Tuesday, March 31

U.S. Fire Administration Civilian Fire Fatality Notification Update

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Monday, March 30

The Nation's news media is reporting the following residential fire (non-arson) fatalities:

  • 3 dead Occurred Monday, 3/30 Brewerytown, PA (Philadelphia, PA):  Two women and a girl were killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
  • 2 dead Occurred Sunday, 3/29 Lumberton, NC (Florence Myrtle Beach, SC):  Two women were killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
  • 1 dead Occurred Sunday, 3/29 Metairie, LA (New Orleans, LA):  A woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
  • 1 dead Occurred Sunday, 3/29 Douglasville, GA (Atlanta, GA):  A 60-year-old woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
  • 1 dead Occurred Friday, 3/27 San Jose, CA (San Francisco, CA):  A 59-year-old woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
  • 1 dead Occurred Friday, 3/27 Scottsdale, PA (Pittsburg, PA):  A man in his early 80s was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

To find out more about any of the reported incidents, please contact news media in the vicinity where the fatal fire occurred. USFA does not have any additional information other than what is listed here.  


The United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.

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U.S. Fire Administration · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Emmitsburg, MD 21727 · (301) 447-1000

U.S. Fire Administration Firefighter Fatality Notification - Stateline, MS

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The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality:

Name: Robert Allen France

Rank: Firefighter/EMT-Training Officer

Age: 45

Gender: Male

Status: Volunteer

Years of Service: 3+

Date of Incident: 03/30/2009

Time of Incident: 2030hrs

Date of Death: 03/30/2009

Fire Department: Stateline Volunteer Fire Department

Address: PO Box 411, Stateline, MS 39362

Fire Department Chief: Joey Young

Incident Description: Firefighter France attended a fire training meeting at the Green County Emergency Services Office. Upon completion of the meeting he was returning to his home jurisdiction on his motorcycle when he struck a deer. France was treated on scene by emergency services personnel and subsequently transported via helicopter to the USA Medical Center in Mobile, AL where he succumbed to his injuries.

Funeral Arrangements:  Pending

Memorial Fund Contact and Address:  In honor of Firefighter/EMT Robert Allen France, c/o Stateline Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 411, Stateline, MS 39362

Tribute is being paid to Firefighter/EMT-Training Officer Robert Allen France at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 25 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2009 as a result of incidents that occurred in 2009.  Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online @ http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm


The United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.

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U.S. Fire Administration · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Emmitsburg, MD 21727 · (301) 447-1000

U.S. Fire Administration Coffee Break Training Update 2009-13

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HOGGED FUEL STORAGE PILES 

Wood waste is a common combustible product that can create major fire problems for the local fire department.  Large piles of products that may be susceptible to spontaneous heating can be a difficult fire suppression challenge. 

Today’s Coffee Break Training, “Hogged Fuel Storage Piles” describes the requirements for protecting these piles from fires. 

Your Coffee Break can be downloaded from http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/coffee-break/cb_fp_2009_13.pdf

Always refer to nationally recognized design and installation standards, the product manufacturer or listing details for specific information.   

Please share this Coffee Break Training segment and others with your peers. Previous Coffee Breaks may be found at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/coffee-break/


The United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.

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Monday, March 30

Pants on fire: Mich. teen charged with burning man

The Associated Press: Pants on fire: Mich. teen charged with burning man
FERNDALE, Mich. (AP) — Police in a Detroit suburb say a teenager has been charged with lighting an unconscious man's pants on fire and causing a third-degree burn to the man's groin. Police in Ferndale, Mich., said 18-year-old Tyler Quick was arraigned Friday on a charge of assault.

Ferndale police Lt. William Wilson tells The Daily Tribune of Royal Oak that Quick was attending a party at the home of a 51-year-old man when the host passed out.

Police say Quick placed a lit candle under the man's crotch, setting fire to his pants. The man awoke and extinguished the fire. A police lieutentant said Quick thought it would be funny to burn the victim.

Authorities said Quick is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.

