1939 Cadillac Airport Crash Truck

I do not know much about this truck other than what I heard today at the Virginia Museum of Transportation and from Captain Peters. Captain said that the truck was in service when he came here in 1974. The truck was an Airport Crash Truck and stationed at Station 2 on Noble Ave. The responded the truck from #2 if there was a call. The front end was removed to get the engine out. The Museum is currently working on the engine to get the truck running again. If you want to see what the 1939 Caddy looks like new as a passenger vehicle look (here), the site offers all the stats on the Cadillac.

1955 Oren/Willys Overland Pumper

I was at the Virginia Museum of Transportation today and stumbled upon this truck. It was in service at the GE plant in Salem, Virginia. It now lies in the storage at the museum getting ready for a comeback in an upcoming exhibit. View more information about the truck (here).

The RFFA to Document Firefighters License Plates

The RFFA to Document Firefighters License Plates

The Roanoke Firefighters have begun a project to document Firefighter's License Plates in an picture gallery.

This is a project we have begun to document Firefighters personalized license plates. If you would like to submit a picture of your license plates email firefighterplates@local1132.org. Your picture will be processed and added. We ask that the picture be of your license plate, and a jpg or gif file. If you would like to incorporate your vehicle in the picture please make sure that the license plate is legible. The license plate must be related to the Fire Service and/or EMS. Pass this on to your friends as well.

Check it out, although it is in the beginning stages. If you help get the word out, the gallery is sure to take off. Email your fellow firefighters, departments and organizations. Post it on your websites and blogs.

Virginia Chief Died From Extensive Burns - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

Virginia Chief Died From Extensive Burns - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

Virginia Chief Died From Extensive Burns

Updated: 11-17-2005 11:01:57 AM

By Rex Bowman
Times-Dispatch

The state medical examiner's office in Roanoke concluded yesterday that a volunteer fire chief killed while fighting a blaze in Buchanan County this weekend was burned to death.

The body of Max Willard, the 69-year-old chief of the Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department, was found at 8 a.m. Sunday in the woods in the Shortt Gap area. Willard, a 30-year veteran of the department and chief for the past 12 years, had become separated from the other firefighters while battling the blaze.

Local authorities had been unsure if Willard died from smoke inhalation or from burning. Yesterday, Dr. William Massello of the state medical examiner's office said an autopsy determined Willard died from extensive burns. (Read More)

Technorati tags: Virginia Fire Chief Dies, Buchanan County Fire, LODD

Funeral and Visitation set for Fallen Brother Max Willard

Virginia Community Mourns Loss of Fire Chief - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

“We all looked to Max as a father figure. He was always willing to help out,” the assistant chief said. “We’re all just devastated by the loss.”

Smith said people looked up to Willard because of his attitude and his genuine concern for the community.

On Tuesday afternoon, a man who answered the phone at the fire house said he just stopped by to see what he could do, and tidy up. He said he wasn’t a member, but just wanted to help.

On Friday, Willard’s accounting office will be closed to allow his co-workers to attend his funeral, set for 11 a.m. at Buchanan Funeral Chapel in Keen Mountain.

Visitation will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday.

So there it is boys, let me know if you want to take a trip down there to be with our Fallen Brother. I will be calling in tomorrow to make sure it is ok if we all show up. Until then page me or call me or email me at FireFleitz@adelphia.net to let me know if you wanna go. I am able to go to the Funeral on Friday, although I am working on Thursday. You guys let me know and we will head on down South to bury our Fallen Brother.

Technorati tags: Max Willard, LODD, Virginia LODD, Firefighter Death

TriCities.com | Community mourns fire chief

TriCities.com | Community mourns fire chief:

Community mourns fire chief
BY DANIEL TAYLOR
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
Nov 15, 12:31 AM EST




RAVEN – Darrell Cochran was the first to spot Max Willard’s body early Sunday.

The body of the 69-year-old chief of the Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department lay on the side of a hill ravaged by wildfire.

Willard and Cochran had been friends for more than 30 years.

"When you find someone you’ve known all your life like that, it’s hard to think about anything," he said.

Cochran was one of about 15 searching for Willard, who set off by himself the day before. The fire chief was one of about 70 firefighters from across the area battling a 350-acre wildfire in the Shortt Gap section of Buchanan County. All Willard had was a fire rake.

He didn’t return.(Read More)

I contacted the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office and was told that they do not know of any arrangements as of yet. They told me to call back in the morning, as I will do and then report to you all. Special thanks to Shawn Roark for his assistance in locating information. Shawn works as a Firefighter in Bristol, he worked for Roanoke Fire-EMS for about a year.

Technorati tags: Fire Chief, Max Willard, LODD

LODD Close to Home: Oakwood Volunteer Fire Chief Found Dead at Fire

RAVEN, Va. (AP) -- The burned remains of a volunteer fire department chief were found in the woods after he went to battle a brush fire alone.

A search party found the body of Max Willard, 68, chief of the Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department, on Sunday morning.

Willard went into the woods with a fire rake about an hour after the blaze started Saturday and never came out, said Randall Ashby, Buchanan County Sheriff's chief deputy.

Ashby said it was not immediately clear whether the fire, smoke inhalation or something else caused Willard's death.

"His body had been burned by the fire," Ashby said. (here)

Ok I have searched for information online for the Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department and I have not been able to find anything. Just as well, Firehouse.com is not responding, must be working on the website.

I do not know the area exactly where this happened, although it is in Southwest Virginia. I have not been there I do not think.

You can see info (here) from the United States Fire Administration (USFA) website.


Fire Chief magazine online has an article on how to handle LODD's. (here)

I have already been asked if we are going to do anything for the memorial service and/or funeral. We could send down an Honor Guard. However I do not know of the plans for the services. If anyone can help, please let me know. I certainly hope there will be something in the paper tomorrow.

Thanks to Blog from on High for the heads up on this. I was waiting to get an email update from Firehouse.com so I could post some more information. I still have not received an email from them.

May God open his arms wide for another one of our Fallen Brothers. Unfortunately the United States Fire Service is on a tragic pace of our Brothers and Sisters dying in the Line of Duty.

UPDATE:

Firehouse.com does not offer any more information on the incident. I hope to have some more information for you soon.

Lynchburg Fire Chief Buddy Martinette has resigned effective Dec. 31 2005

That is right, Chief Buddy Martinette of Lynchburg, Virginia is stepping down to become the Assistant County Administrator with Hanover County, Virginia. Chief Martinette has been with Lynchburg since 2000 when the then City Manager Charles Church appointed him Fire Chief. Chief Martinette is educated in Fire Administration holding a Bachelor of Science Degree as well as a Masters Degree in Public Administration.

Deputy Fire Chief Brad Ferguson has been appointed as the Acting Fire Chief until a permanent replacement is made. Chief Ferguson has been with the Lynchburg Fire Department for over 29 years.

IAFF HISTORY

IAFF HISTORY

Ok I have waited long enough (click the link above for the site). I believe that this site had it's debut at a recent IAFF Convention in California. The IAFF has been working on this site for the past few months. I have contributed several photos to the project and they used some of them. Good for Roanoke. I just happened to find the site the other day. I had not been told of its online existence, at least I wasn't sure if it had been uploaded quite yet. So I poked around and found it. The design is great, so check it out. You can see several pictures from Roanoke, I think they are in the years '41 and 62. Let me know what you think.

Technorati tags: IAFF History, IAFF, RFFA, Roanoke Firefighters

Chief Hoback Recieves the 2005 Governor's Award for Outstanding EMS Administrator

Roanoke Fire-EMS is proud to announce that Acting Chief David Hoback has been awarded the 2005 Governor's Award for Outstanding EMS Administrator. This prestigious award was presented to Chief Hoback on Saturday night at the 2005 EMS Symposium in Norfolk, VA.

