, but I did get the snow blower out and need to change the oil and get it ready.
402
402
October 22, 2008
Deer, Deer and more Deer!
Where I am working there are more and more deer showing up. I work nights and not much is going on. This allows the deer around here to roam around without much to bother them. Have seen 10+ tonight. More bucks than in the past few weeks. Looks as it they are getting ready for the rut. The weather was in the 20's last night so the leaves should soon fall from the rest of the trees, making it easier to see the deer. I have been lucky for not hitting a deer so far.
It seems like there is a lull in the presidential campaign and they should be getting it on hard in the next few weeks. i will be glad when this is over as I don't really like either one of them. With all the politicians out there you would think that the parties could come up with something better? Guess I may have to cote for a comedian for senator?
LM
Where I am working there are more and more deer showing up. I work nights and not much is going on. This allows the deer around here to roam around without much to bother them. Have seen 10+ tonight. More bucks than in the past few weeks. Looks as it they are getting ready for the rut. The weather was in the 20's last night so the leaves should soon fall from the rest of the trees, making it easier to see the deer. I have been lucky for not hitting a deer so far.
It seems like there is a lull in the presidential campaign and they should be getting it on hard in the next few weeks. i will be glad when this is over as I don't really like either one of them. With all the politicians out there you would think that the parties could come up with something better? Guess I may have to cote for a comedian for senator?
LM
Monday, October 20, 2008
October 20th 2008
Diary today October 20, 2008. I am still working, actually 6 days a week. The other officer at the resort quit and I have gotten stuck working 6 days a week till the end of the month. Not so bad, as the resort is slowing down quite a bit this month.
I saw 4 deer in the back yard tonight, or should I say I say their eyes. I shown a flashlight in the back and saw t sets of eyes. i need to get a salt block out to attract them closer to the house.
All the leaves have turned and it's very colorful here right now. A lot are falling but the oaks seem to be holding on theirs longer this year. Tonight the are predicting 28 degrees and is the first HARD freeze of the fall. This should make the rest of the leaves fall now.
I have been having a lot of interesting things posted to the blog, be sure to check them out.
402
I saw 4 deer in the back yard tonight, or should I say I say their eyes. I shown a flashlight in the back and saw t sets of eyes. i need to get a salt block out to attract them closer to the house.
All the leaves have turned and it's very colorful here right now. A lot are falling but the oaks seem to be holding on theirs longer this year. Tonight the are predicting 28 degrees and is the first HARD freeze of the fall. This should make the rest of the leaves fall now.
I have been having a lot of interesting things posted to the blog, be sure to check them out.
402
Well written
This is well worth the read as I received it as an email today but had to check it out from another source. Well here is another source, ans since I am not a big Obama fan I post it here as a link for you to make your own decision on him. Politics!
LM
http://bsimmons.wordpress.com/2008/10/20/i-know-that-many-of-you-are-sick-and-tired-of-all-this-political-bs/
LM
http://bsimmons.wordpress.com/2008/10/20/i-know-that-many-of-you-are-sick-and-tired-of-all-this-political-bs/
In a movie theater
I came across this older email that had been going around. With the elections coming up I thought that it was a good time to post this for the sake of thinking about what had happened in the past and where this country is heading.
LM
______________________________________________
I sat in a movie theater watching "Schindler's List," asked myself, "Why didn't the Jews fight back?" Now I know why. I sat in a movie theater, watching "Pearl Harbor" and asked myself, "Why weren't we prepared?" Now I know why. Civilized people cannot fathom, much less predict, the actions of evil people. On September 11, dozens of capable airplane passengers allowed themselves to be overpowered by a handful of poorly armed terrorists because they did not comprehend the depth of hatred that motivated their captors. On September 11, thousands of innocent people were murdered because too many Americans naively reject the reality that some nations are dedicated to the dominance of others. Many political pundits, pacifists and media personnel want us to forget the carnage. They say we must focus on the bravery of the rescuers and ignore the cowardice of the killers. They implore us to understand the motivation of the perpetrators. Major television stations have announced they will assist the healing process by not replaying devastating footage of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers. I will not be manipulated. I will not pretend to understand. I will not forget.
I will not forget the liberal media who abused freedom of the press to kick our country when it was vulnerable and hurting. I will not forget that CBS anchor Dan Rather preceded President Bush's address to the nation with the snide remark, "No matter how you feel about him, he is still our president."
