Thanks to Dave Statter www.Statter911.com for sharing this storyFrom 9 News:A blazing truck rolled into oncoming traffic on a busy Perth highway yesterday when the heat of the fire caused its brakes to fail.The truck caught alight in a street off the Stirling Highway in the western suburb of Nedlands yesterday before the brakes stopped working and it rolled backwards into the oncoming highway traffic....

Complacency among firefighters led to the Pasadena Fire Department’s failure to find a woman’s body in a torched laundry room in July. At a meeting of the Pasadena (Calif) City Council’s Public Safety Committee, Fire Chief Calvin Wells provided more details about the July 31 fire. Firefighters were called to a home on South San Marino Avenue twice on July 31, he said. The first call was in response to the initial blaze, and the second was to douse a rekindled fire at the detached garage. It wasn’t until Aug. 2 that an insurance investigator discovered the remains of Yolanda Marie Sapetto, a transient. Wells, who became head of the department months after the blaze, blamed “complacency on the part of responders” for the failure to spot Sapetto's body. “However, we are assured that what happened on July 31 is not the norm,” he said. Wells also said he believed the woman died before the fire started in the early morning hours. Sapetto had a history of breaking into people’s homes and turning on the gas, Wells said. About 30 days before the fire, she broke into a different Pasadena home, turned on the gas from the stove and laid down on a bed. Two outdoor grill gas tanks, with the valves open, were found at the San Marino Avenue fire site. Wells said an autopsy revealed it was likely the woman died from carbon monoxide poisoning before the fire broke out. “The victim was most probably deceased prior to the fire,” Wells said. “But as part of our life-saving priorities, we want to find and remove any body in the event it might be in a condition we can save.” The same four-person crew conducted both searches of the fire site but didn’t search the small laundry room beyond “eyeballing” it, Wells said. He said the lapse is contrary to the department’s procedures. “If you had followed [procedures], do you think the body would’ve been found initially?” asked City Councilwoman Margaret McAustin. “I believe there was a high probability the body would’ve been found if standard operating procedures had been followed,” Wells said. “Very disappointing. Not your finest hour,” McAustin said later. The firefighters involved were reprimanded, Wells said. Saying it is a personnel matter, he declined to elaborate, other than to say the firefighters have received additional training. Over the years, firefighters have taken shortcuts on what he called “bread-and-butter calls” due to years of experience, Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Costa told the committee. But it becomes a problem when younger firefighters take those shortcuts, he said. The Pasadena Fire Department recently has seen several retirements and the average age and years of experience of firefighters has fallen. The fire department is reviewing and conducting field exercises for rescue and extraction operations, as well as protecting fire-scene evidence. Since the July 2011 fire, there have been 55 structure fires in Pasadena. Each one has been reviewed to make sure the department is complying with its standards, Wells said. By Adolfo Flores, LATimes...

We learned today we have 5 of these systems in our First Due, but were able to have 2 of them removed already, so we're down to 3 that we know of. 1 is located in the Basement of a Orthodox Synagogue, 1 is located in a PRIVATE residence, which leads to a synagogue and 1 is located in an Orthodox prayer building. The system pictured here is accessed by a ATM like machine which accepts only debit cards - credit cards - cash or a special Rabbi only access card. Once the card or cash is placed into the machine, the LCD screen changes to "OPEN" and the turn style spindle, in the middle of the cage, will free rotate counter clockwise. We learned today, there is NO WAY to override the access machine and the Rabbi's will not give us their special card to place in the Knox box. There is no manual "override" key or tool and this specific access system is "Non-Collapsible" The really bad news is that these systems - collapsible or not - are not governed by FP 1 or any local NJ ordinance or building code, so if the local building department allows them to be installed by permit ( ahhh, yeah..right), then we are probably going to see them in our 200 or so synagogues and also in many of our private residences, which double as "prayer rooms". (Again.... ahhh yeah...right) The third picture I am attaching is to show there is an approximate 16" opening to get through the cage. If a FF has PPE on and SCBA (which we would anyway for a basement or entering the interior), then there is absolutely no way we will fit either IN or OUT. This is a real concern. We did learn that the center spindle turn style will free rotate 360 if the power is interrupted or cut off to the 3 systems we know of. (The only silver lining here), thus anyone who is on the other side of the access system should be able to go back through to escape. The system is bolted into concrete flooring with surface flush bolts. The other bad news is twofold: (1) This system is hidden behind a door. If you were unfamiliar with the building, then there is no way you would think there is a Mikva behind the door, let alone the unique access system. In NJ at least, Mikva's do not have to be placarded or labeled. The second part of the bad news is that unless you have a reciprocating saw or a rotary saw, our lovely Orthodox Community is placing "fake" "Emergency Access" tools and boxes near these systems to make the local building inspectors believe there is a manual override. The tools and boxes are a decoy. Our local building department is going to allow these if there is an alternate exit with 6' of the installed system and if the system is "collapsible" similar to a revolving door or panic hardware door. Right now, the one pictured is a stand alone as the closest door is double keyed locked and blocked by a built - in bench. Again, just a pass-along as these will probably be very, very popular in a very short period of time in our First Due. Again, we have 50,000 Orthodox come in and out of town every single day and have well over 200 Synagogues and Prayer Rooms in buildings. Since our building department has allowed the residential system to stay, I would imagine our 1,000 Rabbi's who are in town, will be installing them as well....

