efdcapt115

With inflation rising ever so subt'tly, and the members paying increased taxes themselves (yes firefighters live within and pay property taxes to the very city they are employed by) the hit on the individual members themselves will be felt; with less purchasing power all around, in the near term. However, the demonstration of solidarity with the younger members (who probably gave up other career paths to join the fire service) cannot be overstated in it's significance, it's simple decency, and the proof it provides that the members who are with you in the crawling heat of a fire attack, are also there for you when the flames go out and other problems arise. These six members should never forget what their local did for them. Come what may with other municipalities. Every other IAFF Local or PBA, might or might not be confronted with a similar situation; the ripple effect of the financial crisis and housing bubble is slowly making it's way through all levels of gov't. How significant it hit's your particular district is dependent on numerous factors; the stability of the tax base, housing values, percentage of default property owners, rise in pension or health care premiums, etc. I'd be honored to be associated with a Local that stood by ALL it's members (in fact I am, it's 916 in my case); for that is the true test of the union; regardless of the financial implications it has for all members, they are in it together, and share the pain to lessen it for their newest blood. Edit: decided not to edit.

So you're saying your municipal sanitation empties dumpsters? I thought dumpsters were pretty much exclusive to private carting companies. If a company violates municipal code regarding what they can or cannot dispose of, are they subjected to penalty?

Agreed. However, look at the other municipal union's vote; explain to the three employees being laid off that their union voted to take the money and see you later....sayonara. That sucks. I don't know the inside particulars, but judging by the vote that union was forced to choose between sticking together for the sake of three brothers/sisters or taking their raises. Not a proud day for that local AT ALL. Compare it to NRFD's membership and what the brothers did for the six guys to keep their jobs. There is no comparison in my book.

BROTHERHOOD

This incident really concerns me. I cannot recall ever hearing or reading of an incident of this type; an exploding dumpster that killed a firefighter. We've all seen BLEVEs in our time. I also recall one incident where firefighters were cutting open the side of a Silo with a partner saw, hosing down the blade to prevent sparks when the particulate matter inside the silo exploded, blowing the cut section out and killing a firefighter. But this incident is unique. Naturally with hindsight it's easy to say the department involved should have been aware of the occupancy; an aluminum sand casting plant, that should have raised red flags with regard to the contents of the dumpster. Do you know the industrial sites within your response area; what they manufacture, and what they would be disposing of as a biproduct of their manufacturing? Sure if you have a furniture plant in your district you would be aware of the fire load and chemical hazards within the plant, but how many of us have the awareness to think that the disposal areas outside the plant could be time-bombs just waiting for water to be added to create an explosion hazard? In my time, the thing that most concerned me was auto-exposure from a dumpster to the structure itself. I mostly thought if the contents contained something dangerous it would be latex paint cans, or possibly spray paint. We had numerous dumpster fires, and pulled the engine close enough to extinguish the fire with a 100' trash line. But now, after this, I think I wouldn't do it anymore. What about a gasoline can in the dumpster, like Bill pointed out? Or a discarded propane tank, that somebody just dropped in the garbage in the dark of night? I really think this incident should be given GREAT attention by all fire departments. The NIOSH report should be poured over by everyone. And immediately, ALL dumpster fires should be approached as if they are ALL capable of exploding, and causing death or injury to firefighters. How about this; if there is no exposure issue with a burning dumpster, why not just automatically create a hot-zone, and do not attempt to extinguish it? I mean, what are we actually "saving" anyway? A dumpster? Certainly not the contents. IMHO, let it burn out, and stay away. This fatal incident should be given high priority and put all departments on notice to NOT continue business as usual. Dumpsters have become EXTREMELY hazardous, and ALL dumpster fires should be treated as haz-mat incidents from now on. For God sake, this thing went off like an IED!

Press conference: http://www.sheboyganpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?NoCache=1&Dato=99999999&Kategori=SHE01&Lopenr=309250008&Ref=AR

Update-News conference held this afternoon: "Calumet County Sheriff's Department Captain Paul Rusch said that it appears that a container which held metal byproducts of the manufacturing process was burning in the dumpster. When firefighters went to put out the fire with water, a chemical reaction occurred which resulted in the explosion." http://www.wfrv.com/mostpopular/story/One-volunteer-firefighter-killed-8-injured-in/r7H-ypa0ZUOw5UOxmyDq5Q.cspx LODD firefighter identified: Steven Koeser/age 33 Critically injured firefighter upgraded to stable.

CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES: AL * Physical data 1. Atomic weight: 26.98 2. Boiling point (at 760 mm Hg): 2327 degrees C (4221 degrees F) 3. Specific gravity: 2.70 at 4 degrees C (39 degrees F) 4. Vapor density: Data not available. 5. Melting point: 660 degrees C (1220 degrees F) 6. Vapor pressure at 1284 degrees C (2343 degrees F): 1 mm Hg 7. Solubility: Insoluble in hot or cold water, concentrated nitric acid, and hot acetic acid; soluble in hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and alkalies. 8. Evaporation rate: Data not available. * Reactivity 1. Conditions contributing to instability: Contact between aluminum powder and ignition sources may create a severe explosion hazard. Because it is strongly electropositive, aluminum corrodes rapidly in contact with other metals. 2. Incompatibilities: Aluminum is an extremely reactive metal. Contact between aluminum and acids, caustics, combustible materials, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and strong oxidizers should be avoided. 3. Hazardous decomposition products: None reported. 4. Special precautions: Aluminum may corrode in contact with other metals. * Flammability The National Fire Protection Association has assigned a flammability rating of 1 (slight fire hazard) to aluminum (dust or powder). 1. Flash point: Data not available. 2. Autoignition temperature: Data not available. 3. Flammable limits in air: Data not available. 4. Extinguishant: Do not use water, carbon tetrachloride, or halon to fight fires involving aluminum. Control small fires with sand, talc, or sodium chloride. Dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers are also acceptable. Fires involving aluminum should be fought upwind from the maximum distance possible. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate the hazard area and deny entry. Containers of aluminum may explode in the heat of the fire and should be moved from the fire area if it is possible to do so safely. If this is not possible, cool fire exposed containers from the sides with water until well after the fire is out, but be careful not to get water inside containers. Stay away from the ends of containers. Firefighters should wear a full set of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving aluminum. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/aluminum/recognition.html

The explosion took place in the lot of Bremer Manufacturing, a foundry specializing in aluminum castings; http://www.bremermfg.com/default.htm The article in the local Gannett paper: http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20091230/OSH0101/312310075/1987/Firefighter-killed-4-others-injured-in-explosion-at-Bremer-Manufacturing-in-Calumet-County Photos of the scene: http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=U0&Dato=20091230&Kategori=APCNEWS&Lopenr=912300806&Ref=PH

Yes, thank you brother. I hope all the input helps the guy succeed.

You're right to ask these questions; what is the baseline from where it would be appropriate for the prospective probie to begin a physical fitness program. I should have added to the nutrition info I posted that it is for building a stronger physical foundation to be able to tackle the testing and maintenance program he wants to develop.

Great advice. I have some information about nutrition that was given to me from Cenegenics Medical Institute in Charleston, S.C. This can be very helpful for everybody; 1. Never skip meals; This will force your body into starvation mode and cause your metabolism to slow down, basically hoarding whatever calories you eat. Rather, eat smaller meals more frequently, based on the following suggestions. Think of food as fuel for your body. 2. Base each meal around a lean protein source: fish, chicken, turkey, lean beef (occasionally), yogurt (plain, unsweetened), cheese, cottage cheese and legumes (including soy). The serving size of protein should be about the size of the palm of your hand and the height of a deck of cards. 3. Cut out high glycemic carbohydrates: Bread, pasta, rice, cereals, candy, baked goods, pretzels, sweets, etc. 4. Eat at least 3-5 servings of fresh vegetables and 1-2 servings of fresh fruit every day: Vegetables are an excellent source of phyto-nutrients and fiber. Choose whole fruits instead of fruit juice because juicing removes the fiber and increases the glycemic index. Avoid corn, potatoes, bananas, dried fruit and tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, papaya, etc.). 5. Add healthy fats to your diet: Essential omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids are crucial for the prevention of heart disease, arthritis, joint problems and immune system weakness. Good sources include salmon, sardines, almonds, walnuts, avocados, olive oil, canola oil and fish supplements. 6. Drink lots of water: Drink 6-8, 8 ounce glasses of pure(distilled) water daily. Drink one extra glass for every caffeinated beverage and when you exercise. 7. Keep alcohol intake to a minimum: While 4-8 ounces of red wine daily provides health benefits, more than that can increase your health risk. Dry red wine is the best choice. Hard alcohols are also low glycemic. Everything in moderation. 8. Choose natural products: Avoid refined foods, hydrogenated oils, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives. Avoid fat-free products, which usually make up for a lack of taste by adding artificial ingredients and sugar. Shop the perimeter of your grocery store. 9. Take your suppliments daily: Studies show reduced calorie diets without supplementation lower metabolism, but with supplementation the metabolism is unchanged. It's not easy to keep to these guidelines. If you have to cheat, it's better to have one big blowout day per week, than to keep nibbling here and there. If anyone is interested I have a comprehensive list of the glycemic index of specific foods and a protein reference list. You can PM me here on the site, or e-mail me at efdcapt115@aol.com. Best of luck.