U.S. Fire Administration Civilian Fire Fatality Notification Update

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Friday, March 27

The Nation's news media is reporting the following residential fire (non-arson) fatalities:

  • 2 dead Occurred Thursday, 3/26 Bellafontaine Neighbors, MO (St. Louis, MO):  A 91-year-old man and an 85-year-old woman were killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
  • 1 dead Occurred Thursday, 3/26 Salinas, CA:  An elderly woman was killed in a home fire. Cigarettes caused the fire.
  • 1 dead Occurred Thursday, 3/26 Greenville, SC:  A 35-year-old woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

To find out more about any of the reported incidents, please contact news media in the vicinity where the fatal fire occurred. USFA does not have any additional information other than what is listed here.  


The United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com.

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U.S. Fire Administration · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Emmitsburg, MD 21727 · (301) 447-1000

U.S. Fire Administration Firefighter Fatality Notification - Double Springs, AL

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The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality:

Name: Mike Gilbreath

Rank: Fire Chief

Age: 55

Gender: Male

Status: Volunteer

Years of Service: 37

Date of Incident: 03/27/2009

Time of Incident: 0630hrs

Date of Death: 03/27/2009

Fire Department: Double Springs Fire Department

Address: PO Box 279, 21 Main ST, Double Springs, AL 35553

Fire Department Chief: Acting Fire Chief Pat West

Incident Description: Fire Chief Mike Gilbreath was dispatched with his fire company to a trees down callon County Road 25. While working to clear the roadway, a vehicle coming around a curve over the rise of a hill was unable to stop in time before striking Chief Gilbreath. Emergency medical assistance was rendered on scene by other responders, including the Chief’s firefighter/EMT sonChief Gilbreath was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Incident Location: 2840 County Road 25, Double Springs, AL (Grid: 16SDC57067646)

Funeral Arrangements: Chief Gilbreath was laid to rest on 03/29/2009.

Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Fire Chief Mike Gilbreath Memorial Fund, Traders and Farmers Bank, 10 Blake Dr, Double Springs, AL 35553. Tele: (205) 489-5011

Tribute is being paid to Fire Chief Mike Gilbreath at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

To date, 24 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2009 as a result of incidents that occurred in 2009.  Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online @ http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm

 


The United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.

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This service is provided to you at no charge by the U.S. Fire Administration.

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U.S. Fire Administration · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Emmitsburg, MD 21727 · (301) 447-1000

Sunday, March 29

Hiring practices, management of Coatesville Fire Department criticized | Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/28/2009

Hiring practices, management of Coatesville Fire Department criticized | Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/28/2009 By Kathleen Brady Shea Inquirer Staff Writer
On Jan. 17, 2001, police responded to a domestic dispute involving a man in camouflage gear waving a semiautomatic pistol. As two officers approached the Caln Township residence, a shot was fired "in such a manner as to place individuals in danger," court records said.

Less than four years later, the person who shot the gun, Kevin Johnson, was hired as an assistant fire chief in Coatesville.

His hiring is an example of Coatesville's weakness in screening firefighting personnel, said Richard G. Poulson, the attorney for the city's 13 paid part-time firefighters and four full-time firefighters.

The latest instance, he said, involved Robert F. Tracey Jr. Tracey - recently recommended for a job by Johnson, now the chief - was charged Monday with setting two of the 70 fires that have left dozens of residents homeless and caused millions of dollars in damage over the last 13 months in the Coatesville area.
Poulson also accused Johnson of severely underreporting the number of fire calls in the city.

Johnson denied that, saying his list excluded fires that did not involve a structure or were put out quickly. He also said he would not discuss his decision to hire Tracey.

He wasnt reporting outdoor fires, vehicle fires or any fire that was extinguished "quickly". How quick is "quickly"? What is wrong with this picture?
Kristin Geiger, a city spokeswoman, said all candidates for police and fire positions are subject to a psychological evaluation, drug and alcohol testing, and a check of criminal-history and driving records.

She said that "blemishes" on candidates' records do not make them unemployable. "It depends on the type of conviction and the position they're applying for," Geiger said.

Tracey was hired on Feb. 9. Court records show he had a March 2007 conviction for passing bad checks, citations for driving an unregistered vehicle and disregarding a traffic-control device, and two citations for operating a vehicle without a valid inspection.

What do you think? Should the "blemishes" on Tracey's record have been enough to disqualify him from the job of firefighter?
Tracey is the seventh arson suspect in custody; investigators said they have linked 24 fires to the seven...

