KELLY DAY: Off with pay. I am enjoying 5 days off.
While the history and origin of the "Kelly Day" is not certain, the most popular explanation is as follows:
The Chicago Fire Department, which spent $7.978 million in 1930, in 1931 spent $7.742 million, $6.038 million in 1932, $6.026 million in 1933 and reversed that downward trend in 1934 by spending $6.261 million. It was 1936 before spending reached over $7 million again. Fire Department activity was boosted by federal employment programs in 1936, when Public Works Administration dollars were granted to construct new fire stations, as Chicago began final elimination of wooden-framed fire houses.
Part of the reversal of conditions was the election of a firefighter’s son, Edward J. Kelly, to the Mayor’s seat in 1933. Kelly began by partially restoring the 1932 salary retrenchment and in 1936 gave Chicago firefighters a day off for every seven on duty, beginning a new terminology that Illinois firefighters still use for additional days off -- a "Kelly" day. Chicago firefighters were so fond of Kelly they named him an "Honorary Fire Chief" in July 1934.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
In the field: Shift 6
It was a somewhat long day at the station. The reason I say this is because we didn't run any calls!! The medic unit only ran two calls. Sometimes it isn't about the call volume, sometimes it is the nature of the call. The medics ran a call for a BLS Injury. The patient was a 65 Y/O Male.
The medics arrived on scene to have the man's wife answer the door. She stated that "men will have fun." After questioning the patient, they learned that it was a 3" diameter x 7" long object. The wife had been fishing for it for about an hour before they finally called the Fire Dept. The medics transported him to the hospital where he was scheduled for emergency surgery.
For dinner, I cooked for the crew and treated them to an amazing soup...the recipe compliments of Mrs. "T." We had "Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Soup" with cornbread and a salad. Dinner was amazing. All of the guys enjoyed it. One said "this is the best soup that I've had in a LOOONG time."
The medics arrived on scene to have the man's wife answer the door. She stated that "men will have fun." After questioning the patient, they learned that it was a 3" diameter x 7" long object. The wife had been fishing for it for about an hour before they finally called the Fire Dept. The medics transported him to the hospital where he was scheduled for emergency surgery.
For dinner, I cooked for the crew and treated them to an amazing soup...the recipe compliments of Mrs. "T." We had "Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Soup" with cornbread and a salad. Dinner was amazing. All of the guys enjoyed it. One said "this is the best soup that I've had in a LOOONG time."
In the field: Shift 5
It was your typical day at the fire station. You get a few calls that require you to get dressed, you get down the road and then get put back into service. That went on for quite some time.
Around 1:30, a buddy of mine (from my recruit class) came by to check out the station. I gave him the grand tour and then we spent some time chatting for a while. I had to use the restroom, but figured I would just go when he left (the conversation couldn't go on forever). *BEEP BEEP BEEP*....we get a call for a brush fire. He took off and I got dressed and jumped in the engine. We got on scene and the fire was small enough that the other unit was able to take care of it. We turned the corner and then started to head back to the station. We IMMEDIATELY get another call for a brush fire. We report to the scene to discover a fire that was about 500 feet behind some houses and down a hill with limited access.
We pulled 400 feet of hose and laid it down the hill. We then connected our 200 feet of forestry hose to it and worked from there. While putting out the fire, we discovered some aerosol cans, lighters, and fireworks. It appears that some kids were having fun when the lit the place up. We were on scene for about an hour and a half putting out the fire and then cleaning up. When we got back to the station I finally had the opportunity to go to use the restroom. Flowing water for an hour and a half while having to go to the bathroom is not fun!!
There is a moral here in all of this that applies to everyone (not just a firefighter):
When you have to do something as simple as use the restroom, don't put it off. You never know what will come up and keep you from doing it.
Around 1:30, a buddy of mine (from my recruit class) came by to check out the station. I gave him the grand tour and then we spent some time chatting for a while. I had to use the restroom, but figured I would just go when he left (the conversation couldn't go on forever). *BEEP BEEP BEEP*....we get a call for a brush fire. He took off and I got dressed and jumped in the engine. We got on scene and the fire was small enough that the other unit was able to take care of it. We turned the corner and then started to head back to the station. We IMMEDIATELY get another call for a brush fire. We report to the scene to discover a fire that was about 500 feet behind some houses and down a hill with limited access.
