Marion County Firefighters

[TAZ]

This thread is to help better each department. Community imput is welcome. We can only get better by knowing the truth and helping one another. It is our responsability to provide the best to the tax payers. Please keep down grading other departments to a minimum. Violators will be warned. Continued bad mouthing will result in deletion. Thank you.

[firefighter106]

Just want to raise an eyebrow. Is it just me or are some of our stations treated un fair.Like getting grants and that sorta thing. No we are not paid but we put our life own the line just like the rest.When they tone our station out for a mutal aid we are there no ? asked. Where is the brotherly love at we are all brother`s . I think that some of us fail to realize that!! We just need better equipment i no that our chief and othiers are trying very very hard to get us what we need to better serve our community.Its just a shame that our gov. makes it so tuff. own these small dept. I THINK THAT WE ARE HERE TO PROTECT AND SERVE THEM ALSO!!!!!!!!!! just my opinion

[bigfish]

All I can tell you is that firefighters have my respect. I would be one of the many running out of the burning building while you guys were running into the burning building. I do not know how you guys do it......KUDOS!!!

[TAZ]

I know how you feel 106. I think the bigger departments act like thier better, but in reality they're not. Just because a department may have the newest or best equipment money can buy, doesn't necessarily make them the best. If the members don't know how to operate it, that makes it obsolete and worthless. Training is key to being better. Now on the other hand, with all the training in the world doesn't make a dept. the best. Working with and helping sister dept. can make a dept. the best. Very one must know what thier job is once they arrive on scene of a call. Thanks bigfish. It's nice to know that there are people that do appreciate the hard work we do.

[Carolinanurse06]

As the wife of a 22 year veteran of the fire department, it is an absolute honor to be married to a firefighter. I've been to countless fires and rescue calls with my husband over the years. To watch you guys in action is to see a blessing in progress. Please know that your unselfish acts of kindness are greatly appreciated, and the brotherhood you share is phenomenal. God Bless You All!

[daffy duck]

You said a mouthful there 107, I just wish that everybody on all the departments around here (dillon and marion counties) would realize that and we could all get on the same page. As a veteran my self of almost 18 years, ive seen a lot of that kind of stuff and years ago it was a lot worse, but i have to say, I think it's gotten a lot better around here, but there are still a few bad apples that need to be thrown out of the barrel. What do ya'll think?

[TAZ]

Ok people, we're getting off on the track here. As bad as I would love to talk about Alan, this is not why I started this thread. I worked for him and I know alot about him and the ways that dept. works. I'm trying to be the better person here and try and help all the departments here in Marion or other surrounding counties. If the City of Marion FD wants to participate, they're welcome to, but their track record speaks for them. I think someone has mention starting a thread about Alan. Please take it there.

[TAZ]

I agree there are some bad apples or to old in the bunch and something has to be done. This is my question, if some of them go to calls and help, how can you get rid of them when people aren't standing in line to volunteer anymore these days? We've basicly been begging people to help us at my dept. The rules and guidelines that we have to follow turn many people away. The time it takes to train, the monthly meetings, and the training nights. I know the importance of it all. I've been in some pretty bad fires to know why we to do it all.

[daffy duck]

I agree with you 100% and i know where your coming from when you talk about training. It is a little discouraging when you schedule training for your department(any department) and only 2 or 3 people show up. As firefighters and rescue members, we all need to take another look at our commitment to our departments and the communities that they serve. If we are not willing to train, how can the people that we serve depend on us when they need us? I also wish that we could get more people to volunteer because it is harder and harder to get calls answered when you only have a couple of people show up. Don't that sound familiar?

[ff2]

Rural departments......LETS TRAIN MORE TOGETHER!!!! 21 years as a volunteer and can count on my two hands the amount of times at least two rural departments have trained together. Good luck on the grants guys. Pray for our sinking county!!!

[1050]

just a few words on tis thread. first all the rural dept.'s have complete control over how they opperate and the guidlines they set fot there fireman. if you set low guidelines and poor training requirements then you'll have a poorly trained dept. only the chief's and chief officers can improve the quality and membership of the dept. Some of the smallest dept in the state have some of the nicest equipment and most trained personel in the fire service today. you have to have leaders that are willing to train and go the extra mile to seek help for their dept. Training requirements are going to be a big issue with a lot of old timers. the days of running 90mph to a wreck with no training whatsoever need to come to a stop. The city fire dept has problems to but in reference to the rural dept's they do not play a major factor. if the rural dept.'s improve themselves the need for the cities assistance would be kept to a minimum.

[daffy duck]

Just what city fire department are you talking about there 10-50?

