Forums Whos Who

[ChiefReason]

I'm game...

26+ years on the job.

Associate's Degree in Public Communications, a credit or 2 shy of an Associate's in Fire Science.

Firefighter: November 1981 to November 1988
Lieutenant: November 1988 to August 2000
Captain: August 2000 to January 2007
Deputy Chief: January 2007 to present.
Pro Board certified Fire Officer 1.

I also work at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in the support services division, assisting the instructional staff in teaching recruit, industrial and gas firefighting programs. I worked there from May 1982 to July 1995, and from August 2001 to the present date.

Do I profess to know everything about "da job"? Hell no, and I never will.

Every day on the job is a learning experience. In my career, I have found that there are days when the firehouse runs like a well oiled machine, others, I feel like I am playing Nanny 911 in a daycare center!

My mantra is "everyone goes home". If I tick someone off while making sure that I end the tour with the same number of personnel than I started with, oh well.

My signature says it...

Gonz:
You failed to mention that you are also a founding member of the International Association of Crusty Old Jakes (IACOJ), a website dedicated to respectful discussion of fire service issues. And with the continued erosion of that type of discussion at Firehouse.com, it is certainly something to be very proud of.
CR

[ChiefReason]

Exactly the reason I a not going to play.

Me too.
I am ashamed of my number of posts and will now go through Life knowing that I couldn't measure up to LFD131's lofty expectations.
CR

[ElectricHoser]

If you look at the date of when they joined the forums under their avitar, you will see who is crusty and who isn't. It makes no difference on the amount of posts they have.

With all due respect, registration date means as much as number of posts - both are essentially meaningless in the context of what you are fishing for with this topic. Experienced firefighters who walk in tomorrow and register for the first time should not be judged by their registration date.

For me, I guess it's personal, if you want to judge me by my new 2007 handle. I wanted to change my handle (and WT wouldn't do it) so I re-registered and gave up my 1999 vintage account. But 1999 doesn't mean jack, either. I was only on a measly 6 years prior to the forum, what about the guys with the proverbial 20 years before that?

I like the original direction of the topic. What is your practical experience without regard to the level or length of participation at FH?

[Dickey]

With all due respect, registration date means as much as number of posts - both are essentially meaningless in the context of what you are fishing for with this topic. Experienced firefighters who walk in tomorrow and register for the first time should not be judged by their registration date.

Good point.

All you have to do is read a little bit and it becomes obvious, just by what they post,you can tell the difference between crust and dust on their helmet!

[KBRfiredog]

wow most of you guys have been doing this since before i was born

i did about 2 1/2 years as an Air Force firefighter
did a year as a volunteer while i was in the Air Force
been a contract firefighter for KBR in Baghdad for about 3 1/2 months now

Firefighter II, ARFF, MWS, HazMat Tech, confined space rescue tech, EMT-B, Telecommunicator II, EMD, Instructor and Officer I...gotta love the Air Force training program

[Dave1983]

Exactly the reason I a not going to play.

Thats too bad, considering the whole idea behind this thread came after reading some newbie spend several pages trying to get the better of you. And before you say it, no, you didnt ask for any help and thats not the point.

This isnt about post counts, or what the firefighters in your own house think or who your going to trust behind you on a line. Its simply a chance to share more information about ourselves then the space in your FH profile allows.

Like I said, my hope is to stop some of these good threads from flamming because some newbie decides to debate NFPA codes with George, or fire ground opps with Chief Woods or training with Gonzo.

Perhaps if they knew who they were debating with, they would bail out long before they crashed and burned along with the thread.

[ElectricHoser]

post deleted by me - waste of bandwidth and not constructive towards furthering the topic - EH

[SteveDude]

20 Years Service with London Fire Brigade

1987-1994 Fireman, (Driver & Aerial Operator Qualified)
1994-1997 Leading Fireman (Fire Rescue Unit (Rescue Co) Officer)
1997-1999 Sub Officer (Lt)
1999-2002 Station Officer (Capt)
2002- Asst Divisional Officer (Batt Chief)

I have always served in London's inner City East End Ghetto areas. Currently Station Commander in the Borough of Hackney

Contributing Author for Fire Magazine (UK), Firehouse Magazine & Firehouse.com.

Editor of British Fire Service Association Journal, London District Chairman & National Board member.

Graduate of Institue of Fire Engineers.

Fire Brigades Union Officers representative, East London Branch Chair.
High Rise Firefighting panel advisor.

Currently Studying MSc in Risk, Crisis & Disaster Management at University of Leicester. (Distance learning)

Member of UK Branch of IACOJ.

[MalahatTwo7]

Thats too bad, considering the whole idea behind this thread came after reading some newbie spend several pages trying to get the better of you. And before you say it, no, you didnt ask for any help and thats not the point.

This isnt about post counts, or what the firefighters in your own house think or who your going to trust behind you on a line. Its simply a chance to share more information about ourselves then the space in your FH profile allows.

Like I said, my hope is to stop some of these good threads from flamming because some newbie decides to debate NFPA codes with George, or fire ground opps with Chief Woods or training with Gonzo.

