Boston Firefighter Dies After Shift

Boston Firefighter Dies After Shift - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"Boston Firefighter David A. Middleton died of an apparent heart attack at his home May 28 after returning from a shift, according to Chief William Meyer.

The 38-year-old member of Engine 51 in the Brighton section of the city went on back to back calls spanning from the night of May 27 into the morning of May 28.

Meyer said Middleton reportedly told other firefighter he wasn't feeling well during the second fire, but completed on the job.

Middleton returned home a approximately 8 a.m. and was found dead by fellow firefighters hours later.

'He was a good guy, he was a well liked by everyone,' Meyer said. 'He was in good shape and was great at his job. He will be missed.'

Middleton was a 10-year veteran and the father of two children."

Smoke Inhalation

For those who haven't seen this video yet....very funny.

Georgia Department Mourns Firefighter

Georgia Department Mourns Firefighter - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"On a day when the nation paused to commemorate those who fell in military service, Fulton County Fire Station No. 8 mourned the death of firefighter Felix Roberts, who also died in the line of duty.

Roberts, 41, tried to save a man inside a burning home Monday morning and became the first firefighter killed in the county department's 29-year history.

The resident also died in the blaze, and two other firefighters were injured."

Update on Firefighter, George Copland - Windsor Fire & Rescue

Update as of the 24th of May from Rick Marr

I saw George today, May 23, 2007. George was very happy. He found out the other day he was moving to Detroit for physiotherapy. George stated he is moving Thursday, May 24, 2007. He is going to DMC Rehabilitating Institute of Michigan. It is located at 261 Mack Boulevard, Detroit Michigan 48201.

Website www.RIMrehab.org

When George gets settled in I will find out the exact mailing address for his room and a phone number.

Stay tuned and be excited for George. I know he is excited. They are going to work on him 4 hours a day. Right now he was only able to get physiotherapy for 1 hour per day. This is a changing time for George and he needs a lot of support.

I am sure George is having mixed emotions about leaving because he made a lot of friends at Hotel Dieu and will never forget them. He knows he has to move on now and focus on getting better.

We are with you George.

Richard Marr"

NASCAR Superstitions Part 11

Unlucky 13

If you were driving 3,400 pounds of metal at 200 miles per hour, just inches away from other drivers trying to nudge you out of the way, you’d want some good luck, too. You’d probably avoid black cats and walk around ladders, and you most likely wouldn’t want anything to do with the number 13.

You wouldn’t be alone. Many drivers consider 13 unlucky when it comes to car numbers, pole positions, and the day of the month. Nobody was more scared of number 13 than 1962 and 1963 cup champion Joe Weatherly. When he qualified for position 13 at Bristol in 1962, he insisted that it be changed to 12a. And he refused to enter the 13th Southern 500 in Darlington until the name was changed to the “12th Renewal of the Southern 500.”

N.Y. Deputy Chief Dies of Heart Attack

N.Y. Deputy Chief Dies of Heart Attack - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"The United States Fire Administration has reported that Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. Deputy Chief and Fire Police Captain Joseph Piazzi died of a heart attack May 16.

Piazzi, 76, had responded to several incidents of downed power lines and trees due to storms throughout day before returning home to assist a neighbor with cleanup.

The department had been dispatched to another call and he was preparing to respond when he began to experience chest pains and called 9-1-1 at approximately 7:30 p.m.

The department was dispatched to his residence where he was found unresponsive.

Piazzi was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead."

An Intelligent Conversation

Here's an example of an everyday intelligent conversation in the fire hall.

NASCAR Superstitions

OK.... This is for all those folks out there who thought the movie "Ricky Bobbie" deserved a Oscar and was a true story and ranked up there with the likes of "Ben Hur" and "Saving Private Ryan"

These are a few of the superstitions of some Nascar drivers. I'll be issuing more as the days go by...so, remember the old adage: "Keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down". I believe I heard that one from a group of guys sitting in the parking lot of #4 station talking on their CB's while they pretended they were big rig drivers.