We pulled 400 feet of hose and laid it down the hill. We then connected our 200 feet of forestry hose to it and worked from there. While putting out the fire, we discovered some aerosol cans, lighters, and fireworks. It appears that some kids were having fun when the lit the place up. We were on scene for about an hour and a half putting out the fire and then cleaning up. When we got back to the station I finally had the opportunity to go to use the restroom. Flowing water for an hour and a half while having to go to the bathroom is not fun!!
There is a moral here in all of this that applies to everyone (not just a firefighter):
When you have to do something as simple as use the restroom, don't put it off. You never know what will come up and keep you from doing it.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
In the field: Shift 4
Today started off like the first two....SLOOOOW!!
I picked up some eggs on the way to work for breakfast. After checking out the engine and all of my gear, I went into the kitchen and made eggs and toast for the crew. Then it was on to other things that the Captain needed completed.
Since the county dissolved the volunteer board that used to oversee the station (The county is a volunteer & paid combination system, with volunteer organizations owning all stations and apparatus), we have become a county owned station. With that, we have had to inventory EVERYTHING: hoses, EMS supplies, radios, every piece of equipment on the engine and medic unit, cleaning supplies, etc. Much of the day was spent doing an inventory.
We didn't have ANY calls through lunch, and enjoyed pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches and fries. After lunch, we continued doing various tasks including house duties. By dinner time, we still hadn't received a single call and I was beginning to wonder if we would have our first day of not running a single call. I walked into the kitchen to get ready for dinner (grilled cheese and soup) and set my glass of ice water down. I assisted the Lieutenant by occasionally stirring the soup.
*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* "Engine Respond"....OUR FIRST CALL OF THE DAY. It was sent out as a structure fire. We head out to the high bay and quickly got dressed to respond. While en route, we listened to communications reports and FINALLY...they reported fire showing side B.
(Quick Sidetrack) Houses are referred to by sides Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta. This allows for easy reference rather than saying "Front, Right, Back, and Left"....my right may not be your right. Interior portions of the house are referred to by quadrants for similar reference rather than saying something like "I'm in the back left corner of the house," you can say "I'm in the Bravo quadrant"
(Back on track) We pulled up to see flames coming from the side of the house and beginning to light the house next door (referred to as an exposure, or exposure side B), jumped out with our airpacks on, and grabbed our tools (a halligan bar and an axe). The Captain told me to pull a line and get ready to make entry. The first engine on scene pulled a line to maintain the exposure and keep it from lighting the house on fire. We were second on scene and we were going in to attack the seat of the fire and try to stop it from spreading into the remainder of the house. I pulled an attack line and laid it out, called for water, and then we advanced in. We went in through the front door, up the stairs, and down a hallway before meeting the fire (which had been primarily contained to the bedroom where it started). There was some fire extension that I had to knock down before I was able to turn the corner into the bedroom.
(The upstairs looked something like this from what I remember...scale is somewhat off)
After getting control of the fire and knocking it down, we then started to pull the ceiling to check for any extension into the attic space. Due to the fire damage, some of the ceiling (back corner bedroom) actually collapsed without any additional help from us. After extinguishing the little extension that was present, and soaking the insulation to ensure that it would not rekindle, we walked out of the house and back out towards our engine. On the way out, I looked around at the house and surprisingly there was little actual fire damage to the remainder of the house. The fire was contained (for the most part) to the room. The smoke filled the second floor and everything was covered in soot. The first floor appeared to be untouched.
Once outside, we dropped our packs and assisted with rolling up hose and getting ready to leave.
Here is a picture of the house that was on fire that I managed to snap prior to use leaving the scene.
We got back to the station and cleaned our insulation covered gear, refilled our airpacks, and finally ate our dinner.
We managed to get to sleep at a reasonable hour after all the cleanup and showers. At about 0400 in the morning, we got a call for an injured male just down the road at the gas station, with police on scene. When we got there, we saw the guy handcuffed on the curb with TONS of police surrounding him. He had abrasions to his head and face. After arriving on scene, we found out that he was driving under the influence when he was pulled over by police. He then attempted to flee on foot and was tackled on the concrete (this was the source of his injuries).
The house fire was a TON of fun...I can't wait to do it again.
