Firefighternation.com has posted a video on the “Behind the scenes NFFF memorial service”
Here’s a reminder that Firehouse.com will have a Live Memorial Coverage
of the memorial here Oct 3rd at 6:00 pm EST Candlelight Vigil and October 4, 2009: 9:30 am EST of the NFFF Memorial Service
Conan O’Brian fell and hit his head taping his show, here are some links and a video on YouTube of the fall. (ouch!) Reminds me of some of the horseplay that goes on in the work place and fire stations.
O'Brien Mocks Stunt Mishap On Tonight Show Return
Here's another weekly installment of Uncle Jay Explains the news from YouTube and uncle-jay-explains-the-news Ex-politicians dance on TV, while REAL politicians tango with tyrants! The world's leaders met in New York and Pittsburgh, and they proudly promised to do something someday about something. Maybe. Uncle Jay explains it all!
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will be held October 2 – 4, 2009 more infromation can be found at Firehero.org for information on the memorial weekend being held October 2 - 4, 2009 . Having had the opportunity to attend the academy over the years I have seen the memorial take shape from what it once was. If you ever get out east you should defiantly take the time to visit this memorial. The memorials in Washington are great and well worth seeing, but being firefighter this memorial is very moving and a reminder of our brothers lost.
» Download: The National Release | Releases by State (Includes Details on Firefighters Honored)
» More: Download the Full 2009 Memorial Weekend Press Kit (PDF)
Emmitsburg, MD - The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Fire Administration announce that the 28th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will be held October 2-4, 2009. A plaque with the names of 103 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2008 will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located here on the National Fire Academy campus. The names of 19 firefighters who died in previous years will also be added. The plaques surrounding the Memorial, which was established in 1981, will contain the names of more than 3,300 firefighters.
28th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend ·
A NAMPA, IDAHO, HOUSE WAS BLOWN TO BITS Friday morning, severely injuring the owner who was in his kitchen at the time. The mechanisms of the blast indicate that it was a natural gas explosion that also caused structural damages to the houses on either side and could be felt a 1/2-mile away. 
Shocked neighbors came out to see what happened and found Larry King, 62, buried up to his neck in debris as a “snowstorm” of insulation continued to fall on the area. They started to pull debris off of him as they awaited the arrival of the medics and firefighters. King suffered several broken bones along with 2nd- and 3rd-degree burns on 20% of his body.
The fire investigators removed several sections of gas pipe from underneath the house because there were indications that some sort of modifications had been made to them. They also discovered that more than one month’s worth of usual gas consumption had passed through the meter in the past seven days.
KTVB-TV Boise filed this video report from the scene:
| Following the death of a 29-year-old man found in his car, the Ada County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office issued a safety bulletin regarding a “detergent suicide,” named so for the mixture of ingredients that produces deadly hydrogen sulfide gas. The detergent recipe is available on the Internet and uses chemicals that are available readily. |
Ohio County Issues Safety Alert after Hazmat Suicide.
www.lmpd.com/ -
Last year it set a goal of cutting the suicide rate by 20 percent in 10 years through steps ... as a safety margin, IDLHs were based on the effects that might occur as a ... At 150-250 ppm the olfactory nerve is paralyzed after a few inhalations, ... Rescue School, Suffolk County Fire Academy and around the county. ...
cms.firehouse.com/.../Hazardous-Materials/...Hazmat.../18$61765 -
MONTEREY, Ky. --
A firefighter is dead after responding to a crash site in Owen County.
Officers said Terry Sharon, 60, was heading eastbound in a 1978 Ford F350 fire truck along Sawdridge Creek Road in response to a crash.
Police said the first crash happened at about 12:33 a.m. just south of Monterey at 340 Sawdridge Creek Road.
Investigators said that while driving to the scene, Sharon lost control of the truck, and skidded about 150 feet off the road before crashing into an unoccupied fifth-wheel camper trailer parked on the property neighboring the fire station.
Sharon was taken to New Horizons Medical Center by the Owen County EMS where he was later pronounced dead.
The Kentucky State Police is investigation the crash, along with the Owen County Sheriff Department, the Owen County Life Squad and Monterey Fire Department. Story by wlky.com
from USFA Firefighter Fatalities
Terry Sharon of the Monterey Fire Department in Owenton, KY has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2009-09-13 00:00:00.0.
Alabama - Decatur firefighters spent nine hours Saturday battling a fire that leveled half of a business on Indian Hills Road Southeast. Four city fire stations initially responded to the fire at Mastercraft Woodworks around 4:43 a.m. Station 8 firefighters across from the business were there instantly, according to Lt. Steve Barnett.
The fire was one of the largest the department has battled this year, Barnett said.
