Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Rhode Island Firefighter Killed Working on Ladder Truck

ANN-MARIE NICHOLSON
Courtesy of WPRI-TV

WAKEFIELD, R.I. -- Kingston fire officials confirmed a firefighter severely hurt while while working on a ladder truck Monday died from his injuries Tuesday at Rhode Island Hospital.

The accident happened at the Kingston fire station. According to Chief Nathan Barrington, the department is not releasing the name of the firefighter until family members are notified. However, officials have confirmed the victim was a volunteer firefighter for the Kingstown Fire Department for more than 40 years.

During a news conference Tuesday morning at the Union Fire District Administration, officials said the firefighter was working with other firefighters at the time of the incident. Another briefing is scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday.

The incident remains under investigation. Funeral arrangements are pending.

67-year-old firefighter dies while working on ladder truck: Firehouse.com and Firefighter Close Calls have the story of the tragic events in Rhode Island yesterday that left Kingston Fire Department Assistant Chief Allan “Pickles” LePage dead.

Fire Corps Home Safety Checklist and Smoke Alarms Now Available

 

Fire Corps programs can assist communities in taking preventative measures to avoid home fires. Fire Corps teams routinely educate their communities about home safety practices, and home safety checks are conducted by many programs across the country to reduce the risk of fire or injury.

Fire Corps has created the Home Safety Checklist to help your Fire Corps team implement a home safety check program in your community. The Checklist provides a basic, step-by-step approach to ensure residents in your community are safer and more secure. Use the Checklist to identify hazards in and around the home, as well as hazards that are associated with a variety of household situations, including those where children, older residents, pets, and/or those with disabilities may reside.

To assist your program in providing critical services to your community through home safety checks and other prevention activities, Fire Corps has partnered with First Alert to establish a smoke alarm donation program for registered Fire Corps programs. Your program may apply for these free smoke alarms by filling out the Smoke Alarm Request Form. Please keep in mind that quantities are limited and restrictions apply.

Firewise

New Firewise Resources Available for Download

Firewise, a multi-agency effort designed to reduce the risk of wildland fire by involving community leaders, planners, developers, and homeowners, has released a new publication, Safer from the Start: A Guide to Firewise-Friendly Developments. Written for community associations and developers, it provides information about planning communities with wildfire in mind.

Wildland fire continues to be a major challenge for the nation’s emergency services. Fire Corps and the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise Communities program recently partnered to develop a Firewise toolkit. Getting Started With Firewise provides information about building and maintaining communities in a way that is compatible with our natural surroundings and can be used by Fire Corps teams across the nation to help protect property and natural resources from the threat of wildland fires. The toolkit is available to all registered Fire Corps programs.

To download Safer from the Start, visit http://firewise.org/resources/files/Safer-From-the-Start.pdf  To order Getting Started with Firewise, fill out the request form and return to Fire Corps at info@firecorps.org or fax to 202-887-5291.            

Monday, June 29, 2009

Is the New iPhone a Fire Hazard? | News | Money/Investing | Mainstreet

Is the New iPhone a Fire Hazard? | News | Money/Investing | Mainstreet

Shared via AddThis

Apparatus Rollover in Georgia

Georgia Fire Apparatus Rolls Over Responding....1 FF Belted-1 FF NOT Belted...GEORGIA STATE PATROL: “Wearing a seat belt is not required in emergency vehicles”

from www.firefighterclosecalls.com news

Georgia Fire Apparatus Rolls Over Responding....1 FF Belted-1 FF NOT Belted...GEORGIA STATE PATROL: “Wearing a seat belt is not required in emergency vehicles”

LODD

Story by thedenverchannel.com

Courtesy Photo

Firefighter Brett Stearns

DENVER --

A Bureau of Land Management firefighter was killed Friday when he was hit by a falling tree.

Brett Stearns, 29, from Craig, Colo., was working with 12 other firefighters to clear trees at Freeman Reservoir, 15 miles northeast of Craig, said BLM spokeswoman Lynn Barclay.

The accident is still under investigation. Barclay said Stearns was hit by a falling tree and pronounced dead at the scene.

"Firefighting is a dangerous profession and firefighter safety is the No. 1 priority on fires and projects such as this," said Little Snake Field Manager John Husband. "A detailed investigation is being conducted by a federal accident investigation team."

Stearns was an engine captain and had worked in the fire program for the BLM Little Snake Field Office in Craig since 1999. He is survived by his wife, mother, father, brother and half-sister.

Husband said Stearns "dedicated his life to protecting the lives and property of the public."

Copyright 2009 by TheDenverChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Funeral Information

Funeral services for Firefighter Stearns have been scheduled for Wednesday, July 1 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 1295 W. Ninth Street in Craig, Colo.

Here is a 9 minute cartoon from 1948 that couldn’t say it any better today. Every American should watch this. It is worth your time

Here is a 9 minute cartoon from 1948 that couldn’t say it any better today. Every American should watch this. It is worth your time…

CLICK HERE Fun and Facts About America, John Sutherland Productions. Creative Commons license: Public Domain. This Cold War-era cartoon uses humor to tout the dangers of Communism and the benefits of capitalism. For more great vintage animation check out www.animationstation.info and subscribe to our podcast.

Uncle Jay Explains June 29, 2009

Guns! Sometimes this issue is so frustrating, you just wanna SHOOT somebody! But no, Uncle Jay calmly explains the blast from the big guns at the Supreme Court, and the return fire they're getting. Plus, Bill Gates shuts down his career by clicking "Start." Figures.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

911 call from Michael Jackson's home & The view from the tourist bus - treatment by EMS.

TMZ is reporting that first arriving responders felt that Jackson was dead on arrival, but Jackson's personal doctor would not permit them to pronounce him dead.
The 911 called was released Friday afternoon with the caller reporting that Jackson was on a bed, not breathing and that a doctor was already attempting CPR. The caller says repeatedly Jackson was not responding to anything. "We have a gentlemen here, who needs help ... he's not breathing, we're trying to pump but ... he's not breathing." the caller says, not identifying Jackson by name. "He's unconscious."

