http://www.firelink.com/news/articles/list?article_search[order]=views&referral=fl_nlet_R2_20081231
While it might not be good news for some folks, we certainly enjoyed ourselves at their expense! Take a look at the most entertaining news stories of 2008 from Firelink.com.
Firefighters Break Down Wrong Door
FF Stops For Burger on Way to Call
FF Resuscitates Cat by Mouth-to-Mouth
Topless FF Busted for Flashing Badge
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Top Stories
http://daily.firehouse.com/rmgo.asp?tid=869945&eid=744346&sb_id=298172,298172
LODD
A longtime New York firefighter collapsed Tuesday while assisting at a crash scene, according to the USFA. The victim was identified as Fire Police Capt. Norm Koch with the East Pembroke Fire Department.
New York Firefighter Collapses, Dies
53 Die in Bangkok Night Club Fire
A fire in a club celebrating the new year has left 53 dead and over 100 injured. The toll could climb as workers finish going through the club.
The fire grew quickly, trapping and killing many who arrived to celebrate the start of 2009.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7806658.stm
Murder Charges Filed in Delaware Firefighter's Death
A man allegedly involved in a hit-and-run crash last week that injured a motorcyclist and killed a Delaware City firefighter was charged with murder today.
Eight Brooklyn FF’s Injured
A 3-ALARM FIRE IN THE BENSONHURST SECTION of Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday injured eight firefighers including one seriously when he “rode down” with a collapsing rear wall from the 3rd floor. The firefighter, a member of Ladder 148 who has been with the FDNY for three years, was taken to the hospital for serious, but nonlife-threatening injuries, fire officials said.
Initial investigation into the cause is not showing anything suspicious.
WCBS-TV has the STORY
Campaign to Contain Blagojevich Hits Roadblocks
The case against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich grows more complicated as events demonstrate that he can't be cowed as easily as U.S. senators and the U.S. attorney prosecuting the case would like.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/31/fast-campaign-weaken-blagojevich-hits-roadblocks/
Report: Somali pirates hold 300 mariners
MOSCOW (UPI) -- A new assessment of pirate activity off the coast of Somalia has found that more than 300 mariners are being held hostage, a Russian publication says. Click to Continue...
LODD
A longtime New York firefighter collapsed Tuesday while assisting at a crash scene, according to the USFA. The victim was identified as Fire Police Capt. Norm Koch with the East Pembroke Fire Department.
New York Firefighter Collapses, Dies
53 Die in Bangkok Night Club Fire
A fire in a club celebrating the new year has left 53 dead and over 100 injured. The toll could climb as workers finish going through the club.
The fire grew quickly, trapping and killing many who arrived to celebrate the start of 2009.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7806658.stm
Murder Charges Filed in Delaware Firefighter's Death
A man allegedly involved in a hit-and-run crash last week that injured a motorcyclist and killed a Delaware City firefighter was charged with murder today.
Eight Brooklyn FF’s Injured
A 3-ALARM FIRE IN THE BENSONHURST SECTION of Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday injured eight firefighers including one seriously when he “rode down” with a collapsing rear wall from the 3rd floor. The firefighter, a member of Ladder 148 who has been with the FDNY for three years, was taken to the hospital for serious, but nonlife-threatening injuries, fire officials said.
Initial investigation into the cause is not showing anything suspicious.
WCBS-TV has the STORY
Campaign to Contain Blagojevich Hits Roadblocks
The case against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich grows more complicated as events demonstrate that he can't be cowed as easily as U.S. senators and the U.S. attorney prosecuting the case would like.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/31/fast-campaign-weaken-blagojevich-hits-roadblocks/
Report: Somali pirates hold 300 mariners
MOSCOW (UPI) -- A new assessment of pirate activity off the coast of Somalia has found that more than 300 mariners are being held hostage, a Russian publication says. Click to Continue...
Monday, December 29, 2008
New refrigerant
The Environmental Protection Agency has approved a Kane'ohe man's homemade formula for a refrigerant in home appliances and air-conditioners that is safer for consumers and the environment.
Using HCR-188c require only one-quarter of the usual amount of refrigerant, the danger from fires and leaks is extremely low. Independent testing also has shown that appliances with HCR-188c use less energy.
Richard Maruya designed his HCR-188c hydrocarbon blend as a replacement for refrigerants that deplete the Earth's ozone layer and/or contribute "greenhouse" gases to the atmosphere. His precise mixture of ethane, propane, isobutene, normal butane and other naturally occurring compounds has zero ozone-depleting potential and very low global warming potential.
Full article here: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081228/NEWS01/812280337/-1/RSS02?source=rss_localnews
Using HCR-188c require only one-quarter of the usual amount of refrigerant, the danger from fires and leaks is extremely low. Independent testing also has shown that appliances with HCR-188c use less energy.
Richard Maruya designed his HCR-188c hydrocarbon blend as a replacement for refrigerants that deplete the Earth's ozone layer and/or contribute "greenhouse" gases to the atmosphere. His precise mixture of ethane, propane, isobutene, normal butane and other naturally occurring compounds has zero ozone-depleting potential and very low global warming potential.
Full article here: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081228/NEWS01/812280337/-1/RSS02?source=rss_localnews
NIOSH has recently released the following Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Reports:
NIOSH has recently released the following Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Reports:
F2007-38
Nov 21, 2007
Fire fighter suffers sudden cardiac death after responding to two calls - Kansas
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200738.html
F2008-06
Feb 29, 2008
Volunteer fire fighter and trapped resident die and a volunteer lieutenant is injured following a duplex fire – Pennsylvania http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200806.html
F2007-09
Feb 09, 2007
Career probationary fire fighter dies while participating in a live-fire training evolution at an acquired structure – Maryland http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200709.html
F2008-17
Jun 14, 2008
Volunteer assistant chief killed when struck by tractor-trailer while operating at a motor vehicle crash - North Carolina http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200817.html
F2008-27
Jul 23, 2008
Volunteer fire chief dies from injuries received when privately owned vehicle crashes into bay door pinning him against fire tanker – Wisconsin http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200827.html
F2007-38
Nov 21, 2007
Fire fighter suffers sudden cardiac death after responding to two calls - Kansas
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200738.html
F2008-06
Feb 29, 2008
Volunteer fire fighter and trapped resident die and a volunteer lieutenant is injured following a duplex fire – Pennsylvania http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200806.html
F2007-09
Feb 09, 2007
Career probationary fire fighter dies while participating in a live-fire training evolution at an acquired structure – Maryland http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200709.html
F2008-17
Jun 14, 2008
Volunteer assistant chief killed when struck by tractor-trailer while operating at a motor vehicle crash - North Carolina http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200817.html
F2008-27
Jul 23, 2008
Volunteer fire chief dies from injuries received when privately owned vehicle crashes into bay door pinning him against fire tanker – Wisconsin http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200827.html
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Indiana Fire Engine Slides off Road
A PIKE TOWNSHIP, INDIANA, FIRE ENGINE was responding on a medical assist Friday morning when it traversed into a patch of black ice on a winding road in Eagle Creek Park near Indianapolis.
