DUMB QUESTIONS? Welcome To 2006. - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty

DUMB QUESTIONS? Welcome To 2006. - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

When the final reports come out about how we died in 2005, it will look almost identical to 2004. Nuth'n new. And the changes are happening nationally but not always reaching the local level. It's going to take a lot more work, more time and much more of a serious commitment by everyone who "crawls down halls" and we will then start seeing more changes that matter to our future. After all, just look at what the IAFF, the IAFC, the NFFF, the NVFC, the USFA and others are all doing for us, their members, to improve firefighter survival. But if it doesn't happen on a local level, it will be a waste of time.

Without boring you, the solutions are often easy. It's just a matter of how badly we/me/you want to reduce the numbers, starting with a serious commitment by the firefighters and officers on each piece of apparatus, in every firehouse, to have everyone go home. Duh.

From a firefighting tactical standpoint, we suffer a minority of firefighter deaths all be it some of the absolute most horrific. Want some solutions to the "firefighting" death issue. We want some questions answered that some clown you work with may call dumb. Read these two superb pieces by retired FDNY Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn. He covers most of it.

50 Ways Firefighters Die

50 Ways FF's Live

Check out this very informative article by Billy Goldfeder on Firehouse.com.

Technorati tags: Vincent Dunn, FDNY, Firefighter Deaths

Alaska Terminal and Restaurant Structure Fire - Firehouse.com Photo Stories

Alaska Terminal and Restaurant Structure Fire - Firehouse.com Photo Stories:

Frontier Flying Service terminal & restaurant structure fire on December 26, 2005, in Barrow, Alaska.

The temperature at the time of fire the was at 0, with slight winds.

No entry was made because of the size of the fire, and the amount of involvement upon arrival.

Check out the article above for some pictures of an ARFF crew in action. No not the Roanoke Regional Airport, actually an airport in Alaska. Just in case anyone is keeping track, I still have not run a call on the ARFF crew since I got moved back. I carry around a bottle of oil like the "Tinman" so I don't rust.

Technorati tags: ARFF

Breaking News - Fire at Roanoke College

Salem Fire Department is on scene of a large fire on the campus of Roanoke College. Numerous Roanoke County Fire Apparatus are filling in throughout Salem. Salem consists of only 3 stations. I understand that Elliston, Cave Spring, and some others are filling in Salem and other Roanoke County Stations.
Ok, apparently the magnitude of the fire was high because of the fact that there were Fire Companies filling in Salem and surrounding Fire Stations.

The fire was actually at St. Pierre Salon.

Roanoke City units are on scene of a single family dwelling fire at 2222 Hanover Ave. NW, which was just marked under control. I will update as I find out more.

Maybe I should pull out the old scanner and program it for Roanoke frequencies.

There were no confirmed injuries at either of the fires.

Paul Combs - Editorial Cartoonist

Paul Combs - Firehouse.com Editorial Cartoonist. I am sure you have seen some of his work. I know it hangs in several firehouses in Roanoke City. You can view the biographical information of Paul Combs HERE.

See his work HERE.

Comic #2 - The Usual Suspects

New Movie: The Usual Suspects

I think this is hilarious. I will continue to post these as long as they are clean and not offensive. The person who sends these in would like to remain anonymous. I will respect his/her wishes. If you are involved in a "picture" and do not like it, I will remove it immediately.

Outsider Looking In

I thought that I would share this email I received today. This just goes to show an outsiders view of our Department and a comparison across the State. I realize that this is only one persons view, however it is far easier to be critical. So thanks for your kind words Brother. I hope you don't mind my posting the email. Our Department is made up of a very diverse workforce. Our Firefighters are easily the most experienced around and the most dedicated. Here is the email sent to me below:

"Hey Rhett, I have been doing a lot of web browsing of different departments in Va. and have noticed that Roanoke is one of the best as far as call volume and personnel. The pay is average maybe even a little on the low side, but all in all you guys have your act together. The info you put on your blog is like no one else's. As an outsider looking in and trying to collect as much information as I can it is really helpful to me and other firefighters interested in employment with your city. Just thought you would like to know that and by the way THANKS A MILLION!"