Watch video shot from tourist bus in front of Michael Jackson's home (via TMZ.com)

More details on EMS response from JEMS.com/FirefighterNation (check out the discussion on the now widely distributed photo of Michael Jackson snapped through the window of the ambulance)

http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&&&&mediaKey=a9fb2e65-bf09-4467-8822-fa3ef6573bd3&isShareURL=true

Crowd Throws Water On Firefighters Closing Off Hydrant

Wisconsin - Milwaukee Police Department officers used pepper spray near a crowd Thursday afternoon so firefighters could close off a hydrant the people had opened, a Fire Department official said. Milwaukee Fire Department Lt. Ed Schott said the incident happened around 2 p.m. at N. 13th St. and W. Cottage Place. A crowd of about 50 residents had been throwing water at the firefighters. The pepper spray was used in the direction of the people but didn't appear to get on any of them, Schott said.

"They (the residents) got angry and I can empathize with them," Schott said. "The kids were having a great time in the water and it was hot as Hades."

Schott said the residents scooped water into plastic buckets and threw it on the firefighters.

"We were kind of hot anyway in all our gear," he said.

Though many residents have devised ways to open fire hydrants and turn them into sprinklers, officials say the diversion of water reduces the pressure available for use in the area in the event of a fire.

Written and photos by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Ambulance Medics Face New Occupational Hazard

THE WELL-DOCUMENTED WAR BETWEEN THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT and organized drug cartels has been the cause for an unheard-of wave of homicides in several states.  The state of Michoacan is one of those where the criminals have been very forceful in their brutal wave of terrorism designed to take control of the local governments.

The AP reported recently from there about an attack on an emergency ambulance:

Gunmen tossed a grenade at an ambulance and then opened its doors to kill a patient inside who had narrowly survived an earlier shooting in a drug cartel-plagued Mexican state Friday. Paramedics ran for their lives during the attack.

Vehicles carrying four masked gunmen cut off the ambulance around 2 a.m. as it carried the 23-year-old man to a hospital in Morelia, the capital on Michoacan state, according to a report from the state prosecutor’s office.

Assailants tossed a fragmentation grenade at the ambulance, setting it on fire, and the two paramedics ran away, according to the police report. The gunmen then opened the back doors and fired at the patient and his wife, who was accompanying him.

michoacan-a

The man died and the 20-year-old woman was listed in serious condition. No arrests have been made.

The state prosecutor’s office said the victim had been taken to a local hospital by his family Sunday night after being wounded in a shootout between rival gangs in Uruapan, a center of Mexico’s avocado industry. He was being transferred early Friday to a better-equipped hospital in the state capital.

Also this past Friday, the federal government arrested and are holding seven mayors and 19 other gov’t. officials in Michoacan for taking bribes and tipping off drug gangs on police activity.  The AP has that story HERE.

Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting

by Christopher J. Naum, at 6/25/2009 11:12:00 AM

Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is committed to reducing firefighter fatalities and injuries. As part of that effort, the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival (SHS) Section has developed DRAFT “Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting to provide guidance to individual firefighters and incident commanders regarding risk and safety issues when operating on the fireground.
The intent is to provide a set of model procedures to be made available by the IAFC to fire departments as a guide for their own standard operating procedures development.
The direction provided to the project team by the Section leadership was to develop rules of engagement with the following conceptual points:
· Rules should be a short, specific set of bullets
· Rules should be easily taught and remembered
· Rules should define critical risk issues
· Rules should define “go” ‐ “no‐go situations
· A champion lesson plan should be provided

Early in development the rules of engagement, it was recognized that two separate rules were needed –one set for the firefighter, and another set for the incident commander. Thus, the two sets of rules of engagement described in this document. Each set has several commonly stated bullets, but the explanations are described somewhat differently based on the level of responsibility (i.e., firefighter vs. incident commanders).
The draft documents are currently open for public comment until the FRI conference in Dallas (August 25‐29, 2009).

The reader may direct comments to Chief Gary Morris, the project lead, at
mercurymorris@hotmail.com.
The originating IAFC Rules of Structural Engagement, HERE
IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section Home Page, HERE

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

LODD

Pennsylvania Firefighter Dies After Response
Deim Firehouse.com News

Funeral services are set for Wednesday for a Pennsylvania firefighter who died Thursday, less than 12 hours after responding to a call. William F. Thompson Sr., 65, was a member of Dushore Volunteer Fire Department.

He suffered an apparent heart attack while driving to work in his personal vehicle, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

He was the former chief at Lower Southampton Fire Dept. in Bucks County, Pa. Thompson also served as Albany Township EMS Coordinator, the New Albany Valley Vol. Fire Department and the Trevose Heights Rescue Squad, according to Dushore Fire Dept.

Funeral Services

Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Uncle Jay Explains June 22, 2009

They're calling it the Twitter Revolution. That's gonna look pretty dorky in the history books. And the Senate apologized for slavery! Thanks, can't wait for "Sorry about Prohibition." Uncle Jay explains it all!

Ambulance Backs Over, Kills Pedestrian

 

A 79-YR.-OLD WOMAN WAS KILLED SATURDAY EVENING when a St. Paul, Minnesota, Fire Department ambulance struck her while backing down an alleyway.  The ambulance had responded to a call involving a car that had gone through a fence in the area and it was positioning closer to the accident scene.

The woman apparently was unaware of the ambulance’s presence and stepped out into its path.  The ambulance knocked her down and pinned her underneath, killing her immediately.  An investigation is continuing into the incident.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press has the DETAILS.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Rockford woman killed in train derailment

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/us/21train.html?ref=us 

Canadian National train explodes, kills motorist

Firefighters and officials work Saturday, June 20, 2009, at the scene of a Canadian National freight train that derailed and exploded on Mulford Road near Sandy Hollow Road.

Several cars from a Canadian National Railway Co. train smoldered Saturday near Rockford as federal investigators continued to probe whether standing water from heavy rains was a factor in a Friday night derailment that left a 41-year-old woman dead and three others injured.
Zoila Tellez of Rockford died trying to flee her car, which was stopped at a rural Cherry Valley railroad crossing when the train derailed. Three passengers got out and ran, but Tellez collapsed 20 feet behind her vehicle and died, Winnebago County Coroner Sue Fiduccia said Saturday.
"When everything went to hell and debris started flying and everything, she got out of her car and started to run away from it and that's when she got caught in the fire," said Fiduccia, who planned a Sunday autopsy.
A 17-year-old female passenger was in critical condition in the Stroger Hospital burn unit after being flown by helicopter Saturday, a hospital spokesman said. Another remained in a Rockford hospital.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Not For the Squeamish

Cemented in Barrel by Drug Dealers

Encased in Cement: After cutting the barrel away a man's body was found stuffed in a barrel with cement. Only known fact about the man was that he was a drug dealer. It's possible that the competition murdered him in this vile fashion.
.

