Jim Carrey - Fire Marshall Bill

Something from the past... Here's Jim Carrey as Fire Marshall Bill... Doesn't he somehow remind you of Lee Tome? To play the clip click on the "arrow" at the bottom of the screen.

The Latest News About George

This is the latest report regarding George from Richard Marr. Hopefully we can soon receive a report about Bill, Jamie and Randy's progress as well.

I visited George last night (March 29th). He was feeling pretty good. There were a few firefighters with me that had George laughing so hard, there were tears in his eyes. George still has the tracheotomy, but he is breathing on his own. Thanks to the firefighters and the Hook and Ladder, George has all kinds of movies to watch on his portable DVD player . The nurses are working him on his physio every day. George's family are seeing him every day. He likes having company and always lights up when he sees his friends from the fire department.

Keep him in your prayers.

Richard Marr

A-Channel | NEWS | Speed Was a Major Factor in Fire Truck Crash

A-Channel | NEWS | Speed Was a Major Factor in Fire Truck Crash:

"Speed was a major factor in the crash of a Windsor fire truck near the Ambassador Bridge entrance on March 2nd.

The accident left 4 firefighters injured, including the driver of the truck who remains in serious condition.

The firefighters from Station 4 had been responding to a medical emergency.

Through careful calculations, video from a city traffic camera, and an eye witness report, Windsor Police were able to piece together what caused a fire truck to spin out of control and hit a post.

Results of the investigations show the truck was going about 77 kilometers per hour, then slowed to take the curve of the road. That's when everything went wrong.

Police say neither the driver, George Copeland nor Captain Bill Hopkins were wearing their seatbelt.

Windsor Chief of Police, Glenn Standard says no charges will be laid.

The ministry of labour is also investigating.

Police will work closely with the Ministry of Labour to provide any information it needs. "

NEJM -- Firefighting and Death from Cardiovascular Causes

Thanks for Paula Hillis for this link as well

NEJM -- Firefighting and Death from Cardiovascular Causes: "Firefighting and Death from Cardiovascular Causes
Linda Rosenstock, M.D., M.P.H., and Jorn Olsen, M.D., Ph.D.

Among the approximately 1.1 million firefighters in the United States (of whom about 70% are volunteers and 30% are paid career personnel), about 100 die each year in the line of duty.1 With the exception of 2001, when 344 firefighters died as a result of the events of September 11 at the World Trade Center in New York City, the number of deaths per year has stayed relatively steady, even though the number of structural fires in the United States has been steadily decreasing. Nearly half of the deaths that occur while firefighters are on duty are related to cardiovascular events, and, in this issue of the Journal, Kales et al.2 describe an innovative approach to improving our understanding of this risk.

NEJM -- Emergency Duties and Deaths from Heart Disease among Firefighters in the United States

Thanks to Paula Hillis for the link.


NEJM -- Emergency Duties and Deaths from Heart Disease among Firefighters in the United States:

"Emergency Duties and Deaths from Heart Disease among Firefighters in the United States
Stefanos N. Kales, M.D., M.P.H., Elpidoforos S. Soteriades, M.D., Sc.D., Costas A. Christophi, Ph.D., and David C. Christiani, M.D., M.P.H.

Background Heart disease causes 45% of the deaths that occur among U.S. firefighters while they are on duty. We examined duty-specific risks of death from coronary heart disease among on-duty U.S. firefighters from 1994 to 2004.

Methods We reviewed summaries provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the deaths of all on-duty firefighters between 1994 and 2004, except for deaths associated with the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Estimates of the proportions of time spent by firefighters each year performing various duties were obtained from a municipal fire department, from 17 large metropolitan fire departments, and from a national database."

Spratts Return Home From Florida

Hey, I spotted Gary and Sue returning from Florida the other day... what a tan! When asked how their winter was, Gary replied, "Oooooo...it was just swell, thanks. We found a great group of folks with similar interests.. you know... Depends, denturists and cheap medications from Canada .... that sort of thing."

