Roanoke City keeps losing Firefighters

What happened to the days of Firefighters staying in Roanoke City for 30 plus years? In the past the Firefighters who have worked for the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department have stayed for their entire Career, sure there have been a few here and there who have left, but nothing like today. I have now been here for almost 7 years. I moved here for the job and began a family here. Most of the Firefighters in the City have lived here (Southwest Virginia) their entire lives. This is the area they love and they would not move away. So why does it seem as though there is a growing trend for Firefighters to stay a few years and move on to something "bigger and better"? Sure this Department is not perfect, but as anyone will tell you, other departments have the same problems. We have seen Firefighters move out of town, change careers, change departments. Why?

I do not fault anyone for leaving. That is their prerogative. I just hope that no one is leaving for the wrong reasons. This is the best profession in the World. It may also be the most thankless job in the World. But that isn't why we do what we do. We do it because we love it. I hate to see anyone throw it all away just to make a little more money. Just because they think things won't get better. Just because it seems like nobody is listening.

The Department is not totally at fault, but the same reasons that guys used to stay are not holding true today. Back in the day when there was an issue the firefighters got together, all of them, and tried their best to correct the problem. This day in age the newer Firefighters are afraid of retaliation, worried about promotions, scared of retribution for speaking out. Why? Don't they know that the only way that anyone is going to know something is wrong is to point out the problem. No one is going to come to you and ask you what is wrong. So we need to speak up, right? Well it isn't that easy. We need to unite and speak as one. All day long I listen to Firefighters talk about "what about this" and "what about that". Well why not stop asking and get involved. Do a little research and ask more questions. Pose a solution. Roanoke City doesn't want to hear you complain. However, if you indeed have a complaint, then tell them the problem and offer a solution. Case and Point = the Diesel Exhaust Systems in the Stations. The Firefighters have been talking about this for years, way before my time. The City isn't going to spend money on anything unless they have to. So finally we got our shot to make it political. And it worked. Although the Systems are not installed yet, hopefully they will be within the next year. That is a win for the Firefighters. That is how it works.

I understand that one of our Chiefs has stated that he would like to see the members of the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department use the City as a stepping stone. That is admirable. If indeed you are able to take full advantage of the Tuition Reimbursement program, available training, and possibly get promoted, then you might very well be able to use this Dept. as a stepping stone. However, I have to ask how many of us really want to move away? Maybe time will tell. I have only seen one (1) individual, maybe two (2) use this Dept. as a true stepping stone. Moving to another department because of pay and other benefits also applies because he did not have to go through Recruit school.

Maybe we will see a trend of Firefighters moving to other Departments to become Chiefs someday. I know we have some who qualify. Until then I hope we can hold onto the Firefighters we have.

Port Arthur News

Port Arthur News - Roanoke firefighters helping out Rita victims:

Guiseppe Barranco- The News staff writer

JOHNSONS BAYOU - Tougher than a coffin nail with hearts of solid gold, six firefighters from Roanoke, Va. are challenging the effects of Hurricane Rita and working hard to mend the lives of several victims in Johnsons Bayou, La.

Just like millions of other citizens, all but one of the Johnsons Bayou volunteer firefighters evacuated their homes when Rita approached the coast.

With families to tend to and no homes to return to, the volunteer firefighters continued to remain evacuated well after the storm with only one tool to prevent a fire from burning their town - hope.

That was until Oct. 5, when hope delivered a highly specialized team from across the Eastern U.S. to assist the weather beaten town.

Originally intended for fire suppression, the team traveled cross country to fight fires, but ultimately found themselves caring enough to kick start the future of the community by helping to restore municipality buildings and resident's homes.

"These guys are a God send," Eli M. Broussard, said as the Virginians hauled ruined belongings out of his home to a trash pile down the road.

Lead by Battalion Chief, Jeff Beckner, of Virginia, the six man crew began helping Broussard after cleaning out the city's firehouse, school cafeteria, EMS station and blue-roofed several homes.(HERE)

Technorati tags: Roanoke Firefighters, Firefighters helping Hurricane Victims

It is good to see our Brothers in the news. They are slated to be back the end of this week as I understand. Check out the article for a picture of 1st Lt. Phillip Dillon.

TimesDispatch.com | Firefighters keep kid from getting lost

TimesDispatch.com Firefighters keep kid from getting lost:

Chris Ferguson wants to be a firefighter. Simple as that.

Ever since he was 2, it's been his dream job. His mom figured it was just a phase and he would outgrow it. His mom was wrong.

"That's all he talks about," said Pat Ferguson of her son. "Every year, I think he's going to forget about it. Then he learns a little bit more and then a little bit more, and now there's no way to convince him otherwise."

Some kids hang out at the mall; Chris hangs out at Chesterfield Fire Station No. 7. He listens to the scanner squawk. He talks to the firefighters on Shift B. He eats dinner at their table. The lasagne and steak have been particularly tasty, he said.

What's he like best about a firefighter's life?

"Everything," he said, a faded firefighter's cap shadowing his smiling, freckled face.

Technorati tags: Chesterfield Firefighters, Firefighters in the news

BY BILL LOHMANN
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

This is from my home town, where I was this past weekend for my 10 year high school reunion. It was fun, seeing so many classmates with children and spread out over the United States. Seems as though I am not the only one who moved away. I was however the only Career Firefighter there.

Firefighters to help with Habitat for Humanity

Ok first of all I have been asked who is getting this thing together Roanoke Fire-EMS or Roanoke Fire Fighters Association. The answer is you are. You the Firefighter. I am merely a contact between us and Habitat for Humanity. We are going as Firefighters. If you want to wear a Department T-Shirt I am sure that would be fine (although I will check) and if you want to wear an RFFA or IAFF T-Shirt that would be fine. The point is that you all come out to help.

This is the deal. I spoke with Karen Mason of Habitat for Humanity last night. I told her that the Firefighters were interested with helping with the build. She stated that she has had almost too many calls of people wanting to swing a hammer. So I bargained with her, knowing that you all would surely like to swing a hammer. So here is the deal. We will be providing food for an entire day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) for all of the Volunteers. Any day besides Nov. 1st is available. We will in turn be given at least 1 shift (three hours, max 25 people) to build. They also need help with security overnight.

So I am looking for Firefighters to assist with feeding the volunteers on Wednesday November 2nd, date subject to change. I will work on getting food donations and funding, if you can help let me know.

I am also looking for 25 to 50 Firefighters to help with the build. No experience necessary. We will be filling 1 or 2 shifts. If we cannot fill the entire 25 member team, then they will be able to fill in.

I am also looking for 2+ member teams to do security overnight at the site.

I encourage the Captains to talk to their crews and get them out as a team. The event will be held at the Roanoke Civic Center.

So let me know if you want to help. I will be out of town from today until Sunday. Send me an email FireFleitz@adelphia.net or give me a call or page. Thanks in advance for the assistance.

