In Praise Of ALL Firefighters

“There was a short mention of the fires out West on the news last night. The comment was about how the planes used in combatting the forest fires were again allowed to get airborne.

The firefighters in NYC are getting the lions share of the praise this week (and rightfully so!), but I was reminded on TV last night that there are still hundreds (thousands?) of men and women continuing to fight the forest fires. BTW, since the grounding of the firefighting aircraft, the fires have gotten bigger.

I was reminded, too, of a plaque that Rad, Dude, Belle, and I passed on last years ECT Chehoa Bald hike. It was in commemoration of a Forest Service firefighter who had lost his life fighting a fire near that very spot.

I was also reminded to give The Friendly Ranger a call - I got her answering machine. She is among what would be the second tier of firefighters within the FS, and I suspect that she is at this very moment fighting a fire somewhere (as she did in MT last year).

Lets give thanks to those brave men and women within the National Forest Service, et al, who risk their lives every year protecting the very forests that we, as backpackers, often take for granted.”

“Heros, all of them.”

“Amen, gojo.”

“Ironworkers and construction workers. They are doing the heavy lifting at the disaster site right now.

Who'd ever o thunk i'd be supporting unions?”

“Well said gojo... too often we forget those who are 'behind the scenes' or 'out of the limelight' due to other events in our world... thanks for reminding us of them.”

“Here's another opportunity to give to those who are fighting on the West coast. We owe these folks a debt of gratitude.

Tacoma Firefighter Relief Fund”

“Sorry to have been away, but we have been busy lately....I have been working most nights at the Blood Bank. This weekend will be spent at the Fire Station going through extrication refreshers, and working. Thank you all for your support.”

“International Association of Fire Fighters

www.iaff.org”

“Thank You NY Firefighters and 9-11 Families Association!
It's good to know there are nice people in NYC.


9-11 Families, N.Y. firefighters bring Christmas gifts to Ocean Springs church
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
By AMANDA CREEL
The Mississippi Press

OCEAN SPRINGS -- Some New York firefighters traded their ladder trucks for freight trucks to help deliver toys and supplies to Jackson County.

Sixteen firefighters from Spanish Harlem began their nine-truck caravan to the Gulf Coast at 7:30 a.m. Sunday in New York. They drove for two days to deliver $10,000 worth of toys and other supplies to the Gulf Coast.

"This is just amazing. People here have been through so much. And, they themselves have been through a tragedy and they are willing to come help us," said Will Wilkerson, children's minister at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Wilkerson will help distribute supplies that were delivered to the church.

The firefighters, including many who were making their third trip to deliver supplies to the Gulf Coast, said they are just doing what firefighters do.

"Once a firefighter always a firefighter and being a firefighter is more than a job it is a lifestyle," said Danny Manning.

Manning added that being a firefighter is helping others and giving to those in need.

The firefighters said that after all the help and aid they received in the wake of the 9-11 attacks that they want to return the favor to others who are in need.

The firefighters drove the goods, but the trucks were donated by Penske and sponsored by members of the 9-11 Families Association, which paid for some of the supplies and travel expenses.

"Frank Siller is president of the 9-11 Families Association, which is made up of five or six families of survivors. All have different foundations, but all bonded together to do charitable work," said Charles Green, who helped organize the efforts of the association and the New York firefighters.

The caravan of nine, large yellow trucks arrived at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Ocean Springs on Tuesday morning.

Once the firefighters ar-rived they were greeted by 10 members of the Keesler Air Force Base Humanitarian Operations who helped the firefighters begin unloading the trucks.

"We are a part of the of this community and its in our heart, so we have to take care of it," said Sgt. Julie Sargent, who is in charge of the humanitarian group.

The toys, including a Crayola Art Treasure Chest, Tonka sets of planes, trains and trucks and Game Pen sets for on-the-go Yahtzee, Trouble and Etch-A-Sketch will be given to Head Start students and Pascagoula and Moss Point school district's elementary students. Some of the other supplies, such as clothes and blankets, will be distributed by St. Paul United Methodist Church.

"We love the idea of firemen coming down and helping us," said Gina Woods, distribution assistant at St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Woods added, that no matter what donations they have received that they find a home for every item that comes through the church.