Thanks for the kind words Brother,

Your Welcome
FireFleitz

Rhode Island City Charges Firefighters Union 'Rent' for Use of Trucks in City Council Demo - Firehouse.com News

Rhode Island City Charges Firefighters Union 'Rent' for Use of Trucks in City Council Demo - Firehouse.com News:

CRANSTON - In September, the firefighters union put on a demonstration of how firefighters do their job, at one point taking City Council members, the media and Mayor Stephen P. Laffey's top administrators through a smoky building in full protective gear.

Beyond its intended educational value, union leaders said, the demonstration made for a good time and, perhaps, signaled a warming in their relations with the mayor.

But a few weeks later, the union got a bill from City Hall demanding a $450 "rental" fee for the two pieces of apparatus -- an engine and a ladder truck from the Fire Department's backup fleet -- it used in the Sept. 17 event.

"We've never gotten a bill before for anything," said Paul Valletta, president of Local 1363, International Association of Fire Fighters. "I don't know where this rental thing comes from."

This is an interesting article. It shows the thin grey area relative to so many Departments and the organizations which represent their employees. I wonder if the City in question bills for other events?

Technorati tags: Fire, Union, Rhode Island

Structure fire at 102 18th St. SW

Structure fire at 102 18th St. Apt. 5. Time out 16:05 hours. E-3, E-5, E-7, E-9, L- 1, L-7, M-3, M-1 responding for heavy fire. E-5 was interior 1. Primary search has been completed and no victims were found. This is FF Kevin Taylor's first day at E-5 and his welcoming mat is a structure fire.

Photos courtesy of Capt. Kent McIlhany

Happy New Year to all

It is nice to see a close to another fun and enjoyable year. I look forward to closing in on a full year here on the internet, which will happen in March. I hadn't really thought about it until now, but I am now off of probation as a Lieutenant. I am happy to have been a part of so many lives this year. There are firefighters here in Roanoke, whom I have hardly even met. Yet when I do meet them, they know my name. I am not sure if that is because they have seen this site, or they are thinking "oh that is the one they put on the ARFF crew". Either way, any publicity is good publicity. I also appreciate the other readers I have. Some of the ones I have talked to include several blog owners from California to South Dakota back to Pennsylvania as well as numerous local bloggers like this and this and this. I have bumped into past Roanokers in Atlanta and Nashville, who I hear from regularly. I have been talking to firefighters who are interested in working for the Department from here in Roanoke, to North Carolina all the way to Florida. I have come into contact with Firefighters in Australia and even Singapore. Oh I cannot forget another Site from somewhere across the pond. There have been so many others. So many people who contact me and leave comments. It amazes me how such a localized blog about a small city in Southwest Virginia can receive so much attention.

I have to admit that when I started this thing, I did not know what I was doing. I did not have an agenda, a plan, or a guideline. So many firefighters I work with did not know what it was, what it meant, or how this came to be. Well I have found a path, I have found a cause, I have found a hobby. That is to bring national attention to our profession, the way we do things, and the incidents we are involved in. I put a face to stories written about us. I now know that so many of you past critics out there read daily to see what is going on, to see pictures, to find out what is new.

I know I have had some controversial posts in the past. Controversial that is if you do not see things the way I do. Controversial if you do not feel I should have an opinion, or a voice in the matter. Many of you have said "told you so" when certain comments were made, and quite possibly the threats made true. Oh well, that is life, and life goes on. I will continue to bring you the news of the Roanoke Firefighters, pictures, stories, and history. I will even mix in some other news of national importance. You can rest assured knowing that this is my site and that these are my views and my opinions.

Happy New Year and God Bless

roanoke.com - Extra stories -New Year's Eve

roanoke.com - Extra stories -New Year's Eve:

“You always think it’s going to be very busy that night. It’s kind of hit or miss. You usually have a lot more intoxicated people, obviously. The good side is, some people are happy-intoxicated. You’re going to have your everyday thing with heart problems or breathing problems. I haven’t dealt with any wrecks.”

Check out this right up on Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Holmes. Josh's picture was featured on the front page of the Extra Section. Good work Josh.

Technorati tags: Josh Holmes, Working New Years Eve, Roanoke Times

MVA on Orange Avenue

Picture courtesy of Chief Tartaglia

Here is a picture of an extrication today. I am short on time. I will post more pictures later. I apologize for giving the wrong credit for the photos. I have added one of Captain A.P. Wallaces below. I will post more later, of course if someone would like to fill me in on what happened that would be nice too. Email me or leave comment on the accident.