Nutty but true
It’s true. Peanuts are a long-standing taboo for NASCAR drivers. The origin of the superstition is up for debate. One story has some of Junior Johnson’s teammates chomping peanuts in the shop right before an engine blew. The logical conclusion? Blame the peanuts. Another theory is that peanut shells were sprinkled on five cars before a race in the 1930s, and all five cars crashed.

Mongo As A Kid

This is one very funny video... it kind of reminds me of Mongo when he was a kid.

California Captain Collapses and Dies

California Captain Collapses and Dies - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"The Redding, Calif. Fire Department is mourning the loss of a dedicated fire captain.

Captain Ed Andrews, 53, died yesterday during training.

Battalion Chief Shane Lauderdale said Andrews was training for the upcoming summer fire season when he collapsed. He said fellow firefighters and EMS personnel immediately began CPR, and continued as he was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Andrews had been with the department since 1984, and was promoted to captain in 1994."

Mississippi Firefighter Dies on the Job

Mississippi Firefighter Dies on the Job - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"Family, friends and coworkers are mourning the death of Desoto County's first black paramedic tonight.

It was two days of strenuous physical activity that took a fatal toll on Jeffrey Jeans.

Emergency Management Director Bobby Storey says it all started Thursday.

Jeans cut the sprawling lawn at the Eudora firehouse, then tested engine hose well into the evening.

Friday he picked up an engine that was being repaired in Memphis and put all the heavy hose back on the truck.

It appears all the work was more than his body could take.

Jeans' co-workers say he told them he felt hot Friday night before going into the kitchen. That's where they found him a short time later, lying on the floor in cardiac arrest.

Jeans was a 25-year-veteran of DeSoto County emergency services, starting as a volunteer back in 1982."

Kansas Firefighter Dies in Crash of Personal Vehicle

Kansas Firefighter Dies in Crash of Personal Vehicle - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"ROSE HILL, KAN. -- An aspiring volunteer firefighter died Friday night while responding to a house fire in his personal vehicle.

When Brandon Daley, 19, a member of Rose Hill Volunteer Fire Company, missed the first due engine, he decided not to wait for the next truck, said Lt. Tim Linot, of Butler County Fire District #3.

At the entrance to the gated community where the fire was located, Daley lost control of his pickup truck. He was ejected as it overturned several times.

He was rushed to Kansas Medical Center where he died a short time later of injuries sustained in the crash."

'I feel wonderful'

I received this from Dispatch this morning. You can read the entire Windsor Star column by clicking on the link below.

'I feel wonderful':

"'I feel wonderful'
Injured firefighter George Copeland makes first public appearance since accident
Sonja Puzic, Windsor Star
Published: Saturday, May 12, 2007

'How are you doing dispatch?'

The familiar voice of injured firefighter George Copeland, speaking on a two-way radio from his hospital bed, boomed across Windsor Fire and Rescue airwaves about three weeks ago, bringing his colleagues to their feet.

That emotional greeting was more than just a boost for the fire department. It was a prelude to a major milestone in Copeland's slow but determined recovery."

Latest Update On George

May 07, 2007:

I visited George on Monday, May 7, 2007. George was in a wheel chair. He said it felt good to have normal clothes on. George does not need the Tracheotomy. They removed it and stated it feels much better without it. He is exercising his right arm to make it stronger. He will be moving from ICU to a normal room shortly. He is trying to go for treatment in Detroit at a place on John R and Mac rd. He says hi to everyone. His biggest challenge right now is to get going on therapy in Detroit.

Richard Marr

Hilary's Surprise!

Recent Promotions

Ok... some new "older" guys got to go up the ladder of success.. and they are:

Recent Promotions and Awards:

Effective 0800 hrs. on Sunday, January 27, 2007:
Captain David Stroud promoted to District Chief, Fire Rescue
Firefighter Kelly Gault promoted to Captain, Fire Rescue

Effective 0800 hrs. on Sunday, January 14, 2007:
Captain Ron Trofin promoted to District Chief, Fire Rescue

Congrats, Fellas... keep everybody safe.