Police charged a man with threatening Raleigh (NC) Firefighters and Wake County EMS workers with a machete Friday when they answered a call in a parking lot at 1823 Capital Blvd. Grady Lee Smith, 55, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, being intoxicated and disruptive and going to the terror of the people. Smith came at the emergency personnel with the machete and shouted, “You better leave my wife alone,” according to an arrest warrant filed by police officers who rushed to the scene when the fire and medical workers called for help. The warrant also charges that Smith challenged a fire department captain to a fight. A Wake County magistrate set Smith’s bail at $3,000....

3 Philly Ffirefighters and four civilians were injured at a house fire this morning in North Philadelphia. It happened around 0600 on the 1600 block of North 20th Street. Arriving crews found heavy black smoke pushing from the third floor of the home. Several victims suffered smoke inhalations and were taken to Hahnemann Hospital. One firefighter is in critical, but stable condition while the other two firefighters and the four civilians are in stable condition. The Battalion Chief ordered all firefighters out of the building around 0615 hours and extra medics were requested at the scene. More to follow....

While operating at a MVA on Interstate 64, during mop up, a semi-tractor trailer driver was not paying attention and rear ended our Initial Attack pumper. One firefighter at the driver side of the apparatus stated that the sidewall of the trailer brushed the side of his boots. All members were wearing their high visibility vest and proper PPE. The apparatus appears to be a loss but all members returned home safely.That even wearing all the proper PPE, our situational awareness must never cease. That the public still fails to heed to warning lights on apparatus. Fortunately, everyone went home....

A two-alarm blaze injured a firefighter and displaced five people in Dorchester Saturday morning. Firefighters responded to the blaze on Maxwell Street at 9:14 a.m. Authorities said the fire had started on the second floor of the home and extended to the third. Five residents safely escaped, but one firefighter was taken to Carney Hospital for a head injury. Fire officials believe an electrical short circuit in a second floor bedroom was to blame. Damage to the home was estimated at $200,000. The American Red Cross was assisting the displaced residents.Read more: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/30379059/detail.html#ixzz1lXR22ZgS...

An early morning fire in North Philadelphia injures three firefighters and four others. According to Philadelphia Fire Deputy Chief Michael Wahl, the call for the house fire came in at 5:58 a.m. at 1618 North 20th Street. Upon arrival initial reports were of heavy smoke and a couple trapped inside. Upon entering the home, firefighters rescued two people while two others escaped on their own. Three women and one child were taken to Hahnemann hospital for treatment and were in stable condition. During the rescue, three firefighters were also injured. One firefighter is in critical but stable condition and was transferred to Temple Burn Center. The other two firefighters are in stable condition at Hahnemann. Fire officials say the home did have working smoke detectors–and without that, this fire could have easily claimed several lives. The fire is under investigation by the fire marshal’s office at this time...

Orange County firefighters worked a two alarm fire Saturday that displaced several residents in a Winter Park Apartment complex.The two alarm fire broke out on the first floor of the two Sunbay apartment complex."It was scary. We saw the smoke and we thought something really huge was happening," said Michelle Michaels, of Winter Park, who was watching firefighters battle the blaze. Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Holton said one of the firefighters was taken to Winter Park Hospital after debris started falling from the ceiling, striking his head. "Something hit his helmet. He's going to be fine. He's complaining of dizziness," said Holton. Several people were inside the building when the fire broke out, but escaped unharmed. Firefighters have not yet determined the cause of the fire.Witnesses said the smoke from the fire was so thick it seemed to engulf the entire building, making it difficult to see. Traffic on Aloma avenue was diverted around the apartment complex, as sheriff's deputies closed about 100 feet of the westbound lane.Janel Cuevas, who lives in the Sunbay complex, first thought her home might have been ablaze. "I was relieved, but I feel bad for whoever lives in that building," Cuevas said. "I mean where are they going to stay tonight? That's sad," she said.Orange County Fire Rescue made the initial response, but later received help from the Winter Park Fire Department and the Seminole County Fire Department. ...

