Getting Familiar with Unfamiliar Dirt

This is from rom my All Hazards Contemplations blog...after a delay of a week that was spent getting ready for the grand opening of our Training Center and drill tower, shown below.

I recently spent a week on vacation that included a lot of reading on the beach. I was able to complete a six-book series, the Corean Chronicles by L.E. Modsitt, Jr... an excellent read if you're into the genre. In one of the books, a group of soldiers is deployed to an area with which none of them are familiar. They're tired from traveling and just want to set up camp and relax, but their officer immediately sends out patrols. They complain, but the officer tells the soldiers that they need to "Get familiar with the unfamiliar dirt" where they're operating in order to prevent any nasty surprises from the enemy.

Frank Brannigan always told firefighters that buildings were our enemy, and to "Know Your Enemy". Driving around a beachfront town that I hadn't visited in several years reminded me that there was a lot of unfamiliar dirt there.

That unfamiliar dirt had a lot of unfamiliar buildings on it. How will getting familiar with unfamiliar dirt help firefighters? It helps us learn how to gain access to places we may never have been, it helps us learn occupancy-specific hazards, and it helps us plan firefights in places that aren't directly conntected to the dirt. Not all unfamiliar dirt is this easy...

Continue Reading Getting Familiar with Unfamiliar Dirt

Some firefighters don't like to spend time on the dirt at the Training Center. The places you train are built on some very important dirt. I spent four hours on this dirt yesterday (Sunday) with several companies of very dedicated firefighters. So did two other chief officers, one of whom was off duty at the time.

Some of your dirt has structures containing bad things like hazardous materials containers...

...or hazardous materials processing.

The dirt may be open and inviting on Side A. No matter how familiar you are with Side A, if you have to bail out the Side C door of this occupancy, you're in trouble.

How about this dirt? Which Side C door connects to which strip mall occupancy?How well will the cantilivered awning hold up if fire attacks the interior anchors?If you need to force entry on Side C, will basic engine tools get you through the fortified doors, or will you need the additional power carried by a ladder or rescue company?

Is some of the structure built a long way above the dirt?How will you access the upper floors of this structure...especially if the 1st due is a single-station volunteer fire department? Are there fire protection systems to help you keep this building from becoming part of the dirt?

Does the structure extend horizontally away from the dirt? Do you have a way to handle emergencies in places that are not readily accessible from the dirt?

Are some of the structures on the dirt crammed tightly together? Can you safely walk between the fire building and an adjacent exposure, or is there a chance that you'll be trapped or burned if part of the fire structure collapses or autovents while you're walking the 4-foot wide dirt between the buildings?

Does the dirt include an antique building modified into apartments over an industrial occupancy with no fire protection systems?

The officer in the Corean Chronicles had an important teaching point for the fire service...learn the unfamiliar dirt to which you're first due..so that you don't get familiar with this kind of unfamiliar dirt...

Oh, for the love of technology.

I love technology. I hate technology. Technology has made my life easier. Technology has made my life a nightmare. Technology has freed up so much of my time. Technology consumes so much of my time. How could something be so good… and yet so bad? So enjoyable… yet so despicable? Such an asset… and at the same time a great liability? One of my favorite topics to rant about is talking on the cell phone while driving. But, that'll have to wait for another day.

Today's topic... is text messaging. It’s a wonderful way to confirm a meeting or to let someone know you’re running late. But it is an absolutely horrid way to carry on a conversation unless you’re bored and have nothing better to do with our time. It would be rare that I would find myself in that predicament.

So here’s my rule: If the entire conversation cannot be completed in six text messages or less (and that is both sent and received) then find another medium to conduct the conversation (phone, e-mail, send a letter, whatever).

I realize there are people who are very articulate at using a keyboard the size of a matchbook. I’m not one of them. I realize there are people who know and use shortcuts to hundreds of words in the English language. I’m not one of them. I mean I’m not totally illiterate. I know my OMGs from my LOLs. But with all due respect, if you’re really laughing out loud, call me. I enjoy hearing other people laugh and it will probably make me laugh too.

Continue Reading Oh, for the love of technology.

If you find yourself being compelled to text message, I would encourage you… no… implore you… to apply some common courtesy and ask the person you are sending the message to if it’s a good time to chat before you just assume they’re doing nothing more important than waiting around for your text message to arrive. Rare is the moment in my day when I have nothing to do and I’m thinking to myself “boy, I’m bored and I wish someone would text message me.” The simple courtesy of asking permission to chat would go a long way. GT? My shortcut for “is this a Good Time to talk? If so, reply. If not, contact me later.” It’s cleaner than ITAGTTT?ISR.INCML.

The same communications etiquette should be extended when you call someone on the telephone. If you call someone who is not expecting your call, begin your conversation with “Did I catch you at a good time.” Or, “Is this a good time to talk.” Those who are really conscientious will even let the person know how much time they’ll need and the topic to be discussed. “Did I catch you at a good time to have a ten minute discussion about the training issue that came up in the meeting last night?” Then watch the time and be courteous enough to say “I’ve used up the time we’ve allotted” and arrange a time to call back if you need more of their time.

I don’t want to become the world’s etiquette police… I just want people to realize there are plenty of us out there who see technology as wonderful… and horrible… at the same time. TTYL.

The NEW Lexicon and Challenges

Engineered Structural Assemblies & Systems (ESS)
· THE Predominate Fire Service Challenge....
· The NEW Lexicon to add to your operational safety vocabulary and incident action plans...
· Do you know what they represent and how these components, assemblies and systems may affect or influence incident operations?
· Do some research and check these terms out for starters. We’ll talk more about these components and assemblies in the near future. So get busy on your down time today...

It's a Lot More than just talking about "Light Weight" Construction....

