tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47050042601735852292024-03-13T05:35:14.870-05:00Hooligans and HalligansHooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-9824248009153881712013-10-08T23:45:00.001-05:002013-10-08T23:45:18.273-05:00TimeIt has been a while since we have had a chance to post anything. Both Zach and I have both been busy with work, family, and all that comes with that. As I write this I realize that that we started this blog one year ago last week. It is crazy how an idea in your head can transform into something bigger and connect with so many people that you have never meet but share the bond of brotherhood. We are not where we want to be yet but slowly but surely getting there. On a personal note, October 1st marked my 13th year in the fire service, and I'm very proud of that.<div><br></div><div>Speaking of time and how things can change brings up something that has been on my mind for a while now, but not had the time to write about it until now. 7 months ago my department went from being a 100% volunteer department to a combination department. In a previous post I wrote about growing pains and how it was going to be a big adjustment for everyone.</div><div><br></div><div>In the last 7 months morale has dropped to an all time low, turnout has fallen off the map among the volunteers, and training has fallen by the wayside. I for one, and I'm ashamed to say it, am disgruntled. I feel like those that volunteer have been pushed to the back burner and all the focus has been put on the full time guys. I know I'm not the only one that feels this way either.</div><div><br></div><div>As a Captain, I feel like rank and chain of command mean nothing anymore. Things that I used to take care of have now been handed off to others, and things that I should know about I find out through the grapevine. Now to be fair I will not put all the blame on others. I realize that a lot has gone into the switch from one type of department to the other and certain things need to to be done. Maybe some of the blame is mine and my disgruntledness has gotten the best of me. I feel as though mine and a lot of others hard work and dedication over the years has been forgotten.</div><div><br></div><div>I have been to the point where I wanted to give up rank and to the point where I just wanted to turn all my gear in and walk away completely, but my passion for the job won't let me, I love it to much. I have given 13 years of service to this community and don't want to stop. I sometimes let my emotions get the best of me, but at the end of the day I can't walk away. </div><div><br></div><div>I know that time has a way of working things out. I hope so in this case. I want to see the department back the way it was 13 years ago when I joined. I want to see the morale go back up, pride, ownership and passion return. I need to be better myself. I can start with me and maybe it will be contagious and we can get back on track. Only time will tell.</div><div><br></div><div>Until next time,</div><div>Y'all be safe</div>Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-63146016930058508952013-07-08T01:36:00.003-05:002013-07-08T02:03:00.098-05:00"I Will Give My All For....."There is a sign above the door in the University of Tennessee football locker room. The sign reads<em> "I Will Give My All for Tennessee Today"</em>. It is the last thing the players see as the exit the locker room and enter the tunnel to take the field. All the players touch it as they go under making a promise to give there all for their teammates, school, fans, and state on any given Saturday.<br />
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As a life long Vols fan, I have seen this sign many times. I never really thought a great deal about it until I saw it on a bumper sticker sitting at a red light the other day. As I thought more about while driving behind this vehicle, this should be us as a fire service. Are we (you) giving our all for our station, department, citizens, etc?<br />
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I am not talking about giving your life, we are all wiling to do that, its a given when you sign up for the job. I am talking about giving your very best, to the best of your ability, day in and day out for the profession. Do you come in ready for work or just show up cause its your day in the barrel? Are you checking equipment to make sure its ready to go or just assuming because it was there yesterday it is there today?<br />
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Do you come in and ho hum around, no desire to train, workout, or make sure you and your crew are ready at the drop of a hat? Do you spend the day doing recliner Olympics? If this sounds familiar then you are not giving your all. You owe it to your family, crew, department, citizens and most importantly yourself to make a change.<br />
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I will be the first to admit that I am pointing the finger directly at myself on this one. I am guilty of not giving my all as of late. Some things have happened that left a bad taste in my mouth, and instead of working through it I just threw my hands up and sit back. It was not what I should have done as an officer, but taking a step back allowed me to see that I was failing and not giving my very best. I have changed something's both personally and professionally, not only for my benefit but those around me.<br />
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So the question is, are you giving your all or just enough to get by? If you are doing just enough to get by, maybe you need to look for something else to do, or maybe you just need to sit down and evaluate what needs to be done and work on changing it. Like I stated before, this is mainly for me and my experience but maybe it helps someone else needing a little pick me up. We should all strive to wake up everyday and say "today,I will give my all".<br />
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Until next time, y'all stay safe<br />
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<br />Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-46826429812374326282013-05-18T15:03:00.000-05:002013-05-18T15:03:26.244-05:00National Police WeekI know I'm coming in on this at the end of the week, but trying to play catch up on a few things. This past week was National Police Week. I know not something that you think you would see coming from a firefighting blog, but I for want to say THANK YOU to the boys in blue.<br />
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We all like to give the cops a hard time, and we have all heard or said the famous cliche`s that exist about firemen being the cops heroes and if you cant stand the heat become a cop. All joking aside, i have been on many scenes where i was glad to see blue lights coming down the road.<br />
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I have a personal stake in this as well. My youngest brother is a Sheriffs Deputy. Now you can imagine in a firefighting family that he gets picked on a lot. He was dropped on his head ,intentionally, a lot when he was a child so that could explain his career decision lol. He was a firefighter for a while but decided that law enforcement was what he really wanted to do and I couldn't be more proud of him.<br />
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I know when it comes to Firefighters and Cops that we don't always see eye to eye, but they are out there laying there ass on the line the same as us to protect the citizens in which they serve. Take the time to say thanks to your fellow law enforcement officers because whether you want to admit it or not we need them just as much as they need us. We are all on the same team.<br />
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A special thanks to Deputy Tory Womack and his</div>
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K-9 partner Trucker for keeping us safe. Be Safe</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deputy Tory Womack and K-9 Trucker visit a local school<br /></td></tr>
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brother</div>
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Until next time, y'all stay safe</div>
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Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-86127171730728537992013-05-06T17:53:00.001-05:002013-05-06T18:54:38.922-05:00Great Leaders...Hey everybody, hope you are all doing well. We are doing great here, just trying to stay dry with all the rain we have been having.<br />
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Who can be a leader/company officer? Anybody can I suppose. Just because someone is does not make them a good one though. What makes a good leader/officer? I would say that there is several characteristics, qualities, and more that one must possess to be good. Drive, attitude, heart (as we recently learned about in Captain Wines article which can be found here <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://ironfiremen.com/2013/04/30/you-cant-teach-heart">You Can't Teach Heart</a> </span>), empathy and more are a few things I think a good leader possess. I also believe that before anyone can become a good leader that must first master the art of being a follower.<br />