I picked up some eggs on the way to work for breakfast. After checking out the engine and all of my gear, I went into the kitchen and made eggs and toast for the crew. Then it was on to other things that the Captain needed completed.
Since the county dissolved the volunteer board that used to oversee the station (The county is a volunteer & paid combination system, with volunteer organizations owning all stations and apparatus), we have become a county owned station. With that, we have had to inventory EVERYTHING: hoses, EMS supplies, radios, every piece of equipment on the engine and medic unit, cleaning supplies, etc. Much of the day was spent doing an inventory.
We didn't have ANY calls through lunch, and enjoyed pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches and fries. After lunch, we continued doing various tasks including house duties. By dinner time, we still hadn't received a single call and I was beginning to wonder if we would have our first day of not running a single call. I walked into the kitchen to get ready for dinner (grilled cheese and soup) and set my glass of ice water down. I assisted the Lieutenant by occasionally stirring the soup.
*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* "Engine Respond"....OUR FIRST CALL OF THE DAY. It was sent out as a structure fire. We head out to the high bay and quickly got dressed to respond. While en route, we listened to communications reports and FINALLY...they reported fire showing side B.
(Quick Sidetrack) Houses are referred to by sides Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta. This allows for easy reference rather than saying "Front, Right, Back, and Left"....my right may not be your right. Interior portions of the house are referred to by quadrants for similar reference rather than saying something like "I'm in the back left corner of the house," you can say "I'm in the Bravo quadrant"
(Back on track) We pulled up to see flames coming from the side of the house and beginning to light the house next door (referred to as an exposure, or exposure side B), jumped out with our airpacks on, and grabbed our tools (a halligan bar and an axe). The Captain told me to pull a line and get ready to make entry. The first engine on scene pulled a line to maintain the exposure and keep it from lighting the house on fire. We were second on scene and we were going in to attack the seat of the fire and try to stop it from spreading into the remainder of the house. I pulled an attack line and laid it out, called for water, and then we advanced in. We went in through the front door, up the stairs, and down a hallway before meeting the fire (which had been primarily contained to the bedroom where it started). There was some fire extension that I had to knock down before I was able to turn the corner into the bedroom.
(The upstairs looked something like this from what I remember...scale is somewhat off)
After getting control of the fire and knocking it down, we then started to pull the ceiling to check for any extension into the attic space. Due to the fire damage, some of the ceiling (back corner bedroom) actually collapsed without any additional help from us. After extinguishing the little extension that was present, and soaking the insulation to ensure that it would not rekindle, we walked out of the house and back out towards our engine. On the way out, I looked around at the house and surprisingly there was little actual fire damage to the remainder of the house. The fire was contained (for the most part) to the room. The smoke filled the second floor and everything was covered in soot. The first floor appeared to be untouched.
Once outside, we dropped our packs and assisted with rolling up hose and getting ready to leave.
Here is a picture of the house that was on fire that I managed to snap prior to use leaving the scene.
We got back to the station and cleaned our insulation covered gear, refilled our airpacks, and finally ate our dinner.
We managed to get to sleep at a reasonable hour after all the cleanup and showers. At about 0400 in the morning, we got a call for an injured male just down the road at the gas station, with police on scene. When we got there, we saw the guy handcuffed on the curb with TONS of police surrounding him. He had abrasions to his head and face. After arriving on scene, we found out that he was driving under the influence when he was pulled over by police. He then attempted to flee on foot and was tackled on the concrete (this was the source of his injuries).
The house fire was a TON of fun...I can't wait to do it again.
In the field: Shift 3
Today was CRAZY. We went from having very few calls (the past 2 shifts), to running non-stop. We had a total of 14 calls, but fortunately we didn't have any after 9:00 and were able to sleep the night away.
On my way to work, it was 3 degrees outside. While this may not hold a candle to Central Illinois about this time of year, it is pretty cold. With the cold weather, people didn't think to drain water pipes or in some instances the water sprinkler systems that are supposed to be dry until needed. Majority of our calls were for "Water Hazards," meaning they forgot to turn the water off and drain the lines, so the lines froze and burst open causing their nice houses to become indoor skating rinks. We spent some time emptying water from a somewhat new townhouse, and also a 4-story "retirement" apartment complex with a squeegee
It was fun being on the road all day and actually running some calls. The only down side is that the dinner we picked up had to sit in the engine for a while since we got dispatched out for back to back calls right after heading to town to get it.
