Are you attending Firehouse Expo 2009?

[FirehouseEvents]

July 21-26, 2009 marks the 26th year for Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, MD. This year's event offers a complete package at an incredible value. Let me know if you have any questions.

[MANOFSTEEL]

I have never heard of this... Tell me more please

[FWDbuff]

Cut-and-pasted from the Baltimore City section of TheWatchDesk.com:

BOYCOTT THE 2009 FIREHOUSE EXPO Baltimore Maryland
Ok, I don’t care what your politics are to the issue of Paid or Volunteer but now is the time to put all of that behind us at least for a cause to help Baltimore firefighters.

This year will be the 26th year that people from around the world in our type of employment come to Baltimore for the Firehouse Expo and as in most cases bring family with them as the only annual vacation they will take.

I do not have a problem with this organization, the business that participate within this successful expo year after year, nor the people in our trade that come to listen to lectures and receive training throughout our the metro region as part of this convention.

Our city and state has been blessed by the multiple MILLIONS of DOLLARS from this expo and all of its functions, visitors, tourism, revenue it brings not just to Baltimore but the surrounding jurisdictions as well from people like YOU.

A few weeks prior to this event the City of Baltimore will be closing the Truck Company less than one block from the convention center and another engine company in west Baltimore. Additionally the department has suffered several forced multiple millions cuts over the last fiscal year.

I would like; the 17,000+ registered participants, the family members they bring for other tourist attractions in Maryland, the 460 companies that purchase floor space, those who were going to occupy downtown hotels for over $200.00+ & 13.5% tax rate an evening and everyone in the fire service to…

Join Baltimore firefighters in a BOYCOTT of THE FIREHOUSE EXPO, not only the expo but BOYCOTT BALTIMORE. Boycott the firehouse expo being held in Baltimore and the other surrounding jurisdictions in the state of Maryland for the week of July 19, 2009 through July 25, 2009, as a showing of support of the positions that Baltimore Firefighters are losing through planned station closings the very same month.

Here is a list of places to send your comments of dissatisfaction of how Baltimore takes Millions from us and our extended fire service families, yet chooses to hurt those who we protect everyday through making it harder to protect them with unit closures…

Government Contacts:

mayor@baltimorecity.gov
http://baltimorecity.gov/mayor/cabinet.php
http://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/members.htm
http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/
http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/0...ml/county.html

Tourism:

http://baltimore.org/
http://www.visitmaryland.org/Pages/Welcome.aspx

[FHEditor]

Hey folks,

Check out the following link for a podcast preview for Firehouse Expo. Firehouse.com Editor Peter Matthews talks with Firehouse Expo Program Director Harvey Eisner and Show Manager Mary Velline. They discuss the exciting events at the upcoming conference and trade show in Baltimore.

http://dynamic.firehouse.com/broadca...irehouse-expo/

Also, if you're a member of Facebook and you're attending Firehouse Expo, please RSVP here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?ei...id=59157692897

[Bones42]

FWDBuff, how is not giving money to the city of Baltimore (hotels/restaraunts/bars/shops/etc) actually going to help the Baltimore FD? Isn't it going to leave less money in the city to help balance their budget?


Isn't boycotting it really a stupid idea?

[FWDbuff]

I never said I agreed with it..............I just thought it was interesting.

[BigRig]

I'm looking forward to it! A good value in a great place.

[firefighter7488]

This will be my first experience at the Baltimore Expo. So I am looking forward to it alot. can't wait for July.

[BaltFireChief]

Cut-and-pasted from the Baltimore City section of TheWatchDesk.com:

BOYCOTT THE 2009 FIREHOUSE EXPO Baltimore Maryland
Ok, I don’t care what your politics are to the issue of Paid or Volunteer but now is the time to put all of that behind us at least for a cause to help Baltimore firefighters.

This year will be the 26th year that people from around the world in our type of employment come to Baltimore for the Firehouse Expo and as in most cases bring family with them as the only annual vacation they will take.

I do not have a problem with this organization, the business that participate within this successful expo year after year, nor the people in our trade that come to listen to lectures and receive training throughout our the metro region as part of this convention.

Our city and state has been blessed by the multiple MILLIONS of DOLLARS from this expo and all of its functions, visitors, tourism, revenue it brings not just to Baltimore but the surrounding jurisdictions as well from people like YOU.

A few weeks prior to this event the City of Baltimore will be closing the Truck Company less than one block from the convention center and another engine company in west Baltimore. Additionally the department has suffered several forced multiple millions cuts over the last fiscal year.

I would like; the 17,000+ registered participants, the family members they bring for other tourist attractions in Maryland, the 460 companies that purchase floor space, those who were going to occupy downtown hotels for over $200.00+ & 13.5% tax rate an evening and everyone in the fire service to…

Join Baltimore firefighters in a BOYCOTT of THE FIREHOUSE EXPO, not only the expo but BOYCOTT BALTIMORE. Boycott the firehouse expo being held in Baltimore and the other surrounding jurisdictions in the state of Maryland for the week of July 19, 2009 through July 25, 2009, as a showing of support of the positions that Baltimore Firefighters are losing through planned station closings the very same month.

Here is a list of places to send your comments of dissatisfaction of how Baltimore takes Millions from us and our extended fire service families, yet chooses to hurt those who we protect everyday through making it harder to protect them with unit closures…

Government Contacts:

mayor@baltimorecity.gov
http://baltimorecity.gov/mayor/cabinet.php
http://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/members.htm
http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/
http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/0...ml/county.html

Tourism:

http://baltimore.org/
http://www.visitmaryland.org/Pages/Welcome.aspx

This makes no sense. The Firehouse Expo is the largest event of the year in Baltimore City and therefore helps pay for Baltimore City firefighter's salaries.

[FirehouseEvents]

We understand and empathize with the hardship the fire service is facing in the City of Baltimore and other cities across the nation. However, Firehouse Expo, in some cases, is the sole training opportunity for many departments and individuals from across the country. It would be devastating to see their training opportunity harmed or disrupted. To support the industries challenges we have added a class to help educate public and elected officials on the basics of the fire service. This may provide a good opportunity to invite officials to learn more about the industry and what is needed to do your jobs. Check it out at http://www.firehouseexpo.com/fhe/edu...rence_thurs.po

[BigRig]

Only a week away...cant wait.

[FirehouseEvents]

Did you know that if you purchase an "Exhibit Hall" pass you will be able to attend the podcast sessions, the Opening Ceremony and Keynote Presentation, CFSI Silent Auction, Model Muster, Party on the Plaza, the Parade & Flea Market, and participate in Firehouse Fever? http://www.firehouseexpo.com/fhe/index.po

[turkyman]

Good afternoon,

I'm coming in to Baltimore via Amtrak to Penn Station. Does anybody know if there are hotel shuttles or expo shuttles available? This is my first time coming in by train, so I'm not familiar with the transportation arrangements. Thanks.

[wre722]

Are the certs for hands on training available online like the conference sessions are? This was my first year doing a hands on class at the expo.