Update on Firefighters

This is a report from Rick Marr..

As you know, last week George was on a ventilator. I went to see George on Tuesday morning March 20, 2007. The nurse was with George in the downstairs lobby for a while, allowing him to meet visitors. George was going to be off the ventilator for 20 hours that day so they could see if he was able to handle it. I returned to visit on Wednesday night. George stated he only has to have the ventilator when he is sleeping at this time. That is good news. George is leaping over difficult hurdles every day. In the three weeks since the accident, George has had some set backs but he fights them with his positive attitude. The nurses are always there for him. I commend them for their compassion and professionalism. Thank you, nursing staff in the ICU, for helping our friend.

Jamie Waffle is starting physio on Friday. Jamie stated he does have some pain with his headaches and backaches but considers them minor compared to George's injuries. He wants to concentrate on keeping George in a positive focus. Jamie says he hurts as all of us hurt about George but he asks that we all keep positive thoughts for him.

Bill Hopkins stated he is doing 'okay'. He is hurting in muscles he never knew he had! He was up and walking the other day at the river. Bill starts physio next Monday. As Bill was still hurting, of course, he was still able to verbally abuse me.

Richard Marr

Event Registration (EVENT: 39064)

Event Registration (EVENT: 39064):

"Virtual Kitchen Table Talk: Lessons Learned from the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System
Event Date: April 10, 2007 03:00 PM EDT
Presenter: John Tippett

John Tippett is a battalion chief for the Montgomery County, MD, Fire and Rescue Service and a project manager for the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

In the two years since it’s launch, the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System has received more than 1,000 reports of incidents that could have proven deadly to firefighters. This webcast will feature first-hand accounts of near-miss situations and cover the most common actions that have caused occurrences. This programs research shows that many of the reported incidents have repeated factors that play into the near-miss situations."

Windsor Fire Fighter Declared LODD

I copied this from the WPFFA website (www.windsorfirefighters.org) when I received the news today from Doug Diet. You can read the rest of the story at their site.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has accepted the claim of Captain J. Douglas Patterson, who passed away a year ago on March 2, 2006, of an occupational disease, namely non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and as a result he is considered to have died in the line of duty.

Although an occupational disease death may appear to be less dramatic publicly, it is no less traumatic to our fire service, our WPFFA membership, and most importantly – the family.

New fire boat sinks before first fire - U.S. Life - MSNBC.com

The picture of the boat at right isn't the same one as noted in the article but I would suppose one would have the same dismal feelings as the brand new ship sank to the sea bed. Come to think of it... doesn't that dejected fellow resemble Gary Spratt a little????

New fire boat sinks before first fire - U.S. Life - MSNBC.com:


"NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The city’s $385,000, state-of-the-art fire boat sank Wednesday, still tied up at a dock and without ever being put to use.

The boat, moored at a marina by the James River Bridge, was discovered with its stern sitting on the river bottom and the bow sticking up out of the water. Investigators had not yet determined the cause of the sinking.

The fire department had not even taken ownership of the 33-foot boat because it was waiting for the manufacturer, MetalCraft Marine of Canada, to finish installing electronic equipment, department spokeswoman Dana Perry said.
"

Officers denied on-duty death benefits - U.S. Life - MSNBC.com

Officers denied on-duty death benefits - U.S. Life - MSNBC.com:

"BOSTON — More than three years after President Bush signed a law granting federal benefits to families of firefighters, police officers and EMTs who die of heart attacks and strokes on the job, not a dollar has been paid. The U.S. Justice Department has denied all 34 claims that have been decided, and has yet to act on more than 200 others, MSNBC.com has learned.

In the Hometown Heroes Act of 2003, Congress said that heart attacks and strokes on the job should be presumed to be line-of-duty deaths, making survivors eligible for federal benefits."

