IAFF HISTORY

IAFF HISTORY

I had posted this link in the past, but then the IAFF took the website down. Apparently, they unveiled the site at a Conference late last year and then took the site down to continue work on it. Just by chance, I found the site on my own when it was up on the internet. Now the IAFF has officially unvieled the site on the IAFF mainpage. The IAFF history site has pictures from none other than our local. Yes, you are welcome. I answered the call from the IAFF to send them some pictures. You should check them out. I am unsure if they will be adding to the site or if it is complete. If they are still looking for pictures, we have plenty to add. If you will notice, we might possibly have the most pictures out of any other local. Stop in and look around, read the history, and check out the photos. There is a picture of Station #9 circa 1932 here. (Read More)

Technorati tags: IAFF, History, RFFA, Firefighter

Firefighters Go In, Knowing They May Not Come Out - Firehouse.com News

Firefighters Go In, Knowing They May Not Come Out - Firehouse.com News:

Firefighters racing to the fire last week felt their stomachs drop at the report of three trapped.

Fighting fire is never a walk in the park. It's dirty and hot and dangerous at the best of times. Your life is on the line. You trust your fellow firefighters to have your back.

Firefighters will tell you they dispassionately weigh the risks and rewards before entering a structure to attempt a rescue. They understand the cold calculus of the job: When the alarm comes, you have to roll out; there's no guarantee you'll come back.

So as Piqua fire Capt. Vince Ashcraft and his crew pull up outside 527 Wood St. well before dawn, they are calculating their chances.

Smoke is pouring from a second-story window where the three were reported trapped. No flames on the first story. Entry is possible.

Police officers have attempted to enter but were turned back by intense heat and smoke. Clothed in heavy turnout coats and pants, shielded by helmets and assisted by breathing apparatus and years of training, the firefighters are the only ones with any chance.(Read More)

You have got to read this story. This reporter gets the story right. It is good to see the newspaper reporting the facts, and the firefighters portraying the story very well. I might add also that they had a save that day. Unfortunately two others died. But all three would have if it weren't for the firefighters.

Technorati tags: Fire, Dayton Fire, SCBA

IAFF Locals across the Nation

What are other IAFF locals up to in the United States and Canada? What problems are they facing? What issues are most prevalent? Who are they raising money for? What successes have they had? What about other locals right here in Virginia?

For the answer to these questions, and other questions, you should check out the Complete IAFF Local Listing hosted by none other than Roanoke's Bravest Local 1132. That is right, Local 1132 currently has the most up to date list of IAFF Union websites on the internet. There are some other websites out there who do a very good job. But none are as complete as this one. This listing is a tool for IAFF Locals to use to become better informed. The locals in regions, states, and districts can network using the websites, and the information they contain to better themselves and others.

I recommend checking out the websites which are listed on the website, and really taking a closer look at what is going on across the Nation. I have viewed probably about 75% of the sites on the listing, which contains approximately 600 websites listed numerically as well as indexed by state.

More and more locals each day are realizing the effectiveness of the IAFF Local listing, and linking to it instead of just adding a few links here and there. Some have even taken the entire page and put it up on their site. If you would like to link to the page, feel free. That is what it is there for.

If you know of a link that needs to be added, let me know. If you notice a bad link, let me know. Otherwise, check the listing occasionally to see what is going on.

I also recommend checking the Virginia IAFF Locals occasionally to see what is keeping them busy. There are a lot of events coming up and some of them are listed on Local 1132's site, an some more can be found on the VPFF site.

View the Complete IAFF Local Listing here.

Virtual Autopsy

Here is an autopsy site for you guys to check out. The medics might enjoy this more than others. The site is interesting, but not my thing. Thanks to Keith over at Just another day in Roanoke for the site.

FIREFIGHTER

I have posted information on this site before. Firefighter Wayne has a blog dedicated to the history of the Detroit Fire Department. However, a lot of the infromation he posts has been collected from websites all over the internet. The history usually pertains to Fire Departments all over the Nation. If you get a moment you should check out this blog and read the posts. He numbers his posts and he is currently on #194.

FIREFIGHTER:

The middle to late 1960s saw the wide-scale introduction of crosslay hosebeds and pre-connected hoselines.
Up to this time, most hose was carried in the rear hosebeds. Pre-connected crosslays offer an option that allows for rapid water application under certain fire conditions.

In the early 1970s, Ward LaFrance created what was probably the most controversial issue ever to hit the apparatus field. By aggressively marketing a new color for fire apparatus,

LIME GREEN, as being more visible and therefore safer, a wedge was driven into the fire service.
Traditionalists stood behind the old standard red, while "progressive" fire service personnel preached the advantages of the new color.

At one point, there were actually more apparatus being delivered in the new color than the traditional red.

Many fire departments, both large and small, switched to the new color.

But after about a decade, departments began to switch back to red.
Many apparatus were repainted.

Virtually every large department that had gone to the new color returned to red.

Currently, few new apparatus are being delivered that are painted lime green.

Technorati tags: firefighter wayne, Lime green firetrucks, red firetrucks

A firefighter travels the world

I received this picture above and I am told that this was taken in Afghanistan when one of our firefighters was over there. Well apparently this firefighter travels a lot. I have gotten several other images sent to me from around the world showing of his travels.
Here you can see him in the Middle East fighting the war on terror.
Here he is blowing stuff up. Looks like fun.
Apparently he made a quick stop at the north pole to see what was going on.
Stonehenge was on the list of tourist attractions for our resident traveler.
Apparently he couldn't even stay away from this beached whale.
That is right, he was there. Move over guys, our man was the first Roanoke Firefighter on the moon.
Did somebody say Olympics? Our man wouldn't miss curling for the World. He says he might be ready for the Winter Olympics in 2010.

So there you have it, the photo diary of our guy traveling the world. I am told that you might see some more pictures in the future.

The thing that gets me is the choice of events/places that he decided to alter. I do not think they could have been any more random. Anyways, this was all in jest. Have a good day.

Warning: sarcasm ahead.

Somebody sent me this picture the other day. It appears as though the truck has been retrofitted with an articulating boom. I believe this is a Snoquengirt ( Snorkel, Quint, Engine, Squirt). Try saying that 10 times in a row.

Read the comments then check this link and look at Squad 5A in Chicago. This picture does bare a striking resemblance to the Squad.

Your retirement...and how much harder you will have to work for it.

Here is a little tidbit of information that I thought I would bring to you all. I hear a lot of things pros of this and cons of that, but today I heard a spin on something that I had not thought of yet. So let me explain it to you. I will use Roanoke as an example, but I would imagine that this is likely elsewhere as well. Forgive me if I do not know all the facts, if you need to correct me please do.

