WTFD Firefighters Attend FDIC
INDIANAPOLIS, IN—Firefighters From Washington Township Fire Department attended the annual Fire Department Instructors Conference the week of April 8-13, 2002. Attending this year’s conference from WTFD were Captain Kevin Brink, Captain Dennis Symons, Fire Fighter Dan Schaffener, Fire Fighter Frank Petrangeli and Fire Commissioner Debbie Matson.
On Monday and Tuesday firefighters attended “HOT” Hands on Training classes
along with 2,500 firefighters from around the country. Over Forty-Five different
HOT classes were available to choose from. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
training classes were held at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome with
over 60 lectures to choose from. Thursday, Friday and Saturday fire service
vendors were on hand with exhibits of products available for the fire service.
The total overall conference participation was over 25,000 fire fighters
throughout the week.
Firefighters brought their fire gear with them to Indianapolis and trained with some of the best instructors in the country. Hot training days were intensive and challenging with realistic mockups of actual incidents. Firefighters were up early and had to be ready to board busses leaving for the fire training grounds by 7 a.m. and did not return to town until well after 5:30 p.m.
From Fire Engineering articles:
| Day two of FDIC's H.O.T. evolutions exemplified the scope of the Conference's resources, not only through the various training session locations, but through the comments of participants. Again and again, students told me how impressed they were by the resources from which FDIC is able to draw, whether it be the number of school buses secured, or the seemingly endless buildings to use for various evolutions. |
| First came a return to the Conference's Clearstream location where day two of truck company ops evolutions were taking place. Driving up, the six or seven school buses that students began to work on the day before were on their sides, and in many cases, in pieces. But at another end of the complex, there were six or seven more buses ready to be cut apart by enthusiastic firefighters armed with sawzalls and hydraulic tools. |
| The main purpose, though, of the return trip was to observe the collapse class. Firefighters participating in this evolution were able to get to work today, performing searches through the collapsed structure after meticulously shoring their means of egress. Already the scope of FDIC's resources becomes apparent as electric circular saws and hammers are heard cutting and pounding nails into the copious supply of wood. And just across from the collapse rescue evolution are the six or seven more school buses, students hovered around exploring extrication techniques. |
| The confined space rescue evolution was the next stop. Crawling under blocks of concrete weighing thousands of pounds with rebar and wire protruding every which way and through thick gauge steel tubing, rescuers practiced various facets of confined space rescue, while another team rescued a victim from a rail car. |
| Onto the live burn-where a single family dwelling was used to practice interior firefighting techniques. More than just practicing interior attack techniques, students on the outside looking in got a chance to watch how fire behaves; how the changing smoke indicates the various stages of fire. Six different crews were able to enter the dwelling to put out a fire in one of several rooms while another crew stood by as an R.I.T. team, and truck companies performed interior and exterior tasks. Twice during the six burn evolutions firefighters simulated going down, after which the R.I.T. crew entered the dwelling to rescue the downed firefighters. Instructors lit fires within the dwelling six different times. Yesterday, other firefighters went to a single-family dwelling at another site, and practiced the same techniques-another example of FDIC's ability to use myriad resources to make this a first-class training operation. |
| Yesterday I stated that I don't believe anyone can come to this show and not walk away impressed by the scope and depth of the training offered. The scope of training-from confined space rescue, elevator rescue, high angle rescue to bread and butter dwelling fire operations-is clear just from the list of H.O.T. evolutions and classroom sessions. The depth of the training can be summed up by quoting one firefighter at today's live burn evolution who said, "I come back to this every year, and every year I learn something new-and I've been a firefighter for 28 years!" |
| Tomorrow, April 10, commences with the opening
ceremonies for FDIC 2002. It is going to be an emotional day for all, as
hundreds of uniformed firefighters gather to remember those brothers and
sisters we lost on September 11, 2001. After two days of training together,
we'll come together as one body to remember our fellow firefighters knowing
that the dedication of the men and women standing around us-students and
teachers alike-has better equipped us to handle the various types of calls
to which we'll respond when we're back in service next week. It is because
of organizations like FDIC that we are afforded the opportunity to see first
hand that dedication and benefit from it. Have a great show. By Chris Mc Loone, Fire Engineering |
| Yesterday's Opening Ceremonies for FDIC were even more meaningful to the firefighters gathered than in previous years. The traditional list honoring the fallen brothers and sisters for the previous year weighed more heavily upon the collective consciousness of firefighters in the ballroom, especially in light of the 343 Fire Department of New York (FDNY) members who perished on September 11. |
| The Opening Ceremonies included a final goodbye to fallen firefighters who perished in 2001; memorials for those firefighters who gave their lives to save thousands on September 11, 2001 in New York; and a call to take the experiences that 2001 taught the fire service and move ahead while never forgetting those who made the supreme sacrifice. |