The Fire Hall Restaurant

On our travels we came across this great restaurant in the Oakville area. They had the best wings ever!! I dont care where you've had wings before these will win over all. If you're ever in the area drop in for some of the best food anywhere .... what's better; tell them you're a firefighter and get a 10% discount. Click on the link below for even more info.

The Fire Hall - brought to you by whatsUP.ca





Welcome to The Fire Hall Online

What is sizzling? What is steaming? What is scorching? THE FIREHALL! But, don't worry because they are well equipped to put out the flames and also serve up a "smoldering" good time too. Friendly service, great food, a large patio and weekly specials greet all that make the trip inside. Adding the finishing touch is the fire equipment paraphernalia that decorates the interior of this Oakville "hot" spot. So, if you can stand the heat-give it a try. With one visit you will be back for another "three alarm" call very soon.

Click Here for our FIRE FIGHTER LINKS

MSAFire - Cairns Fire Helmets History

If you want to learn the history of your helmet...click on the link below for the complete article.


MSAFire - Cairns Fire Helmets History:

"From CAIRNS & BROTHER, INC. To CairnsHELMETS

Like most good things, Cairns got its start with very humble beginnings. The founder, H.T. Gratacap, had carved a niche in an innovative ocean transit luggage market, making his luggage from specially treated leather so it would offer superior durability and withstand wetness without rotting. Being a volunteer Firefighter in New York City, he and his compatriots became aware of the need to provide Firefighters with better head protection. Gratacap rose to the need by inventing the first American fire helmet in 1836. That helmet was named the New Yorker, and although being re-engineered many times through out it’s life, it is still produced today."

Canadian Auto Stores Fire

I received this photo from Tommy Gilbert who is pictured in the center of the photo. Don't you think he looks much younger? : )

As a side note; an aerosol paint can exploded and hit Gary Spratt in the helmet. That may be the reason he seemed a lot smarter after this particular fire. Thanks, Tom.

Update On George

I read this in the Windsor Star this morning. You can go to their site and read the article by clicking on the link below.

Firefighter battles paralysis:

"Firefighter battles paralysis
George Copeland can't move his limbs following fire truck crash
By Dalson Chen, Windsor Star
Published: Monday, March 19, 2007


Injured Windsor firefighter George Copeland still can’t lift his limbs and has fluid in his lungs, but his family’s faith in his recovery is steadfast.

“George is going to regain full movement of his arms and legs, given the proper treatment and the time span.

“We know this is going to happen,” said Conroy Copeland, older brother of the 46-year-old veteran firefighter.

Asked if George suffers from paralysis, Conroy said: “People want to know these things, but no one knows what those terms mean.”

Speaking from Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital, Conroy said George’s motions are limited to shrugging his shoulders and moving his chest.

George Copeland has been in hospital since he suffered spinal damage in a fire truck crash on March 2."

Conroy said George’s breathing has recently been compromised by pneumonia, and he uses a ventilator periodically.

“His condition has changed a little bit, but it has not deteriorated,” Conroy said.

A no-visitors rule for Copeland is in place at the hospital. In an update on the Windsor Fire and Rescue website, deputy fire chief Tim Berthiaume wrote that nurses have indicated Copeland needs to focus his energy on recovery.

Berthiaume said that Copeland is undergoing intensive physiotherapy, and he will eventually be transferred to a facility in either London or Toronto for more therapy.

Radio@Firehouse.com

Radio@Firehouse.com:

"The Leader’s Toolbox: Fire Chiefs in the Hot Seat icon for podpress The Leaders Toolbox: Fire Chiefs in the Hot Seat [45:48m]

Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download (822)

The fire service is comprised of people from all walks of life which makes a fire chief’s job tough. In this month’s installment of “The Leaders Toolbox”, Chief Richard Gasaway offers advice on diverse issues.

A volunteer chief is looking for help dealing with a firefighter accused of making derogatory comments about a co-worker’s religious beliefs. How can the issue be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction?

Chief Gasaway also is asked by a career chief how he can possibly please both his bosses at city hall and the firefighters’ union. It’s an issue faced daily across the country.

