There‘s only one Friday the 13th in 2008. Take advantage of this day to do something positive and turn the tables on paraskevidekatriaphobia, or the irrational fear of Friday the 13th.

1. Get ready. Prepare for 2008 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week, June 22–28. The theme this year is Committed to Long-Term Results, which focuses on long-ranging healthy and safety investments by chiefs and firefighters/emergency medical personnel. A simplified program of three key focus areas, along with activities and materials, is available on the IAFC Web site. Download it, read it, do it. This one week out of 52 is your chance to hit ‘em hard with an emphasis on safety that will reverberate the rest of the year.




2. Take a chance. Don‘t you love to give your opinion? Speak up for a chance to win $5,000 worth of equipment for your department. The Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association is asking for input on 17 questions about you and equipment. In return for completing the survey — which will take less than 71 seconds to complete — you will be entered in a drawing for equipment from FEMSA members. Four departments, including Stetson, Maine, and Egg Harbor, Wis., have won equipment simply by filling out the survey questions. Your information is confidential and no sales calls will result.




3. Praise a leader. The deadline for FIRE CHIEF‘s 2008 Chief of the Year Awards, sponsored by Pierce Manufacturing, is June 25. IAFC divisions and sections, state associations, and fire service associations and organizations can submit nominations. FIRE CHIEF readers also can nominate chiefs they believe should be recognized for their leadership and commitment. Nominees will be featured in the August issue, and the Career and Volunteer Chief of the Year will be announced at Fire-Rescue International in Denver, Aug. 14–16.




4. Honor an unsung hero. Nominate the mechanic or emergency vehicle technician who works behind the scenes to get you on the scene. FIRE CHIEF’s In Service and the IAFC‘s Apparatus Maintenance Section are seeking nominations for the 2008 Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year award, sponsored by Spartan Chassis in cooperation with Allison Transmission. Deadline for nominations is July 1 and the award will be presented at the IAFC‘s Apparatus Maintenance Section Workshop, also at FRI, Aug. 13–14. The nomination process is easier than changing an oil filter, so take a few minutes and nominate a technician. It‘s a nice way to show your gratitude.




5. Fight fire with safety. Each year wildfires seem to burn up more land and property than the year before. The International Association of Wildland Fire is accepting nominations for its Wildland Fire Safety Award, which will be presented at “The Fires of ‘88: Yellowstone and Beyond” in Jackson, Wyo., Sept. 22-27. The award, first presented in 1997, honors a person in the wildland firefighting community who has made a significant contribution to wildland firefighter safety, either on the fireline or through management, cultural or wildland fire research. The deadline is Aug. 1, and the nomination process is not complicated.

If you‘re stuck inside, either because of Mother Nature or superstition, pick a task from the offerings above. Each one is guaranteed to make a difference in someone‘s life, including your own.