In Roanoke City , firefighters can retire with the rule of 70 (minimum of 45 years old) - this means that once your age and years of service equal 70 you can retire without penalty.

If you are, say, a solid waste technician (garbage man) you retire with the rule of 80 - age + years of service = 80.

This doesn't mean you retire with a full pension. No, actually you use a multiplier (currently 2.1) to figure your retirement.
20 years = 42% of the average salary of your last 3 years.
25 years = 52.5
30 years = 63% - which I believe is the max. If you work 40 years you still get 63%.

But that is just the basics, lets dig a little deeper. We are still comparing the fireman and the garbage man.

Fireman = 56 hours a week
Garbage Man = 40 hours a week

But we have to work the same amount of years for the same retirement.

Let us take it a step further.

Let us say that a firefighter works 30 years to get his retirement of 63%. So that firefighter works 56 hours a week, 52 weeks a year for 30 years = 87,360 hours to reach retirement.

Let us say that a garbage man works 30 years to get his retirement of 63%. So that garbage man works 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year for 30 years = 62,400 hours.

That means that the firefighter had to work an additional 24,960 hours just to get the same retirement. So let us put all those hours into perspective. 24,960 hours = 1040 days = 8.5 years of working.

We have to work an additional 8.5 years just to get the same retirement.

But wait, there is more.

Let us say that the firefighter and the garbage man both receive $30,452 each year as a salary. That figure is the starting pay for firefighters in Roanoke City.

Firefigher = $30,452 at 2912 hours a year = $10.46 per hour.
Garbage Man = $30,452 at 2080 hours a year = $14.64 per hour.

Not only do we have to work more hours, but our pay grades are not adjusted for that difference.

Now I realize that Firefighters and Garbagemen might not make the same salaries, but this was just an example. I also realize that there are other factors involved. I tried to make it as basic as possible. I also realize that we have benefits not factored into the salary.

What do you think?

I think change is in order...

Look for a post on the City Coucil Elections and the candidates who are running for the 3 open positions tomorrow. Until then let me know what you think.

Do you have a registered sex offender living near you?

Family Watchdog

If you would like to see if you have a registered sex offender living near you, check out the National Sex Offender Registry. I am glad to say that my neighborhood is sex offender free. I hope that it stays that way. Go ahead and check your neighborhood.

Buffalo Firefighter Succumbs To Injury - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

Buffalo Firefighter Succumbs To Injury - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

A former Buffalo firefighter has succumbed to injuries inflicted upon him while on-duty ten years ago. Donald Herbert, 44, passed away around 1:45 A.M. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006.

According to Dan O'Connor who serves as Secretary Treasurer of the Buffalo Professional Firefighters, the incident took place on December 29, 1995 when part of a roof fell upon the member of Rescue 1, 2nd platoon at a house fire on Interpark Street in Buffalo. The segment pinned Herbert in a sitting position to the attic stairwell, leaving him without air for six to ten minutes.(Read More)

IAFF online has a story on FF Herbert Here. I am sure this was a very sad story for this family. For them to wait almost 10 years to see their hero wake up, only to finally succumb to his injuries sustained in the fire. This is a story you think you might see at the movie theatre, not in real life. Another story here.

Technorati tags: FDNY, LODD

Florida Teens Get Jump On Firefighting, EMS Careers - Firehouse.com News

Florida Teens Get Jump On Firefighting, EMS Careers - Firehouse.com News:

TAMPA - A unique three-year course offered for the first time at Jefferson High School in Tampa and Durant High in Durant will give students a head start on careers as firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

Graduating seniors will be eligible to test as EMTs and will need only 200 hours of hands-on training at Hillsborough Community College before they can take the state firefighter exam.

That will put them a step ahead of those who wait until after high school to take the traditional 450-hour course at HCC, said Tampa's top firefighter.

"You'll jump right to the head of the line," Tampa Fire Chief Dennis Jones told students at a recent orientation session.(Read More)

This is what I call recruitment. This enables Fire Departments to inform potential candidates what will be expected of them, get them trained early, and possibly keep them out of trouble. Hopefully this will catch on, and we will see this in more and more cities across the nation. I would love to get involved in this type of program.

Technorati tags: Florida firefighters, high school, fire training

Historic fire headquarters on the block

SConFire.com "Your One Stop For Firefighting News in South Carolina"!:

Historic fire headquarters on the block

Foundation wants Vista building preserved, not razed
by Gina Smith of The State

COLUMBIA - Columbia’s old fire department headquarters is a hot property.

Wednesday, City Council members voted to put the 56-year-old building, across the street from the new convention center hotel in the Vista, up for sale.

It has sat vacant since the city built its new fire department headquarters on Laurel Street in 1995.

“If someone wants to preserve it, let them buy it and preserve it,” said Hamilton Osborne, City Council member. “We’ll see some creative proposals.”

The building is on a list of properties the Historic Columbia Foundation has recommended council add to its registry of city landmarks. Landmark status gives a building a high level of protection from demolition.(Read More)

Technorati tags: Columbia South Carolina, historic firehouse

News from The Roanoke Times-Looking Back

News from The Roanoke Times-Looking Back:

n "A disastrous fire visited The Times plant yesterday evening ... and nothing but the prompt and fearless work of the members of the two fire departments saved it from utter destruction. It is now being operated under a very crippled condition ..."

n "Dirt for the new fire station No. 1 ... was broken yesterday and the building will be pushed to completion with all possible speed."

These were in the paper yesterday. Interesting reading. I do not have these articles yet. I will need to get by the Library, maybe Wednesday for a look-see. The two fire departments mentioned would have been the Junior Fire Company #2 operating out of the old fire station #1 at Jefferson and Kirk, and the Friendship Fire Company operating out of Fire Station #3 at 4th and East N.E. (later changed to #2).

You think you know, but you have no idea

I thought I would take a minute to tell you a little bit more about me.

I was born in 1977 in Cincinnati, Ohio. My full name is Rhett Matthew Fleitz. I have lived in Mason, Ohio; Loveland, Ohio; Kansas City, Kansas; Baltimore, Maryland; Richmond, Virginia; and now Roanoke, Virginia. I lived most of my life in (11 years). I moved to Roanoke for the job (Roanoke Fire-EMS). Becky, my wife, noticed the job posted in the paper while she was in school at Virginia Tech. Becky and I have two wonderful children, Preston and Jade. If you want to see more of my family, you can view our family blog.

I was hired on the first attempt with Roanoke Fire-EMS on March 1, 1999, which I thought was lucky for a 22 year old white kid from outside the area without a military background, although I did have a College degree. I often thought of returning to the Richmond area as a firefighter, but never did. I have a lot of friends on the job in Henrico, Chesterfield, Richmond, and Hanover fire departments. Since I have been here I have tested with a few departments outside of the Roanoke Valley, but have not acted on them.

