Quick takes
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Picture of the day: Uriah Kiser of the News & Messenger snapped this Thursday evening of the 1992 ladder truck owned by OWL VFD in Prince William County, Virginia. It was heading to Manassas as a loaner for an out of service truck. Kiser has a detailed article here.
Paper calls for chief and deputy chief to by fired: In San Bernardino County, punishment for Chief Pat Dennen is being called by some “a slap on the wrist” for helping Deputy Chief Dan Wurl use department equipment and staffing for his personal gain. A newspaper editorial says Dennen should be fired, instead of a two week suspension, for having firefighters unload a trailer purchased with federal homeland security money so Wurl could use it to move. Wurl hasn’t received his punishment. And there is concern about the pair about getting $1000 per month for a vehicle allowance despite having county cars. Geezer has the original story. Here is the editorial. Here’s a columnist’s view on the scandal.
Layoffs in Alaska: Anchorage firefighters are citing safety concerns with eight people being laid off. Click here for the story.
Woman sets self on fire in mall: A bizarre suicide attempt in front of horrified shoppers in Miami as a woman douses herself with gasoline and lights it. Click here for the story.
Response times decreases, staffing shortage increases: Fire responses have improved, EMS are a little worse and attrition is making for unprecedented staffing shortages. Here is a snapshot of Virginia’s Newport News Fire Department.
Firefighter of the year: WTOP Radio reporter Hank Silverberg alerts us to his story on Fairfax County’s firefighter of the year, Captain William Garrett. Click here to listen.
Detroit House fire: From Dennis Walus – On Wednesday August 12th 2009, Detroit 9th Battalion companies responded to a reported dwelling fire at Woodhall & Chandler Park Dr. Upon arrival Engine 58 stretched on the occupied 1.5 story dwelling, This fire was brought under control using 2 lines in approx. 15 minutes. Engines 58/52/50 Ladder 31 Squad 6 and Chief 9 responded to this box alarm. See more pictures here. Dennis has been busy and has pictures from another fire here. (The SmugMug site seems to be down temporarily – 9:00 AM.)