The caravan was then es-corted by the Ocean Springs Fire Department and Police Department to the Swingster Building, where even more supplies and toys were unloaded to be distributed throughout Jackson County.

Once the trucks unloaded the supplies in Ocean Springs the firefighters will be going to New Orleans to deliver goods there.

"Everyone thinks we are doing such a great thing. All we are doing is driving some trucks for people who are without houses," said Tom O'Connor. "It is the least we can do."


http://www.gulflive.com/news/mississippipress/index.ssf?/base/news/1134558937206420.xml”

“Well the world lost three more heroes

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/10/26/D8L0FU0G1.html”

“make it 4”

“Very sad. The fire is south of the Wilderness that I patrol as a volunteer ranger, but in the same national forest area. I could have met these fire fighters in August at our annual Forest Festival.

They are already offering a $100,000 reward to help find the arsonists.

Here is a local article. Palm Springs is few miles east of the fire.
http://rimoftheworld.net/columns/rotw/explosive?PHPSESSID=9d286a0289f78c6bf6b2d824241c5d0c
last edited: 10/26/06 6:36:36 PM”

“God bless those guys and their families. What a terrible way to lose those guys in an act of arson. There is no punishment horrible enough for the bastard that started the fires.

I've been tossing around the idea lately of joining my local volunteer unit. They are in need of members. I'm a trained industrial fireman and certified in confined space rescue. I'm just too selfish with my time to make that commitment. A fireman has to be totally dedicated so I'll have to do a lot more thinking before I make my decision. I have the utmost respect for those that risk their own life to keep the public safe.”

“You know its part of the job, we lost firefighters a few years ago in the North East when they crawled into a warehouse to find some urban outdoorsmen (who were out of the building and had started the fire). Even around my area we have the Urban outdoorsmen who start fires...but we go in.

Wildland can be a monster, I have had to do it a couple of times...I will stick with structural stuff.”

“Thank you ,the appreciation helps.”

“Breaking News >> Fifth Firefighter Dies of Burns Sustained While Battling Calif. Wildfire”

“Sad to hear that,one small measure of comfort,the arsonist has been caught.”

“I think he is still a person of interest...
Everyone knows that of the arsons committed...conviction is only about 13%.”

“Everyone knows that of the arsons committed...conviction is only about 13%.”
Xl400236
8:12:45 AM
11/01/06

I didn't know that. That sucks big time.

My condolences to the families and friends of the five firefighters that died.”

“Lumber, I worked a fire almost a half a million in loss. The idiots were caught as a result of a deputy making a routine ID check at a parking lot. Then connecting it to something a witness thought they heard.

Three pieces of S*^t destroyed a family's house one week before Thanksgiving (the family was out of town) the idiots actually admitted to it after being Miradized. They had a history of other crimes. Mostly they did the break and enter/robbery stuff.

We get to court, GREAT CASE (heck I even had part of a credit card receipt they had used to start the fire). The Judge gives them 12 months probation.”

“http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,226618,00.html

another one”

“But you know...even though we rarely see big wins (this ain't CSI or whatever0 we continue to do the job.
I counted 5 20 hour days last week. And then a bunch of SHORT nights. I have friends who don't know why I do it...I can and someone has to.”

“From todays Morning Report:

" Update On Fatal California Wildland Fire


Four US Forest Service firefighters who were attempting to protect a home from a fast-growing wildfire were killed on Thursday, October 26th, when fierce, unpredictable Santa Ana winds overtook them in the hills northwest of Palm Springs. A fifth was critically injured and died on Tuesday, October 31st. The victims were:


Mark Loutzenhiser, engine captain, who was 44 years old and had 21 years of service. He was a certified EMT and had worked previously as a hotshot crewman for the Vista Grande Hot Shots and also as a volunteer firefighter for Riverside County. He majored in fire science at Mt. San Jacinto College. He was a longtime resident of Idyllwild, California, where he was a great supporter and coach for the youth sports program.
Jess McLean, fire engine operator, who was 27 years old and had seven years of service. He had been a hotshot for three years with Vista Grande. He graduated from Banning High School in 1997 and attended fire science classes at Crafton Hills College. He was a resident of Beaumont, California.
Jason McKay, assistant fire engine operator, who was 27 years old and had five years of Forest Service experience and four years as a volunteer firefighter in Adelanto. He also served on the Mojave Greens Type II crew. He was a certified EMT and earned an associate’s degree in fire science. He was a resident of Phelan, California.
Daniel Hoover-Najera, firefighter, who was 20 years old and was in his second season of firefighting. He worked on the Tahquitz Type II crew in 2005 and was a seasonal employee in 2006. He graduated from San Jacinto Mountain View High School in 2004. He was a resident of San Jacinto, California.
Pablo Cerda, a 23-year-old firefighter in his second season with the Forest Service. He was previously of the Tahquitz Type II crew. He graduated from Los Amigos High School in Santa Ana in 2001 and attended Fire Academy of Riverside Community College. He was a resident of Fountain Valley, California.
The five Forest Service employees were on Engine Crew 57 on the San Jacinto Ranger District. They were engaging in structure protection and firefighting activities on the Esperanza Fire when they where overrun by flames. The accident investigation is ongoing.

The following update is current as of this morning:

Information – A public and media phone number is established at the San Bernardino Supervisor’s Office for information related to family support, donation opportunities, and investigation team processes. That number is 909-383-5501. Information is also posted on www.inciweb.org. Fire suppression updates are available at 951-845-2391 or 8159.


Support – Family support is being provided to all of the families via family liaisons, chaplain and grief support, public information support and other support as needed. They are working with the families on funeral and memorial service desires. Information is being made public as arrangements are developed. California interagency Incident Management Team 1, led by Don Feser, is providing immediate family and employee support, continuity for the daily operations for the Esperanza Incident and fire support staffing, and developing long term strategic needs for this tragic event. Over 70 personnel are assigned to the Engine 57 support team.


Fire Investigation Team – The Forest Service/California Department of Forestry Unified Command Investigation Team that arrived on scene on October 27th is continuing with site visits. Those were to have been completed by yesterday. This team, comprised of about 25 people, is tasked with investigating what happened at the fatality site and developing information on what could be done to prevent this type of event. Team specialists include fire investigators, fire behavior analysts, climatologists, equipment technicians and others. The completion date for a final report is unknown and is likely to take some time.


Arson Investigation Team – The arson investigative team continues with its operations. Arson information can be provided at 951-922-7116.


Donations – Donations can be made as follows:


Esperanza Firefighter Assistance Fund, P. O. Box 1645, Riverside, CA 92502. Phone: 951-955-1010, 951-955-1030, or 951-955-1050
Wildland Firefighters Foundation, at www.wffoundation.org, a family support group with means for specific family financial donations, or all the families equally.
California Fire Foundation at www.cpf.org. Contributions can also be sent to California Fire Foundation, Esperanza Firefighters Fund, 1780 Creekside Oaks, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95833.
The Forest Service Volunteer Association has established an account for direct cash donations, primarily for the local area.
Riverside County Fire Department at www.myfoxla.com is another donation site.
Numerous other offers of donations are being coordinated by the IMT.
Funerals and Memorial Services – Funeral services are being developed by each family. Their wishes will be strictly followed:


The family of Mark Loutzenhiser will hold a private funeral service Saturday, November 4th, at Idyllwild. The services are for friends and family, San Jacinto Ranger District personnel, and other specified U.S. Forest Service employees. An address to send cards, flowers or other donations for the service will be made available pending coordination with the family.
The family of Jason McKay is planning a funeral for Friday, November 3rd, at Apple Valley. Details are being developed for this service.
The family of Jess McLean is tentatively planning a private funeral for Friday, November 3rd.
Services for Daniel Hoover-Najera are still being planned.
Information on services for Pablo Cerda is not yet available.
A community memorial service is in the early planning stages; a date has not been set. It will be publicly released when established.
Card/Letters – Family support staff are asking the families how they would like to receive cards or letters. Upon their agreement, information will be provided on addresses to send cards or letters. In the interim, you can send them to the San Jacinto Ranger District, 54270 Pinecrest, PO Box 518, Idyllwild, CA 92549.
[Submitted by Rose Davis, Public Affairs Specialist, U.S. Forest Service] "”

“If you have never been to one...Firefighter Funerals are extremely moving.”

