The Roanoke Fire Blog - Serving Roanokes Bravest Since 2005

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

2008-12-01T09:24:00.001-05:00

Effective immediately, the blog will be hosted at http://www.RoanokeFire.com only. If you linked here, please update your link to the new one. Please visit the new site currently undergoing a redesign.-Rhett

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

2008-11-30T20:34:00.003-05:00

Effective Immediately, the blog will be hosted solely at http://www.RoanokeFire.com. Currently it is still in the re-design phase so bear with me while I work out the kinks.This blog will remain online, but will not be updated. All of the posts and comments have been moved over to the new blog.-Rhett

Reflective Vests and You

2008-11-29T20:48:00.003-05:00

I decided that instead of spending a lot of time reading and giving you all the skinny on this new reflective vest requirement I would simply give you the links to the information.FireNews.net did a good bit of research on the new requirementsand offers this .pdf the 3m quick reference guideand this .pdf the vest push cardYou can also see information here on ResponderSafety.com

Officer Bryan Lawrence's Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T09:59:00.002-05:00

Officer Bryan Lawrence is at home after a long journey since his tragedy. The last part of his journey involved living in an apartment while his house was completely remodeled by your Roanoke Firefighters and others. Scott Graham and Scott Mutter spearheaded the remodel and many others helped out. Today, the Roanoke Times has a great piece by Amanda Codispoti on the events.View the coverage here:

Priceless

2008-11-26T22:00:00.004-05:00

New Station 1 - $5 millionNew Station 3 - $3 millionNew Station 4 - $4 millionHaving to carry jugs of extra hydraulic fluid because your reserve ladder truck leaks and won't be fixed. PRICELESSI know we could go on all day long...well that isn't such a bad idea. Anyone else have a better one?Seriously though, it was overheard on the radio the other day that Ladder 1's crew which is driving the

Collection for the Rescue Mission

2008-11-23T11:10:00.002-05:00

The Roanoke Firefigthers Auxiliary is taking up a collection of items for women and children at the Rescue Mission. Items needed are:ShampooDeodorantdisposable razorsDepends-small and mediumfeminine hygiene suppliestissuesDiapers- size 3&4Baby wipes, bottlesSimilac baby formulablank rewritable cd's (CD-RW)There will be a box at all of the stations for this collection effort. We will be picking up

Ladder Operations Class in Roanoke

2008-11-18T23:22:00.003-05:00

I hit a milestone this week. The new VAFireNews.com went live. Check it out here: VAFireNews.com. Tonight, I added photos from the ladder ops class. Check out the story and photos here.I have more stories and stuff for the blog in the future, I have been busy with a lot of stuff recently. If you have anything to share, send it in.

Firefighter of the Year

2008-11-18T09:03:00.003-05:00

Reminder that Firefighter of the Year and other award citations are due soon. Look at http://www.local1132.org for more information or contact me or Tim Parry. All nominations must be signed, sealed, and yes delivered.

Station # 8 News

2008-11-18T08:36:00.003-05:00

Station # 8 has its own t-shirt. All three shifts offered ideas about the design of the shirt.The art work is by Lieutenant Jim Hylton. We felt the images should reflect the community we serve. The front has the small Maltese cross we use on our department shirts, but the inside of the cross has a picture of two wine glasses and a rose. Yup, South Roanoke is the land of wine and roses.There is a

Station 5 has Crows Station 9 has Pigeons

2008-11-12T11:32:00.007-05:00

Check this pigeon out that landed (I assume) on Scott Boone's head. Videos below.

Interviewed by the Greensboro Local

2008-11-10T23:34:00.004-05:00

I don't know if I posted this or not, but here it is. I was interviewed a couple of months ago by Dave Coker, the VP of Greensboro IAFF Local 947. They interviewed me about this blog and my Union activities. I think it gives a glimpse into why I do what I do and what I think about things. Take a look here.

Open Post

2008-11-07T15:57:00.002-05:00

Open Post today. I have been busy and haven't had time to post much. But I do have stuff coming soon. I have been working diligently on the redesign of VAFireNews.com and I hope to have the new site up and running soon. Once that occurs, I hope to redesign this site to a new hosting provider which will let me broaden the scope of the blog and give you all a little bit better site to look at. Just

Vote

2008-11-04T09:21:00.002-05:00

Be sure to vote today.I witnessed a lot of people holding over because of firefighters stuck at the polls. Be sure to vote. If you were unable to vote this morning and are working today you might want to call your BC to see if you are able to leave to go vote. I am not sure if you are granted paid leave in Virginia for this or not, but you are allowed to go vote. Due to the long lines at the

Roanoke running out of Ladder Trucks?