If you have a situation you would like assistance from Chief Gasaway, please e-mail: podcast@firehouse.com."

Latest Update On Injured Firefighter

I grabbed this update from

http://www.firemanagement.net/windsorfirefighters/

George’s biggest challenge right now is fluid on his lungs. Yesterday, March 15, 2007 George was able to sit in a chair and breath without the assistance of the ventilator for approximately two hours. George continues to suffer a loss of voluntary muscle control from the neck down. His prognosis is still uncertain and it is our hope that with time to heal and intensive physiotherapy George will begin the road to recovery. Once George is breathing on his own he will be transferred to either London or Toronto for therapy.

He was in good spirits yesterday and always has a smile on his face. The nurses indicated they are working him very hard during the day so they need to continue the no visitors rule so that George can focus his energy on recovery. George told the nurses that their physio sessions are tougher than his recruit class! You’ve gotta love those nurses.

George’s brothers provide him with constant support, humour and a positive environment in which to heal. George's faith and his optimistic outlook on life is the best medicine at this time. Even with all that has happened, he is still smiling.

To all his friends, please keep him in your prayers and have patience. Let the healing process do its work, physically and emotionally.

The Ventriloquist

A young ventriloquist, touring the clubs, is doing a show in a small
town in Northern Ontario.

With his dummy on his knee he is going through his "dumb blonde" jokes, when a blonde woman in the fourth row suddenly stands up on her chair and shouts: "I've heard enough of your stupid blonde jokes. What makes you think you can stereotype women that way? What does the color of a person's hair have to do with her worth as a human being? Its guys like you who keep women like me from being respected at work, in the community and from reaching our full potential. It's because you and your kind continue to perpetuate discrimination against, not only blondes, but women in general.You do this all in the name of humor."

The ventriloquist, quite taken back by this begins to apologize.

The blonde yells back, "You stay out of this mister! I'm talking to that little jerk on your knee!"

Pasta Dinner Fundraiser

PASTA DINNER FUNDRAISER

For Injured Fire Fighter

George Copeland

AT CABOTO CLUB ON APRIL 18, 2007

TECUMSEH ROAD EAST AT PARENT AVE.

CASH BAR

SILENT AUCTION

DOOR PRIZES

ENTERTAINMENT UNTIL 10 P.M.

DINNER 5-8 P.M. • SILENT AUCTION CLOSES AT 8 P.M.

TICKETS $15.00 / KIDS 5 & UNDER FREE – AVAILABLE AT:

815 GOYEAU – FIRE HEADQUARTERS

MOTOR CITY CREDIT UNION

Updates On Our Firefighters???

Have you ever noticed with most news stories that when the smoke clears and things get a little back to normal how the top story gets shuffled down the "column of importance" a little? I noticed that when three of our guys returned home and George was stable but critical that the urgency of the moment seemed to be placed on the back burner if you will. I, along with a lot of other folks, were not being kept up to date as to how the guys at home were doing.
I inquired about this lately and was glad to hear that fire inspector, Richard Marr and a member of George's family have agreed to give us a weekly report possibly every Friday to keep us all more informed about George and his progress. Additionally, hopefully we will be informed more about the other three guys who were injured also. Stay tuned.

Best Come Back Line Of The Year

If you ever testify in court, you might wish you could have been as sharp as this policeman.

He was being cross-examined by a defense attorney during a felony trial. The lawyer was trying to undermine the policeman's credibility....








Q: "Officer -- did you see my client fleeing the scene?"

A: "No sir. But I subsequently observed a person matching the description of the offender, running several blocks away."

Q: "Officer -- who provided this description?"

A: "The officer who responded to the scene."

Q: "A fellow officer provided the description of this so-called offender. Do you trust your fellow officers?"

A: "Yes, sir. With my life."

Q: "With your life? Let me ask you this then officer. Do you have a room where you change your clothes in preparation for your daily duties?"