I will not forget that ABC TV anchor Peter Jennings questioned President Bush's motives for not returning immediately to Washington, DC and commented, "We're all pretty skeptical and cynical about Washington." And I will not forget that ABC's Mark Halperin warned if reporters weren't informed of every little detail of this war, they aren't "likely – nor should they be expected -- to show deference."
I will not isolate myself from my fellow Americans by pretending an attack on the USS Cole in Yemen was not an attack on the United States of America. I!
Will not forget the Clinton administration equipped Islamic terrorists and their supporters with the world's most sophisticated telecommunications equipment and encryption technology, thereby compromising America's ability to trace terrorist radio, cell phone, land lines, faxes and modem communications.
I will not be appeased with pointless, quick retaliatory strikes like those perfected by the previous administration. I will not be comforted by "feel-good, do nothing" regulations like the silly, "Have your bags been under your control?" question at the airport. I will not be influenced by so called,” antiwar demonstrators" who exploit the right of expression to chant anti-American obscenities.
I will not forget the moral victory handed the North Vietnamese by American war protesters who reviled and spat upon the returning soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines. I will not be softened by the wishful thinking of pacifists who chose reassurance over reality. I will embrace the wise words of Prime Minister Tony Blair who told the Labor Party conference, "They have no moral inhibition on the slaughter of the innocent. If they could have murdered not 7,000 but 70,000, does anyone doubt they would have done so and rejoiced in it? There is no compromise possible with such people, no meeting of minds, no point of understanding with such terror. Just a choice: defeat it or be defeated by it. And defeat it we must!" I will force myself to: -hear the weeping -feel the helplessness -imagine the terror -sense the panic -smell the burning flesh -experience the loss -remember the hatred. I sat in a movie theater, watching "Private Ryan" and asked myself, "Where did they find the courage?" Now I know. We have no choice. Living without liberty is not living.
Ed Evans, Sgt. USMC (Ret.) Not as lean, Not as mean, But still a Marine. Keep this going until every living American has read it and memorized it so we don't make the same mistake again.
St Louis Fire Department
More on the St Louis fire apparatus collision. The traffic video was released by the City, you can view it on YouTube or here.
Eight firefighters were injured. Capt. Bob Keuss said Monday that seven were released from the hospital that day; the eighth suffered a concussion and has not returned to duty. All were wearing seat belts, the department said.
Eight firefighters were injured. Capt. Bob Keuss said Monday that seven were released from the hospital that day; the eighth suffered a concussion and has not returned to duty. All were wearing seat belts, the department said.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Illinois FF Killed In Rollover
MACON COUNTY, Ill. -- A Blue Mound volunteer firefighter lost his life during a training exercise.
Twenty-four-year-old, Bill Miller of Blue Mound was killed in the accident. It happened around 8:30 p.m. Monday night on Mosquito Creek and Pleasant View roads, just past Boody.
The department was conducting a training exercise when a tanker loaded with water overturned. Miller, was airlifted to Springfield Memorial Medical Center where he died.
The Macon County Sheriff's office has been investigating the accident throughout the night.
Twenty-four-year-old, Bill Miller of Blue Mound was killed in the accident. It happened around 8:30 p.m. Monday night on Mosquito Creek and Pleasant View roads, just past Boody.
The department was conducting a training exercise when a tanker loaded with water overturned. Miller, was airlifted to Springfield Memorial Medical Center where he died.
The Macon County Sheriff's office has been investigating the accident throughout the night.
Well Said
I just had to post this and pass it on. I received this via email toady and I have seen it before and now that I have been watching the current champaining it make even more sense.
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Well said! I know everyone has a different opinion on the war and our current President. But, this article makes a lot of sense, takes 2 minutes, read it and give it some thought. When electing the next President, 'the only decision you have to make is who you want sitting in that seat in the White House when - not if - WHEN we get hit again and millions of American lives are put at risk!'
This is from: 'You ain't gonna like losing.' Author unknown.
