Lt. Charles M. Fields (Ret.) Passes Away

This picture of Charlie was taken around 1994 by Maurice Wiseman

It is with deepest regret that I bring sad news to the Roanoke Firefighters. Lt. Charles M. Fields, who went by Charlie, passed away due to lung cancer. Charlie was hired by the Roanoke Fire Department on January 1, 1965 and retired on January 1, 1999 with 34 years of service. Charlie was stationed at fire station 13 when he retired, although most of the stories I have heard of were of when he was a Lt. on Ladder 2 at station 2.

The arrangements for Charlie's funeral are as follows:

Visitation Sunday (tomorrow) 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Oakeys South (Brambleton Ave).

Funeral Services will be monday at Oakeys South and the burial will be at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

If you would like to help with the Honor Guard, please contact Todd Reighley at station 7 today 853-2414.

Sunday, you can contact me at station 10, 853-2598.

Charles Maxwell Fields obituary from the Roanoke Times:

Charles Maxwell Fields, 65, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 27, 2006. He was a member of Hiram Baptist Church and retired from the Roanoke City Fire Department with the rank of Lieutenant after 34 years of service. Charles was an avid fisherman and hunter, and dearly loved his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Leo and Bertha Jane Fields, and is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Loretta Sowder Fields; two sons, Barry Eugene Fields and his wife, Fran Fields of Danville, Charles Brian Fields and his wife, Kandy Fields of Vinton; four grandchildren, David Fields, Kevin Fields, Shayne Fields and Leah Roberts; one brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Carolyn Fields of Salem; one sister and four brothers-in-law, Arlene and Jim Hanson of Va. Beach, Kenneth Sowder and his wife, Linda, Robert Sowder and his wife, Barbara, and Wayne Sowder and his wife, Sandy. A funeral service will be held at 12 Noon Monday, October 30, 2006 at Oakey's South Chapel with Dr. Don R. Pegram and the Rev. Bob Sowder officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Oakey's South Chapel, 989-3131.
Published in the Roanoke Times from 10/29/2006 - 10/30/2006.

Promotional Testing

Roanoke Fire-EMS is currently performing promotional testing for the position of Lt., 1st Lt., and Captain. Approximately 80 firefighters underwent the written testing today. The testing will conclude next week with the practical portion of the testing process. Following the testing, the scores will be tabulated and promotions will likely occur in the end of November.

In the middle of November, the recruit class will graduate and soon after join the rank and file members of the department bringing the staffing levels up. The recruit class is comprised of 18 rookies for Roanoke City as well as recruits from Lynchburg, Roanoke County, and Salem.

It is this time when the Roanoke Firefighters are shuffled around to make room for the new recruits, and newly promoted officers. This event occurs just about each year.

I hope to have something up for the recruits in the next week or so.

British Columbia Firefighters Issued Unisex Undies

From the Toronto Star vial Firehouse.com

This story is almost hard to believe. Could you imagine that when you get a call, you and all your coworkers, male and female, go to a room with all your turnout gear, undress down to your underwear and then don your turnout gear. Well apparently the firefighters in Richmond (British Columbia) do it that way. After allegations of sexual harassment, and all of the women walking off the job, the department set out to fix the problem. That is right, they fixed it. They issued all of the firefighters unisex underwear. Ha, how is that for tunnel vision. Now I am sure there is a good explanation...on second thought, there is no way there is a good explanation. Read on...

The troubled Richmond fire department has banned front-line firefighters from wearing their own undies, briefs or boxers while on duty.

Both sexes are now wearing mandatory standard underwear and it's costing the city $16,000 to provide each firefighter with six pairs.

The mandatory standard translates into plain, sensible Stanfield boxers, said Richmond city official Ted Townsend.

"You can buy them anywhere," he said. "There's nothing special about them."

The one-style-for-all is part of the city's attempts to make the department gender-neutral and provide an environment in which men and women will feel comfortable, said Townsend.

When firefighters are called out they remove all their clothes down to their underwear and don protective firefighting gear, said Townsend. (Read More)

Hail to the chief - Roanoke.com

Thanks Amanda, for a wonderful story on one of our Brothers.

Hail to the chief - Roanoke.com:

Hail to the chief
Billy Obenchain will retire soon after 33 years of service with the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department.

Amanda Codispoti

Battalion Chief Billy Obenchain won't miss the reheated lasagna and dry meatloaf his firefighters have tried to pass off for dinner at Roanoke's Fire Station No. 2.

But Obenchain is going to miss giving those cooks a hard time.

"Those guys love to serve frozen lasagna and bread in a bag," said Obenchain, whom firefighters sometimes refer to as the "cook cop."

Obenchain, 54, is battling cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a cancer of the blood.

He'll retire early next year, ending his 33-year career as a firefighter.

Comments

This is a reminder to all the loyal readers of the RoanokeFire Blog. Over the past year and a half the blog has had thousands of comments. I really appreciate the communication, good or bad, about different events, incidents, and posts. Often, by my comments in a post, I am trying to start a conversation on a topic. All in all the comments have been professional and within the limits of acceptable. Only a handful of times have I had to delete comments which I felt did not need to be read. Most of the comments come from the firefighters here in Roanoke. However a lot of the readers come from elsewhere. Remember, this is not the rumor mill. I would like to keep this site as professional as possible. One person said the other day when he was commenting on me getting "bashed" about a post that I put myself out there. Sure I do. I will not disagree with that. I enjoy the comments, and what you all have to say. I often entertain comments with a reply, but not always.

Please remember that the outside is looking in, and that opinions will be formed by what is read. Some things are best left unsaid.

Roanoke Fire-EMS is Hiring

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department is hiring for position of Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic. No experience necessary. Click the links below for more information.

Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic - accepting applications until November 1st 2006.
Note the date change as I had previously posted the 4th, my error.

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department is also hiring for the position of Fire Chief.

Fire Chief - more information

Medic 6

Roanoke Fire-EMS has put a new ambulance into service at Fire Station #6. The new ambulance replaces an older ambulance. Roanoke's ambulances are the busiest vehicles in the fleet and are replaced about every 4-5 years. The ambulances run a majority of the 30,000+ calls that Roanoke Fire-EMS responds to each year. Roanoke has 7 ambulances in service. Medic 1 is located at REMS, Medic 2 at station 2, Medic 3 at station 3, Medic 4 at station 4, Medic 6 at station 6, Medic 9 at station 9, and Medic 10 at station 10. All of the Medic units are staffed full-time by Roanoke Fire-EMS Firefighter/EMT's and Firefighter/Paramedics with the exception of Medic 1. Medic 1 is staffed during the day and occasionally at night by part-time EMT's and Paramedics, as well as being staffed with volunteers during some evenings and weekends. All of the Medic units are staffed with Advanced Life Support (ALS) personnel and equipment. This means that there is at least one Paramedic on the Medic units all the time with any equipment they might need to perform there duties. All of Roanoke's Engines and Ladder trucks are staffed with Basic Life Support (BLS), which means that there are at least 2 Firefighter/EMT's on each truck. Currently there are only a few Firefighters who are not EMT's, these personnel are certified First Responders.