A: "Yes sir, we do!"

Q: "And do you have a locker in the room?"
A: "Yes sir, I do."

Q: "And do you have a lock on your lock er?"

A: "Yes sir."

Q: "Now why is it, officer, if you trust your fellow officers with your life, you find it necessary to lock your locker in a room you share with these same officers?"

A: "You see, sir -- we share the building with the court complex, and sometimes lawyers have been known to walk through that room."

Injured Firefighter Update

Special request to all who read this blog:

Would you please take the time to pray for our seriously injured firefighters, their families, friends and fellow firefighters.

Thanks

George is still recuperating in the hospital, still tired and still has an "attitude" which is a good thing if you know George at all.... George just never had the wherewithal to give up on anything. Keep your prayers and thoughts coming as George continues to get well. Also, keep the other firefighters in your thoughts and prayers as well; just because they went home doesn't mean they're completely healed and we should stop praying and thinking of them. Thanks.

Third Firefighter Goes Home To Recuperate

Special request to all who read this blog:

Would you please take the time to pray for our seriously injured firefighters, their families, friends and fellow firefighters.

Thanks

Thanks to all the prayers and positive thoughts, a third firefighter, Randy DiCocco has been released from hospital and is recuperating at home. Keep your prayers coming and soon George will be healed also. Thanks to all.

For more info please click on this link: http://www.firemanagement.net/windsorfirefighters/

Update On Our Firefighters

Special request to all who read this blog:

Would you please take the time to pray for our seriously injured firefighters, their families, friends and fellow firefighters.

Thanks

Not too much has changed. Firefighter DiCocco is up and walking and anxious to get home, so hopefully there will be news of his release soon.

Firefighter Copeland is still considered in stable condition. Visitors status has not changed for either of them.

Both of them saw the sign that their brothers and sisters brought to them and very much appreciated the gesture. They are both trying their best to "Get Well Soon", so keep the faith!

Latest Info Regarding Our Firefighters

Special request to all who read this blog:

Would you please take the time to pray for our seriously injured firefighters, their families, friends and fellow firefighters.

Thanks

Well, it seems that our guys are steadily improving. According to latest reports:

Captain Hopkins is still at home recuperating
Firefighter Waffle continues to improve at home with his injured arm.
Firefighter Copeland has developed an "attitude" (which he always had anyway) and that seems to be a fairly good omen. At least he seems to be getting back to normal : ) Just kidding all.... It's great to see George doing well.
Firefighter DiCocco is getting around but is still pretty tired and is continuing to improve. He should be eating normally soon but I would suspect that there isn't enough food on the hospital premises to nourish him. The hospital staff may have to inquire about a catering service just for him. : )

The collective prayers and positive thoughts continue to help our guys recuperate... keep them up.... click here --------> http://www.e-guestbooks.com/view/windsorfire

Trust Fund Established For Injured Windsor Fire Fighter Copeland

The Windsor Professional Firefighters Association has set up a trust fund for our brother George Copeland and his family. Please follow this link to read more: http://web.mac.com/wpffa/iWeb/Site/Blog/Blog.html

Latest Update On Our Injured Firefighters

Special request to all who read this blog:

Would you please take the time to pray for our seriously injured firefighters, their families, friends and fellow firefighters.

Thanks

Here's the latest on our injured firefighters.

Captain Hopkins is at home resting... please no visitors
Firefighter Copeland is still in critical condition and is now talking to those around him.
Firefighter Waffle is at home resting and recuperating
Firefighter DiCocco is in fair condition but is extremely tired.

I for one have always believed that positive thinking and believing in your hopes and dreams was, in a way, a very concrete way of living. The success in which our guys are rapidly recovering is in a way indicative of the many thoughts and messages on Rich Tapping's web site. Also, never ever underestimate the power of prayer!