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While we are on duty we expect our leaders and officers to teach us everything we need to know to do our jobs, especially after they are retired and gone. We sit around the table discussing fire this and rescue that to sharpen our knowledge to become better firefighters. They will do more than that however if you will really listen and pay attention to them. A great leader will pass things on to you that help you become a better person in your life on and off the job.<br />
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Just remember that when your leaders and officers tell you to " Take an old man's advice " you probably should start taking notes. Chances are what they will tell you won't even have anything to do with the fire service but just about life itself. Don't be afraid to ask them questions either, I bet most have been in a similar situation themselves at some point in life. If your officer is one that teaches you the things to succeed on and off the job you probably have a great leader.<br />
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Until next time, Be Safe!Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-43978177017694535882013-05-06T17:02:00.002-05:002013-05-06T17:06:21.907-05:00New ProductCheck out these new boots from Thorogood! The Hellfire Knockdown Elite. If anybody would like to send me a pair I will gladly wear them lol. You can find more information @ <a href="http://www.weinbrennerusa.com/"><span style="color: red;">www.weinbrennerusa.com</span></a><br />
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<div id="productheader" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 10px; width: 520px;">
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<ul id="construction" style="border-style: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 10px 5px;">
<li style="border-style: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Upper:</strong> Black Prime <span style="color: blue;">WATERPROOF</span>,<span style="color: red;">FLAME</span>, And Cut-resisting Leather, Abrasion Resisting Rubber Toe And Heel Protection, 3m™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material</li>
<li style="border-style: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Construction:</strong> Cement</li>
<li style="border-style: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Lining:</strong> StedAir® PTFE <span style="color: blue;">WATERPROOF</span>Barrier, Blood-Borne Pathogen Compliant</li>
<li style="border-style: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Insole:</strong> Dual-Density Polyurethane Removable Footbed on Reinforced Bi-Fit Insole Platform</li>
<li style="border-style: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Shank:</strong> Steel Triple Ladder Shank</li>
<li style="border-style: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Special Features: </strong>Meets NFPA 1971, Flexible Non-metallic <span style="color: orange;">Puncture-Resisting</span>Textile Insole Material, Two Row Padded Leather Top, Shaft Vapor Exhaust Vents, Wrap-around Shin Guard, ASTM F2413-11 M I/75/c/75 <span style="color: #33cc00;"><b>COMPOSITE SAFETY TOE</b></span>, EH Rated, Tested For And Meets CAN/CSA-Z195 18,000 Volts Electric Shock Resistance, Rugged Pull Straps Designed To Stay Flush Against The Boot, 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material – High Visibility Piping</li>
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Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-27742305825624277032013-04-30T04:00:00.000-05:002013-04-30T04:00:20.255-05:00Make It WorkAs I write this, I am sitting outside the school in the car line waiting to pick my daughter up. I have just awaken from a brief sleep after working a 12 hours night shift in dispatch and 3 more nights coming up. My wife is in day 1 of technical rope rescue at the academy, the calendar keeps filling up, and its only Monday! Not complaining, there is a point.<br />
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My shift consist of 7-12 hour night shifts followed by 7 days off. My wife works 24/48 shift. Add in overtime shifts, training, and all the things we can't say no to, and time seems to fly, and this is just work related. Throw in the adult things we have to do at home like cutting the grass, laundry, dishes, cleaning, and all the <i>fun </i>stuff, there is no time. Now factor in our 6 year old, her school schedule and activities, t-ball practice and games, and her want to do list, and I am looking for a way to fabricate time! (I wouldn't trade it though)<br />
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I know everyone feels overwhelmed at times with the lack of time they have. I know everyone's time is valuable and you cram the most into whatever open time you can find, trying to accomplish all your goals and all the things everyone else wants and needs of you.<br />
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So the question is, how do we make it work? Best answer I have found is, we just do! We are firefighters, nothing we do is easy. We adapt to the situation and choose the right tactics to get the job done. The same goes for our personal lives as well. We shift and adjust things around to make things work for the good of ourselves and our families. We may miss a ball game here and there, show up late for dinner or family function, or put off cutting the grass until next week, just to get everything in and still function normally.(whatever normal is)<br />
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Time away from work is important, but not always easy to come by. Family is the most important thing, so do whatever it takes to make the time to spend with them even when it seems there is none. Making things work is what we do no matter what the situation.<br />
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Until next time, y'all be safeHooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-65630420686973120882013-04-04T13:51:00.001-05:002013-04-04T13:54:42.671-05:00Get Fit, Make it Fun!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Good afternoon, welcome back to Hooligans and Halligans. We
hope you all are doing well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every year firefighters die from cardiac related
emergencies. Most of these deaths occur during or shortly after a fire or
training event. Heart Attack/Heart
Disease is and has been the number one killer of firefighters since LODD’s
started being recorded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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We all know a lot of this is due to the stress we are
exposed to. The rush of adrenaline, going form 0 to 90 in only seconds and
performing at full throttle in extreme conditions with no rest for extended
periods of time. All of this is done while wearing an extra 65-100 pound of
gear and equipment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To add to this not every firefighter is in the best of
health or shape. Although round is a shape it is a bad one for firefighters to
be in. It is common among firefighters to not have good eating or fitness
habits. Another issue leading to bad
health among firefighters is alcohol and tobacco use. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I am not a health and fitness coach and I am not in the
shape I want to be in… yet. I am working on that. I have only been working my
present job for 6 months. Before working for the fire department I worked for
my local EMS agency. It was a really busy agency and we ate a lot of fast food,
was not required to do fitness so I rarely ever did and it was a really
stressful place to work. I was placed on medication for High Blood Pressure
about 7 months ago, just right before leaving EMS. Since I have been at the fire department I
have lost a little weight, been able to stop taking my blood pressure
medication and am getting in shape. I contribute this to being required to do
fitness each shift. It goes further than that though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Like I said, our department policy states that each shift we
do an hour of some sort of PT. We have weights, tread mills, exercise bikes,
etc. It was the same mundane workouts using the same muscle groups and
movements. I didn’t feel like I was getting anywhere. However that has changed
within the last month. Our department came into some money through a donation
and was able to afford to send 2 firefighters to become cross fit instructors
and purchase a large amount of cross fit equipment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Cross fit incorporates 10 aspects of fitness into one
exercise. If you are not familiar with it you can research it at <a href="http://www.crossfit.com/"><span style="color: red;">www.crossfit.com</span></a>. Cross fit has made fitness
fun. Not only is it helping us get into shape but also, it is building morale
and camaraderie while allowing us to have a little healthy competition. The
short burst of work at high intensity make you push yourself and your brother
firefighters are there to push and motivate you as well. Along with cross fit
workouts there are also some diets that are recommended to follow. These
include eating lean cuts of meat, a lot of vegetables, some fruit, nuts and
seeds. This allows you to cut out fast foods, processed foods, high sugary
foods, etc. All the stuff that taste good but is bad for you haha. You can
research paleo (caveman) diet, zone diet, and primal diet for more info on these.