In case of emergency call 911.

Roanoke Fire-EMS helps out with the U.S. Challenge

On Sept. 03 Captain Marvin Huddleston, Lt. Baron Gibson & Firefighter Davel Muse were assigned the task of assisting the US Challenge, Challenger World team at Carvins cove. The team arrived at 12:00 hrs and by 12:30 hrs. Captain Huddleston had the team out on the cove in the Swift water ZODIAC. The Challenger team had the task of plotting certain points on the cove for teams to find during the competition. They were on the water for about an hour. The photos of the ZODIAC on the water were taken by Digi-scope.
The team members names are from left to right, Jennifer Trapp & Scott Bowers of North Carolina and Nicky French Blake & Chris Dowling of the UK.

Police: Woman found in river is homicide victim - Roanoke.com

Today, Engine 3, Medic 3, Ladder 1, and the Swift Water Rescue Team converged on the Roanoke River to recover a body that a jogger found while running on Wiley Drive.

Police: Woman found in river is homicide victim - Roanoke.com:

Police: Woman found in river is homicide victim

Jared Soares | The Roanoke Times

Officals carry a boat to the Roanoke River to look for evidence following the discovery of a body near Wiley Drive.

The death of a woman found in the Roanoke River this morning has been ruled a homicide by Roanoke police.

Officers were called at 8:09 a.m. to the 800 block of Wiley Drive, near the low-water bridge, where the body of an adult female had been found. No arrests have been made, and police have not released the woman's identity.

Technorati tags: Roanoke Fire-EMS

Up for a challenge - Roanoke.com

Todd Reighley is competing in the Roanoke City Team. The Roanoke County Firefighters entered a team as well. They will be competing around the Roanoke Valley area.

Up for a challenge - Roanoke.com:

Up for a challenge
Corporate teams from around the country are coming to Roanoke to match strength and wits.

The event known as the U.S. Challenge involves pitting small teams from some of the largest companies in the nation against each other in tests of physical endurance and mental agility.

So, when Greg Martin notes that he and his fellow members of the Roanoke County government team entered in this month's event are "fairly competitive," he may have pronounced the understatement of the event before it even begins today.

Technorati tags: U.S. Challenge, Roanoke

Virginia Fire Fighters Endorse Jim Webb for U.S. Senate

Across the IAFF:

Virginia Fire Fighters Endorse Jim Webb for U.S. Senate

October 17, 2006 – IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, Mike Mohler, president of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) and IAFF members from throughout Virginia announced the VPFF’s endorsement of Jim Webb for U.S. Senate during a press conference held October 16 in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Webb is running against incumbent Republican Senator George Allen on November 7. The former Marine, who served as Secretary of the Navy under President Ronald Reagan, supports fully funding SAFER legislation to hire new fire fighters and the right to collective bargaining, as well as staffing and other issues important to fire fighters.

Technorati tags: Jim Webb, VPFF, Firefighters

Danville Register and Bee: Official: City pay 'out of whack'

Pay compression is one of the issues that many firefighters believe is plaguing our department. Up to this point, I have referenced it but never had to explain it. I probably haven't explained it because I never would have done the issue justice as it effects us. Today, I found the explanation that I would have loved to have given you. Apparently Danville employees are experiencing similar problems with pay compression. I encourage you all to read the entire article to understand how the problem occurs, how they have been told to fix it, and how saving a little bit of money over time is going to cost them a lot of money in the end. Note: due to a technicality, I put the entire article up.

Official: City pay 'out of whack'

By MAC McLEAN
Register & Bee staff writer
October 15, 2006

DANVILLE - Danville police officers earn on average about 20 percent less per year than police officers working in nearby localities.

“Money’s not everything to the job, but it does matter,” said Lt. Mike Mondul, the former president of Danville’s Fraternal Order of Police. “Things are out of whack and they need to be fixed.”

Mondul shared his concerns with Danville City Council a few years ago when the police department was experiencing a high turnover rate.

Council then hired the private consulting firm Fox Lawson & Associates to conduct a comprehensive study looking at how Danville’s public employee salaries stack up with those of it’s local market, including Charlottesville, Martinsville, Lynchburg, Roanoke and High Point, N.C.

The study found that Danville police officers earn $29,900 per year, while the average police officer in Danville’s local market earns $36,162 per year. Across the board, the study found Danville’s city employees on average earn base salaries that are 13 percent less than the same employees in the local market.

The study also found the local market’s pay ranges - which dictate the minimum and maximum salaries an employee can earn depending on his or her job description - are 10 percent higher than Danville’s pay ranges.

Council is set to look at the problem and take action on a possible solution at their Tuesday meeting. But it won’t be an easy problem to fix, according to Assistant City Manager Lyle Lacy.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Lacy used an imaginary truck driver and rolled the clock back five years as he tried to explain how the salaries for Danville’s public employees fell so far behind the local market.

Lacy said the truck driver position had a pay range of $20,000-$32,000, which meant when the driver started the job in 2001 he earned $20,000. He said that year Danville and its local market were on an even keel.

In an ideal situation, a local government increases its employee pay ranges each year to compensate for inflation so that someone just starting a job can afford to buy the same things a person could buy when they started the job last year.

Also in an ideal situation, Lacy said the local government gives its employees a raise each year to reflect the experience they have gained on the job.

“If you’re a good employee,” he said, “we value your work and you move up the range.”

Though he’s not sure about the details, Lacy said he thinks localities in Danville’s local market increased their pay ranges by 3 percent each year to match inflation. When this happens, he said the employees automatically get a raise, or a cost of living adjustment.

Lacy said he thinks the localities also gave their employees a 2.5 percent raise for every year of seniority. This means that the truck driver who worked in the local market got a 5.5 percent pay raise each year.

At the end of the five-year period between 2001 and 2006, Lacy said the local market truck driver was now earning $26,139 a year. The local market truck driver position now had a pay range of $23,185-$37,097, which meant any truck driver starting this year could expect to earn $23,185. Things, though, were different for Danville.

“We were trying to balance the impacts on Danville’s economy,” Lacy said, adding that as the city’s economy faltered, it had less money in its budget to pay its employees.

In lieu of a cost of living adjustment, Danville gave all its employees a one-time 3 percent bonus in 2002. The city made this bonus a permanent fixture the next year and gave its employees a 3 percent raise in 2003.