On my way to work, it was 3 degrees outside. While this may not hold a candle to Central Illinois about this time of year, it is pretty cold. With the cold weather, people didn't think to drain water pipes or in some instances the water sprinkler systems that are supposed to be dry until needed. Majority of our calls were for "Water Hazards," meaning they forgot to turn the water off and drain the lines, so the lines froze and burst open causing their nice houses to become indoor skating rinks. We spent some time emptying water from a somewhat new townhouse, and also a 4-story "retirement" apartment complex with a squeegee
It was fun being on the road all day and actually running some calls. The only down side is that the dinner we picked up had to sit in the engine for a while since we got dispatched out for back to back calls right after heading to town to get it.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
In the field: Shift 2
0600....the day started off just like any other day. Gear checks, apparatus checks, etc. We just got our cascade system installed so we got a brief overview of how it worked. (The cascade system is used to fill your air cylinders with breathable air.)
Typically, we eat breakfast on our own and lunch and dinner together. Around 0800, one of the guys that likes to cook called out over the PA system "Pancakes are ready." Much to my surprise, he made breakfast for the crew. Sliced bananas, seasoned with some sugar and cinnamon, and then added / cooked to pancakes. It was really good.
The beginning of the day was spent doing some online training that needed to be completed and going over the apparatus at the station. Then we set up our bunks for when we would be able to wind down and go to sleep.
Around 1030, we took the engine over to the grocery store and did a little bit of shopping for lunch. We picked up some chicken, noodles, pasta sauce, bread, and salad for lunch....little did we know, it would be enough for dinner also. For lunch, the Lieutenant cooked up some chicken rigatoni alfredo (and seasoned to taste) with some bread and a salad....all for the low low price of $3 per person.
Here is lunch on the stove....
After lunch, we spent some time going over the Lifepak 12 and IVs. The Lifepak 12 is used to monitor heart rhythms, blood pressure, heart rate, O2 saturation, etc. Different leads need to be setup in order to use it, so the medic unit showed the engine company exactly how it works and how to set everything up the way they like. As far as the IV setup and installation, they showed us step by step what they do, and what we can do to expedite the process. They also explained all the components of the IV setup.
A little later in the day, I did some PT in the weight room and mezzanine of the high bay. I did some cardio, stretching, and some light weightlifting.
Our first (AND ONLY) call of the night came at about 2000 for a 16y/o female that was suffering from a possible seizure. After getting on scene and monitoring vitals, we determined that she did not suffer from a seizure. She refused any further care and signed a refusal...and we were on our way.
We got back to the station and had a little bit of downtime until it was time to get to bed for the evening. We were able to sleep the night through without any disturbances.
In a conversation with one of the guys on my crew, we "stumbled" upon a GREAT notion. EVERY DAY IS FRIDAY!!! We work one day, and then we are off for two.
Typically, we eat breakfast on our own and lunch and dinner together. Around 0800, one of the guys that likes to cook called out over the PA system "Pancakes are ready." Much to my surprise, he made breakfast for the crew. Sliced bananas, seasoned with some sugar and cinnamon, and then added / cooked to pancakes. It was really good.
The beginning of the day was spent doing some online training that needed to be completed and going over the apparatus at the station. Then we set up our bunks for when we would be able to wind down and go to sleep.
Around 1030, we took the engine over to the grocery store and did a little bit of shopping for lunch. We picked up some chicken, noodles, pasta sauce, bread, and salad for lunch....little did we know, it would be enough for dinner also. For lunch, the Lieutenant cooked up some chicken rigatoni alfredo (and seasoned to taste) with some bread and a salad....all for the low low price of $3 per person.
Here is lunch on the stove....
After lunch, we spent some time going over the Lifepak 12 and IVs. The Lifepak 12 is used to monitor heart rhythms, blood pressure, heart rate, O2 saturation, etc. Different leads need to be setup in order to use it, so the medic unit showed the engine company exactly how it works and how to set everything up the way they like. As far as the IV setup and installation, they showed us step by step what they do, and what we can do to expedite the process. They also explained all the components of the IV setup.
A little later in the day, I did some PT in the weight room and mezzanine of the high bay. I did some cardio, stretching, and some light weightlifting.