When I got hired with Roanoke City, I was in the fast track, 6 days a week for 12 week, recruit school. It was fun, but it would have been nice to have 2 days off a week. I have worked at the following stations/shifts. 9B, 13C, 13B, 8C, and ARFF- C. I have worked for 5 Battalion Chiefs, 4 of which are still here.

Some of you all feel that I am anti-administration and pro-firefighter. Well to each his own and you are entitled to your opinion. If you opened your eyes a little bit you would realize that I am very much pro-fire department. I want what you want, you just aren't willing to ask for it. You might say that I am opinionated, however I am willing to listen. All too often do I realize that I have not looked at all the angles of an argument. I think you can learn a lot from a good debate.

I know that Roanoke Fire-EMS is one of the most aggressive departments in the State, while remaining one of the safest. The reason why it is one of the safest is because of our firefighters demanding training, tools, equipment, etc. that make their job safe, and the willingness of the Administration to purchase these items when possible.

Currently I am a Lieutenant (driver) on the ARFF company at Station 10/Roanoke Regional Airport. I am also the Secretary/Treasurer of Local 1132, the Roanoke Fire Fighters Association. I work at the Roanoke Virginia Firemen Federal Credit Union, upstairs of Station #8, as a second job. As a matter of fact that is where I am today. I do not know if anyone knows we are open today being that it is Presidents day.

Roanoke Firefighters blog reaches 400 posts

I have now surpassed my 400th post on the blog. Soon, in less than 3 weeks, the Roanoke firefighters blog will be turning 1 year old. To say this venture has been fun would be an understatement. I have really enjoyed the many facets of this blog.

1. Keep my fellow firefighters informed of happenings both locally and internationally.
2. Linking up to many other Fire and EMS blogs around the world.
3. I have had email and telephone contact with many readers, as well as meeting a couple from outside the valley.
4. Brought the history of the Roanoke FD right to your doorstep.
5. Kept outsiders informed of fires, incidents, events, and history.
6. Educated readers about what we do and why we do it.
7. Often reported more information, more detailed information, and more "frontline journalism" than the newspaper or news stations have been able to.
   

While I have tried to keep the blog as professional as possible. I would like inform and remind you all that this is indeed my very own personal blog. The contents of the posts are mine, unless otherwise noted. I have found it hard to leave opinion, speculation, and rumor out of the posts in order to bring you the facts. I have had to rescind comments made in the past. I have spoken too soon, but that is journalism, and I am not a journalist. Occasionally I get wrapped up in the moment, as most of you do. The big difference is that if I post something on here, hundreds of people read it. I am held accountable for my comments by my own convictions.

I feel this blog benefits me the most. For every article that I post on this blog, I read about 10 or 20 others. I post articles which I feel are going to benefit you by reading them. I post articles that you might not come across otherwise.

I often hear from readers who have something to share. I enjoy this. If you have something to add, or something to correct, let me know. I can take criticism too. So lets hear it.

In the meantime, look for many more posts. I don't plan on stopping this anytime soon. The only thing missing from this blog is personal accounts of incidents. I would enjoy writing about incidents that I run, the crews I run them with, and what the outcome was. I think that this personal account would be an interesting angle on the blog. However, this will have to hold off for the time being due to a lack of material.

If you can think of another angle for the blog, let me know. If you think you can make this better feel free to run it past me.

I recently received a comment from an anonymous reader stating they would like to see which first due areas, first due assignments, and the companies are responding to fires. I will do my part in filling in the holes. However, there is very little chance of me being on scene, or even listening to the call on a radio. So I am asking my fellow firefighters. If you run a fire or something else, and think it is news worthy, give me a call, email, or page. Let me know what is going on, who responded, and what happened. Otherwise I will have to go on what I have.

IAFF Member Wins Olympic Gold Medal in Turin

IAFF: Correspondence on Legislative Issues:

IAFF Member Wins Olympic Gold Medal in Turin
Duff Gibson, a member of IAFF Local 255 in Calgary Alberta, won a gold medal in the men's skeleton event at the Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy on Feb. 17.

February 17, 2006 -- An IAFF member has won a gold medal at the Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy.

Mark Faires, President of IAFF Local 255 Calgary, said his members are jubilant over Gibson's win.(Read More)

Way to go Duff. Great job representing your brother/sister firefighters.


Technorati tags: IAFF, Canada Firefighter, Firefighter Olympic Gold, Firefighter wins gold.

Firefighter shortage means longer response time

WVEC.com | News for Hampton Roads, Virginia | Local News:

81 firefighter positions are open in the Virginia Beach fire department.

13News has learned the shortage is could force officials to freeze future personal leave requests. Any leave approved already would be allowed, however.

That news came from Fire Chief Greg Cade’s presentation to council on Tuesday. He said his department is 61% understaffed.

On average, because of the shortage, you'll be waiting 10 minutes for firefighters to get where they need to be. Also, there are now three firefighters on each truck instead of the standard four personnel.

"We're going to show up like we always do and we're going to do the great job that Virginia Beach firefighters always do," said Chief Cade. He admits, though, "If your house is on fire, there's no doubt that it's a scary issue."

"It takes longer to get the people there because they're coming from further distances," explained Ken Pravetz, the firefighters union president. (Read More)

81 openings. What the hell is going on down in Virginia Beach Fire Department. The Virginia Beach Professional Fire Fighters do not mention anything about this on their website. If anyone knows anything more about this please let me know. They are currently going through the testing process.

Technorati tags: Fire, Virginia beach fire

Structure fires keeping Roanoke firefighters busy

By my count, Roanoke Fire-EMS has responded to 22 fires this year. Yesterday, February 16th firefighters were called out to two structure fires, followed by three more fires today.

Residential fire on February 16, 2006 at 3758 Long Meadow Ave.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 11:17 p.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, three Medic Units, one EMS Captain, one Investigative Unit, two Administrative Chiefs, the Assistant Fire Marshal and two Battalion Chiefs for a total of 26 personnel responded to the scene. The fire was deemed under control at 11:39 p.m.

Upon arrival crews found heavy fire and smoke showing. Crews quickly and aggressively lept into action and started a primary search to make sure that there weren't any victims trapped inside. After the search was ruled all clear, crews quickly extinguished the blaze.

There were five people inside of the home when the fire broke out. They all escaped. Three of the residents were transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for smoke inhalation. Fire Crews are attributing the quick actions of the neighbor that lives across the street in saving the lives of the people inside of the home. He alerted them to the fire. There were no injuries to Fire-EMS personnel.