2008-10-29T15:37:00.002-04:00

Today, the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department is operating with 2 of 4 ladder trucks. That is right folks. The entire Southside of the City is left without ladder trucks. Currently, when operable the City has:Ladder 1 - 100' ladderLadder 2 - 95' platformLadder 7 - 75' ladderLadder 13 - 75' ladderReserve Ladder - 121' ladderToday, we have:Ladder 13 - in service with the reserve ladderLadder 2 in

IAFF FIREPAC Targets McCain in TV Ad

2008-10-24T09:19:00.004-04:00

Maybe you have seen this ad running on tv, maybe not. Before you say that your Union dues are paying for this, they are not. This is paid for by the IAFF FIREPAC, which some of you may fund voluntarily. The firefighters in the ad are from Fairfax County. The ads were created in three forms, the one you see and two others taking aim at McCain as well as two other State Senator races I believe in

Roanoke Firefighters Remodel Bryan Lawrence's House

2008-10-22T10:44:00.007-04:00

In an outreach reminiscent of the popular tv show "Extreme Makeover, or possibly the local Habitat for Humanity build post Hurricane Katrina, Roanoke's Firefighters step up to the plate again. No not stepping to the plate like at the annual softball game for MDA or the Golf Tournament (also for MDA), but rather an outreach of Roanoke's Bravest looking out for one of Roanoke's Finest. Yet another

Roanoke crew returns from hurricane relief in Louisiana

2008-10-22T10:38:00.002-04:00

Six members from Roanoke City's fire and police department and water authority are back after spending the last two weeks in Louisiana.The crew went there to help with the clean up left behind from Hurricane Ike.The volunteers were in Cameron Parish, which they say doesn't get a lot of attention because it's a small place with only 8,000 residents.(More)

MVA with entrapment on Bennington Street SE

2008-10-20T14:27:00.002-04:00

Follow this link to the story on VAFireNews.com

Auxiliary Pumpkin Farm Trip

2008-10-19T00:29:00.002-04:00

Hey guys,I am a little late on this due to being busy, but it was posted and emailed out on the Local 1132 site. The Roanoke Firefighters Auxiliary is having a trip to the Layman Family Corn Maze today (Sunday) at 2pm. Check out the Local 1132 site for more (Link).

Officer Bryan Lawrence's House

2008-10-15T09:44:00.005-04:00

UPDATE:Scott Mutter posted the following comment, if you can help please contact him: I know it's short notice. but if any one can go by the Contractors Yard and pick up 8-10 bags ofQuick-Crete #80lbs bags. We have 2 peer hole for the new deck at Officer Larwences house, that i need to get poured befor it rains tommorrow night. C shift is working so i cant get there to do it. You can put it on my

Play Golf Online for Jerry's Kids

2008-10-13T12:08:00.004-04:00

I had the opportunity to speak with some of the IAFF/MDA members while at the IAFF Convention. I got to try out this new game they have begun on the World Golf Tour. The golf game is online and can be played from any computer. The cost is $10 to $30 depending on what you want to take a crack at. The proceeds go to the MDA through the IAFF. The IAFF is the largest contributer to the MDA last year

AFL-CIO's Richard Trumka on Racism and Obama

2008-10-13T08:27:00.000-04:00

AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Richard Trumka blasts racism and underlines why workers should vote Obama in 2008. Excerpt of speech given at Steelworkers convention July 1, 2008, sponsored by USW President Leo Gerard.

Roanoke City Deployment to Cameron Parish, Louisiana

2008-10-09T15:13:00.003-04:00

The members of the Roanoke Deployment team are from right to left: Scott Agner (Water Authority), Audie Ferris (Fire-EMS), Alan Austin (Fire-EMS), Todd Reighley (Fire-EMS), Danny Brabham (Police), David Pope (Fire-EMS), and Paul Lynch (Fairfax Co. Building/Engineering) We are scheduled to return to Roanoke on October 19th.Our team of 7 members is in Cameron Parish Louisiana,manning the Emergency

Paramedic to RN Transition Program

2008-10-08T10:41:00.002-04:00

Information SessionFor the on-linePARAMEDIC TO RN TRANSITION PROGRAMTuesday, November 4, 2008 at 11:00 A.M.in theAnderson BuildingRoom A-330These sessions are open to all who are interested in obtaining information on the Commonwealth (on-line)Paramedic to RN Transition Nursing Program.~~~~~For additional information contact:Barbara Laird (804) 622-8725 / blaird@jtcc.edu Aretha Harris (804) 622

Roanoke County FF in the Marine Corps Marathon

2008-10-06T16:51:00.003-04:00

Barry Brown, a Roanoke County Firefighter, is running in the IAFF Burn Foundation Marine Corps Marathon. He is raising money for the IAFF Burn Foundation.Please take a minute to check out Roanoke County's website and give money for the worthwhile cause. At the right is a picture of Barry at the event in 2007.Link to Roanoke County IAFF site