Until mid-February, Coatesville had reported 15 arson fires in 2008. In response to repeated requests from The Inquirer for 2008 data, the city changed that number to 26. Geiger attributed the error to different reporting mechanisms for county, city and state agencies.

Poulson said the National Fire Incident Reporting System standards should be the guide.

When Johnson became chief in 2006, he assumed control of incident reporting, Poulson said. The union continued to keep its own records, Poulson said, and did not learn of discrepancies until early in 2008, when the union applied for a federal grant.
Poulson said the city typically has about 700 fire calls a year. Johnson reported 295 in 2007, while union records show 733. When the union discovered the difference, it complained to city officials, but nothing was done, Poulson said.

What problem's do you see with Johnson's underreporting? Why was the Union keeping it's own records? Poulson said the National Fire Incident Reporting System standards should be the guide. Do you agree or disagree?
"Fire-suppression services are in complete disarray," Poulson said of Coatesville, adding, "It's like the perfect storm for an arsonist."

What makes this the "perfect storm" for an arsonist?

Click the link above to read the complete article.
We will be discussing the article and the questions in class next week!

Saturday, March 28

Fire Training Gone Bad

During a controlled burn scenario to train firefighters, the siuation goes south quickly as participants learn that gasoline has been used as a accelerant to enhance the blaze. Add to the mix two trapped firefighters, their rescuer, and a pumper which won't go into gear and you've got one of hell if a mess. 3:14

Santa Ana marijuana-growing operation uncovered by fire | L.A. Now | Los Angeles Times

Santa Ana marijuana-growing operation uncovered by fire | L.A. Now | Los Angeles Times
A fire at a commercial building in Santa Ana has helped uncover a marijuana-growing operation.

Santa Ana firefighters dispatched to a single-story structure at 1118 E. Walnut St. about 9:30 p.m. Thursday found smoke and fire coming from a corner suite in the 18-unit building, said Santa Ana Fire Capt. Ben Gonzales.

It took 35 firefighters 15 minutes to douse the flames.

San Diego Marijuana Fire

Hidden dangers for First Responders!

Friday, March 27

Be Cool About Fire Safety part 1

A home fire safety video made by Allstate a few years back. Be on the lookout for a few of your favorite celebs.

Be Cool About Fire Safety part 2

Home fire safety video made by Allstate a few years back. Be on the lookout for a few of your favorite celebs!

Fire Inspections

Fire inspection of a business. Looks at a retired firestation's conversion to a performing arts center. Plus a little fun at the end. Bellingham Fire Department Bellingham, WA

Notice of Firefighter Fatality - Melbourne, FL

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality:

 

Name:  Robert Strang

Rank:  Lieutenant

Age:  60

Gender:  Male

Status:  Career

Years of Service:  29

Date of Incident:  03/26/09

Date of Death:  03/26/09

 

Fire Department:  Melbourne Fire Department

Address:  1500 Hickory Street, Melbourne, FL  32901

Fire Chief:  Paul Forsberg

 

Incident Description: Lieutenant Robert Strang responded to and operated at a commercial structure fire.  Upon returning to the station, he went into his quarters.  Approximately 40 minutes later, he was discovered to be unresponsive by another firefighter.  Care was initiated on scene.  He was subsequently transported to the local hospital where he passed away.  An investigation into the cause of Lieutenant Strang’s death is pending.

 

Funeral Arrangements:  Pending

 

Memorial Fund Contact and Address:  Pending

 

Tribute is being paid to Lieutenant Strang at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

 

To date, 23 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2009 as a result of incidents that occurred in 2009.  Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online @ http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm

 


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U.S. Fire Administration Civilian Fire Fatality Notification Update

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Thursday, March 26

The Nation's news media is reporting the following residential fire (non-arson) fatalities:

  • 2 dead Occurred Thursday, 3/26 Stone County, MO (Springfield, MO):  A couple were killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
  • 1 dead Occurred Wednesday, 3/25 East Falls, PA (Philadelphia, PA):  A 77-year-old man was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
  • 1 dead Occurred Wednesday, 3/25 Walterboro, SC (Charleston, SC):  An 85-year-old man was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
  • 1 dead Occurred Tuesday, 3/24 Brunswick, GA (Jacksonville, FL):  A five-year-old boy was killed in a mobile home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

To find out more about any of the reported incidents, please contact news media in the vicinity where the fatal fire occurred. USFA does not have any additional information other than what is listed here.  