You can find the messages here; Please add yours to the list.

http://www.e-guestbooks.com/view/windsorfire


The following quotes may prove me right:

“The secret is the answer to all that has been all this is and all that will be” - Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803-1882

“You create your own universe as you go along” - Winston Churchill 1874-1965

“Take the first step in faith you don’t have to see the whole staircase just take the first step” - Martin Luther King Jr. 1929-1968

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” - Buddha

“Whatever we think about and thank about we bring about.” - John Demartini

“What power this is I cannot say. All that I know is that it exists.” - Alexander Graham Bell 1847-1922

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” - Albert Einstein 1879-1955

“What you resist persists.” - Carl Jung 1875-1961

“All power is from within and is therefore under our control” - Robert Collier 1885-1950

“Whether you think you can or can’t either way you are right.” - Henry Ford 1863-1947

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls” - Joseph Campbell 1904-1987

For the latest updates please go to the link below

http://www.firemanagement.net/windsorfirefighters/

Latest Updates RE Injured Windsor Fire Fighters

Special request to all who read this blog:

Would you please take the time to pray for our seriously injured firefighters, their families, friends and fellow firefighters.

Thanks

Here's the latest information regarding the four injured firefighters:

Captain Hopkins, 56
32 years of experience
Released from hospital March 5/07


Senior Firefighter Copeland, 46
14 years experience
Condition: Critical Condition but stable
Note: The Copeland family appreciates everyone's support however they are requesting that NO ONE visit at this time.


Senior Firefighter Waffle, 33
10 years experience
Released from hospital March 5/07


Firefighter DiCocco, 35
4 years experience
Condition: Fair Condition
No visitors for Randy at this time


To read more please follow this link:

http://www.firemanagement.net/windsorfirefighters/

Please sign the message board provided on the above site

Supporting 4 Windsor Firefighters

Special request to all who read this blog:

Would you please take the time to pray for our seriously injured firefighters, their families, friends and fellow firefighters.

Thanks

Captain Hopkins, 56
32 years of experience
Condition: Good
May be released soon










Senior Firefighter Copeland, 46
14 years experience
Condition: Critical Condition but stable
Note: The Copeland family appreciates everyone's support however they are requesting that NO ONE visit at this time.











Senior Firefighter Waffle, 33
10 years experience
Condition: Fair
















Firefighter DiCocco, 35
4 years experience
Condition: Fair












To read more please follow this link:

http://www.firemanagement.net/windsorfirefighters/

Please sign the message board provided on the above site

Four Windsor Fire Fighters Injured on Friday March 2nd

This occurred Friday afternoon and the following article is taken directly from the Windsor Star newspaper Published: Saturday, March 03, 2007.

"Four Windsor firefighters were hospitalized Friday, one in critical condition and three others stable after their firetruck flipped on its side in a crash that shut down the Ambassador Bridge's main entrance and clogged traffic for miles
George Copeland, 46, a 14-year-veteran, is in critical condition. He had surgery Friday night.
The other injured are: Capt. Bill Hopkins, 56, who has 32 years of experience, 10-year veteran James Waffle, 33 and Randy DiCocco, 35, on the job four years.
They were on their way to a medical call when the crash occurred.
'This is a serious accident, a serious accident that has happened,' said Mayor Eddie Francis.
'When it does happen, it shakes us all. But we're comforted in the fact we're all here to support the men and women of Windsor Fire Rescue and the families of these four firefighters.'
'As I arrived at the hospital, I was informed they were all talking,' he said.
The firetruck crashed moments after leaving Fire Station 4 on College Street at 3:40 p.m., headed to a call at Wyandotte Street and Partington Avenue"

For the continuation of this story and more information please follow this link:

http://www.firemanagement.net/windsorfirefighters/

Retired Windsor Fire Fighter Succumbs to LODD disease

Randy Meyer, a recently retired Windsor Fire Fighter, has passed away after a courageous battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Randy was a member of the department since 1972 and achieved the rank of Captain in the Fire Rescue Division.

More information regarding funeral arrangements can be found at:

http://www.legacy.com/can-windsor/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=86649360