Danville increased its pay ranges by 3 percent in 2004, which meant its employees also got a 3 percent raise but there was no additional pay increase based on tenure. This meant the Danville truck driver who had been on the job for three years since 2001 earned $21,218. A new hire for the truck driver position could expect to earn $20,600.

Lacy said this type of a situation - where employees doing the same job are earning the same amount of money regardless of their experience - is called compression.

Lacy also said that 2005 was an easy year to figure out, because nothing happened.

“I gave a lot of people hugs in 2005,” he said, adding the city couldn’t afford to increase its employees’ salaries or pay ranges.

In the budget cycle that ended in July, the city increased its employee pay ranges by 4 percent, which means all of its employees got a 4 percent pay raise. But by then, the damage had already been done.

Lacy said the Danville truck driver and the local market truck driver had been working the same job when they started five years ago. But the Danville truck driver was only making $22,066, almost 18 percent less than what the local market truck driver was making.

FIXING THE PROBLEM

Fox Lawson & Associates recommended the city solve its pay gap problem by immediately increasing its pay ranges by 10 percent. Lacy balked at this idea and said such a plan would cost the city $7.5 million.

Lacy said the city’s overall plan to fix the pay gap problem would take three years to implement and that is only if Danville can afford it.

“This is about catch up,” he said. “It’s going to be an expensive proposition.”

Council will look at spending $1.05 million Tuesday night as it implements the first phase of this plan. Lacy’s recommendations to council include raising the city’s pay ranges by 3 percent. Any city employees whose current salary falls below the pay range minimum after this increase will get a raise.

“This will bring people back to the boat,” Lacy said.

City employees also are set to get a pay raise depending on two things, their current salary and their tenure on the job. Lacy said these pay raises are the only way to deal with compression.

Employees with 20 or more years of service who are still in the bottom sixth of their pay range will get the 7 percent pay raise. Employees with the least amount of experience will not get a pay raise outside of the pay range adjustment.

These raises would cost Danville $1.35 million, including the city’s contributions to social security and pensions. Lacy recommended the city only make the increases retroactive until Aug. 1, so that it would meet the $1 million figure council included for the plan in its general fund budget.

“We’re still busting our budget by $50,000,” he said, adding the pay increases would cost the city’s utility fund $300,000 as well.

If council approves the pay increase plan at its Tuesday meeting, Lacy said city employees should see their initial pay raise this month. He said employees would receive their retroactive pay raises in November.

But Lacy said these recommendations are only the first step in addressing the city’s pay gap problem. Over the next two years, he is asking council to include $2.5 million in its budget to further close the pay gap and adjust its pay ranges for inflation.

Lacy said that he would be against any plan to raise taxes or fees to raise this money and hoped Danville’s projected growth in the future would provide enough money to implement the plan by itself.

“We know how to get there,” he said. “But is Danville’s economy going to support a budget to do that? I don’t know.”

Contact Mac McLean at gmclean@registerbee.com or (434) 791-7985.

FireFleitz MySpace

If anyone has pictures for the blog, send them in. The RoanokeFire Flickr account has now had over 4000 hits. I am glad you all are enjoying the pictures.

The actual purpose for this post was to talk about MySpace accounts. I have heard a lot of firefighters talking about MySpace for a long time now. There are two schools on the topic; the ones who have children who might be using MySpace and the ones who might use MySpace themselves.

This blog is my MySpace, or that is how it began I guess, without showcasing myself. This site is all about my career, my craft, and my life. The more personal stuff is on the less frequently updated blog for my family. However, I did begin a MySpace account, not before it was cool to do it. Rather, I did it without knowing exactly what the hell it was.

What is interesting is that I can build a website from the ground up, but I still have not learned how to "pimp" my MySpace. Not that it is a big deal. Actually, I do not get on my MySpace account until I get an email on a new comment, a new friend request, or an event listing. I rarely get on their otherwise. My MySpace account was predominately for meeting up with old classmates, than to see what a buddy is doing this weekend.

Slowly but surely, I realized that more and more firefighters had MySpace accounts. Even the ones with kids are getting their own to keep a watchful eye on their kids. I am sure that there are some warranted precautions on letting the younger kids use MySpace.

If you want to check out some of the Roanoke Firefighters on MySpace, you can check out the friends at my MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/firefleitz, or you can check out the friends listed under the Local 1132 MySpace, or you could even add your name to the list of friends at VAFireNews.com MySpace and/or Firehouse.com MySpace.

All in all, I do not see any problems with MySpace, unless you are going to begin dishing your opinions relating to your job. If that is the case, you might want to come talk to me first. Ha Ha Ha.

Another feature of MySpace is that it has a blog feature. Let me know if you have a MySpace and I will add you.

UPDATE:

Ok, obviously due to the comments, you guys misunderstood my post. Let me try and help you understand. When I said my career, my craft, my life I meant FIREFIGHTING. More specifically than that, I meant Firefighting in Roanoke. It seems as though at times, you guys are just ready to pounce. You need to think about this for a minute. I said that this is my MySpace, meaning that this is my site that I started. If you were to look at this entire site, the only reference to the author (me) is the very first part of the sidebar ---> on the right. However like you all pointed out it is for the past, present, and future of the firefighters in Roanoke. My attempt at an analogy for those of us who have a MySpace. Furthermore, my point was why my MySpace account has very little to do with firefighting other than pointing to this site.

Rookie School Burn

Friday I will be helping teach the rookie school burn. The guys only have a couple of weeks left, and are getting into the fun stuff. I will try to snap some pictures if I can.

I have been busy recently, I will try my best to get back into the swing of things soon. It always helps when I get stuff submitted, so if you have something to share be my guest.

Take a walk with me

Ok, instead of making several posts, I will be making one post covering several issues. Be sure to read the entire post for all the information, so you aren't left out.

First off, Becky my wife will be leaving for her Marathon next weekend. She is still collecting money that she had to raise for the leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This is the cause she decided to run for, and it is just by coincidence after the last post. I have to admit that I never correlated the two either, however in the last post I told you about Billy Obenchain. Billy suffers from Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. My wife is running for leukemia & L-Y-M-P-H-O-M-A (emphasis spelled out for me). I just never put the two together until Becky pointed it out to me DUH. There is still time to pledge money (Link Here). There is a secure donation link on the right hand side of the page. She only needs to raise a little over $500 more. I figure if everyone gave a dollar or two we might meet the goal.

In case you were wondering exactly what Lymphoma is and specifically T-Cell Lymphoma is, check out this link here: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_mat_toc.adp?item_id=9846
Be sure that if you are going to donate money specifically for my wife's run to donate here:http://www.active.com/donate/tntva/tntvarfleitz. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

There is another project on the horizon for raising money for Lymphoma Research in the future. I will have more information on that soon.

The Roanoke Firefighters have been busy today. One house fire on Harrison Avenue had the firefighters out this morning among several other calls throughout the City.