The United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by the U.S. Fire Administration.

Privacy Policy | GovDelivery is providing this information on behalf of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and may not use the information for any other purposes.

U.S. Fire Administration · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Emmitsburg, MD 21727 · (301) 447-1000

Warning: Hot Coffee!

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Last week, a small private plane crashed in a residential neighborhood, and the pilot walked away unharmed.

This unusual outcome was the result of new technology that creates a potential hazardous materials problem for first responders.  Read about it in today's Warning: Hot Coffee! at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/coffee-break/hc_2009_0327.pdf .


The United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.

Follow USFA updates on Twitter

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U.S. Fire Administration · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Emmitsburg, MD 21727 · (301) 447-1000

Thursday, March 26

U.S. Fire Administration Training, Resources and Data Exchange Network (TRADENET) Update

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You are subscribed to Training, Resources and Data Exchange Network (TRADENET) for U.S. Fire Administration. This information has recently been updated.

 

Welcome to TRADENET, TRADE's Training Network, a National Fire Academy sponsored activity.  The objective of TRADENET is to provide a forum for members of Fire Service organizations to maximize performance through quick and easy information sharing.

 

The information provided here must be non-commercial and non-copyrighted.  None of the material shared should be incorporated into any copyrighted programs.

 

The TRADENET newsletter is distributed through the USFA/FEMA server.  This allows you to control your subscription easier by allowing you to add new email addresses or delete old ones.  There are over 29,280 subscribers worldwide to the weekly newsletter.  This is an increase of 158 subscriptions since last week.  If you know of someone who wishes to subscribe, all they need to do is go to the following site, http://service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?code=USDHSFA and enter your email address.  They will then be taken to a page which will allow them to select their choices of newsletters.

 

If you have a question or comment for inclusion in the weekly TRADENET newsletter, please send it and your contact information to robert.w.campbell@dhs.gov.  Please be sure and include your Department or Organization name, your email address and any other method you wish to receive feedback.  USFA reserves the right to edit content submitted or reject any material submitted.

 

Are you familiar with the training program called “Coffee Break Training?”  It is on the USFA website and can be found at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/coffee-break/.  Please access this training and provide any feedback to the Deputy Superintendent Robert Neale at Robert.neale@dhs.gov.  He will be happy to receive any feedback regarding this program.

 

Remember the Website for the National Fallen Firefighters program is http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/.  Also, please visit their Resources page at http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/resources.  This page contains many PowerPoint presentations and downloadable video clips available for your use.

 

Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Program

 

Be sure to check out the new look for the model curriculum in its print-/handout-ready format. While there, view the new FESHE bachelor’s courses outlines that reflect the new Web-based formats delivered by the Degrees at a Distance Program schools. You can also download under the “Tools and Resources” section the new FESHE brochure in its DHS/FEMA configuration or take the same marketing piece without our logo and customize it with your own logo and content. You can also download the artwork for a FESHE tabletop display for conferences and classroom buildings which, again, is in both formats.

 

Visit the new page at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/higher_ed/index.shtm.

 

The link to the USFA/NFA TRADE Site is: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/trade/

 

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To enroll in NFAOnline, visit www.nfaonline.dhs.gov and browse the course catalog through the ‘New Students’ option.

 

Go to NFAOnline to see the complete COURSE CATALOG

 

Additional courses are now available on NFA Online:

 

Q494 – NFIRS Course

Q123 – Applied Research Course

 

ICS Simulation Courses: Ranch House, Mansion, Nursing Home, Town House, Wildland, and Strip Mall

 

Distance Learning Courses (1)

NFA Online Tutorial (PDF)

 

Emergency Medical Services Courses (1)

EMS Operations at Multi Casualty Incidents

 

Emergency Response to Terrorism Courses (1)

Emergency Response to Terrorism: Self-Study

 

Fire Prevention Courses (3)