Ø From Plywood-CDX….to…
Ø Particle Board- PB
Ø Orient Strand Board-OSB
Ø Structural Composite Lumber- SCL
Ø Laminate Strand Lumber- LSL
Ø Laminate Veneer Lumber-LVL
Ø Structural Insulated Panels-SIP
Ø Parallel Strand Lumber-PSL
Ø Machine Stress Rated Lumber- MSR
Ø Medium Density Fiberboard-MDF and MDL (Lumber)
Ø Finger Jointed Lumber-FJL
Ø Adhesives…..

Take a look at an informative posting over at the Firegeezer, HERE. He has some great contributed information and manufacturer “insights” on the subject engineered wood I-joists and beams and firefighter safety. There are some interesting statistical extrapolations, correlations and conveniences’ that attempt to make the case. But then again, You be the judge. Take at look at the presentation developed by the American Forest and Paper Association, HERE and HERE.

We’ll have some more detailed follow-up on engineered systems information over at Taking it to the Streets. Remember, Building Knowledge = Firefighter Safety (Bk-F2S)

Don't forget to check out the free online training program on Structural Stability of Engineered Lumber in Fire Conditions at the UL University HERE

Other important Reference links:

NIOSH Publication No. 2009-114: Preventing Deaths and Injuries of Fire Fighters Working Above Fire-Damaged Floors HERE

NIOSH Publication No. 2005-132: Preventing Injuries and Deaths of Fire Fighters Due to Truss System Failures HERE

Volunteer Deputy Fire Chief Dies after Falling Through Floor Hole in Residential Structure during Fire Attack—Indiana, HERE

First-floor collapse during residential basement fire claims the life of two fire fighters (career and volunteer) and injures a career fire fighter captain - New York, Report HERE

Career Fire Fighter Dies After Falling Through the Floor Fighting a Structure Fire at a Local Residence - Ohio, HERE

Colerain Township, Ohio Double LODD Preliminary Report, HERE

Career engineer dies and fire fighter injured after falling through floor while conducting a primary search at a residential structure fire - Wisconsin, HERE

NFPA Report on Light Weight Construction, HERE

Derby, Conn., Can You Spare Five Dollars?

Photo: Valley Independent Sentinel
Derby Aldermen David Lenart talks about struss construction.

The city of Derby, Connecticut, is considering following in the footsteps of Greencastle, Ind. and New York by requiring stickers on new construction that identify whether buildings have engineered lumber and/or truss construction.

The Valley Independent Sentinel covers the proposed law in Derby, Can You Spare Five Dollars (To Save A Life)?. The article mentions the buzz the issue has received, and specifically mentions three articles:

- NFPA Journal: It’s not lightweight construction. It's what happens when lightweight construction meets fire.
- Firehouse.com: Understanding the Dangers of Lightweight Truss Construction (full article requires subscription)
- The Kitchen Table: Enhancing Firefighter Safety: One Step at a Time, by our own Christopher Naum!

Way to help spread the word and, hopefully, the action to go with it.

Cash For Our Clunker….err….Treasured Antique

This past weekend, my wife and I had an opportunity to participate in the latest national rage – the Cash for Clunker program. First, I want to thank all of you responsible tax payers for helping us get rid of our son’s ’99 Ford Ranger. Your donation to the cause is greatly appreciated!

The vehicle was actually bought by us for our son when he was in high school (still registered to my wife). He has had it now for seven years and it is starting to go down the tubes a bit with maintenance and other assorted safety issues. So, we came up with the brilliant idea of trading the Ranger in, giving him my wife’s ’03 Civic, and buying my wife a brand new Accord. A win-win for all involved!

The son was very excited by this prospect and eagerly endorsed the move. Next, we run by the dealership (after some research on Edmunds.com) that our family has bought our last four cars from and quickly consummate a fair deal. At this point, a call is placed to have Joe bring the truck by so that we can trade it in and move forward. My wife called him and after hanging up noted that she felt like he was not as enthused as he was the previous day.

Upon arrival, Joe did appear somewhat melancholy and starting reminiscing about all he had been through with his truck. He had one other family owned vehicle that lasted less than a year so this was truly his first vehicle. Joe was actually sad he was saying goodbye to his “friend” even though he knew he was getting a better car at an even better price (read FREE). He was even more distressed to learn that they were just going to destroy the vehicle!

Funny, but his reaction brought back memories for me and I started reminiscing about my first vehicle (a Ford Pinto – STOP LAUGHING). I even hit upon a couple of past vehicles that did hold some fond memories. Bottom line, I knew exactly where he was coming from and why he was feeling the way he did. In some regard, he was officially saying goodbye to one of the last vestiges of his childhood/young adult hood. He was truly saying goodbye to an old friend that had been with him through both good and bad times. Joe even appeared offended when the Ranger was referred to as a “clunker.”

What started out as good riddance to an old “clunker” ended up being somewhat of a funeral for an old friend. RIP to our treasured Ford Ranger antique!

Risk-Preferring and Self-Indulging Firefighting

I had the privilege to spend some time recently with a tremendous group of knowledgeable and dedicated command and company officers at the 2009 Arizona Fire Service Leadership Conference hosted by the Arizona Fire Chief’s Association in Glendale, Arizona. Chief Ron Dennis, the Executive Director of the AFCA did a wonderful job of planning and facilitating a rich and rewarding program of presentations by some of the fire service’s foremost leaders that included Chief Charlie Dickinson, Deputy Administrator, USFA, (ret), Chief Dennis Rubin, Chief Jeff Johnson, Chief Alan Brunacini (ret), Chief Rich Marinucci, Chief Greg Cade (ret), Howard Cross, Chief Kevin Brame and Chief Bill Jenaway to name a few.

I had the opportunity to present a thought provoking program addressing current trends in Building Construction, and the impact and influence on Command Risk Management and Firefighter Safety. An interesting discussion prevailed during one segment of the presentation that I’d like to share with you. While on shift today or at the station this evening or during the week, think about the following and where and how you fit into the big scheme of things. Explore and discuss the ramifications of risk-preferring and self-indulging firefighting. There’s more here than meet's the eye, IF you look hard enough.