Click for more (NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH!)

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Anyone driving in Illinois -- BEWARE!!!!!

BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING LEAD FOOTS !.....

Subject: Illinois to start using Photo Radar in July !

Illinois will begin using photo radar in freeway work zones in July.  One mile per hour over the speed limit and the machine will get you a nice $375.00 ticket in the mail.  Beginning July 1st, the State of Illinois will begin using the speed cameras in areas designated as "Work Zones" on major freeways.  Anyone caught by these devices will be mailed a $375.00 ticket for the FIRST offense. The SECOND offense will cost $1000.00 and comes with a 90-Day suspension.  Drivers will also receive demerit points against their license, which allow insurance companies to raise Insurance rates.
This is the harshest penalty structure ever set for a governmental unit involving PHOTO speed enforcement.  The State already has two camera vans on line issuing tickets 24/7 in work zones with speed limits lowered to 45 MPH.  Photos of both the Driver's face and License plate are taken. Pass this on to everyone you know who might be affected!!!
For more info: http://www.dot.state.il.us/press/r033005.html Illinois Department of Transportation, Gary Hannig, Secretary

Two LODD to report

South Carolina Firefighter Dies During Storm

Jun. 18--A volunteer firefighter had a heart attack and died in his car Tuesday evening while surveying the land for downed trees and power lines in Chester, officials say.

Jimmy Cameron, 47, pulled over in southern Chester County, turned off his car and died after a storm hit around 6:30 p.m. Coroner Terry Tinker said Cameron died in his car.

Cameron, who was self-employed, had been a dedicated member of the South Chester Fire Department for at least 20 years, Fire Chief Blair White said.

White said he wasn't sure if the stress of responding to the storm triggered the heart attack. Chester County hasn't seen a storm of that caliber for 10 years.

"You can't believe the damage we have down here," White said. "We didn't know how many people might be injured or trapped. At the time, he didn't know that."

Funeral plans were unavailable Wednesday.

McClatchy Tribune Information Services

A Kansas firefighter collapsed June 16 while battling a house fire.

Lyle Lewis, 49, was a member of Osborne County Fire District #3, according to the Kansas State Firefighters Association.

He was transported to Osborne County Hospital where he passed away.

Funeral services will be Saturday, June 20. More information on the service will be posted as it becomes available. Plans call for the procession to proceed from Osborne to the Kill Creek Cemetery.

2009 U.S. Line of Duty Deaths 48 LODD’s

2008 U.S. Line of Duty Deaths 114 LODD’s

Visit FIREFIGHTERNEARMISS.COM and check out the Report of the Week(ROTW) for an incident description followed by review questions designed to spark discussion. We can all learn from these.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Another Pucker Factor Incident

TOWER LADDER TIPS AT DWELLING FIRE

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

At a structure fire, Windsor Locks (CT) Firefighters had a Close Call shortly after heavy rain had moved through their area. Their tower ladder "tipped" due to the soggy conditions and the sidewalk slowly collapsed under the weight. Fortunately no one was hurt and the WL members were a...  [  more  ]  

Edmonton Man with cane wins fight with grizzly

 

Man with cane wins fight with grizzly

June 9 (UPI) -- A 78-year-old Canadian man and his son were recovering Tuesday from a rural grizzly bear attack won by the father swinging his cane. ...

United Press International - 26 related articles »

EDMONTON, Alberta (UPI) -- A 78-year-old Canadian man and his son were recovering Tuesday from a rural grizzly bear attack won by the father swinging his cane.
Tom Wanyandie, 78, and his son James, who is in his 30s, were in a forest near Prairie Creek in west-central Alberta Saturday looking for moose antlers, the Edmonton Journal reported Tuesday.
The pair spotted a grizzly cub scrambling up a tree and realized the mother wouldn't be far away so they began to run.
The son fired at the bear with his rifle once, but said he wasn't sure if he hit it. It grabbed him by the arm and tossed him "like a rag doll," his father said.
The elder Wanyandie got the bear to release his son's arm by jamming his cane down the bear's throat.
"Tom tackled the bear with his walking stick, and beat it on the head and the nose, and yelled at it, and it backed off," his son told the newspaper.
The injured men made it back to their truck and drove to a highway where there was a cell phone signal and called for help, they said.
The father was treated and released, but his son was still hospitalized with a mangled arm, the report said.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Worker Rescued From trench

a2b4f4ec-5799-11de-a68a-001cc4c002e0_image 

A worker with an independent contractor was rescued by firefighters from a trench Friday after he was pinned by some heavy equipment along 24th Street in Rock Island.

Rock Island Fire Department Battalion Chief Doug DuBree said the workers were installing a fire hydrant in the 2500 block of 24th Street.

Workers were attempting to lower a line tapper into the trench using an end loader when the piece of equipment fell into the trench, DuBree said.

“It’s a pretty heavy piece of equipment,” DuBree said. “It hit him on the back. We’re not sure how seriously he was injured. He didn’t lose consciousness or anything. He was conscious and alert and he was talking to us. But, he was in pain.”

The fire department was dispatched to the scene at 2:14 p.m. and arrived on the scene at 2:16 p.m., he said. The man was out of the hole by 2:44 p.m.

The victim was taken to Trinity Medical Center-West Campus, Rock Island. His condition was not available Friday night.

“We put him on a backboard and collard his neck,” DuBree said. “We put him in a stokes basket and set up a rope rescue and slid him up a ladder. Everything went real well.”

He added that the construction company “followed the regulations and had the trench shored up.”

DuBree said the Rock Island Arsenal and Moline fire departments were called in to assist. “We need so many technical rescue team guys who are qualified,” he said. “Our guys go through a lot of training for this type of rescue. Last week we went through rope rescue drills. Not long ago we practiced trench rescue.”

DuBree said members of the technical rescue team go through about 700 hours of training for rescue from a confined space, trench rescue, building collapse, high angle or rope rescue, and vehicle and machinery entrapment.

There have been four or five other rescues from trenches in the last 30 years in Rock Island.