Engine 9, Engine 5, Medic 9, Ladder 13, Battalion 2, RS-1, Medic 4, and Engine 3 are out on a working fire on Staunton Avenue (1929 hours). Searches came up negative and the fire was quickly knocked down.

The ARFF crew got another call today, that makes my second call. We had a Dash 8 with smoke coming from an engine. Apparently the starter overheated. No action taken and the engine cooled off. That is two calls if your counting.

The recruit school is getting ready to graduate in about 3-4 more weeks. The are looking forward to it. I have gotten to help teach a little bit. I think that we have a pretty decent group this year, same as we have in the past. It will be nice to get our staffing back up and reduce the need of possible holdovers. I have enjoyed teaching a few classes for the recruit school and I will be helping out with one of their burns this friday. I hope to get a few pictures to share with you all.

Apparently we will be looking to hold another recruit school in the spring. The rumors and speculation is that we will be staffing Medic 1 full-time. I will keep you all posted as I find out more.

From what I understand, the money that was earmarked for the new Fire Station 10 on Williamson Road has been given to the School Board to use on the need for remodeling and building of Roanoke's Schools.

Hot of the Press:

8th Annual Ride 'Round the Valley
"In Memory of Cline Conner"

Sunday, October 15th, 2006

This benefit is to help the Community Christmas Store, a non-profit organization assisting families from Roanoke County, Salem & Vinton during the Christmas Holidays. The CCS served more than 700 families (over 1,200 children) last year! We will have a special recognition at the end of the rid for Cline Conner.

Registration starts at 1:00 pm
Last bike out at 2:00 pm (rain or shine)
Meet at Christian Life International
4335 W. Main St. Salem, Virginia

Donate a new, unwrapped toy or $10.00 - per bike
Questions call 540-268-5223

Other than that, your Roanoke Firefighters have been busy keeping Roanoke safe. I am always happy to hear from firefighters, citizens, and readers. Feel free to send me any information, pictures, or questions to FireFleitz@adelphia.net or simply leave a comment.

I think I owe all my readers a thank you. So here is the thanks to my 3500+ readers each month. If the Roanoke Fireblog didn't have readers, it wouldn't have a purpose. Thanks for reading.

Roanoke City Retires an Icon

Yesterday morning the firefighters of Roanoke City’s Northside C-Shift Battalion learned that their beloved Battalion Chief was retiring. Battalion Chief William “Billy” Obenchain announced that he will be retiring from the job he loved. Billy stated “I wanted to be here a long time because I enjoyed coming to work”. Billy has been battling Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma for several years and has been unable to work for the past several months due to the illness. For years, his love of the job was contagious among his subordinates and often brought out the best in his firefighters. (Read More)

William "Billy" Obenchain

Battalion Chief Obenchain came around to the stations today to announce that he would be retiring. He has been battling Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and is unable to make the comeback he was hoping for. It was an emotional meeting and he will be sorely missed.

I am working on something more, as a fitting tribute to Billy, so stay tuned.

"Firefighting in Roanoke"

I received some news yesterday that some of you might be interested in. The book will be on sale on December 11th. I will have more information as it is available. I am more than elated since I figured on a February/March 2007 publish date.

Congratulations

Chief Manuel and Chief Grigsby are both due some congratulations.

Chief Grigsby has been appointed as Assistant City Manager, a position he has been acting in for a while. Therefore, the Chief's position has opened up at Roanoke Fire-EMS. Deputy Chief Hoback will remain acting in the position until another Chief is decided upon.

In related news, Chief Roger Manuel is due some congratulations.

From Roanoke Fire-EMS:

Please join Roanoke Fire-EMS in congratulating Battalion Chief Roger Manuel on achieving his Executive Fire Officer Status. This is a very prestigious designation that only two other members of the department have obtained.

The officers enhance their professional development through a unique series of four graduate and upper-division-baccalaureate equivalent courses. The EFO Program spans a 4-year period with 4 core courses. Each course is 2 weeks in length.

EFOP participants must complete an Applied Research Project (ARP) that relates to their organization within 6 months after the completion of each of the four courses. A certificate of completion for the entire EFOP is awarded only after the successful completion of the final research project.

Chief Manuel has been with Roanoke Fire-EMS for over 16 years.

In completely unrelated news, I was looking on the City intranet tonight and if you go to FAQ's, you will find a great picture of Lt. Tim Jordan washing the front of Ladder 13. The words cannot express the joy I feel that Tim has finally come to the front. I guess Stafford is next.

A Local Tribute

I am not sure how I missed this, but I did. Check out this site for a fitting local 9/11 tribute. There might be some familiar faces in there.

The need for Revolution

For years I have heard just about every firefighter I know offer a solution to common day
problems among fire departments. Most of these problems stem from first hand experiences here in Roanoke. However, it should be noted that our problems are the same which exist across the Nation in the best and worst departments.

One issue we have is pay compression in our ranks. Recently this issue has gotten worse due to a raise given to the Paramedics and Intermediates. This raise was shelled out to correct another problem, retention. I agree with the raise, and I think that it is well deserved and the correct amount. What I don’t agree with is that we have made another issue worse.

Ever since the Fire Department merged with the EMS Department in 1995, the Paramedics have felt like red headed step children. Paramedics do not have any forward progression to move up other than becoming an officer on an Engine or Ladder company.

In case there is any question, the answer is yes. Just as we have firefighters who do not like EMS, we have EMT’s who do not like Firefighting.

What I offer you is a solution. Realize that I am not a City planner, or one of those high dollar consultants. I am merely a firefighter. I am sure many of you will offer amendments to my ideas, I hope you do. Maybe this will offer some insight to possible solutions.

Current Pay/Rank Structure

Pay Grade	Position	Starting
11	Firefighter	$31,213.52
12	Lieutenant	$34,802.82
13	1st Lieutenant	$38,806.04
14	Captain	$43,267.64
15	Battalion Chief	$48,243.78

Proposed Pay/Rank Structure

Pay Grade	Position	Starting
11	Firefighter	$31,213.52
12	Paramedic (AIC) or Apparatus Technician	$34,802.82
13	Lieutenant - Fire	$38,806.04
13	Lieutenant – EMS	$38,806.04
14	Captain I – Fire	$43,267.64
14	Captain I - EMS	$43,267.64
15	Captain II	$48,243.78
16	Battalion Chief	$54,494.96

There are some other issues to be cleared up though.

EMT Pay (1^st Responders)

Before the merge, the firefighters were given the option to become EMT’s. This began in 1991, and the pay was offered at $100 a month ($1200 yearly). Today, almost 16 years later, that pay has not changed once. The EMT pay is not added into the firefighter’s salary, therefore their raises are not figured on it, and it is not figured into their pensions. It is merely a stipend. However, the paramedics received extra money which is figured into their raises and pensions. Since everyone is so big on the Cost of living, let us look at the past 16 years and increase it by that much, and figure it in on raises (going back to the beginning) and pensions. This seems fair to me.