Barnett said he later called in units from more stations, including the fire department's HAZ-MAT team.
"There were two big metal buildings," Barnett explained. "The firefighters managed to keep the fire from the front building and it was not touched. The one in the back burned down." http://www.firefightingnews.com/article.cfm?articleID=70621
Girl Critical After Minnesota Explosion - An apparent natural gas explosion destroyed a home in South Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon, leaving a 10-year-old child in critical condition, a hospital spokeswoman said.
The explosion at 5613 32nd Ave. S. blew out the sides of the house and shot glass from the windows to the opposite curb.
"It was terrifying, and it happened just so fast," said Erica Myking, 29, who lives directly across the street. "We have our air on so all our windows and doors are shut, and even in the shut-up house it was extremely loud -- boom!" Firehouse News
3 News MIDDLETOWN, Conn. -- Two dogs were shot amid a fire at Middletown home Saturday night.
The blaze was reported at a home on DeKoven Drive at about 6:30 p.m.
As the first officer arrived at the fire, police said he was charged by three dogs.
Police said the officer retreated from the home and the dogs, believed to be pit bulls, charged at the officer.
The officer fired his weapon at the dogs, striking two of them. The third dog fled the area. Police said the conditions of the dogs were unknown Saturday night.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze on the home’s second floor. No injuries were reported in the blaze.
Police said a youth was arrested on charges of interfering with an officer at the scene.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
It is with deep regret that we advise you that a 58 year old Huntington Manor (Suffolk County, Long Island, New York) Firefighter died in the Line of Duty at the scene of a fire this morning. Initial reports are that this was a witnessed arrest and immediate life saving efforts were attempted. More details will be posted later. As always, our sincere condolences to all affected.
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR DEPT TO DISPLAY A PIECE OF WORLD TRADE CENTER STEEL
Hey,
As we approach 9/11/09, we have been asked to share this information with you. It is a rare opportunity to allow ALL fire departments, police departments, EMS agencies and related community based organizations to further insure their community never forgets 9/11-and do so not just in "words"- but in action.
The following message is from FDNY FF Lee Ielpi (Ret), the Father of FDNY FF Jonathan Ielpi who was murdered in the Line of Duty on 9/11/01.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is accepting requests from organizations that would like to request a piece of World Trade Center steel. The steel was recovered from the World Trade Center site after September 11, 2001 and secured at JFK Airport by The Port Authority of NY and NJ until now.
The September 11th Families Association is proud to be part of this great effort to distribute steel to organizations interested in creating memorials. The steel withstood the most horrific attack on American soil that took the lives of 2,973 innocent people - one of whom was my son Jonathan Ielpi a Firefighter with FDNY Squad 288. This is an extraordinary opportunity to obtain a piece of World Trade Center steel.
The steel MUST be used in a memorial open to the general public such as in parks, fire/EMS/police stations, emergency service training grounds for uniformed personnel or places of public assembly. The steel is not intended for and may not be used in personal collections, sold or used for fundraising. All requests for steel MUST be in writing on official letterhead from an officer of the requesting agency, or a not for profit organization and will be verified.
Requests from departments outside the United States are welcome.
This is a rare opportunity to create a lasting memorial IN YOUR COMMUNITY honoring the lives lost and educating future generations about the events of September 11, 2001. Everyday, your service as a Firefighter, Police Officer, EMT or related emergency personnel demonstrates the power of good. A public memorial in YOUR community to the victims and heroes of 9/11 is a powerful way to insure their memory lives on.
READ CAREFULLY:
INSTRUCTIONS HERE: http://www.911families.org/WTC%20Steel%20Public%20Memorials.pdf
SAMPLE LETTER HERE: http://www.911families.org/WTC%20Steel%20Sample%20Letter%20Form.pdf
As we are just days from 9/11/09-take the emotions and energies you feel and take advantage of this opportunity to honor those who gave their lives on 9/11/01-and remember WHY 9/11/01 must be remembered in every community, in every possible way. There are few better ways for your community members to connect to 9/11 than this. Frustrated that some have forgotten?
This will help your community ALWAYS REMEMBER.
Here are some interesting links of 9-11 history. It’s near history in time, it’s what your grandkids will study. The effects of 9-11 will be felt personally for a few generations to come. Let us never forget that day and where you were when you heard. Do you remember what it was like after? I can still remember it being so quiet at night with no planes flying overhead, kind of weird. My first plane trip after 9-11 made me very apprehensive, and I kept looking at all the other passengers as if could they be another one?
Please remember the 343 firefighters that gave all on that date. There is plenty out there on this, books, video etc. May we never forget! I was at work at Caterpillar, and at almost the same time a close friend and co-worker was in a near fatal motorcycle accident on his way home that morning which happened at almost the same time.