200 Posts and Counting

So here we are at 200 posts. What exactly have been posted in those 200 posts (the old ones can can be viewed in the archives---->)? Well we have hit on fires, wrecks, firefighters in the news, history, a ton of photos, the reincarnation of the RFFA's website, Keeping Fire Station #1 open, Current Events within the Department and Organization, Traditions, etc. I hope that you all enjoy reading the posts. I think that I have a loyal reading audience including FireFighters, Citizens, Council Members, Administrators, Out of towners, Former Roanokers, etc.

This site is intended to express to the readers what the Roanoke City Firefighters are about, what they stand for, and why they stand for what they do. I have seen the readership rise and certain comments posted. Moreso I have heard from a lot of you all on a regular basis by phone, email, or when we bump into each other. You all have given me ideas, criticism, feedback, and encouragement. Mostly I hear from you all about how this is such a great idea and that it should have been started years ago. I have heard from the IAFF and how they think it is a great idea. They wondered if there were many other sites like this one. To my knowledge, and I search often, I would not say that there are any other sites quite like this one. Sure there are other Firefighters blogs out there (I have posted about them in the past and several are located on my blogroll in the sidebar), but I have not found one which shows such a diverse interaction between the Firefighters and everyone else. Sure when opinion is shared it is that of my own unless otherwise noted. But that has been changing. I am getting more interaction with those of you who want to show your side of the story, your comments, your thoughts. I think this is great. I feel like I am providing the looking glass for the Firefighters to look into the history, the pictures, the ideas; as well as showing everyone else what we are about, and why we are who we are.

There have been great strides made by the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department and the Roanoke Fire Fighters Association. I hope to see more advancements in the future, and to document them here. I hope that the morale of the Firefighters continues to strengthen. I have been hearing of certain possibilities in the works currently and in the future which should help continue this advancement.

I hope that I can continue to keep this site up to date on the current events locally as well as branch out to topics of interest nationally. Keep the information pouring in.

One last thing, I have been working on this post for two days now. I ran out of time yesterday due to the influx of phone calls about my move back to the ARFF crew. It sounded like some of you guys were consoling me because I had died. I thank you all for your thoughts, although I know you guys are happy as hell that it wasn't you. Oh yeah I know how this works. Anyways it is good to see that some of you all care.

This site started March 9, 2005 there have been approximately 155 days since its inception. So I have been posting about 1.25 votes each day. I look to continue this trend. Let me know if you would like to see something on here. By the way Kate, I will be posting what you wanted to see early next week. I have had to do a little research.

Roanoke Firefighters Poll now online

Well here it is, an interactive poll for you guys to vote on. I hope to bring different questions each week or so. The poll is located on the right side of the page ----->. You may vote if you want to and check the poll stats to see what the other Firefighters are thinking. Of course if you are a reader of the blog but not a Firefighter you are more than welcome to vote. If you need any clarification on the question please contact me. If you have an idea for a question let me know, I am sure we can come up with some good ones. I got this idea from FireWhirl. Oh and by the way there is no way of tracking the voters.

Local 1132 News Wire

Local 1132 News Wire

I don't think that I have posted this before, however the RFFA has started a website in addition to RFFA Online. The new website is the Local 1132 News Wire. If you would like to be a contributor to the new site there are instructions on the site. We would like to get several different administrators for this new site. The information contained on the new site will be news, events, and communications pertaining to the RFFA and it's members.

Blue Mass for the Public Servants

This is an email from David Boyer (Roanoke City Police) concerning the Blue Mass on October 19th at St. Andrews Church 7pm. Everyone is welcome and unless someone else would like to do one of the Readings, yours truly will be up there Reading. Don't get me wrong, I love talking especially when I have a captive audience.

Hello Everyone,
The Knights of Columbus, Roanoke Council 562 wants to recognize Catholic first responders(Police, Fire and Rescue) with a " Blue Mass". This tradition started back in the 30's to honor primarily police officers and fire fighters, but now has grown to include sheriff's deputies,federal and state agents and rescue workers. This invitation to specifically honor the Catholic public safety officers in the Valley is open to all departmental members and their families of all faiths. This is the first year that a "Blue Mass" will be celebrated and we hope that it will become a tradition for years to come. Please help me to spread the word, I don't know a lot of the younger officers and there may be more Catholics that I'm forgetting about, so we can have a large turn out. The KofC wants to recognize public safety officers with a small token of their appreciation, so RSVP me or the Grand Knight, Brian Ripple by Oct. 10th to get a head count. His email is ripple562@aol.com or work number 563-6410. There will be a reception following Mass and special music by the awesome Irish pipe band "Warpipe".If you have questions, feel free to contact me. Office 853-2607 or cell 537-6830.

When: October 19 @ 7:00pm
Where: St. Andrew's Church
I look forward to hearing from you all,
Dave Boyer

WSLS.com | habitat for humanity project homes

Let me know if you Firefighters out there would like to get a team together to help out. I think it would be great if we could get a bunch of us together to help build these houses. That includes all you firefighters out there - Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, and Vinton. Just let me know. FireFleitz@adelphia.net



WSLS.com | habitat for humanity project homes:

Newschannel 10 and Habitat for Humanity are teaming up to build three homes for GulfCoast hurricane victims.

And we need your help! You can donate your time, skills, or money to help people who've lost their homes.

To donate money: Call Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley at 540-344-0747 to make a donation by credit card. Or, mail your donations to:

Habitat for Humanity of the Roanoke ValleyHabitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley, Inc.
403 Salem Avenue
Roanoke, VA 24016
Please make checks payable to "HFH in the Roanoke Valley" and note "Operation Home Delivery" on the memo line.

Melissa Martin spoke with Karen Mason, executive director of Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley.

Technorati tags: Roanoke Firefighters, Habitat for Humanity, Firefighters helping the community

October History of the Roanoke Fire Service

Fire Station #9 was opened on October 2, 1929 at 0700 hours. The station located at 514 24th Street NW cost $10,800 to build. 8 men were assigned to the station. This picture was taken on July 21, 1932. Fire Station #9 is still open today and houses Engine 9 and Medic 9. The station has only been modified a little over the years. This is the station where I was assigned when I got out of Recruit School #15. The crew was Lt. Mark Ingvaldsen (acting Captain), FF/PM Keith "Oh God" Blankenship, FF/CT Kevin Akers, FF/PM Dennis Hayes, FF Jeremy "Bedsore" Bennington, and FF Rhett Fleitz (me). On October 7, 1972 Assistant Fire Chief Carl A. Cox died of a heart attack on the scene of a house fire at 332 Patton Ave. Cox was a 37 year veteran of the Department and was scheduled to retire on November 10, 1972. It is believed that the night that Chief Cox died was his last night on duty and that the rest of his days before Nov. 10th were vacation days. Since that fateful night each time someone retires they are sent home at 5 pm after one last hearty meal with their crew, usually a steak dinner. For more information see the RFFA historical timeline.