Hazmat Pay

I think that most of this money is reimbursed by the State, so you will have to battle that one at a higher level. Currently the HazMat Technicians/Specialists receive $100 a month. I am not sure when this started, but it is probably due for an increase, and make sure that it is figured into the raises and pensions.

As for the terminology changes, let me explain. The Paramedic or Technician pay grade is for Paramedics and Apparatus Technicians. All rookies will start out as pay grade 11, no matter their certification. Once they have been cleared as an AIC on the ambulance they will move up a pay grade. The testing for this level is held at the regard of being a nationally registered Paramedic or Intermediate. This pay grade is also for Apparatus Technician. This would require a test, similar to the newly rolled out Roanoke DPO thingy, without some of that nonsense (that is another post all together). Once you reach this level as a Technician you will be able to drive when the Lt. or Capt. is off. You could be a Paramedic and Apparatus Technician, but that doesn’t mean more money.

Lt. – EMS and Lt. – Fire

The fire Lt.’s would be the same as they are now; they drive the engines and ladders. The EMS Lt.’s would ride the ambulance, or backwards on the fire trucks, and be allowed to take command of EMS incidents. Theses Lt.’s could also ride on RS-1. You can transfer laterally from one to the other.

Captain I – EMS and Captain I - Fire

Captain I is the same as 1^st Lt. now. The EMS Captain I would ride RS-1 and be allowed to transfer laterally to Captain I Fire. Captain I – Fire would ride the ladder trucks or in the case of Station 10, the engine.

Captain II

This is for senior Captains. The Captain II would ride the seat of the Engines.

Hopefully this would take away some of the pay compression, allow for progression of everyone, and equalize the extra “moneys” some of us receive. Let me know what you think.

RIT training at Station 10

The crew of Ladder 13 train as the Rapid Intervention Team (R.I.T.) at Station 10 tonight. The victim was yours truly and the team working includes Lt. Doug Hurd, Lt. Dean Russell, FF Scott Bradford, and FF Chris Elmore.

The Rapid Intervention Team is staged at the scene of structure fires in case the need arises to evacuate one of our own. We practice techniques to remove firefighters as quickly and efficiently as possible. Last week, the crews at Station #2 came out to #10 to practice.

On a historical note, the red engine behind the firefighters is the last completely red truck in Roanoke City. The truck is Tanker 10 and is actually owned by Roanoke Regional Airport. It is also the last Oren in Roanoke City and bears the old Roanoke City seal on its doors, which can be seen in the picture. Thanks to FF Travis Collins for this picture.

MVA at 13th and Campbell SE

L-R FF Brian Adkins, Captain Marvin Huddleston, and
FF David Ploch survey the damage to one of the vehicles.

E6 and M10 ran an MVA at 13th and Campbell SE involving two cars. One patient was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

First Due: Fire/EMS Gear

First Due: Fire/EMS Gear recently celebrated its Grand Opening two weeks ago. First Due is located at 1806 Thompson Memorial Dr. Roanoke, VA. 24019, just up the street from the RoanokeValley Regional Fire-EMS Training Center. The business was opened by Jarrod Fuhrman, a Roanoke Firefighter. First Due offers an online store which is available to use, however I am told that there is still a lot of merchandise to be added.

The website states:

FIRST DUE IS SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA'S NEWEST DEALER OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR FIREFIGHTERS, EMS PERSONNEL, SWIFTWATER & TECHINCAL RESCUERS AND ANY OTHER PROFESSIONALS THAT DEMAND TOP QUALITY, HARD WORKING GEAR FOR PROTECTING THEMSELVES 24/7.

WE ARE COMMITED TO BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP WITH EVERYONE THAT CONTACTS US, WHETHER IT BE A FIREFIGHTER, A DEPARTMENT HEAD OR A FAMILY MEMBER TO ENSURE THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AVAILABLE.

FIRST DUE CARRIES THE MOST RESPECTED GEAR THAT IS MANUFACTURED WITH PREMIUM CRAFTMANSHIP AND THE HIGHEST STANDARDS. WE ARE PROUD OF OUR COMPANY, OUR PRODUCTS AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU. THANK YOU FOR VISITING OUR WEB SITE.

Tell them you saw the information on the Blog. It is good to see more and more firefighters getting out and starting their own businesses. If you have a business you would like mention of, let me know.

I haven't paid complete attention to the reading lists for Roanoke's promotional tests, although I think I saw a couple books on the site which might be included.

The site

I have redesigned the website for a more user- friendly view. Look for more new stuff in the future.

I have plans for some big stories, I am working on getting some research completed for the post.

More tomorrow.

New Look

Bear with me while I change some stuff around. This might take a while.

Prayer of protection for those who protect - Roanoke.com

The Blue Mass was last night at St. Andrews Church. We had a good crowd, although there could always be more. The event is held for all Fire, Police, EMS, and related workers of all religions. The Roanoke Blue Mass began last year when the Knights of Columbus decided to bring the "Blue Mass" to Roanoke in order to pray over the Public Safety workers.

Prayer of protection for those who protect - Roanoke.com:

Prayer of protection for those who protect
About 100 people attended the Blue Mass, celebrated to pray for the protection of those who serve in public safety.

By Amanda Codispoti

The wail of bagpipes exploded through the cathedral, from the black and white checkered floor to the vaulted ceiling.

Children seated in pews covered their ears as the bagpipe ensemble, Warpipe, led the procession to the altar. (Read More)

Technorati tags: Blue Mass, Roanoke Fire - EMS, Roanoke

Brotherhood

Sometimes I am humbled by my brothers and sisters. As the days go by, more and more blood sweat and tears of the Brotherhood are shown through actions that you might see, but more often than not are behind the scenes. Case and point, tonight 4 stations baked desserts for the Blue Mass. These guys weren't able to attend, but they helped out. For that I am truly indebted. I am sorry I cannot thank everyone in person, but take this thanks for what it is worth. The event was great, I only wish more firefighters were present. I will have more tomorrow on the event.

That is only one example. Like I said, everyday I see more and more.

Some people think that at times I am negative on the blog. At times I am, but I do not want you to think that it is my purpose to be overly negative. I say what I feel, I mean what I say. Sometimes my words are misunderstood. I want to set the record straight.

The reason for this blog is for one thing. I want to report on us, the Roanoke Firefighters for whoever wants to listen. I want people to know who we are, what we do, what we are about, and why we do what we do. I want people to know about my brothers and sisters the Roanoke Firefighters (nobody excluded).

I want to tackle all the issues. If everything was peachy, that would be great. But let us be real.

