A little Trivia now that the Christmas songs are playing on the radio.
In Bob & Doug McKenzie's 12 Days of Christmas that does the term two, four refer to?
I bet some you hosers know.
What's a hoser?
Answers tomorrow.
To play the song Click the link below.
http://bobanddoug.com/old/GreatWhiteNorth/Bob_and_Doug_McKenzie_-_15_-_Twelve_Days_of_Christmas.mp3
Everyone Goes Home
Omnes domum cedite
Sunday, November 30, 2008
More on the Our Lady Of Angels Fire
This weekend people will gather in Chicago to pray and remember the victims of a tragic fire that struck the city 50-years-ago on Monday. Ninety-two children and three nuns died in a fire that broke out in a stairwell during that last hour of classes at Our Lady of the Angels school on December 1, 1958. The impact of this fire was felt across the country and the world. It had a great influence on the building codes and safety features and procedures that we now take for granted in schools and other public assembly buildings.
Some of the many factors that contributed to this large loss of life included a delayed alarm due to nuns who didn't have authority to pull the fire alarm after discovering the fire, open stairwells and a lack of exit capacity. The fire started in the 1910 built north wing of the school. It had been "grandfathered" due to being constructed before 1949 code changes that addressed stairwell and exit issues. For some reason, a 1953 school annex also had open stairwells.
There is a lot of other information, along with pictures and videos, available on the Internet about this fire.
Here some links worth checking out.
Watch part of a documentary on human behavior in fires that includes film of the fire, an interview with a firefighter and a survivor
Promo for WTTW-TV documentary, Angels Too Soon, has more film from the fire
List of CFD companies that responded to the fire
Coroner's jury findings
Commissioner Robert J. Quinn's January, 1959 article in Fire Engineering
NFPA Quarterly Report, January, 1959
Website OLA.com with links to archival material (****this site has a substanial amount of information about the fire, including diagrams, reports and pictures****)
Journey keyboardist is one of the survivors of the fire
Historical perspective on school fires from Thomas Cunningham at WithTheCommand.com
Saturday, November 29, 2008
UPDATE: FIRE CHIEF DESCRIBES EXPLOSION IN STRIP MALL SHOPPING CENTER FIRE: Propane Tank Suspected
| Your friend, has give information about news |
| UPDATE: FIRE CHIEF DESCRIBES EXPLOSION IN STRIP MALL SHOPPING CENTER FIRE: Propane Tank Suspected |
| To read the news story, Please click the link: |
| http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?75909 |
Ahbama (I like his new name) Something to think about?
Finally, I understand why the "Birth Certificate" that Obama has produced is not sufficient to prove he is a natural born citizen. The original certificate of life birth is necessary to prove he was born in Hawaii (hence, a natural born citizen), rather than that his birth was merely REGISTERED in Hawaii.
The video with his Kenyan Grandmother claiming he was born in Kenya is a pretty compelling reason to demand that Obama fork over the definitive proof or we will be making a mockery of our constitution and are election certification processes.
It's also been reported by NBC, BET, and Drudge. This latest suit by Alan Keyes and Libertarian candidates for the Presidency is the best one yet. All of the other suits have been dismissed on the grounds that the person requesting the information did not have "standing" before the court. Although I think any citizen has standing to want expect that the constitutional requirements for the presidency be enforced and that candidates be thoroughly, particularly when there is a controversy about eligibility, there is no question that another presidential candidate has perhaps the best standing one could ever hope for before the court.
I can't figure out why liberals are not leaning on Obama to provide this evidence. It makes him look VERY bad, in the sense that it appears he doesn't give a rip about the constitution. If he was born in Hawaii, a smarter tactic would be to provide the long form birth certificate. OTOH, if he was born in Kenya...
Ahbama is nothing more than the House Boy for the Clinton Machine and the proof is starting to show.
Think Obama voters are educated on the issues?
Think the media had no bias in this election?
(Worth watching though to the end)
And on a Final Note I found this interesting, it's from earlier in November?
Man who pleaded guilty on drug charge gets to vote
The Associated Press ST. PAUL, Minn. — A man facing prison time on a drug charge has gotten a break from a judge — so that he can vote.
Twenty-four-year-old Javontez Lavel Ross pleaded guilty Thursday to possessing several bags of suspected heroin with intent to sell. But he asked Ramsey County District Judge Margaret Marrinan to postpone his sentencing so he could vote in the Nov. 4 election. Ross, who said he recently moved to the Twin Cities from Chicago, would have been barred from voting if he had been sentenced before Election Day. The judge granted his request, calling the contest a "historic election." She set his sentencing for Nov. 12. Asked which candidate would get his vote for president, Ross said he hadn't decided.
People convicted of felonies are banned from voting until they finish their jail or prison time and probation.———
This borders on the ridiculous and criminal. Every election "could be'" historic. This judge needs to be removed promptly.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Aurora Fire Museum
For anyone that doesn't know about this local Gem In Aurora, Illinois, I am sending out this notice that I got from them. I used to take my high school classes up here once a year about this time or year, but they hadn't done this before.
Aurora Regional Fire Museum's holiday exhibit opening
Sat. Nov. 29th 1-4pm
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru' the old firehouse, Not a creature was stirring, ‘cept “Cinders” the firefighting mouse. His boots were placed by the firefighter’s bunks with care, In hopes that Santa the Fire Chief, soon would be there…
A family of festive holiday mice have invaded the Aurora Regional Fire Museum. The museum’s north bunkroom -- home to Aurora’s real “north pole” (the brass fire pole that served the north-side of the old Central Fire Station) -- has been transformed with the holiday exhibit, “All I want for Christmas… is a Fire Engine under the Tree”.
This temporary holiday exhibit includes more than five hundred (all different) firefighting Christmas ornaments, from the collection of John and Barbara Nolan, displayed on three nine-foot tall Christmas trees. Some ornaments are whimsical -- featuring cartoon characters -- while others are more realistic and boast working sirens and flashing lights. There are more than one hundred versions of Santa dressed in firefighting gear, at least fifty firefighting snowmen, and another one hundred fire engines of every size and shape. Placed beneath the trees are firefighting toys -- including a cast-iron ladder truck from the nineteenth century, a popular Tonka fire pumper from the 1960s, a contemporary Fisher-Price fire engine, and even a firefighting Barbie doll.
After Cinders and his firehouse friends put the finishing touches on the tree decorations upstairs, the firefighting mice took up residence in the museum’s ground-floor interactive exhibit "Getting There, Getting Water, Getting Rescued."
Holiday visitors to the museum are encouraged to find Cinders as he sleeps in the steam fire engine’s boiler, his friend Sparks as he tries to ring the fire bell, and their best friend Ashes as he decorates a 1948 fire engine. Please join us from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday November 29th for the FREE holiday exhibit opening and celebration. There will be a visit from Santa the Fire Chief, storytelling, a holiday mouse hunt, and more.
This holiday exhibit will run though the end of January, visit the museum website for details. The Aurora Regional Fire Museum features five pieces of fire apparatus and an award winning interactive exhibit in a fully restored vintage firehouse.
The museum is located at the corner of New York (Rt 25) and Broadway in downtown Aurora, IL. Free parking in the lot behind the museum.
For more information, hours, and directions, visit the website: http://www.auroraregionalfiremuseum.org/
Best wishes,
Debby Deborah Davis
Executive Director
Aurora Regional Fire Museum's holiday exhibit opening
Sat. Nov. 29th 1-4pm
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru' the old firehouse, Not a creature was stirring, ‘cept “Cinders” the firefighting mouse. His boots were placed by the firefighter’s bunks with care, In hopes that Santa the Fire Chief, soon would be there…
A family of festive holiday mice have invaded the Aurora Regional Fire Museum. The museum’s north bunkroom -- home to Aurora’s real “north pole” (the brass fire pole that served the north-side of the old Central Fire Station) -- has been transformed with the holiday exhibit, “All I want for Christmas… is a Fire Engine under the Tree”.
This temporary holiday exhibit includes more than five hundred (all different) firefighting Christmas ornaments, from the collection of John and Barbara Nolan, displayed on three nine-foot tall Christmas trees. Some ornaments are whimsical -- featuring cartoon characters -- while others are more realistic and boast working sirens and flashing lights. There are more than one hundred versions of Santa dressed in firefighting gear, at least fifty firefighting snowmen, and another one hundred fire engines of every size and shape. Placed beneath the trees are firefighting toys -- including a cast-iron ladder truck from the nineteenth century, a popular Tonka fire pumper from the 1960s, a contemporary Fisher-Price fire engine, and even a firefighting Barbie doll.
After Cinders and his firehouse friends put the finishing touches on the tree decorations upstairs, the firefighting mice took up residence in the museum’s ground-floor interactive exhibit "Getting There, Getting Water, Getting Rescued."
Holiday visitors to the museum are encouraged to find Cinders as he sleeps in the steam fire engine’s boiler, his friend Sparks as he tries to ring the fire bell, and their best friend Ashes as he decorates a 1948 fire engine. Please join us from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday November 29th for the FREE holiday exhibit opening and celebration. There will be a visit from Santa the Fire Chief, storytelling, a holiday mouse hunt, and more.
This holiday exhibit will run though the end of January, visit the museum website for details. The Aurora Regional Fire Museum features five pieces of fire apparatus and an award winning interactive exhibit in a fully restored vintage firehouse.
The museum is located at the corner of New York (Rt 25) and Broadway in downtown Aurora, IL. Free parking in the lot behind the museum.