Update: all of the pictures have been added to a slideshow at Local 1132 Incidents.
Thanks to A.P. Wallace and Ralph Tartaglia for the pictures. Keep the pictures and information coming in.

Photo courtesy of Captain A.P. Wallace

Residents Lash Out At Houston Fire Department - Firehouse.com News

Residents Lash Out At Houston Fire Department - Firehouse.com News:

Community leaders said Tuesday they will seek an independent investigation of how firefighters responded to a southwest Houston apartment fire that killed three children.

Quanell X said apartment residents and the children's family repeatedly told firefighters the children were still inside, but twice came out of an apartment saying no one was there. On a third attempt, a witness said, firefighters found the children.

Nation of Islam Minister Robert Muhammad described the conduct of some firefighters at the scene as "cavalier," and that they were seen laughing.

"They would not have demonstrated the behavior that they did had this fire been in River Oaks. They would not have carried on the way they did laughing and joking," said Quanell X, who said he will submit a formal request for an independent investigation today.

This is interesting. Although I was not there, I would like to comment on this article. This is a case of the public not knowing exactly who we are, or what we do. They don't know the extent of our training, and the acceptance of our own limitations. They don't know that each time firefighters enter a structure, we know we may not come back out. They don't understand what we do once we are in a burning building. They don't understand how hard it is to work in these conditions.

I was not there at the fire in Houston, but I can assure the residents that the firefighters did everything humanly possible to save the children.

I understand it is hard to grasp the loss of these families, however the answer is not berading the firefighters who risked their lives for these children.

The article, the words of these citizens, and the misinterpretation of what was actually going on are unfortunate. These actions could possibly scar the Department and some of its members for some time.

Technorati tags: Houston Fire, Firefighters

Breaking news from The Roanoke Times -Morning accident kills one on I-581

Breaking news from The Roanoke Times -

Breaking News

Morning accident kills one on I-581:

The Roanoke Times

Photo by Sam Dean | The Roanoke Times
Rescue workers and police investigate the scene of an accident on 581 North near the northbound Peters Creek road exit.

A two-vehicle accident on Interstate 581 this morning resulted in at least one confirmed fatality, according to Sgt. Bob Carpentieri, spokesman for the Virginia State Police.

The accident occurred at approximately 9 a.m. on northbound I-581 south of the Peters Creek Road exit, Carpentieri said.

Check out the link for the article on Roanoke.com. I will update any information I receive.
UPDATE: You can view 3 more pictures HERE.

Technorati tags: Roanoke vehicle accident, accident on 581

A Cake Like No Other

C-Shift worked on Christmas Day this year. Let me tell you first off, it was not busy at the Airport. I took care of the crew and cooked a large spread including Ham, potatoes, mac n' cheese, etc. Right in the middle of cooking, a woman and her daughter came to the door of Fire Station #10 with a tray in her hand. The woman was holding a cake. She explained to us that her daughter, who appeared to be about 7, told her mom that they should do something for us a the station on Christmas because we had to work. So her mom whipped up a cake. But this was no ordinary cake. This cake stood about 14" tall and 6" in diameter. You can see by the picture that it indeed was Santa Claus. We were grateful. This was not an easy cake to eat, because none of us wanted to ruin it.

A little side note to all the families, friends, and neighbors who drop off desserts to firehouses: We thank you for thinking of us, remembering us, and taking care of us.

MVA on Valley View Blvd.

Here are some pictures from a 10-50 at the 1900 block of Valley View Blvd. The accident was right in front of Shakers. E-10, E-2, and M-10 responded, although there were no injuries.

Firefighter Jobs in Roanoke

Here is your guide to getting a job as a Firefighter/EMT in the City of Roanoke, Virginia.

Fire-EMS Jobs for Firemen, Firewomen, Firefighters, EMT's, Paramedics, Cardiac Tech's, and Paramedics in Roanoke.

