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Posted: Apr 25, 2018

Nahant (MA) May Replace 38-Year-Old Fire Apparatus

The new engine will be purchased using the federal Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program, which will provide the town with $445,000 in grant money. The request funds would cover the town’s portion of the cost, according to Fire Chief Michael Feinberg.

The grant money was awarded after the department’s third attempt to secure funding to replace the fire engine, said firefighter Austin Antrim, who has been applying for grants for the department since 2009. The new truck would go in the front bay of the fire house, where Engine 31 is currently stationed. Engine 31 would become the second engine and would reside in the temporary structure. The structure would look similar to what many towns use to store salt and extra equipment. It would be insulated, heated, and have electricity, said Feinberg.

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Posted: Apr 25, 2018

Victor (MT) Looks to Double Size of Fire Station

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Posted: Apr 25, 2018

Administrative Professionals Day

On behalf of your Washington Fire Administrative Support (WFAS) Board and Committee Members, we would like to acknowledge your hard work, dedication and commitment to the fire service and the work that you do. We all play an integral part in the departments we work for and the communities we serve, but perhaps don’t always get the acknowledgement that goes along with it. I hope everyone feels valued for their efforts and feels the support of your network of peers within the WFAS Section. Enjoy your day and I am so excited to see 96 of you in Walla Walla at our annual conference next week!

 

Ashley Becker, WFAS Section Chair

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Posted: Apr 25, 2018

2018 Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award Presented to Cobb County (GA) Firefighter Rusty Brown

During today's Opening Ceremony of FDIC International 2018, Cobb County (GA) Firefighter Rusty Brown was presented with the Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award for his role in a 2017 rescue.

Firefighter Brown went above and beyond the call of duty during the incident at High Falls State Park (READ FULL ACCOUNT). He was picked for a mission that was unknown until his arrival. For this, he was unanimously picked by the Courage and Valor Foundation Selection Committee as the recipient of the 2018 Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award.  

The Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award pays tribute to the memory of firefighters who were lost on 9/11/2001 by presenting an award that memorializes the name and legacy of Fire Department of New York Deputy Chief Ray Downey, one of the greatest fire service leaders of our time. The award is a medal and a check for $35,000.

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Posted: Apr 25, 2018

Opening Ceremony Keynoter Dan DeGryse Offers Straight Talk

In his “Straight Talk” keynote address this morning at the Opening Session, Daniel DeGryse, director of the Rosecrance Florian Program and a battalion chief in the Chicago (L) Fire Department, celebrated the fact that Mental Health was now a prominent topic at FDIC International. He advised audience members to get on their cellphones and, “Send the message that it is okay to talk about this issue at home, at work, and at FDIC.”

DeGryse’s objective was to share with the audience how to “think better, feel better, and be better.” He noted that it took decades and the courage and initiative of many predecessors to bring about advancement in fireground tactics, structural firefighting gear, and equipment. As far as mental health awareness and education are concerned, the fire service is now [quoting Chief Bobby Halton] “at the beginning of the beginning.”

He explained: “Our career, like a career in the police and military, will change us and affect the person who entered the academy excited, anxious, proud, and willing to do the job.  We will repeatedly witness and experience trauma in ways that everyday citizens do not.” He quoted Jeffery Denning, a decorated war hero and the author of Warrior SOS: “Whether there are subtle changes or drastic ones, no warrior views life the same after engaging in the things of battle.”

Part of the problem, he added, is that fire service members are not taught how to process the disturbing sights of victims and observers and their reactions or their own reactions to such experiences. “Our mission to protect life and property can come with a price on our mental well-being that affects all aspects of our lives. Everyone in this room can close their eyes at any moment and picture a scenario they experienced in their career and the feelings attached to it.

“We need to modify the thoughts and perceptions of being the tough, rugged, strong, and resolute individuals and what that means,” DeGryse asserted. “It is difficult to completely pursue leadership, have pride on the job, and strive to be our best selves unless we first address our mental health.” He asked audience members to “use your personalities, experiences, and characteristics in a way that promotes well-being for all of us. Model behaviors useful to your success; demonstrate vulnerability, encourage others to do the same, and mentor those around you as you see opportunity.” The fire service, DeGryse said, is “learning that we are physically, mentally, and emotionally affected by our experiences, and we need to acknowledge this and take direction on how to address it.”

Modeling, Vulnerability, and Mentoring

DeGryse advocated that fire service members engage in “modeling,” is a form of learning in which individuals ascertain how to act or perform by observing another individual. He pointed out that it is just as important to assess for fitness of duty every individual standing beside them each day as it is to inspect their gear, tools, and equipment. Supervisors, he said, should engage their coworkers and subordinates as part of their morning duties—ask, “How are you doing?” And, he cautioned, “really mean it.” It should be a greeting to which you anticipate a response.  He offered an example of how a simple greeting can become a meaningful encounter. All—from the candidate to the chief--are responsible for the direction in which your physical and mental health are heading, DeGryse said. “I ask you to be a model and walk the walk we are discussing today. Let’s lead by example and model the behaviors we want to see in our coworkers.”

Addressing vulnerability, DeGryse said it is not comfortable to talk about being susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm, and fire service training teaches that how not to be vulnerable or to put yourself or your team at an unreasonable risk. “I believe differently,” he countered. “We should make an effort to be emo

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