http://blog.firechief.com/mutual_aid Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:07:54 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Last weekend, I delivered a presentation on fire service trends at the Buffalo Trace Regional Fire Academy in Maysville, Ky. More than 400 firefighters — primarily volunteers with ages ranging from 18 to 70 — were signed up for the three-day academy. Because Kentucky firefighters are required to meet certain hours ... http://blog.firechief.com/mutual_aid/2009/11/05/unavoidable-trends/ I take the bus to work. And yesterday, my fellow riders and I were startled by a middle-age man who was screaming angrily about the current government, taxation, health care, 401K fraud and cutbacks in public services. Nutcases on public transportation add to the joy of living in Chicago. It’s ... http://blog.firechief.com/mutual_aid/2009/11/04/furlough-this/ Once again, October has proved to be a busy month. My notebook is filled with interesting information and quotes from a wide range of sources across the country, some from group discussions and therefore unattributed. Here are my tricks and treats to think about this Halloween weekend: Ergonomics. “We’re seeing Kevlar ... http://blog.firechief.com/mutual_aid/2009/10/29/halloween-tales/ By Jesse Herman Firefighters are exposed to many risks on a daily basis, but one that can go unnoticed is the danger of asbestos exposure, a mineral fiber that used in construction applications throughout the 20th century. The life of a firefighter brings many potential threats that can be easy or ... http://blog.firechief.com/mutual_aid/2009/10/29/firefighters-and-asbestos-the-hidden-danger/ While doing some Internet research last week, I came across a U.S. Fire Administration firefighter fatality notice from Feb. 23. The notice read that 34-year-old Firefighter Derek North of the Stockton Fire Department in Lakeland, Ga., died while responding to a fire call. North’s brother was driving the department’s 1966 ... http://blog.firechief.com/mutual_aid/2009/10/28/finding-safety-and-savings/ The Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association held their annual joint meeting earlier this month. The event gave several fire chiefs the opportunity to speak up on issues facing their departments — and some of those chiefs pushed back on FEMSA/FAMA members. Rob Brown, ... http://blog.firechief.com/mutual_aid/2009/10/22/money-or-lack-thereof-changes-everything/ When selecting the judges for the Station Style Design Awards, we try to find fire chiefs or officers who have hands-on experience in designing fire stations. We also include architects from different geographical areas. This year’s judges included three fire-department personnel who also have experience in architecture and engineering. And ... http://blog.firechief.com/mutual_aid/2009/10/21/what-makes-a-winner/ Wilson (N.C.) Fire Rescue often has served as a beta-test agency for new GIS technology. On a recent road trip, I visited Wilson and found that GIS isn’t the mid-sized suburban department’s only innovation. Chief Don Oliver offered to let me stay in the fire department’s VIP suite, a new concept ... http://blog.firechief.com/mutual_aid/2009/10/15/forward-progress/ Like most Americans, I have been forced to buckle down and count my pennies to survive the current economic climate. I’ve clipped coupons. I’ve cancelled cable. And I bring my lunch to work every day. According to economists, the U.S. economy will be slow to recover, as corporate profits take time ... http://blog.firechief.com/mutual_aid/2009/10/14/buckling-down/ Verna Wilson intently rubbed a piece of paper over a large brass plaque, while Elizabeth Desideri held the paper in place. Wilson’s son, 30-year-old Shawn Patrick Blazer, was one of eight Forest Service contractors killed in a helicopter crash on Aug. 5, 2008. His name was among those listed ... http://blog.firechief.com/mutual_aid/2009/10/08/finding-inspiration-in-grief/