“Here's a firefighter who has my support and praise. Biking cross-country for a cause:

Firefighter Gears Up for Cross-County Bicycle Trek for Burn Survivors

Quincy native to bike from Boston to San Jose to raise national awareness





EDITOR’S NOTES:

o Interview/Photo Opportunity – Interviews with Mike Manning call (401) 441-7823
o Photos available at www.feeltheburn2007.blogspot.com



Boston, Massachusetts----May 8, 2007----What uses two tires, has two powerful legs, an enormous heart and enough passion to pedal 3,100 miles? Quincy, Massachusetts native - now a Germantown, Ohio Firefighter - Mike Manning kicks off his inspiring cross-country bicycle ride called "Feel the Burn 07" from Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston at 10:00am on May 8th, 2007.

Mike will ride from Boston , to San Jose , California to help raise awareness for all of the tremendous efforts that go into supporting burn survivors from first responders including firefighters and medical teams to aftercare resources and peer support groups.

Mike has set a goal of raising $100,000 for burn survivors. "As a first responder, I have always wanted to find a big way to be part of a burn survivor's recovery and I thought a cross country bike ride starting from Boston would bring attention and support to the entire network of people who help burn survivors every day in their recovery," Manning said. "The physical challenges of getting ready for something like this have been nearly unbearable at times, to the point of total exhaustion, but, I'm ready for the challenge and I hope the general public and my brother and sister firefighters will help support me in any way they can." In making this ride, Mike is also hoping to gain a better understanding, in a small way, of what a burn survivor goes through by challenging his own body and spirit.

The kick-off of Mike's ride will occur at Shriners Hospital for Children at 10:00am ( 51 Blossom Street ) and end on or about June 22nd at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Regional Burn Center . Mike already has support from the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation and many other fire departments across the country. Members of the Boston Fire Department will be on hand at Shriners for Mike's send off. Mike will be staying at 40-fire houses along his route to avoid using donation money for food and lodging. In addition, Mike will be supplying his equipment and repair kit to help keep his bike motoring down the road.

All the monies raised by Mike will benefit the work of The Phoenix-Society for Burn Survivors, based in Grand Rapids , Michigan .

The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is the leading national nonprofit organization with a 30-year history of empowering anyone affected by a burn injury through peer support, education and advocacy. The Phoenix-Society has partnered with survivors, families, healthcare professionals, burn centers and the fire industry to prevent burn injuries, support recovery and improve the quality of care. The Society is committed to advancing recovery resources, providing environments to renew the spirit and supporting a positive return to life.

“Though a burn injury can be devastating physically and emotionally, with access to quality care, support and resources, a person can survive and thrive after a burn injury and Mike's efforts will help us continue in that spirit,” says Amy Acton, Executive Director of The Phoenix-Society. “We are grateful to Shriners Hospitals for Children for hosting our kick-off and also appreciative of all the tremendous work they do to help burn survivors every day,” Acton said. Shriners Hospitals for Children-Boston is a 30-bed pediatric burn hospital, research and teaching center, and is one of three burn hospitals operated by the 22-hospital Shriners Hospitals for Children network. The Boston hospital treats children, regardless of ability to pay or insurance coverage, from Massachusetts and New England, as well from across the United States and more than 70 countries around the world.

As a firefighter and father of two young children ages 4 and 2, Mike has on his own decided to make this sacrifice and be away from his family for up to 7 weeks and also endure the wrath of whatever Mother Natures throws at him while he rides up to 140-miles per day.

Anyone wishing to help Mike and his worthwhile cause, can donate by logging on at www.phoenix-society.org or calling the Phoenix-Society at (800) 888-2876. Mike is also eager for anyone to join him during his journey and ride with him.

Mike also has his own exclusive blog at feeltheburn2007.blogspot.com which will track his journey, give location updates and include pictures and personal reflections from Mike as he pushes his body and spirit to the limit.”