| Chiefs, captains, and lieutenants from across the nation took the stage to pay tribute to their own firefighters who perished during 2001. In remembering one of his or her own, everyone related humorous anecdotes that exemplified the fallen's courage, personality, and demeanor. Through the memorial readings, attendees to the Opening Ceremonies saw glimpses of themselves in each and every firefighter memorialized: the mostly unspoken affection all firefighters have toward their brethren; the humor every firefighter brings with him or her to the station every day; and the turmoil they all feel when tragedy strikes, and their response to a call to saves lives results in losing them forever. |
| The FDIC lost five staff members/instructors to the terrorist attacks on September 11: Ray Downey, Andy Fredricks, Chris Blackwell, Dana Hannon, and Billy McGinn. FDNY Battalion Chief Gerald Tracy paid tribute to them during his tribute to Fallen FDIC Instructors. Calling to mind vivid memories of September 11, and the many years past here at FDIC and in FDNY-Andy Fredericks and his smooth bore nozzles; Ray Downey and his rescue expertise; and how they helped Tracy when he formed Squad 18. Humorous anecdotes and personal memories of each FDIC instructor demonstrated the Conference's loss on September 11. |
| In the concluding keynote address, attendees heard first-hand accounts of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster from Captain Jay Jonas and Battalion Chief John Salka. These two old friends both began their days at totally opposite ends of the spectrum-one off duty at home, and one on duty, responding on the second alarm to the WTC after the first plane hit. Captain Jonas was in the North Tower as it collapsed, and as luck would have it, the collapse ended and he and several firefighters were alive but trapped in Stairway B. Battalion Chief Salka traveled from Orange County to Ground Zero to help in any way he could. Jonas recounted his ordeal from entering the Tower, to deciding, "It is time to go," one of the most difficult decisions he's had to make. Salka and Jonas' paths finally crossed that day, when Salka called Jonas on his two-way after hearing Jonas's Mayday call, to tell him help was on the way. Jonas finally made it out after three and a half hours. He found his Division Chief who after all that had happened said, "Good to see you." Jonas responded with a salute and got back to work, again, a common thread among firefighters. He also encouraged those present to keep their skills up, and be a go to guy, because you never know when something catastrophic can occur. |
| Salka ended the keynote by calling all present to remember the WTC tragedy, but to take all the lessons learned and move ahead, carrying on the tradition of service to the public, but never forgetting those who died on September 11. And quoting one of the brave individuals who helped bring down the plane in Pennsylvania that some have speculated was headed to the White House, exclaimed, "Let's roll!" |
| By Chris Mc Loone, Fire Engineering |
A Partial list of the “HOT” Hands On Training classes were:
Engine Company Operations: Hand line Management, Engine Company Operations: Water Supply, Elevator Emergencies, Flashover Simulator, Live Fire Attack, School Bus Extrication, Thermal Imaging for the Fire Service, Firefighter Safety and Survival, and Fire ground Tactics.
Some of the FDIC 2002 Classroom Sessions attended were:
Public Information Management
Stephen Ruda, Northridge, CA, and Bob Khan, Phoenix, AZ
A Public Information Officer has the opportunity to provide a positive image of
the department and the fire service-no matter what the actual circumstances are.
Providing effective public information can start a ripple effect of helpful
relationships and increased resources, while providing ineffective public
relations can hinder both of those things from ever occurring.
Managing People Effectively
David Ross, Dan Haden and Tom Karnas, Toronto, Canada
This two-part session addresses the management needs of two distinct groups:
company officers and senior (chief) officers. Part 1, for company officers,
looks at communications, motivation, leadership, and coaching and counseling.
Part 2 , for senior officers, discusses recent trends in management, what we can
learn from business, emotional intelligence, the art of persuasion. and project
management.
Buddy to Boss--New Supervisor Leadership Guides
Chase Sargent, Virginia Beach, VA
New officers often find themselves in a transition from firefighter/paramedic to
officer overnight. Turning from a "blue shirt" to a "white shirt" is a wonderful
feeling, but too often, organizations fail to provide the necessary training and
direction needed to make the jump. Chase Sargent will share a leadership- and
values-based approach to becoming an effective leader, manager, and officer.
Searching For Life and Location
Dan Noonan, San Diego, CA
Recognition of life and the fires location are the top priorities for the
Incident Commander, and deciding factors for strategies and tactics employed.
This presentation has been developed for the first-In firefighters to identify
life and the fires location. The instructor will examine the methods used to
locate fire in private dwellings and commercial structures.
Ultimate Firefighting
Gary Seidel, Los Angeles, CA
This topic is relevant to all firefighting personnel regardless of rank. We will
take a serious look at how we fight fires, what really goes on, and how we can
do it smarter. This will be accomplished through case analysis of emergency
operations. We will look at ways to maximize effectiveness of personnel, safety,
and accountability while using competent leadership approaches.
Extrication in the 21st Century
Craig Aberbach, Cape Coral, FL
This presentation covers new vehicle technologies that would impact the rescuer
during incidents at motor vehicle accidents. Topics include preincident
preparation to supplemental restraint systems and how they work, vehicle
compartmentalization, construction, what a hybrid vehicle is, and how it will
affect rescues on those types of vehicles.