The engine went into a slide and left the roadway where it struck a tree. The engine was heavily damaged and the four firefighters on board all suffered minor injuries. They were transported to the hospital for treatment and released later Friday evening.
WTHR-TV Ch. 13 has the full story and two more videos HERE.
The engine went into a slide and left the roadway where it struck a tree. The engine was heavily damaged and the four firefighters on board all suffered minor injuries. They were transported to the hospital for treatment and released later Friday evening.
WTHR-TV Ch. 13 has the full story and two more videos HERE.
New WISER
WISER 4.2 is now available! You may download it from the WISER web site
WebWISER http://webwiser.nlm.nih.gov/
Highlights of this version include:* In WISER for Windows, a substance's protective distance data can now be overlaid on an interactive map: view a substance and press the Map Protective Distances button (Internet connectivity is required. Please see the User's Guide for more details on this feature).
* Transportation criteria (DOT placard, rail car, road trailer) have been added to unknown chemical identification: enter the Help Identify Unknown feature and select the Transport option (not included in WISER for Palm OS).
* Signs/symptoms imagery added to biological agents: view a biological agent and select Medical-->Imagery from the data menu (not included in WISER for Palm OS).
* General data updates and several new substances.
* Printing support added to the ERG tool (WISER for Windows).
* Many more miscellaneous enhancements; see the release notes on the download pages of the web site.Please note that the dependency WISER for Windows has on the Microsoft .
NET Framework has changed from .NET 2.0 to .NET 3.5 Service Pack 1. Additional details are on the download page of the web site. We apologize for any inconvenience this additional install implies, but this enhances our ability to provide you with new features like the protective distance mapping.See the News <http://wiser.nlm.nih.gov/news.html> page of the WISER web site for our future plans. If you have other suggestions or want to influence priorities, please let us know; your feedback is crucial to the future direction of WISER!
Please use the Contact Us <http://wiser.nlm.nih.gov/feedback.html> page of the web site to submit your feedback and ideas or anything else related to WISER.Thank you!
The WISER Team
WebWISER http://webwiser.nlm.nih.gov/
Highlights of this version include:* In WISER for Windows, a substance's protective distance data can now be overlaid on an interactive map: view a substance and press the Map Protective Distances button (Internet connectivity is required. Please see the User's Guide for more details on this feature).
* Transportation criteria (DOT placard, rail car, road trailer) have been added to unknown chemical identification: enter the Help Identify Unknown feature and select the Transport option (not included in WISER for Palm OS).
* Signs/symptoms imagery added to biological agents: view a biological agent and select Medical-->Imagery from the data menu (not included in WISER for Palm OS).
* General data updates and several new substances.
* Printing support added to the ERG tool (WISER for Windows).
* Many more miscellaneous enhancements; see the release notes on the download pages of the web site.Please note that the dependency WISER for Windows has on the Microsoft .
NET Framework has changed from .NET 2.0 to .NET 3.5 Service Pack 1. Additional details are on the download page of the web site. We apologize for any inconvenience this additional install implies, but this enhances our ability to provide you with new features like the protective distance mapping.See the News <http://wiser.nlm.nih.gov/news.html> page of the WISER web site for our future plans. If you have other suggestions or want to influence priorities, please let us know; your feedback is crucial to the future direction of WISER!
Please use the Contact Us <http://wiser.nlm.nih.gov/feedback.html> page of the web site to submit your feedback and ideas or anything else related to WISER.Thank you!
The WISER Team
Friday, December 26, 2008
Another Kennedy, do we realy need one?
Camelot-come-lately
KATHLEEN PARKER
Commentary
WASHINGTON - But of course Caroline Kennedy will become the next senator from New York. Does she deserve it? Not really. Does that matter? Probably not. Kennedy's likely appointment to fill the seat being vacated should Hillary Clinton be confirmed as secretary of state is the sort of fait accompli Americans claim to hate, yet seem to find irresistible. It almost goes without saying that no one would pay Kennedy any attention were she not the beneficiary of a famous name - and the daughter of a martyred president. We don't do birthright in this country - except when we do. John Quincy Adams and George W. Bush come to mind. We don't elect people on the basis of a recognizable name - except when we do.
Full text of article here: http://www.postwritersgroup.com/archives/park081217.html
KATHLEEN PARKER
Commentary
WASHINGTON - But of course Caroline Kennedy will become the next senator from New York. Does she deserve it? Not really. Does that matter? Probably not. Kennedy's likely appointment to fill the seat being vacated should Hillary Clinton be confirmed as secretary of state is the sort of fait accompli Americans claim to hate, yet seem to find irresistible. It almost goes without saying that no one would pay Kennedy any attention were she not the beneficiary of a famous name - and the daughter of a martyred president. We don't do birthright in this country - except when we do. John Quincy Adams and George W. Bush come to mind. We don't elect people on the basis of a recognizable name - except when we do.
Full text of article here: http://www.postwritersgroup.com/archives/park081217.html
Texas Ambulance Involved in Triple Fatality Crash
LEONARD, Texas -- A Shreveport family perished Christmas morning in a two-vehicle accident that also injured two men with the Bonham Fire Department. Pronounced dead were Pamela Kay Touart, 59, and her twin sons, Cameron Wayne Boudreau and Kipp Leonard Boudreau, 29 years old.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Got Foam?