Chief Hoback has significantly contributed to the strategic planning for EMS delivery in Roanoke. He was a founding member of the Virginia Association of Governmental EMS Administrators and has served two terms as President. He is a life member of Read Mountain Volunteer Fire-Rescue. Chief Hoback has contributed to the delivery of EMS for over 25 years.

He was cited for his dedication as a provider, instructor, manager, rescue squad volunteer and Acting Chief.

Please join Roanoke Fire-EMS in congratulating Chief Hoback on this much deserved award.

Fire at 1717 Westover Ave.

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a fire on November 11, 2005 at 1717 Westover Ave.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 9:17 p.m. and was quickly under control by 9:50 p.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, three Medic Units, one Investigative Unit, one EMS Captain & one Battalion Chief, for a total of 22 personnel responded to the fire.

Upon arrival fire crews found fire in a two story frame house. The structure contained three apartments. The fire was in Apartment #1. Crews quickly and aggressively extinguished the fire that spread to the hall and an adjoining bedroom. There was heavy fire damage upstairs and moderate water damage downstairs. There was no damage to Apartment #2 and only light smoke damage to Apartment #3. Residents of Apartments #2 & #3 were allowed to return to their homes. Residents of Apartment #1 were displaced from their home. The Red Cross was notified and responded to the scene.

When the fire broke out there were 9 people in the building. They all escaped unharmed. There were no injuries to citizens or Fire-EMS personnel.

The fire started in the bedroom of Apartment #1 and was contained to Apartment #1. The cause was accidental and appeared to be electrical. Preliminary damage estimates are approximately $40,000.

Firefighter Blog

Firefighter Blog:

Fire Resources; Hong Kong

Hong Kong fire services utilize an impressive array of emergency equipment. Hong Kong is home to 7 million people. Neighborhoods are densely populated and mostly vertical.

Take a look at this link which provides a comprehensive photo display of the equipment they use.

So I read this post and it got me thinking. They have two trucks right there on the pages that are 52 and 53 meters tall. How tall is that. I figured that a meter is about the same as a yard and that a yard is 3 feet so we are talking a little over 150 feet tall. But I had to be sure so I checked out this link for the exact conversion. The answer is 53 meter = 173.8845144 feet.

Now on to my next question. If it is possible to get a 170 ft. Straight stick ladder, which is rear mounted and looks to be 5 fly sections. That puts the truck at about 35-40 ft. long. You can see this truck here.

Of course if you can have a 170 ft. Straight stick, what would be better? Well your answer is a 173 ft. telescoping boom with a platform attached to an articulating arm. Wow. Now I have seen Ladder trucks and the only thing I have seen close in the states is the Bronto Skylift. So I checked out the Bronto Skylift website and found out that Bronto actually has an 88 meter truck. Now don't be fooled, these trucks are for Rescue purposes mainly and not for Aerial waterway. In case you were wondering how tall 88 meters = 288 ft. Wow right. You can see this truck here. The site touts

"With a cage slewing of 90 degrees, rescue proceeds quickly: five persons can be safely brought down from a height of 33 floors. The aerial platform can be completely controlled both from the cage in the air and from the officerÂ’s position on the ground."

So my question to you all is how many Cities do you know of that actually have a Ladder truck taller than say 121', after all Roanoke City has a truck which is 121' tall. I really wonder why more Cities do not have trucks like this. I think I might know the answer. Because the Cities who do not have them, have not had a need for them yet. Citizens, Administrators, City Councils, City Managers, and Boards of Supervisors do not see a need for purchases like this. And most Cities have never had a need for a truck like this. But you better believe that when people die on the upper floors of a building because the Firefighters could not get to them from the interior, they will realize there is a need for it.

Oh and by the way, Roanoke City could reach to the tallest point of any structure in the City with one of these units. Do you hear what I am saying. The Firefighters in Roanoke City could reach the very tip of every building in Roanoke City with one of these trucks. Now that is power. That is ability. That is using your head. Of course we would hope that we would never have a true need for this truck.

Technorati tags: Firefighters blog, Hong Kong Fire, Ladder Trucks, Fire Trucks, Fire Engines

ODHFS Owners Pride - Page 4

ODHFS Owners Pride - Page 4:

1952 Oren Custom Squad Wagon
Ex-Roanoke, VA Fire Dept.

Delivered to the Roanoke, VA Fire Dept. in November 1952 bearing
Oren Roanoke Corp. Serial #CD1311. Chassis built by the Corbitt Co.
of Henderson, NC with a 427 cu. in. Continental 6 cyl. The Squad has
been repowered with a 1975 - 400 cu.in.(191 hp) Reo Gold Comet 6 cyl.
It is one of many squads built by Oren but the only one of its kind.
A True Custom Built Truck !
It has seating for five and compartments are original. Squad 1 was originally a command/communications rig and was later used as
heavy rescue/lighting unit. Retired in 1995 and auctioned.

Check out this site for Pictures of Squad 1 as well as many other old Orens and other Fire Apparatus.

Technorati tags: Oren, Roanoke Fire Department, Old Fire Truck, Old Dominion Historical Fire Society

Roanoke Fire Stations: New and Old

Roanoke Fire Stations: New and Old

A new page has been added to the Local 1132 website. The page documents all of the Fire Stations in the past and present of the Roanoke Fire Department, Roanoke Fire-EMS Department, and the Volunteer Companies from the late 1800's. This is part of The Maurice Wiseman Project. The project is ongoing and this is the latest installment. Some of the pictures are missing. Most will be incorporated in the near future, and some we are in need of pictures for. If you have any pictures to incorporate let us know, we will scan them and return them.

Fire at 1358 Clarke Ave.

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a fire on November 11, 2005 at 1358 Clarke Ave.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 12:14 a.m. and was quickly under control by 12:40 a.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, three Medic Units, one Investigative Unit, one EMS Captain and one Battalion Chief for a total of 22 personnel responded to the fire. This was a residential structure which served as a five unit apartment building.

Upon arrival fire crews found heavy fire coming from the structure and that there was one occupant on the roof. The ladder truck successfully rescued the occupant from the roof and took them to safety. Crews quickly and aggressively put the fire out that was found in the second floor bedroom and did a thorough search of the building to make sure that no other residents were trapped inside. The fire was contained to the attic and bedroom and no victims were found in the structure. There were no injuries to citizens or Fire-EMS personnel.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Preliminary damage estimates are approximately $75,000.

The Maurice Wiseman Project

The Maurice Wiseman Project:

The Maurice Wiseman Project

The Roanoke Fire Fighters Association has embarked on a project to document the history of the Roanoke Fire Department, Roanoke Fire-EMS Department, and the Roanoke Fire Fighters Association. This includes the Volunteer Fire Companies which began the Fire Service in Roanoke City. The now deceased Captain Maurice Wiseman spent his entire career collecting artifacts, researching the history, documenting incidents, collecting newspaper clippings. Through his dedication he was able to preserve much of the history and tradition in this great Department. His family graciously left his collection to the Roanoke Fire Fighters Association for us to continue his work. It is through this work that we have been able to bring this online project to you. This project will be added to regularly. The project has begun at the beginning in 1877. We are in the process of documenting newspaper articles from that era as well as incorporating the data which Maurice left for us. Included in his collection is numerous photos.

Check out the new project the Local 1132 has embarked on. The Maurice Wiseman Project is an ongoing historical project which has just begun.

Technorati tags: RFFA, Maurice Wiseman, Fire History, Fire Timeline, Local 1132

Firefighter Mortgage Assistance

I have found some information on mortgage programs which help Firefighters, as well as teachers and police officers, purchase houses in the jurisdiction in which they work. I have listed some of the companies I have found below. If you want more information contact them.