Since its inception, RoanokeFire.com has seen a lot of changes. I have reported on the good and bad, the ups and downs, the unique and the ordinary. I have been able to uncover history that might have gone unnoticed, stories that might not have been read, firefighters who might not have gotten a notice.

I do this for my brothers and sisters. Luckily I do not have to do this alone. I get phone calls, emails, and have conversations from my coworkers. I can't do this alone, and I do not want you to think that I do it alone. My support structure is large. I have guys who keep me informed of the good and bad.

For this I am humbled. I enjoy walking into a firehouse and seeing guys looking at this site. I enjoy hearing from Roanoke Firefighters who say they enjoy the site and look at it daily. I enjoy the words of encouragement, although I do not expect it. It should be me thanking you guys. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have anything to write about.

There are readers in other Cities, States, and even other Countries who enjoy reading about my brothers and sisters. I hear from guys who used to work here, used to live here, and know many of you who are your fans. I hear from citizens, officials, and leaders who enjoy reading about their Firefighters. They like knowing about your ups and downs, your accomplishments, and your stories.

Honestly, I do not think you know of the readership of this site. It is amazing how people end up right here. Google and Yahoo are good friends of ours.

What now? We will keep going. Keep sending in your stories, pictures, and questions. I will do my best to post about them.

A comment on the comments. I have enjoyed the comments from you all. In case you were wondering, I rarely have to moderate the comments on the blog. I enjoy any and all comments. Just as I provide you with my opinion in my posts, you are entitled to your opinion. In case you are wondering, if I post a comment it will always be from me indicated by my username "FireFleitz". It should also be noted that I, nor anyone else, can find out who you are if you comment as "anonymous". This is perfectly acceptable and I recommend using this feature. If I ever thought that I could keep this whole blog anonymous I would have done it, therefore there wouldn't be any question as to any "treatment" by exercising my rights to freedom of speech. Since this would have been impossible, I understand that my words might be inflammatory at times. However, you should know that I try to keep all posts as professional as I know how.

In case anyone is wondering, I still feel we work for the best Fire Department in the State. We may not be perfect, but none are.

Thanks for letting me do my part.

I guess I have veered from the original point of this post. Sometimes my best posts are ramblings where I just start typing and end up wherever my tiny little mind takes me.

I hope that I do my brothers and sisters justice.

God Bless,

FireFleitz out

If you don't know, well now you know

2006_0827fire-ems20060037
Originally uploaded by firefleitz.

Just to keep everyone updated. I have updated my flickr account to include some more pictures. Check out all of the Obenchain pictures as well as some more bonus ones. Click on the picture, or click this link right here for all of the pictures.

What was she thinking?

Maybe we should start a new segment called something like "Job Security". Enjoy.

IAFF Motorcycle Group

I am spending most of my time taking vacation and spending it on the Blue Ridge Parkway ( Mile marker 95.5, ten miles south of the peaks and ten miles North of Rt. 460 in Botetourt Co. Harvey's Knob). On Wed. there was a group of motorcycles (all Harley's) coming through and I noticed a FF emblem on the back of a leather jacket that caught my eye.
I proceeded to ask questions and found that a group of 60 or so FF's from Texas, Okla. Missourri, & Maryland were traveling together and going South. I did not get where they were going as they were in a hurry. I could not get pic of the back of a jacket, but did get a pic of a sticker on a windshield of what was on the jacket.
You just never know where you will meet other FF's enjoying this beautiful country.

- Sent in by a RoanokeFire.com reader

I always enjoy the emails. I have a couple more I need to get to.

Scuba instructor, rescuer imparts life-saving advice - Roanoke.com

Chuck Swecker was featured today in the Neighbors section of the Roanoke Times. Unfortunately this section is only sent out to a particular area of the Roanoke Valley. If you did not get to read it, click on the link below.

Scuba instructor, rescuer imparts life-saving advice - Roanoke.com:

Scuba instructor, rescuer imparts life-saving advice

Stop, breathe, think and act; a critical lesson Southwest County resident and scuba diving instructor Chuck Swecker urges his students to follow.

Stop, breathe, think and act; words Swecker, a Roanoke Fire Department first lieutenant, lives by when called into action as a firefighter from Station 13 or as part of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs' division 6 technical rescue team.

Technorati tags: SCUBA, Roanoke Fire, Roanoke, Chuck Swecker

The Roof is on Fire

Thanks to a commentor on the last post for this video.

Going Vertical - Venting the Roof

Here are some interesting sites related to truck work (ladder companies). I found a new blog which covers the various aspects of the truck companies at www.vententersearch.com. The Bravest Online (www.bravestonline.com) offers a video showing a decent look at a ventilated roof. This video is a great training tool. Note how all the smoke coming from the eaves is rerouted once the roof is opened up. Lastly, I offer you this video below. These various roof ventilations show that once you cut through the roof, you still need to pierce the ceiling of the floor below to properly ventilate.

Jackass

The guys of Jackass have come up with an interesting use of firehose. The firehose rodeo.

Northside C-Shift Part Deux

Northside C-Shift pictures. Here are the coveted pictures from the photo op with Chief Obenchain. I believe that all of the Northside companies were able to make it to the Roanoke Civic Center for the pictures.

In all the pictures I have looked over, covering the entire history of the Roanoke Fire Department, I do not believe we have a picture of this many firefighters or this many apparatus.

A job well done for this historic photo and kudos to the men and women who put it together. You can still get your hands on the WEO/Obenchain Shirt. Check out the Local 1132 site for more information and how to order.

I will be adding these images to my Flickr account so you guys can look through all of them. Apparently I have used all of my free space on it, so I have to pay for more space. This isn't a problem, I just have to get around to signing up for it.

Preston and Jade at Station #14

Preston stands wearing some fire gear.
Jade sits behind the wheel as Preston looks on.

Preston and Captain Willie Wines Jr. sit in Engine 14.

IAFF Proud

Check out Steve McFaden's new tattoo. He had the IAFF emblem tattooed on his leg earlier this week. I must say that the artist did a good job with this tattoo.

Roanoke's Hurt Park Apartments used for fire training

Roanoke Firefighters get another unique opportunity training using real apartments.

Roanoke's Hurt Park Apartments used for fire training:

The Hurt Park Apartments in Roanoke are set for demolition. But before the walls come down, city firefighters are moving in...for training.

When Roanoke firefighters pull up to the building, smoke is escaping from the second story windows.

They're told that people are trapped inside, perhaps young children.(Read More and watch the video)

Technorati tags: Roanoke fire

Protecting your Retirement

I have been to several conventions, meetings, seminars, and conferences in the past year or two. I have learned a lot of information from the firefighters who have been protecting our benefits in the past. We have retired firefighters still lobbying for firefighters across Virginia. At the VPFF Educational Seminar we began the legislative process for next year. Several bills we pushed last year never made it to a vote and will be re-emerging next year.