Careful there buddy, set the safety's on the equipment when working around fire suppression systems? A technician at the Long Beach airport created a big mess. He accidentally set off the fire suppression system at a hanger housing police helicopters Thursday morning. It sent out a blanket of foam six-feet deep. That's on way to know if this type of system will work.
Got clean underwear for the police officer? Still think they need to have some sort of fire awareness for police as they are usually there first. Al least enough for them to know when to back off and keep bystanders away. This is an oled video but new to me.
In case you missed it on the news, this is one big water main to have break!
Just in case you missed this on the news - CABIN JOHN, Md. - Swift water rescue crews used a helicopter, a boat and ropes to rescue motorists trapped when a 66-inch water main ruptured just before 8 a.m., sending a four-foot wall of water down River Road near Fenway Drive.
Got clean underwear for the police officer? Still think they need to have some sort of fire awareness for police as they are usually there first. Al least enough for them to know when to back off and keep bystanders away. This is an oled video but new to me.
In case you missed it on the news, this is one big water main to have break!
Just in case you missed this on the news - CABIN JOHN, Md. - Swift water rescue crews used a helicopter, a boat and ropes to rescue motorists trapped when a 66-inch water main ruptured just before 8 a.m., sending a four-foot wall of water down River Road near Fenway Drive.
Raw fire Video
I like to find video clips, good to watch others and what they may do right or wrong.
Raw video of a house fire in South Bend on Saturday. Read details.
Watch your apparatus placement, watch for overhead wires?
Raw video of a house fire in South Bend on Saturday. Read details.
Watch your apparatus placement, watch for overhead wires?
Couldn't Pass Up Passing this Along
The ultimate revenge: Mice start fire that killed 100 cats. Just don't read the fine print.
Photo by Walter Passarella/Metroland, from newsdurhamregion.com
Photo by Walter Passarella/Metroland, from newsdurhamregion.com
It sounds like something from a Tom and Jerry cartoon and it is making headlines around the world.
One report cautions that the cause of the fire has not been officially determined.
Earlier in the week there was a tragic fire at the Durham Region Humane Society's animal shelter in Oshawa, Ontario, that killed about 100 cats, three dogs and a few rabbits. Preliminarily, one theory on the fire is that it was sparked by mice chewing through electrical wires in the ceiling. And that is good enough for me and hundreds of other reporters around the world and the web.
News for December 23, 2008
Here she goes spending more money and not even confirmed yet?
WASHINGTON — Even before taking office, Hillary Rodham Clinton is seeking to build a more powerful State Department, with a bigger budget, high-profile special envoys to trouble spots and an expanded role in dealing with global economic issues at a time of crisis.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/23/us/politics/23diplo.html
Rod Blagojevich Today
Aggressive courtship of state contractors allowed Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich of Illinois to raise far more than his predecessors, according to testimony by a political reform group.
Obama Is to Report on Blagojevich Contacts
Al Franken Ahead In Minnesota? Yep the paper Sunday had him ahead of Norm, still won't be decided until after the first o the year. What are we going to do with out a senator? The gov. is thinking of appointing a temp in that spot.
This is great news. Al Franken has pulled ahead of Norm Coleman. Nice!
After last week’s flame-broiled blatant marketing ploy by Burger King, PETA has come up with their own: a meat-scented perfume that smells like rotting flesh. PETA clearly saw the success of Burger King’s campaign and wanted in on the action.
http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/12/22/peta-one-ups-burger-king-releases-gore-scented-body-spray/
WASHINGTON — Even before taking office, Hillary Rodham Clinton is seeking to build a more powerful State Department, with a bigger budget, high-profile special envoys to trouble spots and an expanded role in dealing with global economic issues at a time of crisis.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/23/us/politics/23diplo.html
Rod Blagojevich Today
Aggressive courtship of state contractors allowed Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich of Illinois to raise far more than his predecessors, according to testimony by a political reform group.
Obama Is to Report on Blagojevich Contacts
Al Franken Ahead In Minnesota? Yep the paper Sunday had him ahead of Norm, still won't be decided until after the first o the year. What are we going to do with out a senator? The gov. is thinking of appointing a temp in that spot.
This is great news. Al Franken has pulled ahead of Norm Coleman. Nice!
After last week’s flame-broiled blatant marketing ploy by Burger King, PETA has come up with their own: a meat-scented perfume that smells like rotting flesh. PETA clearly saw the success of Burger King’s campaign and wanted in on the action.
http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/12/22/peta-one-ups-burger-king-releases-gore-scented-body-spray/
Monday, December 22, 2008
Key Blagojevich figure seeks deal
This Just In - Key Blagojevich figure seeks deal
CHICAGO (UPI) -- A key player in the corruption scandal surrounding Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is seeking immunity for his cooperation in the investigation, officials said.Area businessman and fundraiser Raghuveer P. Nayak was identified as "Individual D" in a federal complaint filed nearly two weeks ago in which Blagojevich was accused of, among other things, trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.
On Friday - CHICAGO (UPI) -- Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich emphatically declared his innocence of official criminal wrongdoing Friday, vowing to fight the accusations. http://www.arcamax.com/politics/s-465479-545243
Monday news
From the news, links provided to the site.
Body found in car two days after the accident, The Cuyahoga County coroner ruled that the 50-year-old died because of blunt trauma to head and neck due to a crash.
The accident occurred Friday at Route 176 and Spring .http://www.firelink.com/news/articles/5291-body-found-in-car-2-days-after-towed-from-crash-site?referral-fl_nlet_R2_20081220
Three FF's struck by car -
Three firefighters were hit by a car while responding to the scene of an accident Saturday. The second vehicle was traveling westbound on Eastland Avenue and hit a firefighter who was the directing traffic. The vehicle also then struck the vehicle that was on fire. The two other firefighters were inside the car rescuing the driver. http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=62038§ionId=46
DENVER --
Firefighters said Sunday it was a miracle that no one was killed when an airliner veered sharply off a runway during takeoff, burst into flames and nearly broke apart.
There was no official word on the possible cause of the crash of Continental Flight 1404 at Denver International Airport. Federal aviation investigators arrived at the airport Sunday afternoon.