Fire at 2345 Memorial Ave.

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a residential fire on October 10, 2005 at 2345 Memorial Ave., Apartment 44.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 9:27 p.m. and was quickly under control at 9:38 p.m. The response of five Engines, three Ladder trucks, four Medic units, one EMS Captain,two Battalion Chiefs, two Administrative Chiefs and one Investigative Unit for a total of 37 personnel were involved in the fire. A second alarm was called due to occupancy and size of the building.

Upon arrival fire crews found fire and smoke. Fire crews quickly and aggressively extinguished the blaze.

The apartment building was occupied at the time of the fire. One resident had to be assisted from the building by fire crews. There were no injuries to civilians or Fire-EMS personnel.

The fire started in the apartment bedroom and was contained to the apartment. The cause is under investigation. Damage estimates are approximately $75,000.

Communication from the Brothers down South

This is the email I received. Apparently the guys are getting dirty down there. It is good to see that they are representing the rest of us well. The next batch of Firefighters will ship out on the 18th from what I here.

"Here are some pics to post...we are helping to restore an elementary school and the fire station in Johnsons Bayou. They are ground zero for Rita and have 80-90% total destruction. Very bad conditions...snakes, alligators, and mosquitos as big as hummingbirds...no joke...we are working from 7a-7p..eating MRE's for lunch and Red Cross meals at night....we are sleeping in a community center in Hackberry(30 min from Johnsons Bayou). It is in the 90's every day and 100% humidity. Both the school and the fire station are going to be stripped to the shell and redone completely. We are working very hard. The entire fire department members lost their homes...we truly feel like we are making a difference for these people. It is very humbling to see the conditions and know we will be coming home to a normal life when the people here will be rebuilding their lives for years.

Email ya later,

Roanoke Va Fire-EMS Task Force 1"

I will add more as I receive it.

HTR 6 runs it first call in the new truck today!!

HTR 6 ran its first call in the new truck. The team responded to assist PD searching the river for evidence for an incident that the Police Department is investigating. HTR 6 took the paddle boat and were in swift water mode. The team was asked to float the Roanoke River between the 9th Street and 13th Street bridges.

The HTR truck is now in full service. The truck returned earlier this week from a short trip to North Carolina to have a light tower installed on the top of the truck.

Some of the tasks the team assists with are swift water rescue, structural collapse, trench rescue, confined space rescue, rope rescue, etc.

The team responds throughout the region as part of a Regional HTR team. The Firefighters and Paramedics at Station #6 are certified in most if not all of the Technical Rescue disciplines. There are specific team rosters for each of the disciplines as well. These members are subject to call back if the team needs more members than are available on any given shift. Each incident might require different manpower levels.

Preston won the competition

That is right. Preston won the Carlin Chronicles Annual Fishing Picture Competition. He would like to thank everyone who voted especially his big brothers in the Fire Department. Thanks to all for voting. Preston won a $100 gift certificate for Dick's Sporting Goods along with a WSLS Prize Pack.

Automatic Aid? No. Why Not?

Roanoke City, Town of Vinton, and Roanoke County Firefighters converged on a house located at 7th and Dale in the Town of Vinton Yesterday.
This account was emailed to me:

"Roanoke City fire companies were dispatched Monday evening to a reported structure fire in the area of 7th and Dale SE. At the same time Engine 14 and Medic 6 were on the scene of a minor 10-50 at 13th and Baldwin.{ right beside the Vinton Town limits} The 10-50 was turned over to city PD and medic 6 headed toward the possible fire in SE and Engine 14 headed back to quarters. Finding nothing at 7th and Dale, city fire units were soon cleared and placed back in service. Soon after, it was relayed that Vinton units were on scene battling a house fire at 7th and Dale in Vinton. While returning to quarters, Engine 14 was flagged down by numerous civilians reporting the house fire at 7th and Dale-Vinton. {which is also called Glade street NE in Roanoke City} Engine 14 checked with city dispatch as to whether they needed to head that way and again dispatch said Vinton units were already on scene fighting the fire. Engine 14 approached the scene and discovered their were no units on scene except for a Vinton police officer. Engine 14 gave an initial size-up and began an interior attack due to reports of the house being occupied. Vinton units began arriving shortly after and then additional city units were requested by E-14. City Engine 6, Ladder 1, and BC-1 responded.

Interior efforts were later halted due to the large amount of debris piled up throughout the entire structure. All doors were completely blocked. It was later learned that the occupants accessed the house by climbing through the windows. At one point, there were {2} 1 3/4 inch attack lines, {1} 2 1/5" attack line {exterior}, and later E-14's aerial device were deployed to battle the blaze. Once the fire was knocked down, city units cleared and Vinton units remained on scene to perform overhaul operations with the aid of a back hoe. Due to the large amount of debris encountered, this structure was dubbed the meanest 1 1/2 story house fire we have seen in a while. This was a prime example of the need for automatic aid with Vinton and Roanoke County!
Political boundaries should not stand in the way of service to citizens in need of help."

It was brought to my attention that Medic 6 was on scene fighting fire also.

I got an email explaining a little bit of the County Side: "... something else you prolly didn't know Read Mountain scratched the call and they are the 3rd due company or maybe 2nd to that location. No Engine No Medic truck from them not sure where the next in companies came from. "

My question is this. If Read Mountain did indeed scratch the call and Vinton Engine 2 was on scene, who would have come to help them and when would they have gotten there?

The town of Vinton lacks an effective fully staffed Department. Yet when Vinton needs assistance, which is common on structure fires, they call for the county. Why? If they truly want the best for there citizens then call the City. The City's fire stations are closer, housing staffed fire engines. Heck Station #14 is right next to Vinton and has one of those watchamacallits on top of it (you know the telesquirt thing that is costing the City millions of dollars because we have to build brand new stations so that it will fit in them).



The City is missing a huge opportunity here. They could offer supplemental fire protection for the County, Salem, and Vinton all the time and make money. That money could be used for more staffing (which would be needed to maintain response times) , better equipment, better benefits for the Firefighters. Wait a minute though, the localities would be spending money on fire protection for their citizens then. Scratch that, they don't do that now, why would they go for that.

Oh and by the way. That fire, you know the one in Vinton that we are talking about. Yeah the fire which wasn't even in the City. The way I see it, that fire cost the City almost $300,000. Why you ask. Well you know those telesquirt things that THE CITY JUST HAD TO HAVE, you know the ones on top of Engine 4, 10, and 14. Well putting those incidentals on top of a fire engine cost the City approximately $300,000 more than what three custom fire engines would have cost. That being said, the fire in Vinton was the first fire that one of those telesquirts was used. HOORAY!! Let's celebrate. Oh yeah and by the way, the Check is in the Mail.

