IAFF Presidential Forum Aftermath

11 candidates spoke to the IAFF members at the 2008 Presidential Forum. I would like to point you in the right direction for information on the event and the candidates. I decided to leave my comments on each of the candidates off of the blog for now so that the IAFF Local 1132 members can decide for themselves and not feel that our Local or the IAFF is swaying one way or another. The IAFF will not likely make an endorsement for some time and it should reflect the view of the majority of IAFF members.

I suggest you look closely at the information and watch the videos. Jonathan Martin dissects some of the candidates on his blog The Politico, although he did not see the entire forum and speaks mostly on the Democrats.

The IAFF have done the searching for you on News articles on the Presidential Forum. Visit IAFF.org to view links to many of the articles. There are many links to articles which offer Democrat and Republican views.

You can watch the videos of all the candidates individually. If you have ever wondered what these candidates think about Firefighters issues you need to check them out. If you would like to know more about what went on let me know.

IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger

This is what it looked like from my seat on the front row just off to the left. It was like a feeding frenzy for the photographers.

Former U.S. Senator John Edwards (D-NC)

Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore (R-VA)

U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) with Duane Dixon

U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) with our President Rodney Jordan

U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA)

U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ)

U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE)

U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT)

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)

Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM)

U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) with Duane Dixon

VentEnterSearch.com

Take a look over at VentEnterSearch.com, they posted a story I sent in on a roof over in 13's first due at the Starlite Motel.

IAFF Presidential Forum

First off, today you can watch the IAFF Presidential Forum via Webcast on the IAFF website (http://www.iaff.org/). If you get a chance, I suggest that you tune in for it.

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger talks to the IAFF members about Legislation.

On Monday we heard speakers about many issues and were taught the ins and outs of the legislation we are pushing or opposing this year. Here are some of the speakers:

House Republican Leader, Representative John Boehner (R-OH)
Homeland Security Chairman Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT)

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s (D-MD)

Representative Lois Capps (D-CA)

Representative John Larson (D-CT)

John Buckley, U.S. House Ways and Means Committee staff member

David Price (D-NC), chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security

Yesterday, we were on Capitol Hill lobbying for several key legislative issues including a National Collective Bargaining Bill, SAFER funding, Presumptive laws for Federal Firefighters, and other legislation that I will have information for you soon.

Last night we enjoyed a reception with Senators and Representatives.

Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, was present and spoke to the Firefighters.

Senator Hillary Clinton was at the reception and will also be speaking at the Presidential Forum today.

Tune in for the IAFF Presidential Forum

Rodney Jordan, Mike Hanks, Duane Dixon, and I are in D.C. for the IAFF Legislative Conference this week. I will have plenty to report on in a couple of days and I hope to update the Local 1132 site soon, although I am having issues with some software which is preventing me from updating it right now.

Today, we will learn the various Legislation that affects our jobs as Firefighters and EMT's. The big ticket item this year is


On Tuesday we will meet with our Representatives and Lobby for the Legislation.

On Wednesday, we will attend a Presidential Forum like no other.

From IAFF.org:

The Presidential Forum is part of the process of deciding which candidate deserves the IAFF’s support. Because of the value candidates see from the strong, loyal and very effective IAFF signature black and gold, prospective White House candidates are pursuing its support.

“This is the first bi-partisan Presidential Forum of the 2008 election cycle,” notes IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “No other union – and very few organizations – has the credibility and respect to attract top-tier candidates from both political parties. The lineup of speakers who have agreed to participate is truly a testament to our great union and to the reputation we have built as a powerful political force and a coveted endorsement.”

Confirmed speakers include:

● U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE)
● U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
● U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT)
● Former U.S. Senator John Edwards (D-NC)
● Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore (R-VA)
● U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE)
● U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA)
● U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ)
● U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)
● Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM)

This Presidential Forum will be Webcast on www.IAFF.org. You will be able to find a link to the exact URL on the site on Wednesday. The Forum will run from 8-5.

Home Buying Assistance

I have some information for all of you out there who might be looking at purchasing a house in Roanoke City. There is some decent assistance available for you if you want it. View the .pdf file here for more information.

Thanks to Kieth over at Roanoke Found for the information.

Looking for information on hose picks

Hey Guys,

I am looking for information on our Hose Picks. I am currently seeking answers to these questions for a future post. If you do not know what I am talking about, I will show you in a future post.

1. Do you know when hose picks first appeared in Roanoke?
2. Do you know of other departments who use(d) them?
3. Do you know of any firefighters who used to make them?
4. Do you know what they were made from?
5. What other information do you know about them?

Email me at FireFleitz@Comcast.net with any information or leave a comment. Thanks.

100th Anniversary Information

Roanoke Fire-EMS 100th Anniversary

On March 17th Roanoke Firefighters will march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade at Noon. Following the Parade, the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department has planned a 100th Anniversary Party at the Historic Fire Station #1 Downtown. The event will be at 4 pm and everyone is welcome. I am not sure exactly of the festivities, although there will be some dignitaries speaking.

What are we celebrating?

On March 31, 1907:

The Roanoke City Fire Department became fully paid with uniformed men and the Volunteers disbanded, most of which were hired by the department (From the Maurice Wiseman Project Online).

Also 100 years ago on February 6, 1907:

Fire Station #1 is opened on this day. The Station was erected in 1906 at a cost $33,552.40. The bell and bell tower were moved from the old Station #1 to this Station #1. The building was designed by H.H. Huggins and built by John F. Barbour. From The Roanoke Leader Feb. 6, 1907 "...There are stalls for 9 horses. These stalls are made of iron and have running water beneath leading to the city sewer. The horses stand unhaltered, and are automatically released from their stalls by the first alarm... Roanoke now has one of the finest fire departments in the South and Roanokers, in consequence, have reason to be proud of the fact. And thus another step has been made onward to Greater Roanoke."(From the Maurice Wiseman Project Online)

I will be there, and the book "Firefighting in Roanoke" will more than likely be available at the event.