Risk-Preferring and Self-indulging Firefighting
Don't mistake determined, effective and proactive firefighting with that of reckless, baseless and risk-preferring and self-indulging firefighting. There is a difference, a big difference! When we address relationships of Building Construction, Command Risk Management and FireFighter Safety with the occupancy and structural environment, all personnel, regardless of rank, need to equate the occupancy risk with strategic and tactical incident action plans.

These safely compliment the identified firefighting operation risk, with the projected building risk profile and interface appropriate behavioral characteristics in the task level firefighting activities. Again, equating building, occupancy risk profiles with determined, effective and proactive firefighting.

The traditional attitudes and beliefs of equating aggressive firefighting operations in all occupancy types coupled with the correlating, established and pragmatic operational strategies and tactics MUST not only be questioned, they need to be adjusted and modified; risk assessment, risk-benefit analysis, safety and survivability profiling, operational value and firefighter injury and LODD reduction must be further institutionalized to become a recognized part of modern firefighting operations.

Continue Reading Risk-Preferring and Self-Indulging Firefighting

It's no longer just brute force and sheer physical determination that define structural fire suppression operations. Aggressive firefighting must be redefined and aligned to the built environment and associated with goal oriented tactical operations that are defined by risk assessed and analyzed tasks that are executed under battle plans that promote the best in safety practices and survivability within know hostile structural fire environments. Consider the following definitions as they relate to defining structural combat fire suppression operations.

Aggressive and Measured Approach
Aggressive: Assertive, bold, and energetic, forceful, determined, confident, marked by driving forceful energy or initiative, marked by combative readiness, assured, direct, dominate…

Measured: Calculated; deliberate, careful; restrained, think, considered, confident, alternatives, reasoned actions, in control, self assured, calm…

You be the judge as to what should be appropriately defining interior fire suppression operations.

It's all about understanding the building-occupancy relationships and integrating; construction, occupancies, fire dynamics and fire behavior, risk, analysis, the art and science of firefighting, safety conscious work environment concepts and effective and well-informed incident command management. This is what it's going to take to truly provide a means for "everyone to go home". It’s Occupancy Risk not Occupancy Type. Many of today's incident commanders, company officers and firefighters lack the clarity of understanding and comprehension that correlate to the inherent characteristics of today's buildings, construction and occupancies. We assume that the routiness of our operations and incident responses equates with predictability and diminished risk to our firefighting personnel.

Close Call in Gary Indiania

Around the 4:30 mark a firefighter has to escape through the basement window. One of my readers picked up that he actually seems to enter the basement that way as well...

Firefighter Spot

Primary Mission of the Fire Service

Strolling along the fire service blogosphere and industry websites this morning, I happened by the Fire Chief site. It had been a couple of weeks since I last visited and thought it was time I did so.

I am glad I did as I saw an article headline that caught my eye: Neighborhood Missionaries by Chief Jordan D. Pollack of the Breitenbush (Ore) Fire Department.

No it was not an article on for profit, private fire departments. It was an article on fire prevention and education and how we, as a fire service, are so focused on crisis management and not prevention. The article is short, to the point, and provides observations, suggestions, and some interesting statements related to the primary mission of the fire service.

It is not often that you hear (or in this case read) a Fire Chief state that the primary mission of the fire service is fire, injury, and illness prevention! Please take a moment to read this short piece: Neighborhood Missionaries.

I would be curious to hear your thoughts/comments on this topic!

A lesson in humility

I recently had the honor of presenting at the International Fire Service Training Association’s (IFSTA) Validation Conference in Oklahoma City. There, I had the pleasure of attending a ceremony where Dr. Robert England (Editor of the International Fire Service Journal of Leadership and Management (IFSJLM) presented the Dr. Granito Award of Excellence in Fire Leadership and Management. [For those who are not familiar with John Granito, his biography is at the end of this post.]

This year’s recipient was Dr. Denis Onieal, Superintendent of the National Fire Academy. Following the presentation of the award the recipient gives the keynote address to the conference attendees. Since Dr. Onieal’s accomplishments are extensive, surely he’d have no trouble filling his allotted time with a rousing speech about how he has achieved his many successes. For the young up-and-coming leaders in the room, there would be much to learn about his journey. But that would have to wait for another day.

Instead of talking about himself and this honorable award, Dr. Onieal turned the accolades to four people, all present in the room, that he classified as his heroes… people he has looked up to… people who had blazed new trails and achieved great successes in their own right. But this was Dr. Onieal’s time to shine… to bask in the moment of warm applause and smiling faces. Those in the room who were hoping to learn something about Denis Onieal from his keynote, surely did… not in the literal interpretation of his words, but in his choice to use his time to pay homage to others.

Here is a man who has been called upon numerous times to provide leadership and diplomacy during times of great crisis – on September 11, 2001... in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina… and in numerous other situations when our nation’s fire service needed his guidance. He has hosted diplomats and provided counsel to presidents. Yet, when given the opportunity to bask on the spotlight, Dr. Onieal took that very spotlight and turned on to four other people, lauding their successes… a powerful lesson on humility for everyone in the room. May we all strive to emulate Dr. Denis Onieal and remain humble in our successes.

Continue Reading A lesson in humility

_____________________
Dr. John Granito biography

John is one of the premier fire and public safety consultants in the United States. Just a few of his many Fire, Rescue, and Emergency services research projects include: Oklahoma State University-Fire Protection Publications Line of Duty Death Reduction project (3 years); Centaur National Study (3 years); Research Triangle Institute/National Fire Protection Association/International City/County Management Association project (4 years); Fire Department Analysis Project (FireDAP) of the Urban Fire Forum (13 years); Combination Department Leadership project, University of Maryland, Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute (4 years); Wooster Polytechnic/International Association of Fire Fighters/International Association of Fire Chiefs/ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Fire Ground Performance Study (current). He has participated in more than 400 fire department studies. John also has strong ties to academia. For 27 years in served in a number of academic positions, the last 16 of which were at the State University of New York at Binghamton. He is Professor Emeritus and Retired Vice President for Public Service and External Affairs at SUNY Binghamton, which is consistently ranked in the top public universities by U.S. News and World Report. John has published numerous articles, chapters, and technical papers, served as co-editor of the 2002 book published by the International City/County Management Association entitled, Managing Fire and Rescue Service, and is a Section Editor of the NFPA 2008 Fire Protection Handbook. Dr. Granito was the first recipient of the award that honors him and his service to the fire service and to academia.