For more information, hours, and directions, visit the website: http://www.auroraregionalfiremuseum.org/
Best wishes,
Debby Deborah Davis
Executive Director
Black Friday
Black Friday
Having a Blog and having something to write about are two different things, today I though of something. Today I found out why they call it Black Friday, The day after Thanksgiving; The beginning of the Christmas sales. Supposedly the busiest sale day of the year and when all businesses make a profit or back in the black, indicating a profit. (Not the day to go shopping). What a zoo, I don’t know if you attempted to go out today but it was really a mad house. In Wal Mart, for example as we went about 7:30 and found that a lot of the stuff advertized was gone already. Too bad I wasn’t in the market for the 50 inch Plasma; they still had 4 of those puppies left. Go figure, but that’s probably to be expected. Wouldn’t it make more sense for the stores to have plenty of all the items advertized available to all, not just the ones that freeze their butts off all night? To go with that there was the typical Christmas rush of shoppers. We had then sleeping outside the stores as I see was the case all over. Of course here they were in Ice fishing shelters, typical Minnesotans. What got me was the way the people were behaving inside of the stores. You couldn’t’ walk down hardly any aisles. People would just stop in the middle of the aisle and be talking to on another blocking the whole aisle. They then get out their cell phones and then cant’ walk and talk at the same time. Wonder what would happen of they tried to chew gum too? Also we did see full carts left in isles with no one around. Guess they were collecting the stuff for Santa and leaving it there for him to pick up later? Went to a store in the mall and you know the type, a small store, popular gift items, and where is the check out? All the way in the back of the store. Guess where the line was? Yep all the way out of the front of the store. Can’t see where the economy is hurting up here? But then again looking out their store and down the mall there is a closed Steve and Berry’s store with all the shelves empty and all they were selling were the furnishings.
Having a Blog and having something to write about are two different things, today I though of something. Today I found out why they call it Black Friday, The day after Thanksgiving; The beginning of the Christmas sales. Supposedly the busiest sale day of the year and when all businesses make a profit or back in the black, indicating a profit. (Not the day to go shopping). What a zoo, I don’t know if you attempted to go out today but it was really a mad house. In Wal Mart, for example as we went about 7:30 and found that a lot of the stuff advertized was gone already. Too bad I wasn’t in the market for the 50 inch Plasma; they still had 4 of those puppies left. Go figure, but that’s probably to be expected. Wouldn’t it make more sense for the stores to have plenty of all the items advertized available to all, not just the ones that freeze their butts off all night? To go with that there was the typical Christmas rush of shoppers. We had then sleeping outside the stores as I see was the case all over. Of course here they were in Ice fishing shelters, typical Minnesotans. What got me was the way the people were behaving inside of the stores. You couldn’t’ walk down hardly any aisles. People would just stop in the middle of the aisle and be talking to on another blocking the whole aisle. They then get out their cell phones and then cant’ walk and talk at the same time. Wonder what would happen of they tried to chew gum too? Also we did see full carts left in isles with no one around. Guess they were collecting the stuff for Santa and leaving it there for him to pick up later? Went to a store in the mall and you know the type, a small store, popular gift items, and where is the check out? All the way in the back of the store. Guess where the line was? Yep all the way out of the front of the store. Can’t see where the economy is hurting up here? But then again looking out their store and down the mall there is a closed Steve and Berry’s store with all the shelves empty and all they were selling were the furnishings.
News Today
FBI: Terrorist Warning on NYC Subway An internal memo obtained by The Associated Press says the FBI has received a "plausible but unsubstantiated" report that al-Qaida terrorists in late September may have discussed attacking the subway system. The internal bulletin says al-Qaida terrorists "in late September may have discussed targeting transit systems in and around New York City. These discussions reportedly involved the use of suicide bombers or explosives placed on subway/passenger rail systems," according to the document."If you get scared that means they win," commuter Omid Sima said on the platform of the subway below Rockefeller Center. "There's always been terror warnings. I can't change my life because of that."Read on for more information.
Syracuse FF’s Rescued From Roof
TWO SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, FIREFIGHTERS BECAME TRAPPED early this morning on a roof of a fire building.
The older, 2-story dwelling had been split into two living units and a woman who lived in the second-floor looked our her window shortly before midnight and saw flames coming from a 1st-floor window.
She called in the alarm and got out safely. When the FD arrived the fire had extended into the upper floor and the attic of the house. Two FF’s were operating on the roof opening a ventilation hole when suddenly they were surrounded by the fire and isolated. They put in a mayday call and the other FF’s on the scene raised another ladder and got to them.
One of the trapped firefighters made it back down on his own, but the other had to be taken down by his fellow-FF’s. Both of them were taken to a hospital where they are being treated for smoke inhalation.
December 1 marks 50th anniversary of Our Lady of Angels School Fire
Shortly before the end of classes on December 1, 1958, a fire broke out at the Our Lady of Angels Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois. The fire left 95 dead and many others seriously injured. This fire, which occurred 50 years ago, is still one of the deadliest school fires in the history of the United States.
"Poor fire protection design was a major contributing factor to the significant number of deaths and injuries," said Chris Jelenewicz, engineering program manager with the Bethesda, Maryland-based Society of Fire Protection Engineers. "Additionally, many lives were lost because the fire burned out of control for a considerable amount of time before the children were notified that an emergency existed in the building."
At the time of the fire about 1,600 children--grades kindergarten through 8th occupied the two-story brick and wood joist building.
The fire started in the basement at the bottom of one of the building's interior stairways. The open stairway did not have fire-rated doors at the top of the stair. As a result, the fire spread quickly up the stair into the second floor corridors.
"Once the fire started, the stairway effectively became a chimney--allowing the hot smoke and deadly gases to spread quickly up this stair and throughout the second floor corridors," said Jelenewicz. "This prevented the occupants from exiting through the corridors which was the only safe escape route."
The fire department rescued many children with ground ladders or by catching those who jumped out the windows. Despite these efforts, many of the children died in their classrooms and others were forced to jump out windows to their deaths.
Moreover, the building was not equipped with a sprinkler system or an automatic fire alarm/detection system.
"Because of the delay in notification, the lack of adequate fire protection systems and the unprotected stairs, the occupants just didn't have enough time to get out alive," explained Jelenewicz.
Additional contributing factors to the number of deaths and injuries included a delay in calling the fire department.
As a result of this fire, many building requirements were enhanced to make schools safer from fire. Some of these requirements include the installation of fire alarm and automatic fire suppression systems and increasing the frequency of exit drills.
"The Our Lady of Angels Fire reminds us of the threat that is posed by fire and the importance of designing buildings that that keep people safe from fire," said Jelenewicz. "The fact of the matter, however, is that today schools are much better protected. This is in large part due to the fire-safety strategies and systems designed by fire protection engineers that make our world safer from fire."
More Society of Fire Protection Engineers: www.sfpe.org
Syracuse FF’s Rescued From Roof
TWO SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, FIREFIGHTERS BECAME TRAPPED early this morning on a roof of a fire building.
The older, 2-story dwelling had been split into two living units and a woman who lived in the second-floor looked our her window shortly before midnight and saw flames coming from a 1st-floor window.
She called in the alarm and got out safely. When the FD arrived the fire had extended into the upper floor and the attic of the house. Two FF’s were operating on the roof opening a ventilation hole when suddenly they were surrounded by the fire and isolated. They put in a mayday call and the other FF’s on the scene raised another ladder and got to them.
One of the trapped firefighters made it back down on his own, but the other had to be taken down by his fellow-FF’s. Both of them were taken to a hospital where they are being treated for smoke inhalation.
December 1 marks 50th anniversary of Our Lady of Angels School Fire
Shortly before the end of classes on December 1, 1958, a fire broke out at the Our Lady of Angels Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois. The fire left 95 dead and many others seriously injured. This fire, which occurred 50 years ago, is still one of the deadliest school fires in the history of the United States.
"Poor fire protection design was a major contributing factor to the significant number of deaths and injuries," said Chris Jelenewicz, engineering program manager with the Bethesda, Maryland-based Society of Fire Protection Engineers. "Additionally, many lives were lost because the fire burned out of control for a considerable amount of time before the children were notified that an emergency existed in the building."
At the time of the fire about 1,600 children--grades kindergarten through 8th occupied the two-story brick and wood joist building.
The fire started in the basement at the bottom of one of the building's interior stairways. The open stairway did not have fire-rated doors at the top of the stair. As a result, the fire spread quickly up the stair into the second floor corridors.
"Once the fire started, the stairway effectively became a chimney--allowing the hot smoke and deadly gases to spread quickly up this stair and throughout the second floor corridors," said Jelenewicz. "This prevented the occupants from exiting through the corridors which was the only safe escape route."
The fire department rescued many children with ground ladders or by catching those who jumped out the windows. Despite these efforts, many of the children died in their classrooms and others were forced to jump out windows to their deaths.
Moreover, the building was not equipped with a sprinkler system or an automatic fire alarm/detection system.
"Because of the delay in notification, the lack of adequate fire protection systems and the unprotected stairs, the occupants just didn't have enough time to get out alive," explained Jelenewicz.
Additional contributing factors to the number of deaths and injuries included a delay in calling the fire department.
As a result of this fire, many building requirements were enhanced to make schools safer from fire. Some of these requirements include the installation of fire alarm and automatic fire suppression systems and increasing the frequency of exit drills.
"The Our Lady of Angels Fire reminds us of the threat that is posed by fire and the importance of designing buildings that that keep people safe from fire," said Jelenewicz. "The fact of the matter, however, is that today schools are much better protected. This is in large part due to the fire-safety strategies and systems designed by fire protection engineers that make our world safer from fire."
More Society of Fire Protection Engineers: www.sfpe.org
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
North Carolina Firefighter Struck at Crash Scene
Reported today that a North Carolina, High Point firefighter who was responding to the scene of a crash on Business 40 westbound near Bunker Hill Road Tuesday morning was struck by a passing vehicle at about 8:20 a.m. as he stepped out of his vehicle.
The firefighter, whose name wasn't released to the media, was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Officials with the High Point Fire Department said his injuries weren't serious and he was later released.
The man who was driving the car that hit the firefighter was charged with a failure to move over violation.
DID he have his new approved safety vest on? Was he cited for not wearing it? I am all for the move over law and in this case it should have protected this firefighter. But then again it would be interesting to know if he had a vest on. This would be a good thing to start tracking?
The firefighter, whose name wasn't released to the media, was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Officials with the High Point Fire Department said his injuries weren't serious and he was later released.