Perhaps if they knew who they were debating with, they would bail out long before they crashed and burned along with the thread.

I agree with you Dave: George, ya gotta come play with our ball and sandbox! At least for a little bit. We share nicely... well ok... mostly. LOL

As for me, only been working an "official capacity" since summer 2000, but I have 5 years with the Cdn Navy and shipboard firefighting. Lots of field experience, but somewhat short of the book work. Fairfax is my 2nd dept and am currently riding as an EMT, but soon to change that (I hope) by attending the Co Fire School in July, to graduate with FF I and II.

Otherwise, as has been mentioned..... "... Be the (sponge) Danny. Be the (sponge)..."

[bcarey]

I, personally, do not understand the need to have a number of posts be an identifier of one's character or worth, and why a person should feel the need to post their credentials in order to prove value to faceless identities, especially when there is much more to be done in a life. I don't direct this as a criticism of the thread starter, and I believe his is a interesting idea; however, each of you knows what type of firefighter you are. You know what type of person you are also. Why entertain a debate of wits with a person who, for the greatest example of internet scheming, could very well have very little time served, in the fire service, or could not be a member of the fire service at all? Certainly you could share your education and experience with each other, but why do it out of concern of having a internet seniority?

[MG3610]

The idea is Noble and I agree with it.

On this site, many of us have the opportunity to be educators. If I am taking a class I want to know why the guy or gal in front of me has any business teaching the material. User FFFRED explains this type of principle very passionately in another thread, relative to columnists in another publication. If all you do is talk shop and sports and don't plan on posting information a rookie or a fireman from a slow company will take back to use at the firehohuse, so be it. I personally don't care who ya are then, but if you are going to reply to tactics situations and procedural questions in the threads, its nice to know who's passing you the advice.

In person, when you stop and talk to another brother or sister its often easy to tell up front if they are on the ball or full of hot air. Sometimes its easy to tell on here, other times it isnt so easy and takes a few weeks before you get a read on someone.

To me, post numbers mean nothing, some guys post hundreds of messages in the off duty and sports sections, which have nothing to do with firefighting. I don't hang out or talk to anyone from on here unless I am asking for some help or have something worthy of passing along. I'm just a keep to myself kinda guy and I like sharing my expierence and knowledge when I feel it will be of benefit. Likewise, I also come here to learn from some of you. I just never got into the "gang". There are about a dozen or so names on here I always keep in my back pocket. I always look for their thoughts on things because they have proven to me that they have "it". While I dont talk to those guys off of here, I do highly value their views.

Some think this "resume posting" is showboating or self serving to talk of your expierence and education, I feel differently. On an internet forum this is the only way to learn who people are.

Take it for what its worth from the guy in the corner here.

[JohnVBFD]

Thats too bad, considering the whole idea behind this thread came after reading some newbie spend several pages trying to get the better of you. And before you say it, no, you didnt ask for any help and thats not the point.

This isnt about post counts, or what the firefighters in your own house think or who your going to trust behind you on a line. Its simply a chance to share more information about ourselves then the space in your FH profile allows.

Like I said, my hope is to stop some of these good threads from flamming because some newbie decides to debate NFPA codes with George, or fire ground opps with Chief Woods or training with Gonzo.

Perhaps if they knew who they were debating with, they would bail out long before they crashed and burned along with the thread.

Devils advocate.

I am not saying "flamming" or arguing for the sake of arguing. But if old idea's and viewpoints are never debated, we stop learning and sharing knowledge. The other side of this post is the new person coming in and saying, "Well they don't want person xxxx questioned/whatever. Guess I won't bother at all.

Personally? I like seeing people debate. If people are debating knowledge/methods/idea's, learning of some form is taking place. The new person has to consider the others methods/whatever and challenge his own. The other person has to do the same. And people watching/listening/reading also learn.

I will say this. I do remember firehouse.com when it was completely free. I used to post when these boards were first made. I used to enjoy getting ISO Supergod all rilled up. I did it to him on AOL message boards and I did it here. When we started having to pay, I tried it. However firehouse.com could never get my account to where I could post on the boards anymore. So I stopped paying them. So my join date is either 06 or 07, I can't remember. But really, I joined when these boards were first put up.

"Firgures always lie. Liars always figure." We can't base input into the forums based on numbers, nor should the numbers really be discussed so younger people don't feel cyber intiminated.

All this serious stuff is making my head hurt. I need to pull up an Alex thread to get a laugh now.

[hwoods]

A VERY good discussion on what can be a sensitive topic. Here's the famous phrase again: " I could be wrong, but...." I posted in response to how I interpreted the opening remarks and invitation by the thread author. A bit long winded maybe, but those who know me...... . Anyway, I treated this thread opener in the same manner as a publisher asking for an Author's Bio or a similar request for Presenter's Info from a Seminar Sponsor. And, I agree, you don't judge anyone/anything by post count, join date, or avatar artwork.