They can be hard to follow and my suggestion is to ease into he one that is best
for you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Cross fit workouts also use a lot of the movement we are
required to do on the fire ground. I believe if we train for fitness using the
parts of our body like we do on the fire scene, which is every single part we
were made with, then we can reduce injury. Also maintaining a healthy level of
diet and fitness will allow us to act faster, safer, better. Allow us to make
better, clearer decisions, and be a better firefighter all the way around. We
can work smarter not harder when we are fit for duty.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Whatever your department does or don’t do for fitness I
would suggest you look into cross fit and give it a try. It will make fitness
fun I promise. I also see cross fit becoming the main fitness program for the
fire service as many fire departments have and are adopting it as their primary
PT. A few places you can check out for more info and workouts are:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.crossfit.com/"><span style="color: red;">www.crossfit.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.fireservicewarrior.com/"><span style="color: red;">www.fireservicewarrior.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.firefighter-fit.com/"><span style="color: red;">www.firefighter-fit.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are also a few pages on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/"><span style="color: red;">www.facebook.com</span></a> including first in, last
out, health and fitness. The Internet is endless so research it, apply it, and
change your life for the better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The main goal at the end of the day is for EVERYBODY TO GO
HOME!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brothers and sisters, be safe! <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-25551263016412635032013-03-31T22:29:00.001-05:002013-03-31T22:29:24.112-05:0030 years...
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Happy Easter everybody, I hope you all had a wonderful
day. I enjoyed the day spending time
with family and celebrating the life of Jesus Christ. It was a wonderful day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On April 1<sup>st</sup>, 1983 my dad began his career as a
paid firefighter. Tomorrow he will celebrate 30 years of service to the
citizens of our town. He has been
through good times, bad times, all those in between times… you name it. As you
read in my previous post he has also had the health issues he has battled. What
is most amazing to me though is through it all he has never stopped loving the
job and even on the worst days he still showed up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He began just like all of us, a backwards riding
Firefighter, also had his EMT license but that wasn’t really recognized until
later on in his career. In the mid to
late 80’s he began doing public education for local schools and daycares and
became quite involved with that. In the early 90’s, he was promoted to
Lieutenant and placed in the admin division as the Public Education Officer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Over the years he has taught thousands and thousands of
children and adults from schools to the workplace about fire and life safety.
He has become one of the most famous people in our town. He can still walk
through a store and hear people yelling “ Fireman Bruce “. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He still holds the rank of Lieutenant/EMT/Public Education
Officer and his duties also now include being the department PIO and we will
also say go to man for anything that breaks lol. Usually that has to do with
computers or communications equipment though. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As I sit hear tonight and think about it the thing I keep
thinking about over and over is in 30 years what have his eyes seen? What has
changed in 30 years? And, if there is anything at all that he could change
about his career up to this point what would it be and why? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I know if he could remember everything he could write a book
a mile long. 30 years of knowledge and experience is priceless. I am still
young and beginning my career and I ask him questions every day about the job.
I am a sponge right now and I believe that you have to know where your
department has been to understand why you are where you are today and make the
decisions to lead you into the future. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To all you young guys out there, if there is anybody around
your department that has 20-30 years or more on the job you need to asking them
every question and learn possible thing you can from them today because
tomorrow you will be the guy with 30 years and the rookie will be looking at
you saying, “ What all have you seen in 30 years, what has changed?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now to the senior guys, teach your rookies everything they
need to know. They are looking up to you and depending on you. They are the
guys that will be replacing you. You want them to keep your department going
strong. You need to leave it better than it was when you began. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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30 years… I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for me in the
next 30 years of my career. I look forward to every moment I get to be a
firefighter!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Dad… congratulations on 30 years of service. With no plans
of retiring soon you still get plenty of time to keep teaching me. Thanks for
introducing me to the greatest job on earth and I am honored to follow in your
footsteps. I hope I make you as proud in my career as I am of you and what you
have accomplished in yours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be safe!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-85641212694408847182013-03-14T20:56:00.002-05:002013-03-14T20:56:59.015-05:00Making Memories...
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Hello
everybody, it has been awhile since we last posted so I decided since I had
some free time for the first time in a while I would try to throw something
together. Here lately I have had a little something on my mind so I will share
that with you all. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In November
of 2000 I was beginning my career in the fire service as an explorer with my
local volunteer department, my older brother had just joined up as a member of
the department, and my now sister-in-law was somewhere along that time frame of
joining too. My brother and I were
working on following our dad’s footsteps and excited to do so. Dad was so proud
that we were joining up and wanted to do what he does. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One night
on a mutual aid fire, while I was still an explorer, I got the opportunity to
do some firefighting with my dad. The fire had occurred at a local lumberyard
and they had knocked the fire down but were digging through the hot spots. They
decided it wouldn’t hurt to let me get in and dig with them… I am glad they
did. You see, that was the first and last time I ever got to do that with my
dad, my brothers never got the chance. Not because he passed, but because he
received some terrible news and diagnosis with his health and was diagnosed
with stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. You
can bet that I have never forgotten that night though. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some time
had passed and the doctors decided to do a bone marrow test to see if the
cancer had spread to it or not. The day they did the test they took a piece of
bone from his backside, they also told him no more firefighting. NO MORE….
WTF!!! That night there was a large carpet store fire across town. He asked me
to drive him over there so he could at least watch. Before we arrived they had
called for mutual aid from my volunteer department. When we arrived there he
told me, “ Get your stuff on and go do your thing!” I did, but then later I
returned to check on him. I found him sitting on the hood of a police car and
could tell before I got there that there were huge tears in his eyes. That is
another night I will never forget. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Having to
see him sit there and know he could never do again what he loved so much was
probably one of the hardest things I will ever see in my entire life. If you
have never experienced it with family, a co-worker, close friend, whatever, I
hope you never have to. As you all know we live, eat, breathe, and sleep fire.