Our first (AND ONLY) call of the night came at about 2000 for a 16y/o female that was suffering from a possible seizure. After getting on scene and monitoring vitals, we determined that she did not suffer from a seizure. She refused any further care and signed a refusal...and we were on our way.
We got back to the station and had a little bit of downtime until it was time to get to bed for the evening. We were able to sleep the night through without any disturbances.
In a conversation with one of the guys on my crew, we "stumbled" upon a GREAT notion. EVERY DAY IS FRIDAY!!! We work one day, and then we are off for two.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
In the field: Shift 1
I reported to work at 0500 for a 0600 start time. For the first day, I brought in a bowl of fresh cut fruit (cantelope, pineapple, grapes, strawberries) and some muffins (THANKS JANICE)!!
I had to go through and check my gear and my SCBA just like when I was at the academy. During the checkout, one of the guys on "C shift" gave me some door wedges to put in my pockets (since I was new, he asked if I had any). It is always good to carry what you may or may not need in your pockets....this may come in handy later on. The door wedges are to keep a door open that has a good chance of slamming shut, or possibly locking/trapping you in a room.
After putting my gear on the engine, I checked out the engine to become familiar with hose loads, what equipment we carried, and where it was located. While there are some similarities with the engine at the academy, many things are different...so I will need to get used to this engine pretty quickly. It will look bad if they tell me to grab something and I can't find it.
The day was pretty quiet, nothing was really going on all morning. I made myself familiar with the station and then did PT. I ran a little, ran the hose tower (a 4 story tower with about 40 stairs, where we hang wet hose to dry) in full gear, and lifted some weights. After showering, it was time for lunch. Fortunately for me, there are a few guys that love to cook on "A shift." We typically eat breakfast separately, and eat lunch and dinner as a crew. Everyone pitches in and pays for dinner, and one or two people cook. For lunch (which cost me $2), we had some bread, a beef stew, and for those that wanted to try it, a venison stew.
We finally had our first call...a motor vehicle accident. We suited up and hit the road......we managed to make it halfway down the road our station is in when we were called and put back in service...meaning, we were to report back to the station since we were no longer needed.
Then comes our second call...a few hours later...A POSSIBLE FIRE!! Again, we suited up and hit the road. We were heading down the road with lights and sirens blaring.....which is a LOT of fun. We made it to the scene and we were told to stage back some....then the call comes....Engine 524 back in service.
We got back to the station and I had enough time to dress down and go to the bathroom when the next call came in....ANOTHER POSSIBLE FIRE!! We hit the road heading to what we were hoping was going to be a fire. We got about halfway there when we were put back into service.
This finally brought us to dinner time. For dinner, we had ribeye steaks, rice, corn, mixed vegetables, and some cheesy sweet pea casserole type dish. The Lieutenant said the dinner was on him since it was my first day and he wanted to welcome me to the field. I had 2 great meals for $2.....it is amazing to think that for such a low price, I can eat even one good meal. (Typically they try to keep the cost down to no more than $4 per person, per meal).
2200 (10:00 pm) finally came around, so it was time for bed. We all managed to get to sleep for probably about 20-30 minutes when our next call came in. At 2250, we were on the road to assist someone with "chest pains." We took some vitals, spoke to the woman a bit, and loaded her up into the ambulance to take her to the hospital...which....WAS ACROSS THE STREET!!! People are amazing sometimes.
We got back to the station around 2310 and managed to get back to sleep, tucked into our warm beds. *BEEP BEEP BEEP*....call comes in at 23:50...."chest pains." We got up and hit the road to assist a 26y/o male and again brought him into the ambulance, took vitals, established an IV, and transported him to the hospital.
For the remainder of the night, not much happened. The ambulance went out on another call, but we were able to sleep soundly from 0015 to 0600, when we were relieved from duty by "B shift."
I sit here now typing this while most people I know are at work. I am enjoying the last of my 48 hours off, until I report to work again tomorrow. I have come to realize a few things that I am going to enjoy.....I will work roughly 7-8 shifts (days) per month. Every 8th shift, I am off with pay..giving me 5 days off in a row. Two times a year, I am off for 11 days in a row (without using any leave). During the summer, I will have tons of time to relax by the pool if I choose. I can head into the city and surprise someone for lunch. I can hit the gym. The possibilities are only limited to my imagination.