[ff2]

1050..... Yes rural fire departments have some control over how they operate, but to run a fire department and have some of the nicest, NFPA approved equipment....it takes money...and alot of it. Yes there are small departments in SC that have the nicest equipment....but lets see what they would do if they had budgets like the rural departments in Marion county have. Don't forget they(rural departments) have to PAY for their stations they are housed in, they have to PAY for the apparatus they use, they have to PAY for the equipment they wear and use, they have to PAY for insurance to cover them, the station, and equipment, and that takes much more money than some believe. Remember it was just a year ago that the county finally started 'fire fees', and it will take some time for some departments to get out of the hole. THANKS COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE HELP!!!!!And I've seen some of the chief officers go that extra mile to train the firefighters, only to lose them later to departments who can PAY for VOLUNTEERS to respond to calls. Training requirements are an issue to 'old timers', but it is also an issue for 'young timers' as well, especially when they learn the first class is 80 hours. And, as for the 'old timers' lets see what you are doing when you reach their age....still VOLUNTEERING at 60+ years old or in the recliner!!!????, they are just trying to help, and I believe they deserve alot of respect....Remember you will be an 'old timer' one day.

[TAZ]

1050 before you start bashing the rural departments, you need to know the whole truth. It takes money to train and have the equipment needed to do the job. Until recent, the city departments have had the budget and resources needed to do so. The county only gave each rural department about $7000 a year to work with. Each rural dept. sent out bills for fire dues to each house in their respective area,in which not many people would pay. For more money, each rural dept. would have fund raisers. All in all, each dept. would have an annual budget of about $12,000. To train and out fit one fireman cost about $1665. That's $165 for the minimum training needed and $1500 for turnout gear. For one decently used engine the price starts at around $50,000. Then you have to add the equipment to the engine and I can't even begin to tell you that. I do know one SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) is about $2000. Add on top of that all the guidelines we have to go by like annual physical, pump test for the engines, and insurance on the vehicles. The cost to run one dept. is more than $12,000. Now that county council has agreed to add the fire dues in taxes, we're beginning to have a budget that we can work with. My dept. this year has had two classes and will soon have one more. Like I said in the beginning, know your facts bud before you speak. Thank you.

[ff2]

Oh, as for the comment about running 90mph to a MVA without training...****nning 90mph to an MVA or any call with 'training' is not the thing to do as well !! From time to time our chief gets calls about the volunteers speeding.....and whats funny about that is (from time to time) it is not not even our volunteers because our department has not been dispatched. And sometimes it is our guys, and they do get talked to and a written statement goes in their files. I HOPE IN THE FUTURE ALL TURNS AROUND FOR MARION COUNTY, BUT THE LITTLE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL IS QUICKLY FADING AWAY.

[TAZ]

I want to add something here. Talking about bugets and all. The chief at Mullins has his hands tied. All funds that the fire dept. gets goes into city funds. Even the money they take up on bucket day. This is not right. Those funds are for the fire dept. and nothing else. Robert has to explain why he has to spend $1000 on hose or $1500 for turnout gear. And then beg for his money to spend. At one time Mullins had 2 fulltime men on duty at a time. Not anymore. They have to rely on the off duty guys and other volunteers to get to station to get the other engines. Now here's the problem that our great councils have felled to understand. The government made it each state's job to provide fire protection to it's residents. In turn the state passed the ruleing to each county. In this county, our council wants no part in it. They feel they will be sued for some wrong doing so it becomes the residents job to provide their on protection. Here's the law suit for the county council. Our great dispatch is EMD ceritifed but the council will not allow for them to do it. So now a family has to wait for first responders and EMS to arrive. If anyone knew this and lost a family member and knew they may have been able to help begin the life saving prosess can sue. Surrounding counties got the idea but not Marion. I guess everyone here is more worried about getting all the money they can. NEWS FLASH!!!! I ain't seen no armored car following a hurst the grave site yet.

[TAZ]

Talking about money going to men like Alan, here's a little info for ya. The county is finally taking up the fire dues. This is something they should have been doing long ago. I'm not sure what the past due prices were. Hopefully someone else has that. I do know that now it's $5 per car and $35 per home (some businesses). I think it's like $150 for businesses. What about the farm & wood land that the rural departments have to respond to each year? There is no dues for that. I asked Johnny Atkinson about the land and he had no reply. Note: the two city dept. cover the factories. That is more money for them. This year a commitee was formed to redo the price of the dues. The commitee was made up of some of the fire chiefs. One meeting is all they had and they were asked to turn in a budget. No repricing was done. I do know that Alan requested $100,000 to continue county coverage and wanted it in one payment or he wouldn't cover he's county area. To date the county hasn't paid.

