RoanokeFire.com is currently seeking images of Roanoke Fire Stations, Firefighters, Crews, Apparatus etc. to be a part of the new site. With the redesign will come  a new direction which will mean more of a focus on the past and present and a little less on the future. I will be adding a detailed list of the stations, apparatus, and possibly even crews in Roanoke City.

Another thing I plan on focusing on is Roanoke County, Salem, and Vinton…so if any of you guys want to get in on this let me know and send some pictures and info!!!

My email is firefleitz@cox.net.

ladder1

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 Firefighters, the main character having issues with his marriage. I don’t know if all of the issues are due to him being a firefighter, but I do know that it is not the easiest job to have while keeping our home lives intact. I think I might check it out. Case and point, if you think about Backdraft, Ladder 49, Rescue Me, and Third Watch – they all deal with Firefighters and their !#$@#%ed up personal lives relating to the job.

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 the normal flow of petroleum products caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Governor Timothy M. Kaine waived certain specifications that prescribe volatility standards for gasoline. This action allows immediate distribution of gasoline blends that would normally not be allowed until October 1.

Governor Kaine also announced today that the State has put together an experienced team of 30 inspectors from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) who are working across the Commonwealth to respond as quickly as possible to the more than 2,000 calls about possible gas price gouging received by the VDACS Division of Consumer Protection since Virginians first felt Hurricane Ike’s impact. Staff at VDACS continue to monitor the Consumer Protection Hotline to take calls around the clock to ensure that every complaint about gas prices is evaluated.

“It is intolerable that anyone would take advantage of consumers in this situation, and we will aggressively pursue unscrupulous operators charging excessive prices,” Governor Kaine said. “Virginians can do their part to help by maintaining a normal routine for refueling their vehicles, conserving fuel whenever possible and reporting any instances of possible price gouging to the VDACS Division of Consumer Protection.”

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of price gouging is encouraged to report such by calling VDACS Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-552-9963 or 804-786-2476.

The state has taken additional measures in response to the Gulf Coast hurricanes. The Departments of Emergency Management, Transportation and Motor Vehicles have issued waivers to facilitate the uninterrupted transportation of gasoline from suppliers to retailers. The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that adequate gasoline supplies remain available. As part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact that allows for the sharing of resources in response to disasters, Virginia has sent state personnel and resources to Texas and Louisiana to help in response and recovery.

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 Hourly
FireGeezer
You may have to scroll down on the blogs, the stories ran yesterday.

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 have one person do all the work…then not complain about it. Then again, no ones life depends on if the editorial column is written or not.

Roanoke firefighters raise a legitimate point in opposition to the city’s proposed budget: They need four firefighters to run the versatile fire truck called a quint. Council last year promised that level of staffing, but the proposed budget would strip the trucks to three firefighters.

That, they claim, is not enough personnel to fight fires on arrival (as two are required to enter burning structures while two stay outside). Firefighters, the public and the department’s coveted accreditation would all stand at risk.

On this point, council should go back to Fire-EMS Department Chief David Hoback and direct him to make budget revisions that protect the front line of public safety. But firefighters must realize they’ll have to give up something else and back away from the intimidation tactics they displayed during the budget hearing. (About 90 of them crowded into council chambers, rising to stand in solidarity behind their speakers.)

Read the rest of the article here

I will try to stay on top of the News Coverage following the Roanoke Fire Fighters Association’s stance against the budget cuts.

From what I have heard already, the Council Members were very receptive to our message. Some are said to have remarked that our presence and our message was the biggest and most impressive that the Council Members had seen in their tenure on Council.

Another little birdie told me that Mayor Nelson Harris was at the previous meeting at 5pm and even ate the catered dinner after that meeting between 5pm and 6pm. However, at 10 minutes to 7pm, Harris handed the gavel to Vice-Mayor Trinkle and tip-toed out the back door. I guess our presence was something that he did not want to get involved in during Elections. I also understand that the City Manager was not prepared and tongue tied while being interviewed afterwards.