The man who was driving the car that hit the firefighter was charged with a failure to move over violation.
DID he have his new approved safety vest on? Was he cited for not wearing it? I am all for the move over law and in this case it should have protected this firefighter. But then again it would be interesting to know if he had a vest on. This would be a good thing to start tracking?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Chicago firefighter laid to rest 113 years after his death
November 23, 2008
During a chilly, lakeside memorial Saturday in Evanston, Chicago firefighters laid to rest own of their own—more than a century after his death.
Lt. Patrick O'Donnell was one of four firefighters killed Nov. 21, 1895, fighting a blaze in the Dry Goods and Woolen Exchange building in downtown Chicago. The 36-year-old father of eight was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Evanston four days after the fire, but—and no one seems to know why—without a grave marker. That changed on Saturday.
Read the full story here:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-evanston-fireman-grave-23nov23,0,4710840.story
During a chilly, lakeside memorial Saturday in Evanston, Chicago firefighters laid to rest own of their own—more than a century after his death.
Lt. Patrick O'Donnell was one of four firefighters killed Nov. 21, 1895, fighting a blaze in the Dry Goods and Woolen Exchange building in downtown Chicago. The 36-year-old father of eight was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Evanston four days after the fire, but—and no one seems to know why—without a grave marker. That changed on Saturday.
Read the full story here:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-evanston-fireman-grave-23nov23,0,4710840.story
Sunday, November 23, 2008
FDNY Firefighter Killed at Staten Island House Fire
FDNY Firefighter Dies In Staten House Island Fire
Last updated: 2:35 pm
November 23, 2008
A veteran Fire Department lieutenant was killed battling a Staten Island blaze early this morning after the ceiling of a burning home collapsed on his head, the FDNY said.Lt. Robert Ryan, 46, was rushed from the scene of the fire at 39 Van Buren Street in the New Brighton section, to Richmond University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11232008/news/regionalnews/fdny_lt__dies_fighting_staten_island_bla_140399.htm
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11232008/news/regionalnews/fdny_lt__dies_fighting_staten_island_bla_140399.htm
Saturday, November 22, 2008
With Hillary Clinton do we get Bill Clinton?
Hillary and the SOS
Is she setting herself up to run in 2012? Is Hillary's acceptance of the Secretary of State job to set herself up to run for President again in 4 years if Obama falters as president. Being in this position will get her a lot of chances to make even more influential Friends. Yes, they say she will do a good job and maybe she will, but is there an underling reason for Obama's appointment of her to this spotlighted position?Here is a link to a article and video on the appointment.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/elections/2008/11/21/report-hillary-clinton-accepts-secretary-state-nod/
Is she setting herself up to run in 2012? Is Hillary's acceptance of the Secretary of State job to set herself up to run for President again in 4 years if Obama falters as president. Being in this position will get her a lot of chances to make even more influential Friends. Yes, they say she will do a good job and maybe she will, but is there an underling reason for Obama's appointment of her to this spotlighted position?Here is a link to a article and video on the appointment.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/elections/2008/11/21/report-hillary-clinton-accepts-secretary-state-nod/
Friday, November 21, 2008
NIOSH Reports
NIOSH has recently released the following Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Reports:
F2007-29 Mar 28, 2008
A Volunteer Mutual Aid Captain and Fire Fighter Die in a Remodeled Residential Structure Fire - Texas
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200729.html
F2007-35 Oct 29, 2007
Four career fire fighters injured while providing interior exposure protection at a row house fire - District of Columbia
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200735.html
F2007-16 May 28, 2007
Career fire fighter dies and captain is injured during a civilian rescue attempt at a residential structure fire – Georgia
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200716.html
Obama and Hillary?
Los Angeles Times - Antiwar groups fear Barack Obama may create hawkish Cabinet. Activists note that most of the candidates for top security posts voted for the 2002 resolution authorizing President Bush to invade Iraq or otherwise supported launching the war.
http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=182892
WASHINGTON (AP) _ President-elect Barack Obama plans to nominate Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state after Thanksgiving, a new milestone for the former first lady and a convergence of two political forces who fought hard for the presidency.
One week after the former primary rivals met secretly to discuss the idea of Clinton becoming the nation's top diplomat, an Obama adviser said Thursday that the two sides were moving quickly toward making it a reality, barring any unforeseen problems.
The senior adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity because the president-elect is not prepared to officially announce the nomination, said Obama believes Clinton would bring instant stature and credibility to U.S. diplomatic relations.
Obama is convinced the advantages of Clinton serving far outweighed potential downsides, the adviser said.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-obama-cabinet,0,2543668.story
Antiwar groups and other liberal activists are increasingly concerned at signs that Barack Obama's national security team will be dominated by appointees who favored the Iraq invasion and hold hawkish views on other important foreign policy issues.
The activists are uneasy not only about signs that both Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates could be in the Obama Cabinet, but at reports suggesting that several other short-list candidates for top security posts backed the decision to go to war.
"Obama ran his campaign around the idea the war was not legitimate, but it sends a very different message when you bring in people who supported the war from the beginning," said Kelly Dougherty, executive director of the 54-chapter Iraq Veterans Against the War.
CHICAGO (AP) – Former President Bill Clinton has offered several concessions to help Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, his wife, become secretary of state, people familiar with President-elect Barack Obama's transition vetting process said Wednesday.
http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=182892
WASHINGTON (AP) _ President-elect Barack Obama plans to nominate Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state after Thanksgiving, a new milestone for the former first lady and a convergence of two political forces who fought hard for the presidency.
One week after the former primary rivals met secretly to discuss the idea of Clinton becoming the nation's top diplomat, an Obama adviser said Thursday that the two sides were moving quickly toward making it a reality, barring any unforeseen problems.
The senior adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity because the president-elect is not prepared to officially announce the nomination, said Obama believes Clinton would bring instant stature and credibility to U.S. diplomatic relations.
Obama is convinced the advantages of Clinton serving far outweighed potential downsides, the adviser said.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-obama-cabinet,0,2543668.story
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Winter Weather is Coming
Winter Weather Preparedness
Extreme cold weather in some parts of the United States in recent days again reminds Emergency Services Sector (ESS) leaders that the ordinary events of nature (e.g., cold and hot weather) can potentially diminish response capabilities and threaten critical infrastructures, including emergency personnel. From an operational effectiveness perspective, extreme cold weather occurrences can be disruptive to the performance of duties and mission accomplishment. Freezing conditions make response operating conditions more hazardous and adversely affect the available water supply. These consequences can potentially degrade an organization’s critical infrastructures by endangering personnel, damaging equipment, and disrupting “response-ability.” It is not too late to prepare personnel, apparatus, and equipment, and review cold-weather operating procedures. The EMR-ISAC offers cold weather preparedness gleaned from numerous sources, including FireChief.com and FireRescue1.com:
· Establish procedures with jurisdictional stakeholders to assist fire and emergency operations by setting priorities for snow removal at stations, on primary response routes, and at essential areas such as hospitals, nursing homes, and other designated critical sites.
· Plan to work in concert with other emergency agencies to ensure that abandoned vehicles are removed, traffic is controlled during operations, and streets are closed for emergency responses.
· Stock sand or salt at station locations and carry smaller quantities on apparatus along with shovels.
· Carry extra hose and hydrant and water supply appliances on apparatus to increase operational options in case of delays by other apparatus.
· Test hydrants before use to ensure they are not frozen and drain and replace hose as soon as possible.
· Place water extinguishers inside apparatus to prevent freezing.
· Use layers of warm clothing, and carry extra gloves (structural firefighting and work gloves) and socks whenever operating outdoors.
· Ensure that bunker boots and station boots are water repellent, provide traction, and are repaired or reconditioned, if necessary.
· Review rehabilitation procedures for cold weather and ensure that personnel can be monitored for hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and frostbite.
· Monitor the condition of breathing apparatus components for adverse effects from the cold.
· Carry large amounts of cat litter or sand in each emergency vehicle.
· Carry a snow or flat shovel, flares, and lock de-icers in each vehicle.
· Carry extra window cleaning materials such as ice scrapers and window-washer fluid.
· Review procedures for "dry pump" versus "wet pump" operations.
· Ensure availability and operating condition of tire traction devices.
· Inspect functionality of seatbelts and require their use.
· Encourage safe speeds and driving habits consistent with road conditions.
· Check antifreeze levels in vehicles, switch to cold-weather-appropriate blends of oil and fuel, and verify whether hydraulic systems need special cold weather fluids.
· Use engine block heaters for vehicles stored in unheated stations. Keep the water level above the level of the plates in batteries equipped with removable fill caps. Never attempt to jump start a frozen battery because it could explode. Instead, remove the battery from the vehicle, bring it into a warm room, and let it thaw before recharging.
· Consult pump operation and maintenance manual for specific recommendations regarding the storage and operation of pumps under very cold conditions.
· Follow manufacturers’ recommendations for the installation of apparatus “winter fronts” when appropriate.
To see the full text of the articles cited above, go to http://www.firerescue1.com/Columnists/Michael-Lee/articles/438586-Winter-Impacts-to-Personnel-Part-1/ and http://firechief.com/apparatus/out_in_the_cold_1119/.
Extreme cold weather in some parts of the United States in recent days again reminds Emergency Services Sector (ESS) leaders that the ordinary events of nature (e.g., cold and hot weather) can potentially diminish response capabilities and threaten critical infrastructures, including emergency personnel. From an operational effectiveness perspective, extreme cold weather occurrences can be disruptive to the performance of duties and mission accomplishment. Freezing conditions make response operating conditions more hazardous and adversely affect the available water supply. These consequences can potentially degrade an organization’s critical infrastructures by endangering personnel, damaging equipment, and disrupting “response-ability.” It is not too late to prepare personnel, apparatus, and equipment, and review cold-weather operating procedures. The EMR-ISAC offers cold weather preparedness gleaned from numerous sources, including FireChief.com and FireRescue1.com:
· Establish procedures with jurisdictional stakeholders to assist fire and emergency operations by setting priorities for snow removal at stations, on primary response routes, and at essential areas such as hospitals, nursing homes, and other designated critical sites.