President Bush did make a bad mistake in the war on terrorism. But the mistake was not his decision to go to war in Iraq . Bush's mistake came in his belief that this country is the same one his father fought for in WWII. It is not. Back then, they had just come out of a vicious depression. The country was steeled by the hardship of that depression, but they still believed fervently in this country. They knew that the people had elected their leaders, so it was the people's duty to back those leaders. Therefore, when the war broke out the people came together, rallied behind, and stuck with their leaders, whether they had voted for them or not or whether the war was going badly or not. And war was just as distasteful and the anguish just as great then as it is today. Often there were more casualties in one day in WWII than we have had in the entire Iraq war. But that did not matter. The people stuck with the President because it was their patriotic duty. Americans put aside their differences in WWII and worked together to win that war. Everyone from every strata of society, from young to old pitched in.Small children pulled little wagons around to gather scrap metal for the war effort. Grade school students saved their pennies to buy stamps for war bonds to help the effort. Men who were too old or medically 4F lied about their age or condition trying their best to join the military. Women doubled their work to keep things going at home. Harsh rationing of everything from gasoline to soap, to butter was imposed, yet there was very little complaining. You never heard prominent people on the radio belittling the President. Interestingly enough in those days there were no fat cat actors and entertainers who ran off to visit and fawn over dictators of hostile countries and complain to them about our President. Instead, they made upbeat films and entertained our troops to help the troops' morale. And a bunch even enlisted. And imagine this: Teachers in schools actually started the day off with a Pledge of Allegiance, and with prayers for our country and our troops! Back then, no newspaper would have dared point out certain weak spots in our cities where bombs could be set off to cause the maximum damage. No newspaper would have dared complain about what we were doing to catch spies. A newspaper would have been laughed out of existence if it had complained that German or Japanese soldiers were being 'tortured' by being forced to wear women's underwear, or subjected to interrogation by a woman, or being scared by a dog or did not have air conditioning. There were a lot of things different back then. We were not subjected to a constant bombardment of pornography, perversion and promiscuity in movies or on radio. We did not have legions of crack heads, dope pushers and armed gangs roaming our streets. No, President Bush did not make a mistake in his handling of terrorism.He made the mistake of believing that we still had the courage and fortitude of our fathers. He believed that this was still the country that our fathers fought so dearly to preserve. It is not the same country. It is now a cross between Sodom and Gomorrah and the land of Oz. We did unite for a short while after 9/11, but our attitude changed when we found out that defending our country would require some sacrifices. We are in great danger. The terrorists are fanatic Muslims. They believe that it is okay, even their duty, to kill anyone who will not convert to Islam. It has been estimated that about one third or over three hundred million Muslims are sympathetic to the terrorists cause...Hitler and Tojo combined did not have nearly that many potential recruits. So.. We either win it - or lose it - and you ain't gonna like losing. America is not at war. The military is at war. America is at the mall, or watching the movie stars. (Remember, Obama said in his book 'Audacity of Hope', 'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction'..... what better place for the Muslims to control our country, than in the office of the President of USA .. If you ever forwarded an e-mail, now is the time to do it!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well said! I know everyone has a different opinion on the war and our current President. But, this article makes a lot of sense, takes 2 minutes, read it and give it some thought. When electing the next President, 'the only decision you have to make is who you want sitting in that seat in the White House when - not if - WHEN we get hit again and millions of American lives are put at risk!'
This is from: 'You ain't gonna like losing.' Author unknown.