That was he also. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another
issue that hurt was he was told because the chemo would weaken his immune
system that he could no longer go into the schools and teach fire prevention
classes. That’s his job; he is the Public Fire/Life Safety Education
Coordinator. So, BOOM, everything comes to a halt in the blink of an eye. He
however overcame this. Kicked its ass! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After he
beat it he was released to start teaching in schools again, could respond to
fires (without active firefighting), could get back into a groove. That is what
he has done too. Has had a few health issues here and there but has been to
work nearly every day even when he was feeling a little under the weather. The
man is unstoppable. The day he got
released was a memorable day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last
memory I want to share happened just the other day; last shift actually. In
October I was hired at the department dad works at, the department I had grown
up around. Until last shift I hadn’t caught a working fire yet. But, that all
ended the other night. Right as we were preparing dinner at the station we
caught a structure fire. We responded, put the fire out, and as I exited the building
to doff my equipment the first person I seen standing at the bottom of the
steps was my dad, smiling at me with a smile that was full of pride, joy, and
love. You guessed it; I will never forget that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not
everybody is as fortunate as I am to get to work with his or her father,
mother, brother, etc. If you are however, never forget the memories you get to
make together on the job. There will come a day when you won’t be able to
anymore. I just started and dad will
have 30 years on April 1<sup>st</sup>. he has no plans of retiring soon but I
know he will one day which means I have to be making the best of time and get
in as many memories as I can with him on the job. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks for
taking the time to read this post and letting me share this with you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be Safe!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-62368956098190992112013-02-15T02:15:00.000-06:002013-02-15T02:15:28.173-06:00Growing PainsMarch 1st, 2013 will be a big day for my department. This day will be the first shift for the paid members of our department. We have had an all volunteer department since 1977. A combination department is something we never thought would happen. We have worked for years to get paid members and have always been shut down.<br />
So what now? Are things really going to change that much from the department I have known for 13 years? I am sure they are, but for the better...I hope. S.O.P changes across the board, restructure of some duties for the personnel, and finally addressing issues that have been put on the back burner because of lack of time or people to do them are some positives coming from this. With the positives are also going to come the negatives. The hurt feelings by those that don't end up getting a paid position, the egos or power trips between the paid and volunteer members, and the " it's not my job" mentality that some are going to have are just a few negatives. We are going to have to work through them all and change the negatives into positives.<br />
Is the transition going to be all lollipops and rainbows? I don't think so, but it will all work out if we make it work. Some people are going get mad and feeling will be hurt. We all have to remember that we are all in it for the same reason. We are still a family and just like any family we are going to have growing pains. My hope is it will bring us closer together as a department. We will see but we can only get better.<br />
<br />
Until next time, be safeHooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-66782095889316194432013-01-29T23:55:00.000-06:002013-01-29T23:55:41.308-06:00Are you prepared?
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<br />
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At a recent fire department meeting our Chief had everybody
stand up and move against the wall if they would be retiring due to meeting
their required years of service or meeting the cities retirement age
requirement within the next 10 years. As I looked around I noticed the wall was
full. Counting them up there is 21
people who will be retiring. To fill these positions it will take 41
promotions. There is going to be some major changes in our department and the
impact will be huge. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moving these 21 men to the wall and looking around at the
other members it is very easy to see we are a very young and inexperienced
department without the guys that are nearing the end of their careers. As a
matter of fact at least 50% of our department has 5 years or less on the job.
Which has got me thinking that we are already behind when it comes to preparing
to become the next leaders of our department.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today fires in a lot of areas are few and far between. Due
to advancements in fire retardant construction materials, sprinklers both
commercial and residential, codes enforcement, public fire safety programs, and
many other factors fire just don’t happen like they did 20-30 years ago. Fires
today are also different in the way they burn. They are hotter and burn faster
than fires of the past, mainly due to materials involved such as synthetics. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today’s firefighters will not see the fires that the
firefighters of the past have seen. That
is why the experience, knowledge, and tactics to name a few that we will lose
over the next 10 years are so invaluable.
No matter what we do now to prepare us for the future we can still never
make up for what we are losing as these guys retire. We must start preparing
ourselves right now to step up and become the leaders we need to be to take our
department into the future, because we are the future and its rapidly sneaking
upon us. This is the time we should make ourselves like a sponge to absorb
everything that the experienced guys can teach us and pass on. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We must also look at where the fire service is going and how
the types of calls we respond to in the future will be different than today.
Think about the future of lightweight construction, sprinkler requirements,
automobiles, etc. The list of all this could go on. To know where we are going
though we have to understand where we have been and then make the necessary
changes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is not a problem that is only effecting my department,
this is, has been, and will be going on all over the country. As my chief
stated to us… “ It is up to you to decide where you want to be in this
department and then make it happen. Prepare yourself today because tomorrow you
will be the one calling the shots.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Are you prepared?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be Safe!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-45055272450081737392013-01-20T13:10:00.002-06:002013-01-20T13:11:25.079-06:00Burn Room Bad Ass<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Burn Room Bad Ass….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know who I am talking about. I love these guys that will
go into a burn room and stand up just to melt their face shields/bourke's. Then
they come out and say… “ Dang it was hot in there!” Well… DUH! What the hell did they expect? That’s not the
bad part though. They will keep their burnt shields and helmet stickers on
their helmets to make it look like they have really been in some heat or had a
good working job. They think they have something great. I have a news flash for you…. You look like an idiot! We all
know you haven’t done crap. All you did was stand up so you could melt your
helmet and look cool. Now, don’t get me
wrong, I have melted my shield and stickers in a burn room but I didn’t stand
up on purpose to do it. It just got that hot, and we shouldn’t have been in
there when it did. But I have always replaced my melted stuff with new stuff. Will I ever melt something again... more than likely yes, but I will not parade it around, and will replace it asap.And not
that a face shield/bourke's is much good anyway but when it is melted and you cannot see
through it, it is no good to you that one time you might could use it. This equipment is expensive and it is our lifeline
to going home or being made into worm dirt. Take care of it; it could save your
life. If you want to be a " bad ass" do something extraordinary and worth telling. If you want to be a dumb ass... well just stand up in a burn room....<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be safe! <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-6807830474973777352013-01-13T22:18:00.000-06:002013-01-13T22:21:32.826-06:00All In It's been a few weeks since we have had a chance to post anything. A busy holiday schedule didn't leave much time for anything extra. Between work, Christmas, New Years, birthdays, parties, and sickness, something's just had to fall behind. Now we are well into the new year and its time to look at things with fresh eyes.<br />
<br />
Being that it is a new year it's time to take a close look and reevaluate your role in your department. Are you in for the long haul or the quick trip around the block? I have known guys that are just in it to have the title of firefighter and a t-shirt with the departments name on it, and the guys that only wants to make a run if its a house fire. That's all fine and dandy, but what about the MVC's, brush fires, investigations, and special events? Those are part of the job as well, right? These are the individuals that usually want to stir the most shit as well.<br />
<br />
What about training? It's part of the job too, the most important part. Lets say you have a guy the that shows up to every training session and every class offered but you never see him on the foreground. Or the guy that makes every run but never seen him at a training session or class. ( yes we have training requirements but you all know how that plays out in a volly dept) are either one of these guys doing your department any good? Simply put, no! The guy training and not on scene is useless. He has the skills but is not helping the team out one bit by not being there side by side with them. The guy making the runs but not training is useless as well. Sure he is a warm body with a heartbeat and a pair of hands, but without the training is a liability and a safety hazard to everyone on scene.<br />
<br />
Coming from a volunteer agency I understand that not every training or every run can be made, but coming from a fire service home growing up I understand that a commitment was made when I signed up for the job, not a pick and choose what I want when I want commitment, but a do what you have to do because you said you would commitment. That is what's owed to your department and the citizens in which you protect.<br />
<br />
So what do we do? Easy, up hold your end of the deal and encourage the rest of your department, shift, company, or whatever to do the same. We all have to hold each other accountable. As an officer, I have to do better at getting my guys in gear an making sure they are ready when the tones drop, but they have to make sure I'm ready as well. You can't swim in the pool standing on the edge, you have to jump in and get wet. The same applies to this job, you have to go all in or go home.<br />
<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
Stay SafeHooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-52053700470884476542012-12-21T02:51:00.003-06:002012-12-21T02:51:56.085-06:00Attention to Detail
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have heard it said “it’s the little things that count”.