I hope to see you at the Parade, Station #1, or at least downtown afterwards drinking some green beer.


City of Roanoke's 125th Anniversary


"125th Anniversary Celebration Opening Ceremony" on Saturday, March 31 (between 12 and 4 p.m.), and it's "Free and Open to the Public!"

The theme of the day and throughout the anniversary year is: "People. Pride. Promise."

The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to include. . .


*
Distinguished Guests, including past Governors and other noted Roanoke-related politicos, noted authors actors and television dignitaries are scheduled to participate.
* The viewing of at least three major historical documentaries (including the premiere of Stars and Stripes, a work created especially for the 125th Anniversary Celebration.

*
A procession from the Hotel Roanoke (also established in 1882), with horse-drawn carriages, a color guard and bagpipers
* Vintage Automobiles

* A comprehensive exhibition of photographs and objects from Roanoke's history from the History Museum of Western Virginia

* Musical performances, including those by the students of Roanoke City Public Schools, members of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, and Manuel Melendez

* A procession of flags by the "Local Colors" organization from the 82 nations represented in our region

* Displays of period Silver & Displays of period jewelry

* An exhibit from the collection of Pete Ballard's period Fashion Dolls

* An exhibit of three historic "Period Rooms"

* A host of exciting activities for children and families in the smaller Exhibition Hall, which will be created and operated by the city's Parks and Recreation Department

* Refreshments for all

* And much more. . . (Read a more detailed listing)

You can tell them, but they won't understand

Why is it that the Firefighters, Police Officers, and Teachers have to stand up nearly each year and fight for fair pay? I cannot speak on behalf of the PD or Teachers on the specifics, however I know that it seems all to often that we are fighting for proper pay, pay grades, benefits, and treatment.

The way it used to be...Back in the day, Roanoke City offered a cost of living raise as well as a merit raise. This has been replaced by one annual raise supplemented by a "merit raise" which is not easy to achieve for most of us, and too easy for others. This supplemental raise might reach 1% beyond the annual raise which is announced by the City Manager. This year it is rumored that we will receive 5%.

5% is a decent raise, I am grateful for it, and I am sure the rest of my coworkers are as well.

However, due to the fact that the 5% is added to the base pay, we do not move very far from the entry level, or base of our grade level. The top end of the grade point continues to move further and further away.

Now let us talk about the cost of living. I have brought this up in the past. It seems as though we are always compared to areas in NOVA which most people believe have higher cost of living. We are told "How can you possibly expect to make all that money, it is sooooo much more expensive to live up there." Well I have news for you, Roanoke isn't the cheapest.

Let me throw some numbers out for you. Don't quote me on them, but I believe these to be fairly accurate:

Starting pay for a Firefighter/EMT

Fairfax County - 46k
Fairfax City - 44k
Loudoun County - 38k
Prince William - 39k
Virginia Beach - 38k after recruit school
Henrico County - 37k
Richmond - 36.5k
Norfolk - 33k
Roanoke City - 31k
Lynchburg - 31k
Roanoke County - 30k
Danville - 30k

If you use this little tool online, you will see that Richmond, Petersburg, Lynchburg, Norfolk (including Virginia Beach and Newport), and Danville are all cheaper places to buy a house. Unfortunately, the site doesn't list the Northern Virginia areas. But I think it is safe to say that those areas, at least some of them, might be higher.

So there we are on the bottom of the totum pole. It is no wonder that up to 3 more firefighters are rumored to be leaving the department shortly. I don't mean retiring, I mean going to other departments. I have heard that one is going to the Atlanta area, another to Albemarle, and I have not heard a place for the third.

It is pretty bad when we have some seasoned officers who could go to other departments and get a raise.

This is just a taste of the issue with firefighters pay compared to other areas of the Commonwealth. We have a bigger problem with pay compression among the ranks. From Firefighter to Battalion Chief we have overlapping pay, some Firefighter Medics making more than their Captains. This is a real problem. I understand that the City is looking into the Battalion Chiefs pay, which will spread things out a little bit.

How many more will leave. 15k a pop out of recruit school, we are only getting a couple of years use out of many of them anymore. My recruit school from 1999 only has about half that have stood the test of time. I guess I either didn't care enough to leave, or care too much and am still trying to fight for what we deserve.

The 1st Annual Bluepatch 1.5 mile Commemorative Dash

Attention:

Several of the "Bluepatch" Firefighters have decided to organize the "The 1st Annual Bluepatch 1.5 mile Commemorative Dash" to relive the once popular task of running 1.5 miles to test the true fitness of firefighter candidates. Back in the day, firefighters had to run the 1.5 miles as well as do pull-ups, sit-ups, walk a balance beam, and other strenuous activities. The 1.5 miles had to be completed in 12 minutes.

The event location will be announced soon. If you have suggestions on a suitable track let Tim Jordan know at 13 B-shift. The event will be held on May 5th (Cinco da Mayo). Afterwards, for the ones left standing, there will be a social get-together at a local establishment (TBA).

If you are one of the firefighters who had to run the 1.5 miles and want to participate, let Tim Jordan know. Final eligibility will be determined by Captain Jay Ransome...Huh.

If you are a newer firefighter who didn't have to run the 1.5 miles, you might be needed for medical standby.

The participants are not required to run the entire 1.5 miles and may finish the distance in whatever manner they deem necessary (no motorized vehicles allowed; i.e. hoverounds, powered wheelchairs, or mopeds).

Workers Comp. claims will not be honored for this event. However, if you are injured you will be allowed to go on light duty...maybe.