“Wow --”

“He starts the ride on final exams week,and I don't have class then so I'm going out to the send off.


Here is a link to his blog:

http://www.feeltheburn2007.blogspot.com/
last edited: 4/26/07 8:56:01 AM”

“I went into Boston for the kick off and road the first few miles with Mike Manning. He's a great guy, going to New Haven today.”

“I lost nine brothers last night.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,284232,00.html

9 firefighters in Charleston SC.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Fire swept through a furniture warehouse, collapsing the building's roof and claiming the lives of nine firefighters in a disaster the mayor described Tuesday as "difficult to fathom or quantify."

"Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the city of Charleston have perished fighting fire in a most courageous and fearless manner, carrying out their duties," Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley said at a morning news conference. "To all of their loved ones, our heart goes out to them."

Two employees in the building were rescued from the blaze, which broke out at about 7 p.m. Monday in the Sofa Super Store and warehouse, Riley said.



I am certain the officer who made the call to send them inside is kicking himself right now. It is a tough decision but it is part of the "psyche" of an American Firefighter.

God be with the families and friends.”

“that is sad. may they rest in peace.

too bad they couldn't have sat safe inside, surfing the internet like some other fire department personnel...”

“Given your proximity, do you know any of the guys over there? Very sad.”

“Raise a glass to the common foot soldier.

Those who can, do.
Those who can't, supervise.
last edited: 6/19/07 9:13:19 AM”

“LOL.@.Marky Mark...

And I guess those who don't have the guts to Do, Ability to Supervise or knowledge to inspect..stay home and become househusbands...”

“Petty jealousy is not a virtue, XLax.”

“Is this a fuego thread or a thread praising those husbands, fathers, and sons who just passed?”

“Leave it to a nasty person like marko to turn a sad thread into a nasty one.”

“Day...I shouldn't have engaged marky on this...Yes I think I know a couple of the guys. I will most likely go down for the funeral.

A few nights ago I was covering a station for a friend who was sick. We had a big fire in a house, no real water supply, and due to conditions we were limited on manpower. I chose NOT to go in. We backed off.

I still got a nice sunburn from the radiant heat, and we did stop the fire at an addition but we fought it for 6 hours.

Years ago I made a decision with a crew inside doing a search and rescue. The three family members were all ready dead, but we went anyway. I ended up getting my gear replaced becuase of the fire that rolled over my crew as we searched. After that I got a little bit smarter and a little more wise.”

“Those brave firefighters perished in a fire, so I guess its FUEGO.

Man, that's a tough one for Charleston!!”

“I'm a career firefighter so this tragedy hits home. I always try to protect my kids from news like this but its not always possible. So I guess I play it down and tell them it can't happen to me, not where we live when it reality it can strike anywhere at anytime...and Hikerboy, while I appreciate your sentiments, I don't think this is the time or the place for you to air whatever grudge you may have against those who are obviously in the minority. Don't let the few bad apples taint your opinion of firefighters as a whole. And by the way, I'm at home as I write this. In our department the internet is used for filing incident reports, downloading training information and receiving news and alerts from the IAFF.”

“st..before you start following the lines of hiker boy you might want to know that I work in two jobs just like everyone else. Before you go chasing the hateful words of that troll you MIGHT want to check the source.

Oh yeah..if you guys can't have some personal time on duty...you might want to check with your UNION (LOL)
last edited: 6/19/07 9:45:32 AM”

“you know xl....when I re-read his post I was trying to figure out why he would be picking this subject to air his grievances, then I thought that perhaps he knew you well enough to be busting your balls and if it was meant in that way then I would apologize to hikerboy but the problem with the internet is that you can't determine the tone of someones remarks or the intent in which it was meant. We aren't supposed to be using department computers for internet surfing however we can bring in our own laptops if we choose. And like any department...we have some down time now and then...thats what keeps the morale up. I'm kinda touchy when it comes to people jumping all over fire departments because we are going through a bad time with the city government and so anything we do gets a bad spin. We are going through an audit as we speak because the city wants to reduce manpower. However I think they will be surprised as the auditing firm follows NFPA recommendations...lol...can't wait for that report to come back.”