This holds true in all aspects of life and also holds a lot of weight in the
fire service as well and should with every member of your organization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Attention to detail is defined as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">accomplishing a task through complete concern for all areas no matter
how small.</i> It shows 1) you have pride in yourself and 2) pride in your job.
It should show in everything you do from your appearance to your apparatus to
your station. It matters, and believe me it gets noticed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a stickler when it comes to appearance. Not in a vain
kind of way but in looking professional. My biggest pet peeve is boots being shined.
It doesn’t take but just a minute to slap a coat of polish on your boots. It may
not seem like a big deal to you but to your officer in charge, chief, or even
the public it is. It shows that you care about your public perception and the
job you represent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have also been accused of being anal when it comes to
apparatus cleaning. I know some that do the bare minimum when it comes to
cleaning the rigs. Just spray it with water and back it back in and call it
good. Some that give it the white line special (wash from the white line down)
because that’s the only part that is seen up close. I believe in washing the whole
thing and drying it because I hate water spots and then finishing it off with
tire shine. Yes, I am all about the tire shine. It looks better and stands out,
shows you care.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you make sure the engine room is swept, mopped, everything
in its place? Do you knock off the sheetrock debris from the tools from the
last fire, and wipe the tools down? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know it seems like it doesn’t matter but the attention to
the little things pays off. Some may call it OCD or petty but to those that
matter your attention to detail shows caring and pride in what you have and what
you do. It gets noticed, trust me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until next time,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay safe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-28017356281717149822012-12-09T22:10:00.000-06:002012-12-09T22:10:14.219-06:00Old Habits Die Hard
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It truly amazes me that with all of the fire service
websites at ones finger tips and all the magazines laying around with great
training on new tactics and work smarter not harder methods, we still resort
back to the same old tactics we always have. No one wants to venture outside
their comfort zone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seems like every run you here the same thing come across the
radio “...upon arrival pull and 1 ¾’’ attack line” Sure that’s our bread and
butter but it’s not an umbrella for all situations. Think outside the box.
Here’s an example: you arrive on scene of a single story, ranch style,
residential dwelling with nothing visible. The homeowner meets you and says the
fire is in the stove. You go to work, pull the attack line off the pumper,
tromp through the hose dragging hose, knock over grandmas china cabinet, see
the fire in the oven, open the oven door and flood the kitchen with water and
the fire goes out. You get a big hug from grandma for not letting her house
burn down and causing minimal damage, the neighbors all wave and say thank you
as you pack up and drive away. Just another day at the office, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now take that same scenario, you pull up
nothing visible, homeowners says the fire is in the stove. Instead of coming
out guns blazin’ you think. Walk into the kitchen find a small fire contained
in the oven. You use “the can” (Read </span><a href="http://www.firehouse.com/blog/10830199/water-in-the-can-small-but-powerful-firefighting-tool"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Water
in the Can</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> by Ryan Pennington) and about a gallon of water to put the fire
out. Only minor damage to the stove, no broken china, no dragging hose through
the house. You still get a big hug from grandma because you saved the house,
the neighbors may or may not have even realized you were there, and you head
back to the station. Just another day at the office. Both examples will
accomplish the same goal but the later just makes more sense. This is just one
example there are more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So the question is why do we always pull the attack line?
Easy, because it’s habit! We start off our careers learning how to deploy it,
how to load it, and that it’s out life line. I am not arguing that at all but
sometimes it’s just not the best choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another reason we always want to pull the attack line is
because that’s all we train on. We read the new articles, talk about them and
that’s as far as it gets. No hands on, getting out and trying anything new to
see if it works. Are we afraid to try? Maybe, or are we just set in our ways
and stick to what has worked for years and comes natural?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is easy to fall into a routine, do what comes natural,
but if you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you’ve
always got. Instead of reading and talking about something, get out try it,
break old habits, and develop new tactics. Grandma and her china will be happy
you did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until next time,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay Safe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-71877862737247015092012-12-04T17:44:00.001-06:002012-12-04T17:44:29.022-06:00Whose Job Is It?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Feels like it has been forever since I have had a chance to
sit down and even think about writing anything. Between Thanksgiving, my work
week, working extra at the Tennessee High School Football championships,
teaching CPR at the high school, and spending time with family, to say I have
been busy is an understatement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being as busy as I have has also given me time to think
about stuff as well. As a captain with my department, I have certain duties
that I have to do. Making sure my 5 assigned stations are clean, equipment is
in a state of readiness, apparatus are clean and nothing broken. On top being
captain, I am also Public Education and Information Officer for the department.