The origin of the fire and cause of the fire are under investigation. Damage estimates are approximately $95,000.

Apartment fire on February 16, 2006 at 821 Ferdinand Ave.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 5:31 p.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, two Medic Units, one EMS Captain, one Battalion Chief, and an Investigative Unit for a total of 19 personnel responded to the scene. The fire was under control at 5:45 p.m.

Upon arrival crews found light smoke and fire in the rear of the downstairs apartment. Crews quickly extinguished the fire and checked for victims inside of the apartment.

There was no one inside of the apartment where the fire started. There were 6 citizens in the apartment building. They all escaped without injuries. There were no injuries to Fire-EMS personnel.

The fire started in the kitchen and was contained to the kitchen. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are approximately $5,500.

Residential fire on February 17, 2006 at 829 Peck St.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 12:31 a.m. The response of five Engines, one Ladder truck, one Medic Unit, one EMS Captain, one Investigative Unit, two Administrative Chiefs, the Fire Marshal and the Assistant Fire Marshal and one Battalion Chief for a total of 27 personnel responded to the scene. The fire was deemed under control at 1:00 a.m.

Upon arrival crews found light smoke coming from the front door. Crews began investigating and found fire in the walls of the house. Crews quickly searched the home for any victims and extinguished the fire.

There were two people inside of the structure when the fire started. They escaped without injury. There were no injuries to Fire-EMS personnel.

The origin of the fire was inside of the walls and was ruled a flue fire and deemed accidental. Damage estimates are approximately $20,000.

Residential fire on February 17, 2006 at 510 9th St.

Not much to note on this fire, I do hear that FF Daniel Murphy gave up the nozzle, only to be given it back by his Captain. Lesson learned. Next time, on the big one, if you let go of that nozzle you probably won't be given it back. The fire was contained to the window area of the structure.

Residential fire on February 17, 2006 at 2428 Maryland Ave.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 1:12 p.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, two Medic Units, one EMS Captain, one Administrative Chief, the Assistant Fire Marshal and one Education Information Specialist for a total of 22 personnel responded to the scene.

Upon arrival crews found smoke coming from the structure. Crews quickly investigated and found a flue fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and fire crews checked the walls and the attic to make sure that the fire had not extended into the walls. After the fire was extinguished, fire crews began to ventilate the structure and also began salvage and overhaul.

There was no one inside of the residence when the fire started. The owner of the home was outside when he noticed smoke coming from the chimney. There were no injuries to Fire-EMS personnel or to citizens.

The fire started in the flue and was contained to the flue. This fire has been ruled accidental. Damage estimates are approximately $8,000- $10,000.





















I have only received pictures on the last fire, courtesy of FF Travis Collins. If you have any other pictures, send them in.

American Red Cross and WSLS Celebration of Heroes

1st Lieutenants Phil Dillon and Chad Riddleberger have been recognized by the American Red Cross and WSLS as Heroes for their part in rescuing a man in a fire back in November. Maybe you saw them on tv in the past couple of days. There will be a special event on Tuesday February 28th to recognize many Heroes in the Roanoke area. For information on the event and how to obtain tickets visit the Roanoke Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.

From WSLS:

"Roanoke City Firefighters Phil Dillon and Chad Riddleberger left the fire station one November morning for what they thought was a routine fire.
Chad Riddleberger: All three windows had blackened out in fact that back windows started to crack, and that's when we could see the flicker of fire coming out from there. That's when we forced the door in.
They could barely see. The house was filled with smoke."(Read More)

Congratulations to you both. It is good to see our Firefighters in the news being commended for a job well done.

You know it is a job, I know it is a job, but they don't know. They don't understand that when we sign up to be a Firefighter, we understand we might have to put it all on the line. We accept that, and we do not expect the civilian to understand us, what we do, or why we do it. So long as society recognizes bravery and courage by their faithful civil servants, we know they are at least trying to understand us. Keep up the good work brothers and sisters.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
-John 15:13

Hiring Firefighters back in the day

Even back in 1936 firefighting was a well sought after career. Of course this hiring mentioned in the Roanoke Times was in reference to the 20 positions needed to expand the fire department to two platoons. Does anyone out there have the current figures as to how many people apply nowadays? If so, let me know.

This is sure to start several conversations in many firehouses. I am sure several sentences will begin with "Hell I remember when..." and the conversation will turn into a "who has the best war story".

Engine 13 is Replaced, Ending an Era

Engine 13, the last open cab engine being used as first run apparatus in Roanoke City is being replaced today. Engine 13 is being replaced with the old Engine 3, a 1991 Grumman. The new Engine 3, a 2005 model Pierce Quantum, was just recently placed into service.This may not seem like a big deal, but in reality it is the end of an era. Engine 13 is a 1990 model KME engine, and is not fully enclosed like the rest of our fleet. Below is a pictorial account of Engine 3 and Engine 13 in the past 25 years. This is to my best recollection of the research I have been through. If indeed I missed a truck, please let me know.

Engine 13 in the 80's

Engine 3 in the 80's: Pictured L-R Captain Howard "Pizza head" Guilliams, FF Jimmy Jennings, and FF Charles Harrington

Engine 13 1990-2006

Engine 3 1991-2006/ Engine 13 2006

Engine 3, 2006

I would have gone back to the beginning, but currently I have too many holes in my research to provide accurate information. Look for it in the future.

Fight Allegedly Erupts Among Firefighters At Maryland Blaze - Firehouse.com News

Fight Allegedly Erupts Among Firefighters At Maryland Blaze - Firehouse.com News:

9 News has learned an investigation is underway into why Prince George's County Firefighters were fighting more than fires early Monday morning.

Departmental reports obtained by 9 News include claims by two career firefighters that someone deliberately shut off their air tanks and ripped off some of their protective gear while they fought the house fire on Standish Drive in Landover Hills.

The two firefighters, assigned to the Landover Hills station, received first and second degree burns. The reports claim that firefighters from the all-volunteer Kentland Station got into a battle over who was going to put out the fire.(Read More)

This is an unfortunate incident. I know of a lot of volunteers who look up to this company as an elite force. We will have to wait for the investigation to be completed to know what happened. However, there is no place for this behavior in the fire service. Period.

All New D.C. Firefighters to be Paramedics

All New D.C. Firefighters to be Paramedics via (EMSResponder.com):

All New D.C. Firefighters to be Paramedics
MATTHEW CELLA
Courtesy of The Washington Times

D.C. Fire Chief Adrian H. Thompson yesterday said the department no longer will hire firefighters who are not paramedics or who are not going to be trained as paramedics upon entering the fire academy.

The pledge came in response to aggressive questioning from D.C. Council members during a Judiciary Committee oversight hearing.