"Firefighting in Roanoke" makes it big in Fire Engineering Magazine

That is right, the book detailing the History of the Fire Service in Roanoke has made it to the pages of Fire Engineering. In February's issue, the book is listed in the last few pages of the magazine. I got an email today from someone telling me he saw it there. A quick search offered this (click) then scroll down about half way. Thanks to Arcadia publishing for getting the word out and publicizing the book.

"Firefighting in Roanoke" is supposed to have been published in "Enjine, Enjine" and "Fire Apparatus Journal as well.

The book signing today at the Transportation Museum went well. Unfortunately, they didn't get the exposure the first book signing received with the article in the Roanoke Times. They did say that the first order of books sold out quickly when the book was released.

If you are still looking for a signed copy of the book, there are several of them at the Transportation Museum.

Book Signing Tomorrow

Tomorrow I will be at the Transportation Museum for a Book Signing from 1-3pm. If you were paying attention, I had the date wrong last week. I will be there for sure tomorrow.

On another note, I somehow deleted the banner for this site. It might be back up next week, after I recover the files off of my old computer which died on me. I went out the other night and bought a new computer and I am still getting used to it.

Maybe I will see you tomorrow.

Roanoke Fire-EMS assists with HazMat in Natural Bridge

The HazMat team travelled North on Interstate 81 on Wednesday to assist with a tractor trailer accident that closed down both Southbound lanes for several hours. FF Travis Collins was able to snap a couple of pictures while the team was there. Visit VAFireNews.com for more.

That old School Mentality - 100 or so years of it!

Recently, seeing a need to join the 21st century, Captain Willie Wines Jr. decided to bring his digital camera to the fire station. Actually, it was his father's camera. From what I understand, his crew enjoyed a good laugh after picking their jaws up off of the floor when the Captain whipped out a first generation digital camera. The guys realized quickly that the camera, which is reported to have been measured at 12" x 12", would provide a great opportunity to "get" the Captain.

As soon as the Captain stepped upstairs for a minute, the guys were hard at work rigging up a turn of the century camera with the gunpowder flash, shroud, and pedestal.

When Captain Wines returned to the bay to see the prehistoric device set up in the bay, all of the guys enjoyed a good laugh.

Here is the picture of the "Camera":

Tragedy in Baltimore - but could it happen here?

Racheal M. Wilson, an academy recruit, died of thermal injuries and asphyxia, the medical examiner's office said yesterday. She was 29 and had two young children. Her family said that she was covered with burns and was in pain before she died at Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

Click here for the entire story

Italicized = taken from the story

Basically, it seems as though Recruit Wilson died because of a breakdown of the standards relied upon for safe training scenarios. I assisted with two of the live burns at the last recruit school. They were the first of which that I was able to instruct with. The instructors, to my knowledge, including myself are all required to have Instructor I and the NFPA 1403 class.

I would like to comment on how Roanoke Fire-EMS trains and how events such as FF Wilson's unfortunate death are prevented here in Roanoke. Are we perfect? By no means. While reading through the article, I notices many highlighted events which are being investigated in this case and realized what we do and why we do them. My comments on how we do recruit schools are based on the last recruit school in Roanoke, which I was a part of. I cannot comment on all recruit schools or future ones.

I also realize that this report/article was based on one reporters interviews; that the events are still being investigated; and that the parties who are being portrayed as guilty are indeed innocent until proven otherwise.

• Binetti said the way the blaze was started and whether a "walkthrough" was held to inspect the building before setting the fires are two areas investigators are scrutinizing.

We do a thourough walkthrough of the burn building to show the recruits/trainees where the fires will be, where the doors and windows are, and to give them a sense of the layout.

• When putting out fires, the department is supposed to make sure a secondary team of firefighters - a Rapid Intervention Team - is suited up to replace firefighters who are tired, injured or in trouble. At the South Calverton Road fire, the head of that team, Broyes, did not have a hose charged and did not have proper equipment, union officials have said.

We use a charged hose line and a 2-3 person RIT (rapid intervention team) who are ready in full PPE (personal protective equipment) to go in and assist if needed.

• And, union officials said yesterday, Broyes' RIT was not composed of real firefighters, but of cadets from Wilson's class.

During the recruit schools we use recruits paired up with at least one instructor as the RIT.

• Union officials also said that the "instructors" used in the training exercise were not certified teachers from the academy. They were regular firefighters pulling extra shifts. This means they were not properly trained to teach in a live fire, Fugate said.

I am not sure of Baltimore's standards on instructors teaching at their recruit schools. I believe that all of the instructors teaching Roanoke's recruit schools are at least Instructor I and NFPA 1403 certified.

• Sledgeski said only one hydrant was tapped for the exercise. When a house is on fire, the department will typically connect a "pumper truck" to a hydrant and then run multiple hoses from the truck.

We use two engines (pumpers) each on their own water source. One supplies the interior crews and the other supplies the RIT line.

• Fires were set on each floor of the three-story rowhouse on South Calverton Road, Sledgeski said. Safety standards limit training exercises to one fire. Sledgeski said recruits were told that they would face only two fires. The third was essentially a "surprise" fire.

Roanoke has a three level burn building, which is used for all live fire training during recruit school. There is never a fire in the third floor, although it can be used for training (searches, etc.). We set two fires, one on the first floor and one on the second floor. There is only one team of recruits inside at a time.

• The instructor in charge of the third-floor team did not have a radio to find out what was going wrong.

Every team has a radio in Roanoke, and often every instructor ends up with a radio while inside. This might mean that some instructors work in a group of two and share a radio.

It seems as though many of the "events" being investigated into recruit Wilson's death are followed by Roanoke Fire-EMS. This is a good thing. So what if it takes a couple extra minutes to show everyone the floor layout, so what if we can't burn three fires, so what if we have to follow the rules. There are reasons why we do these things.