The entire right side of the Boeing 737 was burned in the Saturday evening accident and melted plastic from overhead compartments dripped onto the seats. http://cms.firehouse.com/web/online/News/Firefighter--Miracle-Outcome-in-Denver-Plane-Crash/46$62037
Montana Firefighter struck at the scene
A Montana firefighter's truck was stuck scene of an accident, killing him on Dec. 17, according to the USFA.
Firefighter Jerry Parrick of the West End Volunteer Fire Department in Haugan, Mont. was driving his personal vehicle when he spotted the crash.
He began warning motorists with his truck's emergency lighting as he stopped on a curved section of roadway near the scene.
A 6-UNIT SHOPPING PLAZA IN PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, was completely destroyed Sunday morning. A fire was reported at 3 am and it quickly spread through the building’s common attic. Virginian-Pilot / Crow photo The mini-mall’s location along a creek bed complicated the firefighting efforts by restricting the operations to one side of the building. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause. The ATF has automatically responded also because one of the business was a gun shop. The 25-yr.-old shopping center is a family-owned operation and the owners are already saying that they will replace building.Fire Destroys Virginia Strip Mall
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Helmet again
More on the helmet issue
A Newton firefighter has decided to stop wearing his red, white, and blue helmet, after Fire Chief Joseph LaCroix deemed it inappropriate to the uniform.
Firefighter Richard Busa, an Iraq war veteran, had been wearing the spray-painted helmet for more than three years when his superiors objected. Facing a possible suspension, Busa decided it would be best to don another helmet, lest he jeopardize his career.
http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=62033§ionId=46
Friday, December 19, 2008
Internet News
News from around the internet
A tasty little present for men - Burger King body spray
The mass purveyor of grilled meat is offering, for a limited time, something even better than their usual piles of beef patties. This week, American men were given the chance to smell like their favorite meat snack with the launch of Flame, Burger King's contribution to the perfume market. Link to the Guardian - Burger-king-perfume
BWCA fire suspect kills himself, lawyer says
The
If I was in the fire engine-building business, I’d be dusting off the patterns and bringing out the stamping molds for the good ol’ basic fire wagon.
Unrealistic Response Times Expected A WOMAN IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, GOT HER CAR stuck on a railroad track Tuesday. Instead of getting out of her car, however, she called 9-1-1 and asked the dispatcher to send help.
While the dispatcher was advising her to first get out of the car, the connection suddenly went dead. The 9-1-1 operator said that he could hear a man trying to help the woman and was begging her to get out of the car. After the train hit the car, the bystander pulled her out. She died later in the hospital. KRON-TV has the full STORY.
Report: Emanuel Spoke Directly With Blagojevich About Senate Seat
New administration
Here is some of what I have been looking for. Finally seeing in on the Internet. What is the new administration and other elections going to do with the fire service?
Here is the complete article link.
From Fire Chief magazine: “We've had good bipartisan support for the fire service grants that have been established over the last 10 years, so I'm not expecting a big change,” says Larry Grorud, president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and chief of the Janesville (Wis.) Fire Department. He says that changes that do occur will be more likely due to the recession than to the change in leadership in Washington, D.C.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
A Chicago Sun-Times article
The following article from the Chicago Sun-Times
And so it goes on and on
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1337563,2_1_AU18_PETERSON_S1.article
And so it goes on and on
To read the full story, click here:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1337824,2_1_AU18_BLAGO_S1.article
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1337563,2_1_AU18_PETERSON_S1.article
Ongoing case & soap
You have got to be kidding me, Whats wrong with her?
Anguished Dad to Drew: Don't marry my daughter :: Beacon News :: Local News Category: News and Politics
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news...
Anguished Dad to Drew: Don't marry my daughter :: Beacon News :: Local News Category: News and Politics
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Painting a Helmet and the Flag
I have to go with the Chief on this one. Painting a flag on a Helmet violates the proper display of the US flag. I would go with a Flag Sticker!
NEWTON, Mass. -- A local firefighter has spent three years fighting fires. Before that he was in Iraq fighting for our country. Now Richard Busa is in a battle with the Newton Fire Department.
Busa's fight was first brought to light in a column in the Newton Tab. He is being told that he has to remove the American flag design that is painted on his fire helmet, because the chief says it goes against uniform standards.
However, Busa says he won't do it and the threat of disciplinary action won't change his mind. He says if the majority of firefighters thought it was offensive or a safety issue, he would take it off. But that has not happened.
Chief Joseph LaCroix is a Vietnam war veteran. He says the request to remove the flag has nothing to do with patriotism or not wanting the flag, but a uniform is just that -- a uniform. If he allows one firefighter to paint his entire helmet, what is to stop others from choosing designs of their own.
LaCroix said small amounts of paint and stickers are okay on helmets, but Busa's design, he said, crosses the line.
Firefighter leaves the "Job"
I recently received this via email and knew I had to pass it along. Since I am retired from the fire service I can understand the words in this writing.
When a firefighter leaves the "job" and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what they are leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in a firefighters life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.
These are the burdens of the job. You will see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the fire service world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the "job" and merely being allowed to leave "active" duty.
So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that "Blessed are the firefighters for they shall be called children of God," and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.
Civilian Friends vs. Firefighter friends:
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Have cried with you.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
FIREFI GHTER FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Will kick the crowds' ass that left you behind.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Are for life.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences...
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say,"You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!" Then carry you home safely and put you to bed.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Will knock them the hell out for using your name in vain.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Will forward this.
When a firefighter leaves the "job" and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what they are leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in a firefighters life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.
These are the burdens of the job. You will see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the fire service world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the "job" and merely being allowed to leave "active" duty.
So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that "Blessed are the firefighters for they shall be called children of God," and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.
Civilian Friends vs. Firefighter friends:
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Have cried with you.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
FIREFI GHTER FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Will kick the crowds' ass that left you behind.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Are for life.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences...
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say,"You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!" Then carry you home safely and put you to bed.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Will knock them the hell out for using your name in vain.