ADDITION:
The point that I was trying to make is basically this; The localities involved around Roanoke City should be using Automatic Aid as a last resort. Before Automatic Aid, the localities should have hired a fully staffed Career Department which operates at all the stations 24/7. Supplementation by Volunteers is perfectly acceptable and would benefit the Citizens. Once this staffing level has been achieved then you can fine tune Mutual Aid agreements. Automatic Aid should occur only as a temporary solution to the problem or as the end all, if all other options are considered. This is because of liability, for missing calls, of the Aiding Department (in their own jurisdiction).

I might add that Mutual aid as I have posted before is merely an agreement between localities that if one has an incident and needs more resources then the other may be called. See this post for more information on this subject.

Stay informed with "MyRoanoke"

So you want to be informed?
You want to know what the City is up to. More importantly you want to be up to date on the Fire-EMS Department. Then listen up.
You can get email communication from Roanoke City. All you have to do is visit this site and sign up. It is as easy as that. Pick the topics you would like to be informed about and kick back. Roanoke City will send you an email about your chosen topics.

MyRoanoke: "Tired of spam? With MyRoanoke, you can receive the information you want, when you want it. Just tell us a little bit about you and let us know what sorts of things you like. We'll send you only the e-mail that interests you.

You can enter a conventional e-mail address to receive regular messages. If your pager or cell phone provider offers a text messaging service, you can also use that e-mail address*. If you want to receive some messages with your regular e-mail account and some with your pager or cell phone, sign up each address separately."

Fire union dumps O'Connor, backs Republican for mayor

This is for all the guys out there who say that Unions, more specifically our Union, doesn't or won't support a Republican. Check out the link for the rest of the article.

Fire union dumps O'Connor, backs Republican for mayor:

Fire union dumps O'Connor, backs Republican for mayor

Monday, September 26, 2005
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The union representing Pittsburgh firefighters has endorsed Republican Joe Weinroth's bid for mayor.

International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1 President Joe King said the decision of the union's political committee was unanimous, and was made late Friday. "It's probably the first time, that I remember, that the fire union has backed a Republican candidate for mayor," said King.

The local supported Democrat Bob O'Connor in the May primary. But O'Connor refused to meet with them until after the Nov. 8 general election, King said.

"After is too late," King said.

Technorati tags: firefighter, firefighters support republican, IAFF, Pittsburg Local 1.

Who are you? Why are we here?

Check out this blog I found, I have not had time to read up on all the past posts, however the fire related posts seem to have some good content thus far. I suggest you check him out. He is located down in A-R-I-Z-O-N-A, and no that is not in M-E-X-I-C-O...

Who are you? Why are we here?: “I just spent 30 minutes trying to start a fire. We are "bbqing" tonite, and yes I am at work the firemen cannot start a fire. No one had matches or a lighter so someone (someone = me) got the bright idea of lighting paper on fire via the toaster well we did make smoke, but that was about it. We tried a car ciggarette lighter (note: some newer cars do not have ciggarette lighters) but the car thing doesn't matter cause, yup you got it just more smoke. We then saw what appeared to be people laughing and a big fire in the bbq. So it seems they found some matches. It was appearantly more fun to watch us then just give us the matches. I got my revenge when it came to dishes time. Ha now whos a sucker Wade and Dustin you beeshes. So now we are watching the biggest loser, I just gotta say "these people are fat and all thers problems are they eat to much and don't exercise" That is it, sooooooooo I find the show funny especially when they cry and expect us to feel bad as they explain there problems with food. Now 2 of the fatties are going to the hospital after running. I am sorry but that is funny to me.”

Technorati tags: firefighter, fire, fire station, fire house cooking

Portsmouth Fire Rescue & EMS offers Katrina Victims Careers

Check out this post on the IAFC website. It is good to see departments helping the brothers and sisters out in any way possible.

Roanoke Fire-EMS deploys to New Orleans, Louisiana

6 members of the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department are deploying to New Orleans, LA tomorrow (Sunday) for the first of 2 15 day deployments to that area. As I understand the members will be going down to help administratively in the Hurricane damaged City. The exact activities that the members will be doing are unclear at this time. The team will be self sufficient and will be assisting Firefighters and FEMA workers from all over the nation. The members deploying with in the first team are Battalion Chief Jeff Beckner, Captain Todd Stone, Captain Kent Mclhany, Captain Werner VanDamme, 1st Lieutenant Phillip Dillon, and Lieutenant Chad Riddleberger. There will be a second 15 day deployment following the return of the first team. The second team's members have not been decided at this time. I will add details as I am informed.

The Firefighters here in Roanoke are proud of our brothers who are heading south. We wish them well and hope that they are able to assist the area with recovering from the two Hurricanes which have caused destruction in the area.

Here is a bonus picture of HTR 6 courtesy of Firefighter Brad Creasy. This is obviously a better picture than I was able to grab, however I would like to say that the placement of the truck when I shot it was not the best. Thanks for the picture Brad. I always appreciate comments and email from the readers.

Roanoke City Takes Delivery of New HTR Truck

Roanoke Fire-EMS took delivery of this M & W Custom Fire Apparatus. The unit is built on an HME Cab and has a compartmentalized rescue body on it. The truck is the new Heavy and tactical Rescue Truck 6. It will be stationed at station #6 in S.E. Roanoke. The truck is replacing a make shift Rescue truck which was originally ladder #9. This is a much needed and welcomed addition to the fleet. Although the truck will not be manned full-time at this point. However at times of serious weather i.e. floods the unit has been manned in the past. The truck will be staffed by the personnel off of Engine 6 and Medic 6 if available at the time in which a call comes in or the Unit is called for. This is how the responses have occurred in the past. The Roanoke Fire-EMS HTR Team is part of a Regional force which responds throughout Western Virginia. The truck will be placed into service after several days in the Radio shop as well as a trip to North Carolina to have a Light Tower installed on top of the unit. The pictures are below.

The Apparatus Committee voted to purchase the Pierce Quantum Engine which I spoke of ( here ). The truck will be delivered in 45-60 days and put in service once the Radio shop completes installation after delivery. This engine will replace Engine #3 currently a 1991 Grumman, which will move to Engine #13 and the current 1989 Grumman in service there will become a reserve.

IAFF to Create Online Exhibit Tracing Union’s History

Message from the IAFF:

Kate Shmitigal left a comment in a past post, she works for the IAFF and is currently working on some historical projects as well as online technologies for IAFF Locals. She asked me to convey this message to my readers which I do not mind doing at all.

The IAFF is working on a history project ( here ) and would like input from locals across the nation and Canada. If you have information, pictures, history to share then contact them by email.
Kate writes: "Looking for some buttons from IAFF locals, like a campaign buttons, political, or just local identity button, the older the better!" Scanned or mailed to email.