A worker with an independent contractor was rescued by firefighters from a trench Friday after he was pinned by some heavy equipment along 24th Street in Rock Island.

Rock Island Fire Department Battalion Chief Doug DuBree said the workers were installing a fire hydrant in the 2500 block of 24th Street.

Workers were attempting to lower a line tapper into the trench using an end loader when the piece of equipment fell into the trench, DuBree said.

“It’s a pretty heavy piece of equipment,” DuBree said. “It hit him on the back. We’re not sure how seriously he was injured. He didn’t lose consciousness or anything. He was conscious and alert and he was talking to us. But, he was in pain.”

The fire department was dispatched to the scene at 2:14 p.m. and arrived on the scene at 2:16 p.m., he said. The man was out of the hole by 2:44 p.m.

“We put him on a backboard and collard his neck,” DuBree said. “We put him in a stokes basket and set up a rope rescue and slid him up a ladder. Everything went real well.”

He added that the construction company “followed the regulations and had the trench shored up.”

DuBree said members of the technical rescue team go through about 700 hours of training for rescue from a confined space, trench rescue, building collapse, high angle or rope rescue, and vehicle and machinery entrapment.

There have been four or five other rescues from trenches in the last 30 years in Rock Island.

Related Video
Rock Island worker rescue
Rock Island worker rescue
(1:31) A worker with an independent contractor is rescued by firefighters from a ditch …

Monday, June 15, 2009

What’s happening

MUST SEE VIDEO ALERT!!!: The video above is not the must see one, but it is interesting. It's the raw video from the interview Brian Wilson of Fox News did last week with Creek Nation Paramedic Maurice White Jr. about his May 24 confrontation with Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Daniel Martin. Since that interview, the dash-cam from Trooper Martin's car has been released by OHP. Now that you have been able to see both videos, watch the interviews with the EMS crew, and read the written accounts from all parties, including witnesses, what do you think? Our discussion is continuing. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE DASH-CAM VIDEO, FIND LINKS TO ALL THE MATERIAL AND TO COMMENT.

More fire & police interaction with video of a cop blocking traffic and the plug: This is another version of the June 4 house fire in Lodi, NJ that prompted more than a few comments. This video gives some earlier views and different angles on the fire. One of the most interesting shots is of one engine company responding and preparing to drop some LDH at the hydrant. But a black & white is not only blocking the plug but the pathway to the fire and the officer is nowhere to be found. Check it out.

The LACK of fire & police interaction is the subject of this story: In Alexandria, Virginia, a man, worried about his pregnant wife failing to show for a doctor's appointment, calls for help. Police responded to the apartment to check on the wife, but according to the man, refused his pleas to break down the door. The wife, the toddler son and a newborn girl were all on the floor of the apartment when the husband arrived home four-hours later. From our calls, police are now investigating if proper procedures were followed on the initial dispatch, which only had a police response. This story came from a tip generated through STATter911.com and more than ably handled by 9NEWS NOW reporter Gary Nurenberg. Click to read and watch for the story.

Join in on the safety roundtable: Some old hands in the fire service get to meet the new media in Emmitsburg this afternoon. USFA has brought this group together for a Firefighter/EMS Health and Safety Roundtable. Firehouse.com's Susan Nicol Kyle will be blogging about it and there are other Internet components, including a podcast. You can also send in your own questions. Click here for the details.

Court rules against firefighter terminated over issues surrounding her MySpace page: Tiffany Marshall's image once promoted diversity in the Savannah Fire Department. But when that picture appeared on her MySpace page alongside ones of Firefighter Marshall with almost nothing on it set the wheels in motion that resulted in her firing. Tiffany Marshall took her case to court and lost on all counts including discrimination and freedom of speech. Read more.

Two dead in Maryland fire: It happened around 9:30 Sunday evening. Dead in the two-alarm house fire on Arizona Circle in Bethesda are a 74-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman. Click here for more.

Close call in Columbus: Two firefighters were burned in Columbus, Ohio at a fire at 135 Wisconsin Avenue early Sunday morning. One of the firefighters had fallen through a floor of the burning home. News coverage is here. A couple of aftermath pictures are available from our friends at Box 15.

As time goes by: An interesting story from The Washington Post about a 50-year veteran of the fire service in Loudoun County, Virginia. James Goss of the Lucketts VFD compares the old with the new. Check out the article.

I'm busy watching the air show at Ocean City & Firegeezer is working his butt off: Trying to spend a few moments away from the computer with my son watching the great air show (including the USAF Thunderbirds) at Ocean City, MD (site of this week's Maryland State Firemen's Association Convention) and I get back to find Firegeezer has all of the good stories. Just click here and scroll down to find items including, a fiery wreck involving an ammo laden triple-trailer rig in Utah, a furniture store fire at a Mississippi strip mall, an update on the deadly Slim Jim explosion and fire and an interesting dress code for a Florida town. Also, he had a good story the day before (that I failed to run, despite a STATter911.com reader sending me the goods) about a lane blocking policy in North Carolina that really paid off. Click here for that one.

Firehouse Zen on credentialing: One of my biggest regrets these days is that I am not spending enough time reading some of the other great fire service blogs and websites. Just not enough hours in the day. But always near the top of my blog scanning is Firehouse Zen. Mick Mayers has lately been focusing on credentialing and has some interesting stories to tell. Click here.

Update on the mass termination of volunteers in Owego, NY: It turns out some of the termination letters were sent in mistake and there is a dispute over the actual numbers of letters that went out. Is it 315 or 149? Click here on the latest in this story we first told you about a week ago.

New rules: By now I am sure you are aware of the story from Providence, Rhode Island where the labor problems with firefighters has put a crimp in the get-together for the US Conference of Mayors. But have you read the rules that came out Thursday to prevent on-duty firefighters from supporting those who are picketing. Click here.

The Dash Cam video from the OK incident we have been following

Read entire letter from DA Max Cook to Col. Van Guillotte, courtesy of Okemah News Leader

Watch KWTV-TV interview with Maurice White Jr.

Watch KWTV-TV story on OHP investigation

Watch KWTV-TV story on Open Records Act and the dash-cam video

Previous STATter911.com coverage: Fox News interviews EMS crew & Trooper Martin; Trooper on administrative leave; No charges filed by DA; EMT-B Paul Franks speaks out; Read statements from Toopers Martin & Iker; Troopers identified; Statements from witnesses and the patient; Reaction from police officers; Statements from EMS crew.