· Plan to work in concert with other emergency agencies to ensure that abandoned vehicles are removed, traffic is controlled during operations, and streets are closed for emergency responses.
· Stock sand or salt at station locations and carry smaller quantities on apparatus along with shovels.
· Carry extra hose and hydrant and water supply appliances on apparatus to increase operational options in case of delays by other apparatus.
· Test hydrants before use to ensure they are not frozen and drain and replace hose as soon as possible.
· Place water extinguishers inside apparatus to prevent freezing.
· Use layers of warm clothing, and carry extra gloves (structural firefighting and work gloves) and socks whenever operating outdoors.
· Ensure that bunker boots and station boots are water repellent, provide traction, and are repaired or reconditioned, if necessary.
· Review rehabilitation procedures for cold weather and ensure that personnel can be monitored for hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and frostbite.
· Monitor the condition of breathing apparatus components for adverse effects from the cold.
· Carry large amounts of cat litter or sand in each emergency vehicle.
· Carry a snow or flat shovel, flares, and lock de-icers in each vehicle.
· Carry extra window cleaning materials such as ice scrapers and window-washer fluid.
· Review procedures for "dry pump" versus "wet pump" operations.
· Ensure availability and operating condition of tire traction devices.
· Inspect functionality of seatbelts and require their use.
· Encourage safe speeds and driving habits consistent with road conditions.
· Check antifreeze levels in vehicles, switch to cold-weather-appropriate blends of oil and fuel, and verify whether hydraulic systems need special cold weather fluids.
· Use engine block heaters for vehicles stored in unheated stations. Keep the water level above the level of the plates in batteries equipped with removable fill caps. Never attempt to jump start a frozen battery because it could explode. Instead, remove the battery from the vehicle, bring it into a warm room, and let it thaw before recharging.
· Consult pump operation and maintenance manual for specific recommendations regarding the storage and operation of pumps under very cold conditions.
· Follow manufacturers’ recommendations for the installation of apparatus “winter fronts” when appropriate.
To see the full text of the articles cited above, go to http://www.firerescue1.com/Columnists/Michael-Lee/articles/438586-Winter-Impacts-to-Personnel-Part-1/ and http://firechief.com/apparatus/out_in_the_cold_1119/.
USFA Releases After-Action Critiques Technical Report
USFA Releases After-Action Critiques Technical Report
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) released today, as part of their technical report series, a new report titled The After Action Critique: Training Through Lessons Learned. This report is designed to assist all fire service members to be able to gather critical preparedness, response, and recovery information from all emergencies; document the lessons learned; and assist with the continuous evolution of firefighter training.
To download a copy of this report, go here: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/tr_159.pdf
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) released today, as part of their technical report series, a new report titled The After Action Critique: Training Through Lessons Learned. This report is designed to assist all fire service members to be able to gather critical preparedness, response, and recovery information from all emergencies; document the lessons learned; and assist with the continuous evolution of firefighter training.
To download a copy of this report, go here: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/tr_159.pdf
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Pirate Ship Destroyed
This in from UPI
Indian navy destroys pirate ship
NEW DELHI (UPI) -- An Indian naval warship destroyed a pirate "mother vessel" in the Gulf of Aden off the Horn of Africa after a fierce battle, a spokesman said Wednesday. The Tuesday battle between the Indian frigate Tabar and the pirate vessels occurred about 326 miles southwest of Oman's Salalah port, CNN reported, quoting the Indian Defense Ministry. "This vessel was similar in description to the 'Mother Vessel' mentioned in various piracy bulletins," the ministry said in a statement.
The incident comes after a number of attacks in the region, the most bold being the hijacking of Saudi-owned oil supertanker Sirius Star by pirates. The Indian ministry said the Tabar asked the pirate ship to stop for inspection but the pirates threatened to destroy the warship and later fired on it, the report said. Returning the fire, the Tabar set the pirate ship on fire and there were explosions on board the pirate ship, the report said. The ministry said the two speedboats fled, one of which was later found abandoned. In the Saudi supertanker incident, the BBC quoted Vela International, operators of the Sirius Star, as saying there has been no demand so far from the pirates. It said the 25-member crew was safe. The tanker, which lay anchored off the Somali coast, was carrying 2 million barrels of oil worth more than $100 million when it was hijacked.
Indian navy destroys pirate ship
NEW DELHI (UPI) -- An Indian naval warship destroyed a pirate "mother vessel" in the Gulf of Aden off the Horn of Africa after a fierce battle, a spokesman said Wednesday. The Tuesday battle between the Indian frigate Tabar and the pirate vessels occurred about 326 miles southwest of Oman's Salalah port, CNN reported, quoting the Indian Defense Ministry. "This vessel was similar in description to the 'Mother Vessel' mentioned in various piracy bulletins," the ministry said in a statement.
The incident comes after a number of attacks in the region, the most bold being the hijacking of Saudi-owned oil supertanker Sirius Star by pirates. The Indian ministry said the Tabar asked the pirate ship to stop for inspection but the pirates threatened to destroy the warship and later fired on it, the report said. Returning the fire, the Tabar set the pirate ship on fire and there were explosions on board the pirate ship, the report said. The ministry said the two speedboats fled, one of which was later found abandoned. In the Saudi supertanker incident, the BBC quoted Vela International, operators of the Sirius Star, as saying there has been no demand so far from the pirates. It said the 25-member crew was safe. The tanker, which lay anchored off the Somali coast, was carrying 2 million barrels of oil worth more than $100 million when it was hijacked.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
California Fire Update
November 18, 2008
Firefighters have made good progress toward containment goals on the large fires in California. The Freeway and Sayre fires have burned 40,096 acres. Many residences are threatened and evacuation orders are still in effect for Brea and Chino Hills. The Tea fire was contained yesterday at 1,940 acres.
Weather: Southern California will see cooler temperatures, higher humidity and light winds along the coast today and Wednesday. However, the mountains and inland areas will remain very warm and dry. The Southeast will be dry through Wednesday with gusty winds over Florida today.
Source: National Interagency Coordination Center
http://www.nifc.gov/fire_info/nfn.htm
Firefighters have made good progress toward containment goals on the large fires in California. The Freeway and Sayre fires have burned 40,096 acres. Many residences are threatened and evacuation orders are still in effect for Brea and Chino Hills. The Tea fire was contained yesterday at 1,940 acres.
Weather: Southern California will see cooler temperatures, higher humidity and light winds along the coast today and Wednesday. However, the mountains and inland areas will remain very warm and dry. The Southeast will be dry through Wednesday with gusty winds over Florida today.
Source: National Interagency Coordination Center
http://www.nifc.gov/fire_info/nfn.htm
Monday, November 17, 2008
New addition for Sirens
Ambulance Siren Uses Vibrations
In Oklahoma, the Emergency Medical Services Authority has equipped one ambulance with a new Howler siren that emits low-frequency tones, as well as sirens, that penetrate objects such as cars with vibrations within 200 feet to alert drivers. According to the Associated Press, EMSA plans to install these sirens on all 77 units in Oklahoma within six months, so if radios are too loud and approaching ambulances aren't heard, they will be felt.
The EMSA told AP that its vehicles have been involved in 16 intersection accidents this year, typically caused by an unyielding driver. Ambulances accounted for all but one of those, EMSA spokeswoman Tina Wells told AP.
"The most frequent thing motorists say to us is they didn't see the ambulance coming," Wells said at a news conference on Nov. 11, where the new technology was demonstrated. During the demonstration, two ambulances (one with and one without the Howler siren) were parked near each other with plastic stepladder with three glasses of liquid in between. The liquids in all three glass rippled when the Howler sounded.
"It's going to make going through intersections much safer," Tulsa Police Officer Mike Avey told AP. "People are on their cell phones, people have $1,000 sound systems. You're going to feel it."
The new sirens cost less than $400 each, meaning the entire EMSA fleet in Oklahoma can be outfitted for less than $40,000.
"A moderate accident is going to cost $15,000 in body damage alone," Wells told AP. "We see the potential for recouping this almost immediately."
http://www.whelen.com/details_prod.php?head_id=9&cat_id=68&prod_id=415
In Oklahoma, the Emergency Medical Services Authority has equipped one ambulance with a new Howler siren that emits low-frequency tones, as well as sirens, that penetrate objects such as cars with vibrations within 200 feet to alert drivers. According to the Associated Press, EMSA plans to install these sirens on all 77 units in Oklahoma within six months, so if radios are too loud and approaching ambulances aren't heard, they will be felt.
The EMSA told AP that its vehicles have been involved in 16 intersection accidents this year, typically caused by an unyielding driver. Ambulances accounted for all but one of those, EMSA spokeswoman Tina Wells told AP.
"The most frequent thing motorists say to us is they didn't see the ambulance coming," Wells said at a news conference on Nov. 11, where the new technology was demonstrated. During the demonstration, two ambulances (one with and one without the Howler siren) were parked near each other with plastic stepladder with three glasses of liquid in between. The liquids in all three glass rippled when the Howler sounded.
"It's going to make going through intersections much safer," Tulsa Police Officer Mike Avey told AP. "People are on their cell phones, people have $1,000 sound systems. You're going to feel it."
The new sirens cost less than $400 each, meaning the entire EMSA fleet in Oklahoma can be outfitted for less than $40,000.
"A moderate accident is going to cost $15,000 in body damage alone," Wells told AP. "We see the potential for recouping this almost immediately."
http://www.whelen.com/details_prod.php?head_id=9&cat_id=68&prod_id=415
Sunday, November 16, 2008
FW: [MFSN] Minnesota Fire Service News IAFF clashes with IAFC over 'two-hatter' issue
Another source in for information on this issue on IAFF and Volunteers (Hope the links work you)
Truckie
| IAFF clashes with IAFC over 'two-hatter' issue
By Jamie Thompson On Friday, the IAFC released a position statement on the rights of volunteer, career, and paid-on-call firefighters to serve multiple organizations or communities.