You will come to find out that much of the Fire Department is sitting around and waiting. Our good days are someone else's bad days......
I had to go through and check my gear and my SCBA just like when I was at the academy. During the checkout, one of the guys on "C shift" gave me some door wedges to put in my pockets (since I was new, he asked if I had any). It is always good to carry what you may or may not need in your pockets....this may come in handy later on. The door wedges are to keep a door open that has a good chance of slamming shut, or possibly locking/trapping you in a room.
After putting my gear on the engine, I checked out the engine to become familiar with hose loads, what equipment we carried, and where it was located. While there are some similarities with the engine at the academy, many things are different...so I will need to get used to this engine pretty quickly. It will look bad if they tell me to grab something and I can't find it.
The day was pretty quiet, nothing was really going on all morning. I made myself familiar with the station and then did PT. I ran a little, ran the hose tower (a 4 story tower with about 40 stairs, where we hang wet hose to dry) in full gear, and lifted some weights. After showering, it was time for lunch. Fortunately for me, there are a few guys that love to cook on "A shift." We typically eat breakfast separately, and eat lunch and dinner as a crew. Everyone pitches in and pays for dinner, and one or two people cook. For lunch (which cost me $2), we had some bread, a beef stew, and for those that wanted to try it, a venison stew.
We finally had our first call...a motor vehicle accident. We suited up and hit the road......we managed to make it halfway down the road our station is in when we were called and put back in service...meaning, we were to report back to the station since we were no longer needed.
Then comes our second call...a few hours later...A POSSIBLE FIRE!! Again, we suited up and hit the road. We were heading down the road with lights and sirens blaring.....which is a LOT of fun. We made it to the scene and we were told to stage back some....then the call comes....Engine 524 back in service.
We got back to the station and I had enough time to dress down and go to the bathroom when the next call came in....ANOTHER POSSIBLE FIRE!! We hit the road heading to what we were hoping was going to be a fire. We got about halfway there when we were put back into service.
This finally brought us to dinner time. For dinner, we had ribeye steaks, rice, corn, mixed vegetables, and some cheesy sweet pea casserole type dish. The Lieutenant said the dinner was on him since it was my first day and he wanted to welcome me to the field. I had 2 great meals for $2.....it is amazing to think that for such a low price, I can eat even one good meal. (Typically they try to keep the cost down to no more than $4 per person, per meal).
2200 (10:00 pm) finally came around, so it was time for bed. We all managed to get to sleep for probably about 20-30 minutes when our next call came in. At 2250, we were on the road to assist someone with "chest pains." We took some vitals, spoke to the woman a bit, and loaded her up into the ambulance to take her to the hospital...which....WAS ACROSS THE STREET!!! People are amazing sometimes.
We got back to the station around 2310 and managed to get back to sleep, tucked into our warm beds. *BEEP BEEP BEEP*....call comes in at 23:50...."chest pains." We got up and hit the road to assist a 26y/o male and again brought him into the ambulance, took vitals, established an IV, and transported him to the hospital.
For the remainder of the night, not much happened. The ambulance went out on another call, but we were able to sleep soundly from 0015 to 0600, when we were relieved from duty by "B shift."
I sit here now typing this while most people I know are at work. I am enjoying the last of my 48 hours off, until I report to work again tomorrow. I have come to realize a few things that I am going to enjoy.....I will work roughly 7-8 shifts (days) per month. Every 8th shift, I am off with pay..giving me 5 days off in a row. Two times a year, I am off for 11 days in a row (without using any leave). During the summer, I will have tons of time to relax by the pool if I choose. I can head into the city and surprise someone for lunch. I can hit the gym. The possibilities are only limited to my imagination.
You will come to find out that much of the Fire Department is sitting around and waiting. Our good days are someone else's bad days......
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Week 25: Day 4
THE LAST DAY AT THE ACADEMY!!!
We spent time getting all of our gear and clothes together and getting ready for the field. We also got our helmets set up with our identifier tags (the station tags for where we are assigned). The helmets will be passed out at graduation, along with our badges.
We then had lunch with the Battalion Chiefs. They are the guys that oversee the stations.
After a long lunch, we had some training on our electronic timecards, followed by more cleanup of our lockers and gear lock-ups.
Once we were finished, we met back in the classroom for some last minute pushups for "not following instructions." Really, the instructors were laughing and joking around, getting us one last time. We watched the class video and then instructors said that we were to call them by [first] name now that we were "one of them."
