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@RuntotheCurb: I remember my first time…

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Pbh2I opened up Internet Explorer where my home page is literally my home page: www.tigerschmittendorf.com and I clicked on the FireEMS Blogs icon in the upper left hand corner to see what my fellow bloggers were up to tonight.

I was drawn to a blog from the “Raising Ladders” site that caught my eye, titled: “Finally, a first due job… and a pretty good one, at that.” I didn’t think much of the title when I first read it until I got into the rest of the story. It was the author’s first real working fire in his career.

His story, along with my story telling experiences earlier in the evening, got me to thinking: “I remember my first time…”

@RttC: Remember as a Kid…

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Kathleen-JenniferThe title of this discussion on FirefighterNation.com really caught my attention as I remember a lot of things as a kid — and many of them are related to the fire service.

This particular discussion revolves around the author’s childhood memories of hearing the fire siren sounding  and then tuning to a particular AM station on his radio dial where they would broadcast the call location for all to hear.

Two years gone by now

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Bob Newell Banner Proof 1

There’s a lot of talk these days about what we’re missing in the fire service. And with all this discussion of leadership, of mentorship, sharing, caring and passing down values, traditions and the rich heritage of firefighters, Ithought it appropriate to revisit a very personal blog I wrote two years ago today, January 22, 2010.

When we talk about people who have influenced our careers and our lives, many people often refer to that person as someone who they didn’t realize had made such an impact on them until they were no longer in our lives. My friend Bob Newell was one of those people.

I guess I had taken Bob for granted. I had underestimated how much of an influence he had been on me, how much he was someone who’s friendship I cherished. His death, and these realizations really took me by surprise. (more…)

@FireRECRUITER: Who can afford to volunteer?

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greenjrWho Can Afford to Volunteer?

That’s the question asked by Don Grogg, a commissioner for Harris County Emergency Service District No. 9 in Texas in this article titled: “Suburban Fire Districts Sound the Alarm” in the Houston Chronicle.

While I understand that they have somewhat unique staffing and support challenges, when you ask it like that, who could expect anyone to answer with: “I can. Pick me. Pick me.”

Other than a closing remark about one department who expanded their boundaries for joining, the article does a great job at identifying the problems — but few if any solutions.

As I’ve asked before, “Is this our best approach?”

Here’s the link to the article at FireRECRUITER.com. You decide.

Tiger’s Weekly Twitter Updates for 2010-01-10

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  • Working the "Chills" game at Ralph Wilson Stadium today. I suspect Emergency Services will be busy today. #
  • Adopt a New Attitude for the New Year: http://tinyurl.com/yjk69el #

@FireRECRUITER: 10 Step Guide to Volunteering

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FireRecruiter-904x160

I feel that overall, the guide offers valuable insight into the world of volunteer firefighting and any effort to draw attention to the opportunities available to serve your community — are good efforts.

The guide outlines 10 individual tips for preparing to join our ranks. (more…)

Tiger’s Weekly Twitter Updates for 2010-01-03

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Fire Chief Blogs His Way Through Fire Academy Experience

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St. Paul MN Fire Chief Tim Butler is blogging about his fire academy experiences

St. Paul MN Fire Chief Tim Butler is blogging about his fire academy experiences

I don’t remember how and when I stumbled across this particular blog, but it’s a good one.

St. Paul, Minnesota Fire Chief Tim Butler has written a blog about his experiences with the fire department since being appointed to the position two years ago. What’s so unique about this chief’s blog is that it details his adventures in participating in the latest recruit academy executed by the fire department.

The chief indicated early on after his appointment that he fully intended to experience everything his firefighters have experienced. In that vain, he prepared himself for and is actively engaged in the academy.

I was very impressed with his attitude as he wrote “We (sic) must share a common bond – a common culture – and a shared base of experience and perspective. We all must be confident in each member’s ability to operate safely and effectively on an incident scene or when representing our department to the public.” (more…)

Flight 3407 Responders Recognized for Recovery Efforts

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3407_smlBuffalo radio station WBEN-930AM listeners have overwhelming chosen the first responders to the crash of Continental Flight 3407 in Clarence Center, NY on February 12, 2009 as their “Persons-of-the-Year.”