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
FIREFIGHTER FRIENDS: Will forward this.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Management cited bt state OSHCD
Va. Dept. Cited in Blaze That Injured 7 FFs
The Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management has been cited by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Occupational Safety and Health Compliance division for violation of workplace safety standards. The violation notice stems from a May 25 house fire in which seven crewmembers were injured.
http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?sectionId=46&id=61965
The Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management has been cited by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Occupational Safety and Health Compliance division for violation of workplace safety standards. The violation notice stems from a May 25 house fire in which seven crewmembers were injured.
http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?sectionId=46&id=61965
Road Trip
Been on a trip to home area. Had an early Christmas dinner and gift exchange, So that's why you haven't seen any new post this past week. I will get back into it today hopefully. We had a Good trip, got to see a few friends and visit the old fire department. They are still waiting for the new truck to arrive, hopefully in January, guess I'll see it in the spring. Had a good drive back home even with the winter storm warning. We ran into snow just before St Cloud and drove the rest of the way in blowing snow sign on the interstate said the it was closed west of Fergus Falls MN.
I was in Illinois just when Blagjovich was arrested. http://www.arcamax.com/newsheadlines/s-461938-561423 I always knew he would get it. Just did not think it would take this long for him to do something like what he was arrested for. You will see me following that story for a while.
Only saw one line of duty death:
Wisconsin Fire Official Dies after Training
Lt. Rick H. Borkin, a 16-year veteran of the Thiensville Volunteer Fire Department, died Monday evening after experiencing respiratory problems during a training exercise at the Milwaukee Area Technical College campus in Oak Creek, Ozaukee County Coroner John Holicek said this morning.
"He had a history of respiratory problems but wanted to participate in the exercise anyway," Holicek said.
All for now
I was in Illinois just when Blagjovich was arrested. http://www.arcamax.com/newsheadlines/s-461938-561423 I always knew he would get it. Just did not think it would take this long for him to do something like what he was arrested for. You will see me following that story for a while.
Only saw one line of duty death:
Wisconsin Fire Official Dies after Training
Lt. Rick H. Borkin, a 16-year veteran of the Thiensville Volunteer Fire Department, died Monday evening after experiencing respiratory problems during a training exercise at the Milwaukee Area Technical College campus in Oak Creek, Ozaukee County Coroner John Holicek said this morning.
"He had a history of respiratory problems but wanted to participate in the exercise anyway," Holicek said.
All for now
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Fire Truck Rolls In Indiana
Indiana - A tanker truck used by Raleigh volunteer firefighters rolled onto its side shortly after leaving the Jackson Township firehouse Thursday afternoon. The truck and onboard personnel were responding to a report of a chimney or attic fire in the 11,000 block of Carthage Pike shortly after noon Thursday. Carthage volunteers also were dispatched to the scene.
Investigating officer deputy Richard Gosser of the Rush County Sheriff's Department said volunteer firefighter Adam Schwering, 24, of Rushville, was behind the wheel when the accident occurred.
"The driver said that after pulling out of the station and as he was making a right hand turn on CR 400N he apparently got too far off the south shoulder of the road and the truck simply rolled onto its side," Gosser said.
Schwering was uninjured in the accident. The 1991 GMC tanker sustained only minor damage.
In order to right the vehicle nearly 3,000 gallons of water had to be removed from the truck.
Other units dispatched to the scene of the fire were able to quickly extinguish what turned out to be a small blaze.
Investigating officer deputy Richard Gosser of the Rush County Sheriff's Department said volunteer firefighter Adam Schwering, 24, of Rushville, was behind the wheel when the accident occurred.
"The driver said that after pulling out of the station and as he was making a right hand turn on CR 400N he apparently got too far off the south shoulder of the road and the truck simply rolled onto its side," Gosser said.
Schwering was uninjured in the accident. The 1991 GMC tanker sustained only minor damage.
In order to right the vehicle nearly 3,000 gallons of water had to be removed from the truck.
Other units dispatched to the scene of the fire were able to quickly extinguish what turned out to be a small blaze.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Remember when Mom said to wash your hands, watch this video
OMG Cook your meat, wash your hands!
While taking a second look at Rosemary Alvarez's MRIs, doctors found something troubling. The shadowed area was something they became very concerned about.
Neurosurgeon, Dr. Peter Nakaji said, “It's something down in her brain stem which is as deep in the brain as you can be.”
Alvarez was prepared for surgery, and Dr. Nakaji and his colleagues went into the operating room, expecting to remove a tumor. What they found, however, was a worm.(alive)
graphic video at link.
Warning Not for the faint at heart!
While taking a second look at Rosemary Alvarez's MRIs, doctors found something troubling. The shadowed area was something they became very concerned about.
Neurosurgeon, Dr. Peter Nakaji said, “It's something down in her brain stem which is as deep in the brain as you can be.”
Alvarez was prepared for surgery, and Dr. Nakaji and his colleagues went into the operating room, expecting to remove a tumor. What they found, however, was a worm.(alive)
graphic video at link.
Warning Not for the faint at heart!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Recession Effects on Emergency Services
It is common knowledge that numerous Emergency Services Sector (ESS) departments and agencies have experienced shrinking budgets resulting from the economic downturn. However, the current recession has prompted even more direct challenges for first responders. For example, spiraling foreclosures have triggered a significant increase in abandoned properties, which have always been dangerous environments for emergency personnel.
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that the adverse effects of the recession have become problematic for the operations and safety of ESS organizations for the following reasons in addition to other causes:
· More homeless people have surreptitiously occupied vacant structures.
· The structural integrity of empty buildings has often been compromised by squatters.
· Abandoned houses have increasingly been the source of criminal activities including arson.
· Destitute individuals have moved in with family or friends causing perilous overcrowding conditions.
· More basements and attics have been occupied and heated with unsafe appliances.
A 19 November Fire Rescue article discussed a strategy that can be implemented to mitigate the foreclosure problem. The article suggested ESS departments should partner with lending institutions as well as housing and community organizations to develop methods to prevent home foreclosures and the abandonment of homes. “It’s about working with organizations, letting them know the concerns of the fire department and how foreclosures and vacant homes generally may affect fire and arson rates,” said the NFPA director of high-risk outreach programs.
Additionally, the chief of the Columbus Fire Department in Ohio recommended categorizing buildings certified as abandoned and vacant, and arranging for them to be tagged with appropriate signage. “This action should help to eliminate the risk of injury to responders unless they have reason to believe a rescue is necessary.”