Open Post on the Fire Officer Seminar

2008-10-05T16:18:00.002-04:00

Some of you have expressed interest in having an open post to comment on the Fire Officer Seminar. Great idea. I thought the seminar was thought provoking and well worth the time. I know a lot of people put a lot of time in making it a success. I know a lot of guys/gals who were able to make it and was happy to see firefighters from all over the State of Virginia. I enjoyed myself and I look

Senator Joe Biden and IAFF President Harold Schaitberger in Roanoke

2008-10-03T15:11:00.002-04:00

This Event has been canceled. Thank you for all who were planning on attending. Attention IAFF members in the Roanoke Valley and across the Commonwealth of Virginia.Harold Schaitberger will be in Roanoke with Senator Joe Biden on Sunday. The event will be held at Century Park Plaza across from the Historic #1 firehouse. You can get into the park by ticket at 11am, with Biden/Schaitberger

Policeman vs Fireman pt. 10

2008-10-01T22:37:00.001-04:00

Clearbrook Agreement to end June 30, 2009

2008-09-29T13:59:00.006-04:00

Where do I start? Much like the rest of the FD I am losing my hair from scratching my head.Ok, accept this as as much of an apology as I am willing to give. The information I posted earlier was a little less than the complete truth. However, that is not entirely my fault. The majority of blame is actually in the hands of the people calling the shots but only giving us the cliffnotes minutes

Fireproof the Movie

2008-09-28T19:32:00.003-04:00

I just got a phone call from a woman who wanted to make sure that her Roanoke Firefighters knew about this movie which is apparently playing at the Tanglewood Cinema. She called the RFFA office. The name of the movie is Fireproof. I heard about this movie some time ago and had since forgotten about it. Check out the website and watch the trailer. By all appearances it seems like a movie about

Reminder: 1st Annual Fire Officer Seminar in Roanoke

2008-09-21T23:29:00.003-04:00

The Roanoke Valley Regional Fire Departments are hosting the 1st Annual Fire Officer Seminar in Roanoke. The event will be held on October 3rd and 4th. The Presentation will be the same for each day from 8am til 5pm. Dan Noonan (FDNY retired) and Michael Dugan (FDNY) will be speaking.Visit www.roanokertc.orgTo register:Roanoke Valley Regional Fire/EMS Training Center1220 Kessler Mill RoadSalem,

RFA Bowling Night

2008-09-18T12:19:00.002-04:00

The message below was sent to our Roanoke Firefighters Auxiliary members. All Roanoke Firefighters and their families are invited. The last one was a blast. Contact RFAuxiliary@gmail.com to rsvp or for more questions.We hope to see everyone this Saturday at Hilltop Lanes (Williamson Road) from 7-10 for the Auxiliary Bowling Night. It is $12.50 per person. Let us know if you all will be attending

Random Thoughts and Contributing Editors

2008-09-17T23:18:00.005-04:00

Has anyone heard the phrase "the beatings will continue until morale improves"? Well it seems as though that has become the Roanoke Fire-EMS Vision Statement.If indeed our management is handed down by our City Manager and Assistant City Manager, then would it be safe to say we could save a lot of money by replacing certain people with monkeys and a lifetime supply of bananas?How long will our

News from Governor Kaine on Price Gouging

2008-09-17T15:52:00.002-04:00

Read below about the investigation of price gouging seen probably the worse in Roanoke several days ago. It seemed as though the outfall of media hype fed by rumors was the drastic increase in fuel prices. This increase was obviously gouging. Read what Gov. Kaine says below:RICHMOND – In an effort to increase the supply of gasoline in the Commonwealth of Virginia following the disruption in

Paramedic to RN Bridge Class in Roanoke

2008-09-16T16:48:00.001-04:00

PARAMEDIC TO RN BRIDGE CLASS I am looking for interested NREMT-P’s who would qualify for a paramedic to RN transition course that can be brought to the area. You must have the prerequisites prior to admission in the program. NO EXCEPTIONS! The course would possibly start in Jan 2010 and be finished in Dec. 2010(LESS THAN 1 YEAR). The classes would be a hybrid type with limited classroom time.

Back in Town Soon

2008-09-13T22:03:00.004-04:00

Hey all, I will be back in town for a few days by Sunday evening. I appreciate the comments and discussions. I would like to address one comment though about how I handled the retirement of Mark Podlewski. I have in the past, posted a picture and as much information as I can find about or retirees. I try my best to honor their service which is just a small gesture that I am afforded due to my

7th Anniversary of September 11th

2008-09-11T09:11:00.003-04:00

Today marks the 7th Anniversary of September 11th. Take the time to reflect on the events and the heroics of so many of our Brothers.Most of all, discuss with and educate our Brothers and Sisters who were not in the department at the time.Maybe discuss what you were doing when you found out, how long you watched the news to see the events unfold, or what your first thoughts were when you saw what

Open Post

2008-09-10T09:59:00.002-04:00

Here is an open post while I am out of town, although I have a topic for you.If you would like, please discuss the blog. For instance what you like or don't like. Maybe what you would like to see done, or what you would do if you ran things. I will be back in town Sunday.

