Wednesday, March 21, 2007

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.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

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.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

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!"

Friday, March 16, 2007

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.

Monday, March 12, 2007

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."


Sunday, March 11, 2007

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.

Friday, March 09, 2007

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!

Thursday, March 08, 2007

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

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

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

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

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:



Please sign the message board provided on the above site

Monday, March 05, 2007

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:




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:















Thursday, March 01, 2007

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:




Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Kentucky Firefighter Dies of Wounds - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty


Kentucky Firefighter Dies of Wounds - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"Funeral services have been set for Wednesday for a Kentucky firefighter who died Feb. 24 of injuries sustained in a crash earlier this month while responding to an incident.

Stephen 'Eric' Vanderpool, 28, was seriously injured Feb. 1 when his vehicle was hit broadside after he failed to stop at a stop sign. He was ejected through the driver's door.

The volunteer at White Oak Fire Department died at the University of Kentucky Medical Center."

Monday, February 26, 2007

25 things I have learned in 50 years!



just found these... some of them are pretty good

1. The badness of a movie is directly proportional to the number of helicopters in it.

2. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight-saving time. Even that changes this year to March 11!

3. People who feel the need to tell you that they have an excellent sense of humor are telling you that they have no sense of humor.

4. The most valuable function performed by the federal government is entertainment.

5. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.

6. A penny saved is worthless.

7. They can hold all the peace talks they want, but there will never be peace in the Middle East. Billions of years from now, when Earth is hurtling toward the Sun and there is nothing left alive on the planet except a few microorganisms, the microorganisms living in the Middle East will be bitter enemies.

8. The most powerful force in the universe is gossip.

9. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status, or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we all believe that we are above-average drivers.

10. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 11.

11. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." Come to think of it. Does Ray Gauthier still have that "hobby" with the Christmas tree?

12. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

13. There apparently exists, somewhere in Los Angeles, a computer that generates concepts for television sitcoms. When TV executives need a new concept, they turn on this computer; after sorting through millions of possible plot premises, it spits out, "THREE QUIRKY BUT ATTRACTIVE YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN AN APARTMENT," and the executives turn this concept into a show. The next time they need an idea, the computer spits out, "SIX QUIRKY BUT ATTRACTIVE YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN AN APARTMENT." Then the next time, it spits out, "FOUR QUIRKY BUT ATTRACTIVE YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN AN APARTMENT." And so on. We need to locate this computer and destroy it with hammers. How about "TWELVE QUIRKY BUT UGLY YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN A FIRE HALL?"

14. Nobody is normal.

15. At least once per year, some group of scientists will become very excited and announce that:

  • The universe is even bigger than they thought!

  • There are even more subatomic particles than they thought!

  • Whatever they announced last year about global warming is wrong.

16. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."

17. The main accomplishment of almost all organized protests is to annoy people who are not in them.

18. The value of advertising is that it tells you the exact opposite of what the advertiser actually thinks. For example:

  • If the advertisement says "This is not your father's Oldsmobile," the advertiser is desperately concerned that this Oldsmobile, like all other Oldsmobiles, appeals primarily to old farts like your father.

  • If Coke and Pepsi spend billions of dollars to convince you that there are significant differences between these two products, both companies realize that Pepsi and Coke are virtually identical.

  • If the advertisement strongly suggests that Nike shoes enable athletes to perform amazing feats, Nike wants you to disregard the fact that shoe brand is unrelated to athletic ability.

  • If Budweiser runs an elaborate advertising campaign stressing the critical importance of a beer's "born-on" date, Budweiser knows this factor has virtually nothing to do with how good a beer tastes.

19. If there really is a God who created the entire universe with all of its glories, and He decides to deliver a message to humanity, He will not use, as His messenger, a person on cable TV with a bad hairstyle.

20. You should not confuse your career with your life.

21. A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.

22. No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.

23. When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy.

24. Your friends love you anyway.

25. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Chimpanzees 'hunt using spears'


BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Chimpanzees 'hunt using spears':

The following is a true story. Click on the link above to read the article. I think what's really important here is who the hell gave Mongo the stick to begin with?


"Chimpanzees 'hunt using spears'

Chimpanzees in Senegal have been observed making and using wooden spears to hunt other primates, according to a study in the journal Current Biology.

Researchers documented 22 cases of chimps fashioning tools to jab at smaller primates sheltering in cavities of hollow branches or tree trunks.

The report's authors, Jill Pruetz and Paco Bertolani, said the finding could have implications for human evolution.

Chimps had not been previously observed hunting other animals with tools."

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Ain't They Sweet

Awwww... Ain't they sweet?





Tom the "Lioness" Lyons purrs, "I'm too sexy for my face..."