READ THE FULL STORY:

http://www.wben.com/The-2009-WBEN-Persons-Of-The-Year—/5984262

Personal Note:

It’s been almost a year since the crash and I haven’t shared this personal story yet, but this is probably a good time to do so:

The night of the crash I was watching a movie with my 16-year old son Alex when my alpha-pager went off, as it does pretty frequently in our business. Thinking it was possibly another administrative message or perhaps a more routine event, I almost couldn’t believe what I was reading when I looked at my pager that told me: “Alert 3: Plane crash into a house.” (more…)

Tiger’s Weekly Twitter Updates for 2009-12-27

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  • Saving the world — one H1N1 shot at a time. More than 1,000 served… #

Tiger’s Weekly Twitter Updates for 2009-12-19

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  • Mick's a punny guy: http://firehousezen.com/2009/12/10/command-presents/ #
  • @Ckemtp Chris-You got some great responses here. Thanks for doing this for all of us who are interested in improving our readership. -Tiger #
  • Last week to submit SAFER grants. Down to the wire. Under the gun. Just 3 more to go… #

@FireRECRUITER: SAFER App Period Extended

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SAFER LogoDHS has revisited the existing policy on supplanting for the 2009 SAFER funding cycle.  The Secretary has decided that DHS will consider petitions for waivers on supplanting from 2009 grantees on a case-by-case basis and under certain conditions.

In order for all potential applicants to have sufficient time to consider this revised policy guidance, DHS will extend the 2009 SAFER application period.  The new application deadline will be 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Friday, January 15, 2010.

@FireRECRUITER: VFDs Get Creative About Recruiting

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FireRecruiter-904x160

I applaud their efforts to diversify their membership, both in age and in function. Fire Explorers, Junior Firefighters, and FireCorps members are a great way to expand your work force.

Allowing interested candidates to specialize as fire police or pump operators is a great way to spread the work load. As the article says, not everyone needs to be the person running into the burning building as all the sane people are running out. (more…)

If you’re worried about getting cancer — you probably shouldn’t be a firefighter!

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loddThat’s what I overheard a certain young fire officer tell a probie recently.

“If you’re worried about getting cancer — you probably shouldn’t be a firefighter!”

I didn’t miss-hear or mis-understand him, nor did I take his comment out of context. That’s exactly what he said.

I nearly blew my cork. What an immature, ignorant, reckless thing to say.

Here’s all I have to say to him: “This one’s for you.”

THE FOLLOWING IS A MUST READ ARTICLE – DON’T SKIP IT.
IF YOU’VE EVER THOUGHT ABOUT TAKING YOUR MASK OFF, EVEN JUST FOR A SECOND, WHILE THERE IS STILL SMOKE OR FUMES PRESENT — THINK AGAIN!  READ, PRINT, POST AND DISTRIBUTE THIS ARTICLE
TO EVERY FIREFIGHTER YOU KNOW.

“We Danced With The Devil: One Firefighter’s Cancer Chronicles”

Editor’s Note: If you can stomach reading this gut-wrenching story, you might like to read:

Stay safe. Train often.

This Week’s Run-to-the-Curb Kids

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What kid doesn't want to be a firefighter?

What kid doesn't want to be a firefighter?

I was a Run-to-the-Curb type kid. What’s your story?

I’ve created a page at RuntotheCurb.com that will feature future firefighters  — what I call ”Run to the Curb” Kids.

This week’s RttC Kids include 2-1/2 year old Collin Manning, son of Williamsville Firefighter Chris Manning as well as a photo of my daughter Kathleen and her friend taken about 15 years ago (don’t tell her I posted this.)

Visit RuntotheCurb.com to meet this week’s future firefighters and tell us your story.

Tiger’s Weekly Twitter Updates for 2009-12-13

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  • RE: @firecritic I haven't thought of John Jordan in a long, long time.

    In May of 1994, as Managing Editor of The Fi… http://disq.us/55q84 #

  • @BobbyHalton Where in NY Bobby – I forgot? #
  • Sad day to remember Paul, but always a good day when firefighters get together with their brothers. #

Fountain of Youth or Flood of Problems?

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FireRecruiter-904x160The FFN WebTeam recently posted a news article about some Pennsylvania fire departments going into the high schools to recruit future firefighters. (http://www.firefighternation.com/forum/topics/pennsylvania-volunteer?xg_source=activity&id=889755%3ATopic%3A4414468&)

A day later, one participant on the FirefighterNation.com noted that there has been an inordinate number of blogs and discussions related to Junior Firefighters and Fire Explorers. (http://www.firefighternation.com/forum/topics/what-is-up-with-all-these-jr)

In my opinion, both discussions have pretty much turned into Junior/Explorer bashing.

I have very strong feelings on the subject but before I share my thoughts, I’d like you to go to FireRecruiter.com and weigh in on the subject: http://firerecruiter.wordpress.com/2009/12/10/survey-says-fd-youth-programs/

Change, for Safety’s Sake.

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ITP10CF_LIf you are a Fire/Rescue Chief, Commissioner, President, Fire Officer or in a leadership role of a Fire Department or Fire Company, you have the responsibility of ensuring firefighter safety.