Many of the reasons why NFPA 1403 was developed was because of the incident in Lairdesville:

• In Lairdsville, a tiny town in upstate New York, a volunteer fire chief was convicted of negligent homicide and served jail time for his role in a fatal training exercise that involved a set fire in a century-old farm house. But in that case, several recruits were ordered to go upstairs and lie down so they could pretend to be victims.No fire hoses were charged before the fire was set and the lines were not in position. Also, plywood boards were nailed over the windows, leaving a small hole in one wall as the only escape route.The deputy chief, who later went to jail, set a sofa on fire directly below where the recruits were playing victim. "The fire raged out of control, raced up the staircase, and the entire place became an inferno," said Michael A. Coluzza, who prosecuted the case.

Roanoke is starting another recruit school on Monday. So for all you instructors out there, remember we can prevent these incidents through proper training and following the rules.

Be safe and have fun.

A new way to force entry through overhead doors!!

Today, I checked out VentEnterSearch.com and they have posted a very interesting way to breach overhead doors. The video was sent in by one of their readers and is hosted on YouTube.com. The video features some firefighters from Richmond, California breaching an overhead door with one cut and making an entry area bigger than a V cut will ever offer.

Here is another video courtesy of a commenter on VentEnterSearch.com of the cut being performed on an actual call.

Comments

In an effort to keep this site as professional as possible, which has been increasingly difficult recently, I have removed the "anonymous" capability of posting comments. Now you have to register with blogger in order to post comments. You do not have to create a blog, just a username. Hopefully, this will hinder the "childish" comments from being posted. If that doesn't work, there are other alternatives. These other alternatives aren't as harsh as breaking legs, rather it would require me to moderate comments prior to them being published.

I let the rather juvenile comments go long enough, and I have realized that even with this site which gives the "Roanoke Firefighters" a chance to showcase themselves on the Internet you guys will inevitably ruin a good thing.

Now, if you have something to say it will require you to invest a little time and energy in signing up to say it. Hopefully, this will thwart the comments which are better left muttered under your breathe.

I apologize to the people who enjoyed leaving comments on this site which were insightful, constructive, and positive.

When I started this site, my intention wasn't to create something I would have to babysit. Actually, I was hoping to create a site that the Roanoke Firefighters would embrace as their own and use as a tool to voice a professional opinion occasionally on topics that I post on.

You may be thinking that I have offered my opinion on this site often and you don't always agree with it. You are right, I have. However, I have always signed my name to it. I don't think that half of the recent comments would have been typed if you had to sign your name to them. Do you?

The Big News is in!! - Roanoke Fire-EMS Receives Grant Money

Breaking News!!

Roanoke Fire-EMS has received a grant in the amount of $432,820 for Operations and Safety. The grant is from the "Fire Grants" which are the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG). I can only hope that this is the grant money we were hoping to get for the diesel exhaust systems. I will do a little more research and update ASAP.

Book Signing at the Transportation Museum

UPDATE: I made a mistake...gasp. The Book Signing is not today, it is actually next Saturday, February 24th from 1-3pm. I apologize if I caused any inconvenience.

I will be at a book signing at the Transportation Museum next Saturday for "Firefighting in Roanoke". Stop in and get a signed copy if you don't already have one, or just stop in to chat.

Where: The Transportation Museum
When: Saturday, February 24th from 1-3 pm

The first book signing I did was a lot of fun. Hopefully this one will be just as much fun.

ROANOKE RADIO RETENTION TOOL

I received an email yesterday about this new "Roanoke Radio Retention Tool". I was out of town at the time so I am getting it posted now. Apparently I missed a new "Roanoke" specific tool that we designed on our own. The need for the new tool arised after Battalion Chief Beckner misplaced his radio. Now that we have the retention tool, this incident will be a thing of the past.

ROANOKE RADIO RETENTION TOOL

(sponsored by ACME / C.W.Williams)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:

· Attach end “A” to radio you wish to retain.

· Attach end “B” to forgetful Battalion Chief.

· For added retention, place seat belt attachment around waist and attach buckles until you hear an audible “Click”

· Remind said Battalion Chief that proper use of this tool will reduce the odds of loosing his radio.

· Special Note: Per memo 3-14 dated 11/02/06 this device and attached radio must be worn under your turnout coat when entering into any Structural firefighting operation, to prevent damage to radio, or radio retention tool.

Of course, this is all in fun. Apparently the device was built with 3 back-ups so that the radio would not be left anywhere.

Bargaining Bill Introduced in House - From the IAFF Website

Bargaining Bill Introduced in House

February 12, 2007 – The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Dale Kildee (D-MI) and John Duncan (R-TN). IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger has identified the Cooperation Act, HR 980, as the IAFF’s highest legislative priority.

“This new congress offers the best opportunity we’ve ever had to finally achieve our long-awaited goal of ensuring basic collective bargaining rights for every fire fighter in the nation,” Schaitberger says. “Today I call on every IAFF local to help make HR 980 a reality. We need fire fighters in every community in America to contact their member of Congress to urge them to co-sponsor this historic legislation.”

A Senate version of the legislation is also expected to be introduced in the coming weeks, sponsored by Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA). Both the House and Senate bill will be featured at the upcoming IAFF Legislative Conference in March.

To read a copy of the legislation, click here. For more information about the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, click here.

Looking Back

In today's paper, the Roanoke Times offers "Looking Back" as it does every Sunday. Two things caught my eye:

n First Presbyterian Church had a Friendship Quilt that was made in 1892. It contained 20 squares commemorating volunteer fire departments, fraternal organizations and other insignia of Roanoke.


and

n "Thirteen firemen were injured, none seriously, when fire gutted the One-Hour Valet shop at 26 Church Ave. SW, early today."