Vote on Local 1132

2008-09-06T23:25:00.002-04:00

Ok, I have corrected the glitch for all the newly registered members on the Local 1132 site. You should be able to click on online voting and the voting initiative will show. My apologies. If indeed you still cannot see the voting initiative, please contact me directly and I will update your profile.One other note. If you have already registered, please do not register again. If you cannot find

Fill the Boot for MDA

2008-09-06T09:03:00.003-04:00

Today and Tomorrow (Sat. and Sun.) The Roanoke Fire Fighters Association is holding a Fill the Boot for MDA. Members of the Roanoke Firefighters Auxiliary and Salem's Local will also going to be on hand to help. The event will be held from 10am - 3pm at the Kroger's at Towers and Crossroads. Please plan on being there to help for any length of time. If you need to contact someone, give me a call

Firefighter Mark Podlewski Retires

2008-09-04T14:46:00.003-04:00

Mark Podlewski is retiring effective November 1, 2008. His last day on the job was Tuesday, September 2nd. Mark was hired by the Roanoke Fire Department on July 1, 1991, although he actually transferred from the Roanoke Police Department where I believe he was hired in 1984.Mark's last assignment was at Station 13 on A-Shift with Captain Yearout. He will be missed. I always enjoyed getting him

RFFA is looking for feedback on the 2008 Banquet

2008-09-02T13:44:00.003-04:00

Attention all RFFA members, please take the time to complete a short one answer voting initiative on the Local 1132 website. If you would like to leave further comments on the banquet, feel free to leave feedback here or contact myself or Tim Parry.Click here for LOCAL1132.org

Roanoke Fire-EMS Deploys Team to St. Bernard's Parrish, LA

2008-09-01T22:21:00.003-04:00

From the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department:Roanoke Fire-EMS has been called upon by EMAC once again to deploy a Hurricane Recovery Team to St. Bernard's Parrish, LA. This group of 8 Fire-EMS personnel will serve with the Incident Management Team inLouisiana.The team consists of: Deputy Chief Ralph Tartaglia, Battalion Chief Jeff Beckner, Battalion Chief Teddy Adkins, Captain Werner Van Damme, Captain

Open Post

2008-08-27T09:33:00.004-04:00

The Roanoke Firefighters Auxiliary Bowling Night has been canceled for this Friday and will be rescheduled.Otherwise...OPEN POSTSomeone asked me about a shirt I was wearing once. The shirt was the Roanoke Fire Blog shirt. You can purchase them here: http://www.cafepress.com/roanokefire. There are two designs. The newest is the one with the "Roanoke Fire Blog" on the front. If you have a slogan

Upcoming Events for Roanoke's Firefighters

2008-08-24T14:22:00.004-04:00

There are several upcoming events:Monday, August 25th is the RFFA Business MeetingAugust 29th is the next Roanoke Firefighters Auxiliary Bowling night. Event details will be announced soon. The last bowling night was a lot of fun and well attended.On September 6th and 7th, the RFFA will have a Fill the Boot event to benefit the MDA. The event details are TBA. Contact Becky Smith or Steve McFaden

Words or Actions...which is cheaper

2008-08-23T12:18:00.003-04:00

There was an interesting comment on the last post which read something like this:Awesome to have some good news and posts on here for a change. Great JobI find this interesting. I don't disagree the fact that the post it refers to is good news. What I do find interesting is that so much of what is on this blog is good news. It is easier to remember the negative over the positive aspects though. I

Salem Firefighters Honored for Rescue

2008-08-22T10:20:00.004-04:00

When Salem’s Swift Water Rescue team was put to the test in February of 2003, its members responded with amazing courage and humility, saying afterwards, “We were just doing our jobs.”On that February 22nd day, team members Mike Elston, Tim Graham and Shawn Stanley knew they were in trouble when the Roanoke Valley was hit with over two inches of rain in a 24 hour period. As the rivers and streams

Playing the Odds Mentality

2008-08-22T09:10:00.003-04:00

You know that mentality that our City leaders have that we can play the odds when it comes to Public Safety. We remove a truck here and move a truck there. Decrease the police officers and firefighters. Consolidate this station and that station. Then we tell everyone nothing will change. This is playing the odds.This mentality is a lot cheaper than "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Cheaper to

Policeman VS Fireman Part 9

2008-08-22T09:08:00.002-04:00

Fireman Jake vs Policeman Perry Part 9Thanks for the heads up by the anonymous commenter on the new video.