Sixty Seconds for a Three Sixty

As I was contemplating the development of a posting for today, one that was intended to pose a few rhetorical questions on Leadership and Cultural Safety, I came across an email forward to me by a good friend Brian O’Malley a motivational speaker, with a proclamation that provided a three-sixty (360) review to a recent strategic alignment meeting I participated in.

As I looked at the words and phrased statements, it became obvious that these thirty-six words aligned compactly within twelve lines provide a distinct three hundred and sixty degree perspective on much of what each of us should strive for; each day, on each shift, and at every call. These are demanding times that accellerate a variety of emotions, uncertaintly and at times of personal discovery. Regardless of your rank or time in grade, the length of time in your organization, the size and structure of your department or the level of your daily demands and challenges; leadership, mentoring, contributing, setting the example, being at your very best individually or collectively as part of a team, a company or a department is essential and pivotal-Think about it…..

Find your Energy
Explore your Strengths
Discover you Passion
Expand your Perspective
Understand your Beliefs
Choose your Attitude
Align your Behaviors
Challenge your Perception
Define your Success
Live your Value
State your Mission
Proclaim your Purpose

Take the time to look at this video HERE, take the time to Celebrate What’s Right…..

The next U.S. Fire Administrator

It was recently announced that President Obama has nominated Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran to serve as the next United States Fire Administrator. You might be thinking... So what? Who cares? Doesn't mean anything to me. Well, it should. We live in a political world where decisions are often made based on agendas. I know... you're shocked. Get over it.

Within the beltway, the politics can be brutal. There are a plethora of politicians and special interest groups competing for your tax dollars. You may feel powerless to impact positive change for the fire service from where you sit in your town. That is understandable. That's why you need a voice... and advocate... someone representing you at the table where important decisions are made.

And there could be no better choice in the American fire service today than Chief Kelvin Cochran. I met Chief Cochran for the first time about six years ago when we both served on the program planning committee for Fire-Rescue International. He was the chair of a committee whose task was formidable. On the committee there were a dozen people who all had their ideas about how to develop a successful FRI program. Chief Cochran was able to swiftly and effectively get the group focused and moving forward in a positive way.

He has certainly seen his share of adversity while serving as the fire chief in Atlanta and I have never heard him say anything that was unprofessional or discourteous. That's not his nature. Calm... collected... poised... gentle. He has the right attitude to lead. He is the epitome of a southern gentleman. Don't read that to mean he's a pushover. Far from it. He can be veracious when it comes to leading change.

Just the kind of person the nation's fire service needs at the table in Washington. It's going to be a tough ride in the years to come, but there's no one I'd rather have driving the bus than Chief Kelvin Cochran.

Send In the Clowns (Wearing Vests)

Well, it looks like the fire service objections to the high visibility vest rules will be sustained by the feds. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rule 634 notice of final rule published in June 2009 apparently will acquiese to fire service cries of foul, allowing exemption from the need to wear hi-vis vests when engaging in fire suppression activities on roadways where the requirement for hi-vis vests would potentially endanger firefighters. The final rule should be published before the end of calendar 2009. We hope. See the feds comments and proceedings here.

Now for my thoughts. Sure, a vest could melt or pyrolize, emitting cyanide and/or other toxic gases. And yes, in the case of a raging inferno, we might be compelled to close the roadway to civilian traffic, essentially eliminating the danger from some errant vehicle mowing down an innocent member. But let's be real. Real world, that is. I've carried my high-vis vest in the pocket of my bunker pants now for three years. When I'm in the road, I put it on. It's never melted at a vehicle fire yet and if it did, you bet your bipee I'd have my BA on. Maybe you close the roadway - I don't. Keeping traffic moving, in my mind, lowers risk. Less gawkers, less congestion, more opportunity for the public I serve to see me in action as they pass by, less time I spend restoring normalcy. And heck, read the NIOSH reports - fire apparatus mows down as many firefighters (maybe more) than crazed civilians do.

I'll wear the vest. And not the $80 special flame proof version some entrepreneur dreamed up to pad their wallet. The $15 one size fits all version works for me. Go figure. If your feet are on the street, the vest should be on your chest. Simple. Let move on.

Mike McEvoy

Forward Progress on ‘Reverse’ Discrimination

First of all, I detest the use of the term ‘reverse discrimination’.

Why is it that, when a non-white, gay or female believes that they were treated unfairly, it is discrimination?

But, when a Caucasian male believes the same, it is reverse discrimination?

If we are all created equal and I believe that we are, then how can discrimination be ‘different’ for whites?

Where professional, performance-based standards are involved, then shouldn’t the playing field be level for everyone? That is to say that, in the fire service, the multiple tasks required to safely perform the job and their resulting consequences, good and bad are no different for ANYONE. You must force doors, carry hose, rescue people twice your size, scale ladders, wear 40 pounds of gear and an encyclopedia of other tasks; not to mention getting each other out of harm’s way.

I sit here befuddled that there hasn’t been more discussion and especially since it has been said the “historically, it has been the common practice of the fire service to discriminate”!

Ricci v Destefano was not going to derail Sotomayor’s confirmation for U.S. Supreme Court justice, but it should serve as a reminder to cities who still believe that hiring and promoting to achieve diversity goals by denying the rights of others is neither safe nor smart.

There should only be ONE pool of candidates, regardless of race, color, gender or religion. Hiring and promotions should go to the most qualified…period.