I have so many things I would love to say right now, but instead I will leave you with this fact. Ninety One (91) Firefighters were in Council Chambers tonight. That is more than one-third of the department. Remember that one-third was working. I think we have your attention.

I must say that tonight I was a very proud Firefighter and a very proud member of the RFFA. To see you all come together in unity and solidarity was truly moving. Scooter’s account of his incident, Rorrer’s talk about Scooter, and Rodney’s account of Kyle Wilson all gave me goose bumps. It brought me to a place that I will be speaking of in the future on the blog.

I look forward to the Roanoke Times in the morning. Look for the story on Scott Hetherington on the front page of the Virginia section as well as an article by Mason Adams on the Council Meeting last night.

Click on the links below for news and video.

Firefighter Hourly covered the story here
The FireEMSBlog covered Scooters story here
STATter 911 covered the story last week here
Valerie Garner covered the story on her blog here

Firefighter Returns After Heart Attack – WSET
Roanoke firefighter returns after heart attack
Video: Firefighter returns to duty since suffering cardiac arrest – Roanoke Times
Firefighter reclaims spot at station – Roanoke Times

Firefighters upset about proposed cuts to Roanoke’s fire department – WDBJ
City seeks widespread budget cuts in proposal – Roanoke Times
Firefighters Face Cuts – WSET
Roanoke Firefighters Association makes statement at City Hall – WSLS
Many fired up about proposed cuts to Roanoke’s fire department
Firefighters Fight Cuts – WSET (a snippet is below)

Chief David Hoback, Roanoke Fire & EMS – “City council, city manager, no one wants to do this. But the fire department, being the second largest budget, has to contribute their share.” And Chief Hoback decided the only way to reduce his budget by $350,000 to $400,000, as instructed, was to reduce his staffing. A decision that has his firefighters rallying against him. Lt. Rhett Fleitz, Firefighters Assoc. Local 1132 – “This isn’t necessarily the firefighters against the fire chief. This is more so, the firefighters against the budget cuts.” Cuts that would scale back the staffing at Station 13 on Peters Creek Road from six firefighters to three, the absolute minimum required to operate a truck. Fleitz – “This proposal will jeopardize Roanoke City (web) firefighters as well as the citizens we’re trying to protect.” Chief David Hoback, Roanoke Fire & EMS – “They will not see a difference. They will not experience a difference. The truck will still get there in four minutes or less and be able to meet those performance standards.” But Chief Hoback admits, if adopted, this proposal would stretch his department thin. He says reducing any more positions would force them to eliminate a station. And no one wants that.

Last night, Channel 7 and 10 ran stories on the Budget Cuts. You can see the two news stories with video here:

Channel 7: http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=8218593

Channel 10: http://www.wsls.com/sls/news/local/article/roanoke_city_proposed_budget_cuts/9793/

By the way, my new email address is FireFleitz@cox.net, the old one at comcast does not work anymore.

I will have the pictures and information posted about the RFFA banquet later tonight. I have said it, so now it has to happen.

I will also have a post on the Hero to Hero program. Read about it now on VAFireNews.com. The post will have information on how the firefighters in Roanoke City and Roanoke Valley can get involved in this.

Look who’s shaving his head!

Eielson FF Association Team Member Jeff Akin

From the website:

“You heard it right – I’m shaving my head in solidarity with children who have cancer and typically lose their hair during treatment, while raising critical funds for childhood cancer research!

In the US, more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease. Please make a donation on my behalf to support childhood cancer research so that all children diagnosed with cancer will have a better chance for a cure.

To make a donation, click on “Donate Online” or “Donate by mail or phone.”"

Visit the website here

Although many of us do not know Jeff Akin, I was sent this story by Lewie Kennitt. He wrote:

“This guy is a FF in North Pole Alaska and a friend of a friend. I promised my friend I would send this on to some brothers. So if you want to post it on the blog that would be great but if you don’t, I can understand that too. I told my pal, firefighters are always giving time and money to MDA among other things and not sure if we would get involved with this.”

If you have the chance, donate to this great cause. If anyone is interested in heading this thing up next year, I will be the first to shave my head.