Bank of America - Neighborhood Champions

Wachovia - Community Solutions Program

IAFF Financial Corporation - Home Mortgage/ Refinance Program- This IAFF FC is a valuable asset, you should check it out if you are an IAFF member. Hopefully in the future the City will allow the IAFF FC Retirement program as an option instead of the ICMA program.

Firefighter - Emergency Medical Technician Next Door HUD Program - This program offers a 50% discount on buying homes. I followed the listing's link and it seems as though there are not any properties available in Virginia at this time. Check it out, I could be wrong.

These are just a few, I am sure there are more out there. Let me know if you find something new.

Fire at 3203 Oakland Blvd.

A fire broke out at 0838 hours this morning at 3203 Oakland Blvd. NW. E2, E10, L2, E14, E5, BC2, RS1, M10, M3, Inv.1 responded for a single family dwelling fire. 1st Lt. Phillip Dillon and 1st Lt. Chad Riddleberger from Ladder 2 rescued a victim from the dwelling, who refused treatment and transport. The fire was contained in the kitchen. The fire was quickly brought under control. Investigators are on scene investigating the cause of the fire.

Additional from the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department:
The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a fire on November 10, 2005 at 3203 Oakland Blvd.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 8:38 a.m. and was quickly under control by 8:54 a.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, two Medic Units, one Investigative Unit, one EMS Captain, two Battalion Chiefs, one Administrative Chief and one Education Information Specialist for a total of 24 personnel responded to the fire.

Upon arrival fire crews found smoke coming from the eaves of the structure. This was a residential structure. Crews quickly and aggressively put the fire out that was found in the kitchen area. There was alot of smoke in the home. Crews did a thorough search and did find a resident in the home. Fire crews quickly got the victim out of the structure. The victim did not require medical attention. There were no injuries to citizens or Fire-EMS personnel.

The fire started in the kitchen and was contained to the kitchen. The cause is under investigation. Preliminary damage estimates are approximately $10,000.

Update:
Roanoke Fire-EMS responded to a residential fire at 3203 Oakland Blvd. on November 10th. Investigators have determined that the cause of this fire was accidental.

Roanoke Fire Fighters Local 1132

Roanoke Fire Fighters Local 1132:

From the Roanoke Leader:

Fire Department

We are glad to learn that this organization has been perfected. The meeting held last Monday night in Rorer Hall was for the purpose of consolidating the tow parties striving after the same end here, and was successful in that respect. It is hoped and expected by the organization that the City Council will give a lot near Rorer Hall and erect upon it a house suitable for the protection of the fire apparatus.

It seemed to be the prevailing sentiment of the meeting that a hook and ladder company was as much as the means in hand and in prospect would justify at present, but this point has not yet been fully determined. The constitution and by-laws will be considered for amendment etc., at the meeting next Monday.

When the nomination for the office of 2d lieutenant was made, the gentleman named stated he was a stranger, and on that account wished to decline the honor; whereupon Mr. Rush Darr, remarked that strangers in this town were always welcome, and heartily received, which sentiment elicited much applause.

Check out the additions to the Roanoke Firefighters Association Timeline. There will continue to be additions to the page. I have been archiving articles starting at the beginning 1882. Look for more information to come, and check out the updates now, including the beginning of the Roanoke Fire Company No. 1.

Technorati tags: RFFA, 1132, Roanoke Firefighters, Roanoke Fire Company No. 1, Roanoke Fire Department, City Council, Roanoke City

First Annual Fire Prevention Week Art Contest

News from the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department via MyRoanoke.

And we have 12 winners! On Wednesday, November 3rd, a panel of judges selected 12 winners of the first annual Fire Prevention Week Art Contest. This contest was held in all Roanoke City Public Schools during Fire Prevention Week in grades K-12. 44 students submitted their original works of art for judging. A committee consisting of Acting Assistant City Manager for Operations Jim Grigsby; Vickie Green, Marketing and Information Specialist for Roanoke's Parks and Recreation Department; Tiffany Bradbury, Education Information Specialist for Roanoke Fire-EMS; Kris Pedelty, host of Collage, a local arts show on WCOX-9; Shawn Thorpe, M.Ed., RCPS's Coordinator of Fine Arts Prek-12; & Vickie McCormick, RCPS's Director for Communications judged the masterpieces using various categories. The winners were treated to a reception on Monday, November 7th at Fire Station #10. Winning artwork will also be put on display at a spot to be determined.

The winners are:
1st Place: Dakota Hale, 5th Grade - Fallon Park Elementary
Taylor Dosh, 7th Grade - William Ruffner
Spencer Borthen, 12th Grade - Patrick Henry

2nd Place: Rowan Cai, 1st Grade - Grandin Court Elementary
Evelyn Knezovich, 7th Grade - William Ruffner
Devon Ray, 10th Grade - Patrick Henry

3rd Place: Kayla Berkey, 4th Grade - Fallon Park
Jon Lovern, 8th Grade - James Madison
Philipp Schmitt, 12th Grade - Patrick Henry

Honorable Mentions: Kimani Daley, 2nd Grade - Westside Elementary
Keviajalen Engram, Kindergarten - Lincoln Terrace
Na'arja Jones, 1st Grade - Forest Park Elementary

The reception was attended by the Superintendent from Roanoke City Public Schools, Mr. Marvin Thompson and the Associate Superintendent For Instruction, August Bullock. Representatives from the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department were also in attendance consisting of Chief David Hoback, Chief Ralph Tartaglia, Chief Billy Altman, Chief Marlan Morris, Chief Bobby Slayton and the Crew at Fire Station #10. There were also many Principals, Art Specialists, Teachers and family in attendance. Please join Roanoke Fire-EMS and Roanoke City Public Schools in congratulating these students. They deserve it!

I will add that that one piece of Art is a Firefighter kneeling in front of a teddy bear. What a piece of work. I will try to get a copy for the site.

California Firefighter Dies At Structure Fire - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

California Firefighter Dies At Structure Fire - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

California Firefighter Dies At Structure Fire

BEN WEINSTEIN
Firehouse.Com News

A veteran California firefighter died in the line of duty Saturday on the scene of a structure fire.

Eduardo Teran, 43, a 17-year veteran with the Riverside Fire Department, collapsed and went into cardiac arrest while performing firefighting activities. The department is waiting on autopsy results.

Firefighters saw Teran fall near a parked engine as they were doing cleanup work. Riverside Fire Department paramedics performed advanced life support before transporting Teran to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead less than two hours later.

“This event deeply saddens all the members of the firefighting community and city,” Chief Tedd Laycock said in a department release.

Teran is survived by his wife, Nanci, and daughter, Lauren, 13.

I recieve the LODD notification from www.Firehouse.com. Firehouse .com is the single greatest online tool for firefighters throughout the World. I posted this LODD notification because I recieved two today. You can sign up for the LODD notification on the website. Remember be safe, healthy, and smart when on the job.

Technorati tags: LODD, California Firefighter, Firefighter Deaths, Deadly Fire

This day in History 1892

On this day in History 1892 the Alert Fire Company #4 was formed. This Fire Company was located across from the Virginia Brewery at 1219 Wise Ave. and was formed by workers from the Brewery. From the stories I have read, the guys drank a lot of beer during the meetings. The Alert Fire Company disbanded on February 4, 1903. The picture below is the only known photo of the Alert Fire Company and was actually cropped from a bigger picture with other Companies in it. If you know of another picture please contact me.

This is the Sanborn Fire Map of the Alert Fire Company in 1893. The station is just below the (AVE.).
Below is the Sanborn Fire Map of the Alert Fire Company in 1898. The station is just below the (WISE).