Alternative Water Supply: Planning and Implementing Programs

Testing and Evaluation of Water Supplies for Fire Protection

Self-Study Course for Community Safety Educators

 

Incident Management Courses (5)

ICS-100, Introduction to ICS for Operational First Responders

ICS-200, Basic NIMS ICS for Operational First Responders

ICS-300 Intermediate All-Hazard NIMS ICS Review for Expanding Incidents

Awareness of Command and Control Decision Making at Multiple Alarm Incidents

ICS-400: Fundamentals Review for Command and General Staff  

 

Management Science Courses (1)

Fire Service Supervision

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PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

National Fire Academy Announcements

 

The National Fire Academy has changed the application period/open enrollment period starting with the next application period.  The new application/open enrollment dates are:  April 15 - June 15 (instead of May 1-June 30) for courses to be held October through March and October 15 - December 15 (instead of November 1-December 31) for courses to be held April through September.

 

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FROM:                        Nancy Ward

Acting Administrator

 

SUBJECT:                   Deputy Assistant Administrator for the United States Fire Administration

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Glenn A. Gaines, a 37 year veteran of the Fairfax, Virginia Fire Department, to the position of Deputy Assistant Administrator for the United States Fire Administration (USFA); he will also immediately begin serving as the Acting U.S. Fire Administrator. Glenn brings to USFA a unique set of skills and experiences that fit extremely well with the missions of both FEMA and the USFA. 

 

Having started as a volunteer firefighter and fire officer, Chief Gaines rose through the various ranks to become Fire Chief of a metropolitan community serving a population of over one million people. Along the way he served in key roles in the areas of training, prevention, and operations, as well as overseeing a nationally recognized Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team that was deployed many times both within the United States and internationally.

 

Chief Gaines holds a degree in Fire Administration, has authored several texts and articles on fire service issues, and has served as an instructor at USFA’s National Fire Academy.

 

A well respected member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and its Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Section, Chief Gaines has spent the past eight years as a principal architect and manager of both the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program and SAFER grant programs. As such, he has a keen understanding of the needs of career, combination, and volunteer fire departments and the issues affecting them during these unique times in our Nation’s history.

 

We appreciate Chief Gaines’ willingness to serve in this critical position and welcome what we know will be his positive contributions to both USFA and FEMA as we go about fulfilling our responsibilities to the American public.

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank National Fire Academy Superintendent, Dr. Denis Onieal for his leadership of the USFA during this period of transition and for his dedication to the success of the USFA in the countless meetings and activities he has been involved in, while still leading the efforts of the National Fire Academy

 

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#1

We are going to be implementing annual FF and Fire Officer job performance requirements (JPR’s). I’m looking for information on other programs out there concerning JPR’s. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thank You Stay Safe

Bill Hartman Jr.

Lieutenant

Bellevue Fire Department

hartman@bellevueboro.com

 

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#2

Two unrelated questions:

 

1) Does anyone know of a "training" 4-gas meter?  What I am looking for is a 4-gas meter that can have phantom values programmed into it or sent to it by a remote device.  This would be similar to a AED Trainer.  I want crews to perform monitoring and "detect" hazardous values.  I would like to do this for both haz mat and confined space drills.

 

2) I am looking for an SOP/SOG on "staging for police." We have increase the number of calls where we await police arrival before entering.  This is done under the umbrella of responder safety.  However, we do not have any SOP/SOG for it and it seems we are adding to the list of "hostile or potentially hostile" scenes we will not enter.  Before someone dies at a scene that we are told to "stage" for and the arm-chair quarterbacks second-guess us I want to develop such a guideline.

 

Thanks.

 

Drew Smith

Deputy Chief

Prospect Heights Fire Protection District

10 East Camp McDonald Road

Prospect Heights, IL 60070

847-253-8060

dsmith@prospectheightsfire.com

 

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#3

What is recognized as the safest, most efficient method of loading (reloading) 4" / 5" fire hose back onto hose beds of fire apparatus?

 

I presume mechanical means of loading are the safest, most efficient.

Besides mechanical means of loading, what is next best as far as "manhandling" the hose?