In an open letter to the IAFC, Harold A. Schaitberger, General President of the IAFF, responded Tuesday by saying "this is not an issue that welcomes or warrants an opinion from the IAFC." He went on to call the statement an attempt to "meddle" in the IAFF's internal affairs. According to Schaitberger, the IAFF's clear position remains that secondary employment of IAFF members – including part-time, paid-on-call or volunteer -- as a firefighter or other public safety worker is wrong, unsafe and against the IAFF's constitution. In the IAFC's original statement, the group said it recommends that no membership organization should restrict the right to serve in multiple organizations or communities. "Each man and woman who chooses to live a life of volunteer service does so out of a selfless and personal commitment," it said. "It should not be incumbent upon any organization to dictate or influence the extent of this deeply personal act." Writing on FireRescue1' s new blog, The Kitchen Table, Art Goodrich has offered his perspective on the debate. "I don’t believe that it is wise to volunteer in the rural portion of the municipal department that a firefighter works full time for, but I see nothing wrong with that same firefighter volunteering outside of the community where he works. It should be his/her individual right to volunteer or not."
|
Full TKT Post: 
Deer Camp
I couldn’t let this second weekend of MN Deer Season Go by with out letting you in on this oldie but a goodie!
Click the link below to play
http://www.quicksall.net/images/Second%20Week%20Of%20Deer%20Camp.mp3
New Baby Boomers
Returning Iraq vets trigger N.C. baby boom From UPI
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Nine months after an entire U.S. Army division began returning from Iraq, the "largest-ever military baby shower" was held in North Carolina, observers say. Nearly 22,000 members of the 82nd Airborne division began coming home from Iraq last October, and by August, the Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C., was delivering nearly 300 babies per month, The New York Times reported Sunday. So many babies are now coming to Fort Bragg that the community turned it into a celebration this weekend as about 1,000 recent mothers and mothers-to-be gathered for what was billed as the largest military shower ever, entitled Boots & Booties, the newspaper said. The birth surge is being felt all over Fayetteville, the newspaper said, especially in medical practices. At Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, the overflow of military patients sometimes has forced women to labor in the waiting room. And Dr. David Schutzer, who heads Fayetteville's Highland Ob-Gyn Clinic, told The Times his practice delivered 50 percent more babies than usual in October, most of them military.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Nine months after an entire U.S. Army division began returning from Iraq, the "largest-ever military baby shower" was held in North Carolina, observers say. Nearly 22,000 members of the 82nd Airborne division began coming home from Iraq last October, and by August, the Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C., was delivering nearly 300 babies per month, The New York Times reported Sunday. So many babies are now coming to Fort Bragg that the community turned it into a celebration this weekend as about 1,000 recent mothers and mothers-to-be gathered for what was billed as the largest military shower ever, entitled Boots & Booties, the newspaper said. The birth surge is being felt all over Fayetteville, the newspaper said, especially in medical practices. At Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, the overflow of military patients sometimes has forced women to labor in the waiting room. And Dr. David Schutzer, who heads Fayetteville's Highland Ob-Gyn Clinic, told The Times his practice delivered 50 percent more babies than usual in October, most of them military.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
West Coast Fire Update
West Coast Fire
THE FAST AND STUBBORN TEA FIRE in
The weather largely cooperated last night with reduced winds allowing the crews to set up a fire line. So far, 111 homes have been lost with 9 more damaged. But that is only an estimate until they can get in the area for a more detailed review of the damaged area. Approximately 5,400 homes in Montecito have been evacuated.
“We’re cautiously optimistic that wind conditions will remain cooperative today,” said Andrew Burmond, a spokesman with the city of
According to the Lompoc Record, mandatory evacuations remain in effect for much of Montecito and parts of the city of
The AP has this video report:
At least 13 people were injured in Montecito. A 98-year-old man with multiple medical problems died after being evacuated, but it was unclear if his death was directly related to the blaze, Santa Barbara County Sheriff-Coroner Bill Brown said. At least three people were treated for burn injuries.
This is not the first time that Montecito has suffered from wildfire. They had a major fire in 1977, when more than 200 homes burned. A fire in 1964 burned about 67,000 acres and damaged 150 houses and buildings.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Reminder to look out for Engineered wood products
http://www.wisn.com/video/17971947/
As firefighters put their lives on the line to save others, a common manufactured wood I-joist holding up floors in newer and remodeled homes can pose a deadly risk.
The beams are lightweight, strong and inexpensive to use but they have one very serious flaw.
Milwaukee fire Capt. Ted Stribling lay unconscious and badly injured inside a burning home one evening in May. The last thing he remembers was walking into the blaze in a home on Second and Meineke alongside fellow firefighter Tony Rueda. He has no memory of what happened next.
"Tony and I fell through the floor. Tony did not lose consciousness and he rescued me," Stribling said.
The floor beneath their feet gave way, sending the two firefighters crashing to the concrete basement below.
When pulled from the blaze, at first glance, firefighters thought Stribling was dead. But thanks to his colleague, both men escaped -- injured, but alive.
When Stribling returned to the scene days later, he noticed something alarming.
"And what I could see was these wafer thin I-beams made of composites of wood and glue," Stribling said.
The older home had been remodeled with newer manufactured wood I-joists, supporting the floor.
Following the blaze, 12 News went inside that home with a Milwaukee firefighter, and saw why those floor beams failed when the firefighters stepped on them.
"They're perfectly good contrstruction materials. They can make a fine home. The problem with them is, they burn really quickly," Stribling said.
They burn so quickly, in fact, that they have proven deadly for many firefighters.
A veteran firefighter was killed when the floor collapsed below him in a Green Bay home in 2006, trapping him inside the blaze.
The Department of Homeland Security report describes what happened last year when a Tennessee firefighter crashed through a hole in the floor of a burning home as follows:
"A firefighter who had been behind firefighter Shawn Daughetee reached down into the hole, but was unable to reach his hand. Firefighters made contact with him, but were unable to retrieve him. Firefighter Daughetee's remains were recovered after the fire was controlled."
The floor that failed was constructed with engineered lumber
As firefighters put their lives on the line to save others, a common manufactured wood I-joist holding up floors in newer and remodeled homes can pose a deadly risk.
The beams are lightweight, strong and inexpensive to use but they have one very serious flaw.
Milwaukee fire Capt. Ted Stribling lay unconscious and badly injured inside a burning home one evening in May. The last thing he remembers was walking into the blaze in a home on Second and Meineke alongside fellow firefighter Tony Rueda. He has no memory of what happened next.
"Tony and I fell through the floor. Tony did not lose consciousness and he rescued me," Stribling said.
The floor beneath their feet gave way, sending the two firefighters crashing to the concrete basement below.
When pulled from the blaze, at first glance, firefighters thought Stribling was dead. But thanks to his colleague, both men escaped -- injured, but alive.
When Stribling returned to the scene days later, he noticed something alarming.
"And what I could see was these wafer thin I-beams made of composites of wood and glue," Stribling said.
The older home had been remodeled with newer manufactured wood I-joists, supporting the floor.
Following the blaze, 12 News went inside that home with a Milwaukee firefighter, and saw why those floor beams failed when the firefighters stepped on them.
"They're perfectly good contrstruction materials. They can make a fine home. The problem with them is, they burn really quickly," Stribling said.
They burn so quickly, in fact, that they have proven deadly for many firefighters.
A veteran firefighter was killed when the floor collapsed below him in a Green Bay home in 2006, trapping him inside the blaze.
The Department of Homeland Security report describes what happened last year when a Tennessee firefighter crashed through a hole in the floor of a burning home as follows:
"A firefighter who had been behind firefighter Shawn Daughetee reached down into the hole, but was unable to reach his hand. Firefighters made contact with him, but were unable to retrieve him. Firefighter Daughetee's remains were recovered after the fire was controlled."
The floor that failed was constructed with engineered lumber
Wood I Joist
Stopped by Firehouse.Com and thought the following article might be of interest to you:
Common Building Material Can Pose Threat To Firefighters
A common manufactured wood I-joist holding up floors in newer and remodeled homes can pose a deadly risk.
To view the entire article go to http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?sectionId=46&id=61600
---
Firehouse.Com
The Online Leader for Fire, Rescue and Ems
http://www.firehouse.com
Common Building Material Can Pose Threat To Firefighters
A common manufactured wood I-joist holding up floors in newer and remodeled homes can pose a deadly risk.
To view the entire article go to http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?sectionId=46&id=61600
---
Firehouse.Com
The Online Leader for Fire, Rescue and Ems
http://www.firehouse.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Winters Here Again, Time for Winter Fire Safety Tips
Winter Fires Life-Saving Tips
Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate fire.
Make sure your space heaters have an emergency shut off in case they tip over. Kerosene heaters are not permitted in many areas. ONLY use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. Refuel outside, away from the house.
Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Chimney tar build-up is a common cause of chimney fires.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks igniting nearby carpets or furniture.
Never thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a device, like a hand-held dryer, evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Dispose of hot ashes in metal containers placed away from the house.
Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow for easy access.
Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate fire.
Make sure your space heaters have an emergency shut off in case they tip over. Kerosene heaters are not permitted in many areas. ONLY use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. Refuel outside, away from the house.
Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Chimney tar build-up is a common cause of chimney fires.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks igniting nearby carpets or furniture.
Never thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a device, like a hand-held dryer, evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Dispose of hot ashes in metal containers placed away from the house.
Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow for easy access.
FDNY Firefighter Dies
FDNY Firefighter Collapses, Dies During Training
Posted: 11-12-2008
Courtesy of FDNY
FDNY Probationary Firefighter Jamel M. Sears, 33.
A New York City firefighter that collapsed during a training exercise on Monday has died.
Jamel M. Sears, 33, collapsed at the department's training academy during an evolution at 11:30 a.m., according to an FDNY statement. Firefighters on the scene attempted to revive Sears, and he was transported to the Mt. Sinai Medical Center, where he died Tuesday.
The statement said Sears collapsed after "successfully completing an 18-minute training exercise where he donned full firefighting gear and performed a series of tasks and functional skills."