Breaking news from The Roanoke Times -Breaking NewsStatewide campaigns stop in Roanoke

Breaking news from The Roanoke Times -

Breaking News

Statewide campaigns stop in Roanoke:

Breaking News
Statewide campaigns stop in Roanoke

Updated: 11:41 AM
Kaine, Kilgore campaigns both visiting Roanoke today in final push to Election Day.

By Mason Adams
The Roanoke Times

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tim Kaine and his two statewide running mates continued their final push to Election Day this morning by coming full circle to Roanoke.

The Republican ticket will tout their message this afternoon when they appear with former governor and current U.S. Sen. George Allen at 1 at Roanoke Regional Airport.

Kaine appeared with lieutenant governor candidate Leslie Byrne, attorney general candidate Creigh Deeds and Gov. Mark Warner and former governor Linwood Holton at Fire Station No. 1, where Kaine officially announced his candidacy back in March. Before a crowd of about 250, Kaine pledged to govern in the same vein as Warner.

Several Roanoke Firefighters including Roanoke County and Salem were out to support the Kaine, Byrne, and Deeds Campaign Rally. Do not forget to vote tomorrow November 8th. The VPFF has endorsed these candidates. To see a complete listing of endorsed candidates please visit www.local1132.org

Technorati tags: Tim Kaine, Leslie Byrne, Creigh Deeds, Virginia Governer, Mark Warner, Roanoke Fire Station #1, RFFA, VPFF

Salem Firefighters release new website

Salem Professional Firefighters Association:

The Salem Professional Firefighters Association Local 3478 have created a new website. Check it out. The site requires a new flash player, you should be promted to download it if your computer does not have it.

The Brotherhood makes an appearance at Operation Home Delivery

The Habitat for Humanity/WSLS Operation: Home Delivery was a huge success yesterday. There were 25 firefighters building and dismantling the houses for delivery. Two of the women who were receiving the houses were present most of the day. They were grateful for all of the hard work that went into the operation.
I tried my best to explain what type of guys these Firefighters were and that they would build until they couldn't build anymore. Apparently the Team Leaders did not understand what I was telling them and within about 5 minutes the Team Leaders (from Habitat for Humanity) were freaking out because we were moving too fast and they needed to spread out the work over the whole day. That situation was cleared up after lunch when the HFH realized they might not have the same amount of guys out the next day to tear everything down and load it up. It was good to see so many guys out there all working together to get the job done.
Here Dennis Duncan, Jeff Beckner, Toby Bedwell, Dave Ploch, Gary Fisher, and Todd Harris await the next order. In the beginning the building was slow. After lunch they turned us loose and no one was standing around.
John Sweeney, Lynn Flora, and George Purdue do a final check on a previously built house.

Mark Kesterson, Todd Harris, Mark Brown, Toby Bedwell, and Lynn Flora take a break while WSLS is live for the presentation ceremony. Mark Brown contacted and set up all of the guys who came out to help with the help of Gary Fisher. This would not have been as successful an event without their involvement.
Front Row - Kevin Akers, Richard Lipes, Matt Dewhirst, Dave Ploch, Gary Fisher. Back Row - Brian Conner, Brent Barry, Shawn Sikes, Clayton Fowler(very back), John Sweeney, David Lucas, Allen Austin, and Ben O'Baugh.

One of the guys told me how this was the largest Union turnout for an activity other than the Christmas Banquet since he had been here (7 years). I wasn't really thinking about it in those terms. However after he said it, I thought about it. He was right. Maybe a Union meeting here and there brought 25 members, but not regularly. The Golf Tournament brings out more, but that is a little different.

In my time in the department I can tell you this; this is a proud moment. This is what it is all about. Helping out the Community. Helping others. Helping ourselves. I manage to get to most RFFA events as well as Fire Department events. So thank you to all for coming out and helping. Here is a list of the guys who came out. If I forgot anyone let me know and I will add them.

Clayton Fowler, Jeff Beckner, Brent Berry, Mark Brown, Matt Dewhirst, Richard Lipes, Shawn Sikes, David Lucas, Kevin Akers, Allen Austin, John Sweeney, Lynn Flora, Ben O'Baugh, Dave Ploch, Toby Bedwell, John Willdigg, Mark Kesterson, Dennis Duncan, Gary Fisher, Todd Harris, Brian Conner, Dave Bishop, George Perdue, R.T. Flora, Hank Pfister, and Rhett Fleitz. Johnnie Price and Chris Price cooked the Barbeque, which was excellent. Also thanks to Jerry Franks for helping out and Salem Firefighters Jimmy Poindexter and Tony Rickman.

As for those naysayers out there, the Brotherhood is alive and well here in Roanoke.

Look for an update on the Local1132 website early this week. If you have any pictures you would like to add send them to FireFleitz@adelphia.net.

Incidents- Fires, Wrecks, and Mutual Aid

Last night and today were busy here in Roanoke City. I will begin with last night. There was a fire on Buena Vista Blvd. Roanoke Fire-EMS released this:

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a residential fire on November 3, 2005 at 1302 Buena Vista Blvd. The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 1:05 a.m. and was quickly under control at 1:30 a.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, one Medic Unit, one Investigative Unit, one EMS Captain and one Battalion Chief for a total of 18 personnel responded to the fire.

Upon arrival fire crews found fire in a 2 level storage building at the rear of the address. Fire crews quickly & aggressively extinguished the fire. There were no injuries to civilians or Fire-EMS personnel.

The cause of the fire and origin of the fire are under investigation. Damage estimates are approximately $500.

Today we have seen 2 fires thus far as well as an accident with entrapment on 460.

First fire was a garage fire in the 4400 block of Melrose, just before the Roanoke/Salem line. The units dispatched (E13, L13, E9, M9) were able to handle. No injuries reported. I have not received much else.

Second fire just about an hour ago. Fire at 3102 Willow Rd. NW. E9, E5, L13, M9, M10, E13, BC2, and Service Truck 1 were dispatched for a structure fire. E9 marked on scene with with a detached garage fully involved. The fire was quickly brought under control. No injuries reported.

There was an accident on 460 today. E14, E5, and M2? were dispatched for an accident with injury possible entrapment. Soon after the initial dispatch, dispatch advised that the wreck was possibly on Challenger. Challenger is the name for 460 in Roanoke County, meaning that the accident was actually in the County. Chief 2, David Hoback, marked on scene with a MVA with entrapment and advised City units to continue their response. County units were enroute also. E14 arrived and E5 behind them. 2 victims were trapped. Another Medic truck was dispatched from the City. Units on scene were able to handle. I do not know of the Counties involvement in the response.

On another note, it seems as though the Mutual aid agreements have been getting a work out recently. The other day there were 3 City Medic Units on calls outside the City. There have been a couple today, including the usual mutual aid responses with City Fire Engines. Like I have said before, and I think this is the general sentiment of most City Firefighters. We don't mind running calls, even mutual aid, however these departments we are running mutual aid for need to correct the problem at hand. The problem is that these departments do not have enough firefighters to handle there call volume. The answer is to hire more firefighters. The County just hired several firefighters to staff Hollins #5 with more firefighters. This is a big step in the right direction. I hope that the County will continue this trend of hiring more firefighters. Hopefully the taxpayers and voters in Roanoke County know the need of more firefighters.

On another note, I have been sent back to the ARFF Company at Roanoke Regional Airport. The ARFF Company is stationed in Station #10. I love it. I have never been happier. To think that I will only have to run about (50 calls a year divided by 3 shifts) 16 calls a year. Not bad is it.