President Bush did make a bad mistake in the war on terrorism. But the mistake was not his decision to go to war in Iraq . Bush's mistake came in his belief that this country is the same one his father fought for in WWII. It is not. Back then, they had just come out of a vicious depression. The country was steeled by the hardship of that depression, but they still believed fervently in this country. They knew that the people had elected their leaders, so it was the people's duty to back those leaders. Therefore, when the war broke out the people came together, rallied behind, and stuck with their leaders, whether they had voted for them or not or whether the war was going badly or not. And war was just as distasteful and the anguish just as great then as it is today. Often there were more casualties in one day in WWII than we have had in the entire Iraq war. But that did not matter. The people stuck with the President because it was their patriotic duty. Americans put aside their differences in WWII and worked together to win that war. Everyone from every strata of society, from young to old pitched in.Small children pulled little wagons around to gather scrap metal for the war effort. Grade school students saved their pennies to buy stamps for war bonds to help the effort. Men who were too old or medically 4F lied about their age or condition trying their best to join the military. Women doubled their work to keep things going at home. Harsh rationing of everything from gasoline to soap, to butter was imposed, yet there was very little complaining. You never heard prominent people on the radio belittling the President. Interestingly enough in those days there were no fat cat actors and entertainers who ran off to visit and fawn over dictators of hostile countries and complain to them about our President. Instead, they made upbeat films and entertained our troops to help the troops' morale. And a bunch even enlisted. And imagine this: Teachers in schools actually started the day off with a Pledge of Allegiance, and with prayers for our country and our troops! Back then, no newspaper would have dared point out certain weak spots in our cities where bombs could be set off to cause the maximum damage. No newspaper would have dared complain about what we were doing to catch spies. A newspaper would have been laughed out of existence if it had complained that German or Japanese soldiers were being 'tortured' by being forced to wear women's underwear, or subjected to interrogation by a woman, or being scared by a dog or did not have air conditioning. There were a lot of things different back then. We were not subjected to a constant bombardment of pornography, perversion and promiscuity in movies or on radio. We did not have legions of crack heads, dope pushers and armed gangs roaming our streets. No, President Bush did not make a mistake in his handling of terrorism.He made the mistake of believing that we still had the courage and fortitude of our fathers. He believed that this was still the country that our fathers fought so dearly to preserve. It is not the same country. It is now a cross between Sodom and Gomorrah and the land of Oz. We did unite for a short while after 9/11, but our attitude changed when we found out that defending our country would require some sacrifices. We are in great danger. The terrorists are fanatic Muslims. They believe that it is okay, even their duty, to kill anyone who will not convert to Islam. It has been estimated that about one third or over three hundred million Muslims are sympathetic to the terrorists cause...Hitler and Tojo combined did not have nearly that many potential recruits. So.. We either win it - or lose it - and you ain't gonna like losing. America is not at war. The military is at war. America is at the mall, or watching the movie stars. (Remember, Obama said in his book 'Audacity of Hope', 'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction'..... what better place for the Muslims to control our country, than in the office of the President of USA .. If you ever forwarded an e-mail, now is the time to do it!)
Sunday, October 12, 2008
NIMS or LIMS
If you haven't followed this issue lately please read the following links. I you know of anyone that interested pass it on. Do we really need another NFPA standard for this issue or just better training? I have read both sides and after having been in the fire service for 34 years I agree that it's what most of us have been using for a long time. NIMS has just put it down for a set standard that all should follow. there is no need for another version. As some has said we just need an easy to understand way of using this in our everyday incidents and be able to expand on it. What is come back to is training. This should be one of the first things that a new recruit should be trained in.
- LINKS
Download Local Incident Management New Project.pdf
Saturday, October 11, 2008
How Many Firefighters Does it Take?
Little extra weight on the roof?
There are already holes in the roof venting it?
Hose line directed into a vent hole?
Friday, October 10, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Firefighters Shot At on Arrival
INDEPENDENCE, Ky. --
Police and firefighters were shot at when they arrived at a burning Kentucky home where they found three family members dead inside and a toddler wandering outside, police said Wednesday.
Police and firefighters came under fire around 10 p.m. on Tuesday when they arrived at the family's two-story brick home in the tidy, middle-class Freedom Park neighborhood of Independence, Ky., located about 17 miles south of Cincinnati. No responders were injured. It wasn't clear if police returned fire.
The dead were identified as Seaward Padilla, 43; his wife, Lori Padilla, 45; and their daughter, Jessica Padilla, 22. It wasn't clear how they died; autopsies were expected to be completed on Thursday.
The toddler, Jessica Padilla's 2-year-old daughter, was unharmed.
Assistant Police Chief David Nichols said whoever fired the shots didn't make it out of the house alive.
"We had an officer in the back and an officer in the front," Nichols said.
A man called 911 from the Padilla residence to report a fire in the basement before hanging up.
Seaward Padilla was employed at the Kenton County School District as a substitute bus driver and monitor from 2003 until 2007, and Jessica was a 2005 graduate of Simon Kenton High School, the district said in a release.
Neighbors said the Padillas had a long history of domestic squabbles.
"Any time we'd see an emergency vehicle on this street with flashing lights, that's the first house we'd look at," said neighbor Tony Daly, who said he often heard arguments at the Padilla home.
Family friend Greg Waite said relatives had no immediate comment and planned to make a statement later in the week.
Wayne Warning, who lives across the street, said word of the deaths was alarming.
"They were personable," he said. "They obviously had their domestic problems.
Police and firefighters were shot at when they arrived at a burning Kentucky home where they found three family members dead inside and a toddler wandering outside, police said Wednesday.