Continue Reading Forward Progress on ‘Reverse’ Discrimination

Before Firefighter Frank Ricci testified at Sotomayor’s confirmation hearing, efforts were made to discredit and lionize him, because this wasn’t Ricci’s first rodeo.

In 1995, Ricci sued the City of New Haven, CT for not hiring him, claiming that he wasn’t hired because he told them that he had dyslexia. The suit was settled in 1997 when he was hired by New Haven.

In 1998, Ricci filed an appeal to his firing from Middletown’s South Fire District, claiming that it was in retaliation for his investigation of a very controversial fire.

In some circles, Ricci was being accused of ‘faking’ his dyslexia to gain advantage.

So, why was Ricci being singled out and attacked when Michael Blatchley, Greg Boivin, Gary Carbone, Michael Christoforo, Ryan Divito, Steven Durand, William Gambardella, Brian Jooss, James Kottage, Matthew Marcarelli, Thomas J. Michaels, Sean Patton, Christopher Parker, Edward Riordan, Kevin Roxbee, Timothy Scanlon, Benjamin Vargas, John Vendetto and Mark Vendetto were all parties to the Destefano and City of New Haven lawsuit?

Because, if one didn’t take the time to read the record, you could erroneously conclude that he was an opportunist.

I think that his personal battles embody the temperament needed to be a firefighter.

In fact, I would go so far as to say that Frank Ricci is the “Everyman” of the fire service.

He didn’t use his disability (dyslexia) to create an advantage; he succeeded in spite of it.

And though much was made of it by those on the left (according to Ricci), I believe that Ricci was raised just like you and I were. I was taught to always fight for what I believed in and if I believed that I was right let nothing change my mind. That’s not to say that it didn’t get me into some trouble from time to time, but I still hold true to that belief to this day.

Frank Ricci prevailed each time someone challenged his rights and that is exactly how the justice system is supposed to work.

What is troublesome is that we have a U.S. Supreme Court nominee who holds that only minorities can be discriminated against and that somehow, it should provide for certain advantages.

I might be wrong, but I thought that the Civil Rights Act and especially Title VII was enacted to eliminate advantages and to allow the disadvantaged equal protection under the law.

Sotomayor’s stories of growing up in the Bronx are noteworthy, but far from extraordinary. It should be the center of her humility, but in no way should it serve as her perspective in matters that come before the court, because if she doesn’t know it by now, there are a lot of “Frank Riccis” out there!

I am not interested in her making history.

I am only interested in her making good decisions with regards to the law.

The fire service must continue to test to performance and resist grading “on the curve”.

Where lives depend upon having the most qualified firefighters, there is no room for social experiments.

And to those of you who are reading this and fail to see how Sotomayor may impact our fire service in the future?

Two things, in my opinion: 1) She didn’t appreciate the smack down from the Supreme Court on her decision to deny a rehearing in Ricci v Destefano and 2) She will rise up against the fire service that has “historically engaged in discrimination”.

Remember; you read it here first!

Here are some relevant links: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/71660.html

http://www.slate.com/id/2222087/

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090629/ap_on_go_su_co/us_supreme_court_firefighters_lawsuit

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/16/AR2009071603090.html?wprss=rss_politics

http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/08pdf/07-1428.pdf

TCSS.

The article as submitted is published under The Adventures of Jake and Vinnie© umbrella and is the intellectual property of Art Goodrich a.k.a. xchief22 and ChiefReason. It is protected by federal copyright laws and cannot be re-printed in any form without expressed permission from the author. You may read other works by the author at www.chiefreasonart.com.

Firefighter Safety at Vacant Structures

• I was interviewed recently by a national financial and news reporting network on the topic of the escalating home foreclosure rate related to the depressed economy and its impact on the fire service. It was interesting to note that this highly respected and prominent news network was interested in gaining an understanding and perspective on the demands and safety issues affecting the fire service related to the apparent increasing trend in vacant structure fires.

I’ve published a couple of postings related to Vacant Building Fire Reports and Vacant or Unoccupied Fire issues over the past two months. The NFPA recently published their Vacant Buildings Fire Report that provided research insights on the increase in vacant building fires and the matter of increased concern as the economy continues to weaken. The fire analysis and research compiled is from the period of 2003-2006.

Although these are lagging indicators from that time period, it’s becoming increasing apparent through eMedia reporting, conference discussions and peer dialog that the combined economic hardships, current foreclosure rate on residential homes and the suggested increase in operations and incidents at vacant structures has an adverse impact on fire service operations and an increased risk to firefighter safety. These current impacts will become self evident when the incident date is analyzed and published next year. In terms of the immediate, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to conduct an online search and see the magnitude of the demands associated with fire operations in vacant structures. Take a look HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE for some examples.

Continue Reading Firefighter Safety at Vacant Structures

As the escalating adverse trend continues, and more and more buildings become vacant and unoccupied, now is the time to focus greater attention on adequate risk assessments and effective strategic size-up with firefighter safety considerations remaining clear and distinguished.There may be a lot of reasons why a vacant building turns into a structure fire, that ultimately involves our services; don’t let that contribute to an undesired injury or worst.