Ok to clarify, I did not ask to be put on the ARFF Company. The guys who are assigned here are good at it and understand it. Most of them have put in numerous years in busy companies and enjoy the slower pace. I however am not one of those firefighters, at least not yet. I enjoy the adrenaline rush, running calls, helping people. I am young, 28 years old with almost 7 years in the dept. and recently promoted to Lieutenant. In our department a Lt. is a driver who has acting ability. Which means the I can ride as the Officer if the Captain is off. I would rather be at stationed at an Engine or Ladder Company. I was recently moved from Engine 8 (Crystal Springs Fire Station) to the ARFF Company which I had been moved off of after being at the ARFF for only several months. I guess I will just have to wait it out until I can move back onto a Red Fire Truck (the ARFF trucks are yellow). Until then I won't have too many stories to tell of my own, but I will try to report on the others. If indeed I have an incident, I will probably be the last place you will be looking for information, it will be more likely covered on the local or national news. I certainly hope nothing like that happens, wouldn't be pretty at all. As they say, flying is safer than driving.

Firefighters solve the worlds problems

There is a secret about Firefighters that most non-firefighters do not know and I am going to spill the beans. Firefighters can solve any problem in about 1 hour and 1 pot of coffee, coffee optional. When I say any problem, I mean problems like World peace, The War on Terror, Hurricane Relief, even local politics like Victory Stadium, The Art Museum of Western Virginia, The Flood Control Plan, etc. That is right anything, we have a solution. You would be amazed at how quickly Firefighters work through problems. You might not even know there is a problem yet, we have solved it.

Leave the "what if's", "what will they say","what will they do", "what about this", "what about that" at home. We don't use that type of give and take. We see a problem, discuss it, come up with the best solution, the end. There is not time for second guessing, that isn't how we work. Therefore people have to live with the decision and move on. More Firefighters should be in the consulting business.

Believe me when I say, I have heard just about every possibility for most of the Big unanswered Projects/Plans/Issues which Plague the City of Roanoke. As most of you all know I work part time the RVFFCU, the Roanoke Firefighters very own Credit Union. I am involved in the RFFA, I have been elected Secretary/Treasurer for next year, as well as being involved in several committee's for the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department. What I am getting at is that I am around the Fire Station a lot. Not just at #10 where I work or #8 which houses the RVFFCU, but I get around to many of the other Fire Stations for what ever reason.

You can walk into any Fire Station in the City, probably anywhere, and usually catch at least a couple of Firefighters discussing certain issues. These are not boring discussions either. We are talking very excitable Firefighters standing up for their beliefs, while other Firefighters are just trying to get under their skin by debating the other side of the issue. Hilarity usually ensues while the passionate Firefighter is undermine by the others. It really gets good when you have several points of view being discussed.

So why exactly am I writing this, I don't know. I just got through a conversation, actually I just was spoken to for a solid half-hour about World Issues. I was not asked one question, nor was I given a chance to speak. I was held captive by my desk and chair here at the RVFFCU, I could not get up and leave, and I tried to change the subject. But this isn't the first time. I am held captive while I hear all sorts of stories, stories about wives, children, co-workers, bosses, the RFFA, anything really.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy talking. Those of you who know me can vouch for that. So don't stop with the stories. Just don't talk to me like you are talking to an inanimate object. We can have a productive intellectual conversation about whatever, just don't lecture.

One more thing for the members of the RFFA. If you truly want to know what the RFFA is going to do about this and that, come to the meetings and ask. I am not the walking cliffnotes of every meeting, issue, or problem that the RFFA discusses at its meetings.


This just in:

There will be a Campaign Rally for Tim Kaine, Creigh Deeds, and Leslie Byrne at Fire Station #1 on Monday November 7th, 8:30am.

A dark day in the History of the Roanoke Fire Department

This was a dark day in the history of the Roanoke Fire Department. A dark day that has luckily not been seen since that day. On this day 20 years ago 2 firefighters lost their lives doing their job. Captain Robert Gale Cassell and Firefighter Harvey H. Helm of Engine Company #12 were killed by a hit and run driver. The men were on scene of an automobile fire on Shenandoah Avenue. the woman who's car was on fire was also killed in the accident.

The driver of the car who murdered these three people was found later charged and convicted. He was driving under the influence.

These firefighters were doing their jobs. At the time they weren't doing anything heroic, exceptional, or out of the ordinary. Most people would think that what they were doing was not dangerous at all. That just isn't the case. Operating at the scene of MVA's (motor vehicle accidents) is very dangerous. Drivers attention is taken away from the task of driving when they see an accident and they focus on seeing what happened. This often causes rubbernecking. My point is two fold; 1) For you firefighters out there - you need to remain aware of what is going on around you and take every precaution in making the scene as safe as possible, and 2) For you drivers out there - pay attention to what you are doing, you wouldn't believe how many firefighters and EMT's are killed on the scene of accidents where they are doing their jobs.

Harvey Helm

These two Line of Duty Deaths (LODD) are the last in the history of the Roanoke Fire Service. Hopefully this trend will continue. Every day Fire Departments across the Nation are arming themselves with more training, better equipment, better SOP's to make our jobs safer. The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department should be commended for its history of keeping its firefighters safe and doing the most important job of all, making sure we all go home in the morning.

There is a Fallen Firefighter Memorial for Roanoke City Firefighters located at the Transportation Museum. The online history which contains information on this LODD as well as the others can be found here.

So here is to you Captain Cassell and Firefighter Helm. We admire the lives you led and the ultimate sacrifice you gave. We will never forget you or any of the Fallen Firefighters.

Recruit School #7 Graduates - Welcome to the Family

From the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department:

On Tuesday, November 1, 32 recruits from the Roanoke Valley Regional Fire/EMS Academy graduated. The graduation was held at the Salem Civic Center.

Thirteen Roanoke Fire-EMS recruits, four Salem Fire & EMS recruits & fifteen Roanoke County Fire & Rescue recruits graduated after a 17-week long academy held at the Roanoke Valley Regional Training Center in Salem, VA. This was the 7th Recruit Class to graduate from the academy.

The graduates will be reporting to duty at their assigned stations this week. Please join Roanoke Fire-EMS in congratulating the recruits on their accomplisments and wishing them the best in their future career!

You can check out pictures of the recruits in action at www.local1132.org/incidents.htm. There is a photo album of one of their final burns.

My dark little corner of cyberspace

My dark little corner of cyberspace:

Hey! We're a busy station after all!
Friday was an interesting day on shift. We have gotten so used to it being slow out of this house, that we've gotten a bit complacent. Not about how we do our job or the level of service we provide, but just that we tend to get used to staying around the house and training and not running as many calls as other companies.

The day started out fairly normal. We did our station chores and our truck checks. We were short-handed, again. Our one captain called in sick, the other captain was still out of town for a training class, one of the lieutenants was on vacation, as well as one of the other firefighters. So, we wound up getting a couple fill-in people, but we were still running with less people than we should have.

Here is another blog that I found of a Career IAFF firefighter. Check it out. Interesting reading.

Technorati tags: Firefighter, blog, firefighter blog, IAFF

HeroToHero

HeroToHero:

The IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial

(17 Sept 05) This past weekend, I experienced a wonderful honor when the Tacoma Fire Department Honor Guard allowed me to accompany them to the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, CO.

The TFD Honor Guard & Pipers have been such a blessing for the Hero To Hero effort, and the pictures here are our way of saying thank you to some of our favorite Firefighters (& Medics).

We left from SeaTac on Thursday, and returned last night (Sunday). In between, we met firefighters from all over North America. We met families of the Fallen Heroes and shared stories of people we all had in common. I listened as past visits were relived, and watched as new friends became lifelong buddies. There were lots of hugs, and plenty of "Hey, remember that time..."

Check out this blog I found. It has interesting information on the Hero to Hero program. The program gives the shirts off of our back to deployed troops. Pretty interesting reading.