Roanoke Fire Blog hits the news

2008-08-20T09:20:00.002-04:00

Over the years, I have formed friendships and acquaintances with many journalist and bloggers. There are several who check in daily to VAFireNews.com and the Roanoke Fire Blog. Several picked up the story about the blog being banned.View some of the stories here:STATter 911 - a reporter with WUSA9 in D.C. Firefighter HourlyFireGeezerYou may have to scroll down on the blogs, the stories ran

Station Coins

2008-08-19T19:54:00.004-04:00

Station 9's Coin and a message from Goodo. If you have a photo of #1's coin send it in. Correct me if I am wrong, but these are considered Challenge coins aren't they.Here is the picture of our Station 9 coin. Its the building when it opened with the old doors and no office addition. Since they are shutting it down soon we thought we should get on it now. Hopefully the other stations will see

Roanoke Fire Blog Banned By Chief

2008-08-19T09:17:00.003-04:00

I guess the most interesting thing about this blog being banned by the Chief is that it is being banned right now. I have covered very interesting topics in the past that have not had the same effect. Do not misunderstand me, a ban was not my intent.I still maintain that this blog is positive and shows the unadulterated opinion of the Firefighters of the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department. An attempt to

Banned

2008-08-18T22:07:00.003-04:00

Wait for it....wait for it...wait for it...It will be positive, professional, and warranted.For the other media outlets, THIS web site and RoanokeFirefighters.com have been banned on Roanoke City Computers in a fit of Censorship from the Roanoke Fire-EMS Chief.

2008 IAFF Convention

2008-08-18T10:15:00.004-04:00

Rodney Jordan, Duane Dixon, Brent Berry, and I recently returned from the IAFF Convention in Las Vegas. In case you were wondering, the Convention is a "Business Meeting" of sorts. We vote on resolutions which set forth the business for the next two years as well as beyond. If you would like to view video and resolutions, check out the IAFF website.Rodney and I were pleasantly surprised to see

About the Open Post

2008-08-18T10:04:00.002-04:00

I must say that the commentary on the last Open Post was rather amusing. I did not have time to read every comment until just now. Some of the comments were just hilarious. The raw bread comment takes the cake.It is interesting to see how the comments escalated.I have a lot to add, I just need to find the time. Maybe soon.Do you guys think I should have a weekly Open Post? Every Friday maybe?

NCPERS Report on Public Pensions

2008-08-18T09:58:00.002-04:00

Check out Local1132.org for a detailed report from NCPERS on Public Pensions. This article compares Defined Benefit to Defined Contribution plans.Link - Local1132.orgBy the way, the Local site is back up and running. The issue was with our previous domain host, we have successfully moved domain hosting to the same host as our web server and this issue has been corrected. I apologize for the

Officer Bryan Lawrence Benefit Car Truck & Motorcycle Show

2008-08-18T09:14:00.001-04:00

Officer Bryan Lawrence Benefit Car Truck & Motorcycle Show On May 10th 2008 a Roanoke Virginia police officer was viciously and brutally attacked while attempting to make an arrest in Roanoke City. Officer Lawrence was assaulted by two assailants and severely beaten and kicked in the head and neck leaving him unconscious and paralyzed on a city street. Officer Lawrence is

Open Post

2008-08-08T15:11:00.003-04:00

I will be out of town from the 9th til the 16th. I offer you another open post. You guys comment on whatever the heck you want. Please try and keep it civil. I will try and post the comments as often as possible. Have fun and be safe. All are welcome, outsiders included. Maybe we can break the record for comments with this one, having a week to post comments. The current record stands around 48.-

FF hurt, Roanoke Cop Blog and an Update

2008-08-06T21:00:00.002-04:00

Steve Dixon, a Salem (VA) Firefighter suffered a heart attack on scene of a structure fire Monday. Dixon is believed to have been venting a roof of a house fire when he became ill. He is recovering at the hospital and has undergone surgery. His family would like their privacy during his recovery from what I understand. Our thoughts and prayers are with him during this time.The Roanoke Cop Blog is

This article is a must read

2008-07-28T15:41:00.002-04:00

Follow the link to the article below. This is an expertly written article characterising firefighters showing full respect for a Firefighter who died in the Line if Duty. A very moving article of our Love for each other that is the Brotherhood shown through at a very trying time in a Department's healing after the death of a young firefighter.Link to the article

Roanoke Firefighters Auxiliary trip to Emerald Pointe

2008-07-24T14:55:00.004-04:00

The Roanoke Firefighters Auxiliary hosted a trip to Wet N' Wild Emerald Pointe yesterday. I must say that if you are in need of a decent family trip and do not want to put up with the planning or excecution of the trip, let the Auxiliary take care of the hard work for you.The Auxiliary recently had a bowling night as well. They have posted pictures on their website here. The trip to Emerald

Roanoke Firefighters Water Supply Class

2008-07-24T14:21:00.004-04:00

Department Instructors presented a Water Supply Class in 18 four hour blocks for city firefighters.The class covered “Relay Operations” and the fundamentals of LDH supply hose.“It has been a successful class. A “Back to the Basics” class is always beneficial. The older Firefighters enjoy the practice, and we have so many new young people for which the experience is a first. It truly is a win-win

