USFA Request for 1000 "2" FF Teams !!!

[nmfire]

I was wondering why they wanted to take FF's and put them to work doing paperwork....

[LasVegasFTO]

The waiting has got to be the worst part. They probably have more than enough volunteers. What they are probably doing is reviewing all applications (like the webmaster said) and determining the who, what, why, when and where. They don't want to take too many personnel from one area/region therefore depleting their resources.

Another thing, FEMA needs to access and assess the gulf coast as to where the teams need to be deployed. No point in sending teams to areas where people have been evacuated (no one to help) and areas that are non-accessable.

If you are selected, GOD BLESS and BE SAFE !!!

[rapidfire7]

Maybe they should put NASA in charge of the recovery mission! I was able to go on the Space Shuttle Recovery mission and I was totally impressed with the way that it was handled, from the timely organized deployment to the specific direction that the teams recieved on the ground, and through all kinds of conditions and terrain. While I realize that this is an apples to oranges comparison, FEMA could take some lessons here. If there are parts of the wheel that work, there is no sense reinventing the whole thing! Maybe it does take a Rocket Scientist.

[Greenacres2]

Maybe it does take a Rocket Scientist.

...or acting lessons. I heard a report last night on MSNBC that Sean Penn had not heard from a few friends, so he got a magazine to assign him to write a story--which apparently gives him media credentials. While working on the story he hopes to look for his friends.

Seems to me that disaster scenes are much more accessible to actors, activists, entertainers, and the press than they are to people who have the training and necessary equipment to do some real benefit. (okay, maybe Sean picked up some first aid training while watching paramedics treat at least one wife)

Perhaps with the next revision of FF 1-2 training the practicals could include singing, dancing and creative writing. Then guys like LeBlanc from up the road could have a chance to make a difference.

Sorry, i've been holding that in for 5 or 6 days and the Sean Penn thing just put me over the top. Rant ended, now i can go back to waiting for the call.
earl

[MEck51]

As proven at the begining of the 2nd gulf war sean penn is a piece of garbage.

[mcleoud151]

My Dept is gonna' send two of us (myself and another) down (assuming FEMA approval), but we were told we had to wait to send our apps in until the Chief of Dept gets in on Tues am. Guess we wouldn't wanna' ruin someone's golf game...

I'll keep y'all updated as the process goes along. Our neighbor depts to the North and South sent four and six over the weekend, but no one has heard what they're up to yet.


PS: I would much rather be down there doing real rescue work, but I am doubting any of us up here on the NW are gonna' be given that chance, and I wanna' do something to help out, so this is it.

[ffemttc29]

One of the reasons FEMA is asking for firefighters is because they have already been given a background check and are deemed "clean". They are having and always had problems finding folks with clean records and clear drug screens to work for them....even if it is passing out paprework and providing "minimal" first aid.

be safe guys

[dfdems]

FEMA had already started contacting those they wish to deploy out of those who applied. A buddy of mine got notified today and has to call tomorrow (Tuesday..) for a flight through them.

He did mention something about the Chief having to sign a waiver for a background and Physical for the two being deployed for FEMA.

[EFD840]

I heard a report last night on MSNBC that Sean Penn had not heard from a few friends, so he got a magazine to assign him to write a story--which apparently gives him media credentials. While working on the story he hopes to look for his friends.

In case you missed it, Mr. Penn won't be in any position to be critical of the government response. Seems the boat wouldn't crank and everyone on board (including Penn's personal photographer) had to bail to keep it afloat because they left the drain plugs out.

[jonemac]

In case you missed it, Mr. Penn won't be in any position to be critical of the government response. Seems the boat wouldn't crank and everyone on board (including Penn's personal photographer) had to bail to keep it afloat because they left the drain plugs out.

Did you see the photo? Between Sean and his entourage there wasn't any ROOM for victims! I think they mentioned he had his two cameramen (can't go rescue folks without THEM), his publicist, and I guess the boat driver.

[VinnieB]

Does anybody know if the USERRA law applies to these volunteer FEMA teams? I know DMAT is covered by it.

I believe that this law only covers US Military Personnel (Reserve/NG) actived for duty....not for civilian vollies.

[Jasper 45]

The members of my department, the 20 who were selected were deployed Sunday night.
They had about 3 days total from start/application to boarding a plane for Atlanta.

[mcleoud151]

The members of my department, the 20 who were selected were deployed Sunday night.
They had about 3 days total from start/application to boarding a plane for Atlanta.

We got our apps in at 0800 this am, FINALLY! FEMA called back almost instantly and got some dept contact info, and said they would let us know when. Here we sit....

[webteam]

USFA EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO FIREFIGHTERS

The United States Fire Administration wishes to thank the fire service for the magnificent response in support of the Hurricane Katrina community relations mission. More than 4000 fire fighters responded to the call and are being sent for this critical humanitarian mission to assist our fellow Americans in this time of great need. Due to the benevolence of the American fire service, we have met our goals and no further solicitation of the fire service is anticipated. The USFA call center has suspended processing new applications effective September 6, 2005. Again, we want to thank all those who responded

[captain36]

I know the feeling, I'm in the same boat!
"They" sure are making it difficult to help,
and I am sure that they could use all of us,
If "they" can ever get it together.

[captain36]

I work for 2 EMS services and a fire dept. Im also part of "Fema's" Disaster Medical Assistance Team and I have been trying to get there and havent got deployed by anyone. Fema told me I couldnt go because my id card got lost in the mail. Its Crazy! Firefighter/EMT, no family to tend after, I can go for as long as needed and I'm still sitting at home. Its disgusting.

oops! My reply is to this message.

[WTFD10]

I believe that this law only covers US Military Personnel (Reserve/NG) actived for duty....not for civilian vollies.

It covers Reserve and NG as well as DMAT teams. It CAN cover teams for this event if designated by the President:

The term 'uniformed services' means the Armed Forces, the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard when engaged in active duty for training, inactive duty training, or full-time National Guard duty, the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, and any other category of persons designated by the President in time of war or emergency.

I wondered if this had been done yet...