Here are some insights for considerations;

• Implement and perform an effective dynamic risk assessment of the incident involving a vacant structure.
• Consider an appropriate incident action plan and options for defensive operations, risk versus benefit considerations out weighing offensive interior operations. Refer to; Tactical Entertainment HERE
• Maintain effective and heightened situational awareness at all times
• Conduct or delegate a 360 reconn of the affected structure
• Consider the factors related to presumed Vacant or Unoccupied; and the suggested demands associated with search team deployment, escalating and rapid fire spread, decreased time-to-collapse potential and RIT Team availability, be aware of potential squatters
• Vacant residential occupancies constructed within the past ten years are very likely to have engineered structural systems (ESS) that will increase the potential early structural collapse and increase unacceptable risk to firefighter safety.
• Resulting time delays in the discovery and reporting of fires in vacant structures increases fire severity and magnitude, increases the potential fire spread and communication to adjacent structures and requires adequate resources and fire flows to combat fire suppression activities.
• Conduct pre-incident planning to identify the magnitude of the vacant structures within your jurisdiction and define operational expectations and deployment strategies. It shouldn’t be business as usual. Consider the safety risks to firefighters.
• Assume potential for compromised interior conditions resulting from vandalism and intentional destruction of interior walls, floors, Compartmentation and structural system integrity.
• Assume rapid fire extension and early structural collapse potential
  Identify and establish collapse zone perimeters and maintain them for firefighter safety.
• Develop or enhance operating protocols for fire operations for both vacant residential AND commercial properties. Determine acceptable risk profiles and operational modes. Consider the Rules of Engagement.
• Be consciously cautious with personnel safety foremost in your IAP and tactical operations; Remember this is vacant structure.
• BECOME SAFE
  

Another perspective on firefighter fatalities

Let me start by saying... don't kill the messenger... I'm just putting something out there for thought and discussion. I am a huge proponent for firefighter safety. It is a topic I write and lecture about often.

I recently attended a seminar where the presenter was talking about the number of firefighters who die from heart attacks and vehicle accidents each year. In 2007, 52 firefighters died from heart attacks and 27 died in vehicle crashes. For comparison sake, there are an estimated 1,148,000 firefighters in America. This means the number of on-duty firefighter deaths per 100,000 population is 4.52 for heart attacks and 2.35 for vehicle accidents.

In the United States (2004) the average rate of death among the general population for vehicle accidents was 15.5 per 100,000 population.

If you applied the average vehicle accident death rate to the population of firefighters, that would equate to 177 deaths for a population of 1,148,000 firefighters.

In the United States (2005) the average rate of death among the general population for heart attacks was 222 per 100,000 population.

If you applied that average cardiac arrest death rate to the population of firefighters, that would equate to 2,548 deaths for a population of 1,148,000 firefighters.

If it were assumed that the population of firefighters were a mere snapshot of society, the statistics for vehicle deaths and cardiac arrest deaths are considerably lower.

Continue Reading Another perspective on firefighter fatalities

To help normalize the data somewhat, you'd have to consider the firefighter deaths for vehicle accidents and cardiac arrest only count if the firefighter is on-duty. In other words, those firefighters who die from vehicle accidents and cardiac arrest off-duty are not part of the statistics listed above.

Assume for a moment (loosely, and without scientific basis) that the average firefighter is on-duty 500 hours per year (blending the on-duty time of career firefighters and volunteer firefighters). There are 9,125 hours in a year so the average firefighter (in this example) works 18.5% of the time and off-duty the rest.

If it were assumed that firefighters die at the same rate off-duty from vehicle accidents and heart attacks as they do when they are on-duty (and this is a big assumption, given the differences in stress levels on and off the job), the annual death rate from vehicle accidents would be 492 and 962 from cardiac arrests. Divide those numbers by the population of firefighters and you arrive at 43 vehicle accident deaths per 100,000 population of firefighters and 84 cardiac arrests per 100,000 population of firefighters.

Comparatively speaking to the general population (with deference to all of my assumptions), a firefighter is roughly 3 times more likely to die in a vehicle crash. However, the general population is more than 2.5 times as likely to die of a heart attack than a firefighter.

The Boss

No this isn't about Springsteen....

The Company Officer fulfills a mission critical role within the fire service that directly affects personnel and public safety and community accord. The title carries with it the opportunity to ride the “front seat” and be in charge of a company responsible for addressing incident operations and service demands dictated by the company’s function, responsibility and task assignment.

Recognizing the various avenues available that place a firefighter in transition from a individual contributor to that of a first-line supervisor; whether thru examination, assessment, appointment or popular vote, there are essential functions and elements that the title bestows. The title also carries with it an immense responsibility, obligation, duty and accountability. It’s much more than a set of collar brass and new front helmet shield.

Recently, having been engaged in conversation and dialog on a national level discussing firefighter safety initiatives and actions, the question that comes up frequently is; “Where can the fire service make the greatest impact on firefighter safety, in the least amount of time?” I strongly believed it’s with the “Boss”, the “Lieu” or the “Cap”- The Company Officer, that first-line supervisor who has command and control of their staff of personnel and can either permit or enforce a wide variety of administrative, managerial or operational essentials. They can have the greatest influence on firefighter safety, operational integrity and risk management.

Continue Reading The Boss

Following the initiation of the NFPA 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications in the early 1980’s, one of the first organizations that recognized the need to begin expanding the opportunities for educational, competencies and skills development was the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI). The ISFSI’s Company Officer Development program (COD) was formulative in the identification of company officer developmental needs and providing the manner in which to achieve those needs through concentrated training program delivery.

Although many agencies and organizations align with the a number of professional qualifications paths and certification processes, with most departments having some form of qualification or prerequisites; many still do not for a number of reasons. Here’s a link HERE, to a hybrid voluntary process that was developed for county level implementation and aimed at a predominate volunteer fire service system to increase fire officer proficiencies, provide suggested consistency and bridge the gaps between local level training and “qualifications” and state or national level professional qualifications.

Here’s today’s Kitchen Table questions;

Give the specific narrowed band of choice, what is more important for a Company Officer to have attained: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) in Suppression based Strategies and Tactics OR Leadership, management and Operations? What is the basis for your selected KSA and why?

What is the minimum time in grade a firefighter should attain before they consider a transition to a Company Officer?

Should professional qualifications, certification and advanced training be a prerequisite for the rank of a company officer?

What do you feel are the mission critical attributes or KSA that today’s Company Officer must have?

Can the Company Officer make the necessary impacts to improve the safety culture of the fire service?

Detroit Tanker Explodes Collapses Portion of Overpass

HAZEL PARK, Mich. - A two-mile stretch of Interstate 75 just north of Detroit remains closed as authorities investigate a fuel tanker explosion and overpass collapse.