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department accepts applications for the position of Firefighter year round. All Firefighters are trained to the level of at least FFII and EMT-B in a 13 week recruit school. The recruits are also put through training such as EVOCI-III (emergency vehicle operator course), Rope Rescue I, Vehicle Rescue, MayDay Firefighter Down, CPR, DPO (Driver Pump Operator). Some classes are added and some are taken away each school like the DPO class and confined space, or even DPO - Aerial Operator. Applications are good for 1 year from the date of submission.

Written tests are held monthly for the applicants.

The RFEMS has set up an email address you can access HERE. You can always email me at FireFleitz@adelphia.net, if you have questions as well.
Firefighter/EMT candidates must: (FOUND HERE)

• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Be at least 21 years of age;
• Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent;
• Meet vision requirements of 20/100 in both eyes; both correctable to 20/20;
• Be physically fit, height and weight must be in proportion;
• Have a valid Virginia driver's license; and
• Have no criminal background or poor traffic record.

Roanoke uses the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) as its physical test. From what I understand, if you have taken the test and passes in the past year, then it is good here. You might call and make sure that is correct. The next CPAT will be held in Spring 2006.

Currently there is a posting for 5-10 positions to be filled in early Summer of 2006. By my count, there are already 8 positions open.

The Firefighter payscale is as follows:
Firefighter/EMT-Basic: $30,452
Firefighter/EMT-Intermediate: $32,221
Firefighter/EMT-Paramedic: $34,221

You can apply online at www.roanokeva.gov, or you can stop in and complete an application at The Municipal Building Room 207, 215 Church Ave. SW Roanoke, Virginia 24011.

From what I understand, the new recruits might have to sign a 2-5 year contract and will have to sign a contract to get at least an EMT-I certification.

If indeed you have any other questions, please let me know. I will try to answer all questions. If indeed you are trying to get hired, good luck. I have been in contact with several candidates. As with any job in the Fire Service, you need to keep your head up.

Now Showing - Engine 5

Now Showing "Engine5 - Are We There Yet?"

Check out this Movie Promo that was sent to me. The poster is from the Movie Ladder 49. I vaguely remember hearing about an incident where 5A thought they...well I would hate to start a rumor. Why not call them up and ask them yourselves. Love ya, mean it.

The Funniest Jokes Ever

I am not sure if I have posted any of these jokes in the past. However, all three of them are hilarious. If indeed you do not find yourself laughing hysterically at these, you need to be checked. *Please note - some profanity ahead. So here they are:

Diary of a Snow Shoveler...
(via email)

December 8 - 6:00 PM. It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9 - We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.

December 12 - The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14 - Snow lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish l wouldn't huff and puff so.

December 15 - 20 inches forecast. Sold my Corolla and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16 - Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an hour, Which I think was very cruel.

December 17 - Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20 - Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of the damn stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Goddamn snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another ship ment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22 - Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white shit fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to piss. By the time I got undressed, pissed and dressed again. I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think the asshole is lying.

December 23 - Only 2" of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What, is she nuts??!!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24 - 6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, l broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a bitch who drives that snow plow I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the goddamn snowplow.

December 25 - Merry @#!%#@*& Christmas! 20 more inches of the goddamn slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's an idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.

December 26 - Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27 - Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze, plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me 1,400 to replace all my pipes.

December 28 - Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. THE BITCH is driving me crazy!!!

December 29 - 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30 - Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver he is now suing me for a million dollars not only the beating I gave him but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his ass. The wife went home to her mother. 9" more predicted.

December 31 - I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.

January 8 - Feelin so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?

**************************************

This is a bricklayer's accident report that was printed in the newsletter of the English equivalent of the Workers' Compensation Board. So here, thanks to John Sedgwick, is this Bricklayer's report. (via Break.com)

Dear Sir;

I am writing in response to your request for additional information in Block #3 of the accident reporting form. I put "Poor Planning" as the cause of my accident. You asked for a more complete explanation and I trust the following details will be sufficient.

I am a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident, I was working alone on the roof of a new six-story building. When I completed my work, I found I had some bricks left over which, when weighed later, were found to weigh 240 lbs. Rather than carry the bricks down by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley which was attached to the side of the building at the sixth floor.

Securing the rope at ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the barrel out, and loaded the bricks into it. Then I went down and untied the rope, holding it tightly to insure a slow descent of the 240 lbs of bricks. You will note on the accident reporting form that my weight is 135 lbs.