 

Lieutenant Ray Wachsmann

City of Waco, Texas Fire & Rescue

r.wachsmann@sbcglobal.net

 

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#4

The Las Cruces Fire Department is exploring the possibility of implementing a policy covering the prohibition of using smokeless tobacco during meetings, classes, training, in public, on calls etc. We would still allow its use during “residential” times/hours. Any policies, guidelines, etc. anyone is willing to share would be greatly appreciated.

 

Andrew Bencomo

Deputy Chief of Operations

Las Cruces (NM) Fire Department

(575) 528-3473

(575) 528-4082 (FAX)

abencomo@las-cruces.org

 

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#5

I am seeking information regarding physical ability testing at the rank of battalion/district chief. Specifically, are there any departments who administer an annual test (combat/CPAT/etc) type test for their line people and a separate style/type of test to account for differences in the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a command officer? Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

 

Michael West- Training Chief

South Metro Fire Rescue Authority

mike.west@southmetro.org

 

---------------------------------INFORMATIONAL ITEMS-------------------------------------

 

 

2009 U.S. Line of Duty Deaths                         22 LODD’s

2008 U.S. Line of Duty Deaths                         114 LODD’s

 

Visit FIREFIGHTERNEARMISS.COM and check out the Report of the Week(ROTW) for an incident description followed by review questions designed to spark discussion.  We can all learn from these.

 

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VIRTUAL TRADING POST

 

If you find the Virtual TRADEing Post useful, please send an email to Nashid Hasan mhasan1@lsu.edu.  Nash is the mastermind behind the structure of the Virtual TRADEing Post.  So, please let Nash know how much you appreciate the availability of this material and how useful you find it.

 

Several people have experienced difficulty accessing the TRADE's Virtual TRADEing Post through the address published and have contacted me for suggestions.  The system was unavailable for a short time but is back up and running.  Go to Louisiana State University Fire and Emergency Training Institute's NFA TRADE page: http://feti.lsu.edu/municipal/NFA/TRADE/   and access it there.  Look for improvement on how the material is organized very soon.

 

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LESSONS LEARNED INFORMATION SHARING

 

LLIS.gov Partners with US Fire Administration

As part of its continual effort to improve information sharing across the emergency response and homeland security communities, LLIS.gov launched a new partnership with the US Fire Administration (USFA). The USFA strives to provide national leadership to local fire and emergency services departments. To highlight the new partnership, LLIS.gov has created a new USFA Resource Page where members can access USFA technical and special reports, related LLIS.gov original content, featured documents, and valuable links. To access the resource page, log onto LLIS.gov and click on US Fire Administration under LLIS.GOV PARTNERS.

The LLIS.gov Team continues to post new Lessons Learned, Best Practices, Practice Notes, and Good Stories to the system on a regular basis. Weekly updates about new original content can be found in the NEW LLIS.GOV CONTENT box on the homepage of LLIS.gov. LLIS.gov recently posted the following original content documents drawn from USFA Technical Reports:

Lessons Learned

 

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LLIS.gov has partnered with the Emergency Management and Response – Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) to provide LLIS.gov members access to the EMR-ISAC’s free, critical infrastructure protection (CIP) information. Located at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD, the EMR-ISAC was developed to collect, analyze, and disseminate timely, consequential information to assist in the practice of critical infrastructure protection by the leaders, owners, and operators of the nation’s Emergency Services Sector.

 

The EMR-ISAC, a no-cost information sharing program within the Department of Homeland Security, specifically provides information necessary to protect local internal critical infrastructures (i.e., personnel, physical assets, and communication/cyber systems that must be intact and operational 24 x 7) against all hazards, from natural disasters to terrorist activities. The program’s main focus is ensuring that emergency response leadership, their organizations, and local policy leaders have both the internal and external support and resources to aid in disaster protection, prevention, and response to enhance survivability, continuity of operations, and mission success.

 

The EMR-ISAC can be contacted at emr-isac@dhs.gov or 301-447-1325. To view the EMR-ISAC page on LLIS.gov, please click here or login to LLIS.gov and click on the EMR-ISAC link on the homepage. To subscribe for the free critical infrastructure protection (CIP) information disseminated by the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC), please click on the following link: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/subjects/emr-isac/infograms/index.shtm.