Why Some Women Never Marry

Have you ever wondered why some women never get married and have no desire to? Maybe it's because they ran across these guys.

Ya know, it just kinda bothers me that the guy pictured at right somewhat resembles Doug Horstead a little too much don't you think? And the little guy in the photo below this one? Squint your eyes a little and you'd swear you were looking at Tommy Lebert, right????? Uh huh; and the guy with the red shorts??? I don't even want to mention Don Bennett!

North Carolina Firefighter Collapses Day After Response

North Carolina Firefighter Collapses Day After Response - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"ANGIER, N.C.-- A volunteer from the Angier & Black River Fire Department in North Carolina collapsed and died the afternoon of May 9, after battling a house fire the previous day.

Ottis Earl Stephenson, 61 -- a 21-year veteran of the department -- was at his day job as a security officer at the Museum of National Science in Railiegh, N.C. during the time of his death.

Chief Frankie Hobson said the house fire Stephenson responded to occurred at approximately 7:21 p.m. on May 8."

Maine Firefighter Killed in Tanker Rollover

Maine Firefighter Killed in Tanker Rollover - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"SPRINGFIELD, Maine-- A volunteer firefighter answering a call for assistance at a Prentiss sawmill was killed instantly when the firetruck he was driving overturned on Route 169 at about noon Monday.

Firefighter Peter Beebe-Lawson, 50, of Springfield was coming out of a fairly sharp curve on his way to the fire when he apparently lost control of the 3,500-gallon Freightliner tanker truck at about 11:45 a.m., Trooper Jarod Stedman said."

Retirees Breakfast May 1

Sorry for the delay but here are a few pics of the breakfast thanks to Gary "Glitter" Spratt... : )
OK... just for fun... find the "old guys"... who is who? This is kind of like "Find Waldo" only better.. for e.g the "old guys" here would be Joe Maisonnville, Sam Hyslop, Bob Gignac, Ken Kimmerly...

Go ahead...Find the "Old Guys" : )

A Brit Speaks Out

All I have to say about this fellow is I hope he doesnt get "bumped" off for his opinion... quite humorous but serious at the same time.

Go to this link: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=418_1176494781+

George Copeland Fundraiser

I apologize for the formatting for the addresses and phone numbers below but no matter what I attempt to do they don't want to cooperate.

GEORGE COPELAND FUNDRAISER

Hosted by Windsor West Indian Association

SAT. MAY 12^TH 2007

At: THE CARIBBEAN CENTRE

2410 CENTRAL AVE, WINDSOR ON.

519 945 0213 www.caribbeanassoc.com

COCKTAILS @ 6PM DINNER @ 7PM

DJ – W D PRODUCTION

ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY AT:

Copeland's Martial Arts Carol Browne Windsor Fire and Rescue Station #1
519-973-1578 519-739-0657 519-258-7291
2557 Dougall Ave Unit 5 815 Goyeau Street
www.copelandsmartialarts.com wagbro@hotmail.com wfppa@cogeco.ca

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

I know this is somewhat late as you may have filed already but I've located a bona fide site where they can guarantee you a refund by going over your file online. I tried it and they found a loophole for me that I never expected to the tune of $356.78! I also found out that I can delay my filing process for a maximum of 14 days without a penalty even if I already filed. Once you get to the site they fast track your return and intercept it and that places it in a holding pattern until you can redo it... It's a fantastic site that I would recommend to anyone who is reading this. You can find the site at:

http://www.taxtips.ca/filing.htm

Wow.... A Jigsaw Puzzle!!!

And now another method for you to waste away the day. The Blog now offers you a jigsaw puzzle. Here's one of Len Delorenzi, myself, Mongo and Don Rawlings having a good time before role call at # 2 station. Notice how reserved Len is.
All you have to do is click on the picture and it will send you to a link where you can work on the puzzle. Ahhh, yes, the blog now offers fun for the entire family.

what the?