As for the quilt, I will be looking into this. I cannot believe that thing was right under our nose and we haven't seen it. I will hope to have pics in the next week or two.

FIREMAN’S FUND AND CALSURANCE DONATE $50,000 TO ROANOKE FIRE – EMS DEPARTMENT ON BEHALF OF SHENANDOAH LIFE

Shenandoah Life has provided the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department with $50,000 for exercise equipment for several stations in Roanoke City. Stations 7, 8, 10, and the new headquarters station have received equipment this week. You can read about the donation on Shenandoah Life's website. Eventually all of the stations will receive state of the art exercise equipment. Station 4 and 9 have already gotten the equipment, funded by the City.
David Bocock is heading up the effort to bring the equipment into the stations. He said that the City is continually attempting to allocate funds to complete the purchase for all of the stations.

Thanks to Shenandoah Life for the equipment.

Happy Anniversary Station #1 - As seen on the Front door of the Station

Firefighter James Gish is leaving for the Beach

Firefighter James Gish is leaving the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department to go to work for the Virginia Beach Fire Department. What the hell is he thinking? The Beach, Bikinis, the largest Volunteer EMS Department in the World, Bikinis...and did I mention Bikinis. Damn, some people just don't get it do they. He will learn eventually.

Actually, we wish you luck in your new Department Gish. We are sure you will enjoy it down there. It was good knowing you, we will see you around.

Gish is pictured on scene of the Radar Fire, he was driving Ladder 2.

Firefighter David Ploch leaves the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department

Sorry I am a little late on this one.

Firefighter/EMT David Ploch resigned from the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department. His last day was Monday, February 6th from what I understand.

While I never worked directly with David, I did see him around and I can say that he had a profound respect for the job. David spent most of his 3 years or so at Station #1 and was recently moved to #6. Prior to coming to Roanoke, David was in the Military Special Forces.

His abrupt decision to leave the department is believed to be the result in a scheduling conflict over taking an upcoming EMT-I class.

Station 8 A-Shift appears in the South Roanoke Circle

There was an excellent article with pictures in February's edition of the South Roanoke Circle. A-Shift at Station 8 was featured and basically introduced all the firefighters to the area.

Check out the website where you can download the latest edition in .pdf form.

Yet another article providing positive public relations. Last month, B-Shift was featured in the newspaper. C-Shift is next and might appear next month.

Cook & Ladder - From the Roanoke Times

Cook & ladder
At Roanoke's Fire Station No. 2, often where there's smoke, there's good eats.

By Lindsey Nair | 981-3343
Multimedia

* Watch a slideshow with audio

When the alarm sounded in the kitchen at 3:30 p.m., First Lt. Jim Cady was managing a boiling pot of potatoes, a pan of hissing sausages and a mess of cabbage.

The Roanoke firefighter hadn't even started on his homemade bread yet.

"Whooooooop! Whooooooop! Engine No. 2, Engine No. 10, Engine No. 5," a crackling voice began.

"That's us," said Cady, clamping down lids and switching off burners.

Wait. They didn't call for the ladder truck. False alarm. (Read More)

It is always great to see Roanoke's Firefighters in the news. Today, this article in the Roanoke Times featured Station #2 A-Shift. While I am sure the ribbing from the guys across the City has been fun, these types of articles help keep the firefighters in the Public's eye and provides a positive look into what we are all about.

Be sure and watch the slideshow with audio - this offers a unique view into the kitchen at #2A.

Thanks Lindsey

Roanoke's Fire Station #1 turns 100

Roanoke's Fire Station #1 Turns 100 Years old today

Roanoke's Fire Station #1 opened on February 6, 1907 and today it reached the age of 100. The National Historic Landmark has remained open since it replaced the first Station #1 which was built in 1888. (Read More)

Fire Station 1 turns 100

The Historic Downtown Fire Station #1 turns 100 years old today. The station opened on February 6, 1907. If you would like to view some of the history of the Roanoke Fire Department, now the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department, you look at the right hand sidebar and click on the category "history", or you can go to Local 1132 online and view the Maurice Wiseman Project: http://www.local1132.org/history/mwproject/timeline.htm.

Fire Station #1 is believed to be one of the oldest operating firehouses in Virginia.

I will have more on this story later today.

Massive apartment fire leaves dozens homeless

Massive apartment fire leaves dozens homeless
Five injured in six-alarm fire in Queens

By Patricia Wu

(Queens - WABC, February 4, 2007)

The flames quickly spread between buildings and sent several hundred people out into the street.

It started in an apartment building on Neilson Street in Far Rockaway.

Eyewitness News reporter Patricia Wu joins with the latest.

Kathy Deherrera and her husband are thankful to be alive. They woke up just after midnight. Their apartment building was on fire.

"The more windows popping, more noise, more firemen, more trucks," one of fire victims, Kathy Deherrera, said. "We decided to leave. We did."

What a tough job for firefighters. The extreme heat of this six-alarm blaze caused the entire roof of the six-story apartment building to collapse.

It took more than 400 firefighters more than four hours to get this fire under control and they faced one hurdle after another. First a transformer exploded, causing power to be shut off to the building and several others in the area had to be shut off as well to protect the firefighters. (Read More)

Did you read that: there were 400 firefighters on scene. To put that into perspective, that is a small dent in the mere 12,000 or so FDNY firefighters. But if you were to have a fire of that size in the Roanoke Valley; there are only 77 firefighters on duty in the City of Roanoke at a time if no one was off. This is out of 270 total, give or take a few, on payroll. Roanoke County has around 120 career firefighters (I may be off) which would equate to 40 on duty at a time. Salem has around 40 firefighters equating to around 12 on duty at a time. Vinton has around 12 firefighters equating to 4 on duty at a time.