Due to my surprise at being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded at a rapid rate up the side of the building.

In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel which was now proceeding downward at an equally impressive speed. This explains the fractured skull, minor abrasions, and the broken collarbone, as listed in Section 3, accident reporting form.

Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley which I mentioned in Paragraph 2 of this correspondence. Fortunately, by this time I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope, in spite of the excruciating pain I was now beginning to experience.

At approximately the same time however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Now devoid of the weight of the bricks, the barrel weighed approximately 50 lbs.

I refer you again to my weight. As you might imagine, I began a rapid descent down the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles, broken tooth and severe lacerations of my legs and lower body.

Here my luck began to change slightly. The encounter with the barrel seemed to slow me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell into the pile of bricks and fortunately only three vertebrae were cracked.

I am sorry to report, however, as I lay there on the pile of bricks, in pain, unable to move and watching the empty barrel six stories above me, I again lost my composure and presence of mind and let go of the rope.

*****************************************

"The Chili Taster"
(via email)

NOTES FROM AN INEXPERIENCED CHILI TASTER NAMED FRANK

"Recently I was honored to be selected as an Outstanding Famous Celebrity in Texas, to be a judge at a chili cook-off because no one else wanted to do it. Also the original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking directions to the beer wagon when the call came. I was assured by the other two judges that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy, and besides they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted this as being one of those burdens you endure when you're an Internet writer and therefore known and adored by all."

The scorecards from the event:

* Chili # 1: Mike's Maniac Mobster Monster Chili

JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick.

JUDGE TWO: Nice, smooth tomato flavor Very mild.

FRANK: Holy smokes, what is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway with it. Took me two beers to put the flames out. Hope that's the worst one. These people are crazy.


* Chili # 2: Arthur's Afterburner Chili

JUDGE ONE: Smoky (barbecue?) with a hint of pork. Slight Jalapeno tang.

JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.

FRANK: Keep this out of reach of children! I'm not sure what I am supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. Shoved my way to the front of the beer line. The barmaid looks like a professional wrestler after a bad night. She was so irritated over my gagging sounds that the snake tattoo under her eye started to twitch. She has arms like Popeye and a face like Winston Churchill. I will NOT pick a fight with her.


* Chili # 3: Fred's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili

JUDGE ONE: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more beans.

JUDGE TWO: A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of red peppers.

FRANK: This has got to be a joke. Call the EPA, I've located a uranium spill! My nose feels like I have been sneezing Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now and got out of my way so I could make it to the beer wagon. Barmaid pounded me on the back; now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. She said her friends call her "Sally". Probably behind her back they call her "Forklift".


* Chili # 4: Bubba's Black Magic

JUDGE ONE: Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.

JUDGE TWO: Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.

FRANK: I felt something scraping across my tongue but was unable to taste it. Sally was standing behind me with fresh refills so I wouldn't have to dash over to see her. When she winked at me her snake sort of coiled and uncoiled... it's kinda cute.


* Chili # 5: Linda's Legal Lip Remover

JUDGE ONE: Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground adding
considerable kick. Very impressive.

JUDGE TWO: Chili using shredded beef; could use more tomato. Must admit
the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.

FRANK: My ears are ringing and I can no longer focus my eyes. I belched and four people in front of me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed hurt when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue by pouring beer directly on it from a pitcher. Sort of irritates me that one of the other judges asked me to stop screaming.


* Chili # 6: Vera's Very Vegetarian Variety

JUDGE ONE: Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spice and peppers.

JUDGE TWO: The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.

FRANK: My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous flames. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except Sally. I asked if she wants to go dancing later.


* Chili # 7: Susan's Screaming Sensation Chili

JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.

JUDGE TWO: Ho Hum, tastes as if the chef threw in canned chili peppers at the last moment. I should note that I am worried about Judge Number 3, he appears to be in a bit of distress.

FRANK: You could put a hand grenade in my mouth and pull the pin and I wouldn't feel it. I've lost the sight in one eye and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My clothes are covered with chili which slid unnoticed out of my mouth at some point. Good, at autopsy they'll know what killed me. Go Sally, save yourself before it's too late. Tell our children I'm sorry I was not there to conceive them.

I've decided to stop breathing, it's too painful and I'm not getting any
oxygen anyway. If I need air I'll just let it in through the hole in my
stomach.