The complete Fire Rescue article can be seen at the following link:
http://www.fireresc ue1.com/Firefigh ter-Training/ articles/ 439214-Foreclusu res-challenge.
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that the adverse effects of the recession have become problematic for the operations and safety of ESS organizations for the following reasons in addition to other causes:
· More homeless people have surreptitiously occupied vacant structures.
· The structural integrity of empty buildings has often been compromised by squatters.
· Abandoned houses have increasingly been the source of criminal activities including arson.
· Destitute individuals have moved in with family or friends causing perilous overcrowding conditions.
· More basements and attics have been occupied and heated with unsafe appliances.
A 19 November Fire Rescue article discussed a strategy that can be implemented to mitigate the foreclosure problem. The article suggested ESS departments should partner with lending institutions as well as housing and community organizations to develop methods to prevent home foreclosures and the abandonment of homes. “It’s about working with organizations, letting them know the concerns of the fire department and how foreclosures and vacant homes generally may affect fire and arson rates,” said the NFPA director of high-risk outreach programs.
Additionally, the chief of the Columbus Fire Department in Ohio recommended categorizing buildings certified as abandoned and vacant, and arranging for them to be tagged with appropriate signage. “This action should help to eliminate the risk of injury to responders unless they have reason to believe a rescue is necessary.”
The complete Fire Rescue article can be seen at the following link:
http://www.fireresc ue1.com/Firefigh ter-Training/ articles/ 439214-Foreclusu res-challenge.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Safety: Are We Doing Enough?
Excerpt from today's article by Chief Ron Kanterman:
I personally believe (safety) is a three pronged approach. First and foremost, it starts at the top. The Chief of each and every fire department in this country must make a time and resource commitment to good safety programs and practices. I'm sure there's not a chief out there who would argue with "safety" but it's time to put up or shut up.
One clip from the Everyone Goes Home - Courage to Be Safe (EGH-CTBS) program shows Chief Dave Daniels (Washington State) discussing that the chief's job is to insure that everyone goes home every day. "That's your job," Chief Daniels reiterates on the video. There is no specific reference to career or volunteer.
Prong number 2 is first line supervision. The guy or gal in the front seat on the right side of the cab is responsible for insuring that we get to the call and back in one piece. "Arrive alive and don't kill anyone on the way." (Not a bad motto to hang on the inside of the apparatus bay doors along with "buckle up every time.") The company officer must set the example for the rest of the crew. Chief Dennis Rubin (Washington, D.C. Fire/EMS) is quoted on the EGH-CTBS program video as saying "if the company officer buckles his seatbelt, the rest of the members will absolutely buckle their seatbelts." I believe he's right. Safety policies and procedures must be enforced at the line level. Again, there is no reference to career or volunteer.
Prong 3 is personal accountability. No one will "deliver safety" on a silver tray to our firefighters each time the bell rings. They need to bring safety to the game on their own. It's part of putting on a uniform or donning PPE. Personnel must be trained and engrained with the safety culture and told they must be responsible and accountable for their actions and that bad or "stupid, goofy acts will not be tolerated." (Chief Ronny Coleman, California).
Read More »
http://blog.usfa.dhs.gov/2008/12/safety-are-we-doing-enough.html
I personally believe (safety) is a three pronged approach. First and foremost, it starts at the top. The Chief of each and every fire department in this country must make a time and resource commitment to good safety programs and practices. I'm sure there's not a chief out there who would argue with "safety" but it's time to put up or shut up.
One clip from the Everyone Goes Home - Courage to Be Safe (EGH-CTBS) program shows Chief Dave Daniels (Washington State) discussing that the chief's job is to insure that everyone goes home every day. "That's your job," Chief Daniels reiterates on the video. There is no specific reference to career or volunteer.
Prong number 2 is first line supervision. The guy or gal in the front seat on the right side of the cab is responsible for insuring that we get to the call and back in one piece. "Arrive alive and don't kill anyone on the way." (Not a bad motto to hang on the inside of the apparatus bay doors along with "buckle up every time.") The company officer must set the example for the rest of the crew. Chief Dennis Rubin (Washington, D.C. Fire/EMS) is quoted on the EGH-CTBS program video as saying "if the company officer buckles his seatbelt, the rest of the members will absolutely buckle their seatbelts." I believe he's right. Safety policies and procedures must be enforced at the line level. Again, there is no reference to career or volunteer.
Prong 3 is personal accountability. No one will "deliver safety" on a silver tray to our firefighters each time the bell rings. They need to bring safety to the game on their own. It's part of putting on a uniform or donning PPE. Personnel must be trained and engrained with the safety culture and told they must be responsible and accountable for their actions and that bad or "stupid, goofy acts will not be tolerated." (Chief Ronny Coleman, California).
Read More »
http://blog.usfa.dhs.gov/2008/12/safety-are-we-doing-enough.html
More Questions
Interesting audio of the issue of Albama's birth certificate. To me, raised even more questions on his place of birth?
Listen and you decide
Ok now, He is still proposing cabinet members that were his adversaries, and saying that they are the best qualified for the job, IS He?
????
Listen and you decide
Ok now, He is still proposing cabinet members that were his adversaries, and saying that they are the best qualified for the job, IS He?
????
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Homeland Security Grant Program
FY 2009 Homeland Security Grant Program
DHS Releases New Grant GuidanceThe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides a comprehensive suite of grant programs to enhance jurisdictions’ abilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from all hazards. In conjunction with the release of FEMA's FY 2009 grant guidance, LLIS.gov has updated its Homeland Security Grant Program Resource Center. The resource page includes the FY 2009 Homeland Security Grant Program Overview, a list of changes enforced in FY 2009, A Compendium of Promising Grants Management Practices Across the United States, and downloadable resource materials. Please log onto LLIS.gov and click on Homeland Security Grant Program under LLIS.GOV PARTNERS.
DHS Releases New Grant GuidanceThe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides a comprehensive suite of grant programs to enhance jurisdictions’ abilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from all hazards. In conjunction with the release of FEMA's FY 2009 grant guidance, LLIS.gov has updated its Homeland Security Grant Program Resource Center. The resource page includes the FY 2009 Homeland Security Grant Program Overview, a list of changes enforced in FY 2009, A Compendium of Promising Grants Management Practices Across the United States, and downloadable resource materials. Please log onto LLIS.gov and click on Homeland Security Grant Program under LLIS.GOV PARTNERS.