A Penn Forest Township (Carbon County, PA) Volunteer Firefighter was transported by air to St Luke's trauma center after sustaining multiple serious injuries from falling off a ladder at a dwelling fire. The fire was located on Mountain Road in Penn Forest Township and the injury happened around 1830 hours. More to follow....

The news of the last few days has brought attention to a growing concern within the fire and emergency service and an important behavioral health topic that many of us have been working on for more than a year. As we’ve learned, suicide is a very complex matter for which there are no simple answers. Fire service leaders often wonder how to approach this potential problem within their departments. Each situation is different and requires special intervention and support.In light of recent tragedies, now is the time for the fire service to draw on our collective culture and traditions and come together in support of one another.The IAFC, NFFF and NVFC encourage all members of the fire and emergency service to familiarize themselves with the credible and valuable tools and resources that are available to assist firefighters and their families who may be coping with depression or thoughts of suicide. Anyone who feels at risk or knows of someone who may be at risk should contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or seek emergency medical assistance. Education: The First Step to Moving Forward In July of 2011, the NFFF convened a two-day summit in Baltimore to learn from the nation’s leading experts on suicide about the incidence, causes and pathways to prevention. Our three organizations are working on the next steps that were identified during this gathering. The white paper from this symposium can be found on the NFFF’s Life Safety Initiatives website. Furthermore, to better understand the complexities of this issue, behavioral health experts recommend the book Why People Die by Suicide by Dr. Thomas Joiner, of Florida State University, who assisted with the Baltimore summit. Taking Care of Our Own Like you, we realize the profound pain that the families and friends of these firefighters are experiencing. Out of respect for their privacy and their grief, we should refrain from rumor or speculation about what may have caused these tragedies. As we proceed through the next couple of weeks, it is important to remember that we support each other by “Taking Care of Our Own.” Do not hesitate to reach out to one another or seek assistance from our individual organizations if you feel the need....

By Rachel DoveGOODY, Ky. - A trip to a local hospital took an unexpected turn for the patient and crew of a Quest Care EMS ambulance Thursday evening, when they found themselves involved in a two-vehicle collision on U.S. 119 at the intersection near Appalachian Tobacco and CVS Pharmacy.According to information from Kentucky State Trooper Shannon Jones, the drivers of both the ambulance and the Ford F-150 pickup, Claude Preston, 80, of McVeigh, Ky., said to him that they each had the green light before proceeding through the intersection.The emergency vehicle was reportedly traveling north on 119 and continued through the light, striking Preston and his wife, who was a passenger in the vehicle.While speaking with numerous eye-witnesses at the scene, many gave the same statement, saying that the ambulance did not, at any time, sound the emergency siren when approaching the three-way stop.They also told the Daily News that Preston’s lane of traffic had the green light, not the emergency vehicle, as the Quest Care driver had said.A supervisor for Quest Care, Cyrus Hess, arrived shortly after the accident occurred, but refused to give a statement until after he concluded his own investigation.He did comment, however; that the patient in the ambulance was taken on to South Williamson Appalachian Regional Hospital by Appalachian First Response, as well as the EMT that was in the back with the patient.Hess also said that the ambulance driver would be transported to ARH to make sure he had suffered no injuries.Preston was taken to the Pikeville Medical Center by family members to have a contusion and small laceration to his left arm evaluated.“I stopped and looked before I pulled out onto the four-lane even though my light was green,” said Preston. “As I was about halfway into the turn, I saw the ambulance coming. There was nothing I could do. It was moving on; it never slowed down, it just kept coming right at me.“If I would have been another two or three feet farther out, he would have t-boned my truck and you wouldn’t be standing here talking to me right now.”Preston said that the ambulance driver swerved to try to miss him, but was unsuccessful.The Daily News made numerous attempts to speak with someone at Quest Care to get a statement concerning the accident, but received no reply.Members of the Belfry Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene, along with additional law enforcement. The accident is still under investigation by Jones. No citations have been issued at this time....