Ok.... we all know and love Brian but what the heck is he up to here? And have you ever noticed that if you move one letter around in the word "brain" you end up with the word "Brian"? Strange, huh?

Who Dat?

Ok... here's the test .. everyone remembers how Stevie Cusmanic (right) looks like but who is the weird guy on the left playing the strange instrument?

He looks kind of familiar, doesn't he?

Dick St. Louis & Engine 6

While rummaging around the storage area we came across some great photos of the "olden days". Here's Dick St. Louis and Eng. 6 (Notice the foam in the front of the photo; Ahhh, Dickie loved his Class A foam.)
As I scan more I'll throw some more up on the blog. Well, I won't "throw" them up... forget it.. you know what I mean.

Alabama Fire Captain Collapses On Duty

Alabama Fire Captain Collapses On Duty - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"Birmingham, Ala. Captain Billy A. Gafford collapsed during the department's annual fitness check April 25.

The 23-year veteran was walking around the track of the University of Alabama-Birmingham at approximately 2:30 p.m. before collapsing and was treated by fire-paramedics on the scene. They attempted to revive Gafford, but he was pronounced dead a short time later at UAB Hospital, according to Capt. C.W. Mardis.

Gafford was a firefighter and paramedic and led city fire station 16. He is survived by his wife and two sons."

Christmas Tree Fire

Here's a good reason to water that Christmas tree regularly.

The Dancing Referee

Who said you can't combine the Arts & Sports? Watch this ref to find out how.

Useless Information

Did you know that at precisely 2:03:04 AM on May (5th month) 6 of this year 2007 the sequence will be: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. This is the last time that this event will ever happen!
This is the neat kind of stuff you can do when you retire and really do worthwhile things.

Eric O'Shea Stand Up Songs

This is pretty funny "stand up"

Ex Windsor Assistant Chief "hits" 60!

Gary "Will Work Anywhere" Percy has reached a major pinnacle in his life, mainly his 60th birthday in spite of the fact that he has resembled that age since his late 30's. When asked about this major event Gary stated, "Well it's actually a relief now that you mention it. Whenever I used to go to the bank the tellers would always ask me if I planned on cashing my CPP cheque. Also, I used to notice in some restaurants that I would receive a 10% senior citizen discount off of the bill for my meal. When I explained that I was merely in my 30' s the waitresses would always tended to appear kind of shocked and sort of swayed as though they were about to faint at any moment. I never did figure that one out."

When last seen Gary was talking with his friend Mongo on the front lawn of his residence. Mongo appeared somewhat dazed as he attempted to free himself from his restraints. As you can see from the photo (above) Mongo doesn't appear to be very happy in his present part time job. All that was audible from Mongo was, "Arrrgggghhhhh.... (inaudible)... grrrrrrrr......".

Update On George April 16th

April 16, 2007:

I saw George on Friday night. He wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. There is some good news, George is able to rotate his right forearm back and forth and has some tingling in his feet. George is working hard and is keeping a positive attitude.

On Wednesday, April 18, 2007 there is a “Firefighters for George” Pasta Dinner Fundraiser at the Caboto Club starting at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the reception desk at Headquarters, 815 Goyeau St. Tickets are $15.00 and children 5 years and under are free. There is a silent auction from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Richard Marr

Fund Raiser Basketball Challenge

The 1st Annual "Hoop City / Firefighters Basketball Challenge" fund-raising basketball game is scheduled for Saturday, May 26th at St. Clair College, with proceeds going to the George Copeland Family Trust Fund. There will be 4 teams playing...Windsor Fire & Rescue, St. Clair Alumni, and 2 teams from Hoop City.

The first game begins at 3:00 pm, second game at 4:00 pm, and the final game at 5:00 pm.

The "Hope and Support" orange wristbands and "Support our Firefighters" ribbon magnets will be on sale at this event as well.

Please come out and support this fund-raising event for George !

Virginia Firefighter Dies Searching for Victims

Virginia Firefighter Dies Searching for Victims - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"A firefighter died Monday morning while searching for victims of a three-alarm fire in Prince William County, News4 reported.