Pumper Crash in Illinois
Pumper Crash in Illinois
AN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS, ENGINE WAS involved in a collision this afternoon while returning from a call. 
photo by Larry Shapiro
The minivan ran into the pumper at an uncontrolled intersection. The driver of the van was not wearing a seat belt and was injured when she was thrown into the passenger side of the vehicle.
photo by Larry Shapiro
The three FF’s on the engine were all belted in and did not report any injuries. No statement from the police yet about the cause or fault of the accident.
The pictures are courtesy Larry Shapiro. He has a gallery of 56 pictures taken at the scene and you can view them on his photography website HERE.
photo by Larry Shapiro
The minivan ran into the pumper at an uncontrolled intersection. The driver of the van was not wearing a seat belt and was injured when she was thrown into the passenger side of the vehicle.
photo by Larry Shapiro
The three FF’s on the engine were all belted in and did not report any injuries. No statement from the police yet about the cause or fault of the accident.
The pictures are courtesy Larry Shapiro. He has a gallery of 56 pictures taken at the scene and you can view them on his photography website HERE.
Homeland Security
Pentagon to Detail Troops to Bolster Domestic Security
By Spencer S. Hsu and Ann Scott Tyson
Washington Post Staff Writers
Monday, December 1, 2008; A01
The U.S. military expects to have 20,000 uniformed troops inside the United States by 2011 trained to help state and local officials respond to a nuclear terrorist attack or other domestic catastrophe, according to Pentagon officials. The long-planned shift in the Defense Department's role in homeland security was recently backed with funding and troop commitments after years of prodding by Congress and outside experts, defense analysts said. There are critics of the change, in the military and among civil liberties groups and libertarians who express concern that the new homeland emphasis threatens to strain the military and possibly undermine the Posse Comitatus Act, a 130-year-old federal law restricting the military's role in domestic law enforcement.But the Bush administration and some in Congress have pushed for a heightened homeland military role since the middle of this decade,saying the greatest domestic threat is terrorists exploiting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, dedicating 20,000 troops to domestic response -- a nearly sevenfold increase in five years --"would have been extraordinary to the point of unbelievable," Paul McHale, assistant defense secretary for homeland defense, said in remarks last month at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. But the realization that civilian authorities may be overwhelmed in a catastrophe prompted "a fundamental change in military culture," he said.
The Pentagon's plan calls for three rapid-reaction forces to be ready for emergency response by September 2011. The first 4,700-person unit,built around an active-duty combat brigade based at Fort Stewart, Ga. ,was available as of Oct. 1, said Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., commander of the U.S. Northern Command. If funding continues, two additional teams will join nearly 80 smaller National Guard and reserve units made up of about 6,000 troops in supporting local and state officials nationwide. All would be trained to respond to a domestic chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosive attack, or CBRNE event, as the military calls it. Military preparations for a domestic weapon-of-mass-destruction attack have been underway since at least 1996, when the Marine Corps activated a 350-member chemical and biological incident response force and later based it in Indian Head, Md., a Washington suburb. Such efforts accelerated after the Sept. 11 attacks, and at the time Iraq was invaded in 2003, a Pentagon joint task force drew on 3,000 civil support personnel across the United States.
By Spencer S. Hsu and Ann Scott Tyson
Washington Post Staff Writers
Monday, December 1, 2008; A01
The U.S. military expects to have 20,000 uniformed troops inside the United States by 2011 trained to help state and local officials respond to a nuclear terrorist attack or other domestic catastrophe, according to Pentagon officials. The long-planned shift in the Defense Department's role in homeland security was recently backed with funding and troop commitments after years of prodding by Congress and outside experts, defense analysts said. There are critics of the change, in the military and among civil liberties groups and libertarians who express concern that the new homeland emphasis threatens to strain the military and possibly undermine the Posse Comitatus Act, a 130-year-old federal law restricting the military's role in domestic law enforcement.But the Bush administration and some in Congress have pushed for a heightened homeland military role since the middle of this decade,saying the greatest domestic threat is terrorists exploiting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, dedicating 20,000 troops to domestic response -- a nearly sevenfold increase in five years --"would have been extraordinary to the point of unbelievable," Paul McHale, assistant defense secretary for homeland defense, said in remarks last month at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. But the realization that civilian authorities may be overwhelmed in a catastrophe prompted "a fundamental change in military culture," he said.
The Pentagon's plan calls for three rapid-reaction forces to be ready for emergency response by September 2011. The first 4,700-person unit,built around an active-duty combat brigade based at Fort Stewart, Ga. ,was available as of Oct. 1, said Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., commander of the U.S. Northern Command. If funding continues, two additional teams will join nearly 80 smaller National Guard and reserve units made up of about 6,000 troops in supporting local and state officials nationwide. All would be trained to respond to a domestic chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosive attack, or CBRNE event, as the military calls it. Military preparations for a domestic weapon-of-mass-destruction attack have been underway since at least 1996, when the Marine Corps activated a 350-member chemical and biological incident response force and later based it in Indian Head, Md., a Washington suburb. Such efforts accelerated after the Sept. 11 attacks, and at the time Iraq was invaded in 2003, a Pentagon joint task force drew on 3,000 civil support personnel across the United States.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Communications Guide
USFA Release of Communications Guide
Voice Radio Communications Guide for the Fire Service ReleasedEmmitsburg, MD. –
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has completed a project with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) to study what important areas of safety and technology discussed in the USFA manual Fire Department Communications Manual - A Basic Guide to System Concepts and Equipment (FA-160) needed to be updated or revised, as well as what topics and technology related to fire department communications not discussed in the manual needed to be added since its development in 1996.
This joint USFA and IAFF study was conducted with support from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) SAFECOM Program Office. "The need for an understanding of today's modern communications concepts and technology for firefighter and citizen life safety and operational effectiveness remains as valid, if not more so today, than it did when this USFA document was first produced in 1996,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade. "USFA was pleased to work with DHS SAFECOM and the IAFF on this study to provide critical information to the fire service."