Needless to say sometimes things get missed or put on the back burner simply
because there are not enough hours in the day. I don’t want it to seem like I’m
trying to make excuses but its reality. I am one person and as much as I want
to do it all it just doesn’t happen like I plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I miss checking something, miss a P.R. event, or
something is found wrong on a scene when needed it’s on me. What really baffles
me is that if the question is asked about why something didn’t get done or what’s
wrong with something, the answer is “it’s not my job”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I realize that if I slack off, it’s my fault. I’m human,
things happen. Instead of saying it’s not my job, step up and do it. Not to
make you look good or me look bad, but because it needs to be done. It don’t matter
who’s job it is , if it gets done and we don’t look like a bunch of jack wagons
on scene that because someone didn’t do their job, it’s all good. Finger pointing
and the blame game can be discussed back at the house and a solution can be
found. I have done my fair share of picking up slack. I know everyone else has
as much going on as I do and things fall through the cracks unintentionally. I
am not above picking up a broom or taking out the trash if an engineer or
firefighter missed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It needs to be
done, so does it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So whose job is it? The answer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it doesn’t matter! It needs done. We all need
help from time to time. From the chief to the new guy, get in there and get it
done not for self but for the good of the department. We all look good
together, we all look bad together, we are a team and like the old saying goes
there is no “I” in team. We could all do better at stepping up and getting it
done making it our job so that we all look good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until next time,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay Safe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-68475817574403428272012-11-21T07:40:00.001-06:002012-11-21T07:40:30.521-06:00Be Thankful
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a busy week seems like. The off week seems to go
faster and faster. Responding to calls, paperwork, honey-do-list, and family
gatherings have sure made the time fly by. Now Thanksgiving is tomorrow and the
beginning of my work week and the beginning of what I’m sure is going to be a
hectic month both work and home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seeing how tomorrow is Thanksgiving, take time and actually
be thankful. We spend so much time in the fire service complaining about things
we don’t have or the things we want, we fail to see what is right in front of
us. Sure it would be great to have all the latest and greatest toys or a bay
full of new apparatus, but the fact is we don’t, but what we do have is ours
and we need to be thankful for it. I know of departments that have half of what
we have twice as old but it’s theirs and seeing what they started from they are
thankful to have it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am thankful to be a part of the greatest profession on
Earth. Chiefs that make sure we have what we need to get the job done and throw
in some toys now and again to keep us happy. I am thankful for the ability, as
PEIO, to educate the public in fire safety and keep them safe and as an
instructor be able to provide lifesaving skills to members of my department. Thankful
for my beautiful wife and daughter for understanding me running out the door,
missing meals, and family time, my parents for bringing me up right making me
the man I am today, and my brothers for all the memories throughout the years
and knowing they are always there. I could go on and on all day about all the
things that I am thankful for in my life. I have truly been blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take the time today, tomorrow, this week, to look around you
and be thankful, both on the job and at home. When you take the time to see
what you actually have and thankful to have it, you tend to appreciate it more
and more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lastly, as you give thanks, remember the men and women
fighting for our freedom so that we may do what we do. Remember those affected
by Hurricane Sandy and all they have endured and the long road ahead of
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember those that have gone
before you and made the ultimate sacrifice and the families and departments
they leave behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We hope that everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving
holiday, from our families to yours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The Hooligans”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Captain Josh Womack and FF Zach Womack<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay Safe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-45359522782609968472012-11-14T21:01:00.001-06:002012-11-14T21:02:12.078-06:00Build on the Basics Part II<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey everybody, I hope all is well with you all. I just want to take a minute to kinda reinforce what the Captain has said in his part and give you my own 2 cents on the matter. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like he said, you hear folks say we need to " get back to the basics." I have been guilty of saying this myself to be honest, but I think I meant it different than it sounds. I do disagree that we need to go backwards but, somewhere along the way we have tried to get so technical and so advanced we have lost sight of something. We need to reevaluate how we are approaching things and ensure we start with the basics. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all don't work for Detroit, Boston, FDNY, DCFD, L.A,, or anywhere that you are pretty much going to get a box alarm or 2 or 3 per shift. Some of us go for days, weeks, months without seeing fire. The most fire I have seen lately was a small camp fire set by a homeless man lol. That is why we must train and become competent in our skills because we aren't going to get there through experience with our number of fires decreasing. We need to master our skills and what better and easier ones to master first than the basics. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I went through basic I was taught fire behavior, fire hose and streams, ladders, basic ventilation, ropes/knots, extinguishers, basic forcible entry, search and rescue, some on building construction and a few more things, those are just a few; that was 9 years ago. Now days it is all advanced this and that, RIT, Safety/Survival, ICS for everything under the sun, and whatever else you can think of. You know how long its been since I trained on throwing ladders, catching a plug, forcing entry, or knot tying( Lord knows I need help with this one lol). </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have an idea how we can incorporate our basics into our advanced training. Any time you are going to train start with the basics, make sure everybody is comfortable and confident then move on into the advanced portions. This will reinforce everybody's basic skills and make them more competent.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you are sitting around the station shooting the bull about nothing, do some basic training instead. Small group sessions are better sometimes anyway. Pull your ladders off the rig, try different ladder carries, throw some ladders, practice tying them off. Pull and advance some attack lines, load and deploy different hose loads and become proficient in what works best for you. Practice catching a plug or setting up for drafting ops(depends on location). Or, if you still want to shoot the bull then do something as simple as tying some knots. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is one that chaps me... hose size and nozzle selection. Know what you are going to pull on what fires and why. I know people who say we should pull 2.5 inch lines for this, and we need to use smooth bore nozzles instead of fog nozzles. The problem with this is that they can't tell you why. They seen somebody on youtube or another site do it, thought it looked cool and now they think we should do it. If they would train on it, research it, and understand why or why not it would be ok. This is important stuff they should know. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Know how buildings will react to fire due to construction materials and design. Know how to read smoke and how to approach what you see. Understand the importance of coordinating your search, ventilation, and other operations with the attack team. These are all basic skills, train and become competent in them. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember these quotes: Let no mans ghost return to say his training failed him. And, train like your life depends on it...because it does. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of all, at the end of the day, EVERYBODY GOES HOME!!!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be safe brothers! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-49850548680320953032012-11-10T03:22:00.000-06:002012-11-10T03:22:00.740-06:00BUILD ON THE BASICS
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I may be sticking my neck out here and alone in my
thinking, but this is how I see it. I have heard it said, a few times recently,
that we need to get back to the basics when it comes to training. I have
thought a lot about this and have to say.... I disagree. Why go back to something
that never should have been left to begin with? The basics are the foundation
on which everything else stands. They don’t change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Look at it this way, it’s like baseball. You were taught the
fundamentals, the basics, at age 5, how to throw a ball, swing a bat, and catch
a pop fly. As the years went by your throws become more accurate, your swing
modified, and you can catch a fly ball without fear of getting hit in the face.