God Bless

I got an email from John Poff, a frequent reader of the blog, with some links to RIT and Firefighter Survival training in Charlotte. Apparently John checks in on the blog because he is a former Roanoker. As a matter of fact, he states that he went to high school with Captain Tim Parry.

John is just one of the many out of towners or former Roanokers who has checked in with me to let me know they like to read the blog. If you are in a similar situation drop me an email and let me know what is going on.

John sent in the following links of Charlotte Firefighters at work.

Slide show of pictures

Simulated danger, real survival lessons

Charlotte is a pretty decent department from what I know. I looked into relocating there about 3-4 years ago and liked what I saw. The department is still growing and adding stations as the City of Charlotte annexes the outlying Counties.

Grouper, the video sharing website, is launching a new channel called Firehouse. Before we release it to the public, we want to give you a chance to share your stories. We got inspired by Rescue Me- oh yeah, I’m talking about that Dennis Leary show that gives a sneak peak into the world you know all too well. We’re working with those guys to launch a REAL glimpse into YOUR WORLD, and if we like your video then you may even end up on the Season 4 Rescue Me DVD!

Check it out here: http://grouper.com/firehouse/

This channel is YOURS to build, it’s about you, for you (not to mention all the other millions of people surfing the web). Simply create your own video, or use an old one you have laying, around and upload it!

Send us your stuff, serious or silly, and we’ll make sure you are seen and heard.

Feel free to forward to people you think might be interested in participating.

If you have any questions, email megan@groupsjr.com
Today, the Roanoke TimesCast was shot at the new Roanoke Fire Station #1. Check out the TimesCast (http://blogs.roanoke.com/vlog/2007/05/timescast_51807.html).

FF Frank Leonard and Capt. Todd Stone make an appearance and if you listen closely when Todd is talking you can hear Kelcey Branch over the loud speaker.

If you have never watched the TimesCast, I suggest you take a look. There might be some others out there who enjoy theire jobs more than us. Great job guys.

Roanoke Opens the New Headquarters
Roanoke Firefighters held a flag raising ceremony for the opening of Fire Station 1. The station, situated at the corner of Elm Avenue and Franklin Road, cost $6.2 million and is 29,000 square foot. Read more and view more pictures.

This is the table that Kelcey Branch and the rest of the guys at 3 A built for the new station. I must admit that it is a great looking table.

Last week, President Bush visited the Campus of Virginia Tech for the memorial service of those who lost their lives during the Virginia Tech Shootings. Air Force 1 landed at Roanoke Regional Airport carrying President Bush and the First Lady. After landing, the President and his wife then boarded Marine 1 to fly to Blacksburg. Needless to say that neither Air Force 1 or Marine 1 fly alone.

The pictures were taken by Jeff Marvin. I apologize, I originally mislabeled the photos as to who took them. This was my fault and I am sorry for any confusion or frustration I may have caused.


Firefighters rescued three dogs from a burning house in Southwest Roanoke on Thursday night, said Roanoke Fire-EMS Battalion Chief Audie Ferris.

The dogs’ owners were not at the home in the 1500 block of Roanoke Avenue when the fire started.

The dogs were given oxygen and taken to a veterinarian’s office, where they were treated for smoke inhalation, Ferris said. They are expected to recover. Read More

In case you were wondering why I haven’t posted information on the other fires recently it is due to two reasons. For some reason I have not been getting email notifications when press releases are published on the fires. I will check and make sure I am still signed up, although Administration might have stopped publishing them. The other reason is because rarely does anyone send in information on fires they run. I get a lot of questions about this. I try to do a write up on most of the fires I run on, both of them. HA. If you would like to share information like the address, what you had, and who responded, just email it to me at FireFleitz@comcast.net.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA . . . At 6:02 this morning Fire and Rescue units were dispatched to a house fire at 15474 Marsh Overlook Drive in Woodbridge. When firefighters arrived on the scene the home was heavily involved in fire. Firefighters began immediate suppression efforts and a search for possible occupants. Read More

Rest in peace Kyle, and God Bless your Family and Brother and Sister Firefighters.
Government officials tell The Associated Press the death toll on the Virginia Tech campus has risen to 31 after a gunman opened fire in a dorm and classroom at Virginia Tech on today in the deadliest campus shooting rampage in U.S. history. Read More
Today, Roanoke sits in the news as does the rest of Virginia. Unfortunately, South of us there has been a terrible shooting at Virginia Tech. 31 reported deaths and over 60 shot. There are several patients at various hospitals throughout Southwest Virginia, including Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Lewis Gale Hospital, and New River Valley Medical Center.