Technorati tags: IAFF, Fallen Firefighter Memorial, Hero to Hero, Blog

News from The Roanoke Times -Roanoke's new defenses give earlier warning, better responses

News from The Roanoke Times -Roanoke's new defenses give earlier warning, better responses:

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Roanoke's new defenses give earlier warning, better responses

Officials say a 1985-like storm would still be dangerous, but they wouldn't be caught by surprise. Could the Great Flood of '85 happen again? | view photos, audio gallery from the flood

By Laurence Hammack
981-3239
The Roanoke Times

Twenty years ago, David Hoback had a bird's-eye view of the chaos and devastation wrought by the Roanoke Valley's worst flooding on record.

A volunteer firefighter at the time, Hoback spent the afternoon of Nov. 4, 1985, aboard a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, rescuing people from the rooftops where they had been trapped by raging floodwaters.

"Nobody had a clue this was coming," Hoback said.

Today, as the acting chief of the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department and the beneficiary of 20 years of hindsight, Hoback has a different view of how the Roanoke Valley's first responders would handle a flood like the one in 1985, which caused more than $100 million in damage and killed 10 people.

"We can't stop the water from rising and falling," he said. "But we certainly can make preparations to prevent property loss and the loss of life."

I am sure that the Firefighters here in Roanoke City are more prepared for disasters such as this mentioned. It seems as though we have seen increased localized flooding in the past couple of years. Check out the link above for more information from today's paper including pictures of the rescues and clean up during the flood of '85.

Technorati tags: Roanoke Fire-EMS, Flood of 1985, Roanoke City, Swift Water Rescue Team

MS- 13 Mara Salvatrucha

MS-13 initiation poses a threat to First Responders across the nation.

This information I have heard for the past few hours now. I have researched it online to insure that I am spreading credible information and not some urban legend. MS 13 stands for the gang Mara Salvatrucha. Bio information here. The gang is comprised of mostly hispanics, although there are reports of all different races being involved.

Most of the Salvadorian refugees settled in the established Hispanic neighborhoods of the "Rampart" area of Los Angeles. However, Salvadorians were not readily accepted into the Los Angeles Hispanic community, and were frequently targeted by local Hispanic gangs. As a result, in the late 1980s, some refugees and refugee members of La Mara and FMNL (Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front) formed what is now known as the Mara Salvatrucha (MS) street gang in Los Angeles. Like many other street gangs, MS initially formed for protection, but quickly developed a reputation for being organized and extremely violent. MS membership continues to be fed by refugees from groups like FMNL.

From what I understand the gang is possibly here in Roanoke. Word has been passed on from the Richmond PD to the Roanoke PD about this gang activity. The gangs are actively "ranking" the new members. This is believed to be an initiation type activity. This poses many issues to the First Responders in the area. First of all, there is a possibility of more violence in the area. Secondly and more importantly it is reported that one activity during "ranking" is to harm a Police Officer, Firefighter, and/or EMT. It is also reported to me that you should be on alert if around these suspected gang members if they take off their hats, unbutton their shirts, and/or speak of fighting. This threat is reported to be in effect for the next three nights. Hopefully the Firefighters/EMT's in the area will not be effected by these activities. Although I thought it warranted a mention to the readership of the blog. Knowledge is power, and as long as we are informed we can respond safely, do our jobs, and go home in the morning.

If you have anything to add to assist in understanding this threat please let me know.

Habitat For Humanity - Operation Home Delivery

Habitat For Humanity - Operation Home Delivery


This is an update to the guys who have offered to help out with building the Habitat for Humanity "Operation Home Delivery". I was called the other day by HFHRV and informed that due to the outpouring of support through donations, the HFHRV is going to be building a 4th house for the residents of Slidell, Lousiana. This fourth house will be built on Friday, Nov. 4th. This is the day that the Firefighters will be out building. I know that if there is anyone out there who can build a house in a day, it is us. We hope to see you out there. We also need help out there with cooking and feeding all of the volunteers.

Technorati tags: Roanoke Firefighters, Hurricane Katrina, Habitat for Humanity, Operation Home Delivery, WSLS News Channel 10, Slidell Louisiana

Firefighters in the Community

Photo by webmaster. L-R Lt. Brent Berry, FF John Burroughs, FF Tom Gehrman, FF Jarrod Fuhrman, FF Jon Vandam, Lt. Rodney Jordan.

Community event at Community Hospital including Ladder 1 and Medic 3 B-Shift, the Fire Safety House, Jon Vandam, PIO Tiffany Bradbury, Kevin Bradbury, and myself. Much thanks to everyone involved. Roanoke City Police, Roanoke sheriffs Office, as well as Carilion and many others were there for the children. This will be posted on the RFFA website on the RFFA/Fire Safety House page. (Here)

Roanoke Firefighters: News from The Roanoke Times -Team helps Rita's victims

Roanoke Firefighters: News from The Roanoke Times -Team helps Rita's victims

Attention:

If you all would direct your attention to the link above. There is a message/comment to the Firefighters who went to Johnson's Bayou and also to the Firefighters who remained here.

Technorati tags: Johnsons Bayou

Mike Pruitt's last shift

This excellent photography is that of Capt. Willie Wines. Thanks for sending in the picture. This is Mike Pruitt handing off his coat to Lt. Kelcey Branch. Mike's Captain, Doug Rorrer, is in Florida restoring the EOC with some other FF's. I apologize for not stopping by, I tried. Good luck to you in your new post in Franklin County. Many guys stopped by to wish Mike well including Chief Hoback and the Acting Battalion 1, Captain Willie Wines. Following tradition, Mike was relieved at 5 pm and fed a steak dinner. Many thanks to FF Gary Fisher for coming in to cover for Mike and allow tradition to continue.

The first Black Firefighter in the Roanoke Fire Department

Early on, in the beginning of this blog, I talked about a Firefighter Roster. This roster is still incomplete, and might never be complete. How is it that I could stamp a "complete" on the roster when there is no one here to verify Firefighters who were here in the beginning. Captain Wiseman did an excellent job collecting information. He has probably 10 incomplete rosters. I have taken them and formed one roster. I would like to expand the roster some day, but at this point I have it in this format; last name, first name, position (highest obtained), hire date, retire/leave date, nickname, additional information, station assignment. In the past firefighters stayed at a station for their entire career or at least 3/4 of it. Nowadays, for several reasons, firefighters are moved around from station to station, shift to shift. Currently we only have a couple of firefighters who have been at a single station for any length of time. Good or bad, that is how it is.

The First Black Firefighter in Roanoke City:
For a while now I have been asking around as to who exactly was the first black firefighter here in the City. Everybody knew that Rawleigh Quarles was hired in December 1, 1963. Quarles, who became Chief on July 13, 1989, was thought to be the first one. However if you ask around there was another. But who was it. Who was the man who broke the racial barrier in the Roanoke Fire Department. His name was Joseph C. Crutchfield. He was also hired on December 1, 1963. So who gets the credit for breaking the racial barrier. Well being that both of the men mentioned came on the same day they both do. However Crutchfield actually signed the papers first. That indeed is a formality which exists today. If you look at the Seniority list you will see many firefighters hired on the same day. The order they are in is not random or alphabetically it is indeed the order in which the new employees signed the list on the first day of work. So indeed the case of who gets the credit is kind of like twins. They both were hired on the same day, but one signed the paper first.


Other firsts in the Department:

1st Black Female hired: Lt. Nichole Wade April 21, 1997, who recently left the dept. to work for the Railroad.
1st Female: Lt. Helen Bender, FF/PM Tonya Meeks, FF/PM Karen Ash, and FF/PM Gracie Humbert all came to the Fire Department in the merge in late 1995. So they are all credited with breaking the gender barrier her in Roanoke. Of these four, I believe that Lt. Helen Bender had been with the EMS Department the longest.