You had to build on the basics to throw 100 mph fastballs, hit homeruns, and
snag fly balls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The same applies to firefighting. We all learn the basics at
the very beginning and build upon them as we go, adding another block on top of
the foundation. It’s like taking an advanced ventilation class without ever
having basic ventilation. You are going to be as lost as last year’s Easter egg
because you don’t understand the principles of ventilation and the little
things that the basic class teaches. Thus the reason it’s called advanced, it
builds on a foundation that is already there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My point is why would you want to go backwards? The basics
have not changed. Build on what’s already in place. If your foundation is
strong the rest will stand with no problem. Never stop building.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Stay SafeHooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-10266285380824853882012-11-06T00:07:00.001-06:002012-11-06T00:07:43.248-06:00There's No App For This<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0KAQ1CTTOs/UJioY84F-kI/AAAAAAAAADc/Ap10M_OvbsU/s1600/IMG00011-20100101-2135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0KAQ1CTTOs/UJioY84F-kI/AAAAAAAAADc/Ap10M_OvbsU/s400/IMG00011-20100101-2135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Technology
is all around us and changing rapidly every day. We have a vast world of
knowledge at our finger tips on just about any subject you can imagine. IPhones,IPads,
and Android devices all have “apps for that” no matter what it is you want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The fire
service is no different. You can find a variety of apps for firefighting, from
friction loss calculators and shift calendars, to ERG books and event time
loggers. You can even get your pre-plans and reporting software on your phone
or tablet device. All of these things make certain aspects of our job more convenient,
but when it comes to good old fashion, boots on the ground firefighting, there
is no app!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
is no way to replace or reproduce what is taught on the training ground or fire
scene. There’s no app that can take the place of the guy that has been on the
department for 25-30 years and all the knowledge he offers to share while
sitting around the kitchen table or while training.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our job
requires quick thinking, adapting to changing situations, and working in some
of the worst conditions imaginable. These are things that can only be learned
by watching and listening to those that have been there and done that, and by
actually getting in there and doing it yourself. A good instructor teaching a
pump ops class is worth a thousand times more than a .99 cent friction loss
app. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I guess
what it really boils down to is that no matter how many devices are out there,
or new technologies come our way, there are some things that are better to be
done the old fashion way, by putting the phone or tablet down, getting up and doing
work. Listen to those that take to time to offer wisdom; they usually know what
they are talking about. There is nothing wrong with using technology to help
you, and lord knows I need all the help I can get, but there is nothing out
there that can help you do what you do. Firefighting is still a hands on, grab
it and growl job, so get out and get after it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay Safe!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-23445820595916377132012-10-28T20:27:00.000-05:002012-10-28T20:27:20.234-05:00Traditions and Pride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pVV0Y4GTTQM/UI3aeCYFRmI/AAAAAAAAACs/Q_Uz7_9GVkg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pVV0Y4GTTQM/UI3aeCYFRmI/AAAAAAAAACs/Q_Uz7_9GVkg/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Traditions in the fire service run deep. Many of them go
back to when fire departments first began, A lot of them still around today.
Traditions such wooden ladders, color of the rigs, helmet style and color, the
Dalmatian, and so on. Just like the ones that have stayed, many have gone away,
mainly for safety reasons, but should be remembered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Riding on the tailboard, rubber hip boots,
beards, no SCBA, house sirens, and beacon rays, just to name a few.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
point is, you have to know where you have been to understand where you are at.
I have heard the phrase a thousand times “because that’s the way we have always
done it.” I hate that answer! Tell me why it has always been done that way. Is
it a tradition that was started by the first chief or captain? Is it to honor a
past member of the department? Is it simply because everyone was just
complacent and didn’t question it? Like I said, tell me why so I can embrace
and continue to follow the tradition or look into a new,faster,safer <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>way to do it. It could result in a new
tradition followed for years to come in your department.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My next
point usually goes hand and hand with traditions, and that is pride. Pride is
one of those things that can often be taken the wrong way. I have heard it said
“that department is cocky.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t see
it like that. If you are proud of your department, the way you perform on the
fire ground, and proud of the community that you serve, and that makes you hold
your head up a little higher and stick your chest out a little farther, then
let them call you cocky. Haters are going to hate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
question was asked by my Deputy Chief to a class of new recruits, “what is the
best fire department in the United States?” The answers were what I personally
expected, FDNY, Chicago Fire, Boston, DCFD, LAFD, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His reply was, “all of those departments are
great, some of the finest firefighters I have ever seen, but the best fire
department is this one, because its my fire department.” WOW! I had never really
thought of it like that before, but he was right. His point was, have enough
pride, no matter how big or small your department that you give 110% on every
call and provide the best service you can to the people in which you serve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Taking
Pride in your station(s), pride in your rigs, pride in your rank, pride in your
helmet and the battle scars it has, pride in your brothers and sisters and what
they do, and your department will be the best in the United States .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Always remember, to be too proud is
sinful. Be humble, but be proud. Remember where you came from and the
traditions that made your department what it is today. Honor those that have
gone before you and how proud they were to be firefighters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">BE SAFE BROTHERS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-18559041803025665452012-10-21T19:53:00.000-05:002012-10-21T19:53:14.368-05:00Have You Lost Your Fire?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How
many out there have been at a place in their fire service career, where you
just want to leave your gear laying there and walk out the door?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could care less if you trained, check off
the rig, or if the tones even went off? Just plain and simple lost your drive,
your “fire”! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about the job itself, I’m
talking about your give a damn is busted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
been there myself. I still love firefighting, but at times all the other B.S.
gets <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to thick, causing me to want to
just walk away. Of course my passion for it would let do that no matter how
much smack I talk. Everyone has those things that just piss them off or sick of
hearing about, whether it’s the politics at the chief level, officer riding you
about this or that, lack of structure, or the infamous “firefighter bitch and
moan” club, and for some it’s just life in general, too many things on your
plate all at once. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Life’s
problems can get you down quick. A new baby at home and all the worries that
come with it, money trouble, marital problems, sick family members, death of a
loved one, there are so many things that can get your mind occupied a cause you
to be off your game, you know lose that “fire”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So how
do you get it back? How do you get back that drive, motivation, that burning in
your soul you that you had when you first started your firefighting career? To
be 100% honest, I don’t have a clue! I know it’s probably not the answer you
thought I was going to give, but stay with me, I have a point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
is different in the way they work through stuff. First, get it set in your mind
that you are going to get that “fire” back one way or another. Once that is
done the rest should come easy. Second, think back to the point where you
noticed a change in your mindset. What was it that brought you to the point
your give a damn’s busted so to speak? It could have been something that the
chief said that rubbed you the wrong way, a disagreement with and officer over
a training or particular incident, or with other members of the department over
one thing or another. Think back to that time and then, fix it. Try talking
with the chief about what he did, or the officer, or department members you
argued with and try to find common ground on the situation. Try having a shift
or station meeting to throw all the cards on the table. You never know, you
might not be the only that has lost their motivation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If it’s
life problem that has got you down and too much on your plate, well those are a
little more difficult sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like I
stated before everyone deals with things their own way in their own time, for
some, it’s prayer, talking to a spouse or friend, or talking with the brothers
and sisters at the firehouse. I am blessed in the fact my wife is a firefighter
as well. If something has got me a little torqued, I can talk to her about it
and she understands where I’m coming from. Sometimes just talking about it with
someone is all it takes. Other times a vacation is what you need. A few days
away from work, no phone, no pager, no computer, just get out of town, a change
of scenery to clear your mind, and reevaluate things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the only logical thing to do is
realize its life, and there’s nothing you can do about it but sit back and
enjoy the ride. Whatever the case maybe get it out in the open and deal with,
or it will eat away at you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I
said in the beginning, I have been there and I know that others have too.