 

With the holidays right around the corner, here’s a cool opportunity for your organization to provide something to your members, and support the work of the Safety, Health and Survival Section of the IAFC. By policy, the IAFC does not fund the section, the section must raise all of their own funds in order to operate. (more…)

Fifteen years ago; in a land far, far away…

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I stumbled across this post from FireCritic (Fire-EMS Blog Network) and was dumbstruck. I haven’t thought of John Jordan in a long, long time.

In May of 1994, as Managing Editor of The Fire Fighter Newspaper and as a guest of VFIS, I and three other local firefighters (Dave Sherman, Jim Guy and Ric Dimpfl) traveled to Washington DC to attend the National Fire & Emergency Services Congressional Caucus Dinner coordinated by the Congressional Fire Services Institute.

Several hours before the dinner started and before I ever met him, John Jordan taught me a very valuable lesson: Don’t judge a book by its cover. (more…)

Tiger’s Weekly Twitter Updates for 2009-12-06

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  • Launched another work in progress, a living document of sorts: http://runtothecurb.com. What's your story? #
  • At the NYS Fire Academy, surrounded by reminders that I'm blessed to be able to do what I love. #

A December to Remember

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North Division Explosion Victims RememberedI’m not big on forwarding for the sake of forwarding; or just regurgitating information in an effort to build traffic to a web site.

However, my good friend Billy Goldfeder sent out a broadcast yesterday that deserves sharing. His efforts were followed up by a newsletter distribution from the USFA Coffee Break that highlighted similar events.

These stories and Billy’s comments remind us of our obligation to be better story tellers, for prosperity’s sake — and for safety’s sake. It also reminds us that we have an obligation to those we love, those who are making the real sacrifices every time we leave home to go do what we love. Those we are obligated to do everything in our mind and power to go home to after every call.

May we never forget all those lost in these Decembers to Remember. (more…)

Tonawanda Explorers are Tops in Nation

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Tonawanda FD patch

The City of Tonawanda Fire Department’s (Erie County NY) Explorer Post’s motto is “Our Best Today for a Better Tomorrow.”

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed as they were recently identified as winners of a National Junior Firefighter Grant sponsored by Baskin-Robbins as announced by the National Volunteer Fire Council.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), in partnership with the Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation, has selected 10 outstanding junior firefighter programs and Explorer Posts from departments nationwide to receive a $5,000 grant through the NVFC National Junior Firefighter Program

 The local Tonawanda News reports that the Post has a history of welcoming teens with mental and physical disabilities into the program.

Congratulations to Chief Chuck Stuart and the Tonawanda Fire Department Explorer Post for making their community proud.

Fire Departments with Junior Firefighter programs can also register their nominations for two other awards at the NVFC site.

“Run to the Curb” Kids

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Getzville Firefighter Ryan Russell with two appreciative fans

Getzville Firefighter Ryan Russell with two very appreciative fans

You’ve read my previous references to “Run to the Curb” type kids in “Fortune Tellers” and in my other writings. Now I’ve created a whole new web site just for telling my stories and to give you a place to share your stories too.

Run to the Curb.com is a work-in-progress blog I just created and a possible online book project too. There I’ll share my experiences, my stories and my thoughts on our need to be better story tellers

And, I want to hear your stories too. You can share your childhood experiences and your connections to the fire service and in doing so, share the brotherhood, history and traditions of the fire service with fellow firefighters — and those who wish they were.

Check back often as more stories are added and we build this legacy document together.

Run to the curb. Tell your story. Tell your fortune. We can’t wait to hear it.

Tiger’s Weekly Twitter Updates for 2009-11-29

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  • Soft launching http://firerecruiter.com. What would you like to see there? Need your feedback. Thanks. #
  • Just bought a Birthday card for my cousin Tina. Cashier asked me if I wanted the receipt. What, in case I wanted to return it? #
  • What's your biggest challenge? Take the poll: http://tinyurl.com/yc4nvmv #

Creating a Clearinghouse

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FireRecruiter-904x160Patience is some times not one of my better virtues. I’ve been kicking around the idea of creating an online clearinghouse of recruitment and retention resources for quite some time.

Needless to say, it’s an area of the fire service that I’m quite absorbed in but I’ve always waited for someone else to create such a thing. Sure, there’s the National Volunteer Fire Council and VolunteerFD.org, which does a more than formidable job of compiling resources for the volunteer fire service, but I still felt there was something lacking. I needed more. We need more.

I identified a gap, an opportunity to create a single source for everything related to how we market to, recruit, indoctrinate, treat and retain the single most important resource in the fire service: our people.

Finally, I couldn’t wait any longer. I registered and published: FireRECRUITER.com – a single site dedicated to ensuring the survival and success of the volunteer fire service across our nation. (more…)


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