Bruno "Macho Stallion" Bertucci smiles and bats his sultry eyes and hums the tune, "You Give Me Fever.... "

Monday, February 19, 2007

Thank God For Makeup



Let's all fall on our knees and thank the Revlon God, shall we? Isn't it amazing how better some folks look after an hour in front of the mirror and makeup applications.
I was wondering how a couple of our Windsor boys would look after a "make over"? Stay tuned... and hope that I don't have a photo of YOU hehe.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Diversion Safe

Hey, I don't write this stuff... I just report it... it seems anyone can make a buck today with the right entrepreneurial mind. The site below is legit... click on it and check it out.


Diversion Safe: "

The 'Underwear / Brief Safe' is an innovative diversion safe that can secure your cash, documents, and other small valuables from inquisitive eyes and thieving hands, both at home and when you're traveling. Items can be hidden right under their noses with these specially-designed briefs which contain a fly-accessed 4' x 10' secret compartment with Velcro closure and 'special markings' on the lower rear portion. Leave the 'Underwear / Brief Safe' in plain view in your laundry basket or washing machine at home, or in your suitcase in a hotel room - even the most hardened burglar or most curious snoop will 'skid' to a screeching halt as soon as they see them. (Wouldn't you?) Made in USA. One size. Color: white (and brown).
'Underwear / Brief Safe'

To add realistic smell, check out 'Doo Drops' below

3 REASONS TO PURCHASE THIS UNIQUE ITEM TODAY!!
1) Free Shipping - $5.00 value
2) Free Nationwide Criminal Record Search - $12.95 value
3) Free Mini Spy Ear - great for hearing conversations from afar - $9.95 value
Total Savings of $27.90!!!!

Cash and Money Orders are always accepted
as well as Credit Card Payments via PayPal or Google.
Please eMail info@eFindOutTheTruth.com with any questions.



"

Firehouse TrainingLIVE


Firehouse TrainingLIVE:

"Company Level Training
Presented By Larry Manasco
February 13, 2007 - 3pm(ET) Register Today
Larry Manasco

OVERVIEW: Following his monthly Firehouse.com series, Larry Manasco will walk us through a step-by-step process to establish a training calendar for your shift, based on the needs of your response area. Firefighters should train during every tour, but choosing the topics and the means to carry them out can be difficult. This webcast will cover the practical applications of training props and offer ideas for both quick and extensive training sessions for your company and department-wide.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Baltimore Cadet Collapses During Training - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty


Baltimore Cadet Collapses During Training - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"A female firefighter collapsed during a routine training exercise in west Baltimore Friday and later died, city fire officials said.

The firefighter was rushed to Shock Trauma around noon, where she was pronounced dead, Baltimore Fire Department Chief Public Information Officer Kevin Cartwright said.

Two other trainees suffered minor burns, Cartwright said. They were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

Cartwright said there were no reports of structural damage or anything out of the ordinary when the firefighter collapsed.

The firefighters were participating in a six-month training program along Calverton Road and Frederick Avenue. The program is supposed to run until the end of March, Cartwright said."

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Pennsylvania Firefighter Dies of Injuries - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty


Pennsylvania Firefighter Dies of Injuries - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"A two-alarm house fire in Washington, Washington County, early Sunday claimed a rookie city firefighter who became the department's first on-duty fatality in about 50 years.

Jeremy LaBella, 27, died after the roof of a former motorcycle shop at the rear of the house collapsed, causing a canopy over a nearby sidewalk to fall on him and firefighter George McMullen, who suffered leg injuries."

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

CDC fields the ‘No Go Team’ - U.S. Life - MSNBC.com


CDC fields the ‘No Go Team’ - U.S. Life - MSNBC.com:

This is the second part of the story about the man down alarms... very interesting reading

"The CDC didn't ask for the job of investigating firefighter fatalities. That job was handed to it, after a union boss got a seat next to President Clinton on Air Force One. They were talking blue windbreakers.

After a plane or train crash, the National Transportation Safety Board dispatches its experts within two hours. The investigators in their familiar jackets take charge of the scene, secure evidence, follow leads.

The NTSB calls it the 'Go Team.'"

winnipegsun.com - Winnipeg News - Heroes mourned


winnipegsun.com - Winnipeg News - Heroes mourned: "Heroes mourned
Two well-respected, experienced men gone

By TAMARA KING, CITY HALL REPORTER



Brennan: 'It takes a hero to do that job, and those firefighters were doing their job last night.' (JASON HALSTEAD, SUN MEDIA)

They're being hailed as heroes.

Two Winnipeg firefighters with more than 60 years combined experience were killed, and four others injured -- one of them critically -- battling a blaze in St. Boniface on Sunday night.

'It takes a hero to do that job, and those firefighters were doing their job last night,' said acting Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service chief Jim Brennan, visibly upset at a morning news conference.

Capt. Thomas Nichols, 57, and 55 year-old Capt. Harold Lessard died as a result of the fire."

