The other day at an incident, I watch a veteran member of our department back up a vehicle without a backer even though there was a person in the passenger seat (two other members stood next to me when it happened). I walked over to the vehicle and had the driver stop and the passenger got out and finished backing the vehicle.  I asked the passenger, a member with less than 5 years on, why he didn’t get out and serve as a backer?  He looked at me and said “I wasn’t asked to”.  My next question was, “Did you ask the diver if a backer was needed?” The answer was “no”. I asked why and the passenger could not give me an answer.   After discussing with the two about the necessity of a backer, along with quoting the policy, I was approached by one of the people who, was standing next to me when this whole situation started to unfold.  That person very proudly said to me “I watch him do that all the time”.  I looked at that person and asked, wait for it, “Why haven’t you said anything?” I did not get a response and the person just shrugged and walked away.

Saying goodbye is difficult! Starting a new chapter in your life is exciting!

I will be saying goodbye to all of you as the Executive Director of the Washington Fire Chiefs on December 31, 2013. It was 9 years ago that I started this adventure to help your elected officers Serve, Educate and Lead this great association. I am also excited to pass the responsibility to Chief Wayne Senter who will begin on January 1, 2014 for a seamless transition. The WFC deserves your support and participation and when we are united the fire service is an incredible force. Do not miss an opportunity to be part of building the future of the fire service. The most difficult goodbye will be to Kathleen and Lori who bring joy to me on a daily basis. They love you and the WFC and work tirelessly to ensure goals are achieved. They are the best and they aren't going anywhere!

 

The WFC would like to update you on the situation with Chief Dave Lafave.  Join the WFC and keep him in your prayers as we hope for his speedy recovery.

Subject: Update Chief LaFave 12/9/13

Chief had a good day. He walked 11 laps around the unit which was 1 lap over the goal the doctors set. He talks a lot about the good conversations he has had with the folks he normally would not have had the opportunity to have long conversations with, he is very grateful to everyone for their concerns and various forms of assistance. Still shooting for release on Wednesday as long as everything keeps moving in the right direction.

Feel free to shoot him an email, he is probably up to getting a few now that things have calmed down an bit.

AMKUS Rescue Systems Mini Simo GH2B-MCH with BOOST offers two-tool simultaneous operation with "BOOST" mode. When in alternate operation, "BOOST" mode will increase tool speed in both pump stages. Weighing in at approximately 58 pounds, the compact unit offers a carrying handle and is very portable. In addition, the modular design reduces the time required for service.
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HAIX's Airpower® XR1 was developed with the wildland firefighter in mind. The Airpower® XR1 can take personnel to the fireline and back while offering the comfort you need to keep you on your feet all day in the station. The newly developed cushioned insole offers comfort, especially when combined with the HAIX® built-in arch support system. The Airpower® XR1 offers waterproof/chemical protection with the CROSSTECH® inner liner, composite toe protection, and nonmetallic puncture protection. Compliant with NFPA 1977 and NFPA 1999.
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Gorman-Rupp fire pumps are engineered to deliver dependable performance without interruption. From portable to larger tanker pumps, all are designed for little or no maintenance. Tanker pumps are suitable for water transfer, drafting, and fighting brush fires. These pumps are self-priming and easy to mount and feature aluminum or cast iron construction with enclosed impellers. Pumps are available in clockwise or counterclockwise rotation and come standard with a mechanical self-lubricating seal.
-www.GRpumps.com, 419-755-1011

Paratech's HYDRAFUSION STRUT is available in three types: HFS 16 (lifts 16 inches), HFS 10 (lifts 10 inches), and HFS 04 (lifts four inches). All lift 10 tons with a 2:1 safety factor. All shore 20,000 pounds with a 4:1 safety factor. They feature the patent-pending Dual Shaft End Adapter for use with Paratech AcmeThread or LongShore RescueStruts as well as no-spill, flat-face hydraulic couplings with a nonconductive 10-inch kink-resistant hose. Two speed, single acting, lightweight, 10,000 psi, metal hydraulic pump.
-www.paratech.com/hfs3, 815-469-3911

Streamlight® Vantage® bright red helmet-mounted tactical light is powered by C4® LED technology for extreme brightness. Both the new red and the existing black Vantage also now feature an improved light output of 115 lumens and 7,000 candela peak beam intensity, and an increased beam distance of 167 meters. The helmet light also features an ultra-bright blue safety tail light that enables firefighters and rescue workers to be seen in smoke-filled rooms, blackout conditions and other emergency situations regardless of which direction the light is shining. The red Vantage uses two 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries and delivers six hours of continuous run time. Streaml