Quick takes
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYOMlNiuig0&hl=en&fs=1]
Intriguing video: Firefighter Spot ran this video last week, shortly after it was posted on YouTube. Jason wants to know more about the fire, but so far no one has provided answers. Does anyone know when or where it occurred? How about the role of police on the fireground? Let us know details.
Cops posing as firefighters not sitting well with some: We have received a number of emails about a story in New Hampshire on Tuesday. In an effort to arrest a man who had earlier threatened a police officer with a shotgun, the Newport Police Department came up with a plan to lure the man from his apartment. After getting arrest and search warrants, police officers showed up at the building on board a fire engine and dressed as firefighters. They pulled the fire alarm and ordered the evacuation of the building. In the process they nabbed their man and seized a bunch of weapons from his apartment. All is well that ends well? Privately some firefighters don’t think so. They write that it could put firefighters in danger from the public who may not trust their motives in the future. Click here to read the story. Click here to watch it. Your thoughts?
Union rallies behind firefighter serving in Iraq who was fired due to budget cuts: IAFF Local 841 mounted a protest to the layoffs of 35 New Bedford, Massachusetts firefighters. In particular they made it known how they feel about the axing of Leo Pike who is now serving his third tour of duty in Iraq with the Navy Reserves. The president of the local told reporters, “We’re just covering his back while he’s gone”. Stories are here and here.
Firefighter Facebook flap: In Wales, a firefighter who posted comments about his job on his Facebook has been disciplined after a member of the public complained. Read the story.
Towel left on light burns up firehouse: A Detroit firefighter on watch and reading his bible wanted some softer lighting. Investigators say he forgot to remove the towel when an alarm came in. Read the update.
Leave it to Geezer: Bill Schumm saw something in my coverage of the recent afternoon apartment fire in Chicago that I somehow overlooked. Click here.
Update- And since we are plugging the sometimes wise old man, take a look at today’s Morning Lineup. It is a comparison of mutual aid policies. One is between Columbia and Boone County in Missouri. The other is the ongoing controversy between the fire chief in Fort Wayne and the sheriff of Allen County over not sending the closest company to a triple-fatal fire. The Geezer has a thought or two.
Mulch to do about something: In Florida’s Hialeah Gardens, a massive fire at a mulch factory on Tuesday. Click here for the story and video.
Stimulating the fire department: Chief Dennis Rubin says he wants to spend some federal stimulus money on firehouse rehabs and paramedic training. Read details from The Washington Post.
Former firefighter and medic to FEMA: Florida’s Craig Fugate gets the job. Read more here and here. Check out Billy Goldfeder’s thoughts at FirefighterCloseCalls.com. Read what the IAFF has to say.
Rally in Annapolis: Maryland fire and EMS folks made themselves heard on two bills that hit close to home. One is on the state’s renowned medevac helicopter system and the other creates a new cabinet level agency overseeing emergency services. Read the details from Susan Nicol Kyle at Firehouse.com.
Honorable mention for the honorary chief: Usually his mentions on this site are dishonorable, but congratulations are in order for DC Fire & EMS Department photographer, and honorary chief, Vito Maggiolo. Vito received an honorable mention at the White House News Photographers Association Television Contest 2009 in the category of General News. It was for his work at the Mount Pleasant Street fire. Personally I think the reporter on the story carried the day, but Vito would probably tell you he would have taken first prize if it wasn’t for that handicap. Read more in a DC Fire & EMS Department press release.
IAFC hits Rock Bottom Part 3: Tonight is the third event held by the IAFC at Arlington’s Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery. The proceeds benefit the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Foundation and Aluminum Cans for Burned Children. This time it is the bachelor and bachelorette auction starting at 7:00 PM. Details are here.