Monday, February 05, 2007

Flaws in firefighters' last line of defense - U.S. News - MSNBC.com

Flaws in firefighters' last line of defense - U.S. News - MSNBC.com:


"FIRST OF TWO PARTS
By Bill Dedman
Investigative reporter
An MSNBC Special Report
Updated: 22 minutes ago

Worn by a million firefighters in the U.S., the PASS device is a motion sensor that makes an awful racket if a firefighter stops moving for 30 seconds while battling a blaze. It flashes its lights and lets loose a series of ear-splitting beeps — an urgent call to help a fallen comrade.

It’s a call that hasn't always been heard. Tests by federal and independent labs show that some PASS alarms can fail to perform as intended if they get too hot or wet — a serious problem for people who rush into burning buildings with water hoses. And federal investigative reports reviewed by MSNBC.com show that 15 firefighters have died since 1998 in fires where a PASS, or Personal Alert Safety System, either didn't sound or was so quiet that rescuers weren't given a chance to find the firefighter quickly.

Documents made public under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that nine of those deaths came after the federal government blocked an investigation by its own expert into possible failures of PASS alarms and other firefighting equipment. A manager for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal agency that is charged by Congress with investigating firefighter deaths, ordered an agency fire safety engineer on Feb. 14, 2000, to "minimize your fact gathering during investigations" and to restrict his investigations to issues relevant "for the prevention of future similar events."

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Underwear Filters?

Isn't it amazing what you find while surfing the net. This sight (below) actually sells filters for your underwear to stop the pleasant aroma of flatulence! Hey, I even discovered the proper name for this condition. It's called malodorous flatus! How smart can one person get? Who says you can't learn something new every day, huh? Can you imagine how much fun we could have had working with some guys in the past that were proud of this special "talent" by forcing them to wear this protective clothing. I bet we can even find this apparel in the OH&S Act if we search hard enough. After all isn't it all about the safety of the worker? I believe that constant inhalation of bad gases in the air is certainly dangerous to the worker, especially in the Fire Service! This type of filter is especially important in hazardous areas where flammable conditions arise. Below are a few descriptions from the page and also some testimonials. Check out the sight itself for a laugh. It's a GAS! After your convinced of the necessity of this type of clothing... I strongly suggest you contact the union to fight for your rights!!!! Remember;

F.A.R.T --- Find Air Refreshing Today!

http://www.under-tec.com/index.php

Under-Ease are underwear for protection against bad human gas (malodorous flatus) and are made from a soft air-tight fabric (polyurethane-coated nylon). To maintain the air-tightness, elastic is sewn into the material around the waist and both legs. A triangular 'exit hole' for the flatus to be expelled is cut from the back of the air-tight underwear, near the bottom. This 'exit hole' is covered with a 'pocket' made of ordinary porous fabric sewn over the 'exit hole'. This unique design forces all expelled gas (flatus) out through the 'pocket'.

Inside the 'pocket' is a high-functioning, replaceable filter - the core of the technology. This multi-layered filter is made in a sandwich-style, and begins with the two outer layers of wool felt. The second two layers are made of non-woven polypropylene and spun glass materials. In the center of the filter is a single layer of activated carbon. The filter is then covered with soft ordinary material to allow for easy replacement in or out of the pocket. The underwear are washable and will last approximately a year depending on the frequency of use and laundering. Each filter will last from several weeks to several months depending on the frequency of use and laundering. (See Wear and Care)"

Testimonials

"I am a clinical psychologist in private practice and it has been tremendously embarrassing when I pass gas while working; often with little or no control. The most embarrassing moment of my working career was when a client said,"It smells like sewage in here!" My professionalism melted when I admitted to the client that my gas was the cause of the smell."

"On one Thanksgiving night, as my husband and I were lying in bed after a wonderful dinner, the foul smell became unbearable for both of us. My husband ruminated, thinking,"I can't divorce my wife over this, but I have to do something." At that moment, he began to develop the idea of a pair of air-tight underwear with a filter that would eliminate the foul smell. For the next few months he researched filter materials and made a prototype of the underwear."

"My plane ride to and from Kansas, my dinner with the Doctor and co-workers in Kansas, and the clinics went over smooth and without odor. I did have gas but was relieved that no one else knew but me."

Friday, February 02, 2007

Police Story

Thanks to Wilf LeBlanc for this one : )

George Phillips of Meridian, Mississippi was going up to bed when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window.
George opened the back door to go turn off the light but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things.
He phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?" and he said "no". Then they said that all patrols were busy, and that he should simply lock his door and an officer would be along when available.
George said, "Okay," hung up, counted to 30, and phoned the police again.
"Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people in my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now cause I've just shot them all." Then he hung up.
Within five minutes three police cars, an Armed Response unit, and an ambulance showed up at the Phillips residence and caught the burglars red-handed.
One of the Policemen said to George: "I thought you said that you'd
shot them!"
Geoge said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"

(True Story) I LOVE IT

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