The hearing was dominated by questions about the department's slow-moving transition to a fire-based emergency medical service system in which firefighters and paramedics are cross-trained to perform each other's jobs.(Read More)

It looks as though DC has instituted a plan similar to Roanoke Fire-EMS. This might be the largest Fire based EMS Department to implement this type of plan. I will be interested to see how DC Fire overcomes certain obstacles.

If their are any high school students reading who are hoping for a future in Fire/EMS, let me help you out on your career path. I would recommend that upon graduation you attend college to obtain your Paramedic certificate, which is now offered as an associates degree. Once you have graduated with your Associates degree (at least), your Nationally registered Paramedic certification, you will be able to get a job in almost any fire department in the Country.

Fire at 9th and Patterson

Last night at around 11 pm a fire broke out at a residence at the corner of 9th and Patterson. WDBJ7 is reporting that one man, a cat and a dog were rescued from the house. The reports that I am getting from firefighters on scene is that Engine 5 rescued one man from the house, and then either Engine 7 or Ladder 7 rescued another man from the house. A dog and a cat were also rescued, and one dog perished in the fire. The Firefighters were met with heavy fire conditions as they entered the house, and at least one of the men was found at a front window on the first floor.

Fire kills dog, sends man to hospital

The fire broke out late Monday night in the downstairs apartment of a Patterson Avenue house.

By David Harrison
981-3349

A fire in Southwest Roanoke left a Rottweiler dead and sent a man to the hospital for smoke inhalation late Monday night.

Fire crews arrived at a house in the 900 block of Patterson Avenue to find fire in the living room of a downstairs apartment and smoke throughout the house, said Battalion Chief Audie Ferris. Firefighters treated the injured man on the house's front lawn before taking him to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.(Read More)

From the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department:
The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a fire on February 13, 2006 at 901 Patterson Ave.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 10:40 p.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, two Medic Units, one EMS Captain, one Investigative Unit, one Administrative Chief, the Assistant Fire Marshal and one Battalion Chief for a total of 24 personnel responded to the scene. The fire was deemed under control at 11:30 p.m.

Upon arrival crews found smoke in the area, but fire was not visible. Upon further investigation, smoke and fire was spotted inside of the first floor of the structure. Crews aggressively went to work searching for any victims. Fire crews broke a downstairs window and pulled one victim to safety. Crews were alerted that there was another victim inside of the home. Firefighters quickly went into action and began a thorough search of the first floor. During the search a second victim was found and brought to safety. This victim had to be resuscitated at the scene. He was then transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. A dog was also rescued from the home. Fire crews assisted the animal by providing oxygen until Animal Control arrived. The dog was then taken to Emergency Veterinary Service of Roanoke Incorporated. The Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the displaced residents.

One of the victims rescued from the burning structure was uninjured. The second victim's condition is not known at this time. There were no injuries to Fire-EMS personnel.

The fire started in the downstairs level of the structure and was contained to the first floor. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Damage estimates are approximately $25,000.

Benefiting Public Safety - News - Fairfax Connection - Connection Newspapers

Benefiting Public Safety - News - Fairfax Connection - Connection Newspapers:

Benefiting Public Safety
Council approves new pay plan for city fire, police departments.
By Lea Mae Rice
February 10, 2006

Firefighters and police officers in the City of Fairfax will benefit from a new pay plan the City Council approved at its Tuesday, Feb. 3 meeting.
The pay plan will allow the City of Fairfax public safety departments to become more competitive with those of surrounding jurisdictions, said City of Fairfax personnel director Larry Brock at the City Council work session. Right now, he said, the City of Fairfax Fire Department is losing firefighters and emergency personnel to counties and cities who have more attractive salaries and health plans.
Fairfax County is, by far, the greatest threat to recruitment and retention at the city fire and police departments, said Brock.
"There is a definite increase and growing competition in the region for firefighters," he said. "It's really getting out of hand." The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department provides housing for new recruits, he said, while in Prince William County, firefighters receive a $3,000 signing bonus as well as referral and retention bonuses. The city averages only four candidates per entrance examination, said Brock. The competition from the neighboring jurisdictions, coupled with a smaller pool of applicants and the high turnover rate the city fire department has experienced since 2000, led a public safety task force to consider a better pay plan for employees.
Both the police and fire department pay plans will use the Fairfax County entry-level salary as an "anchor point" on which to build a pay structure. The new plan will add a referral bonus to encourage current employees to recruit new members, as well as "longevity step" to the pay plan that employees would be eligible for after 15 years. It will also add riding pay for employees with certification in advanced life support.
"We are struggling on the recruitment side and we run the risk of losing the very capable workforce we have," said Owens. Many of the long-time fire department employees, hired during a period of rapid county growth in the 1970s, are reaching retirement age.(Read More)

SIGNING BONUS, RETENTION BONUS, REFERRAL BONUS!!! SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!

I do find it interesting that a lot of people talk of how Fairfax is soooooo great, yet they are having the same problems we are having. Hopefully we can do more to entice these FF/PM down to little old Roanoke.

The Roanoke Firefighters Blog brings you "The Art of Bleeding"

That is right. Roanoke Firefighters Blog is bringing "The Art of Bleeding" to you, courtesy of Local 29's Blog . This video will be counted towards your Continuing Education.

Seriously though, this video is hilarious. That is my disclaimer before any instructors call me up and tell me that I contributing to the delinquency of Firefighters. I do recommend that all the Captains get their crew together and watch teh video together.

Then let me know how far you get through the video before turning it off.

Weekly Call Stats

I am not sure if you all are having more fun with the fact that I am currently assigned to the ARFF Company or me. Thanks for the reminder of not updating you to my weekly call statistics. So here goes... This is a long report, involving a lot of information, so pay attention. Are you ready? Ok


No calls this past week.

Running Total-
ARFF - 0
Engine - 3

Fire Prevention and Safety Grants - Round 3

Thanks to a post over at FireWhirl, I was reminded about the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants. I am pretty sure, in talking to Tiffany Bradbury, that Roanoke Fire has applied for a grant for Fire Prevention, and as of Round 3 we have not received it yet. We will have to keep our eyes peeled. At this day in age, departments like ours thrive on grants.

IAFF: News From The Field

IAFF: News From The Field:

February 13, 2006 - The IAFF is pleased to announce it is forming a union sportsman’s club to give members with a love for the outdoors and a shared interest in hunting, shooting and fishing the opportunity to engage in these activities in ways that can also benefit the work of the IAFF.

The IAFF has joined several other trade unions in affiliation with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) to give IAFF members a voice in an organization that focuses its efforts on conserving, maintaining and enhancing access to land for hunting, shooting and fishing. In addition, TRCP offers television programs on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) featuring union members participating in these activities.