Therefore, on duty the Roanoke Valley has around 134 firefighters on duty at at time totally a total workforce of 442 career firefighters. I realize this doesn't include the volunteers, which I haven't the slightest clue on numbers.

So a fire of this capacity might require a total callback of every career firefighter in the Valley. You figure at least 42 of them might not be able to respond.

Just thought I would put that fire into perspective.

Flaws found in firefighters' last line of defense

Flaws found in firefighters' last line of defense
U.S. waited 5 years to heed expert's warning on ‘man down’ alarms

FIRST OF TWO PARTS
By Bill Dedman
Investigative reporter
An MSNBC Special Report

Worn by a million firefighters in the U.S., the PASS device is a motion sensor that makes an awful racket if a firefighter stops moving for 30 seconds while battling a blaze. It flashes its lights and lets loose a series of ear-splitting beeps — an urgent call to help a fallen comrade.

It’s a call that hasn't always been heard. Tests by federal and independent labs show that some PASS alarms can fail to perform as intended if they get too hot or wet — a serious problem for people who rush into burning buildings with water hoses. And federal investigative reports reviewed by MSNBC.com show that 15 firefighters have died since 1998 in fires where a PASS, or Personal Alert Safety System, either didn't sound or was so quiet that rescuers weren't given a chance to find the firefighter quickly. (Read More)

Acting chief named head of Roanoke Fire-EMS - From the Roanoke Times

Acting chief named head of Roanoke Fire-EMS
David Hoback said he looks forward to taking charge of the department's direction.

Reed Williams

David Hoback, who started working as a city paramedic 22 years ago and rose through the ranks, has been named chief of Roanoke Fire-EMS.

Hoback, 44, had been acting chief since July 2005, when former chief Jim Grigsby became acting assistant city manager for operations. Hoback's promotion was effective Monday and announced Tuesday.

He said he looks forward to taking charge of the department's direction and addressing its challenges, such as how to go about replacing aging facilities.

"I want to move the department forward," Hoback said Tuesday. (Read More)

MVA on Tazwell and 8th Street

MVA on Tazwell and 8th Street

Time of Dispatch: 0752
Units Operating: E-6, M-6, E-5, RS-1, M-3, M-7 Three minor injuries transported, one more trauma alert transported for a total of four.
Photos courtesy of Engine 6-A Shift.

Fire at 2327 Staunton Ave.

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a residential structure fire on January 31, 2007 at 2327 Staunton Ave.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 5:24 a.m. The response of two Engines, one Ladder truck, one Medic Unit, one EMS Captain, the Emergency Management Coordinator and one Battalion Chief for a total of 14 personnel responded to the scene.
The fire was under control at 5:35 a.m.

Upon arrival, crews found a fire in the kitchen. Crews quickly entered the structure and extinguished the blaze.

There were three people inside of the home when the fire started.
They escaped without any injuries. There were no injuries to citizens or Fire-EMS personnel.

The fire started in the kitchen and was containedkitchen. The house sustained heavy smoke damage. The cause of the fire was unattended cooking materials. Damage estimates are approximately $15,000.

Three residents, two adults and one teenager, were displaced from the home. Emergency Management responded to the scene and assisted them.
They are now being helped by the Red Cross.

Fire at 707 15th Street

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a residential structure fire on January 30, 2007 at 707 15th St.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 11:17 p.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, two Medic Units, one EMS Captain, the Investigation Unit and one Battalion Chief for a total of 20 personnel responded to the scene. The fire was under control at 11:50 p.m.

Police on patrol spotted the fire and called it in. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. Crews quickly entered the structure and extinguished the blaze. Crews conducted a primary and secondary search which was ruled all clear.

No one was inside of the home when the fire started. There were no injuries to citizens or Fire-EMS personnel.

The fire started in the back living area of the first floor and was contained to the structure. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are approximately $20,000.

Roanoke Fire-EMS Promotes Deputy Chief David Hoback

ROANOKE, VA - The City of Roanoke has promoted David Hoback as the Chief of Roanoke Fire-EMS effective yesterday, Jan. 29, 2007. Mr.
Hoback has been serving as Acting Chief since July 2005. He brings 22 years of experience with the city's Fire-EMS Department to this position, including his services as a paramedic (1985-1989), EMS Field Supervisor (1989), Deputy Coordinator of Emergency Services (1989-1995), Battalion Chief (1995-2002), and Deputy Chief (2002-2007). Mr. Hoback was selected from a number of highly qualified candidates resulting from a national search.

He holds a B.A. in fire administration from Hampton University and was named an Executive Fire Officer with the National Fire Academy in 2002. He also earned the designation of Chief Executive Fire Officer in 2006. Prior to his employment with the city, he worked for Community Hospital as an Emergency Room Technician.

During his tenure as Acting Director for Roanoke Fire-EMS, Mr. Hoback has led in planning, directing and reviewing activities of personnel working in the areas of fire suppression, inspection, prevention, training, hazardous incidents, and emergency medical services.

Under his leadership, the department has expanded the Regional Recruit School to include Lynchburg City Fire-EMS, expanded regional cooperation with Roanoke County Mount Pleasant EMS responding into Garden City, and participated on the City's Code Enforcement Team. As Acting Fire Chief, Mr. Hoback also participated in civic programs, fire prevention and safety campaigns, and recommended programs that provide for the efficient and effective use of personnel and equipment to reduce fire losses within the city.

"David has proven himself an effective leader for our Fire-EMS Department," said City Manager Darlene Burcham. "I am confident his direction will be an asset to our city as we continue to modernize our fire and emergency medical facilities and services to be more responsive and accessible to citizens."

Author Note: The above was taken from a Roanoke City Press Release.