Still Going

2008-07-22T23:33:00.004-04:00

Hey guys,I just realized that it has been over a week since my last post. I have been busy much like most of you all. I have so much to say, and I hope to get to it soon.Tomorrow (Wednesday) I am taking the kids to Emerald Pointe with several other families. The Roanoke Firefighters Auxiliary set up the trip. We are hoping for decent weather.There has been a lot going on in the City, although at

Retired Captain James Givens Passes Away

2008-07-13T02:09:00.002-04:00

Retired Captain James Givens passed away on Friday. He worked for the Roanoke Fire Department for 42 years, serving most of them at Station 9. The funeral arrangements are as follows: viewing Sunday 2-4pm and 6-8pm; viewing Monday 6-8pm; Funeral Tuesday 2pm all at the Downtown Oakey's. Honor Guard Members are needed. Contact Richard Lipes, Chief Tartaglia, or myself by pager if you can help. Also

Tanker Fire Shuts Down Route 220 in Downtown Roanoke

2008-07-13T02:07:00.003-04:00

Tanker Fire in Roanoke. More on VAFireNews.com.

Message from the Roanoke Firefighters Auxiliary reference to trip to Emerald Pointe

2008-07-11T14:24:00.004-04:00

We finally have our Emerald Pointe Trip reservations made. We will be going to Wet and Wild Emerald Pointe on Wednesday, July 23rd. We will be leaving Roanoke at 7:30am and will return home around 9:30pm, as the park is open from 10am-7pm. (We will let you know where we will be leaving from at a later date) The total cost of the trip is $46.00 for adults and children over 48" tall and $38.00 for

Open Post

2008-07-10T23:10:00.002-04:00

This is an open post for the readers. I want to hear from you. Whether you comment on here occasionally, frequently, or never have I want to hear what you have to say about the site and what direction you think it should be going. I do put a lot of time into this site and I enjoy it very much. I just want to make sure that I am making the best use of the site for the readers from the outside and

At 9 for Homemade Ice Cream

2008-07-10T08:44:00.004-04:00

E13 and L13 went down to Station 9 for homemade ice cream. M9 had been there for a minute between calls, but missed the photo op. L-R is Captain Willie Wines Jr., FF Josh Slaughter, FF Josh Compton, FF Chris Elmore, Lt. Jeremy Benninton, 1st Lt. Sam Stump, FF Brad Glidden, FF/PM Scott Boone, and Captain Robert Perdue. Not in picture are FF Kenny Walker and FF Ben Obaugh on M9, Lenny English

Roanoke Fire-EMS and JCHS

2008-07-10T08:41:00.004-04:00

Here is a video from on of the students of Jefferson College of Health Sciences. It is a view through their eyes of our Department and their program. You guys at work will not be able to see this as it is hosted on YouTube. Enjoy.UPDATE: The video was taken offline, and now has be edited to give credit for some of the photos. The video is live again. Enjoy.

For Love of the Job

2008-07-08T13:47:00.003-04:00

Firefighters will tell you that Firefighting is more of a lifestyle and less of a job. Although "job" is what it tends to be referred to, the word has more meaning than what outsiders realize. That is just one thing that outsiders or "civilians" don't realize about our "job".Firefighting is one of those jobs that is very hard to explain or even justify. For example, whenever it suits the media or

Gold's Gym offers 12 open memberships

2008-07-04T10:13:00.002-04:00

The new Gold's Gym at Crossroads (old New Fitness building) has partnered with the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department to offer 12 open memberships in exchange for CPR classes taught by our members. What does this mean for you? Well it means that at any given time, 12 of our members may be working out at Gold's Gym for free, all you have to do is show your City ID. In exchange, our CPR instructors will

Backdraft, not likely...Explosion Definitely

2008-07-04T09:42:00.003-04:00

Do you need any help there Billy? We need some more help, we have one stream in operation and the first floor is fully involved...wait make that HOOOOLY SHIIIT. HOOOLY COW THAT WAS INCREDIBLE.This is some amazing footage.Backdraft Levels Two Story Building - Watch more free videos

Public Safety Employee Disaster Assistance Program

2008-07-03T12:09:00.003-04:00

Public Safety Employee Disaster Assistance ProgramThe Commonwealth has enacted new legislation that offers financial assistance to public safety responders. Section 44-146.17 in the Code of Virginia states that public safety employees who respond to a disaster can receive assistance from the state under the following conditions: * The governor has declared a state of emergency; and * The

Milwaukee: Bandaids on Bullet Holes

2008-06-25T19:21:00.002-04:00

Check out this story on THEHOUSEWATCH.COM. They are looking at cuts as well.