The fire was called in shortly after 6 a.m. in the 15400 block of Marsh Overlook Drive in Woodbridge, officials said. Firefighter Kyle Wilson, 24, was killed in the blaze.

A family of seven, 4 adults and three children, were rescued reportedly in the house at the time the fire started.

Officials said that firefighters responding to the blaze were not aware that the family had taken refuge at a nearby neighbor's house."

Update On George

This is an update as of April 5 from Richard Marr:

April 05, 2007:

I saw George Tuesday afternoon. He was tired at the time and needed a nap. He had just finished physiotherapy. Good news, George is still able to breathe on his own. There is still no definitive date as to when George will be moved; the doctors are monitoring his progress. He really likes company, even to just sit with him and watch a movie. I brought him a bag of get well cards that was given to me from all the people thinking of him and he really enjoyed seeing them.

Richard Marr

The Old Preacher

Thanks to Father Mike for this one.

An old pastor lays dying. He sent a message for an IRS agent and his lawyer to come to the hospital. When they arrived, they were ushered up to his room .

As they entered the room, the pastor held out his hands and motioned for them t o sit on each side of the bed. The pastor grasped their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled, and stared at the ceiling. For a time, no one said anything.

Both the IRS agent and lawyer were touched and flattered that the old man would ask them to be with him during his final moments. They were also puzzled because the pastor had never given any indication that he particularly liked either one of them. Finally, the Lawyer asked, "Pastor, why did you ask the two of us to come here?"

The old pastor mustered all his strength, then said weakly, "Jesus died between two thieves, and that's how I want to go".

Best Pandhandler

This guy is pretty good.... the puppet almost looks real.

Update On Our Firefighters

I received this update from Rich Marr recently.

I spoke to Bill Hopkins, Randy Decocco and Jamie Waffle. They stated they are doing well. They started their Physio and are working hard on that. Randy was given good news about his neck injury. The Doctor stated the injury was like a bad whip lash and there was no damage to the vertebrae.

Randy is seeing the doctor shortly about an operation on his shoulder. Other than that he said he was feeling fine. Jamie is sore but doing fine. He wants to get back to work but knows he has to finish his physio.

Richard Marr

Fund Raiser Magnets Available

MAGNETS AVAILABLE

$4.00 EACH

CAN BE PURCHASED AT

Fire Department Headquarters

Joe Cash Stores

Copeland Karate

All proceeds to George Copeland family Trust Fund

Flashover Through A Thermal Imaging Camera

A fact of life is if you're 5 feet inside a room when flashover occurs you can get seriously injured or even worse. This video will give you an idea why this fact is true. Notice the two firefighters located at the lower left section of the screen as they go through their training. After the flashover they start to scramble towards the door!

A Retirees Story About George Copeland's Driving Skills

I received an email from Pat Cushing regarding the story below.

While responding to an alarm at the legion on wyandote.....George was driving the aerial out of 4 station......as usual the trucks were backed up for blocks along wyandotte just leaving openings for the side streets.....2 young girls mistook a don't go handsign from a trucker and pulled out right in front of George ....his lightening response swerved the truck just catching their front end and spinning them out of harms way while george hit 2 parked cars and only property damage was the result..........had not George been so alert that arial would have run right over the little compact those 2 sisters were driving and im sure would have killed them both...btw Jim Crowley was the officer on that aerial.

Community Mourns New York Fire Police Officer

Community Mourns New York Fire Police Officer - Firehouse.com In The Line Of Duty:

"MENANDS, N.Y.-- Mourners filed in and out of the village fire station Tuesday to remember Capt. Edgar Scott, killed Tuesday as he drove two colleagues to the scene of a motorcycle crash on Interstate 787.

'It's very tough, always tough responding to one of your own,' said Menands Fire Chief Frank Primo. 'It's devastating. It's a large loss to us and to the community. He will never be forgotten.'