Quint Essentials
Jake Rixner
This presentation will explore the history and tactical advantages and
disadvantages of quint fire suppression vehicles. Several case studies will be
used to illustrate the various challenges that are unique to this apparatus. The
effective use of quints in any fire department will be explored.
Breaching Block Walls
Cary Darnell, Gary, IN
Concrete and block, the most popular building construction components, are very
strong, carry heavy loads, and are found in most load-bearing walls. The only
way to get into the building for rescue and extinguishment may be breaching the
wall. What kind of equipment do we use for this task and are we trained for it,
where do we make the hole, and how large? These and other questions will be
answered as the instructor discusses using basic to advanced air tools.
Keeping the Pressure On
Doug Leihbacher, Yonkers, NY
When the water supply to the fire is compromised, handlines cannot be advanced,
firefighters conducting interior search face greater peril, and master streams
are rendered ineffective. Hurried and/or disorderly tactics are usually the
cause. Emphasizing engine company operations, this presentation takes a detailed
look at the common and not so common fireground obstacles and errors that can
impede, restrict, and obstruct the continuous and essential supply of water
necessary for safe and successful fire ground operations.
Firefighter Stress Management; At Work and Home
Michael McEvoy, Waterford, NY
Personality characteristics that draw individuals to the fire service and make
them effective firefighters have a negative side. These same personality traits
increase job stress and often ruin relationships at home. This timely
presentation is aimed at helping firefighters keep their jobs and their
families.
Fighting Fires in Sealed Buildings
Michael Dugan, East Northport, NY
This program discusses three different types of sealed buildings and how to
fight fires within them. These structures include residential, commercial, and
vacant structures often encountered. Firefighters need the ability to recognize
these buildings and the training needed to safely gain entry and operate within.
Aerial Ladder & Tower Ladder Operations and Placement
Michael Wilbur, Otisville, NY
Aerial apparatus represent a large investment but more than 90% of the
departments that have these units underuse them, and many of these departments
really do not understand their proper use at all. This program, designed for
firefighters, apparatus operators, training officers, maintenance personnel, and
chief officers, will provide the knowledge to properly drive, place and operate
aerial ladders, squirts, and tower ladders at a variety of buildings and
occupancies, and how to get the most out of each piece of apparatus.
The Art of Reading Smoke
David Dodson, Loveland, CO
One of the most important size-up skills an officer can have is the ability to
determine instantly the size of a fire and the potential for a rapid hostile
event such as flashover or smoke explosion. Often, smoke issuing from a
structure is the only clue available to predict fire behavior. This session,
which features actual fireground footage and heavy class participation, gives
first-due officers a process to read smoke and predict hostile fire events.
Other happenings at FDIC:
Firefighter sons to get award for father who died Sept. 11
|
April 08, 2002
Capt. Joe Downey of the New York Fire Department arrived at Ground Zero within an hour of the World Trade Center towers' collapse, knowing his father had taken part in the rescue effort inside.
"I had that sick feeling in my stomach going in," Downey said. "When I got there and spoke to a couple of chiefs. . . . I could see from the look in their eyes that he wasn't heard from."
Ray Downey, chief of special operations command and a 39-year veteran with the Fire Department, was among 343 firefighters who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Because of his sacrifice and his celebrated record in responding to terrorism, Ray Downey will be the first recipient of a new firefighting award that will carry his name. Joe Downey and his brother Chuck, a lieutenant with the Fire Department, will travel to Indianapolis this week to accept it.
The presentation of Fire Engineering magazine's Courage and Valor Award will be a highlight of the Fire Department Instructors Conference, which runs today through Saturday at the Indiana Convention Center. After this year, it will be known as the Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award.
"He's done a tremendous amount of work for the fire services and the FDIC," Joe Downey said. "I wish he was here to accept it; he deserves it."
About 25,000 firefighters from across the nation are expected for the annual conference, held in Indianapolis since 1994.
Many of the conference sessions will focus on the Sept. 11 attacks. On Wednesday, a group of New York City firefighters will describe what happened in the critical first few hours after the hijacked airliners slammed into the twin towers.
One lesson firefighters hope to learn is managing cooperation among police, fire and emergency agencies, said Paul Bailey, chief of the Franklin Township Fire Department and a supervisor of search-and-rescue teams at Ground Zero after the attacks.
"The first few days there in New York, it was difficult at times to establish where chain of command fell in each area of responsibility," he said. "If you have a plan in place, it's going to be much smoother, and if you don't -- that's where the confusion starts to occur."
Firefighters also hope to focus public attention on staying prepared for terrorism.
"As time passes, people seem to forget what happened and what we need to prepare for," Bailey said. "Hopefully we can keep it at the forefront now."
Ray Downey, who responded to the first terrorist attack at the Trade Center in 1993 and led the rescue operation after the Oklahoma City federal building's bombing in 1995, had often urged government leaders to prepare.
"That kind of fell on deaf ears because nothing had been done," Joe Downey said. "I would hope that throughout the country, people would realize this is not a one-time deal.
"Let's get prepared," he said. "Let's not wait and see what's going to happen."