Police and firefighters came under fire around 10 p.m. on Tuesday when they arrived at the family's two-story brick home in the tidy, middle-class Freedom Park neighborhood of Independence, Ky., located about 17 miles south of Cincinnati. No responders were injured. It wasn't clear if police returned fire.
The dead were identified as Seaward Padilla, 43; his wife, Lori Padilla, 45; and their daughter, Jessica Padilla, 22. It wasn't clear how they died; autopsies were expected to be completed on Thursday.
The toddler, Jessica Padilla's 2-year-old daughter, was unharmed.
Assistant Police Chief David Nichols said whoever fired the shots didn't make it out of the house alive.
"We had an officer in the back and an officer in the front," Nichols said.
A man called 911 from the Padilla residence to report a fire in the basement before hanging up.
Seaward Padilla was employed at the Kenton County School District as a substitute bus driver and monitor from 2003 until 2007, and Jessica was a 2005 graduate of Simon Kenton High School, the district said in a release.
Neighbors said the Padillas had a long history of domestic squabbles.
"Any time we'd see an emergency vehicle on this street with flashing lights, that's the first house we'd look at," said neighbor Tony Daly, who said he often heard arguments at the Padilla home.
Family friend Greg Waite said relatives had no immediate comment and planned to make a statement later in the week.
Wayne Warning, who lives across the street, said word of the deaths was alarming.
"They were personable," he said. "They obviously had their domestic problems.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Connecticut FF Charged In Arson String
Connecticut FF Charged In Arson String
A PLYMOUTH, CONNECTICUT, VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER was arrested and arraigned Friday morning for setting several fires in the village.
Brett Fennessy, 22, has been charged with second-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal trespass charges. He is being held on $80,000 bond and is on a jailhouse suicide watch.
Fennessy posted on his MySpace page that he wants to be an arson investigator and is currently a sophomore majoring in fire science and minoring in criminal justice at the University of New Haven.
There have been 18 suspicious fires in Plymouth since March and Fennessy’s attendance at every one had already raised the arson investigators’ interest in him. On Thursday, while they were interviewing him in conjunction with two recent fires at his own home, the investigators installed a GPS device on Fennessy’s car. Later that night they followed him via the tracking device and caught him setting a barn on fire.
He has confessed to several of the area arsons so far. (And no doubt will be missing several of his fire science classes at the university…..FG)
The Bristol Press has the complete STORY.
A PLYMOUTH, CONNECTICUT, VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER was arrested and arraigned Friday morning for setting several fires in the village.
Brett Fennessy, 22, has been charged with second-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal trespass charges. He is being held on $80,000 bond and is on a jailhouse suicide watch.
Fennessy posted on his MySpace page that he wants to be an arson investigator and is currently a sophomore majoring in fire science and minoring in criminal justice at the University of New Haven.
There have been 18 suspicious fires in Plymouth since March and Fennessy’s attendance at every one had already raised the arson investigators’ interest in him. On Thursday, while they were interviewing him in conjunction with two recent fires at his own home, the investigators installed a GPS device on Fennessy’s car. Later that night they followed him via the tracking device and caught him setting a barn on fire.
He has confessed to several of the area arsons so far. (And no doubt will be missing several of his fire science classes at the university…..FG)
The Bristol Press has the complete STORY.
Wisconsin Cop arrested on Arson Charges
Wisconsin Cop Nabbed On Arson Charges
A SAUKVILLE, WISCONSIN, VILLAGE POLICE OFFICER has been arrested and charged with setting fire to a vacant home next door to the police station back on March 20 of this year.
Melissa Kronebusch, 26, has been on the police department for three years. She was charged with two felonies, one count of arson and one count of second-degree reckless endangerment, that together carry a possible 50 years imprisonment. After Tuesday’s arraignment she was released on $5,000 bond.
Melissa Kronebusch
A nearby surveillance video camera at a bank provided the evidence for the arrest. It shows Kronebusch entering the house shortly after midnight and then coming back out. Twenty minutes later a fire in the basement is visible on the tape. As the smoke starts pouring out of the house, Kronebusch drives away in her patrol car, traveling through the thick smoke on her way out. A few minutes later she returns to the police station and then reports the fire.
As it happens, her fiancee is a firefighter who was on duty that night and responded to the fire. They are still planning on getting married on October 10.