Sears was appointed to the department on July 1 and was going through the 23-week probationary firefighter training program.
A lifelong resident of The Bronx, he served with the U.S. Navy from 1995 through 1999 and he was assigned to the USS Alaska.
Sears leaves behind a wife, who is a New York City police officer and two children, ages eight and 12.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
That's One Hard Climb
HOLLY SPRINGS: Firefighter goes higher than any ladder on Earth
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
November 09, 2008
Steve Pigott has taken his passion for firefighting to new heights.
Chief of the all-volunteer Holly Springs Fire Department in Cherokee County, Pigott climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, last month in 45 pounds of firefighting gear.
He had an objective. He wanted to make the climb as a tribute to fallen firefighters and as a reminder to his colleagues everywhere of the need for cardiovascular health and physical fitness.
“It was something I always wanted to do, and I knew I’d do it someday,” said Pigott, 37, who has been chief of the 25-member Holly Springs Fire Department for the last three years. “I’ve always loved the outdoors and always have done a lot of hiking.”
He started planning the trip in January and trained by hiking in the mountains of North Georgia and North Carolina. He also would go to Kennesaw Mountain after work at Lockheed Martin, where he is a manager involved with the C-130 cargo plane.
Pigott’s climb up Kilimanjaro started Oct. 8. He and four other hikers and their guides reached the summit Oct. 14 and then spent two and a half days making the descent.
Each day they’d climb 3,000 to 4,000 feet. Pigott was in full firefighter gear —- pants, coat, boots, helmet and a self-contained breathing apparatus.
In addition, he was weighed down by another 15 pounds of climbing gear and supplies.
“I’m absolutely certain it was tougher on Steve,” said Kevin Armstrong, a hiker from California who was making the climb with his father. “But he did a fantastic job with it.”
Pigott’s gear was always a conversation starter, especially when the group would meet up with other climbers at a campsite, Armstrong said. “That’s when you’d get the looks and stares,” he said.
The scenery on the climb amazed Pigott as it changed from lush tropical forest to desert and then finally snow caps. “It was just beautiful,” he said.
It wasn’t until Pigott was leaving Kilimanjaro and Tanzania that park officials told him he may have been the first climber to reach the mountain’s top in full firefighting gear.
It hadn’t seemed that novel a feat to Pigott. Firefighters, he said, are always encouraged to train in their gear.
In metro Atlanta, they participate in the annual Fit to Fight run, a 75-mile relay from the Georgia Fire Academy to the state Capitol, that’s done in full firefighter gear.
“In Cherokee County, firefighters are put through what’s known as a personal limitation drill,” Pigott said.
In those drills, the firemen climb stairs, drag rescue dummies, crawl and even do push-ups in their full gear until they can’t go on, he said.
“The idea is for each person to find their limit, and climbing Kilimanjaro was sort of my own personal limitation drill,” he said.
“I would encourage other firefighters to push themselves up to and beyond their limits so when that emergency call goes out, they’ll be ready to respond.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
November 09, 2008
Steve Pigott has taken his passion for firefighting to new heights.
Chief of the all-volunteer Holly Springs Fire Department in Cherokee County, Pigott climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, last month in 45 pounds of firefighting gear.
He had an objective. He wanted to make the climb as a tribute to fallen firefighters and as a reminder to his colleagues everywhere of the need for cardiovascular health and physical fitness.
“It was something I always wanted to do, and I knew I’d do it someday,” said Pigott, 37, who has been chief of the 25-member Holly Springs Fire Department for the last three years. “I’ve always loved the outdoors and always have done a lot of hiking.”
He started planning the trip in January and trained by hiking in the mountains of North Georgia and North Carolina. He also would go to Kennesaw Mountain after work at Lockheed Martin, where he is a manager involved with the C-130 cargo plane.
Pigott’s climb up Kilimanjaro started Oct. 8. He and four other hikers and their guides reached the summit Oct. 14 and then spent two and a half days making the descent.
Each day they’d climb 3,000 to 4,000 feet. Pigott was in full firefighter gear —- pants, coat, boots, helmet and a self-contained breathing apparatus.
In addition, he was weighed down by another 15 pounds of climbing gear and supplies.
“I’m absolutely certain it was tougher on Steve,” said Kevin Armstrong, a hiker from California who was making the climb with his father. “But he did a fantastic job with it.”
Pigott’s gear was always a conversation starter, especially when the group would meet up with other climbers at a campsite, Armstrong said. “That’s when you’d get the looks and stares,” he said.
The scenery on the climb amazed Pigott as it changed from lush tropical forest to desert and then finally snow caps. “It was just beautiful,” he said.
It wasn’t until Pigott was leaving Kilimanjaro and Tanzania that park officials told him he may have been the first climber to reach the mountain’s top in full firefighting gear.
It hadn’t seemed that novel a feat to Pigott. Firefighters, he said, are always encouraged to train in their gear.
In metro Atlanta, they participate in the annual Fit to Fight run, a 75-mile relay from the Georgia Fire Academy to the state Capitol, that’s done in full firefighter gear.
“In Cherokee County, firefighters are put through what’s known as a personal limitation drill,” Pigott said.
In those drills, the firemen climb stairs, drag rescue dummies, crawl and even do push-ups in their full gear until they can’t go on, he said.
“The idea is for each person to find their limit, and climbing Kilimanjaro was sort of my own personal limitation drill,” he said.
“I would encourage other firefighters to push themselves up to and beyond their limits so when that emergency call goes out, they’ll be ready to respond.”
Monday, November 10, 2008
More on the DUI Crash
I am forwarding a message from one of our neighboring departments............................
On the evening hours of 11-6-08, an accident claimed the life of one of our members entire family. FF Josh John’s wife Amanda, 3 year old son Ryan and 11 month old daughter Kaitlyn was killed by a person that was arrested for DUI. The accident happened around 8:00pm, while Amanda was driving southbound on route 47 at Gardner road. The car driven by Ann Getz failed to stop at a stop sign while driving west bound and "T-boned" Amanda and the kids. The two children were ejected from the car seats and out of the vehicle. Amanda was pinned in the car and was dead on the scene. The children were pronounced at Morris Hospital after medical professionals worked feverishly to bring them back.
I encourage each of you to send Josh a short statement for your support at jjahn@dwightfire.org.
I know that the Fire Profession is the closes of any family and would like to have you help Josh and the Dwight Fire Department heal by showing your support. Thank you and keep all in your prayers, Arrangements: Monday November 10th, 2008 3p-8p FF walk thru promptly at 6:00pm. Tuesday November 11th, 2008 Funeral 10:30am. All services will be held at the First Christian Church in Morris- 455 South Mour Road their number 815-942-3454. Everyone that can is encouraged to attend in full class "A" or similar attire.We are working out further arrangements for donations to the family to help with expenses. Thank you again, Darrin W. Shull Fire Chief Dwight Fire Protection District
Link: http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/articles/2008/11/07/news/303bbgrucaracc
On the evening hours of 11-6-08, an accident claimed the life of one of our members entire family. FF Josh John’s wife Amanda, 3 year old son Ryan and 11 month old daughter Kaitlyn was killed by a person that was arrested for DUI. The accident happened around 8:00pm, while Amanda was driving southbound on route 47 at Gardner road. The car driven by Ann Getz failed to stop at a stop sign while driving west bound and "T-boned" Amanda and the kids. The two children were ejected from the car seats and out of the vehicle. Amanda was pinned in the car and was dead on the scene. The children were pronounced at Morris Hospital after medical professionals worked feverishly to bring them back.
I encourage each of you to send Josh a short statement for your support at jjahn@dwightfire.org.
I know that the Fire Profession is the closes of any family and would like to have you help Josh and the Dwight Fire Department heal by showing your support. Thank you and keep all in your prayers, Arrangements: Monday November 10th, 2008 3p-8p FF walk thru promptly at 6:00pm. Tuesday November 11th, 2008 Funeral 10:30am. All services will be held at the First Christian Church in Morris- 455 South Mour Road their number 815-942-3454. Everyone that can is encouraged to attend in full class "A" or similar attire.We are working out further arrangements for donations to the family to help with expenses. Thank you again, Darrin W. Shull Fire Chief Dwight Fire Protection District
Link: http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/articles/2008/11/07/news/303bbgrucaracc
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Alcohol and US
From a Blog by ChiefReason very well written and put a good point across
Alcohol and US!
Posted by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on November 8, 2008 at 11:13am
View Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich's blog
A mother and two children were killed in a vehicle accident, the victims of an alleged drunk driver. The husband, who was not with them, is a volunteer firefighter for the Dwight, IL Fire Department. The accident happened near Joliet, so his department was not the department responding to this incident.Read more from the AP Press: A neighbor reacted with sadness Friday morning to news of the tragedy.“They were very friendly,” Iris Wilder said of the family.” They were there for me when my husband died."“We are sometimes so involved in our own grief we don’t know what is going on in the world around us," Wilder said. "I am so sorry to hear about this.”Police said Getz was driving west on Gardner Blacktop when she crashed into the Jahns' car, which was traveling south on Illinois 47 about 8 p.m. in an unincorporated area near Mazon.The impact forced the Jahns' vehicle to roll several times before coming to rest in a cornfield southwest of the intersection, the release said.Police said the children were ejected from their seats. They were taken to Morris Hospital, where they were pronounced dead about 9:30 p.m.
The children's mother was pinned in the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were members of the First Christian Church of Morris, where they were actively involved. Wilder said the Amanda was involved in the youth group at the church.
Doesn’t this just turn your stomach? How many discussions have there been about drinking and responding, drinking at the fire house, drinking is OK in moderation and on and on. How many of you have responded to the twisted and torn carnage of a high speed accident and discovered that alcohol consumption by one of the drivers was a factor?
I have actually responded to a scene where the driver got out of his vehicle with his DRINK IN HIS HAND! Here is a snippet about the “alleged” drunk driver: Ann Marie Getz, 43, is now being charged with four counts of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, which is a Class 2 felony, said State’s Attorney Sheldon Sobol. Because the charge is for more than one death, she could get up to 28 years in prison, he said.