If you have a request of information on certain statistics or other firsts let me know and I would be happy to research the information. Email FireFleitz

Roanoke Fire-EMS Department Promotional Ceremony

On Thursday, October 27, 2005 the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department held a Promotion Ceremony in City Council Chambers. The ceremony was to recognize individuals being promoted to Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant and Captain.

Chief David Hoback officiated the badge ceremony. The Honorable Mayor Nelson Harris and Chief Jim Grigsby also addressed the promotees.

Please join the department in congratulating: Lt. Jamey Brads, Lt. Tim Cady, Lt. William Humbert, Lt. Scott Weaver, Lt. Brian Wray, 1st Lt. Chad Riddleberger, 1st Lt. Sam Stump, Capt. Kevin Bell, Capt. Dennis Croft, Capt. R.T. Flora & Assistant Fire Marshal Daniel Rakes. All of these individuals put forth alot of time and effort to be promoted. The department wishes them the best in their new duties and future endeavors.

Mike Pruitt leaves us for Franklin County

Pictured above: LtoR Captain Mutter, Lt. Kelcey Branch, FF Eric Mulford, Captain Willy Wines, FF Rob Bolton, FF Chip Johnston, Sitting are: FF Mike Pruitt, Captain Doug Rorrer as well as spouses.
Firefighter Mike Pruitt has left the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department to work for Franklin County. From what I understand he will be a Capt. in Training for the growing County. Franklin County currently has about a dozen Volunteer Fire departments who are supplemented during the day with paid FF/Paramedics. Mike has been with the RFEMS Dept. for around 4-5 years and has been stationed at Station #3 for most or all of his time . His presence will be missed, although I am sure we will be seeing him around.

NewsAdvance.com | Fighting fires and flat notes

NewsAdvance.com | Fighting fires and flat notes:

Fighting fires and flat notes

Dionne Waugh
dwaugh@newsadvance.com
August 7, 2005


They say it’s like wrestling an octopus.

For the past 10 months, Lynchburg firefighters endured torments from their colleagues, and sometimes even their dogs, and daily and weekly

practices to learn to play the bagpipes.

And that’s not even mentioning the kilts.


The Lynchburg Pipes and Drums offered to play at the 9/11 Memorial this year, although due to the RFFA not having a dedicated event planner for this event we were unable to accept. I believe that you will be hearing them very soon.

Technorati tags: Lynchburg Pipes and Drums, Lynchburg Virginia, Lynchburg Firefighters, Warpipe

HTR response today for a vehicle into a house

The Roanoke Fire-EMS HTR team responded with Engine 11 to a single vehicle accident - vehicle into a house. The pictures below show the route the vehicle took to attain "Dukes of Hazzard" style points. Apparently the driver stated that her foot got caught on the gas pedal.
Above: You can see the point of entry on the obstacle course. Through the driveway the picture was taken from, brushing against the FORD on the left, between the two bushes pictured on the right, over the 5 foot retainment wall, onto the next driveway.
Above: Here you can see that she side swiped the house on the right knocking the meter off of the house, running over the gas grill (which you can see laying in the yard), over a 3 step drop, into the yard (you can see the tracks where she landed).
Above: Here the car rests neatly tucked into the basement of the house, not her house I might add).
Here you can see the vehicle nicely tucked away inside the house. I don't think this is what they were looking for when they opened the door.
The Roanoke County HTR team was called in as well to supply Roanoke City with enough lumber to shore up the damage and insure no structural collapse. Engine 11 was Command, while HTR was Operations sector. I am not sure how many other units responded. The driver refused treatment and transport, although she apparently appeared a little shaken up.

This is what Roanoke Fire-EMS put out about the wreck:

ical Rescue Truck for a total of 12 personnel responded to the scene.

Fire crews responded to a car that had left a home on Gillette Ave., went through the back yard and hit the house on Craig Robertson Rd. The house had to be stabilized before the car could be removed. Both the City of Roanoke Heavy Tactical Rescue (HTR) Truck and Roanoke County's Heavy Tactical Rescue (HTR) Truck were used to remove the car from the foundation of the home on Craig Robertson Rd.

There were no injuries to citizens or Fire-EMS personnel. Damage estimates to the home on Gillette Ave. are approximately $15,000. Damage estimates to the home on Craig Robertson Rd. are approximately $20,000.

Team will help restore emergency operations in Florida

Team will help restore emergency operations in Florida

Here is a short article on the team from Roanoke Fire-EMS leaving for Hurricane Wilma Relief in Florida. The team consists of Asst. Chief Ralph Tartaglia, Captain Daniel Rakes, Captain Teddy Adkins, Captain Doug Rorrer, and Captain Robert Perdue.

Technorati tags: Hurricane Wilma Relief, IMS, Roanoke Fire-EMS

Are Firefighters Overrated?: Editorial & Features at Officer.com

Are Firefighters Overrated?: Editorial & Features at Officer.com

I found this at VPFF Online

Technorati tags: Police and Fire, 9/11, September 11th, 343

Metroblogging.com - Think Global. Blog Local. For all the Roanoke Bloggers out there.

Metroblogging.com - Think Global. Blog Local.:

We're looking for committed, active bloggers from all over the world.

If you are in one of the cities listed below and are interested in blogging regularly with us, please sign up.

If your city isn't on this list that's because no one has applied from there yet. You can be the first! We need 10 bloggers to launch a city, so if you can help us track down others in your area, please let us know about that as well.

(At this time we are not accepting applications from people who do not currently maintain their own blogs)

Hey there fellow Roanoke Bloggers. You guys should check this out. Also to all of you wanna be's. You might have an opportunity here. Just let them know and let me know that you let them know you are interested. We will have to see what comes of this. Thanks.
Technorati tags: Metroblogging, Blogging in Roanoke, Roanoke Blog, Roanoke Firefighters blog

From On High

From On High:

The alarm sounds. Conversation abruptly ceases. A scramble ensues. Controlled mayhem. Followed closely on by disciplined, practiced, unhesitating, focused preparation.

Preparing to do what they do best. What they're trained to do. What's expected of them. What they demand of themselves. Roanoke's finest.

Lives are at stake. In every case. On every run. Civilians' lives most importantly. Firefighters' lives always.

Not to mention exhaustion. Dehydration. The potential for smoke inhalation. Injury. Worse.

Every day.(MORE)

Technorati tags: Roanoke Firefighters, Blog From On High, Radar Fire, Structure Fire

News from The Roanoke Times -Firefighters return from aiding La. town

News from The Roanoke Times -Firefighters return from aiding La. town:

Firefighters return from aiding La. town



By Christina Rogers
981-3340
The Roanoke Times

Wearing navy cargo pants, black rubber boots and ear-to-ear grins shaded with beards or stubble, six Roanoke firefighters returned to the Roanoke Valley on Sunday afternoon after a 20-day stint in the hurricane-ravaged town of Johnson's
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Bayou, La.

About 4:30 p.m., the team's two trucks rolled into the parking lot of the Roanoke Valley Regional Fire-EMS Training Center in Salem after a 16-hour drive home. They were greeted by relatives, friends and colleagues, and the team hurried into the embraces of loved ones.(MORE)

Welcome back Guys. We appreciate the work that you all did as much as the people you did it for. Thank you for giving your time and being away from your loved ones. You cannot put a price on the work you did for that community.

Technorati tags: Hurricane Relief, Roanoke Firefighters, Johnson's Bayou

Local 3194 | Roanoke County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics

Local 3194 | Roanoke County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics

Check out Local 3194's new website. Looks good. Welcome back to the information age. Keep up the hard work.