Police say I-75 in both directions is indefinitely closed between Interstate 696 and 8 Mile Road. Drivers are being encouraged to use Woodward Avenue as an alternate route.

Michigan State Police Lt. Shannon Sims says three dr More..ivers suffered minor injuries in the explosion and fire Wednesday night.

The tanker was on I-75 about 10 miles north of downtown Detroit when it exploded beneath the 9 Mile Road overpass about 8 p.m.

Part of the overpass collapsed into the highway's northbound lanes and also remains impassable.

The investigation into why the tanker exploded continues.

www.firefighterspot.com

Ethical and Moral Fortitude or Unemployment

Recently a Fire Chief from the community of Shaker Heights, Ohio (metro Cleveland) took a position and stand on issues affecting the department and the community related to budget reductions demanded by the mayor’s office. Refer to the event postings HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE, if you missed the details.

Photo From STATter911

The economic challenges and issues affecting all fire and emergency service agencies has become self evident in nearly all facets of operations, management, staffing and resources. The rolling brownouts, station closings, personnel layoffs and the reduction or elimination of resources for emergency responses is changing the profile, quality and safety of the fire and emergency services. Check these out, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE , HERE, and HERE.

The Fire Chief of Shaker Heights, Ohio, who was duly sworn to provide protection to the community, its citizens, the physical assets that comprised the community and to the fire service personnel under his watch, made it clear that as a professional, a manager and the qualified individual by virtue of his position as the Chief of Fire determined that additional budget reductions would jeopardize the community’s residents and his personnel. The Chief stated in his reply to the mayor; “I just can’t professionally or morally do what you have instructed without jeopardizing the health, safety and welfare of our residents and our firefighter.” He was summarily fired by the mayor for not following through on the directives and balking at the mayor’s orders.

Continue Reading Ethical and Moral Fortitude or Unemployment

There are a number of consensus standards, programs and policies that help define and establish a standard of service for fire protection that suggests a more robust level of community safety and protection while balancing the safety and well being of fire service personnel, providing adequacy of resources while managing community risk and defenses. Prominent in these attributes are the NFPA, 1710, 1720, 1500, the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the NFFF/EGH Initiatives.

Having intensely staying abreast and monitoring the various impacts the fire service has been forced to endure over the past eight months, through various media reports, direct discussions with fire chiefs and personnel around the country and first hand observations; I pose the following questions for you to think about.

· Do the politicians, elected officials and professional managers that run community governments truly understand the implications of reduced fire protection and emergency services to their communities?

· Does the public comprehend the impact and magnitude adequacy of services, resource and staffing capabilities and timeliness of response may have on their safety?

· Do you think more Fire Chief’s should take a position and stand as did the Chief from Ohio? Do you think it will make a difference or perpetuate further detriment to the fire department?

· Do you think community politicians, elected officials and professional managers are taking advantage of the present economic strife to institute sweeping changes to fire department organizations that would not have been feasible under different circumstances?

· Are there real moral and ethical issues when confronted with reductions in services that (we) can articulate and support with facts, data and research that will create increased risk to life and property if instituted, contrary to the demands of the politicians, elected officials and professional managers? Or are these just perceptions that the fire service selects to champion as our cause?

Kitchen Table Debut

Thank you to FireRescue1.com for the opportunity to be a contributor on The Kitchen Table blog. I grew up in West Virginia with three brothers. When you have three brothers, being called to the kitchen table meant you dropped whatever you were doing and b-lined for the food. Those of us who arrived early got the best pickins, whether it was the biggest chicken leg or the juiciest steak.

When I was growing up my mom insisted that we sit down as a family and eat dinner together. There was no showing up an hour late or taking a plate into the living room to watch TV. She would not hear of it. Dinner was a family event... non-negotiable. Thankfully, my wife (who grew up with six brothers and sisters) was raised with the same principles.

Now we do the same thing in my house. We have four school-aged kids who are all very active in sports, scouts, church and, of course, their social lives. But we still find a way to stay true to this most treasured family tradition. We know that the kitchen table is the one place that we can all share what is going on in our lives, to discuss the family plans or to share the big news of the day.

I don't want you to think we're some kind of Ozzie and Harriett family... far from it. In many respects we're more like Ozzie and Sharon. But we do understand that communications is key to being an effective and cohesive family. And for us, the location where most of that dialog occurs... is the kitchen table.

I take the privilege and responsibility of being invited to The Kitchen Table seriously... but don't expect my postings to be the same. So pass that big plate of juicy topics and let's dig in!

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
http://www.richgasaway.com/
http://www.fireleadership.blogspot.com/
http://www.woppyjawed.blogspot.com/

Opportunity in Adversity

I was just reading a very interesting article, by Mike Ward of the Blog Firegeezer, about a fire department that is located next to mine. This combination department has been in the news quite a bit lately due to a variety of issues connected with the economic downturn we are all facing. For back ground, local ace reporter Dave Statter has been on top of this story from the start. Go to his STATter911 Blog for more info.

I found Mike’s piece fascinating as he laid out the case that this department is much like General Motors and their dealers. The title of the piece is: PG, the GM of combination fire departments.

Everyone should take a moment to read this Blog posting. After doing so, you should then take an honest look at your own department (no matter if you are career, combo, or volunteer) and ask yourself if your department needs to perhaps undergo a reorganization of sorts.

Is there a better way you can do business and more efficiently? Perhaps, as we are doing here in my department, you can civilianize a few positions in both Code Enforcement and our 9-1-1 Center to create a workable hybrid type of system. By doing this, we will be keeping the same amount of staffing yet showing an overall cost reduction.

We all need to be looking at every option openly and honestly and try to determine our own fate rather than allowing the politicians to do so. I do not know about all of you, but our budget prognosticators are already predicting a budget deficit for next year of $370M for our jurisdiction!

Tough times still lay ahead but sometimes there is opportunity in adversity!

More Than Coffee To Start The Day!