A warrant for her arrest has been issued and bail is set at $1 million. Getz is currently in intensive care at Morris Hospital under police guard. She is not expected to be released until next week, at which time she will be taken directly to the Grundy County jail, said Sheriff Terry Marketti.
Getz, 43, was initially charged with felony DUI and disobeying a stop sign in the crash that killed Amanda Jahn and her two children.A very good friend of mine is the former fire chief in Dwight. I am sure that he is struggling with this news. My heart goes out to him, the city of Dwight and their fire department and to the Zahn family.More lives lost to an alcohol-related accident. More lives destroyed by bad decisions. More discussions about getting drunks out from behind the wheel.The fire service needs to take a strong stand on drunk driving, but we can’t do it if we have those in our service who feel that it’s OK to drink alcohol and respond to incidents.
It starts with US.
Art
Alcohol and US!
Posted by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on November 8, 2008 at 11:13am
View Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich's blog
A mother and two children were killed in a vehicle accident, the victims of an alleged drunk driver. The husband, who was not with them, is a volunteer firefighter for the Dwight, IL Fire Department. The accident happened near Joliet, so his department was not the department responding to this incident.Read more from the AP Press: A neighbor reacted with sadness Friday morning to news of the tragedy.“They were very friendly,” Iris Wilder said of the family.” They were there for me when my husband died."“We are sometimes so involved in our own grief we don’t know what is going on in the world around us," Wilder said. "I am so sorry to hear about this.”Police said Getz was driving west on Gardner Blacktop when she crashed into the Jahns' car, which was traveling south on Illinois 47 about 8 p.m. in an unincorporated area near Mazon.The impact forced the Jahns' vehicle to roll several times before coming to rest in a cornfield southwest of the intersection, the release said.Police said the children were ejected from their seats. They were taken to Morris Hospital, where they were pronounced dead about 9:30 p.m.
The children's mother was pinned in the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were members of the First Christian Church of Morris, where they were actively involved. Wilder said the Amanda was involved in the youth group at the church.
Doesn’t this just turn your stomach? How many discussions have there been about drinking and responding, drinking at the fire house, drinking is OK in moderation and on and on. How many of you have responded to the twisted and torn carnage of a high speed accident and discovered that alcohol consumption by one of the drivers was a factor?
I have actually responded to a scene where the driver got out of his vehicle with his DRINK IN HIS HAND! Here is a snippet about the “alleged” drunk driver: Ann Marie Getz, 43, is now being charged with four counts of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, which is a Class 2 felony, said State’s Attorney Sheldon Sobol. Because the charge is for more than one death, she could get up to 28 years in prison, he said.
A warrant for her arrest has been issued and bail is set at $1 million. Getz is currently in intensive care at Morris Hospital under police guard. She is not expected to be released until next week, at which time she will be taken directly to the Grundy County jail, said Sheriff Terry Marketti.
Getz, 43, was initially charged with felony DUI and disobeying a stop sign in the crash that killed Amanda Jahn and her two children.A very good friend of mine is the former fire chief in Dwight. I am sure that he is struggling with this news. My heart goes out to him, the city of Dwight and their fire department and to the Zahn family.More lives lost to an alcohol-related accident. More lives destroyed by bad decisions. More discussions about getting drunks out from behind the wheel.The fire service needs to take a strong stand on drunk driving, but we can’t do it if we have those in our service who feel that it’s OK to drink alcohol and respond to incidents.
It starts with US.
Art
Accident on Russian nuclear sub suffocates 20
MOSCOW – The fire safety system on a brand-new Russian nuclear submarine accidentally turned on as the sub was being tested in the Sea of Japan, spewing a gas that suffocated 20 people and sent 21 others to the hospital, officials said Sunday.
The Russian Navy said the submarine itself was not damaged in Saturday's accident and returned to its base on Russia's Pacific coast under its own power Sunday. The accident also did not pose any radiation danger, the navy said.
Yet it was Russia's worst naval accident since torpedo explosions sank another nuclear-powered submarine, the Kursk, in the Barents Sea in 2000, killing all 118 seamen aboard.
Overcrowding may have been a significant factor on Saturday.
The submarine being tested had 208 people aboard, including 81 seamen, according to Russian navy spokesman Capt. Igor Dygalo. Yet Russian news agencies said a sub of this type normally carries only a crew of 73.
"A submarine is the most vulnerable during trials. With both navy and civilian personnel on board, it's very dificult to keep such a large number of people organized," Gennady Illarionov, a retired submarine officer, told the RIA Novosti news agency.
The victims suffocated after the submarine's fire-extinguishing system released Freon gas, said Vladimir Markin, an official with Russia's top investigative agency. He said forensic tests found Freon in the victims' lungs.
More http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081109/ap_on_re_eu/eu_russia_submarine
New Flash Light, Any Good?
Has anyone tried this new Light from Duracell? I will have to check out the stores and look for one. They look like they would be a good light?
Truckie
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Boom In Gun Sales
Fears of a Dem crackdown lead to boom in gun sales
Gun sales spike after Obama win
Fears of a Dem crackdown lead to boom in gun sales
Obama: Getting a family dog isn't easy
Compare the M4 and Other Rifles
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. (AP) -- When 10-year-old Austin Smith heard Barack Obama had been elected president, he had one question: Does this mean I won't get a new gun for Christmas?
That brought his mother, the camouflage-clad Rachel Smith, to Bob Moates Sports Shop on Thursday, where she was picking out that special 20-gauge shotgun - one of at least five weapons she plans to buy before Obama takes office in January.
Like Smith, gun enthusiasts nationwide are stocking up on firearms out of fears that the combination of an Obama administration and a Democrat-dominated Congress will result in tough new gun laws.
"I think they're going to really try to crack down on guns and make it harder for people to try to purchase them," said Smith, 32, who taught all five of her children - ages 4 to 10 - to shoot because the family relies on game for food.
Last month, as an Obama win looked increasingly inevitable, there were more than 108,000 more background checks for gun purchases than in October 2007, a 15 percent increase. And they were up about 8 percent for the year as of Oct. 26, according to the FBI.
No data was available for gun purchases this week, but gun shops from suburban Virginia to the Rockies report record sales since Tuesday's election.
"They're scared to death of losing their rights," said David Hancock, manager of Bob Moates, where sales have nearly doubled in the past week and are up 15 percent for the year. On Election Day, salespeople were called in on their day off because of the crowd.
Obama has said he respects Americans' Second Amendment right to bear arms, but that he favors "common sense" gun laws. Gun rights advocates interpret that as meaning he'll at least enact curbs on ownership of assault and concealed weapons.
As a U.S. Senator, Obama voted to leave gun-makers and dealers open to lawsuits; and as an Illinois state legislator, he supported a ban on semiautomatic weapons and tighter restrictions on all firearms.
During an October appearance in Ohio, Obama sought to reassure gun owners. "I will not take your shotgun away," he said. "I will not take your rifle away. I won't take your handgun away."
Gun advocates take some solace in the current makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled 5-4 this summer to strike down the District of Columbia's 32-year ban on handguns. For now, gun rights supporters hold a narrow edge on the court, but Obama could appoint justices who would swing it the other way.
One Georgia gun shop advertised an "Obama sale" on an outdoor sign, but the owner took it down after people complained that the shop appeared to be issuing a call to violence against the country's first black leader.
While Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association, attributes some of the sales boom to the tanking economy, he thinks the Democratic sweep is the top reason why guns are suddenly a hot commodity.
"I don't think he'll be able to stand up to that anti-Second Amendment wing of the Democratic party that's just been spoiling for chance to ban America's guns," LaPierre said of Obama.
During the campaign, the NRA warned that Obama would be the "most antigun president in American history." And while Vice President-elect Joe Biden owns shotguns, he has supported a ban on assault weapons and has said private sellers at gun shows should be required to perform background checks.
But Mark Tushnet, a Harvard Law School professor who has written a book about the gun debate, said new firearms regulations will be a low priority for an Obama administration and Democratic Congress facing a global economic crisis and two wars.
Gun sales spike after Obama win
Fears of a Dem crackdown lead to boom in gun sales
Obama: Getting a family dog isn't easy
Compare the M4 and Other Rifles
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. (AP) -- When 10-year-old Austin Smith heard Barack Obama had been elected president, he had one question: Does this mean I won't get a new gun for Christmas?
That brought his mother, the camouflage-clad Rachel Smith, to Bob Moates Sports Shop on Thursday, where she was picking out that special 20-gauge shotgun - one of at least five weapons she plans to buy before Obama takes office in January.
Like Smith, gun enthusiasts nationwide are stocking up on firearms out of fears that the combination of an Obama administration and a Democrat-dominated Congress will result in tough new gun laws.
"I think they're going to really try to crack down on guns and make it harder for people to try to purchase them," said Smith, 32, who taught all five of her children - ages 4 to 10 - to shoot because the family relies on game for food.
Last month, as an Obama win looked increasingly inevitable, there were more than 108,000 more background checks for gun purchases than in October 2007, a 15 percent increase. And they were up about 8 percent for the year as of Oct. 26, according to the FBI.
No data was available for gun purchases this week, but gun shops from suburban Virginia to the Rockies report record sales since Tuesday's election.
"They're scared to death of losing their rights," said David Hancock, manager of Bob Moates, where sales have nearly doubled in the past week and are up 15 percent for the year. On Election Day, salespeople were called in on their day off because of the crowd.
Obama has said he respects Americans' Second Amendment right to bear arms, but that he favors "common sense" gun laws. Gun rights advocates interpret that as meaning he'll at least enact curbs on ownership of assault and concealed weapons.
As a U.S. Senator, Obama voted to leave gun-makers and dealers open to lawsuits; and as an Illinois state legislator, he supported a ban on semiautomatic weapons and tighter restrictions on all firearms.