"SEATTLE -- A Pierce County sheriff's deputy wounded in a shootout during a domestic disturbance last week has died. Kent Mundell was taken off life support Monday afternoon at Harborview Medical Center, officials said. He was 44. Mundell's death marks the sixth area law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty in two months" http://www.komonews.com/news/local/80232017.html

The box they are talking about is seen here on Engine 88's new Seagrave (at the bottom of the homepage): http://www.fdnytrucks.com/

One snowy and cold Christmas morning around 1987, I brought a new Radio Shack scanner that I received as a present, to work at Station One. Immediately the b@ll-breaking started; "Oh look what Saaaantaaaa gave you!" "Now you can listen to the Phoenix Fire Dept!" etc. etc. Pile on stuff; the old-timers were still on the job then, and they were expert BBer's. I sat down at the kitchen table listening to the scanner and catching hell for it. Then the Bronx comes on the radio. This scruffy old school officer with a smokey voice says; "Engine eight-eight to the Bronx k... "Go with your message Engine 88.... "10-84...10-75 the box and a very Merry Christmas to you too Bronx...." in the calmest, saltiest voice we'd ever had heard. Immediately the change-of-shift full room erupted simultaneously; "Whooaaaaa!!!!...." Christmas in the firehouse. It has it's funny moments and memories in the making. Merry Christmas to all; and a shout out to the brothers and sisters working the shift tomorrow. FD/PD/EMS, all of you who sacrifice that precious time with your families, to protect and serve; never more selflessly than on Christmas day.

Nice work on the breakdown of the numbers. IMHO you should pass that along to the union asap, if you haven't already. They should get that information into the media, go on VOX, put it on leaflets and distribute it at the train station, library and places of public assembly. Fight the b@stards, and best luck NRFD.

Nice post. I wanted to quote you so maybe some of the brothers would sit back for a minute, re-read what you said, and remember how they really all do work together at emergencies, aside from this "pillow for your gun" cr@p. It's a shame that cops and firefighters are taking shots at each other. The Fire Officer that started this thread got upset because he cares. If the job is under pressure in New Rochelle, it spills onto all of it's members, particularly those who care the most. I think that's the biggest thing that the general public doesn't understand about being a firefighter or a cop; the pressure. I used to ride around in the duty car and think about the thirty plus thousand people that lived in the district, the five thousand plus apartments, over eight thousand structures, and think to myself " well whatever is going to happen on this shift, it's going to be my responsibility." That's what I got paid for, and when the proverbial hit the fan that's exactly the way it was. And that pressure did take it's toll on my health. That's why I'm retired now. The police officer that posted his status came back and explained what he meant. I think now, particularly during the holiday season, and with all of the economic pressures coming down on all the jobs, it might be a good time to remember that everyone, cops and firefighters, are really on the same team. I have to admit I read the status update in question the same way the Fire Officer from New Rochelle did. I thought it wasn't appropriate. But I do know what cops are forced to endure and how difficult that job is. I think back to the day Michael Frey was killed. I'm thinking about Pipi who died in his patrol car. I'm thinking about Fred, who endures his pain and busts his @ss rehabing after being run down by a truck. These men are giants in my eyes. As far as the public is concerned listen; corporations are squeezing everything they can out of the private work force. Then these same people come home and get their tax bills. They aren't thinking that they might be the next victim that needs a cop or a firefighter; they're thinking fifteen grand for property taxes. They don't take the time to break it down; the County, the City, the District, the School, they are mad as h#ll and can't take it anymore. Not while their 401K has been destroyed and their plans and dreams for the future are in jeopardy. Yes it's a sad state of affairs that we are all in as a country these days. But to all the brothers on the job; keep your heads held high as you deliver a VITAL AND NECESSARY SERVICE to your community, and stick together k. Merry Christmas. Edit: to reflect the correct rank of the Brother from New Rochelle. God Bless.

Way too quickly in my opinion....

Best of luck lads.

That's whatcha call through the roof. Looks like the building was in an extremely difficult location to stretch in.

Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Bronxville & Scarsdale have formed a "worst case scenario" pact to help each other in case of an H1N1 outbreak: http://www.lohud.com/article/20091217/NEWS02/912170332/Local-police-in-Scarsdale-Eastchester-Tuckahoe-and-Bronxville-form-flu-pact

You knew this was coming: "A man badly burned last month in a fatal Queens blaze in which firefighters were sent to the wrong address plans to sue the city." http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/queens/fdny_flub_guy_to_sue_LMPbZ57YHkNc6Q4CXlDNmJ

It seems like every day another new feature is being introduced on this site. Personally, I think the site is greatly improved. The favorite feature I like is when someone makes a new post the site will update to reflect it. It has to have taken a lot of effort on the part of the administration to make these improvements. I've noticed the fundraising goal has been fairly stagnant as of late. If a majority of the "active" posters on the site would just step up and help the site reach it's very reasonable goal of a few thousand dollars, it would be a good thing. It would be doing the right thing imho. After all, we all participate here, get good information, share our thoughts and opinions, and for me being retired, it's a way to stay connected to the fire service. Tis the season, and I encourage my fellow emtbravo members to help the site meet it's fundraising goal.

Got this from Fox News: A Redskins fan makes a bet that he loses, and has to pay up: Note the booze, guns, cigarettes, lack of hearing protection, and the participation of children. You know you're a redneck if......

ALL y'all are too funny!