The new manual, Voice Radio Communications Guide for the Fire Service (PDF, 3.8 Mb), provides updated information on communications technology and discusses critical homeland security issues and concepts, such as SAFECOM, that did not exist when the original manual was first published. It also provides a wide fire service audience with a minimum level of familiarity with basic communications issues such as hardware, policy and procedures, and human interface." The safety of both firefighters and citizens depends on reliable, functional communication tools that work in the harshest and most hostile of environments," said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "The IAFF was pleased to work with USFA on this important project." Further information about this partnership effort may be found under the Research section of the USFA Web site.
Voice Radio Communications Guide for the Fire Service ReleasedEmmitsburg, MD. –
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has completed a project with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) to study what important areas of safety and technology discussed in the USFA manual Fire Department Communications Manual - A Basic Guide to System Concepts and Equipment (FA-160) needed to be updated or revised, as well as what topics and technology related to fire department communications not discussed in the manual needed to be added since its development in 1996.
This joint USFA and IAFF study was conducted with support from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) SAFECOM Program Office. "The need for an understanding of today's modern communications concepts and technology for firefighter and citizen life safety and operational effectiveness remains as valid, if not more so today, than it did when this USFA document was first produced in 1996,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade. "USFA was pleased to work with DHS SAFECOM and the IAFF on this study to provide critical information to the fire service."
The new manual, Voice Radio Communications Guide for the Fire Service (PDF, 3.8 Mb), provides updated information on communications technology and discusses critical homeland security issues and concepts, such as SAFECOM, that did not exist when the original manual was first published. It also provides a wide fire service audience with a minimum level of familiarity with basic communications issues such as hardware, policy and procedures, and human interface." The safety of both firefighters and citizens depends on reliable, functional communication tools that work in the harshest and most hostile of environments," said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "The IAFF was pleased to work with USFA on this important project." Further information about this partnership effort may be found under the Research section of the USFA Web site.
Card Check
The first item of the Democrats' liberal agenda is upon us and we must stop it today!The big unions went all out to elect Barack Obama President and to strengthen Democrat majorities in both Houses of Congress. And now, Nancy Pelosi is attempting to push through their top legislative priority known as “Card Check.”Card Check legislation will make it easier for unions to organize while doing away with decades of experience that carefully balances the interests of employees, unions and the employers.
Card Check legislation will also do away with secret ballots and instead employees would have to voice their vote in front of union organizers.
The Democrat-led Congress worked tirelessly over the past two years to deliver paybacks to Big Labor bosses who helped get Democrats elected. Now, it comes as no surprise that Democrat Leader Steny Hoyer said they would work on the card-check bill “early on” in the next Congress to strip union workers of their right to a secret ballot in union elections.
To view Hoyer’s statements on the priority of card check legislation, click here now.
We elect our President, Congressmen, Governors, State Legislators, Mayors, School Board Members, and even our local Dog Catchers through secret ballots. So why do unions want to do away with it for their elections?Why would they want to open up the election process to intimidation and coercion?With the decline in union membership continuing, we know the real answer to why big unions want to change the election process. Make no mistake, big unions will spend millions of dollars trying to pass Card Check legislation in order to increase their “membership.” During these tough economic times the last thing our country needs to worry about is a union boss pushing his agenda on the American worker.
Card Check legislation will also do away with secret ballots and instead employees would have to voice their vote in front of union organizers.
The Democrat-led Congress worked tirelessly over the past two years to deliver paybacks to Big Labor bosses who helped get Democrats elected. Now, it comes as no surprise that Democrat Leader Steny Hoyer said they would work on the card-check bill “early on” in the next Congress to strip union workers of their right to a secret ballot in union elections.
To view Hoyer’s statements on the priority of card check legislation, click here now.
We elect our President, Congressmen, Governors, State Legislators, Mayors, School Board Members, and even our local Dog Catchers through secret ballots. So why do unions want to do away with it for their elections?Why would they want to open up the election process to intimidation and coercion?With the decline in union membership continuing, we know the real answer to why big unions want to change the election process. Make no mistake, big unions will spend millions of dollars trying to pass Card Check legislation in order to increase their “membership.” During these tough economic times the last thing our country needs to worry about is a union boss pushing his agenda on the American worker.
Hillary did It!
Again I reiterate my concern for his pick due to his bashing of her during the primary where he was putting her down during the primaries. Again not that I like her in any way as she is a carpetbagger and her dealing prior to her husbands election to the governors office in Arkansas. So I have added this article from CNN on Obamas pick for his security team. Maybe he feels that she can lead the state department and not the country?
(CNN) -- President-elect Barack Obama on Monday announced Sen. Hillary Clinton as his pick for secretary of state, calling her an "American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence."
President-elect Barack Obama announced his nomination of Sen. Hillary Clinton as secretary of state.
"Hillary's appointment is a sign to friend and foe of the seriousness of my commitment to renew American diplomacy and restore our alliances," Obama said at a news conference in Chicago, Illinois. "I have no doubt that Hillary Clinton is the right person to lead our State Department and to work with me in tackling this ambitious foreign policy agenda."
Obama also confirmed that he is keeping Defense Secretary Robert Gates in his current post.
Rounding out his Monday announcements, Obama named retired Marine Gen. Jim Jones as his national security adviser, Eric Holder as attorney general, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano as homeland security secretary and Susan Rice as ambassador to the United Nations.
"I am confident that this team is what we need to make a new beginning for American national security," Obama said.
(CNN) -- President-elect Barack Obama on Monday announced Sen. Hillary Clinton as his pick for secretary of state, calling her an "American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence."
President-elect Barack Obama announced his nomination of Sen. Hillary Clinton as secretary of state.
"Hillary's appointment is a sign to friend and foe of the seriousness of my commitment to renew American diplomacy and restore our alliances," Obama said at a news conference in Chicago, Illinois. "I have no doubt that Hillary Clinton is the right person to lead our State Department and to work with me in tackling this ambitious foreign policy agenda."
Obama also confirmed that he is keeping Defense Secretary Robert Gates in his current post.
Rounding out his Monday announcements, Obama named retired Marine Gen. Jim Jones as his national security adviser, Eric Holder as attorney general, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano as homeland security secretary and Susan Rice as ambassador to the United Nations.
"I am confident that this team is what we need to make a new beginning for American national security," Obama said.
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