After tomorrow, it will be official.....
We spent time getting all of our gear and clothes together and getting ready for the field. We also got our helmets set up with our identifier tags (the station tags for where we are assigned). The helmets will be passed out at graduation, along with our badges.
We then had lunch with the Battalion Chiefs. They are the guys that oversee the stations.
After a long lunch, we had some training on our electronic timecards, followed by more cleanup of our lockers and gear lock-ups.
Once we were finished, we met back in the classroom for some last minute pushups for "not following instructions." Really, the instructors were laughing and joking around, getting us one last time. We watched the class video and then instructors said that we were to call them by [first] name now that we were "one of them."
After tomorrow, it will be official.....
Week 25: Day 3
Today, we wrapped up the car seat training. We spent the day doing practicals, and then at a station doing a car seat check for the public. We were there for about 4 hours and had a total of 3 cars stop by. One car had the seat installed incorrectly, one car was ok, and the other was an expectant mother due in 3 weeks that wanted us to install the car seat. Car seat training wasn't bad, it was just too long. The training could have been condensed....
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
My station assignment
I found out today that I am being assigned to Station 24. It is a new station, just opened up in December 2008. One of the instructors from the academy that left and went into the field is stationed there and requested that I be assigned with him. I will be working from 0600-0600 / 24 hours on, 48 hours off.
Here is a picture of my station:
Here is a picture of my station:
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Week 25: Day 2
More car seats....tomorrow is the last day though!! The end is near (of both car seats and the academy).
1 day closer to graduation.
1 day closer to graduation.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Week 25: Day 1
Well..this is it. The final week of the academy is here....
MORE CAR SEATS!!.....nothing to say about it really.
For those of you with little ones (or judging by the comments, WHEN you have little ones), you are probably scratching your heads asking yourself "Is my car seat installed correctly?" I will be more than willing to look at it for you or answer any questions you may have!!
Also, be sure to check out the recall list to see if your model car seat is listed:
Recall List
MORE CAR SEATS!!.....nothing to say about it really.
For those of you with little ones (or judging by the comments, WHEN you have little ones), you are probably scratching your heads asking yourself "Is my car seat installed correctly?" I will be more than willing to look at it for you or answer any questions you may have!!
Also, be sure to check out the recall list to see if your model car seat is listed:
Recall List
Friday, January 2, 2009
Week 24: Day 5
Car Seats....
We are in the beginning of a 4 day class where we will learn anything and everything about car seats. We learned all there is to installing them today using the seat belts. We will spend time learning how to install them using the latch system and tethers, size children for the seats, checking the recall list, etc. We end the class with a seat inspection at one of the stations, where the public will be allowed to come in and have their seat inspected and/or installed.
Statistics show that about 85% of all car seats are installed incorrectly......
We also took our Class 'A' pictures. Class 'A's are the pictures where you are in full coat, tie, badge, etc...similar to the Class 'A' uniform of the military.
I should be getting a copy of the picture I took to share....
We are in the beginning of a 4 day class where we will learn anything and everything about car seats. We learned all there is to installing them today using the seat belts. We will spend time learning how to install them using the latch system and tethers, size children for the seats, checking the recall list, etc. We end the class with a seat inspection at one of the stations, where the public will be allowed to come in and have their seat inspected and/or installed.
Statistics show that about 85% of all car seats are installed incorrectly......
We also took our Class 'A' pictures. Class 'A's are the pictures where you are in full coat, tie, badge, etc...similar to the Class 'A' uniform of the military.
I should be getting a copy of the picture I took to share....
Week 24: Day 3
Fire Behavior
We spent some time in the burn building, practicing different nozzle techniques to help keep fire at bay / slow down the growth to allow us to make entry into the fire room and get to the fire and limit the amount of superheated gas over our heads and behind us.
Nothing too fancy....just using air tracks and small water droplet size to carry water to the fire as opposed to a high pressure stream.
We spent some time in the burn building, practicing different nozzle techniques to help keep fire at bay / slow down the growth to allow us to make entry into the fire room and get to the fire and limit the amount of superheated gas over our heads and behind us.
Nothing too fancy....just using air tracks and small water droplet size to carry water to the fire as opposed to a high pressure stream.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