An Answer

2008-06-24T22:00:00.002-04:00

Someone asked a question in a comment on the last post about Butch Ferguson. I do not know how he is doing exactly. I do know that he is living at the Raleigh Court Health Care Center. He suffered a stroke a year ago January and another one more recently. The last time I saw him was in November. He was getting around then, although there was obvious deficiencies due to the stroke.I got word today

2008 RVFFCU Annual Dinner Meeting at Mill Mountain Zoo

2008-06-24T16:27:00.003-04:00

The 2008 Annual Dinner meeting will be held at Mill Mountain Zoo this year on July 11th. The Roanoke Virginia Firemen Federal Credit Union rents out the entire zoo and invites members and guests to enjoy an evening of food and fun with at the zoo. If you have kids, this is a perfect event for them. Door prizes, caricatures, the zoo choo, and other events are popular each year.Contact the Credit

At Face Value

2008-06-21T21:13:00.002-04:00

What the Citizens of Roanoke don't understand is that by taking Engine 13 out of service now, the department is setting up them up to make them feel better when they remove Engine 9 from service.When the new Station 5 opens, it will be a combination of the current Station 5 and 9 (currently housing Engine 5, Engine 9, and Medic 9 collectively). When the combination occurs, Ladder 13 will be moved

The New Tradition...

2008-06-18T23:30:00.006-04:00

I was just reading an email from Billy Goldfeder. The email wasn't to me personally, actually it was broadcast to probably several thousands of email accounts nearly daily. The email is titled the secret list. Long story short, it started many years ago between peers and today it informs thousands of LODD's, on duty injuries, accidents, stupidity, and the like relating to firefighters.Today's

Charleston 9

2008-06-18T10:50:00.001-04:00

Today marks the one year anniversary of the LODD's in Charleston. I have added several links to information on websites covering the incident on VAFireNews.com.Never Forget

1300

2008-06-18T10:41:00.002-04:00

1300 riders; that is the figure given for motorcycle riders in the benefit ride for Officer Bryan Lawrence. The latest tally is that the ride raised around $40,000 for Bryan.That is quite the event.Bryan is in therapy at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. The Shepherd Center is a Catastrophic Care Hospital. If you would like to keep up with Bryan, go to Carepages.com. You will have to login and then

I give you Fireman Jake and Policeman Perry Part 8

2008-06-12T19:59:00.000-04:00

RFA Bowling Night, Officer Bryan Lawrence Motorcycle Ride, and a Rant at the End of it All

2008-06-11T13:42:00.003-04:00

Hey all, the blog is still active. I have heard rumor of it getting shut down and that is not true. I have been busy. Very busy as a matter of fact. After all of the turmoil with the budget cuts, I have had to catch up on being a husband and a father on top of a little bit of travel. So I am writing this post as an update to several things.First of all, the Roanoke Firefighters Auxiliary (link)

Firefighters beat the heat for cancer research

2008-06-08T22:57:00.002-04:00

"There are no flames to put out, but some local firefighters are sure feeling the heat and all for a good cause. Fire and EMS teams from Roanoke and Salem braved the heat Sunday to raise money for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Research at Duke University. "I am sorry I missed this event. I was out of town. I hope all who were involved had a great time and raised some money.Check out the video and

Even the Citizens are recognizing it.

2008-06-04T16:14:00.001-04:00

Read this post of the state of City Employees hereMy particular complaint has to do with the fact that the city council, like the school board, has been the tail wagged by the dog. It isn’t like council doesn’t know the woman has been a holy terror. It isn’t like they don’t know she’s called Madame Umbrage – some of them probably have used the terms themselves – but the fact that they still do

RFA hosts Family Bowling Night

2008-06-03T00:54:00.003-04:00

This is a message from the RFA (Roanoke Firefighters Auxiliary). Be sure to email them if you are a spouse and interested in getting involved in the RFA as well.The Roanoke Firefighters Auxiliary is hosting a Family Bowling night for all union members including their families(including children). The event will be held Friday, June 13th from 7-10PM @ Hilltop Lanes on Williamson Road. The rate for

The direction the Blog is going

2008-06-03T00:49:00.002-04:00

Apparently, some people do not like the blog anymore. Some of these people are the subject of a lot of the posts recently. I apologize. Not for the posts, but for the need for them. However, this isn't my fault. I am not the one who openly admits (and has to many firefighters) that he said what he had to say on camera and to the Roanoke City Council to keep his job. The words he spoke came from

This is what we do...