Late on Friday the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reversed its previous position and released the video from the dash cam mounted in Trooper Daniel Martin's car. Technical difficulties prevented Oklahoma news agencies from using the entire video on Friday evening. The complete version is now available.

It shows the initial interaction between Martin and an EMS crew from Creek Nation on May 24 and continues through the part of the confrontation previously not seen in the cell phone video taken by the patient's son..

Life's little Pleasures

I do this tip regularly, its also especially useful to have something to put in the mail box so that you can put the flag up when you don’t have something to put in the box and save on trips to the mail box to check on the mail.

Junk Mail Help:
When you get 'ads' enclosed with your phone or utility bill, return these 'ads' with your payment. Let the sending companies throw their own junk mail away.
When you get those 'pre-approved' letters in the mail for everything from credit cards to 2nd mortgages and similar type junk, do not throw away the return envelope.
Most of these come with postage-paid return envelopes, right? It costs them more than the regular 41 cents postage 'IF' and when they receive them back.
It costs them nothing if you throw them away! The postage was around 50 cents before the last increase and it is according to the weight. In that case, why not get rid of some of your other junk mail and put it in these cool little, postage-paid return envelopes.

Send an ad for your local chimney cleaner to American Express. Send a pizza coupon to Citibank. If you didn't get anything else that day, then just send them their blank application back!
If you want to remain anonymous, just make sure your name isn't on anything you send them.
You can even send the envelope back empty if you want to just to keep them guessing! It still costs them 41 cents.
The banks and credit card companies are currently getting a lot of their own junk back in the mail, but folks, we need to OVERWHELM them. Let's let them know what it's like to get lots of junk mail, and best of all they're paying for it...Twice!
Let's help keep our postal service busy since they are saying that e-mail is cutting into their business profits, and that's why they need to increase postage costs again You get the idea !
If enough people follow these tips, it will work ---- I have been doing this for years, and I get very little junk mail anymore.
YOU WILL WANT TO FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

Uncle Jay explains june 15 2009

Forget all that stupid little news! Economy smouldering, Iran on fire, North Korea fired up, Carrie Prejean fired ... who cares? The BIG news is Uncle Jay's big announcement!

Friday, June 12, 2009

The Price of Peace

Deployment ceremonies are never easy. Emotions can be overwhelming as families and friends gather together for their good-byes. Twelve-year-old Alyssa Gaddis and her 16-year-old sister Cassy Gaddis, of Springfield, IL, know this firsthand. They’ve been to many such events because their father, CW5 Jim Gaddis, is the command chief warrant officer of the Illinois Army National Guard. These experiences inspired Alyssa to write a song — a song to lift the spirits of those enduring deployment, a song to inspire courage and hope. Alyssa titled her song, “The Price of Peace.”

Download the full story »

Download the MP3Download the Video

LODD - Ohio

Ohio Firefighter Collapses During Training, Dies

A Delaware Township, Ohio Firefighter Conrad Mansfield died two days after a medical emergency during a training exercise on June 10, according to the USFA.

The 40-year-old firefighter was participating in pump training when he collapsed. He was transported to the local hospital and then airlifted to a hospital in Toledo where he was placed on life support.

Mansfield succumbed to his injury on June 12. Preliminary results indicate the nature of the fatal injury was a stroke, but a final determination is pending further investigation.

Maine Firefighter/Paramedic Dies After Collapsing at Station

South Portland, Maine Firefighter/Paramedic Debra Cole died on June 11 after suffering a medical collapsing in the fire station a day earlier, according to the Web site FirefighterCloseCalls.com.

Cole reportedly collapsed in the firehouse prior to the end of her shift on Wednesday and was discovered by fellow firefighters. She apparently suffered a stroke, according to the Web site.

She was transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she was treated and underwent close to 11 hours of surgery. Cole was unable to survive the incident and was pronounced dead the following afternoon.

Cole was a seven-year veteran of the department with over 12 years of fire service experience.

St. Petersburg Florida - 40,000 killer bees and an electrified fence make a house fire very interesting, You never Know What you are going to get

Firefighters in St. Petersburg, Florida had more than their share of obstacles at a house fire on Tuesday. One problem was a fence that had become electrified by a downed power line. Then there was the issue of the killer bees. Read more from the St. Petersburg Times. Here's a summary from the AP:
Tampa Bay-area fighters not only had to fight fire - they had to battle 40,000 bees, too.
The Africanized bees lived in an 8-foot-tall hive in front of 66-year-old Robert Porter's St. Petersburg home. Porter had ignored the bees for years.
Firefighters couldn't ignore the bees Tuesday when Porter's back porch caught fire. As the flames spread through the small house, the bees burst from their hive and tried to gather up their honey.
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Capt. Bernie Williams ordered firefighters with bee allergies to get back from the blaze. A beekeeper was called to spray pesticide and remove the burned beehive.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Watch the Story Here - Fox News interviews paramedic and trooper over Oklahoma incident

Brian Wilson at Fox News is on the case in Oklahoma trying to learn more about the confrontation between Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Daniel Martin and the Creek Nation EMS crew. He snagged an interview with Paramedic Maurice White Jr. and even a little bit on camera with Trooper Martin.

Also, OHP now confirms that its investigation has been completed, that the trooper is on administrative leave and that the woman in the police car is Trooper Martin's wife.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

CSB Releases Safety Video on Need for Chemical Emergency Preparedness, Based on Findings from a Decade of CSB Accident Investigations

            Washington, DC, June 11, 2009 – The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) today released a new safety video showing the need for emergency response agencies, companies, and communities to work closely together to prepare for the kinds of tragic chemical accidents the CSB has investigated over the past decade.

            The new video, entitled “Emergency Preparedness: Findings from CSB Accident Investigations,” uses computer animations, interviews, and news footage to depict a series of chemical accidents that illustrate the need for effective training, communications, and community planning. In some incidents, firefighters and police were overcome by toxic chemicals and forced to retreat from neighborhoods; in others, firefighters and workers were tragically killed and others injured.

            The video is available online at www.CSB.gov, www.safetyvideos.gov, and YouTube. It can be ordered on a new two-DVD set of all CSB safety videos by filling out the request form at www.CSB.gov.    