Technorati tags: Roanoke County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local 3194

Google Search added to Roanoke Firefighters

I have added a Google Search window in the sidebar. You can search the Web, This site (Roanoke Firefighters Blog), or Local 1132 (www.local1132.org). Hopefully this will assist you in finding exactly what you are looking for in the archives and on the RFFA website. So check it out. Although the search for this site is still being cached so there might be a delay on using it for this site. However now you can search Google directly from the site.

Local 1132 News Wire

Local 1132 News Wire:

Dalmation Rescue of Southwest Virginia
The Dalmation Rescue of Southwest Virginia will be taking photographs for their upcoming Calendar. We are not sure exactly how many calendars they are doing, however we think it will be several different ones. The following dates and times are when you can show up to be in a picture to be used in the Calendar. You will have to talk to them about the details. All we know is to show up with your turnout gear to be in a picture. Everyone is welcome.

Technorati tags: Dalmation Rescue, Local 1132, Roanoke Firefighter, Firefighter Calendar


Check out this post on the Local 1132 News Wire about the local photo shoot for the DRSV Firefighter/Dalmation Calendar.

News from The Roanoke Times -Team helps Rita's victims

Photo courtesy of Captain Kent Mclhany.

News from The Roanoke Times -Team helps Rita's victims:

Team helps Rita's victims

The paper in Johnson's Bayou, La., described the team as "tougher than a coffin nail with hearts of solid gold."

By Todd Jackson
981-3253
The Roanoke Times

A team of Roanoke firefighters is finishing up a wild, weird and weary hurricane relief stint in Johnson's Bayou, La.

They've killed snakes, avoided alligators, and trudged through muck to do whatever the small Louisiana enclave needs them to do -- and the Roanoke team has been accepted by the locals there like a brigade of reinforcements that arrived just in ti
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me.

Johnson's Bayou was ravaged by Hurricane Rita and running water and uninterrupted power has yet to be restored.

Several days ago, the local paper in Johnson's Bayou described the Roanoke team as "tougher than a coffin nail with hearts of solid gold."

"This is like a movie," said Jeff Beckner, a Roanoke battalion chief commanding the team.

Technorati tags: Firefighters, Hurricane Rita, Roanoke Fire-EMS, Roanoke Firefighters.

It is good to see that our boys are finally getting some recognition. It seems as though they have done a lot of good down there. I hope to post some pictures when they return.

Fire at Old Spanish Trail

Check out the article from the Roanoke Times (HERE)

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a residential fire on October 19, 2005 at 4306 Old Spanish Trail. The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 9:04pm and was quickly under control. The response of three Engines, two Ladder trucks, two Medic Units, one Investigative Unit, one Battalion Chief & one Administrative Chief for a total of 28 personnel responded to the fire.

Upon arrival fire crews found fire in an apartment. Fire crews quickly & aggressively extinguished the fire. The fire started in the living room area of the apartment and was contained to the living room.

The apartment building was occupied at the time of the fire. Everyone escaped unharmed. There were no injuries to civilians or Fire-EMS personnel.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are approximately $10,000.

News from The Roanoke Times -Prayers for protection mingle with gratitude for public safety

News from The Roanoke Times -Prayers for protection mingle with gratitude for public safety:

Prayers for protection mingle with gratitude for public safety

Roanoke police Sgt. David Boyer said he'd heard of cities holding similar Masses and decided to organize one.

David Harrison
The Roanoke Times

Trooper Dave Purcell left his radio in the car and his dog at home but wore his crisp Virginia State Police canine unit uniform to St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church Wednesday evening.

He was not alone.

The church held a special service -- known as a "Blue Mass" -- Wednesday to thank police, fire and rescue workers for their work and to pray for their continued safety, as well as to honor those emergency workers who have died in the line of duty. It was the first such service to be held in the Roanoke Valley but many of those present said they hoped it would become an annual tradition.

"It's nice to know that you are still appreciated. Sometimes it feels lonely," said Purcell, who had kept his pager with him but had switched it to vibrate, even though, he added, "I wasn't going to go anywhere."

Technorati tags: Blue Mass, Roanoke Times, Firefighter, Police Officer, St. Andrews


I was fortunate enough to have gone to the Blue Mass. It was a great opportunity for Police Officers, Firefighters, and Emergency Services Personnel to be praised for the job we do. Monsignor Thomas Miller delivered an excellent Homily talking of why we do what we do and that it is a calling as opposed to a job. I think he hit the nail on the head. Most of us would not do what we do if we did not have that calling, that need to help people, that sense of family while we are at work.

If you are able to see the printed Roanoke Times you will see a picture of sergeant David Boyer and myself. Sgt. Boyer was the Mass coordinator, as a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Andrews, as well as reading the First Reading. I read the Second Reading, and I thought I did a pretty good job. You all would have been proud. Unfortunately there were not too many Firefighters there. I would give you an exact count but it is kind of embarrassing.

If you weren't there then you missed Warpipe, Roanoke's Premier pipes and drum band, they were amazing. It was great to here the pipes and drums resounding inside of the Cathedral ceilings of St. Andrews Catholic Church. If you have a chance to hear them play I would make every attempt to be there.

Reminder - Blue Mass for Public Safety

The Blue Mass being held by the Knights of Columbus will be tomorrow Wednesday October 19th at St. Andrews Catholic Church. The Mass will be at 7pm and everyone is welcome. There will be a reception to follow. The Firefighters are asked to dress in Class A uniform. Any questions page me at 201-4667.

Habitat For Humanity House Build

Habitat For Humanity House Build

I have finalized the plans. We will be providing food for the workers on Friday November 4th. There will be a need for Firefighters to be out to help with the food as well as assisting with the build. Unless they are delayed by rain the plan of action for Friday is to package the houses for delivery. If they are behind then there will still be building going on. If you are on A-shift as several of you are who have contacted me, then get a group of 2-5 of you together and I will call to fit you into building on one of the other days.

We will need Firefighters to assist us with feeding the Volunteers on Friday November 4th from 7am til 6 pm.

We also need about 25 Firefighters to assist with packaging the houses for delivery during the day. The shifts for that are 8-11, 11-3, and 3-6. You could help with both if you like and make a day of it.

Please contact me to sign up and help out. My pager # is 201-4667. My email is FireFleitz@Adelphia.net. Or you can contact me at Station 8-C until the moves are in effect and then I will be on the ARFF crew at Station 10-C.

I apologize for leaving A-shift out of the rotation on this day. It was not my intention since you all are the ones I have heard from the most. Like I said if you would like to help on one of the other days let me know and I will call to fit you in. They are only 3 hour shifts.

Kenneth Robert Sharp - Former Lieutenant Dies

I got news of Kenneth Sharps passing this morning. Unfortunately I do not have much information on him.

This is the information I found online:

The Roanoke Times:

SHARP, Kenneth Robert
Kenneth (Ken) Robert Sharp, 60, of Elon, N.C., died Sunday, October 16, 2005. Funeral service 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at the Lowe Funeral Home Chapel, Burlington, N.C., 336-228-8366.

I have found that Kenneth Sharp was hired on November 9, 1976 and left the department as a Lieutenant on November 18, 1986. If I find out more I will let you all know. If you have anything to add please let me know.

I have heard from several of you on Kenneth Sharp. Kenneth was also a Fire Marshal in Roanoke County. Kenneth then went on to be the Elected Director Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Thanks for the information guys.

Recruit School #7 Final Burn

Today I had the opprotunity of seeing Recruit School #7 in action during their live burn at the Roanoke Valley Regional Training Center. I took a few photos for your enjoyment and have posted them on the Local 1132 website. The recruits will be graduating on November 1st. I wish them the best in their careers and welcome to our family.

You can view the Photo Album Here.