2008-05-30T15:36:00.002-04:00

I was reading this story on FireGeezer (link) and it got me thinking about another story I had read recently. Basically, the point is that no matter what we do on duty or off duty we are always Firefighters and EMT's. We do it because we love it, we do it because people's lives depend on it, we do it to serve, and servants we are. Sure, we may not be rescuing victims from the 9th floor of a high

Bikers will ride to help officer

2008-05-27T10:39:00.002-04:00

The fundraiser is in honor of Bryan Lawrence, who was left paralyzed after trying to stop a suspect. By Marvin Anderson 981-3340 The Roanoke Police Department is sponsoring a fundraiser for an officer who was beaten and paralyzed while attempting to subdue a suspect earlier this month. The motorcycle run in honor of Officer Bryan Lawrence is

Roanoke Fire-EMS Department being led down a path fewer are taking

2008-05-22T14:24:00.004-04:00

I have had a lot of time to think about the events which have unfolded in Roanoke in relation to the Budget cuts. The thoughts I have often turn to realization that the people we have talked to about this situation do not grasp the issue at hand.The remembrance of September 11, 2001 is lost to our local politicians down to our Fire Chief. The understanding that it is not possible to comprehend

Roanoke City Police Officer Bryan Lawrence

2008-05-14T23:47:00.003-04:00

Update:Anyone wishing to make a donation to Bryan Lawrence and his family can do so at any SunTrust Bank Branch. The Roanoke City Police Association has an account set up on his behalf. The name on the account is "RCPA Bryan Lawrence Fund". All money collected will be forwarded to his family to assist in his expenses. As most of you all know, Roanoke City Police Officer Bryan Lawrence

Video from the Future

2008-05-13T11:54:00.003-04:00

I can see it now. In an effort to ensure response times and to make sure not to be proven wrong after making cuts that he said will not change a thing, the Fire Chief and others beat the streets to stop traffic to get the fire apparatus to calls on time.Here is a look into the future.And of course we have to talk about the increase in fees. More than likely, we don't have enough firefighters to

Two plus two equals FORE

2008-05-12T22:11:00.003-04:00

Apparently now just because you hold a title you are right. At least that is what some Council Members think. Council Member Gwen Mason says in an interview with WSLS says that Management assured her that the proposed cuts wouldn't change anything. This is hard to comprehend. The Fire Chief says one thing and 250+ Firefighters say that he is wrong. In a detailed 40+ page report the Firefighters

If he said so...then he must be right

2008-05-12T16:20:00.004-04:00

It is sad to hear of what the Roanoke Firefighters think now that the budget cuts have been confirmed.Mostly, the firefighters believe they have lost the backing of their Fire Chief. I think it is obvious, others needed a little more time to come around to the realization.It is funny though, you hear Council Members and others say things like...well that is what he is paid to do...and he is just

Capabilities

2008-05-11T22:44:00.003-04:00

Remember that the Council Meeting is Monday May 12th at 2pm. We are meeting at Noon at the Union Hall. Call me if you have questions.These past two weeks have been interesting. There have been a lot of comments that have offered more insight to the events which have consumed most of the Roanoke Firefighters lives. I have heard from a lot of firefighters as well as their wives and even some

Monday Council Meeting

2008-05-10T07:39:00.001-04:00

Attention all Local 1132 Members. All available members are asked to attend the Roanoke City Council Meeting on Monday May 12, 2008 at 2pm. We will be meeting at the Union Hall for lunch (provided) at noon and then going to the Council Meeting. We will not be able to speak at the Council Meeting. However we want City Council to have to look us in the eye when they take Engine 13 out of service

Budget Saga Continues

2008-05-08T16:20:00.003-04:00

Tonight there will be an interview on Channel 10 sometime either 5, 5:30, 6, or 11. Watch it. I will not be able to watch it until later on the internet.There will be an article in the paper tomorrow.Channel 7 and the Roanoke Times reported that the City Council has agreed to the Budget with the exception of adding the funds in to resurface the Eureka park tennis courts. City Council still has to

Fire on 6th Street Southeast

2008-05-08T09:51:00.004-04:00

Roanoke Firefighters battle a house fire in Southeast Roanoke.One homeowner is reported to be injured as well as one Firefighter taken to the hospital.Click here for more pictures and information on VAFireNews.comUPDATE: One firefighter suffered from possible heat exhaustion/dehydration at the scene and is at RMH now recovering.

Roanoke Loves a Strong Union

2008-05-07T22:06:00.003-04:00

You should read this post on another blog and then you should comment. Before you comment, read my comment on the post. I have put a little below, but the guy doesn't know what he is talking about. If you have ever posted a comment on this blog, you should leave a comment on his. I suggest you kill him with kindness or speak above him, neither of which should be very hard.Here is an excerpt from

Editorial: Roanoke's budget pinches all

2008-05-05T19:34:00.002-04:00

The Roanoke Times editorial staff was quick to point the finger at the Roanoke Fire Fighters Association for showing support against a proposed budget cut that would take an engine out of service as well as decrease the workforce. They say we need to take our lumps and not speak out against the budget cuts. I say the Roanoke Times gets rid of all but one of the Roanoke Times Editorial writers and

Press Conference Canceled

2008-05-05T07:28:00.001-04:00

The Press Conference at Station 13 has been canceled today.