At the Virginia Tech shooting, what happened?

Being here in Roanoke and having connections with the Fire and EMS here and there I am hearing reports that a male found out his girlfriend was cheating on him so he went to kill the guy who was having the affair with his girlfriend. That was the shooting at 7am, the unidentified male and his roomate were shot. Then he waited around until his girlfriend had his first class. The gunman/boyfriend showed up at the class and killed his girlfriend and continued to shoot many in the classroom. The gunman finished by killing himself.

Again, this is just what I hear outside of conventional press. Do not hold me to it, nor ask where I got the information. You can find information on the shooting anywhere online like CNN.com or FoxNews.com.

There will be a lot of news coverage of this story. The word is that this might be the largest shooting spree and/or college shooting in U.S. History.

As a commenter has stated that I should not report rumors , the fact is that the news has covered the same information as I. It is an unfortunate event. Yes, I pray for the families of those involved and I hope that all of the injured have a speedy recovery. I hope also that the death toll stops at 33, as reported right now.

Prince William Firefighter LODD

A Prince William firefighter lost his life at a fire this morning in Woodbridge. The fire went to 3 alarms. I do not have much other information right now, and I have heard reports of a second firefighter dying on the way to the fire, but I have not confirmed it. If you have more information please let me know.

As for the rest of the State, we are experiencing high winds. Roanoke had a 3 alarm fire today, I will have pictures up soon.

More information later

From the Roanoke Times (link):

An emotional Frank Selbe told a city attorney and Roanoke fire officials Thursday night that if they hold to an occupancy limit of 49 people and require a fire escape or other second exit for the stately Corinthian Ballroom downtown, his wife and her co-owner will be out of business.

This is an interesting article. I guess it is unfortunate that the building has been used with only 1 exit for so many people for so long. Fortunately for the owners, the ruling was overruled.

The one thing I found most interesting was this:

Marston called witnesses who included architect Byron Dickson to testify that the building itself is essentially invulnerable to fire.

“The building’s fireproof,” said Dickson.

I thought that America had learned that nothing is fire proof back in the 60s and 70s. I thought that an educated man like Dickson wouldn’t use such catastrophe inducing words such as “FireProof”.

As for the owners and attendees of the Corinthian Ballroom, you should heed the warning of the Fire Marshal and other Fire Officials. If you want case study, just read about the Cocoanut Grove Fire or Triangle Shirtwaist fire where many people perished due to inadequate egress.

For educational purposes, while masonry and other fire proofing materials do not necessarily burn at reasonable fire related temperatures, they can fail. I can guarantee you that the building Dickson says is invulnerable to fire can and will easily burn to the ground, without the expertise of Roanoke’s Bravest that is.

Wasn’t it Jacob Aster, the Architect of the Titanic, who said it was unsinkable.

Here is an interesting video on Collective Bargaining in West Virginia. The video opens with comments by Lisa Dooley, Executive Director of West Virginia’s Municipal League. I will be civil and not pick apart her comments like the NO-STRIKE clause offers little comfort for firefighters not striking. COME ON LADY, GET A LIFE. If anything, you guys have a harder time telling us to go home. Just look at any major catastrophe and you will find many firefighters who ended up not getting full compensation for their work. But I don’t expect you to understand Lisa, because you aren’t one of us. But that is all, I won’t pick apart the rest.

I met Brian Jones at the IAFF Legislative Conference, he is the WVA Professional Fire Fighters President. We had some small talk with a couple of the other guys from VA and WVA.

I will shut up now. Watch the video.
For those of you on Roanoke City Computers, I believe YouTube.com is blocked, so check it out at home.

Here is part II