We are following a developing story out of Pike County.Officials tell us an ambulance was involved in a crash Thursday night.It happened on U.S. 119 in South Williamson.We are told several people were injured, but we do not know their conditions.No other information is being released.We will continue to follow this story and bring you more as we get it.&nb...

A report from the Toledo Fire Department on a fatal West Toledo fire last month states that the apartment where a man died — and where his body was found in the rubble of the demolished building — wasn’t searched until after an evacuation order was given.The three-page report, HERE: http://tinyurl.com/7tw5mnmstates that residents of the 12-unit building who were interviewed at the onset of the Jan. 13 fire told authorities that everyone was out of the three-story building.“We rely on primarily the folks that live in that structure or neighbors nearby,” said Toledo fire Lt. Matthew Hertzfeld. “That’s our best resource to gather that information.”The fire started on the second floor of the building at 3125 Meadowbrook Ct. about 3:45 a.m. The third and second floors were searched, as was part of the first, but at 4:07 a.m., one minute after a crew was sent to search the first floor, the evacuation order was given, leaving apartments 37 and 38 unsearched, according to the report.Delano Fleming, 35, whose body was found Jan. 14 in the building after its demolition, lived in apartment 38, on the first floor, said Mr. Fleming’s sister, Sandra Brown.While the building was still burning, crews were told that “someone may be in the apartment on the left,” which was apartment 37.Two firefighters and the on-scene commander went into the building to search 37. One firefighter went into 38 — which had an open door, the report states.“It was dark and he [the firefighter] felt some heat in the hall near the bedrooms. He was unable to see any furniture from his position due to the darkness,” the report, prepared by Deputy Chief Gary Martin, states. “He did not search the apartment because of the belief that everyone was accounted for and they were inside to check apartment 37.”“At that time, we still didn’t have any information that anyone else was missing, other than to go back after they were pulled out to check 37,” said Lieutenant Hertzfeld.The door to Mr. Fleming’s apartment may have been open for a glance into the apartment at the time of evacuation, Lieutenant Hertz­feld said.“I can tell you from experience, that when we get pulled out of buildings, as you’re exiting, you’re popping doors and taking quick looks. What’s happened, and it’s happened to me personally, you find a lot of people attempting to leave structures on their own and I’ve found people six or seven feet from a doorway or three feet from a window because that’s where they’ve succumbed to the smoke.”The fire department’s report found that “crews performed well considering the many functions that had to be considered” and the search of the building was “textbook.”There were communication issues, the report found, because of face-to-face conversations opposed to instructions broadcast over the radio.“Therefore, the other crews on the scene were unaware of their locations and duties,” the report states.“It’s difficult to say [if things could have been done differently],” Lieutenant Hertzfeld said. “To say if something was done wrong, it’s not a matter of right or wrong, it’s is there a faster or smoother way to do it.”Adam Loukx, the city’s law director, who was the recipient of the report, declined to comment, but said “I don’t see any liability here.” Ms. Brown said the family has not considered whether to file suit....

By Stef DiPietrantonioCLEARWATER - A Clearwater fire truck was responding to an emergency when it had to screech to a halt because a big concrete rock slammed into the windshield.And it was no accident -- someone deliberately threw it."We're not talking about a pebble here, we're talking about a large chunk of concrete," said Elizabeth Watts with the City of Clearwater.Watts said the emergency call was halted by the flying chunk of concrete."Big enough to fill the palm of your hand, so he got some momentum going," she said.It happened during a busy Friday morning commute, in the 2300 block of Gulf To Bay Boulevard around 7:20 a.m. Clearwater Fire Rescue #49 was responding to a call, with their lights and sirens blaring."It was a problem breathing, and it was a medical call," said Watts, who added that the crew saw a man walking toward them."They noticed him, they thought maybe he was doing something a little suspicious," said Watts.So it wasn't a total surprise. The driver said they saw what they thought was a man skipping on the sidewalk."Kind of skipping before he's getting ready to throw," Watts explained.The man was really rearing back to get momentum, to hurl that piece of concrete right into their windshield."The glass shattered throughout the cabin," said Watts. "Covering both the driver and the passenger."No one was seriously hurt. They tried to circle back, but the man had already slipped away.Another unit was close by, so there was no delay in getting care to the person who was having trouble breathing.But the outcome could have been much different."What if there wasn't another unit that was close enough to get there in time? But also, our personnel and their safety," Watts said. "They're out there trying to do their jobs, trying to help people, trying to save lives."It was disturbing for Vanessa Durbin, who walks her son along that stretch of Gulf To Bay all the time."There are some crazies around here," said Durbin. "But I didn't know they were that crazy!"The windshield has been replaced, but the truck is not back in service yet. It's just like one we found at Rescue #45 across town.The suspect is described as a white male, around 30 to 40 years old, 5'10" with a medium build.His face was unshaven and he was last seen wearing a blue shirt and jeans.If you think you saw anyone matching that description on Gulf To Bay Boulevard Friday morning, call the Clearwater Police Department.Throwing an object, in this case, hurling a piece of concrete at an ambulance, is a felony. ...