Kate adds:

"Thanks Rhett! We hope to have the website up in by the middle of November, however, my research will be ongoing. I'm also looking for some interesting stories that a member might want to share. The first story we will feature is on a former executive board member and his career in the fire service, I will have photos and audio clips. The story you might have it could be about anyone or anything that exemplifies the fire fighter's union. "

I am working on information from the RFFA for this project. If you have anything to add for the RFFA please let me know.

Kate if you could let us know of a deadline possibly it would be appreciated.

Firefighters Web Ring

Newly formed firefighter web ring will allow all the fire related blogs the chance to be located all at once. If you are interested join up.

Check out the Web ring at the bottom of the blog.

Mutual Aid/Automatic Aid for the County

I would like to add a note to this post. This post is intended to bring attention to the regional cooperation between the fire departments in the Roanoke Valley and possibly show room for improvement. As with anything there is always ways to make things better. Only through experience will the departments involved fully understand the roles and ways of making the responses more effective, safer, and more standard between localities. The main point of this post is to inform the firefighters in Roanoke City of differences in dispatch, response, company make-up, and protocols of other localities. This incident is merely one case that shows differences and the need to IMPROVISE, ADAPT, and OVERCOME. If you have questions or comments leave them below for all to read or email me.

Roanoke County had a house fire yesterday. There is an image and article in the paper today. I could not find it online though so you will have to take my word for it. Roanoke City Engine 13 ran the call as automatic aid with the County. The call was just inside the County line and Station 13 is the closest fire station to the incident. Ladder 13, the other staffed unit at Fire Station 13, was out of service for some reason or another. I do not know all the particulars of the fire. However, I did notice one thing while listening to the fire on TAC 8; it took one hell of a long time for a Ladder truck to mark on scene.

Apparently in the County, since it is a combination career/volunteer department, when a company or apparatus is dispatched they are given somewhere around 4 minutes to mark in route. WHAT?? Yeah that is right. I am not bashing the volunteers, and I understand that they are not at the station all the time. But what happened to the paid guys who staff Ladder 5 at Hollins (the first due ladder truck for this call)? I thought that was part of the deal with the County, we would provide automatic aid and they would staff Ladder 5. Maybe I am wrong.

In the City we run fires and we expect and always receive our compliment of fire apparatus and firefighters on every fire. We know what we are going to get, when it will get there, and what they will be doing once they get there. This is how we work. Once a unit is dispatched it is on its way. If something happens that a company is on a call, out of service, or breaks down enroute to the call then another company is automatically dispatched.

For those of you who do not know the difference; In the city the ladder truck carries ladders, forcible entry tools, ventilation fans, salvage covers, etc. Whereas the engine carries hose, water, etc. In order to do an efficient firefighting operation you need both apparatus as well as certified and competent firefighters.

So why did the crews working at the fire have to wait so long for a ladder truck to mark on scene. I give you some possibilities:
1) Ladder 5 did not have firefighters assigned to it at that time.
2) The volunteers were unable to get a crew to the station quick enough.
3) The paid staff who might staff Ladder 5 were staffing a different apparatus.
4) The closest Ladder was not in service (City Ladder 13).
5) The closest Ladder was not dispatched.
6) The 4 minute time limit for marking a unit in service is unacceptable.
7) If units do not mark enroute immediately then another truck should be dispatched.
8) If an unmanned truck is dispatched, which would have to wait for volunteers to respond to the station to man, then a staffed unit shall be dispatched as well simultaneously.


The bottom line is that if City firefighters are going to respond outside of the City, automatic aid or mutual aid to any locality, they should be given the same tools, apparatus, and firefighters that they are accustom to in the City.

Oh and just for everyone's information. We need to get the terminology right.

Automatic Aid
"Automatic aid is assistance dispatched automatically by contractual agreement between two communities or fire districts. That differs from mutual aid or assistance arranged case by case. ISO will recognize an automatic-aid plan under the following conditions:
1)It must be prearranged for first-alarm response according to a definite plan. It is preferable to have a written agreement, but ISO may recognize demonstrated performance.
2)The aid must offset a need in the community ISO is surveying. For example, if a community needs a ladder company and the fire department does not have one, but a neighboring community's ladder company responds by automatic-aid agreement, credit may be available.
3)The aiding ladder company must cover at least 50% of the needed ladder company Standard Response District by hydrant count in the community being graded."

Mutual Aid

"The main focus of the Mutual Aid System is to make a large number of resources available in a pre-arranged, organized fashion at no additional cost to the town, village or municipality requiring assistance during alarge- scale emergency situation.
Mutual Aid is activated when the fire or emergency is beyond the capability of the responding fire department, or there are more fire calls or emergencies than the local fire department can respond to. For example, if a fire in your community was too large for your local fire department to handle alone, Mutual Aid could be called upon for additional equipment and personnel. The same would apply if a tanker or train carrying dangerous goods was involved in an accident.
Mutual Aid also offers back-up protection. If the local fire department is attending one fire or emergency, this system provides response to any other fire or emergency situation in that town or municipality. All of this additional assistance is provided at no cost to the town or municipality.
The Mutual Aid System is set up under the provisions of Section 264 of The Municipal Act. This Section empowers municipalities to enter into agreements with other municipalities for providing or obtaining fire protection or emergency response assistance. Mutual Aid does not affect or replace this authority."

So basically automatic aid is that which is preset so that the aiding agency is dispatched with the initial alarm and there is usually a cooperative agreement both ways. Whereas mutual aid is merely the understanding that if one locality has an incident which it cannot handle by itself they can call on another agency for assistance through a prearranged agreement.

The reason why I speak of this incident is that our Firefighters, that is Roanoke City's Bravest, need to know what to expect and some of the possibilities involved while running mutual aid and automatic aid into other localities. If you have a comment please leave it below.

A letter from Captain Wines

I received this letter tonight to explain a tradition that some firefighters don't know about. Captain Willy Wines wanted to add to my post about Garret Brantley ( here).

Captain Wines writes:

"Rhett, Im sitting here injured on the side lines tonight browsing through your blog. As you know, I check it often and sometimes call to add or give my thought. I have been wanting to write a little something to explain the picture you posted of me and Levi on his last day in company. First, many young guys in the Dept may not know of a tradition we have of sending a guy home (or taking him off the rig) at 5 pm on his last day. This is to prevent a death on your last day on the job. If my history is correct, this began back in 1972 when Assistant Chief Cox died in the line of duty at a 10-71 on Patton Ave. I think the date was Oct. 10th (please forgive me if my dates are off) and he was scheduled to retire on Nov. 10th. Although a month from off the books, I also believe that night was to be his last in company. Anyway, That's why I took Levi off the truck at 5pm. I've seen it done to every man retiring since I came on the job. It was done for my dad, I will do it for every man who works for me, and I hope I receive the same courtesy when I go. I will add a few things here. It KILLED Levi. He understood why, but didn't want to go. We caught a MVA right after and it sounded like a pin job but wasn't. The look on his face as we pulled out....well, it hurt. Moving on, I was upset that day for 2 reasons other than losing a good friend and great fireman and seeing his pain in giving up a job he loved. 1.) Not the first on-duty chief came by to shake his hand or wish him well. Now granted, he had exit interviews etc but they were weeks before. I don't know if you could call a chief visit and handshake on a mans last day a tradition or not but it is at least common courtesy! 2.) Coverage wasn't provided to send him home. The Battalion just didn't have a man to send and overtime was not approved. Of all the things we pay overtime for... all the wasted money we spend, it couldn't be found to follow this tradition? He has held over enough for late calls, guys running late for shift change etc that they owed him at least that. It may sound petty or like "nothing" to get wound up over, but it hits me hard! It hurts! I love this Dept and our history and traditions. My dad took a beating for as did many other retirees and if nothing else, we owe it to them to keep it going! Ok let me catch a breath here.. Anyway I wanted to let everyone know and to THANK YOU again Rhett. Everyone should know that you came in and worked the shift for Levi knowing he couldn't pay it back. 12 hours from your wife and son for a fellow firefighter and a long standing tradition and history! You banked mega points there brother and I will not forget it! So, the picture was Levi removing his gear from the Engine and handing it over to me in keeping with our tradition. I only wish it could have happened like 30 years or so from now. Good luck Levi, and thanks for everything! The hard work, the effort, the jokes and million dollar meals. And thanks again to you Rhett keep up the great work and let me know if I can help.
Willie Wines Jr.
Capt. Station # 4 -A-shift"

The correct date of Carl Cox's death was October 7, 1972. For more information check out the RFFA Historical Timeline.

Firefighter's Blogs

I have found a wealth of firefighter related blogs on the internet. I hope that more firefighters catch on to this. However I must say that most of them are personal blogs about themselves and the calls they run, some are even primarily EMS related ( yeah I know *gag*). Unfortunately I have not found too many blogs out there which parallel the content in which I try to give to you all. That being said, I do find these blogs entertaining, I just have not quenched my search of another blog quite like this one. Given that I have a little bias of my own blog. I just think that more departments, more Locals, more firefighters need to catch on to this. This blog is here in all its glory for new members to view as they are hired. They can search the archives to see what they have missed and keep up with the blog as it reports on local, state, national, and maybe in the future international news. That is right I am attempting to incorporate general firefighting news into the blog. I do plenty of it by merely linking to other websites and blogs on the right hand sidebar. If you haven't checked them out you should. I add to the blogroll several times a month. Just as I link to them, they link to me, or us if you look at it that way. You would not believe how many people read this daily, weekly, or check in every once in a while. I certainly hope that you enjoy reading about Roanoke's Bravest and what they are up to with a little added editorial by yours truly occasionally. I get comments and emails regularly letting me know that people (outside of the fire department) enjoy reading about us. The LAFD blog (look under blogroll in the sidebar) is probably the closest to this blog. However there are two major differences: their blog is published by the department, and their blog lacks a personal touch (see some of the posts below). So keep an eye on the blogroll, heck the blog just got linked by a firefighter in Singapore). What more do you want from me? Don't answer that. My wife will rip that list up and throw it out. I left the hyperlinks out of this post on purpose - you have to check them out on your own in the sidebar.

By the way - We are months into this blog and still there are firefighters here in Roanoke City who are just now learning of the existence of this blog. Get the word out and let them know they need to check it out. And tell them to check out www.local1132.org for all their RFFA needs!

Local Hero succumbs to Brain Tumor

W. Jessee Ashby died of a brain tumor which he had been living with for 5 long years. Jesse was a member of Catawba Masons Cove Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad one of the volunteer companies which makes up the Roanoke County Fire-EMS Department. Through the years he held various ranks and administrative positions. Jessee was a friend, brother, and childhood friend of many firefighters in the area as well as some of Roanoke's Bravest. Jessee will always be remembered for his selfless volunteering and will join his fellow brothers and sisters in heaven. I did not know Jessee, however I have heard about him through the years. One instance I remember hearing about was when the community got together to raise money for Jessee to help him through his ordeal. There was a yard sale the other day to benefit Jessee Ashby in Salem. God Bless you Jessee.

To Jessee's wife and family - You should be proud of his legacy and the life he led. It takes a great man to be recognized in death by others who did not know him. Your loss is our loss, the community, the brotherhood, the fire service.

If you have something you would like to add about Jessee please post it below in the comments.

The Roanoke Times published his obituary. I have posted it below.

ASHBY, W. Jessee

W. Jessee Ashby, 27, of Roanoke went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, September 24, 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer of the brain. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William Jennings, Herman Jessee and Hazel Singleton Ashby and a cousin, Allara Reinhardt. Jessee was a proud member of the class of 1995 at Northside High School. While at Northside he was a member of the wrestling team. Jessee attended Virginia Western Community College for two years. He was an employee of Timber Truss beginning as a truck driver and more recently serving as Foreman of the Pick up and Go Sales Department. Jessee's greatest love was serving his community through the Catawba Masons Cove Fire Department and Rescue Squad. He joined the rescue squad in 1994 at age 16 and later became qualified in, EMT-2, Vehicle Extrication, Hazardous Materials, Search and Rescue and Ropes Rescue. He served as Treasurer, Captain, Chaplain and various other capacities until June of 2004. He also served in the Masons Cove Fire Department where he was qualified in Firefighter I, and II. Jessee was a member of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Kelly Ashby; Mom and Dad, Cathy and Earl Ashby; loving Brother, Andrew Ashby, all of Roanoke; half brother, Tony Ashby of Christiansburg; half sister, Crystal Ashby Fore of Tifton, Ga.; grandmother, Evelyn Jennings, of Roanoke; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and his K-9 companion, Missy. Jessee loved flowers and they will be appreciated or memorials may be made to the Catawba Masons Cove Fire Department and Rescue Squad P O Box 125 Catawba, Va. 24070 or to Parkway Wesleyan Church 3230 King Street Roanoke, Va. 24012. Funeral services will be conducted 4 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at Parkway Wesleyan Church by Dr. John Ott and Pastor Mike Lauridsen. The family will receive friends from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday at Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory 5160 Peters Creek Road, 366-0707.

Technorati Tags: Jessee Ashby

Doug Hurd to Assist with Hurricane Devistation in Louisiana

Doug Hurd is being sent, with the Gate City Boys, to Louisiana to assist with the relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and now the added effects of Hurricane Rita. Doug's national Guard Unit has been called to mobilize and ship out to Louisiana. We wish Doug a safe trip and we hope that he is able to assist the hundreds of thousands of victims of these devastating storms. Doug will be on his way on Wednesday September 28th and will return the first week of November hopefully. If you remember, Doug was in Iraq for over a year fighting in the war. Doug is a sergeant in the National Guard in a transportation Company. I will be in contact with Rose, Doug's Wife, to be sure that they have assistance if needed while Doug is away.