Historic Note: Chief David Hoback is the first Chief named since the Roanoke Fire Department and Roanoke City EMS Department merged in 1995. Former Chief Grigsby was named Chief several months prior to the merge.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Disclaimer

You may have noted that a Firefighter/Medic wears many hats. If you're thinking your day will be filled exclusively with Fire and EMS calls, think again. It may seem as if you are a janitor, a chef, a public relations representative, a codes and compliance officer, a taxi driver, a social worker, a referee, part of a lawn care crew, a mechanic, a painter, or an electronics or computer whiz. Oh yes, I almost forgot, you are a firefighter and a medic. If you're looking forward to a career of high angle rescues, multiple structure fires and trauma call after trauma call, this job may not be for you. Although you will encounter these types of calls in your career, you need to be mentally prepared for a much less glamorous reality…life.

This text was taken from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Employment information page for Duties of a NFR Firefighter/Medic. View the complete page here.

Maybe all departments, including ours, should add this disclaimer.

Fire at Parkers Seafood Restaurant

Fire at Parkers Seafood Restaurant on Peters Creek Rd.

Click for the Story and Video from WDBJ7

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a two alarm commercial structure fire on January 28, 2007 at 1336 Peters Creek Road, Parkers Seafood Restaurant.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 2:08 p.m. The response of five Engines, two Ladder trucks, two Medic Units, one EMS Captain, two Administrative Chiefs, the Fire Marshal, the Investigation Unit and one Battalion Chief for a total of 32 personnel responded to the scene. The fire was under control at 2:31 p.m.

Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the back of the building. Crews quickly entered the structure and extinguished the blaze. They ventilated the structure and did a primary search which was ruled all clear.

No one was inside of the restaurant when the fire started. There were no injuries to citizens or Fire-EMS personnel.

The restaurant sustained heavy smoke and water damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates are not available at this time.

Roanoke Metro Fire/EMS?

This picture was sent to me of the Roanoke Metro Fire/EMS Department Station #11. If you didn't know, in exchange for Engine 11's (Garden City) response into the Mount Pleasant area of Roanoke County, Mount Pleasant Medic 62 runs calls into the Garden City area of Roanoke City. Apparently some of the guys were having fun with the fact that there has been an increased amount of mutual aid and automatic aid on top of having City guys working out of a County Station. There were rumors of a "Metro" Department even before the assistance among localities began.

Currently we have:

A Lieutenant and a Firefighter stationed at Clearbrook Station #7 on each shift riding on County Apparatus and responding to a first due territory which includes Roanoke City around the Electric Road/220 corridor.

Engine 4 runs automatic aid with Salem.

Engine 13 runs automatic aid with Roanoke County and Salem.

Engine 10 runs automatic aid to Roanoke County.

Engine 6 runs mutual aid into Vinton frequently.

Of course mutual aid has no bounds, any of the jurisdictions can ask for assistance at anytime and the firefighters are more than welcome to help.

The automatic aid calls have increased, and City units are frequently used to assist the outlying localities.

Of the mutual aid coming back into the City, it seems as though we use Medic 71 the most. Maybe someday there will be a "Metro Fire Department".

I apologize if I left out any of the mutual/automatic aid that we assist with. These are just the ones on the top of my head.

Transformer Fire at Westside Elementary

Northside Companies run transformer fire at Westside Elementary School.

Last night, E13 was dispatched for a transformer fire at Westside Elementary School. We had previously run a call for wires arcing about an hour prior and returned this time to find AEP crews working at two different poles on each side of the school. Once we arrived at the same pole we had run prior, we realized that it the fire wasn't near the pole we had run near the school, and in fact a ground transformer was burning right next to the school. E13 asked for additional companies to fill out the assignment and began putting attack lines, and a supply line in place for suppression. AEP crews stated that the unit was de-energized, but could not say that there was NO electricity in the unit. Therefore, like most electrical fires, we side on the error of safety and treated it as though it was energized until AEP could confirm that there wasn't any power in the unit. E9, L13, M9, and BC2 arrived and we began cooling the unit which was burning pretty well. An 1 3/4" handline was used to apply foam on the unit which did not have a lasting effect on the fire. A 2 1/2" handline, which was pulled when E13 arrived, was then put into service along side the 1 3/4" handline and the fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes.

Water from the suppression efforts followed the conduit into the building and flooded the cafeteria with about a 1/2" of water. L2 was called in to assist the companies on scene to clean up the cafeteria.

The units cleared and AEP began the task of replacing the unit. Westside Elementary School will be closed for several days until the unit can be replaced.

Here are some external links for the story.

WSLS10 Story
WSLS has not uploaded the video of the incident. But from where the camera man was standing, I am sure he got some good footage. I will update the information when I get it.

WDBJ7 Story and Video

Lunch at #9 with Billy Obenchain

Chief Obenchain and Jimmy Jennings stopped by #9 for lunch with the guys today. Captain Wines, FF Jeff Dudley, FF Jeff Proulx, and FF Ben Obaugh ate a hearty meal with Billy and Jimmy cooked up by FF Chris Franklin AKA "Chicken Hawk" AKA #9 C-Shift Chef. They feasted on a spread of cornbread and pinto beans. I am sure they shared some decent stories and solved many of the World's problems.

Fire at 2220 Mountain View Terrace

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a structure fire on January 24, 2007 at 2220 Mountain View Terrace.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 11:21 a.m. The response of four Engines, one Ladder truck, two Medic Units, one EMS Captain, one Investigation Unit, the Fire Marshal, the Assistant Fire Marshal, two Administrative Chiefs, the Education Information Specialist, the Administrative Support Supervisor, the Emergency Management Coordinator and one Battalion Chief for a total of 30 personnel responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke coming from the structure.
Crews quickly entered the structure and extinguished the blaze.

There were two residents, one adult and one child, in the house when the fire started. They were rescued from the second story back porch of the house by a neighbor. They were both transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation. There were no injuries to Fire-EMS personnel.

