Chris Mc Loone

As we all know, each October, fire departments across the country participate in Fire Prevention Week. Activities include school and other organization visits, station tours, and general open houses where the public is invited en masse to visit the station.

Chiefs, line officers, and firefighters are all on hand to welcome the public and help the kids in and out of the fire apparatus. Honestly, as much as I love the bells on our fire trucks, by the end of Fire Prevention Night, I’m ready to unbolt them from cab after hearing them ring all night.

The kids generally love the open houses in my area. My department has five fire companies, and some of the families make it to each open house during Fire Prevention Week. As much as the kids love getting in and out of the apparatus over and over again and collecting whatever fire prevention-themed giveaways are available, we aren’t only there to shine for them. Sure, the firehouse sparkles a little more, and the trucks shine a little brighter, but we are there as much for the adults as the kids. And, it’s the adults who usually ask the tougher questions.

A few years ago, Fire Prevention Night fell on the exact day we placed a new pumper in service. We were all excited about it and looked forward to showing it off. Members of the apparatus purchasing committee were understandably proud of the apparatus they built. I was still a captain then, and Fire Prevention Week activities fell to me to coordinate. As happy as I was to be showing off the new rig, I was more elated that the night was going off without a hitch. And then, a parent came up to me, and I got the question: “How much did that cost?”

This is always a tricky question to answer. You would be amazed at how many people think Weldon Fire Company is a career fire company. The truck committee worked very hard on this truck with the manufacturer to negotiate a purchase price that was amenable to all parties. We are certainly not hiding anything, but we also don’t want to give the wrong impression. Luckily for me that night, this resident was not out looking for a fight or to poke holes in our purchasing process and genuinely appreciated the information I provided. Most people don’t have a good feel for the cost of doing business as a fire department-whether volunteer, combination, or career. Are your members, however, prepared to answer this question? Are they prepared to address possibly negative follow-up comments?

It’s critical that everyone involved in this type of event to be on the same page about how to handle situations like this. The easiest thing for any firefighter to do would be to refer these questions to one of the people wearing the white shirts at an event. Besides residents, very often elected officials attend these events, and the last thing anyone wants is for a fire company’s decisions to be called into question because of an ill-advised answer.

Getting back to the kids, they are our future. This week provides an excellent opportunity for us to put our best foot forward to “get them started” while they’re young. Their eyes light up when the get into a truck and put the SCBA straps over their shoulders, picturing themselves riding in the back in the future. At Independence Day parades, their eyes light up when we wave back to them. Now they get to meet us! This type of accessibility, especially on the volunteer side of the business, is critical to sustaining the future of the fire service. If kids are turned off at an early age, it is ver

(Above, some of the award recipients from OnStar)

Yesterday, OnStar celebrated its 20th anniversary by giving $20,000 each to 20 public safety personnel who experienced serious physical injury or hardship that impacted their ability to perform their jobs.

OnStar identified the 20 recipients by working with the International Association of Chiefs of Police Foundation (IACPF), Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) – Sunshine Fund, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).

“Each day OnStar receives more than 245,000 calls from drivers in need of some support, so we understand the importance of a human connection, especially in an emergency situation,” said Christine Sitek, OnStar chief operating officer for General Motors’ Global Connected Customer Experience team. “The first responder community plays a vital role in working with OnStar advisors to quickly deliver emergency services to our drivers and passengers in need. We couldn’t have become a leader in safety and security without their support.”

One of the selected first responders, Andy Allison, was a firefighter at the Lewisville Fire Department in Lewisville, Texas, when he sustained career-altering injuries while responding to a structure fire. Since his injury, Allison has dedicated his life to helping others manage occupational medicine and advocating for others suffering debilitating injuries in the line of duty. He has been speaking around the country on how to prepare for worst-case scenarios and manage life after a debilitating injury.

“My goal is to help other firefighters prepare for if, or when, they get hurt,” said Allison. “In this career, you need to know what can be done proactively to protect yourself and your family, both physically and financially, and I want to help others be equipped to manage whatever comes their way.”

“Thanks to public safety responders across the nation, OnStar is able to provide a life-saving connection that is needed every hour, every day for the past 20 years,” said Cathy Bishop, OnStar Global Emergency Services senior manager. “This donation demonstrates our great appreciation for all first responders, especially those who suffer serious injury and financial hardship in the name of public service.”

20 Years of Innovating Connected Emergency Services When GM debuted OnStar in 1996, it was the first in-vehicle technology in the industry to automatically connect to a live person when the vehicle’s airbags deployed. That advisor would work with first responders to provide assistance.

Along with industry-leading technology, OnStar’s emergency advisors receive innovative training, allowing them to be prepared for all situations, from vehicle crashes to mothers giving birth to natural disasters. OnStar has implemented Emergency Medical Dispatch with its advisors, which uses set protocols to assess the situation and provide pre-arrival information to first responders. Together, OnStar’s technology and advisors give first responders the information they need before arriving on the scene.

For the full list of recipients, go

The Demarest firefighters won the bid, spending $8,600.00 of their own money to purchase the pumper and make the donation.