Scott, 75, was driving a van southbound when it collided with a propane tanker at about 5:07 p.m. Scott was thrown from the van and died at the scene, said Trooper Maureen Tuffey, a State Police spokeswoman."

Wrist Bracelet Fund Raiser

Hope and Support

For Injured Firefighter

George Copeland #89

Bracelets $3.00 Each

Proceeds Donated To The George Copeland Family Trust Fund

The wrist bands are available at the following locations:

All Windsor Fire Stations

• Station #1 - 815 Goyeau
• Station #2 - 2296 Richmond
• Station #3 - 2750 Ouellette
• Station #4 - 2600 College
• Station #5 - 1905 Cabana W.
• Station #6 - 5650 Tecumseh Rd. E.
• Station #7 - 254 Lauzon Rd.
• Station #8 - 3200 County Rd. 42
  

5 Motor City Community Credit Unions

• 6701 Tecumseh Rd. E.
• 1375 Walker Road
• 895 Erie St. E.
• 189 City Hall Square
• 1405 Tecumseh Rd. W.
  

Hook & Ladder Club - 3690 Seminole St.

Thermal Image - Pipe Bomb

Everyone knows about Thermal Imaging Cameras these days; but , we never get the opportunity to see some pretty neat stuff with them unless we're the ones looking through them. This one is a view of a pipe bomb explosion and is pretty vivid. It may appear grainy but you can get the idea just how powerful pipe bombs are. There isnt any sound with the video. In the future I'll be posting more videos of fire related films.

Three High Tech Women

THREE WOMEN, TWO YOUNGER, AND ONE SENIOR CITIZEN, WERE SITTING NAKED IN A
SAUNA.SUDDENLY THERE WAS A BEEPING SOUND. THE YOUNG WOMAN PRESSED HER FOREARM ANDTHE BEEP STOPPED.

THE OTHERS LOOKED AT HER QUESTIONINGLY. "THAT WAS MY PAGER," SHE SAID. I
HAVE A MICROCHIP UNDER THE SKIN OF MY ARM.

A FEW MINUTES LATER, A PHONE RANG. THE SECOND YOUNG WOMAN LIFTED HER PALM TO HER EAR. WHEN SHE FINISHED, SHE EXPLAINED, "THAT WAS MY MOBILE PHONE. I
HAVE A MICROCHIP IN MY HAND."

THE OLDER WOMAN FELT VERY LOW TECH. NOT TO BE OUT DONE, SHE DECIDED SHE HAD
TO DO SOMETHING JUST AS IMPRESSIVE. SHE STEPPED OUT OF THE SAUNA AND WENT TO THE BATHROOM. SHE RETURNED WITH A PIECE OF TOILET PAPER HANGING FROM HER REAR END. THE OTHERS RAISED THEIR EYEBROWS AND STARED AT HER.

THE OLDER WOMAN FINALLY SAID.........
WELL, WILL YOU LOOK AT THAT... I'M GETTING A FAX

Wayne D Removes The Church's Asphalt

This reporter has just received a secret audio tape that describes an event in a church parking lot and a misguided vehicle.


Bystanders: Hey, watch out for the......
Wayne: Hey, who's driving; me or you?
Wayne: Oh oh.... Look out.. I can't stop!!!!
Bystanders: HIT THE BRAKES

Sound of vehicle hitting a large gray object

Wayne: Did I just hit something?
Bystanders: Argggghhhh!
Wayne: What the heck is that grinding sound???

Sounds of screaming running bystanders

Bystanders: How the heck did he hit that rock.. it's as big as the one in Plymouth harbor?
Wayne: Oh oh... how come the car is tilted to one side?
Bystanders: Because you're being guided by a rock ya crazy "Frenchman"!
Bystanders: Ok. who's paying for this asphalt removal? We just had the church parking lot repaved!
Wayne: Hey, you have no pictures and I'll deny everything! Good luck!
Bystanders: Aha.. in that case.. somebody call the cops!
Wayne: Hey, you over there...ya, you... come here and lift the front of my car and help me get this rock out from under my car!!!