 

Job Announcements

 

EMS SPECIALIST

 

The Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council ( PEHSC) is seeking an independent thinking, highly motivated individual with knowledge in emergency medical service systems. PEHSC serves the Commonwealth as the state advisory council to the PA Department of Health.  The individual selected will be responsible for writing technical reports, recommendations and policy guidelines as well as interpreting statistical data to assist in the planning of statewide EMS-related projects.  Bachelor's degree, preferably in a health-related field or equivalent, and field experience as a Pennsylvania prehospital provider is required.  Candidate should have excellent verbal and written skills as well as specialty education in a specific EMS component or technical area. 

 

EOE. 

Please send your resume and your salary requirements to the address below or via email to pehsc@pehsc.org. 

No phone calls will be accepted.  Deadline to apply is April 10, 2009.

 

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THREE NEW OPENINGS

 

The interested party should send resume to

 

Ms. Toni Just

Director of Human Resources

Transportation Technology center Inc,

P.O Box 11130

Pueblo, CO 81001

toni_just@aar.com

 

 

Title of Position:         Instructor - SERTC

 

Posting Date:    03/25/2009

Closing Date:    04/03/2009

 

Primary Duties:  This position will provide instructor lead training to emergency responders, law enforcement officers, contract responders, chemical manufacturers, railroad personnel, and public and private employees involved in emergency response, management and planning.  In addition to delivery of training courses, instructors are tasked with reviewing and revising curriculum, development of presentation materials (Power Point Presentations and other visual training aides) and assist in designing field exercises and response scenarios to enhance and complement specific courses of instruction.  Instructors will be familiar with all training props and teaching aids and may assist in modification and maintenance.  This position reports to the SERTC Manager - Operations and will schedule and coordinate activities through the Lead, Instructor and/or SERTC Manager - Operations.  No subordinates report to this position.  Instructors are responsible for the safety and well being of all students in their assigned class.

 

Minimum Qualifications:  High School Diploma or equivalent with excellent reading, writing and oral communication skills.  Hazardous Materials Technician Certification required.  Five years working knowledge of emergency response to hazardous materials transportation emergencies with experience specific to railroad, highway, and intermodal transportation.  Two (2) years public speaking and/or instruction experience required, specifically related to hazardous materials training as detailed in OSHA 1910.120, and NFPA 472.  Prior railroad and / or highway transportation experience is a plus.  In depth knowledge of regulations and standards such as CFR 29, CFR 49, and NFPA 472 is a plus.  Demonstrated skills in the use of MS Office software.  In addition, applicants must have thorough knowledge of the following software: Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.  Applicant must be able to perform in and teach all O.S.H.A. levels of chemical protective clothing including full-face canister breathing and SCBA applications and pass appropriate physical examinations.  Must be willing to travel off site to deliver training.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS IN ADDITION TO MINIMUM:  Bachelors Degree in Education, Public Safety, Fire Science, or Chemistry or other related degree with technical field or equivalent work related experience in transportation of Hazardous Materials and response in surface transportation.  10 years experience responding to transportation related hazardous materials incidents.  Ten year teaching and instruction experience.  Hazardous Materials Technician / Specialist Certification.  Two years experience in adult learning course and program development.  Colorado explosives permit.

 

Minimum Salary:           $58,350

 

Grade:  06

 

Title of Position:   Lead Instructor – SERTC

 

Posting Date:    03/25/2009

Closing Date:    04/03/2009

 

Primary Duties:  Position serves as a subject matter expert, primary instructor, training scenario supervisor and lesson plan developer for hazardous materials emergency response and management.  Has responsibility for all new and updated lesson plans, teaching aides and materials for delivery of instructor lead training to emergency responders, law enforcement personnel, contract personnel, chemical manufacturers, railroad personnel, and public sector employees involved in emergency response, management and planning.  Participates in the planning, analysis, and decision making processes for the development and delivery of training courses.  Plans and develops lesson plans and uses effective instructional methods in order to present emergency response subjects in classrooms and during practical field application sessions.  As Lead Instructor, incumbent will be assigned primary oversight and delivery responsibility for Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) curriculum courses.  Must possess advanced knowledge of issues involving surface transportation of hazardous and/or dangerous goods and emergency response protocols for each.  In addition to delivery of training courses, instructors are tasked with reviewing and revising curriculum, development of presentation materials (Power Point presentations and other visual training aides) and assist in designing field exercises and response scenarios to enhance and complement specific courses of instruction.  Lead Instructors will be familiar with all training props and teaching aids and may suggest and assist in modification and development.