* Chili # 8: Helen's Mount Saint Chili

JUDGE ONE: This final entry is a good, balanced chili, neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge Number 3 fell and pulled the chili pot on top of himself.

JUDGE TWO: A perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili, safe for all, not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.

FRANK: Momma??!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone. I wish you all a fun and enjoyable day with your family, whether you are at home or at work. I am at work today, hey someone's got to do it, right. I am probably looking at a quiet day though.

I want to share some statistics with you now, as a recap of the past several months. I am doing this because I am at a loss of stuff to post. The history vault only has one Christmas picture that I know of. So I will entertain you with some statistics.

Roanoke Firefighters Blog
Posts: 311
Months Online: 10 months, Site began March 9, 2005
Total Visitors: 12,832
Total Pageviews: 22,517
Average Visits per day: 75
Average Pageviews per day: 129
Average Visit Length: 2:17

Local 1132/Roanoke Fire Fighters Association
Months since new website: 7 months, Site was revamped in June 05'
Total Pages on site: 68
Total Visitors: 3227
Total Pageviews: 12,189
Average Visits per day: 24
Average Pageviews per day: 82
Average Visit Length: 3:52

So the point is that our sites are being read. I get email from across the U.S. about things I have posted on this site, or about the history, etc. which is housed on the Local 1132 site. I have spoken to readers via email, google talk, and the phone about Roanoke. I have heard from guys who want to work here, want to know what it is like to work here, and want to know what the area is like. I speak with guys who used to work here, live here, or know guys who still work here. I have been able to send people in the right direction who are looking for information. All of that is great, and that is one reason why I do what I do.

The other thing that drives me to do this site, and continually add to the Local 1132 site, is you my brothers and sisters here in Roanoke. I do it because I think that it can make a difference. I have seen differences it can make. I hear from you guys all the time. I get emails, phone calls, and comments in person about how you guys like the site. I get ideas, recommendations, and material to use. To date I have only heard of one person who does not like the site, for whatever reason. Then there are those of you who do not see things from my point of view, which is fine. Readership is what I am after. I am not trying to shock anyone, merely tell a story.

What would it be like if we could go to a website and read what was written 100 years ago? There probably would be less questions. That is not an option, however in 100 years it might be.

The Local 1132 website is growing by leaps and bounds. If you have not checked it out in a while, I suggest you take a gander at some of the added pages.

If you have any questions, comments, or the like please let me know at FireFleitz@adelphia.net.

God Bless you and your Family during the Holidays.

-FireFleitz

Today in History - TAP Fire 1989

Link - Today in History - TAP Fire 1989

This new addition to the Local 1132 website shows the Roanoke Times newspaper clippings from the fire. The fire occurred at 10 am on Saturday December 23, 1989. This fire was one of the more notable fires of that last 25 years. If you hang out at a Roanoke firehouse long enough you will probably hear mention of the fire. I myself have heard so very many stories of this fire. I will not go into the stories now, because I have not been able to clarify them.

This is what I have put together thus far:

1. There were about 100 firemen on top of the various Aerial Ladders.
2. Most of those said firemen were up there the whole time.
3. Most of those who were up there the whole time, were frozen to the ladder.
4. But only one fireman(now a Captain) was needed at the fire, cause he put it out by himself. You know who you are. Love ya mean it.

Just having a little fun with you guys. Before you all say it, yes I was only 12 years old (almost 13) at the time. That puts me in the 7th grade. Yeah I know, you have underwear older. Yes you are a seasoned, crusty, old Jake. Yes I am still wet behind the ears. Yes at the time I couldn't fight my way out of a wet paper bag. And YES the fire occurred "Back in the Day". I think I covered everything. Oh except for something about a studded diamond in a Goat's ass.


Seriously though, this was one of the largest fires in the past 25 maybe even 50 years. There were a lot of Firefighters called in to cover the stations. I do not know what alarm this fire was. Possibly a General Alarm. These Firefighters were fighting fire in temperatures in the teens. They had to battle freezing on everything. I have heard stories of having to leave hose in the street for days just to wait for it to thaw out.


Stay safe over Christmas. I will be posting a little. Maybe I will put together something big for Christmas Day.