To Ken Patterson, firefighting and football go hand in hand: Teamwork is the key to success, and that’s why he loves them both. Patterson, 48, one of the two West Haverstraw firefighters who were injured in the Jan. 16 natural gas explosion, has been home for several days since he was discharged from Helen Hayes Hospital, where he received physical therapy to help him start getting back in shape. Patterson said he suffered six broken ribs as well as burns to his head, face and hand. He’s taking pain medication for his neck and back. He would know more about his conditions and treatments after he consults with his doctor in Westchester Medical Center next week, Patterson said Friday. Patterson and his fellow firefighter Jerry Knapp, along with two employees from Orange and Rockland Utilities, were injured when the explosion leveled a townhouse at 52 Zarriello Lane in the Village Fairgrounds II development. Workers for FGC Communications in Cortlandt ruptured a natural gas line as they installed fiber-optic cable for Verizon FiOS. Investigations into possible criminal wrongdoing that led to the explosion are being conducted by the town and county police as well as the Rockland County district attorney. Knapp was released from the hospital on the day of the incident, but Patterson, whose condition was listed as serious at one point, had stayed in the Westchester hospital’s trauma intensive care unit for one week before being transferred to Helen Hayes Hospital. The explosion was Patterson’s second close call in about a year. Patterson had to be rescued from a fire in an illegally converted building in the village of Haverstraw on Jan. 14, 2011. These experiences, however, haven’t diminished Patterson’s love of volunteer firefighting. When he and Knapp were thanked by Fairgrounds II residents at their meeting Thursday night, Patterson emphasized that they were simply doing their part as all other emergency responders were doing their part. “Don’t just thank me and Jerry, thank all of them … It’s a team effort. That’s how it works. It’s not about me. It’s not about Jerry. It’s about everybody,” Patterson told the audience at the meeting. Patterson also told residents not to hesitate to call 911 because volunteer firefighters are there for them. “I’m glad everybody is safe,” Patterson said. “And I’m glad I’m still here ... It’s going to be a while before I get back to doing what I do, but I love doing it. Trust me when I’m telling you … I’ll do it all over again, so don’t think I’m going to stop now.” Patterson said he wanted to thank everybody who were involved in saving his life, including West Haverstraw Fire Chief George Zayas, fellow firefighters Jeff Daniels and Jose Mulero, other members of the fire department, EMS, paramedics, and all the staff at Westchester Medical Center and Helen Hayes. Patterson, a big Giants fan, said his plan for Sunday would be to watch the Super Bowl in the firehouse on Railroad Avenue. His family — his wife, Shari; their daughters, Blythe, Brittany and Kaitlyn; and his granddaughter, Julia — would also be there to spend time with their extended family — members of the Volunteer Hose Co. No. 2.Article from www.lohud.com...

By Ned OliverPITTSFIELD -- A crash at the intersection of Valentine Road and Lakeway Drive on Friday afternoon flipped an ambulance that was transporting a patient, sending at least two people, including the patient, to Berkshire Medical Center.Pittsfield Police Officer Marc Maddalena said a green Volvo station wagon traveling west on Lakeway Drive drove through a stop sign and broadsided a County Ambulance unit that was headed south on Valentine.Members of the Pittsfield Fire Department removed the patient from the ambulance. The injured woman clutched a Teddy bear to her chest as she was loaded into a waiting ambulance and driven away from the scene.A man wearing a County Ambulance uniform appeared to have suffered a leg injury. He was also transported from the scene.The driver of the Volvo did not appear to be injured.Maddalena said the ambulance was on a routine transfer, not an emergency call, when it was struck.He said he was still investigating the crash. Police hadn't identified the injured parties at the scene, but said their injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.County Ambulance personnel on the scene declined to comment on the crash. ...