Make history national 9-11 memorial
September 11: Bearing Witness to History - National Museum
YouTube September 11 2001
Here are some interesting links of 9-11 history. It’s near history in time, it’s what your grandkids will study. The effects of 9-11 will be felt personally for a few generations to come. Let us never forget that day and where you were when you heard. Do you remember what it was like after? I can still remember it being so quiet at night with no planes flying overhead, kind of weird. My first plane trip after 9-11 made me very apprehensive, and I kept looking at all the other passengers as if could they be another one?
Please remember the 343 firefighters that gave all on that date. There is plenty out there on this, books, video etc. May we never forget! I was at work at Caterpillar, and at almost the same time a close friend and co-worker was in a near fatal motorcycle accident on his way home that morning which happened at almost the same time.
Make history national 9-11 memorial
September 11: Bearing Witness to History - National Museum
YouTube September 11 2001
Click here for the view from KCBS-TV
The KABC-TV view of the fire engine extraction from other side
According to various news reports it took about seven hours to engineer the removal of LAFD's Engine 60 from the sinkhole that swallowed it this morning. Pulling it just from the rear didn't work and heavy equipment was need to pull the front. The KABC-TV video gives you the best view of the removal, the damage to the rig and a look at the hole at low tide.
Here's the story from the AP:
Crews using a crane have pulled a fire engine from a large sinkhole that opened as it was responding to a broken water main on a Los Angeles street.
Four firefighters escaped injury as mud and water poured into the vehicle's cabin Tuesday in the San Fernando Valley.
The firefighters were attempting to back the 22-ton engine out of the street when the collapse occurred.
The sinkhole was caused by a broken, 6-inch cast iron pipe. A Department of Water and Power official says it's unlikely the burst pipe is related to another one that broke two miles away over the weekend and flooded homes and cars.
THE SOLE SURVIVOR OF A PICKUP TRUCK CRASH was able to make a connection to 9-1-1 Saturday morning around 3:30 am. The truck was carrying four passengers, all of whom are believed to have been drinking, when it blew through a stop sign and then crashed through a gate leading into a rock quarry. After crashing the gate, the speeding truck went up an incline and was temporarily airborne before landing on two large boulders that had been placed as barricades to prevent vehicles from driving into the quarry. After teetering on the boulders for a few seconds, the truck fell off and plunged approx. 170 feet to the bottom of the pit.
Tulsa World photo
Three of the four were killed immediately, but the survivor, a 19-yr.-old girl, was able to get a cellphone signal. Unfortunately she didn’t know where she was, but the dispatcher was able to discern that she was in the north area of the city before they lost the signal.
Police, fire and EMS spent about an hour searching in vain for the wreck until 5 am when the survivor got another call through. After 45 minutes of careful questioning, the dispatchers narrowed the location down to the rock quarry where the rescuers eventually found her.
KOKI-TV Ch. 23 filed this video report from the crash site in the quarry:
The caller seems to be the person who was driving and she is hospitalized in critical condition. She is expected to survive, however.
Tulsa dispatch has released four 9-1-1 tapes in which you can hear the dispatcher talking to the woman and finding out the necessary information. She did a good job, you’ll agree. You can listen to the tapes HERE.
The Tulsa World has more of the STORY HERE.
Update: PA Aerial Ladder Collapse
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Two firefighters were hurt this morning when an aerial ladder collapsed during a commercial fire in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. WTAE-TV reports that a firefighter who fell from the ladder and the operator of the truck su... [ more ]
Over the past decade, numerous law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMS) workers were injured or killed along roadways throughout the United States. In 2008, as with the prior 10 years, more law enforcement officers died in traffic-related incidents than from any other cause; National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (NLEOM, 2008) over the past 12 years, an average of one officer per month was struck and killed by a vehicle in the United States. (FBI, 2007) Preliminary firefighter fatality statistics for 2008 reflect 29 of 114 firefighters killed on duty perished in motor vehicle crashes, (USFA, 2009a) similar to figures posted in previous years. According to a 2002 study (Maguire, et al.) that aggregated data from several independent sources, at least 67 EMS providers were killed in ground transportation- related events over the 6 years from 1992 to 1997.
Go here to download the full text:
http://www.usfa. dhs.gov/download s/pdf/publicatio ns/fa_323. pdf
Investigators had determined that the Station Fire in Los Angeles County was started by arson. No other facts have been released. The fact that two firefighters died in an incendiary fire makes this act of arson a homicide. Because the fire Started in the Angeles National Forest, look for the USFS to lead the investigation, joined by CalFire and LACoFD. Because a homicide has occurred, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has primary jurisdiction.