 

Minimum Qualifications:  High School Diploma or equivalent with excellent reading, writing and oral communication skills.  Hazardous Materials Technician Certification required.  Ten years working knowledge of emergency response to hazardous materials transportation emergencies with experience specific to railroad, highway, and intermodal transportation.  Five (5) years public speaking and/or instruction experience required, specifically related to hazardous materials training as detailed in OSHA 1910, 120, and NFPA 472.  Prior railroad and/or highway transportation experience is a plus.  In depth knowledge of regulations and standards such CFR 29, CFR 49, and NFPA 472 required.  Demonstrated skills in the use MS Office software. In addition, applicants must have thorough knowledge of the following software: Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.  Applicant must be able to perform in and teach all OSHA levels of chemical protective clothing including full-face canister breathing and SCBA applications and pass appropriate physical examinations.  Must be willing to travel off site to deliver training.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS IN ADDITION TO MINIMUM:  Bachelors Degree in Education, Public Safety, Fire Science, or Chemistry or other related degree with technical field or equivalent work related experience in transportation of Hazardous Materials and response in surface transportation.  15 years experience responding to transportation related hazardous materials incidents.  Ten year teaching and instruction experience.  Hazardous Materials Technician/Specialist Certification.  Five years experience in adult learning course and program development.  Colorado explosives permit.  Railroad incident response and railroad incident command highly desirable.

 

Minimum Salary:           $65,189

 

Grade:  07

 

Title of Position:   Manager III – SERTC Operations

 

Posting Date:    03/25/2009

Closing Date:    04/03/2009

 

Primary Duties:  Provides the direction and supervision for day-to–day operation of the Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC).  Reviews and participates in the planning, analysis, and decision making processes for the development, marketing and delivery of specialized emergency response training courses.  Must possess advanced knowledge of issues involving surface transportation of hazardous and/or dangerous goods and emergency response protocols for each.  Requires continuous course related research and extensive knowledge of all aspects of the hazardous materials training curriculum.  Expertise in security and hazardous materials emergency response techniques for all surface transportation modes is necessary to insure that the course content and materials presented remain in touch with the realities of the environment in which students will be working and to maintain credibility.  Coordinates and makes duty assignments for activities of instructor teams composed of SERTC Lead Instructors, Instructors and Logistical and Maintenance Technicians to complete schedules of classroom and field training activities.  Prepare estimates for development and delivery of customized training for contract training customers.  Provides reports and recommendations to the General Manager SERTC concerning training equipment, inventory, maintenance, budgetary and staffing needs.

 

Minimum Qualifications:  Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Education or Graduate from an accredited Law Enforcement Academy.  Response and/or training experience in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) / Weapons of Mass Effect (WME) and counter terrorism activities.  At least 5 years supervisory and management experience with development and training of emergency response personnel.  Knowledge and proficiency in curricula development for training programs that are fully compliant with all Federal, State, Association and International regulations and guidelines.  These include but not limited to CFR, NRF, NIMS, ICS, OHSA, NFPA, and UN protocols.  The focus of training is for security protection and response to emergencies involving hazardous materials in all aspects of freight and passenger transport carried by surface or subsurface modes: rail, highway or maritime, including factory, plant, intermodal and transfer station activity.  Must be proficient with MS Office software and able to manipulate excel spreadsheets to produce monthly revenue and expense reports and to produce PowerPoint presentations.  Must demonstrate experience in delivery of professional training and development of staff to perform classroom training as well as relevant field exercises.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS IN ADDITION TO MINIMUM:  MBA or other graduate degree.  Railroad experience in Mechanical, Track, or Operating Departments.  Emergency response experience to surface transportation incidents, highway and Intermodal with environmental remediation.  Security and threat assessment experience as it relates to security of surface transportation and the transportation of hazardous and dangerous goods.  Security clearance to view and handle classified documents.  Experience in the use of and training for use of explosives.

 

Minimum Salary:           $72,399

 

Grade:  08

 

 


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