Today, I was able to learn from Bruce Roemmelt, a retired Prince William County Firefighter. Bruce has been involved in politics for a long time. He has lobbied for firefighters benefits for many years in Richmond.

One big issue facing firefighters is protecting our Pensions. Yeah I know, some of you might say "“I have 20 more years until I retire, why should I care about that stuff." The answer is that right now while you are not caring, your pension might be in jeopardy. If you have ever cared about anything relating to your job, this needs to be it. Sure, pay is an important issue, but I want to be able to walk away at a reasonable age and enjoy my retirement.

Across the United States, localities are trying to change the Pension Plans from a Defined Benefit system to a Defined Contribution system. This change is not new, rather it is a trick that Local and State Governments learned from Companies like IBM and Hewlett Packard. A defined benefit, or traditional retirement plan, offers a guaranteed benefit after required number of years of service. A defined contribution plan, which is often a 401(k) plan, requires employees to contribute a defined amount and bear the entire risk of opportunity of investment results (employees will not have a guaranteed benefit).

The reason why these Pensions are in trouble goes back to investment strategies in the late 1990's. When the stock market was doing well many States and Localities decided to capitalize. Pension funds were invested in the stock market and flourished for a couple of years. However, when the stock market tanked nothing was done about supplementing the funding and the Pension funds declined.

New Jersey'’s Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), equivalent to the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), floated $2.8 billion in 30-year bonds in 1997. This was a great investment for a couple of years until the stock turned. Now the fund is playing catch up and faces $10 billion in payments on the principal and interest.

I hear guys say "“Let'’s get the multiplier increased"”. I agree. However, I am wondering how much can get done by talking about it. We need to begin with making sure our pension fund is funded properly.

I will offer more information soon. If you have any questions let me know.

Children's Wish Foundation International

Pictured R-L Assistan Manager Jeremy Brown, Rhett Fleitz, Co Manager Paula Booth.
Photo by Rhett Fleitz

I got a call yesterday from Jim Walsh, an IAFF brother in Scranton Pennsylvania. Jim asked if I could be at the Bonsack Walmart for a check presentation. Walmart donated $1000 to the Children's Wish Foundation International. This morning I ran up to Walmart for the presentation. Unfortunately, neither the paper or television station which said they would be there showed up. Therefore, I am doing the news today.

Children's Wish Foundation International is committed to bringing joy and happiness to seriously ill children throughout the world and this dedication has created special experiences for children around the globe. To date, Children's Wish Foundation International has touched the lives of children in 32 countries, providing a lifetime of memories for them and their family.

Jim Walsh's son received a wish from this organization several years ago. Jim has been involved with CWFI ever since.

9/11

9/11 means many things to different people. I have read, watched, and listened to many accounts of that day. From firefighters to civilians, people from New York and D.C.

Up until 9/11, the one moment that stuck out in my mind when people would say "do you remember what you were doing when..." was the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. That event happened on January 28, 1986, my 7th birthday. I remember it vividly because it was a big deal at my school, St. Columbans in Loveland, Ohio. All of the students were gathered into the classrooms to watch the takeoff on the tv. Unfortunately, 73 seconds after takeoff the Challenger blew up. That moment was the single biggest historical moment etched into my memory...until September 11, 2001.

On that morning, I was working at Station 13. That morning we were doing the normal station duties. Captain Armstrong told us that something happened on the news. The whole company gathered in the day room and watched. We watched for several minutes, as Tower 1 burned, with our jaws dropped.

We watched the whole thing. I don't think we ran a call the whole day. We watched and we waited. We waited for the answers...the answers to all those questions. Most of those questions still are not answered 5 years later.

Roanoke City and the surrounding localities held a Memorial for 9/11 tonight downtown Roanoke. I am sure it was a fitting tribute to the 5th anniversary. My coworkers and I had to work like so many firefighters across the nation. We remember every day. We will never forget what those 343 Firefighters gave their lives for that day. We never forget what any Public Safety worker gives their life for.

Thank you to all of those who remember the selfless acts of the Firefighters on 9/11 and every day. Thank you for caring. Those men and women gave their lives so that others might live.

Just another day in Roanoke

Just another day in Roanoke:

Maybe it's time we showed our appreciation for the work the Roanoke Fire/EMS and Police Departments do for us?

They might not be perfect, but damned if you'll find one single department anywhere that is.

They need our support, they need higher pay for the dangerous work they do, and they need better support from City Hall, and much less politics so they can do the job they are supposed to do.

Maybe it's time to start asking where DO our tax dollars go, if not to retain Roanoke's Bravest and Roanoke's Finest?

Tonight, 7pm at the City Market building.
Come show your support for those who keep us alive.

Show them your grateful.

Technorati tags: Roanoke Fire, Roanoke Police

AR-1 arrives in Roanoke

AR-1 has been delivered to the Roanoke Regional Airport. The truck is an E-One Titan. AR-1 will be placed into service after training this week. It will be be in service just in time for the Roanoke Regional Emergency drill on September 23rd. You can view more information on the E-One site under new deliveries. VAFireNews.com has also listed it under new deliveries.

Arlington County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association - Local 2800 IAFF

Read this below, then follow the link to the full article. I will let you draw your own conclusions. I think I have offered enough opinion by now. I will entertain comments.

Arlington County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association - Local 2800 IAFF:

The underlying message in this inquiry is that EMS has to be made a better place to work so that firefighters want to work there. The current mentality of requiring personnel to go to EMS school is a concept that has been tried before and failed miserably. All indications are that the current requirement is also failing miserably. Not only are new firefighters not being allowed adequate time to learn the job of a firefighter (thereby compromising service delivery on the suppression side), they are simply tolerating a two year mandatory stop over in EMS. Obviously, that mind set lends itself towards compromised EMS service delivery. People become firefighters because they really want to do the job. You need to create a system that will create that same desire towards EMS. Mandatory assignment to EMS is a poor policy that compromises both fire suppression and EMS service delivery! (Read More)

Technorati tags: EMS, Fire

CBS To Rebroadcast 9/11 Documentary - Firehouse.com News

CBS To Rebroadcast 9/11 Documentary - Firehouse.com News:

The CBS Television Network and filmakers Jules and Gedeon Naudet and James Hanlon have updated the multiple-award winning program "9/11".

Watch Video Preview

The two Naudet brothers had been working on a documentary of FDNY and a probie's life in the city. September 11 saw them on a call with the company in the streets of New York when the sound of a low flying jet was heard overhead. As they panned the camera up, the American Airlines jet crashed into the World Trade Center tower.