During an October appearance in Ohio, Obama sought to reassure gun owners. "I will not take your shotgun away," he said. "I will not take your rifle away. I won't take your handgun away."
Gun advocates take some solace in the current makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled 5-4 this summer to strike down the District of Columbia's 32-year ban on handguns. For now, gun rights supporters hold a narrow edge on the court, but Obama could appoint justices who would swing it the other way.
One Georgia gun shop advertised an "Obama sale" on an outdoor sign, but the owner took it down after people complained that the shop appeared to be issuing a call to violence against the country's first black leader.
While Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association, attributes some of the sales boom to the tanking economy, he thinks the Democratic sweep is the top reason why guns are suddenly a hot commodity.
"I don't think he'll be able to stand up to that anti-Second Amendment wing of the Democratic party that's just been spoiling for chance to ban America's guns," LaPierre said of Obama.
During the campaign, the NRA warned that Obama would be the "most antigun president in American history." And while Vice President-elect Joe Biden owns shotguns, he has supported a ban on assault weapons and has said private sellers at gun shows should be required to perform background checks.
But Mark Tushnet, a Harvard Law School professor who has written a book about the gun debate, said new firearms regulations will be a low priority for an Obama administration and Democratic Congress facing a global economic crisis and two wars.
Friday, November 7, 2008
IAFF and the Volunteers
IAFF and Volunteers
I know there have been a lot of discussions on the issue of unions and volunteers, but I thought his point of view as a career firefighter was a good take in this issue.What does this union expect the volunteer department to do. The use of off duty people volunteering on a small department is a big shot in the arm for a lot of departments that are becoming short handed year after year. The IAFF still does not support their membership from assisting the volunteer department as stated in recent press release on their web site. IAFF Letter to IAFC on Secondary Employment Read More...
LM
This was written by a career firefighter from Austin TX, Adam Kinnon
The career fire service in America is comprised of approximately 350,000 fire fighters. The volunteer fire service numbers over 800,000. The International Association of Fire Fighters boasts a membership of approximately 260,000 of the career fire fighters. As other sectors of the union movement dwindle to record lows, government worker’s unions are on the rise. It is important to note that the overwhelming majority of IAFF members are utilizing the union for local purposes. Most fire fighters are unaware of the larger labor movement and the problems arising from the IAFF and its affiliates violating the individual rights of fire fighters.The IAFF takes an anti volunteer stance which is demonstrated by the fact that their constitution prohibits members from volunteering. The union leadership defends their stance by indicating their locals are autonomous. They leave the enforcement of their constitution to the individual local. The IAFF has demonstrated that they will vehemently support locals that pursue an anti volunteer stance and keep their hands off the locals that support their, “Two hatters”. Maintaining affiliation, membership, and the influx of money is more important to them than pushing their agenda on the members.There are a number of ways that the IAFF is attempting to put pressure on fire fighters not to volunteer. The members that buy into this can file charges on members who volunteer. The fire fighter who volunteers will be forced to resign from the IAFF or quit volunteering. Another way is by passing collective bargaining contracts which state specifically that fire fighters may not volunteer in their off duty time. Collective Bargaining along with Presumptive Health Care legislation is being used to push the IAFF agenda. Career fire fighters must understand that Civil Service and Collective Bargaining legislation at the state level usually contain a Preemptive clause. This allows contractual agreements to over ride any and all state laws, rules, and regulations. The first collective bargaining contract negotiated by my department last year circumvented State Right to Work law regarding the method used to assess sick time from members to support union activities. As a non union member I am not allowed to negotiate or vote on the contracts.The trends and actions of the IAFF at the state and federal level show, with out a doubt, that their intention is to grow their membership, expand their control over the member’s actions, and grow the larger labor movement coffers to support politics which are often at odds with a large percentage if not the majority of the members. They are attempting to shift control of the fire service to the state and federal level through legislation concerning minimum staffing and NFPA 1710. Fire Fighters are being put in the unfortunate position of fighting the very people who are supposed to be there to protect them. Fire Fighter’s First Amendment rights to freedom of affiliation are being violated solely for the growth and political interests of the IAFF. It’s time to stop sugar coating the situation we find ourselves in. When entities trample individual rights of Americans it leaves us no choice but to look for positive ways to influence legislation to protect our freedoms and to protect the future generations of fire fighters. We need to start educating career fire fighters and motivate them to demand that the union actually work as the representative democracy it claims to be. We need to create lobbying teams that represent existing and future organizations that truly represent the will of volunteer and career fire fighters. These organizations must put personal liberties before the interests of the Larger Labor Movement’s aggressive strategic agenda of growing their union and control of the fire service at the expense of the members. We must protect the ability of smaller communities to determine the level of protection as it relates to the tax base. When these issues we speak of are reduced to the lowest common denominator we are left with the question of individual freedom.I am a career fire fighter in Austin, TX. I was an IAFF member for ten years. We need to provide an avenue for career fire fighters to express their support of the volunteer fire service. Career fire fighters along with the volunteer fire service working together could create a legislative voice that would trump the will of the labor movement and protect our individual freedoms.
Adam Kinnon
I know there have been a lot of discussions on the issue of unions and volunteers, but I thought his point of view as a career firefighter was a good take in this issue.What does this union expect the volunteer department to do. The use of off duty people volunteering on a small department is a big shot in the arm for a lot of departments that are becoming short handed year after year. The IAFF still does not support their membership from assisting the volunteer department as stated in recent press release on their web site. IAFF Letter to IAFC on Secondary Employment Read More...
LM
This was written by a career firefighter from Austin TX, Adam Kinnon
The career fire service in America is comprised of approximately 350,000 fire fighters. The volunteer fire service numbers over 800,000. The International Association of Fire Fighters boasts a membership of approximately 260,000 of the career fire fighters. As other sectors of the union movement dwindle to record lows, government worker’s unions are on the rise. It is important to note that the overwhelming majority of IAFF members are utilizing the union for local purposes. Most fire fighters are unaware of the larger labor movement and the problems arising from the IAFF and its affiliates violating the individual rights of fire fighters.The IAFF takes an anti volunteer stance which is demonstrated by the fact that their constitution prohibits members from volunteering. The union leadership defends their stance by indicating their locals are autonomous. They leave the enforcement of their constitution to the individual local. The IAFF has demonstrated that they will vehemently support locals that pursue an anti volunteer stance and keep their hands off the locals that support their, “Two hatters”. Maintaining affiliation, membership, and the influx of money is more important to them than pushing their agenda on the members.There are a number of ways that the IAFF is attempting to put pressure on fire fighters not to volunteer. The members that buy into this can file charges on members who volunteer. The fire fighter who volunteers will be forced to resign from the IAFF or quit volunteering. Another way is by passing collective bargaining contracts which state specifically that fire fighters may not volunteer in their off duty time. Collective Bargaining along with Presumptive Health Care legislation is being used to push the IAFF agenda. Career fire fighters must understand that Civil Service and Collective Bargaining legislation at the state level usually contain a Preemptive clause. This allows contractual agreements to over ride any and all state laws, rules, and regulations. The first collective bargaining contract negotiated by my department last year circumvented State Right to Work law regarding the method used to assess sick time from members to support union activities. As a non union member I am not allowed to negotiate or vote on the contracts.The trends and actions of the IAFF at the state and federal level show, with out a doubt, that their intention is to grow their membership, expand their control over the member’s actions, and grow the larger labor movement coffers to support politics which are often at odds with a large percentage if not the majority of the members. They are attempting to shift control of the fire service to the state and federal level through legislation concerning minimum staffing and NFPA 1710. Fire Fighters are being put in the unfortunate position of fighting the very people who are supposed to be there to protect them. Fire Fighter’s First Amendment rights to freedom of affiliation are being violated solely for the growth and political interests of the IAFF. It’s time to stop sugar coating the situation we find ourselves in. When entities trample individual rights of Americans it leaves us no choice but to look for positive ways to influence legislation to protect our freedoms and to protect the future generations of fire fighters. We need to start educating career fire fighters and motivate them to demand that the union actually work as the representative democracy it claims to be. We need to create lobbying teams that represent existing and future organizations that truly represent the will of volunteer and career fire fighters. These organizations must put personal liberties before the interests of the Larger Labor Movement’s aggressive strategic agenda of growing their union and control of the fire service at the expense of the members. We must protect the ability of smaller communities to determine the level of protection as it relates to the tax base. When these issues we speak of are reduced to the lowest common denominator we are left with the question of individual freedom.I am a career fire fighter in Austin, TX. I was an IAFF member for ten years. We need to provide an avenue for career fire fighters to express their support of the volunteer fire service. Career fire fighters along with the volunteer fire service working together could create a legislative voice that would trump the will of the labor movement and protect our individual freedoms.
Adam Kinnon
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Key Senate Achievement:
Being elected to Senate after Iraq War already started
Favorite Way To Mollify Supporters:
Nodding solemnly while gripping podium
Political Experience:
(2005–) Junior Senator from Illinois. Working directly under Senior Senator Richard Durbin himself, duties included fact-checking and copyediting the 2006 highway appropriations amendment bill. Member, Illinois State Senate (1997-2004)
Odds Of Pop-Locking During Inauguration:
1 in 12
Personal Best For Getting Digits:
32 seconds
Difficulty Catching A Cab:
Moderate
Issues:
Pro-hopes, also supports dreams
People Who Have Influenced Him Most:
Handsome devil who greets him in the mirror every morning
Being elected to Senate after Iraq War already started
Favorite Way To Mollify Supporters:
Nodding solemnly while gripping podium
Political Experience:
(2005–) Junior Senator from Illinois. Working directly under Senior Senator Richard Durbin himself, duties included fact-checking and copyediting the 2006 highway appropriations amendment bill. Member, Illinois State Senate (1997-2004)
Odds Of Pop-Locking During Inauguration:
1 in 12
Personal Best For Getting Digits:
32 seconds
Difficulty Catching A Cab:
Moderate
Issues:
Pro-hopes, also supports dreams
People Who Have Influenced Him Most:
Handsome devil who greets him in the mirror every morning
Key Issues
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)