The exact cause and origin of the fire are under investigation at this time. The residents were displaced from the home and are being assisted by Emergency Management. A damage estimate is not available at this time.

This home did have working smoke detectors - they helped to alert the resident to the fire. Roanoke Fire-EMS offers free smoke detectors and installation for City of Roanoke citizens. To schedule an appointment, call 853-5785.

This is an update to the fire that occurred on Wednesday, January 24,
2007 at 2220 Mountain View Terrace. The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental due to cooking. Damage estimates are still unavailable at this time.

Why we bill for EMS

Today I read an interesting article on how Bedford County is going to bill for rides to the hospital (link). Roanoke began billing probably 6 or 8 years ago. But is it that bad in Bedford that they have to start billing now. First of all, let me clear the air about who actually gets billed; the insurance companies. The self-pay, non-insured ambulance "customers" are not billed - well at least not sent to the collection agency.

Why do we bill? The simple answer is that we are trying to capture some of the expense of keeping ambulances staffed, running, and in service with trained personnel.

Why do we have to bill? Because the growing trend of calling the ambulance for everything took a toll on how many ambulances were in service and created a need for more ambulances, more staff, and more wear and tear on the ambulances.

Who calls most frequently? The non-insured to take them to the ER instead of a Family Physician. The mis-informed who think that by riding in an ambulance they will get to be seen first at the ER. The uneducated who do not know that there are Doctors offices who will allow uninsured to be seen and assist them with finding Government supplemental assistance to pay for the visit. Oh and let us not forget the ones who were taught to just call 911.

Who do we collect from? The insurance companies. It is my understanding that we do not come after self-paying people.

Who does it hurt? Well like most insurance paying people, our insurance rates and premiums increase due to the need to cover the costs of Emergency Rooms and Doctors Offices seeing the uninsured. This is a Government problem and it affects all insurance subscribers. The same goes for auto insurance.

What is the answer? Well this leads to an issue that one of our Battalion Chiefs often likes to bring up: EMS Prevention. After all, due to Fire Prevention and education the U.S. was able to see a decline in fires and correct the problem in the 70's and 80's of "America Burning". So why not educate people about EMS and when to call and when not to. The answer is money.

The reason for all the Fire Prevention in the last 80's and 90's continuing to today is because fires, responding to fires, and all the costs a fire department has related to fires is out of pocket. There aren't any funds associated with running fire calls, except the newly established fee for too many false alarms. However, this is only pocket change to running the alarm.

Now that we have seen EMS calls skyrocket, the answer wasn't to educate rather it was to bill for the experience. The flaw is that the very people who call too often aren't the ones saddled with the cost. It is the insured, the ones who rarely call when it isn't an emergency who have to pay. Luckily for them they have insurance, but the premiums, rates, and overall cost of insurance has gone up because of the billing.

Why should we commit to EMS Education? It depends on who you ask. If you ask the responder they will tell you it is a good idea that would decrease call volume, decrease "burnout", decrease response times, increase efficiency, and increase morale. However, if you ask an Administrator (from anywhere) they will more than likely tell you it is not necessary. We are providing a service and recouping the costs associated with responding.

Who cares if the responders are feeling the the affects of running all the nonsense "BS" calls. We are making money people.

Sure there would be costs associated with EMS prevention and education, but imagine the outcome.

Most departments our size are already a step ahead with prioritized dispatching. I know you have heard me say it many times before, it is like beating a dead horse. This doesn't mean that we have to get rid of the BLS calls and give them to Carilion or another 3rd party transport company. This just means that ALS (life threatening) calls would get priority. If we really wanted to make money we would have a fleet of BLS ambulances running around all day long taking people to and from the hospital and doctors offices. That would more than likely necessitate an EMS Division. I am not saying to reemerge as two departments, just divide within the organization. Maybe we can answer some of the other ailments of the EMS system.

But that is a whole other post, probably not one I will do anytime soon.

Fire at 645 Albemarle Avenue

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a structure fire on January 19, 2007 at 645 Albemarle Ave.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 2:34 p.m. The response of four Engines, one Ladder truck, two Medic Units, one EMS Captain, one Investigation Unit, the Fire Marshal, the Assistant Fire Marshal, the Education Information Specialist and one Battalion Chief for a total of 28 personnel responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, crews found smoke and heavy flames coming from the back of the structure. Crews quickly entered the structure and extinguished the fire. Crews rescued a hamster from the home.

Everyone had escaped the home when fire crews arrived. Nine people, 6 adults and three children were displaced. They are being assisted by the Red Cross. There were no injuries to citizens or Fire-EMS personnel.

The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation. Damage estimates are unavailable at this time. The house has been condemned.

Fire at 902 Rockland Avenue

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department responded to a structure fire on January 15, 2007 at 902 Rockland Ave.

The call was received through the 9-1-1 Center at approximately 8:26 p.m. The response of three Engines, one Ladder truck, two Medic Units, one EMS Captain, one Investigation Unit and one Battalion Chief for a total of 19 personnel responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, crews found smoke emitting from the eaves of the structure. Crews quickly entered the structure and extinguished the fire.

There were two residents in the house when the fire started. They escaped without any injuries. There were no injuries to citizens or Fire-EMS personnel.

The fire started in the bedroom and was contained to the home. The house received smoke and heat damage. The cause of the fire was an overheated extension cord. Damage estimates are approximately $40,000.

Roanoke Fire-EMS encourages all Roanoke residents to practice fire safety steps every day. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility and fire prevention precautions DO make a difference!

Roanoke Fire-EMS offers free smoke detectors and installation. To schedule an appointment, call 853-5785.

The Fire Prevention Division of the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department offers fireplace safety and/ or home fire safety inspections. City of Roanoke citizens can call 853-2795 to set up an appointment.