Roanoke Electric Steel Fire
Mike Overacker has some pictures of the Roanoke Electric Steel fire up at RoanokeFirefighters.com.
On a side note, apparently DC Tartaglia told Roanoke City Police to ban Mike Overacker from future fire scenes. I am not exactly sure what is going on with this, but I think that Fire Photographers do a lot to preserve history, document incidents, and offer Firefighters with proof of a job well done or not as a training tool and/or pat on the back. I have seen photos taken by fire photographers used for investigations, slideshows, hung on walls, in presentations, and on websites. Some of which are Mike's photos used by the City.
I don't think that the sentiment displayed today towards Mike is the same outlook that many others have towards him, even in Administration. However, I cannot speak for them.
I would like to say that I appreciate the work Mike has done over the years in photographing incidents. As a matter of fact, the RFFA plans to submit some of Mike's work in the IAFF Media Awards Contest this year.
On a side note, apparently DC Tartaglia told Roanoke City Police to ban Mike Overacker from future fire scenes. I am not exactly sure what is going on with this, but I think that Fire Photographers do a lot to preserve history, document incidents, and offer Firefighters with proof of a job well done or not as a training tool and/or pat on the back. I have seen photos taken by fire photographers used for investigations, slideshows, hung on walls, in presentations, and on websites. Some of which are Mike's photos used by the City.
I don't think that the sentiment displayed today towards Mike is the same outlook that many others have towards him, even in Administration. However, I cannot speak for them.
I would like to say that I appreciate the work Mike has done over the years in photographing incidents. As a matter of fact, the RFFA plans to submit some of Mike's work in the IAFF Media Awards Contest this year.
10 comments:
It's amazing how some have forgotten where they came from, the traditions & the preservation of them that go along w/ this great job, & helping out one of our own.
once again an attempt to destroy morale in the department. I enjoy the photos and take pride in seeing what a great job we do on a fire scene
I believe Overacker does a great job taking photos. I have seen him at numerous fires now and I can not state how nice it is to see pictures of our work. I know some of the older guys tell you how quick your career will go by, and this is a great way to preserve some of our memories while we are here. I have never seen Overacker get in the way or hinder RFD from doing our job so I believe having him banned is a personal hit on all of us. Keep up the great work Overacker and I look forward to seeing you at the next one regardless of what some people might try to say you can and can not do, last I checked you were one to not let something like this even phase you so please don't start now.
Mikey, Myself and my family enjoy the pictures you place on your site. I would say just keep coming and stay within those public areas just as the media does. Tell those that don't like it to do their job and let you do yours, which can be seen on your site. If those that complain all the time would do their job then things in our department would be much better. Mike I say again, we love the photgraph's of our professional department at work and we look foward to seeing you at the next. GREAT JOB MIKEY...
Here is a quote that I learned a long time ago in officer training.
" Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power"
Abraham Lincoln
Does this seem fitting for # 2 ???
Mikey, I would like to say that I have enjoyed your photos and the professionalism that you use to take them. Not only do I enjoy them but my family does as well, as it allows them to see the job we do while we are away from home. Not only does it show our family but it shows the online community the great job we do and it could be used as a recruitment tool in my opinion. Keep it up Mikey!
Mikey, I want you to know the job you do taking time out of you day to take pictures at fire scenes does not go unnoticed. Rest assured that I speak not only for myself be the majority of this department, when I say thanks and keep up the Great Work!!!
Mike, your photo work speaks for itself. I hope to see more of your history in pictures one way or another. Thanks, Brother Tim Parry
Mike,
I’m truly sorry to hear that you have been asked to stop taking photos of our department in action. Your knowledge of the fire scene and your photographic eye has produced some spectacular photos of your fellow brothers and sisters doing what they do best. If this is the end, it will truly be missed by me and many others. I guess the biggest question now is…..why? Are you more a risk than a benefit or is it something else all together. If you were to ask me, I’d say put your zoom lens on and get back to work. Hope to see your photos come back in the very near future.
R. Perdue
Glad to hear that Mike was able to sit and talk with the chiefs and get this situation straightened out. Goes to show you we may get upset at times and want to fly off the handle, but he approached them I am sure in a calm manner, had a professional meeting and Mike is back recording history and our actions.
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