I remember watching this the first time it aired. I have a copy at home as a matter of fact. I thought that the film gave a great sense of realism to what those firefighters were up against that day. I believe that films like this one will stand as a great history lesson for our children and future generations to watch and witness what happened on that terrible day.

Technorati tags: CBS, Firehouse.com, 9/11

Events

I have been busy getting back into the swing of things after the trip to Toronto and sending the book in. I am trying to make up for lost time with my family. I am working on a couple of things coming up.

I hope to see you all at the Blue Mass at Saint Andrews on September 28th. Plan on attending. For more information check out the Local 1132 site.

The new ARFF truck should be delivered in the next two or three weeks.

From what I understand, the new Station #10 on the north end of Williamson Road has moved on to Architecture and Engineering. This should be the next station to open after the new station downtown opens early next year.

Sunday September 10th, there will be a Valley Wide Memorial Service at the Market Square in Downtown Roanoke at 7pm. Come and pay respects to the 343 firefighters, the police officers, and thousands of civilians who lost their lives on September 11th in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93.

The IAFF recently voted to make September 11th a Fire Fighter day of Remembrance in Toronto at the IAFF Convention. You can watch the IAFF 9/11 tribute.

I am sure the event downtown will be special, unfortunately C-Shift is working that day.

A Gift

Today the firefighters got a surprise. Captain Barker and Vince Stover came around to Station #10 to hand out this handy tool. Everyone received one, A and B shifts will be getting theirs this week. The tool is the Res-Q-Rench which is manufactured by Task Force Tips. The tool is multiversal boasting: a collapsible spanner wrench, a glass punch, seat belt cutter, gas line shut off, and door chock. It probably has some other uses I have not figured out yet. Thanks for the tool, it is appreciated.

2007 IAFF Convention

2007 IAFF Convention
Originally uploaded by firefleitz.

Here are the pictures from the 2007 IAFF Convention.

Vinnie Bollon (left), IAFC President Fire Chief Bill Killen, and IAFF General President Harold Shaitberger. Chief Killen is receiving token of appreciation for his work, and for speaking at the convention.

Click on the picture and you will be able to navigate through the Roanoke Firefighters Flickr account.

morale

Firefighter pay is a common topic on this blog. Not only local pay in the Roanoke Valley, but often times I incorporate other pay nationally as a comparison. More often than not I am speaking up for firefighters pay in the City of Roanoke because it directly effects me.

I do not do this to tick anyone off. I do not do this to rub it in anyone's face. I specifically do this to get firefighters involved. My intention is to educate and possibly get a response.

How many times have you thought about leaving your department to go somewhere else for better pay. How many of us actually follow through with it? We have firefighters leaving all the time for better pay, but not all of them. Most of us decide that our seniority or tenure is worth more than starting over.

What are we left with? Low Morale. We get bothered by the fact that someone else is getting paid better for doing the same job. This decreasing morale creates a domino effect of other issues.

But other City's cost of living is higher! Yeah, yeah, yeah. I agree. I have always conceded that this is true, but not to the extent of our pay disparity across Virginia and the rest of the Nation.

Why not do something about it?

MDA Telethon

The MDA Telethon is in full swing. I enjoy seeing this event year after year. I will not be making it to the local event in Lynchburg this year as I have the past several years. This weekend, across the Nation and in Canada, Firefighters will be collecting for the MDA through Fill-the-Boot Campaigns. Local 1132's Fill the Boot was held two weeks ago due to scheduling conflicts. Unfortunately Local 1132 had a sub-par year. Being that a good year is only a couple of thousand dollars, you can imagine what a sub-par year equates to.

There are many firefighters out there who understand the partnership the IAFF and MDA have made in the pursuit of finding a cure for Muscular Dystrophy. These Locals raise tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in the matter of one week. Some Locals have the blessing of their Departments and City Governments to collect while on duty. The firefighters take care of the logistics, safety, and scheduling. In Roanoke, the City Government has enacted a panhandling law. This law restricts anyone from collecting on streets.

I have collected at the Fill the Boot campaign each year for the past 5 years. Eventually my coworkers will understand the reward of collecting for the MDA and seeing the children we help. The benefits of helping out one day to collect are very rewarding. After all, there are those people who wait for things to happen, and those who make those things happen. Hopefully, the Local 1132 firefighters will enter the spirited competition which so many IAFF Locals enjoy each year. This competition is healthy in getting the firefighters to raise more and more money each year.

If you would like to see Local 1132's MDA ambassador Cory Craighead visit the Local 1132 link. Cory came out this year with his father, Steve, to help us collect money for the MDA. Cory has recently received a brand new motorized wheelchair he is very proud of.

North Carolina firefighters are currently trying to pass legislation enabling them to collect at intersections:

For the third time in 12 weeks, the PFFPNC was successful in passing legislation to benefit IAFF Locals in North Carolina. The latest legislation paves the way for IAFF Locals to conduct fill-the-boot drives on state highway and road right-of-ways inside municipalities. The boot drives help raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. On July 26, 2006, HB 1413 (with the PFFPNC amendment) was ratified by the North Carolina General Assembly. Current state law, G.S. 20-175, forbids fill-the-boot activities on state right-of-ways even when they are inside the boundaries of a local government. In years past, IAFF Locals conducted fill-the-boot drives across the state on highway and road right-of-ways.The State always turned a blind eye to this type of activity. In recent years, many cities and towns pointed to G.S. 20-175 as a liability and restricted fire fighters and paramedics from collecting money for MDA. Subsequently, the total amount of money raised dwindled. The PFFPNC asked that an amendment to overturn this General Statute be added to existing legislation. (Read More)

Virginia will likely look into legislation which would mimic NC's. These laws supercede those of the Local laws.

Next year will be our year. I look forward to seeing you out there.

Firefighting in Roanoke

Here it is in all its glory. The book is near completion. Click on the picture to see it enlarged and read the text. This is the cover proof for the book. There weren't any changes, so that is exactly what it will look like. The picture is Fire Station 1 in the 1930s.

I will receive a cover proof of the book in about a week. I will make any necessary changes and submit the book draft. After they alter make the changes the book will go into printing. This will be at in about two weeks. The book will be available sometime in the next 6 months. That is the guarantee. Hopefully it will be available in January or February. The timing couldn't be more perfect with all of the events of next year.

The long road of writing this book has been enjoyable. I have had a lot of assistance from my peers. I appreciate all of the help. Print the picture out and post it in the stations, this way no one will say "What book".

Now that I have the book behind me, look for more initiatives in the future.

Blue Mass

BLUE MASS

Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

Msgr. Thomas Miller, presiding

St. Andrews Catholic Church

631 North Jefferson Street

Roanoke, Virginia 24011

+ + +

To recognize and honor men and women of all faiths who serve the Roanoke valley in area sheriff’s offices, fire/EMS, police, state and federal law enforcement departments.

+ + +

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 345-6622