Getting your desire, motivation, and your “fire” back for the job is like
starting all over again. It may even motivate others to get a second wind so to
speak and step their game up to train better, exercise more, or just be a
better firefighter in general. Let’s all strive to keep the fire burning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">BE SAFE!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-28754095870525247132012-10-14T21:11:00.002-05:002012-10-14T21:11:21.272-05:00Appreciation....<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Be appreciative… this is something I have always
been taught. All of us have been taught this in life. The Bible even speaks of
it, don’t covet, don’t envy, etc. It seems like all we do though is NOT
appreciate what we have or know. I am guilty of this myself. It seems like all
the time somebody is saying something about how; I wish we had this or that, or
the chief could have bought us something better. Those are just a couple of
examples but I could list so many more. To beat it all too most of the
complaining comes from the younger people who barely have any experience on the
department but think they are 20 year veterans. You know the 2/20 firemen, 2
years on 20 years experience and still don’t know crap. That’s another story
though. Anyway I need to get to the
point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">For the past 7 years the area fire chief’s council
has put on a training weekend and firefighters from all over the state come to
participate. These guys and gals are from volunteer, career, and/or combination
departments. It’s open to all. There are firefighters there that come from
departments with the biggest budgets, newest nicest equipment, all the bells
and whistles, what we all dream of. Then, there are the folks that come from
departments that you wonder how they are even what they are. Of coarse there is
the in between people too. The average jakes I guess. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I sat in class this weekend and looked around me,
listened to others talking, and processed what they were saying I realized just
how lucky myself, my brother firefighters, and the departments I serve really
are. We are blessed and fortunate to have the leaders, equipment, training, and
support that we do have. We could be so much worse off. Until you realize how
little some people have you don’t appreciate what you do have as much. Some of
the stuff I was hearing blew my mind and I couldn't process how they got away
with some of the things they were talking about, mind boggling to say the
least. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">During our scenario’s we had to do we were broken
up into groups and got the opportunity to work with some of these firefighters
from the less fortunate departments I am talking about. As we got deeper and
deeper into these scenario’s I realized these guys really did have some good
ideas. I think there is actually a lot of that out there. Maybe they just don’t
have the support they need or someone that will listen to them. I also found an
opportunity to pass on what little knowledge I have that they might be able to
take back home or put in their toolbox and use later on. These guys are out here trying to accomplish
the same thing as the rest of us and share the same common goal of trying to
protect and save lives and property. They know how to appreciate what they have
and make the best of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So my question is, no matter what you have or don’t
have, know or don’t know, why is it so hard to appreciate it? I don’t have the
answer, I wish I did. I can promise you this though… from now on my goal is to
appreciate things more. I know it could always be worse. Around here we are
blessed and most don’t even realize it. If you have the answer or have any
ideas please pass them on to me. Also, if you get the chance, take the time to
say THANK YOU to those that make it possible to have what you do have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">As
always, BE SAFE!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-22188221993773331222012-10-07T12:13:00.001-05:002012-10-07T12:13:14.403-05:00Fire Prevention Year
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fire
Prevention Week is upon us once again. Every year, the week of October 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>,
fire departments across the nation will be participating in fire prevention
week activities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fire
Prevention Week started in 1922 to commemorate The Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
The Conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed
over 17,000 structures burning more than 2000 acres. Fire Prevention Week is
the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President
has made a proclamation of the observance every year since 1925.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Each
year NFPA sets the theme or campaign for week in an area of fire safety. This
year’s theme is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Have 2 way out. </i>Themes
in past years have been<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">: Protect your
family from fire</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Smoke Alarms: A</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sound you can live with</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When fire strikes: Get out, stay out</i>,
and the list goes on. You can see the area of focus each year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So,
knowing when Fire Prevention Week is, why it started, and what its goal is,
hear is my question to you. Why focus on fire prevention for just 1 week out of
the year? For some departments that one week is the only time they think about
fire prevention and getting out in the community and talking about fire
safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong, a lot of
great information is given out in that 1 week and could save a life in the
event of a fire, but don’t the citizens of your community deserve to have
lifesaving information presented to them 52 weeks a year? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fires
don’t just happen 1 week out of the year and take a 51 week vacation and
neither should your fire prevention efforts. It should be our goal as
firefighters to educate the public every chance we get.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m not
saying that every week or every month you need some big elaborate event or
theme, but get creative. Go by your child’s school with a pumper, swing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by little league practice and talk to the
kids afterwards, while out pre-planning or while doing tactical survey, stop by
the senior center and talk or answer questions, or have a station open house
for the public to come to you. There are so many opportunities out there to get
lifesaving information to the citizens you serve. I know that public education
is the first thing to get cut when budget time rolls around, but most of these
will make the Brass happy because they don’t cost anything but a little time
and want to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So here
is my challenge to you. Those other 51weeks during the year make those Fire
Prevention Weeks too! You never know, that mom and dad, or child you talk to in
March, could be a fire survivor in July, instead of a fire fatality all because
you took the time to talk to them about fire safety. You don’t have to wait
until January 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>, start now! Let’s make every week Fire Prevention
Week. Are you up to the challenge?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">BE SAFE!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">JW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4705004260173585229.post-63336901427493059942012-10-06T20:02:00.001-05:002012-10-06T20:02:52.840-05:00Safe Industries Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey everybody! We had a good visit at Safe Industries this week in Lavergne, TN. They really have a nice place down there. New shipments are coming in every day, they are planning on filling up the warehouse with anything you may need. They have a really nice show room and almost everything 5.11 tactical makes. Other brands available are Globe, MSA, Cairns, LightningX, Streamlight, and much much more. If you are down that way please go check them out. I know Jeff will be up at the Upper Cumberland Training Weekend next weekend so you can come see him there also. Hope everybody has had a good weekend so far, everybody be safe!Hooligans and Halliganshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13016531801265292435noreply@blogger.com0