In the coming months, the unions within TRCP will roll out a union-focused sportsman’s club that will have its own magazine, web site, radio show (in addition to the television shows already in production) and affinity programs (such as discounts on union-, American- and Canadian-made guns, hunting and fishing gear and adventure trips).(Read More)

The IAFF is also participating in a promotion that allows IAFF members to enter to win a hunting trip to be featured on TRCP/OLN’s television show, “Wildest Dreams.” For more information, click here or visit www.olntv.com/wildestdreams.

Fire at 1902 Patterson Ave.

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a fire on February 12, 2006 at 1902 Patterson Ave., J&J Paving.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 11:14 p.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, two Medic Units, one EMS Captain, one Investigative Unit and one Battalion Chief for a total of 19 personnel responded to the scene. The fire was quickly under control at 11:30 p.m.

Upon arrival crews found fire coming from the roof of J&J Paving. Fire crews quickly extinguished the blaze. There was one person inside of the structure when the fire broke out. They escaped without injuries. There were no injuries to Fire-EMS personnel or to any other citizens.

The fire started as a flue fire and spread to the roof and was contained to the roof. The cause of the fire was build up in the flue which caused high temperatures in the liner. This liner was touching the facial board lining the roof. Damage estimates are approximately $5,000.

Nashville Firehouse #14 modeled after Roanoke Firehouse #5

Nashville Fire Station #14 was modeled after Roanoke Fire Stations 4,5, and 6 which were pretty much all identical. I found this out several years ago, prior to my days of owning a digital camera. So on a recent visit to my parents, I drove by the firehouse again. I did not have time to stop in this time, but they do have an article on a desk in the bay explaining the relationship of the stations. In my first visit, I met a Captain at another station who was friends with one of our Battalion Chiefs at the time. Realize that this was probably 5-6 years ago. Nashvilles station is somewhat different inside. I believe this is due to a remodel. This station has a kitchen on the first level, behind the bay. So there you go, your bit of history for the day. Below is a recent Picture of Firehouse #5 in Roanoke.
Which is a far cry from when the Station opened.(Link)

See the comments below for some additional interesting information.

Medic 14 - coming soon to a station near you

From what I understand, there will be another Medic Truck put into service at Fire Station #14 within the next month. All that the plan is waiting for is the go ahead from the County. Station 14 currently houses Engine 14, which includes the staffing of 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant (driver), and 2 Firefighter/EMT-B's. With the arrival of Medic 14, there will be a need for the addition of 2 Firefighter/Paramedics or 1 FF/PM and 1 FF/EMT. All sources are currently saying that the County will staff the extra two personnel. The Medic truck will respond to a first due area which includes parts of Northeast City, Southeast City, and back up Read Mountain's area in Roanoke County.

In an effort to explain that these are not only my own questions, I have incorporated numerous thoughts/questions which I have heard over the past week or two about this new Medic Truck.

1. Will this truck be referred to as Medic Fourteen or Medic One Four ? There is question whether or not the personnel will be able to decipher between hearing this and Medic Four or Medic One, depending on which the Department decides to go with. You figure though, we have an Engine 4 and an Engine 14. Not much different from having Medic 1, 4, and 14.
   
2. Have we already purchased an ambulance for this purpose, or will they be using a reserve unit until we can purchase a new rig?
3. Why not use our staff which is currently at Clearbrook Station #7 for this and let the County staff Clearbrook completely? This leads to several other questions.
   
4. Is there indeed a plan, or a committee for a Regional Consolidation? If so, where is it.
   
5. If there is even the thought of a Regional Fire-EMS Department, then why is the County building a new 911 center on their own? Why isn't it a regional 911 center?
6. Again, if there is a regional plan, why isn't the City and County joining up and building joint stations?

These are just some questions that I have heard recently in the wake of hearing about the new Medic truck. If you have any other comments, add them below. If you know the answer to any of the questions, let me know.

High Springs Herald

High Springs Herald:

Uproar over armed firefighters killing chickens by homes
By Christa Jenkins
Herald Writer

HIGH SPRINGS — After seeing High Springs firefighters toting rifles through a neighborhood and shooting at chickens last week, residents said they are infuriated.

The southwest sector of town between Southwest Fourth Avenue and Poe Springs Road has had a chicken problem for years.

Many residents said they were upset not that the chickens were killed but the manner in which the situation was handled last Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Residents said they were not notified that the shooting would happen, that they worried about the safety of their children and pets, and that firefighters ran through private property without permission.

When the shooting was over, residents said they were left to deal with injured chickens and a bloody mess.

City officials, however, said that multiple safety precautions were taken, including having the city’s police chief on the scene with a safety perimeter in place.(More Here)

I can just see some of the guys from are department like Trussler, Franklin, Bennington, and the rest of the Roanoke Militia walking through any part of Roanoke killing chickens. Picture that. Kind of reminds me of Tombstone, just not sure which one of them would be Doc Holiday.

Roanoke Fire Alarm Boxes

Travis Collins has begun the task of documenting each Fire Alarm Box in Roanoke City. He has sent me what he has so far, and I will update the listing as he sends them to me. You can view the list of alarm boxes here, and I have also added the link on the side of the Maurice Wiseman pages. If you have anything to add let Travis know. You can reach him at rfdghettomd@yahoo.com.

Virginia Room Open House

I was at the open house at the Virginia Room last evening. I met with Keith and his Wife over at Roanoke Found. There was a decent crowd at the event. I was able to do a little bit of research while I was there. If I had more time on my hands I would spend more time at the Virginia room. I was able to find a couple of leads, which I will research at a later time. I also found another website which holds some info on Roanoke with an interesting name: There is nothing to do here. Check it out and let me know what you think. The networking/growth that this blog and the history of the Fire Service in Roanoke City continues to gain at some times astounds me. I really do enjoy hearing from all of you. Mostly I hear from my brother/sister firefighters in person which is enough of a reason to continue doing what I am doing. Furthermore, I have continued to hear from more and more of you via email. Most of what I hear, either face to face or by email/comments, is that you enjoy what you are reading, to offer information, to offer a correction, to give me a lead on info. I appreciate all of this, and I answer every email, and almost every comment. I have to admit that when I began this blog I had no idea it would gain this much readership, or appeal to so many people. So as long as you keep on reading, I will keep on typing.