“This is horrible news, I heard it on the radio this morning, and thought of you, XL. I do very much appreciate all that you guys do, I salute you and I mourn with you.”

“I am also a career firefighter(writing this at work) the tragedy of it is just so incompresible.”

“OH JEEZE ST...no S--t...manpower reduction...Jeezus...I hate those.

Man I went through that crap with a City commisioner years ago. He was debating with a certain State Senator, the need for 3 man staffed engines. The senator (Tilt might know him he goes by "Cuite Cheeks" in the Pen from what I hear) made the statement,"Hell all they do is sit around and play checkers."

They have NEVER worked the standard 24/48 shift where you come off in the morning and you are so exhausted that you have to sleep most of the day to just feel awake...then you have the "second job"...

I put it in this perspective to the Commisioner -"On September 9, 2001 you really didn't need a GREAT BIG ARMY...but on September 12 you needed all you could get."

The problem is these guys look at the pay (don't know your grade but here I think they start at 24K plus benefits) and look at the call volume and say..."Engine # made X number of calls last year." Then they break down the cost per call.

Thats the part that sucks. Of course the best line I ever heard was a commisioner who looked at a "cost cutter" (accountant) and said,"How many fires have you ever been to?" (the answer was NONE). Then he said,"HOW many times have you worn the gear these guys wear in the middle of summer?" (again the auditor had no answer).

The commsioner said,"But given this report you are showing how they can get by on fewer men, fewer trucks and fewer stations? But you admit you have no actual idea of their job?"

The audit died....now this is the Deep South, different view. Good luck with your stuff..if I can offer some help or anything let me know.”

“Thanks for your support...one of the guys we work with spent some time as a FF in SC. He worked the 24 on 48 off. Up here we work 2 ten hour days and then 2 fourteen hour nights then off for 4 days...nice schedule and anyone that does 24's has 72 off in between. Those 24 on and 48 off gotta be brutal if you have a busy shift. Thanks again...hope it stays q&*%$ for ya....don't want to jinx ya”

“LOL..you FDNY?

Hey you know, at least here in Georgia, we have benefitted A Pant load from the guys from your area who retire and come down here and professionalize us.

My department covers a mid size community in East Georgia...we are a combination department...(LOL) a few years ago the neighboring city had a big debate with the city screwing with their contract. Eventually one of the leaders of the "stand hard" crowd asked if they would be able to get "the volunteers" from other communities to help if a case of Blue Flu hit...I told him in that case we would stand with our brothers (the city relented and started trying to treat the guys better).”

“Sad day and a real loss.

My cousin who lives around the corner is a fire fighter and fine young man. He happened to be in the crew when my house burned and saved the cat. He got hurt on a call recently, not badly but its something to face.

I've also dealt with Fire-fighter PTSD in working the ER - the things some of these people go through is amazing.

Anyways, my blessings and condolences for all who were lost or hurt in that fire and all those who lost someone special.”

“Yeah ped...you're right...people forget we have to live with the things we have seen....dead kids, charred bodies, homicides, etc, etc. Our department has a full time ambulance service as well....we cover the city and outlying towns with up to 4 ambulances. So we see a ton of stuff between the fires and the traumas, child abuse and neglect and then have to go home to family and pretend to our kids that the world is just peachy.

Hey XL, I'm in a small city upstate, not FDNY but the unions and state retirement system have certainly benefitted from their experience. I lived in Augusta GA in my younger years, well actually for only a year back in 85. I was working for Eastern Airlines then though with no thoughts on becoming a firefighter....funny how things change as you get older.”

“Hey guys....got these today...


http://zen-grafix.com/charlestonfireweb/source/img_5592.html”

“Wow! I almost fell of my chair, when I just read the newspaper during lunchtime. I have a friend who volunteers for the fire & rescue troupe in CHARLESTON, SC!!!
I immediatly ran back to the computer and checked for more information.
I don't know what volunteers are allowed to do, but a dangerous missions like that are only for professional firefighters? You're not working with volunteers there, right? You let them do the rescue job with the dog, that is stuck in the cat flap, but you won't send them to a fire?
Can somebody tell me more, please?
last edited: 6/20/07 6:44:53 AM”