A Clearwater fire truck was responding to an emergency when it had to screech to a halt because a big concrete rock slammed into the windshield. And it was no accident -- someone deliberately threw it."We're not talking about a pebble here, we're talking about a large chunk of concrete," said Elizabeth Watts with the City of Clearwater.Watts said the emergency call was halted by the flying chunk of concrete."Big enough to fill the palm of your hand, so he got some momentum going," she said.It happened during a busy Friday morning commute, in the 2300 block of Gulf To Bay Boulevard around 7:20 a.m. Clearwater Fire Rescue #49 was responding to a call, with their lights and sirens blaring."It was a problem breathing, and it was a medical call," said Watts, who added that the crew saw a man walking toward them."They noticed him, they thought maybe he was doing something a little suspicious," said Watts.So it wasn't a total surprise. The driver said they saw what they thought was a man skipping on the sidewalk."Kind of skipping before he's getting ready to throw," Watts explained.The man was really rearing back to get momentum, to hurl that piece of concrete right into their windshield."The glass shattered throughout the cabin," said Watts. "Covering both the driver and the passenger."No one was seriously hurt. They tried to circle back, but the man had already slipped away.Another unit was close by, so there was no delay in getting care to the person who was having trouble breathing.But the outcome could have been much different."What if there wasn't another unit that was close enough to get there in time? But also, our personnel and their safety," Watts said. "They're out there trying to do their jobs, trying to help people, trying to save lives."It was disturbing for Vanessa Durbin, who walks her son along that stretch of Gulf To Bay all the time."There are some crazies around here," said Durbin. "But I didn't know they were that crazy!"The windshield has been replaced, but the truck is not back in service yet. It's just like one we found at Rescue #45 across town.The suspect is described as a white male, around 30 to 40 years old, 5'10" with a medium build.His face was unshaven and he was last seen wearing a blue shirt and jeans.If you think you saw anyone matching that description on Gulf To Bay Boulevard Friday morning, call the Clearwater Police Department.Throwing an object, in this case, hurling a piece of concrete at an ambulance, is a felony. ...

Due to the sad events of the past week the IAFC, NFFF and NVFC are working together to provide the type of coordinated support necessary to deal with these behavioral health challenges. Please take the time to read this statement, familialiize yourself with the White Paper  located on the NFFF’s Life Safety Initiatives website and if you are looking to further educate yourself on the topic of suicide; I would encourgae you to read Why People Die by Suicide by Dr. Thomas Joiner. You can also find an interview with Dr. Joiner here on the Personal Survival page. If we all pull together we can make a difference in this challenge to our firefighter's safety. IAFC Member Alert Ann Davison, CAE, Strategic Information Manager 703-273-0911 | www.iafc.org Joint Statement from the IAFC, NFFF and NVFC Suicide in the Fire Service Fairfax, Va., Feb. 3, 2012 - The news of the last few days has brought attention to a growing concern within the fire and emergency service and an important behavioral health topic that many of us have been working on for more than a year. As we’ve learned, suicide is a very complex matter for which there are no simple answers. Fire service leaders often wonder how to approach this potential problem within their departments. Each situation is different and requires special intervention and support. In light of recent tragedies, now is the time for the fire service to draw on our collective culture and traditions and come together in support of one another. The IAFC, NFFF and NVFC encourage all members of the fire and emergency service to familiarize themselves with the credible and valuable tools and resources that are available to assist firefighters and their families who may be coping with depression or thoughts of suicide. Anyone who feels at risk or knows of someone who may be at risk should contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or seek emergency medical assistance. Education: The First Step to Moving Forward In July of 2011, the NFFF convened a two-day summit in Baltimore to learn from the nation’s leading experts on suicide about the incidence, causes and pathways to prevention. Our three organizations are working on the next steps that were identified during this gathering. The white paper from this symposium can be found on the NFFF’s Life Safety Initiatives website. Furthermore, to better understand the complexities of this issue, behavioral health experts recommend the book Why People Die by Suicide by Dr. Thomas Joiner, of Florida State University, who assisted with the Baltimore summit.  Taking Care of Our Own Like you, we realize the profound pain that the families and friends of these firefighters are experiencing. Out of respect for their privacy and their grief, we should refrain from rumor or speculation about what may have caused these tragedies. As we proceed through the next couple of weeks, it is important to remember that we support each other by “Taking Care of Our Own.”  Do not hesitate to reach out to one another or seek assistance from our individual organizations if you feel the need. -end- ...

BTW Chief - even exterior smoke can kill!...