[ff2]

Fellows.... pretty harsh talk there....must know the deal. I'll stay away from the name calling and stuff, because that is not getting us anywhere. Get out and VOTE and change this county for the better. Some, NOT ALL, of the elected officials here are in it for themselves and not for the people, and that is showing. Hey, why don't they volunteer like the firefighters????? To change the future, be the future! Oh, by the way, what does the volunteer firefighters (TRUE VOLUNTEERS DON'T GET PAID PER CALL) save this county per year? It would be interesting to know.....I'll believe that is a goal I'll have to work on, unless someone out there has a figure already.

[TAZ]

Hold on 1972. I'm not taking Alan's side, but what are we going to gain by bashing Alan in this thread? We're trying to be the better people here. I like Trey and he's a hard worker. I just hope Trey doesn't get influenced by anyone and does the job right. That is what Marion FD needs. Bashing Alan is not going to help any other dept. That is best left to it's on thread. Maybe you need to start it. We are trying to state the problems and fix them. Also to share any information that will help each other grow. Read my signature (TEAM).

[TreyCooper]

Ok.......Here it goes, I am not going to hide behind a user name. I am that "Cooper boy." The City of Marion Fire Department has always tried hard to help, the rural departments that surround the City of Marion. I know there has been bad blood in the past. But I am all for improving the quality of emergency services that the residents of Marion County recieve. It doesn't take rocket science to understand that Marion County needs to revamp its funding for the fire departments. It's true, that true volunteers do not get pay per call, but all should, because of expenses paid. Noone will ever get rich being a Firefighter, but it should not put you in the poor house either. If you really want to help the fire service for Marion County, speak your mind without hiding behind a screen name. Call me anytime, I have gone out of my way to help anyone with training. Calling names gets you nowhere. Trey

[ff2]

TreyCoop... Not hiding behind a screen name here.....but have been through a 'ID theft' and that is NO fun. You know who I am with the following...MRFD M10. Don't want my name on an unsecured site, but I feel sure someone will put it there sooner or later. If everyone remembers correctly, the county said the funding they have taken up for us was 'just a start', and things take time to improve. I know the fire fee was a big benefit for our department, and we have improved due to the councils actions. Again Thanks Marion County Council!! I'll call you later to check on IOW's you have. Don't know who 1050 or 1972 is, and do not like their talk.... not helping us! See ya!

[TAZ]

It's nice to see you on here Trey. I'm like ff2, don't want the name on a unsecured site. It's no doubt who I am. I know I have gone against my own rules. I could go on for days but I've moved on and trying to leave the past behind. I started this thread to help us all. Let's do away with the bad blood and the past. Let's work together. I have to agree with ff2, with what money we're getting now is a great start and improvements have taken place at my dept. Forward progress is the only way to go.

[treycoop]

I didn't mean you two, I knew both of you were, as soon as I saw your names, and 10-50. The fire service is a brotherhood. As with all families, we have fights. Just beware of people that are not trying to help, but just stir trouble. If I can help you or your departments let me know. Trey

[bigfish]

You go, Trey! That "Cooper Boy" has balls, no doubt! What do you think of that Unregistered1972?

[American]

Trey Cooper soon to be the next fire chief in Marion. A great leader and friend. You tell'em Trey.

[daffy duck]

Hey everybody, 107 is so right. This should not be a "alan bashing" thread or any other type of bashing thread, we should all be adults and act like the grown-ups we are supposed to be. Trey, I commend you for your positive attitude and I must say that I have always believed you to be a good,considerate man, excellent leader, and always with the best intentions of wherever you have worked at heart. I seen that when I used to work with him at Medical Transport in Florence back in the day. I just hope for all our sakes that we can all get together and do whatever it takes to make fire services and emergency services in Marion County better.Don't ya'll agree?

[daffy duck]

and oh by the way, if trey is the next chief in marion, they will have a good one!!!

[UnregisteredMarionNative]

I am really "shocked" at the vicious attacks made against Alan Ammons. Not only has he been attacked personally but some on this board have attacked his family. As a native of Marion I am truly saddened by the messages in this forum the past several days!
Alan Ammons is a man of character. He has worked for the City of Marion for over 25 years and started out as a volunteer fireman and member of the rescue squad. He has given his life to improving the safety and quality of life of the citizens of Marion.
In several other threads Senator Kent Williams and Sheriff Mark Richardson were questioned for decisions or promises but many on this board have rushed to their defense. I know there are firemen, rescue members, or citizens of Marion who agree with me that Alan Ammons has worked hard for the City of Marion.