Almost every morning, I step out of my office and walk several blocks to the local Starbucks to get my “fix” for the morning. Certainly a ritual performed by many each and every day across our country.

Perhaps it is a sad testament to my java dependence (sounds better than addiction) that several of the employees know me by name and have some understanding of what particular drink I will be ordering. Likewise, I actually know several of them by name!

There is one barista, in particular, who actually provides more than just that cup of grande skim latte each morning. Josh is that person in life who always has a smile on his face and radiates sheer joy each and every day. No day ever seems to be a bad day for this guy. He also knows the name of each and every customer that walks in and they him. Not only does he know the names, he actually seems to know everyone personally.

I also have noticed that people who walk in, including me, with a bit of a glum look tend to walk out smiling after interacting with Josh. While you are waiting for your drink, he always engages you and manages to recall little tid bits from previous conversations.

In the two years I have made my trek to this particular establishment, I honestly can not recall a single day that Josh has not had a smile on his face and a positive disposition. He works two jobs and long hours yet I have never heard him complain – not once. So I get a lesson each day I walk in there that you can make a positive difference in another person’s day just by being nice and in a positive mood. I think I have also learned, as Abe Lincoln once said, you can be as happy or sad as you make your mind up to be. I guess I get more than coffee to start my day!

FIRE Act; Time to Cut and Run?

After reading Mike Ward’s latest blog and an article that he highlighted (http://www.heritage.org/Research/Economy/upload/wm_2499.pdf), the little guy in my head got busy.

First of all, I am one of those who have felt strongly that fire departments should be a local issue. I have never held that local fire departments should be subsidized by the federal government because as we have seen with the “stimulus” money, the money comes with strings attached.

But, like so many others, I feel that, if my tax dollars are going to pay for someone else’s fire department, then I might as well be one of those other fire departments.

When FIRE Act first hit the scene in 2001, I honestly thought that our most destitute departments would be getting money.

Then, when I read down the names of successful fire departments, it read like a “who’s who”. Many names did not strike me as “destitute”.

I inquired and was told that it was a “competitive” grant. Oh, so if I can find the winning combination of data and blah-blah, I could ‘win’ a grant?

So far, we have only been successful in 2007. The funny thing is that we were awarded a grant for (12) SCBAs. Last year, we applied for the air compressor to fill them and were rejected. It doesn’t make any sense, but I digress.

Again, though I feel that funding should be a local issue, I have to take exception to Muhlhausen’s reasoning for discontinuing the program.

It is his contention that the program be ended because it has not reduced civilian and firefighter injuries or deaths. That isn’t exactly true and it would depend on whose data you use.

Continue Reading FIRE Act; Time to Cut and Run?

I found a study at the FEMA website that captures this information. NFPA and NIOSH are slightly different with their totals.

Muhlhausen might have a valid point were it not for the fact that heart attacks have been and continues to be the #1 killer of firefighters. From 2001 – 2007, heart attacks accounted for 48% of all firefighter fatalities.

Let’s compare 2001-the first year of the Act-to 2007.

In 2001, there were 1,734,500 fires; 3,745 civilian deaths; 20,300 civilian injuries; $10.5 billion in property losses; 105 firefighter deaths and 41,395 firefighter injuries. Note that 2001 doesn’t reflect the events of the 9/11 attacks.

In 2007, there were 1,557,500 fires; 3,430 civilian deaths; 17,675 civilian injuries; $14.6 billion in property losses; 118 firefighter deaths and 38,340 firefighter injuries.

If you average the years (2001 – 2006), you would see that: prior to 2007, we averaged 1,633,583 fires; 3,645 civilian deaths; 18,175 civilian injuries; $10.8 billion in property losses; 110 firefighter deaths and 40,057 firefighter injuries.

In 2007, by category, there was a 5% decrease in the number of fires; 6% decrease in civilian deaths; 3% decrease in civilian injuries; 26% increase in property losses; 7% increase in firefighter deaths and 4% decrease in firefighter injuries.

So, Muhlhausen’s conclusion that the FIRE Act program has not reduced fire casualties is not accurate and is not consistent with the program’s original, stated purpose.

In addition, Muhlhausen’s conclusion that the FIRE Act program is ineffective is flawed, because, clearly, he hasn’t spoken to the departments who have gotten the grant.

Though I don’t believe that the program is ineffective, it is certainly somewhat frustrating because you are not provided with an explanation as to why your grant application was denied. Were we to know that, it would enhance our chances of writing a more compelling grant and improve our chances of being successful.

What is clear after you read Muhlhausen’s article is that you cannot rest a decision to discontinue the program upon numbers alone.

How is it that you can look at FIRE Act and see the difference that it has made to local fire departments and believe that the money given to banks, insurance companies and car companies will make them more “effective”?

Don’t be ridiculous!

TCSS.

Art

The article as submitted is published under The Adventures of Jake and Vinnie© umbrella and is the intellectual property of Art Goodrich a.k.a. xchief22 and ChiefReason. It is protected by federal copyright laws and cannot be re-printed in any form without expressed permission from the author. You may read other works by the author at www.chiefreasonart.com

Close Call Caught on Video During Operations

Collapse caught on video during fire operations

Teen Hates Firemen and Cops Arrested

In the What the heck category...
A 16-year-old Garden City teen was arrested for obstructing a Garden City Fire rescue and police officers at an accident scene June 29.

According to a police report, the fire rescue was on route in response for a call for service at 28451 Ford to assist a 14-year-old bicyclist who was struck by a truck. While trying to enter the driveway near a Speedway station, with the 16-year-old boy deliberately walked slowly across the driveway with exaggerated slow movements in order to amuse a group of youths nearby who had stepped aside to allow the emergency vehicles to pass.

Once the teen passed, a firefighter asked him why he hadn't moved aside. The teen responded with a swear word which was heard by the police officer. The teen was arrested, processed and his mother was called.

He refused to give his full name and said that he hates firemen and cops, according to the report...READ ALL