A SAUKVILLE, WISCONSIN, VILLAGE POLICE OFFICER has been arrested and charged with setting fire to a vacant home next door to the police station back on March 20 of this year.
Melissa Kronebusch, 26, has been on the police department for three years. She was charged with two felonies, one count of arson and one count of second-degree reckless endangerment, that together carry a possible 50 years imprisonment. After Tuesday’s arraignment she was released on $5,000 bond.
Melissa Kronebusch
A nearby surveillance video camera at a bank provided the evidence for the arrest. It shows Kronebusch entering the house shortly after midnight and then coming back out. Twenty minutes later a fire in the basement is visible on the tape. As the smoke starts pouring out of the house, Kronebusch drives away in her patrol car, traveling through the thick smoke on her way out. A few minutes later she returns to the police station and then reports the fire.
As it happens, her fiancee is a firefighter who was on duty that night and responded to the fire. They are still planning on getting married on October 10.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
- Received this in an email today, I have heard from other sources too, just though it made some interesting thinking. If it would actually work out this way, this would make the most sense?
LJM
WOW is all I can say
I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG. - Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.
- To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.
- Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child.
- So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up...
- So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon that equals $425,000.00.
- My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.
- Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's assume a tax rate of 30%.
- Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.
- That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.
- But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000 .00.
- What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
- Pay off your mortgage – housing crisis solved.
- Repay college loans – what a great boost to new grads Put away money for college – it'll be there Save in a bank – create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
- Buy a new car – create jobs Invest in the market – capital drives growth
- Pay for your parent's medical insurance – health care improves
- Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean – or else
- Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back.
- And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.
- If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( "vote buy" ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President. If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!
- As for AIG – liquidate it. Sell off its parts.
- Let American General go back to being American General. Sell off the real estate. Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up. Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.
- Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work."
- But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!
- How do you spell Economic Boom?
- I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC .
- And remember, The plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.
Kindest personal regards
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
AFG Grant Funded for 2009
Congress Passes FY 2009 Homeland Security Appropriations
Includes Increased Funding for FIRE and SAFER Grant Programs and the USFA
Fairfax, Va., Sept. 29, 2008... This weekend, Congress passed the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2009 as part of a year-end spending package. The legislation, which has been sent to the president, would provide $40 billion in discretionary spending for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); a 6% increase above FY 2008, and about 6% above the president’s budget request.
The legislation contains encouraging funding levels for the fire service, with increases in many critical programs, including:
A $5 million increase for FIRE grants
A $20 million increase for SAFER grants
A $1.67 million increase for the U.S. Fire Administration
The restoration of grant programs that saw dramatic cuts in the president’s proposed budget
The legislation also includes a $22.9 billion disaster relief package for states affected by hurricanes, flooding and wildfires, including $910 million for wildland firefighting programs at the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Programs not related to national security will be funded at last year’s levels through a continuing resolution lasting until March 6, 2009.
“The IAFC is pleased that Congress has again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the needs of America’s fire and emergency medical services,” said Chief Larry Grorud, IAFC president. “The appropriated amounts for programs vital to the fire service come as welcome developments, particularly during a time of fiscal constraint, and we look forward to the president signing this important legislation.”
Includes Increased Funding for FIRE and SAFER Grant Programs and the USFA
Fairfax, Va., Sept. 29, 2008... This weekend, Congress passed the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2009 as part of a year-end spending package. The legislation, which has been sent to the president, would provide $40 billion in discretionary spending for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); a 6% increase above FY 2008, and about 6% above the president’s budget request.
The legislation contains encouraging funding levels for the fire service, with increases in many critical programs, including:
A $5 million increase for FIRE grants
A $20 million increase for SAFER grants
A $1.67 million increase for the U.S. Fire Administration
The restoration of grant programs that saw dramatic cuts in the president’s proposed budget
The legislation also includes a $22.9 billion disaster relief package for states affected by hurricanes, flooding and wildfires, including $910 million for wildland firefighting programs at the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Programs not related to national security will be funded at last year’s levels through a continuing resolution lasting until March 6, 2009.
“The IAFC is pleased that Congress has again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the needs of America’s fire and emergency medical services,” said Chief Larry Grorud, IAFC president. “The appropriated amounts for programs vital to the fire service come as welcome developments, particularly during a time of fiscal constraint, and we look forward to the president signing this important legislation.”
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