[ChiefReason]

Bcarey:

It doesn’t surprise me at all that it has come to this. Since there is no real verification process, a lot of pretenders come to this website and destroys the learning and teaching experiences. They contribute NOTHING while discouraging teacher AND student from discussing important topics.
Since some aren’t smart enough to understand what the poster is saying, why they are saying it and that it comes from years in the fire service, we find it necessary to preface our comments with credentials.
It seems like a lot of people are hung up on post counts except the ones with the post counts.
Instead of railing about someone’s post count, maybe you should be thanking them for taking that much time to come to Firehouse.com and sharing their knowledge, no matter how unpleasant is has gotten.
And why would anyone continue to post when knowing they will be attacked? Because they don’t want the mopes and mutts to win. Because if they win, then more firefighters will die. They will post reckless and flat out wrong information that a young probie will take not knowing otherwise and they will try it and disasterous results could occur.
There is a saying; When knowledge speaks, Wisdom listens.
We could use more of that here.
Just MHO.
CR

[UncleJesse]

I will bite at this and call it an introduction at the same time. I am NEW to all this. I am 32 and was not mentally in a place to and never thought I would be or could become a firefighter. It was a pipe dream and I never thought I could do it. One night a few months ago we, as a family went to National Night Out at our local volunteer dept. The wife spoke up to the Cap there and mentioned that I had always wanted to do this... out came the application and 3 weeks later I was voted on as a member. I started training in September of last year and in December obtained a FF1&2 and am not working on an EMT. I have found a love and certain compassion for the fire service and enjoy all aspects of it, even the medical runs. Things seem to come naturally and I can never seem to learn enough, unlike everything else I have studied, jobs I have done, careers I have looked into.
I read through the forums here daily and learn from what I see, disregard the trash... Hope to be around for awhile and hope you will have me.

[CALFFBOU]

Yo- Keeping it simple. 20 years in the fire service, 15 of them paid professional. And I finally made it to the IAFF for the last 5.

I definatley do not know it all and I wont BS you on this board either. I like to joke, but I wont post some answer I dont know.

As for the whole "paid vs. volunteer" debate. There is a difference and you will know it once you do both jobs.

Take it or leave it.

[GFDLT1]

I have been following this thread, debating on whether or not to post but what the hell I guess I will join in. Here are my credentials, they aren't that impressive and like many others have said I am a student and always will be of the fire service. I always enjoy reading some of the posts from guys in busy houses/areas like NYC to PG County to Chi town (the cubs rock) to Cali to some of the guys that might be in slower houses or rural areas but have over 20 years of experience. There is something to be learned from all of them and I can't get enough of it. I have just passed the 10 year mark in my career and so often I still feel like the FNG when I see something or learn something new and I say to myself "well I'll be damned, I wish I knew that years ago" I pray that I never stop learning or feel the need to, because if that day comes I am putting in my papers. Ok here I go.

1997-1999 vollie
1999-2002 part-time paid FF(combo department) and full time telecommunicator for City of Raleigh
2002-present fulltime career with Garner FD
2002-2005 ff
2005-present LT (our driver/ fillin officer)


I have my NC FF 1 & 2, NC HazMat Ops Plus,NC EMT-B, NC Driver/Pump Operator,NC Aerial Operator, NC Rescue Tech, NC Fire Officer 1, NC Level 2 Instructor

On a side note I would also like to add that I am a proud member of FOOLS and an eboard member of our local chapter.

FTM-EGH

[GFDLT1]

Yo- Keeping it simple. 20 years in the fire service, 15 of them paid professional. And I finally made it to the IAFF for the last 5.

I definatley do not know it all and I wont BS you on this board either.

Take it or leave it.

Bou on a funny side note, the ALF rep come by the firehouse the other day and we were talking **** about some of the problems that neighboring depts have had with there ALF's (we ride all Pierce). And I shared your saying with him, Friends don't let friends ride American LaChance. He didn't find it as funny but oh well screw him.

[CALFFBOU]

Bou on a funny side note, the ALF rep come by the firehouse the other day and we were talking **** about some of the problems that neighboring depts have had with there ALF's (we ride all Pierce). And I shared your saying with him, Friends don't let friends ride American LaChance. He didn't find it as funny but oh well screw him.

LOL!!! That was funny. Thanks for the laugh! And its true too!

[RetJaxFF]

Born 8-22-1951
8-1951 to 5-1969 Normal baby stuff, Normal kid stuff, then normal teen stuff.
5-1969 to 5-1973 US Coast Guard ( 4 years active duty)
5-1973 to 6-1983 Worked as heavy equipment, and truck mechanic
6-1983 to 6-1988 Firefighter Atlantic Beach Fire Department (Vol 1982)
6-1988 to 4-2003 Firefighter/Paramedic City of Jacksonville, FL.
4-2003 Official Retirement date from City of Jacksonville FD with 21 Years in Police and Fire Pension Plan.
2-2003- to Present: Employed with American LaFrance

Been married to the same woman 36 years in 5-07.
Two Children
TEN Grandchildren.