Quick takes
Click here and then scroll down for the latest fire and EMS news from STATter911.com
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZbzUPTUWbE&hl=en&fs=1&]
Orange, NJ second-alarm: This is reported to be from Saturday at 173 Taylor Street.
Nationals Park fireworks to return to the same spot despite fire chief’s concerns: At tonight’s game with the Reds expect to see fireworks during the National Anthem and if the Nationals actually hit some home runs and win the game. The fireworks will be fired from the same roof top location as they were Sunday when DC Fire Chief Dennis Rubin shut down the operation. The chief spent much of Monday telling us the fireworks would likely have to move because of debris falling on the fans. That message changed in the evening when a statement was released saying modifications in how they are shot will allow the pyrotechnics to stay put. Read and watch our coverage.
PIO Pete to cross the border, plus more exciting council testimony in DC: For the first time Chief Dennis Rubin discussed publicly that the new supervisor of his press office is fire service veteran Pete Piringer, currently with the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service in Maryland. The Piringer discussion was some of the easier going for Chief Rubin at a hearing of the DC Council Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary. We take a closer look at the hearing, previous gatherings of the committee, some of the chief’s critics and Rubin’s constant sparring with Chairman Phil Mendelson. Despite what you may read elsewhere, yesterday was certainly NOT their most heated of many similar exchanges on the budget and other topics, but it gives you a good window on the relationship between the chief and the chairman. Click here.
Five firefighters briefly trapped after engine overturns: Five helicopters took the firefighters to the hospital after yesterday evening’s wreck in Meade County, Kentucky. It turns out all of the injuries are considered non-life threatening. We have pictures, raw video and news coverage.
Response from to Toronto local on dispatch issues: Remember the story claiming built in delays in dispatching fire equipment in Toronto? IAFF Local 3888 President Scott Marks has a different view of things. Click here to read the letter he sent to the Toronto Star.
OHP denies dash-cam video request: Despite the prosecutor urging the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to release its video of the confrontation between its officer and an EMS crew, OHP is denying the request, saying its video isn’t covered under the Open Records Act. Click here for the latest and here for our previous coverage of the story.
The eyes of Texas are upon the governor: At least fire chiefs have their eyes focused on how Gov. Rick Perry plans to handle a bill that would ban cities from requiring sprinklers in new or existing homes. The fire service wants a veto. The building lobby, as you might imagine, sees it differently. Read the article.
Four-alarm high-rise fire in PA: Rescues made after fire starts on the 5th floor of a nine-story building in Lancaster on Sunday. Read details. Watch the story. More here and even more info in the forums at Lancaster.com.
Another chance to view some must see pictures and video: Our most clicked item was the series of pictures from New Jersey as a firefighter escapes the roof of a burning bowling alley in Shrewsbury. If you haven’t seen it, check it out.
If you are both a fire and train buff, this story is for you: Union Pacific has donated a 392,000 pound gift to the San Antonio Fire Department training academy. See what it is.
Cool Sweeps participation cooled by judge: Firegeezer has an interesting story from Rochester, NY where a judge sides with firefighters who went to court to stop their participation in the annual hydrant cooling program. Click here for Bill’s coverage.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57mURJ1zjoM&hl=en&fs=1&]
Way-back machine turned on in Skokie: Steve Redick has a series of clips from Skokie, Illinois in the 1970s. Above is Part 4. We will add some other parts later.