Three Rivers, MS Apparatus Accident

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

A Three Rivers volunteer firefighter was at home Monday recovering from minor injuries and a pumper truck is likely a total loss after a weekend wreck, authorities said.
The accident occurred Saturday afternoon on Big Point Road in northeast Jackson County after a firefighter was dispatched in a mainline pumper to a woods fire that was threatening structural damage, said James Parker, chief of the Three Rivers Volunteer Fire Department.
Firefighters were already on the scene, Parker said, but called for backup once they saw the fire might reach homes. On the way to the scene, the firefighter, whom Parker declined to identify, lost control of the truck.
"The right front wheel went over the pavement, and the driver overcorrected and lost control," said Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd, whose department is handling the accident investigation. "When she hit the ditch, it flipped."
Although the accident remains under investigation, Byrd said it appears speed was not a factor.
"When I arrived on the scene, the truck was upside down in a ditch," Parker said. "We had one firefighter in the truck, and she had to be cut out."
The firefighter was airlifted to a Mobile hospital, where she was treated and released later that night, he said. She sustained no major injuries and is recovering at home, he added.
"We're not so much worried about the truck damage, because we're just thankful she's OK," Parker said. "The truck was completely turned over, and the cab was smashed in. The Lord was definitely riding with her."
Although the insurance company has not yet reviewed the case, the $200,000 pumper is likely a total loss for the fire department, Parker said.
The department has three stations, each with one pumper, he said. After the accident, a pumper was moved from the south substation near Mississippi Power Co. on Miss. 63 to the main station just north of Big Point Road, also on Miss. 63.
"We're not going to be un dercut," he said. "We have automatic aid from the East Central station, so our area won't do without. We're going to make sure of that."

LODD

Pulaski, Va. Firefighter Jeffrey H. Reed died three days after suffering a medical emergency, according to the Web site FirefighterCloseCalls.com.

Reed was operating a fire apparatus at the scene of a structure fire in Pulaski County on June 5 when he began to experience a medical issue and was transported to the Pulaski Community Hospital.

He was transferred to UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, Va. where he passed away on June 8.

Reed served the Town of Pulaski as a paid firefighter since 2002 and was a volunteer firefighter prior to that.

What’s Up

Five firefighters briefly trapped after engine overturns: Five helicopters took the firefighters to the hospital after yesterday evening's wreck in Meade County, Kentucky. It turns out all of the injuries are considered non-life threatening. We have pictures, raw video and news coverage.

Response from to Toronto local on dispatch issues: Remember the story claiming built in delays in dispatching fire equipment in Toronto? IAFF Local 3888 President Scott Marks has a different view of things. Click here to read the letter he sent to the Toronto Star.

OHP denies dash-cam video request: Despite the prosecutor urging the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to release its video of the confrontation between its officer and an EMS crew, OHP is denying the request, saying its video isn't covered under the Open Records Act. Click here for the latest and here for our previous coverage of the story.

The eyes of Texas are upon the governor: At least fire chiefs have their eyes focused on how Gov. Rick Perry plans to handle a bill that would ban cities from requiring sprinklers in new or existing homes. The fire service wants a veto. The building lobby, as you might imagine, sees it differently. Read the article.

Four-alarm high-rise fire in PA: Rescues made after fire starts on the 5th floor of a nine-story building in Lancaster on Sunday. Read details. Watch the story. More here and even more info in the forums at Lancaster.com.

Another chance to view some must see pictures and video: Our most clicked item was the series of pictures from New Jersey as a firefighter escapes the roof of a burning bowling alley in Shrewsbury. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

If you are both a fire and train buff, this story is for you: Union Pacific has donated a 392,000 pound gift to the San Antonio Fire Department training academy. See what it is.

Cool Sweeps participation cooled by judge: Firegeezer has an interesting story from Rochester, NY where a judge sides with firefighters who went to court to stop their participation in the annual hydrant cooling program. Click here for Bill's coverage.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Economic Crisis Impacts U.S. Fire Departments, According to a New National Survey Sponsored by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company

 

The current economic crisis in the United States is negatively impacting fire departments across the country, according to a new national survey of firefighters sponsored by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The study attracted nearly 9,500 fire departments, or 30 percent of departments in the country.

“Supporting Safer Communities: A National Firefighter Survey” found that the top three challenges facing fire departments today are:

1.      Lack of budget
2.      Old or outdated equipment, gear, and apparatus
3.      Staffing, recruiting, and retaining qualified firefighters

In addition:

·   More than half of all fire departments said the poor economy meant they had to increase fundraising efforts or grant writing due to budget cutbacks.

·   55 percent strongly agree or agree with the statement, “If the economic situation continues for another 12 months, it will negatively affect our ability to serve our community.”

“The Fireman’s Fund survey brings attention to critical issues facing the fire service in the current economic environment,” said National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “Our communities rely on first responders to protect them in all types of emergencies, and we need to ensure the fire service has the resources, personnel, and funding to continue to keep communities safe.”

The study was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs based in New York, and was available online for six weeks from mid-February to March 31, 2009 to all volunteer and career firefighters, regardless of geography, rank, or size of their community. About 17,500 firefighters from nearly 9,500 departments participated, 61 percent of which hold the rank of fire official (chief, captain, or lieutenant). The findings are based on data at the department level rather than on all respondents. When multiple firefighters from the same fire service organization responded to the survey, the first individual to respond was selected on behalf of that department. Full results can be found at www.firemansfund.com/firesurvey. An executive summary by Ipsos is available at www.ipsos-na.com/news/pressrelease.cfm?id=4392.

Among the findings:

·   One out of four fire departments do not have adequate extrication equipment needed to safely and quickly remove injured people from a vehicle crash.

·   Seventy-six percent of departments do not believe their organization is adequately trained to deal with terrorism or weapons of mass destruction.

·   Fifty-seven percent of all volunteer departments (which comprise over 70 percent of all U.S. fire departments) are losing volunteers who need to look for other jobs.

·   Fifty-two percent of departments do not feel they are adequately trained to handle hazardous material incidents. One-third of departments don’t have and need protective equipment for all fire personnel to respond to hazardous materials incidents.

·   Only 50 percent of departments have protective equipment for all personnel to respond to wildland fires.