The Book Begins

After speaking with numerous publishing companies in an effort to produce a book by this time next year, I have finally begun the next chapter of The Maurice Wiseman Project. And so it begins, the stage is set to have a book roll out by this time next year, if everything goes smoothly. (CORRECTION)The picture above is that of Fire Station #2 located at 4th and East. During the life of this blog I have posted numerous pictures, most of which can be seen at the Local 1132 site. The picture above represents all the pictures you have not seen, unless that is you bump into Travis or I and we have time to scroll through them with you. We are closing in on 5000 images, documents, and articles. So with any luck, I will find the time to complete this book. Hopefully, this book will be the first of at least 2. The second will be a detailed account of the history of the Fire Department. This book will take a lot more research. Luckily, Maurice Wiseman has done a lot of that research, I just need to decipher the information correctly, and credit the proper sources.

Structure Fire at Grandin Village Apartments

Apartment fire on February 7, 2006 at 1732 Grandin Rd., Apartment 54, Grandin Village Apartments at 3:19pm.

The response of four Engines, two Ladder trucks, two Medic Units, one EMS Captain, one Investigative Unit, one Battalion Chief, the Fire Marshal, the Assistant Fire Marshal, two Administrative Chiefs, one Education Information Specialist and one EMS Support Administrator for a total of 31 personnel responded to the scene.

Upon arrival crews found light smoke coming from Apartment #54 which was a downstairs apartment. Upon entry, fire crews found fire and quickly extinguished the blaze. Firefighters then conducted a primary search of the residence. No victims were found inside of the apartment. Damage is estimated at $10,000.

If you are counting, that is right around 15 working fires so far this year for Roanoke City, even with the mild winter we have been experiencing.

Fire Station #1 Turns 99 Years Old Today

Fire Station #1 circa 1912

Roanoke's oldest Firehouse turns 99 years old today. Fire Station #1 has been in service for almost an entire century. The Firehouse, located at 13 Church Ave. SE, is a popular tourist attraction for people from up and down the East Coast. The station stands mostly as it was built originally. The bell was removed from the bell tower several years ago and N+W refinished it.

NS shop employees restore historic fire department bell

From left to right: Russell Barton, machinist; Reggie Ginter, painter; Karl Taylor, laborer; Doug Gibson, machinist. Not shown: Pete Gentry, laborer

Norfolk Southern Roanoke Locomotive Shop employees restored a badly corroded fire bell that had hung in the tower of a Roanoke fire station since 1906, giving it new life for a Sept. 11 memorial observance. The 116-year-old bell originally was used to alert firefighters to come to the station and man horse-drawn fire wagons to fight fires. The bell was cast in Baltimore in 1886, and hung for 10 years in a volunteer fire company in Roanoke. (Read More) Special thanks to Lt. Baron Gibson of 6C for coordinating the refurbish effort of the bell.

From VisitRoanoke.com
#1 Fire Station
Built in 1907 is still operational today. This historic landmark was modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia and Sir Christopher Wren'’s St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The firehouse is of brick walls built on a limestone foundation, with the first story constructed to look "rustic." These brick walls, made of mud pulled from the Roanoke Valley'’s marshlands, reportedly "sweated" salt that was then licked by the horses housed downstairs, who left their tongue prints on the walls. The arches and pilasters point to Wren, originator of the Georgian style, and the cupola (bell tower) is reminiscent of Independence Hall.

Fire Station #1 is the oldest paid firehouse operating in Virginia. Fire Station #1 information can be viewed on the Maurice Wiseman Project. More information can be viewed on the historic Fire Stations page of the site. Fire Station #1 remains one of the premier assignments in the City. The Roanoke Firefighters are proud of their heritage, tradition, and history. If you have not stopped by Fire Station #1 recently, I recommend that you do. The guys would love to show you around.

Fire Station #1 circa 2005

As for what the future holds for our beloved firehouse, only time will tell. Currently the City is building a new Fire-EMS Headquarters at the corner of Elm and Franklin. Station #3 will be closed and the units/personnel will be moved to the new station.

On a personal note:
This old rustic fire station is what I love about Roanoke. That this firehouse can sit among the much taller giants of Downtown Roanoke and beat it's chest for 99 years. It is this that brought me to Roanoke. The fact that new and old can coexist cohesively together. That among technologies we take for granted, your neighborhood firefighters willingly operate out of a 100 year old house. It is picturesque when a turn of the century firetruck exits a century old station built for horses. This is what Roanoke is all about.

TimesDispatch.com | Fuel truck hits jet at Richmond airport

This is for the ARFF guys. Just trying to keep you on your toes. Anyone? No, oh well. Don't say I didn't try to keep you informed.

TimesDispatch.com | Fuel truck hits jet at Richmond airport:

Fuel truck hits jet at Richmond airport
Vehicle with 4,000 pounds of fuel strikes aircraft's right wing

BY CHIP JONES
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

Feb 7, 2006

MONDAY
METRO BUSINESS
ON THEIR TOES:
How does the airport plan for emergencies?

A fuel truck struck a United Airlines regional jet early yesterday at Richmond International Airport, causing minor injuries, some missed flights and property damage.

But it could have been much worse.

"There was a lot of fuel out there," airport spokesman Troy Bell said. "We were fortunate not to have a leak." The threat of an explosion, Bell said, "was treated as the greatest immediate danger."

At 6:25 a.m. a fuel truck operated by a private aviation company, Million Air, struck the right wing tip of United Express Flight 8006.

"Apparently it was a pretty strong strike," Bell said, causing the 50-seat airplane to leave skid marks when it was shoved on the loading ramp.

The 42 passengers were quickly evacuated from the plane, with no injuries reported.

The truck, which carried 4,000 pounds of fuel, struck the Embraer 145 jet less than 2 feet away from the airplane's fuel tank. No fuel spilled, though.

The airplane was fully loaded with 5,000 pounds of jet fuel.

February is Black History Month

In the spirit of Black History Month, I would like to offer this invitation. I need an idea(s) to properly cover this subject. In my research, I have not come across any great stories that might champion Black History Month. I do want to do something. Sure there have been events, but I am not sure exactly what might fit the bill to properly give homage to the Month. In the meantime I have attached an article from the LAFD. Be sure to check out a past post I had on Firsts in Roanoke, including the first Black Firefighter in the Roanoke Fire Department.

So let us here from you all. All I need is a lead, I will do the research.

Bringing diversity to LAFD force:

Bringing diversity to LAFD force

Copyright 2006 Los Angeles Times
All Rights Reserved

A Los Angeles police and fire department recruitment event aims to interest more minorities and women in joining their ranks.

By DANIEL HERNANDEZ
Los Angeles Times (California)

Alphonso Russ, 24, is so gung-ho about becoming a Los Angeles firefighter that he showed up Sunday at the police and fire departments' Black History Month Recruitment Exposition and Family Carnival to take yet another recruitment exam, just for practice.

Not only that, but it was the Police Department's test he took — not the Fire Department's — "just to see the variances," he said.