164,000 acres burned, 38% containment
Fifteen-days for chief who slept through call: A Chicago battalion chief has received his punishment or sleeping through what became a two-alarm fire. Click here.
Firefighters shot at as they respond to house fire. Rigs hit. Suspect dead. Police officer wounded.
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The images on this page come from KVBC-TV. Click here for the station's video.
Firefighters responding to a house fire in West Las Vegas just after noon on Wednesday were met by a man with a shotgun. That man opened fire striking two fire engines and narrowly missing the firefighters. Police exchanged gunfire with the man, killing him. A police officer was wounded.
Investigators say the fire was deliberately set in the bedroom of the home. The fire destroyed the home as firefighters were forced to keep their distance.
The rigs struck were Engine 3 and Engine 203. The most detailed account comes from Billy Goldfeder at FirefighterCloseCalls.com. Here are excerpts from his report:
As Engine 3 pulled up in front of the house, flames and smoke was showing. As the captain radioed in his report, a male adult came from around the house with a gun and fired two times at the engine hitting it, one shot broke out the right rear cab window where two firefighters sit. The captain ordered the engine to take off and leave the area and he radioed that the crew was being shot at. At the same time Engine 203 pulled up and saw the man with a gun and proceeded to leave the area behind Engine 3, but not before that engine was also shot. It was hit just under the captain’s door window and once in a window on the right rear where the two firefighters sit. Windows in both cabs were shot out. The two engines left the scene, no one was injured.
Still going at 91: Check out this interesting story Allentown, PA's The Morning Call. It is about Firefighter Anthony DiPierro who was at the 100th anniversary of Roseto's Columbia Fire Company No. 1. It begins this way - He is 91, has been a firefighter for 72 years and has driven and maintained every vehicle the department has ever owned. In his house is a framed series of photographs demonstrating this, including a black-and-white snapshot from 1959 when the department celebrated its 50th anniversary and DiPierro led the way behind the wheel of a 1928 Hahn truck.
from USFA Firefighter Fatalities
Tedmund "Ted" Hall Hall of the Los Angeles County Fire Department in Los Angeles, CA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2009-08-30 00:00:00.0.
from USFA Firefighter Fatalities
Kenneth Frizzell Jr. of the Charleston Volunteer Fire Department in East Charleston, VT has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2009-08-30 00:00:00.0.
from USFA Firefighter Fatalities
Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones of the Los Angeles County Fire Department in Los Angeles, CA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2009-08-30 00:00:00.0.
| 5 hurt, 8 Displaced where a blast was blamed on insect bombs |
A pilot light probably ignited vapors from aerosol cans being used to kill bugs on the second floor of a Lebanon apartment, authorities say.
From Friday, August 28, 2009
LEBANON PA - Thomas Meyer was sitting outside his Lehman Street apartment building a little after 10 a.m. Thursday when he heard a huge bang.
"I heard a big explosion and there was smoke. Everything was flying," said Meyer, who lives on the first floor of the two-story building. "I never seen anything like this except in movies."
What he saw and heard was an explosion caused by vapors from as many as 31 cans of aerosol bug bombs that are believed to have ignited from a pilot light of a gas stove in a second-floor apartment, authorities said.
The explosion blew out a balcony wall and injured five tenants, said authorities, who were not allowing the eight residents of the three apartments to return until the building is inspected. Two firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation.
Seventeen cans of bug bombs were found on the second floor, 12 cans on the first floor and two in the basement, said David Eggert, a deputy fire commissioner.
The bug bombs were being used because landlord John Light had been issued code-violation notices for roach and bedbug infestation, Eggert said.
Tim Balsbaugh, a second-floor tenant, said he was getting ready to set off the bug bombs when another tenant, Dennis Morgan, grabbed some and took them into his apartment.
"He was not supposed to be setting them off yet," Balsbaugh said "I told him, 'Don't do anything' -- I hadn't gotten up there yet."
When the explosion occurred, Balsbaugh said, "I came flying out the side, getting hit with stuff."
He was released after treatment for breathing difficulties at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Karen Light, a second-floor tenant, was on the ground, Balsbaugh said. She was listed in good condition in Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center on Thursday, and Morgan was in fair condition, a hospital spokeswoman said.
"We're all lucky," Balsbaugh said. Zuleyka Torres, who lives next door, said she was awakened by the house shaking from the explosion.
"They took us all out because of the smoke," which she said was coming into her house from the attic.
Residents of adjacent buildings were allowed back in their homes Thursday afternoon after the air was tested.
Barry Fisher, Lebanon's fire commissioner, said one person had fallen from the balcony and one was on the balcony when firefighters arrived.
The aerosol vapors in bug bombs are flammable, Fisher said, and instructions on the cans tell users to make sure there are no open flames.