·   Thirteen percent of responding departments don’t have at least one thermal imaging camera, considered a critical tool to identify hot spots and locate injured or sleeping persons in a burning building. Only 41 percent of fire departments have at least one per engine company.

Not all the findings were grim – many firefighters had positive information to convey about their departments:

·   Despite the current economic crisis, only 17 percent of fire departments felt the quality of service they provide has declined.

·   Ninety percent of fire departments believe they have adequate training for structural fires.

·   Sixty-two percent are confident in their fire service organizations’ disaster response capabilities.

“As a company, Fireman’s Fund® believes it is extremely important to raise awareness of the needs of local fire departments,” said Chuck Kavitsky, Chairman of Fireman’s Fund. “Supporting the fire service means safer communities. That is why we have focused our philanthropic giving to directing grants to fire departments throughout the country.”

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company’s nationwide philanthropic program is designed to provide needed equipment, training, and educational tools to local fire departments. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to more than 1,100 different departments totaling more than $21 million, including a grant to the NVFC in 2004 to help support the NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program. Independent insurance agencies that sell Fireman’s Fund products are able to direct these grants to support fire stations in their communities.

Raw video from Chicago 3-11.

Read more details about the fire

An overnight fire last week on the South Side of Chicago destroyed a restaurant and a clothing store. One firefighter was struck in the chest with a brick after a wall collapse. He was in good condition.

The video is from Steve Redick.

Monday, June 8, 2009

I know you are going to try this? How to Make a Exploding Drink (Sort Of)


1. Shop
Buy the ingredients at your corner store: 2 liters of Diet Coke (warm, diet only because it isn't sticky), one pack Mentos candy (mint), and some rye whiskey (cheap)... Manhattans also call for a splash of sweet vermouth and 2 small dashes Angostura bitters
.
2. Prep
Fill an ice tray so that each section is half full of water and stick it in the icebox. Once all of the half-ice cubes have frozen, fill them up to the top placing one candy into each cube. Freeze again.
.

3. Mix
Combine four cubes and 8 oz. of Diet Coke. Top with 2 oz. of whiskey. The Vermouth and bitters are optional but necessary for an authentic taste. Of course, Manhattans don't actually ever make use of cola or soda so authenticity has already been sacrificed to the prank. Garnish with a naive smile and serve. Wait five minutes.
When the ice melts enough to expose the dense candy's gum arabic to the cola, it'll erupt like a fifth-grade science project.

.

Uncle Jay – June 8, 2009

These deals are IN-SAAANE! Okay, that's wasn't quite the message Obama took to the Mideast, but that was pretty much the response he got. Over there, free floor mats don't close the deal. Uncle Jay explains it all!

More on the Oklahomas confrontation - No charges to be filed - between trooper and EMS. DA wants incident to be used to open a dialogue. Urges OHP to release video

Oklahoma District Attorney Max Cook (Okfuskee & Creek Counties) has decided not press criminal charges in connection with the May 24 confrontation between the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and an ambulance crew from Creek Nation. The incident involved Troopers Daniel Marin and Bryan Iker, along with Critical Care Paramedic Maurice White Jr. and EMT-B Paul Franks.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, the District Attorney's Office reports that Cook reviewed reports, statements from witnesses and videos and "has declined to file charges against White based on information presented."

Earlier in the week Max Cook told STATter911.com that the focus of the investigation from the start was on the actions of Paramedic White, but that he had not completely ruled out other possibilities. Today's press release provides these quotes from Cook:

"After careful consideration off all facts and circumstance, it does not appear it would be appropriate to file any charges against White, Martin or any other person involved. Although, I do not condone their actions, I do not believe that filing charges at this time would serve the best interests of the public or the interests of justice. It has been my experience that emergency service providers generally work well together and it was disappointing to see a situation where that clearly did not happen."

"It is my hope that emergency responders, especially the Oklahoma Highway patrol, will use this incident to open dialogue about ways to forge good relationship with their partner agencies. The public is best served when emergency responders make concerted efforts to be respectful of the jobs that each of them are charged with and forge strong partnerships."
According to the statement, now that he has closed the review of the incident, District Attorney Cook will request OHP to release the dash-cam video "in response to the public's interest."

Richard O'Carroll, White's attorney, told KTUL-TV that Maurice White is aware of the decision and is disappointed.

Read press release from District Attorney Max Cook

Watch story and interview with Max Cook

Watch story from KWTV-TV

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Pictures, Video & fire ground audio - Rochester, New York house fire, the Interior attack abandoned due to deteriorating conditions

  

Scott Ellman at Monroe County Fire Wire alerts us to this house fire early Saturday evening in Rochester, New York. The fire was dispatched at 6:19 PM. Click here for fireground audio and pictures by Tim Karnisky. The clip below is when command ordered the evacuation of the home. Here are MCFW.com's details of the fire:

Rochester Firefighters responded this evening for numerous calls reporting a house fire on Garson Ave. Quint 7 was on location with fire from the B C corner or a large 2 1/2. Battalion 3 took command and requested a restricted alarm for the working fire. Command ordered everybody out of the structure for an exterior attack. Quint & Midi 9 responded as the RIC while Quint & Midi 4 along with Truck 10 were special called to assist. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

D Day June 6, 1944

The Normandy Landings were the first operations of the Allied invasion of Normandy, also known as Operation Neptune and Operation Overlord, during World War II. The landings commenced on June 6, 1944 (D-Day), beginning at 6:30 British Double Summer Time (H-Hour). In planning, D-Day was the term used for the day of actual landing, which was dependent on final approval. The assault was conducted in two phases: an air assault landing of American, British and Canadian airborne troops shortly after midnight, and an amphibious landing of Allied infantry and armoured divisions on the coast of France commencing at 6:30.

Friday, June 5, 2009

She Needed this?????