The picture above is Doug Hurd on his first day at work, they didn't know he was there until after he showered. Just kidding, this is Doug at Station #13 after getting ready to go have some fun in a paint ball battle.

On a side note there is rumor, which I have heard to be true, that the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department is looking into sending a crew of 15-20 members down to assist with the Relief efforts and give some of the firefighters who are down there now some reprieve. The rumor has it that we will be sending the brand new Tech Truck down there. Hell it is so new I don't even have a picture of it yet. The truck is due from M & W very soon, like the next week I think. I will keep you all posted.

A Hero Laid to Rest

Check out this touching recount of a hero being laid to rest. (here) I originally saw a post on this funeral on the LAFD Blog.

Technorati Tags:fire,hero,LAFD,Firefighters,honor.

Surfin for Blogs- Some other firefighter related blogs on the net

I was surfing the web today and came up with a few blogs of interest. First off there is a Firefighter's Wife who started a blog Putting out Fires. She has insight on what it is like to be the Wife of a firefighter. Check it out to see what our wives might be going through or thinking while we are away.

Then I found this blog which talks about firefighters still running calls amidst Hurricane Rita passing through. I commented on the post and let her know I was pleased that she was educating people that we still have to work no matter the conditions.

Then there is a post on this blog about the new escape harnesses that the FDNY will be using shortly in the wake of the firefighters who had to bail out of an apartment fire plummeting to their death.

Check out the post on this blog about Tim Kaine and the Line of duty benefit which Republicans are attempting to decrease. This is important information for us!!

Here are a couple of pics of L.A.'s Bravest in this blog.

Check out this blog about life at an airport firehouse.

So that should give you some reading for a couple of days. I have blogrolled a couple of these blogs on the right.

Technorati Tags:fire, fire blogs, firefighter.

Local 1132 Back Online !!!

The Roanoke Fire Fighters Association Local1132 Website is back online. You can view it here. We have a better server, better technical support (which I rely on), and more opportunities for the future. Some items you can look forward to in the future are a members only area, your own email at local1132.org with the ability to check it from any computer anywhere. If you have a site of your own for a department, association, or whatever you should check out www.profirefighter.com to be your server provider. Check out the Local 1132 site and check back often for updates.

UPDATE:

To view the photo album of all of the pictures from the Radar fire the other day go HERE.

Technorati Tags:fire,IAFF,Local 1132,RFFA,Roanoke Firefighters.

Another moment in time

Today's moment in history is brought to you by the Lou Ferrigno's Incredible Hulk museum. In this episode you can see that Lou is about to transform into the Hulk and put a stomping on Clayton Martin. I just can't believe that these guys are flipping chicken.

In reality these guys, 1st Lt. Clayton Martin and Battalion Chief Jeff Beckner, are cooking ribs for a rib dinner sale to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I just couldn't help myself. You tell me if you see a resemlance between Beckner above and the Hulk below.

"Blue Mass" for the Firefighters, Police, Sheriffs at St. Andrews Oct. 19th

The Blue Mass was started in 1934 to honor those of us who serve the public. This year the Knights of Columbus here in Roanoke are celebrating their Local Public Safety Personnel with a Blue Mass. The event will be held at 7 pm on October 19th at St. Andrews Catholic Church. The event is for all public safety personnel including firefighters, sheriffs deputies, police officers, paramedics, etc. You do not have to be Catholic to attend, all personnel are welcome. There will be Chiefs, Administrators, local and state dignitaries there as well. Plan on attending. There will be a talented Pipes company there as well as some great songs played. A small reception will follow at St. Andrews. Class A uniforms will be recommended as we will be in a house of God. I will post more information as I learn it.

Technorati Tags: fire, Blue Mass, St. Andrews, K of C.

Roanoke Firefighters on Firehouse.com once again

Firehouse.com Photo Story on the Radar Fire at 2752 Shenandoah can be viewed HERE.

Great job by all who were on scene. It seemed to be a smooth operation, but then again what else would be expected by the guys on B- Shift.

FF/PM Dennis Hayes on a 2 1/2" attack line.

This is what Roanoke Fire-EMS reported about the fire:

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a commercial fire on September 21, 2005 at 2762 Shenandoah Ave., RADAR.
The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 4:10 p.m. The response of four Engines, two Ladder trucks, two Medic units, one EMS Captain, one Administrative Chief, the Fire Marshal, one Investigative Unit, the Education Information Specialist & two Battalion Chiefs for a total of 28 personnel were involved in the fire. The fire was under control at 4:42 p.m.
Upon arrival fire crews found heavy smoke and fire showing from the garage of the RADAR building. Fire personnel quickly and aggressively doused the flames and ventilated the building. There was heavy smoke and heat damage in the garage area of the building and minimal smoke damage in the administrative portion of the business.
One worker was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, but did not need to be transported to the hospital. There were no injuries to Fire-EMS personnel.
The fire started in a van housed in one of the garage bays. The cause is still under investigation. Preliminary damage estimates are approximately one million dollars

This and That- The Blog gets International's Attention

Local 1132 website is down for a day or two due to excellent service from USWARE. Hopefully the site will be back up and running tomorrow on a new server which seems to be more reliable. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope that you check back to see the RFFA Local 1132 website in the future.

In other news, the IAFF is very interested in this blog. They have not found any other blogs quite like it and think that it is a good idea. They are trying to develop online mediums in which members can be informed from the local, state, and international level. I told them that this blog has remained unofficial to the RFFA as well as the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department because I do not want anyone thinking that I am speaking for everyone in either of the organizations. Most of my views expressed are that of the RFFA as a whole, however there is not an official dialogue between what I type and/or what the RFFA believes. I do indeed want this site to inform, teach, and inspire those of you who feel threatened by speaking up. I try to keep my opinion professional and I am willing to hear both sides of any argument. The IAFF has thought of starting a blog, however they are unclear of how to go about posting without official say-so. Much like what I have explained as to why I do this the way that I do it.

Look for the fire yesterday on Shenandoah to be on Firehouse.com in the Photostories section. Chief Hoback has emailed the information as well as my pictures to the site for a Photo story.

Check out some of the past Firehouse.com Photostories here:

Roanoke, Virginia Condos damaged by fire

Roanoke, Virginia Swift Water Rescue Teams respond to flooding after Hurricane

There have been others like the Salem Ave. Fire, however you need to search the archives to find them. I will leave that up to you all if you are interested.

If you have any pictures you want to see on this website, let me know.

Mutter: "When I grow up I wanna be just like you Willy. I mean it, I think this whole firefighting thing is allllllright. Hey look at me when I'm talking to you. You hear me. Where did you get that tie at? Did your mom dress you."

Wines: "Damnit Scotty just keep your mouth shut and face forward, your getting an award for being there when I was in there doing it. I was doing it, and your darn snotty nose crew gets an award for watchin."