After the test at the Rancho Cienega Sports Center near Baldwin Village, LAPD recruiters were chatting with Russ anyway about opportunities in their department.

Fifty years ago, Russ would have had a different experience if seeking a firefighting career in Los Angeles.

Before 1955, African American firefighters in L.A. served in segregated firehouses, an experience shared by black firefighters in cities across the country for much of the early 20th century. The Los Angeles Stentorians, an organization of black firefighters, was formed in that era to address discrimination.

"With that great history, how can you not be a part of it?" said Russ, a native of South Los Angeles whose parents migrated here from Mississippi.

Rides, booths and police vehicles were spread across a playing field where curious families posed for pictures with a bomb squad robot.

The weekend expo was meant to draw African Americans interested in careers in public safety and law enforcement. (More Here)

Roanoke Area Frequencies Updated

I have updated the Frequencies on Local 1132's website. It appears that the information I found, was incomplete. Not wrong, just missing some frequencies. So I have updated the Frequency list found HERE. Thanks to Zach Beckner for the complete information.

That reminds me, if you have some info that I don't, want to correct me, or simply want to prove me wrong, let me know. I am not always right, however, I am never wrong. Ha.

Only One Firefighter Initially Responds to Florida Fire - Firehouse.com News

Attention: Understaffed Fire Department ahead. Volusia County recently experienced one of those "told you so" events. The Volusia County Fire Services found out the hard way that they waited a little to long to hire those 65 firefighters being hired now. Luckily there wasn't anyone trapped in the house. You can check out their department HERE. Read the article below.



Only One Firefighter Initially Responds to Florida Fire - Firehouse.com News:

There was a near fire in Volusia County when only one firefighter initially showed up to fight a fire that gutted a home.

That firefighter battled a house fire in Oak Hill all by herself for 10 minutes until backup arrived, but state procedure calls for no less than four firefighters to be at a fire at the same time.

The county follows the state fire marshal's standard of two firefighters inside a burning structure and two outside in case something goes wrong, WESH 2 News reported.

The lone firefighter who responded said she did not go into the structure, despite reports to the contrary.

Rescuers could not save the house or the pets inside it. One firefighter responding to a fully involved house fire was woefully inadequate, according to Oak Hill police Officer Diane Young, who was also at the scene.

"For one fire truck and one firefighter, it was very difficult for her to handle. I would say, yes, she could have used more help at the time she arrived," Young said.

County Fire Station No. 22 is less than a mile from the house. Firefighter Melissa Drewry arrived quickly but alone because her partner was in training.(Read More)

ARLINGTON FIRE JOURNAL: OLD SQUAD 5 - 1931

Check out this post in another Blog I found, and this one is close to home. The Arlington Fire Journal has been added to the sidebar. It encompasses the History and incidents much like the blog you are reading right now. It is good to see the History of another Fire Department getting so much attention.


ARLINGTON FIRE JOURNAL: OLD SQUAD 5 - 1931:

SQUAD 5 on left in front of Old Station No. 5

The Arlington County Fire Department, as well as the volunteer companies that preceded it, fielded a variety of vehicles over the years, and old timers are particularly sentimental about one old workhorse.

On May 29, 1931, the American-LaFrance and Foamite Corp. shipped a new ``Rescue Squad Car'' to Arlington County from its factory in Elmira, New York. Throughout the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, that vehicle – Squad 5 – responded to almost all of the county's major fire and emergencies, as well as incidents in downtown Washington and across Northern Virginia.

The squad was acquired by the Jefferson District Volunteer Fire Department and ran out of Old Station No. 5 at 206 Frazier Avenue in Aurora Hills, a section of Arlington County now commonly known as Crystal City.

Weekly Call Statistics

Not much to add this week. I rotated onto the engine the last day of the cycle, riding backwards, which was a nice break from the monotony. I ran two calls, an EMS call and an alarm. Supposedly I will be rotating one day every other cycle onto the engine. Sounds good to me, I'm just a squirrel tryin to get a nut.

Total
ARFF - 0
Engine - 3

New York Fire Patrol to Shut Down

From NYFP Blog via Firefighter Blog:

In a vote yesterday afternoon by the Board of Directors and The Member
Insurance companies of the New York Board of Fire Underwriters they
have decided to vote to close the last 3 firehouses of the New York
Fire Patrol.

Many people do not know what the Fire Patrol is
here in New York. They see fireman with red hats working at a fire and
assume that they are part of the New York Fire Department. That is not
the case. They do work hand in hand but the New York Board of Fire
Underwriters pays the Fire Patrol. The Fire Patrols job is to preserve
and protect property during fire and water situations. These men also
put their lives of the line by going into these fires to protect
property by throwing covers over the property. (Read More)

The Maurice Wiseman Project

The Maurice Wiseman Project has a new look. We have been adding to the site weekly. New this week are some articles as well as pictures from the 1930's. To keep you all up to date on the Project's growth, I will give you a rundown of what we have been up to. Travis Collins has scanned approximately 4500 images which include photo's (late 1800's to present), newspaper articles (1930's to present), memo's, letter's, etc. Travis has been indexing the images by date, firefighter, station, incident, etc. Travis is also indexing all of the Gamewell Fire Alarm Boxes throughout the City. We continue to add information to the firefighter roster. We have gotten a great response from current and retired firefighters, as well as the families of deceased firefighters. They have been supplying us with photos, artifacts, and history for us to add to the project. Some of the items have been loaned to us for us to scan or copy and then return, yet most of it has been given to the RFFA for the Project. As for me and what I do for the project, let us just say that I stay busy. New Ideas abound. If you want to get involved, let us know. We have only scratched the surface.

Just to let you all know what significance next year poses, it is the 100 year anniversary of Fire Station #1, the 100 year anniversary of the Roanoke Fire Department becoming fully paid, and the 125 year anniversary of Fire Service in Roanoke City. If you have an idea for how to celebrate the events, please let the MWProject know.

The RFFA has also added a Classified Ads section to the site. You can view it HERE. If you have something to add to it, the contact information is on the site.

Are you proud of your job? - From USA Today

Are you proud of your job?
By Del Jones, USA TODAY
Think it doesn't matter what that stranger at the party thinks when you tell him or her what you do for a living? Think again.


These days, you can speak proudly if you're a
firefighter or a scientist. Those are among the professions to which
the public still assigns great prestige. But a little embarrassment is
understandable when you say you're an accountant or real estate agent.
As important as those professions may be, there is a less than 1 in 10
chance that the person you're talking to believes your job carries
great prestige, and according to a survey conducted by Harris
Interactive, the prestige of most occupations continues to spiral down. (More Here)