This Jet is a USAF Boeing 757 (C32)

And they want to talk about Sarah's dress.
Conservatives! Are you out there?
*MADAME PELOSI* Madame Pelosi wasn't happy with the small private jet that comes with the Speaker's job...no, Madame Pelosi was aggravated that this little jet had to Stop to refuel, so she ordered a Big Fat 200 seat jet that could get her back to California without stopping!
Many, many legislators walked by and grinned with glee as Joe informed everyone that's Nancy's Big Fat Jet costs us, the hard working American Tax payers, thousands of gallons of fuel every week.
Since she only works 3 days a week, this gas guzzling jet gets fueled and she flies home to California, cost to the taxpayers of about $60,000, one Way!
As Joe put it, 'Unfortunately we have to pay to bring her back on Monday Night.' Cost to us another $60,000.
Folks, that is $480,000 per month and that is an annual cost to the taxpayers.... of $5,760,000 . No wonder she complains about the cost of this war...it might cramp her style and she is styling, on my back and yours.
I think of the military families in this country doing without and this woman, who heads up the most do-nothing Congress in the history of this country keeps fueling that jet while doing nothing.
Madame Pelosi wants you and me to conserve our carbon footprint. She wants us to buy smaller cars and Obama wants us to get a bicycle pump and air up our tires.
These people are nuts.
If you think this is outrageous, forward it to all those on your email list! Keep in mind the figures above do NOT include cost of plane or crew, just fuel! One wonders what her total package cost us? And She wants to tax our Ira's & 401 K's!

Gov. Mark Sanford

South Carolina

NIOSH has recently released the following Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Reports:

F2008-36

Jun 06, 2008

Fire fighter suffers sudden cardiac death during live fire training - North Carolina
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200836.html

F2008-35

Mar 09, 2008

Fire fighter suffers fatal heart attack while fighting residential fire - New Jersey
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200835.html

F2008-30

Aug 09, 2008

Fire captain suffers fatal heart attack after conducting live fire training - Pennsylvania
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200830.html

F2008-29

Sep 12, 2007

Fire chief suffers fatal heart attack while responding to a structure fire - Pennsylvania
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200829.html

Thursday, June 4, 2009

The Flag

Flag Etiquette Brochure Available

With Flag Day (June 14) and Independence Day (July 4) right around the corner, the Minnesota Fire Service office is again announcing the availability of its free Flag Etiquette brochure. This publication is available online at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/flag_etiquette.pdf or for distribution to groups and classrooms by e-mailing pat.turgeon@state.mn.us or by calling 651-201-1332.

http://www.minnesotafireservice.com/faq_us_flag_info.html

http://www.fostoriaredcross.org/

2009 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week to be Held June 14 - 20

Third of Four Key Areas: Survival - Structural Size-Up and Situational Awareness

The IAFC and the IAFF are asking you to Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health and Survival Are Your Responsibility. We're calling on all fire/EMS departments and all IAFF affiliates to participate in the 2009 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week scheduled for June 14-20.

Fire chiefs should develop situational awareness of their own organizations and ensure firefighters and company officers are aware of what is happening around them as well. One critical issue is building construction.

It's extremely important for firefighters to become familiar with and understand the make-up of the structures with which they are dealing, as their lives can depend on it. Make it a priority to ensure you and your firefighters understand the building materials currently being used and those used in the past to construct buildings in your community.

» Read: The Full Article on EveryoneGoesHome.com

NVFC Asks House and Senate Appropriators to Maintain Funding for AFG and SAFER

 

On June 2, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) sent letters to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Subcommittees on Homeland Security Appropriations, asking them not to reduce FY 2010 funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program or the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program from their FY 2009 funding levels of $565 million and $210 million, respectively. The NVFC had previously signed a letter along with other national fire service groups requesting $565 million for AFG and $420 million for SAFER, but was forced to revise the request based on feedback from the Committees indicating that no additional funding would be available in the introduced appropriations bills.

Letter to the Senate
Letter to the House of Representatives

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Anchorage Ak, Station Closings, here is a story

Anchorage, Alaska is one of the cities using rotating closures of fire companies to help balance the books. A fire Monday morning has the local news media taking a closer look at the policy. The KTVA-TV version is above and here. The Anchorage Daily news version is here.

The practice began in February. Here is an earlier article.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Fire in the News

-------------------------------------------------------

Four-alarms in Rolling Meadows, Illinois: In Chicago, Steve Redick, shot this fire Monday morning in a condo complex. Watch news coverage of the fire.

Four-alarms in Baltimore County, Maryland: We have raw video and nice still pictures from Sunday's garden-apartment fire in Randallstown. Click here.

Four-alarms in Middleborough, Massachusetts: New video was added Monday evening to our coverage of the fire in a 161-year-old church. The fire also caused cancellation of the town's Memorial Day parade. Check it out.

Inside the Command Post - Memorial Day weekend episode: San Bernardino City Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Alder's latest video from the command buggy is from Sunday's fire in a commercial building. Well worth watching and listening. You can also tour the building with Street View. Click here.

PGFD changes plans on repairs and physicals: A week ago we broke the news that the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department was not approving repairs on some front line equipment and delaying physicals for 43 volunteer applicants. This is all due to serious money issues as the department attempts to live within its budget. On Saturday, PGFD announced it has made some modifications in an effort to better deal with these two issues. Read the details.

Ugly Maryland episode settled giving former FFs $175,000: In January, 2008 we told you about the sexual abuse claims against the former president of the Odenton VFD in Anne Arundel County brought by two former members who were teenagers when the incidents were alleged to have occurred. Louis D'Camera had committed suicide after being caught with a male prostitute almost three years prior to the two men going public. They also accused Odenton and county officials of failing to deal with the problem at the time it occurred. The Capital reports this case has now been settled with the older victim getting $125,000 and the younger one $50,000, plus attorney's fees. Odenton VFD officials still deny the allegations and the county points out this is not an admission of guilt. The plaintiffs see it differently and are concerned some of the same people are still in charge. Read the article by Scott Daugherty.

Baltimore City in action: Early video as crews arrive on the scene of a rowhouse fire last week. Click here.

An action scene worthy of a movie: If you haven't seen the video released last week from a 2008 incident at a Wichita court house, check it out here.

Check out these pictures: NJ.com is running a couple of pictures of a house fire in Ocean Grove that are worth taking a look at. Four homes were damaged. Click here.

Handling the emergency in front of them: Heading to a brush fire, firefighters in Chester, New Hampshire found something a bit more pressing. They noticed fire coming from the attic of a home they were passing and soon discovered the mother and child inside weren't aware of the blaze. Click here to read the article.

A closer look at Seattle FD issues: The Seattle Times looks at other disciplinary issues with fire marshals in the aftermath of the Qwest Field scandal and investigations. Click here for the article.

Illinois looks at mandatory background checks for volunteers: There is a request for legislation making this a requirement. Firegeezer is on the story.