Mutter:" You have escaped Reality!"

Wines: "You want reality, Hell I am reality."

This photo was taken during an RFFA Awards Banquet in '83 I believe. I could not resist.

Fire at 2762 Shenandoah Ave. NW

1610 hours units responded Radar's new Vehicle garage at 2762 Shenandoah Ave. Units marked on scene with heavy fire showing. I believe by the units on scene that a 2nd alarm was pulled. I know these units responded E-9, E-5, E-4, E-13, L-13, L-7, L-2, M-3, RS-1, BC-1, BC-2, Chief 2, Fire Marshal 1, Service Truck 1. Let me know if you would like me to add any others. I will be adding all of the pictures to the RFFA website when I get a chance and I will post a link here. Look for that in a couple of hours. The fire seemed to run smoothly. It seems as though a bus caught fire inside the garage and the bus became fully involved which ended up burning and damaging a lot of the ceiling area on the far end of the building. I will add more information as I learn more.

This is the fire scene as I pulled up just as they were about to put water on the fire. The firefighters had to force open several overhead doors to gain entry to the building.

FF/PM Dennis Hayes on a 2 1/2" attack line on side 2 of the structure. The bus was burning right inside the door wear FF Hayes is directing the stream.

I think that this is FF East and another from Station #4, maybe Lt. Roach(please let me know) directing another 2 1/2" hose inside a door at side 3 at the 3/4 corner.

FF Bennington asking Lt. Tom Mougin to call for Engine #5 to force entry; a minute later, Bennington remembers that indeed he is on Engine #5. FF Chuck Sharp was bleep-bleeping him all the while from his honeymoon to see what was going on. Man-Damn.

Technorati Tags: fire, fire photos, fire images, fire pictures, firefighters.

I need help with this one

Any takers, I need help with this one. If anyone has any info please let me know.

Pierce Quantum demo at the Service Center

The apparatus committee got to see a Pierce demo today. The pictures above are of a brand new Pierce Quantum Chassis with a Series 60 Detroit engine. Some other features are a single stage pump, motorized deck gun with controls on the pump panel, top mounted ladder rack which tilts down to the rear for unloading, 750 gallon tank 2.5" front discharge, 2 - 1 3/4" crosslays and 1 - 2" crosslay, plenty of interior cab space, among other things. This is just one of the possible trucks that might be purchased.

3 Fires today kept Roanoke's Bravest busy

There were 3 structure fires as of 2300 hours today.

4224 Quail Drive NW. Fire showing out of a window in this single family dwelling. Responding trucks were E10, E4, E5, E13, L13, M2, M6, RS1, Chief 3, BC2, Service Truck 2. Interior crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly.

507 Hershberger. An outbuilding was on fire at this residence. Responding units were E10, E13, L2, M9, M10, Investigation 1, BC2, BC4, RS1. The fire was quickly contained.

2005 Greenbrier Ave. SE Hooker Furniture. A second alarm was pulled on this fire. Responding trucks were E6, E3, E5, E14, E2, E11, L1, L2, L13, M2, M6, M3, BC1, BC2, RS1, Chief 2, Chief 3, Service Truck 1, Investigation 1, Fire Marshal 1. The sprinkler system in a spray booth kept the fire contained and the interior crews extinguished the fire without much extension.

Another safe day in Roanoke considering the fires. 3 more jobs done right by Roanoke's Bravest.

Vote for Preston Fleitz in Carlin Chronicles Fishing Picture Competition

Be sure to vote for Preston Fleitz at www.wsls.com in the fishing picture competition. The direct link is right here. Apparently you can vote once per hour. I realize that this is totally off subject, but I couldn't help but ask for a couple of votes. It only takes a minute.

Check out the thread on Firehouse.com about Preston and all the brothers and sisters voting for him.

Check out this write-up

Check out this comment on one of my posts here. This is definitely worth reading.

Garret Brantley's last day today. Stop in and wish him well in Florida.

Garret "Levi" Brantley will be leaving us tonight for a future in Florida. Stop in and wish him well.

Roanoke City Live Dispatch

I am looking for interested persons who have information and the know-how to set up Live Dispatch on the Web for Roanoke City 911. You can check out several at Firehouse.com. Some Virginia live dispatches are Troutville, Charlottesville, and Dale City. I have researched the possibility and have come to the conclusion that this is better left to someone who knows what they are doing. If you know how to set this up or know of someone who can, please contact me. I appreciate it and I think that it would be neat to have this capability for people who want to know what is going on here in Roanoke. I have added the frequencies for Roanoke City below. I have not tested them to see if they work or not. I believe that Roanoke City is a trunked system now and I will attempt to get those frequencies for those of you into the trunked system.

These are the Roanoke City frequencies per http://members.tripod.com/~DocHalloween/frequencylist.html.

155.1300 Roanoke City Police(F1)
155.4900 Roanoke City Polic(F2)
453.0500 Roanoke City Sheriff
159.1500 Roanoke City Fire&Rescue
154.3100 Roanoke City Fire&Rescue
155.8200 Roanoke City Fire&Rescue (Dispatch)
453.9000 Roanoke City Fire&Rescue (TAC)

460.3500 Roanoke City
458.7750 Roanoke City Office of Emerg Service Ch.1
453.7750 Roanoke City Office of Emerg Service Ch.2

463.0500 VA EMS MED 3 (Lewis Gale Hospital)
463.0750 VA EMS MED 4 (Roanoke Memorial)
462.9500 VA EMS MED 9 (Allegheny Regional Hospital)

155.3850 Life Guard 10

September 11th, 2001 All the information you can handle

Check out September 11 News for all the information you might ever want to know about that date, the incidents, and the war that the terrorists started.

Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service

Photo Courtesy of Kieth Clinton.

The memorial service for our local Fallen Firefighters as well as those who died on 9-11-01 took place this evening. This year we had a small service which included Roanoke Fire Fighters Association, Roanoke Fire-EMS Ladder 1, Engine 3, Engine 2, BC-1, Chief 3, and RS-1, Troutville Fire Department, and Mount Pleasant Rescue Squad. I apoligize if I left anyone out. We appreciate you all joining us to mourn the Fallen Firefighters.

Next year we hope to have a larger Memorial service in honor of the 5th anniversary of September 11th. Lynchburg Pipes and Drums offered to come this year, so hopefully we will be able to get them out next year. As well as our Color Guard and Honor Guard. So look forward to the next years memorial.

Never forget the Fallen Brothers and Sisters who have given their lives in the line of duty.

Fire Station #1 debate on internet.

Check out the mention that Fire Station #1 got on this site. I have added them on the right as a link.

Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

On September 11, 2005 the RFFA will be putting on a small memorial service for the Fallen Firefighters of Roanoke City as well as the 343 Firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Please plan to attend this event with your friends and families. Contact me with any questions. More information can be found here.