Don't Breath that Crap!

Responding to a car fire these day's is like responding to a HAZMAT call due to the petroleum based construction that these things are made of. I am going to use a quote from Chief Goldfedder, "Put on your SCBA and Don't Breath That Crap!" Just remember that the affects from the smoke may not show up for year's to come. Do us all a favor and wear your air pack. The air in them is free and our department's gave them to us for protection not to look at! Remember that smoke is toxic and anything toxic doesn't belong in our lungs! Be safe and remember that while in the Jumpseat Grab Your Air Pack!

Check out the New Firehouse.com

http://staging.firehouse.com/

Good Morning all! Everyone please take a moment and check out the new look on Firehouse.com! Take a look and leave some comment's!

Combat Ready!

Good evening from the Jumpseat. I wanted to give a shout out for the effort and job that the Charleston Firefighters did in the Scott Firefighters Combat Challenge. Local 317 did a wonderful job. They represented Charleston well! A big shout out to my probationary Capt. Moore. He served his country for the past few months and came back a lean, mean, fire fighting machine. He is an inspiration to us all! HEY, good job Capt. Moore you are a great role model for us all! Oh, and by the way, Combat Challenge 2010 I will be right behind you! Good night all and thanks again for spending some time with "Views from the Jumpseat!"

All Tied Up?

Have you ever had a day like this? Today the CFD conducted their evaluation of the latest crop of rookies. Our "Civic Center Test" has came under some controversy as of late. It is a physically and mentally demanding test that will push you to your limits. Sound familiar? The only difference between the rookie testing and a fire scene is that no one's life is at risk during the test. It seems more than fair to me ,due to the nature of our chosen business , that we must be "Fit to Fight". As rookies we need to make sure that they are prepared for what is ahead of them. But what about the guys that are not "Rookies". Myself personally I am struggling with a fitness program. Teaching here and family there puts a time strain on all of us. But when should our fitness be as important to us as it was back when we were rookies? It should be more important because as we lose the advantage of youth experience has to kick in! So, once again I will set out on a journey to become "Fit to Fight" because you will never know when the day will come when the bell hits and we rush out the door just to get all tied up! Thanks again for reading "Views from the Jumpseat"!

We will never Forget!

We will never forget! It is the night before September 11th 2009. It is so hard to believe it has been eight years. Just like everyone else, I can remember that day like it was yesterday. I was home in bed after working a overtime shift on the bolance. My wife came and woke me up to show me what was going on. The first words out of my mouth were "It's going to collapse". Man I wish that I was wrong. God bless the men and women of the FDNY, NYPD, and Port Authority. God bless everyone who lost their life on 9/11. God bless the first responders that protect America everyday! Let's join together on this day to stop and take a moment to remember and honor their sacrifice. Let's also take this time to take to look at our situations and take a step back. From the jumpseat to the front seat let's all make safety our number 1 priority so we can honor the fallen and protect the future. God bless America!

Thanks Pete Mathews from firehouse.com for the use of his picture.