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