[treycoop]

I am deeply saddened that the only thing we can think about is to down one person. This thread was started with the intent of improving the fire service. That is what I understood. The fire service is a noble profession without prejudice of race, gender, or religion. And the only thing that we you can do 1972 is sling mud, against someone who has brought the fire service in Marion to where it is. Regardless of what you think of him personally........Don't give me your endorsement for chief, I don't want it because I don't like being associated with people of your character. To all esle PTM-PTB!!! I your a fireman then you know what that means. God bless....Trey

[stopfire]

I sense a lot of jealousy here 1972!! :finga: :butthead: What kind of an ass it is to hide with an unregistered name, the city of Marion does not have any bad blood with any fire dept in this county or any other county. We will not belittle ourselves with any fireman that can get our firefighters hurt or injured. We have come a long way at this fire dept. since before time when our officers would not let us fight fire the correct way! When we are called to a scene either in the city or Florence county, we expect to put our training to use and fight fire the correct way (aggressive interior attack or from the unburned side to the burned side). Like I said there is no bad blood on our side but, the way I see it there apparently is a lot of jealousy towards one of the best firefighting department in the pee dee area!! I think a good training tool would be to get the tape from central and listen to a working fire that your dept. has had before your drill nite, it helps with communication among yourself (just an idea). My two cents worth but, stay tuned, fireman 107 and ff2 because I'm not through, and both of you know how I feel, all I would like to see is that we all act like professionals!! As for you 1972, I would like to sit down with you at your earliest time to talk about all the acquisitions towards my chief, I'll buy the beer or drink of your choice and place of your choice, I'm good for at least a 18 pack, so we will do it right!! Sounds like you have a lot of info I would love to here from an outsider or maybe you are an insider, because of the no name. Thats all for right now, going to celebrate with my newly reelected Senator Kent Williams, go Kent!!!! Why don't you join us!

[Tweety Bird]

Why all the name bashing to Alan Ammons? Why is so many people having so much against this one man? A brotherhood is like a close family, youre suppose to be there for one another. It is not much of a brotherhood if people keeps bashing this one person, for what he does or doesn't, this thread was started to help each other, and when you constantly bash one person , then you are loosing the big picture,what everyone is here for. I was raised up in the fire service, and it saddens me to read these blogs and it talks about one person, not what we can do to help each other, have that brotherhood that youre suppose to have.... Not turn your back and walk away from each other.................

[bigfish]

Unregistered1972, I have read your remarks about the City of Marion Fire Chief, Alan Ammons. As an American, you have every right to say what you wish about a person as protected by the Constitutional Amendments. I know people talk about other people and that it is just human nature to do so. I have more than been on the receiving end of conversations, myself. In my opinion, I just let the idiots talk.
Now when you bring a person's family into what you have to say then you have, in my harsh opinion, crossed the line. For what you said about Mr. Ammon's family you should agree to be at the Marion Fire Department parking lot at a pre-appointed time and let Mr. Ammons beat the crap out of you. If you have a personal grudge about Mr. Ammons then that is fine but leave the man's family out of it.
And Unregistered1972, if you do not like what I am saying TO YOU then feel free to talk all of the crap you wish about ol' Big Fish. Talk until your heart is content because I know people do and people will. I do not personally care. So talk all the crap you wish about me for posting this. But leave my family out of your rants or we can meet outside of PRO in the parking lot and I will show you myself what I am talking about here.
I am just asking you to have some common decency and use something called common sense. If you are having trouble with the term then I suggest you google-search it.....

"If common sense is so common then why do few people possess it?"
-Big Fish

[TAZ]

I Guess No One Gives A F*** About Helping One Another To Become Better At What We Do! This Thread Was Not And Is Not About Alan Ammons! Back Off The Bashing Nnnooooowwwwwww!!!!!!!!! I Was Trying To Start Something With Good Intention And All Ya'll Want To Do Is Start Crap!

[TAZ]

We sure are showing the residents of this county how much we care. All we want to do is talk crap about other departments and Alan Ammons. That's really helping alot. Don't want to fight fires with fireman with less training. That's some real brotherly love there. We all started at the bottom with no training. It's our job to help the new guys that's on our dept. or not. The more we help one another the less the danger is when we do fight fires together. Come on people, get with the program.

[stopfire]

107, I have tried to fight fire you in the past and I hope you being in Horry county you have gotten BETTER than what you where!!! The dept. and my self have tried to help you and grow at this together,but you just couldn't get a grip at it. I do not hold that against anybody, firefighting is not for everybody. Anybody can be a fireman, but firefighters are hard to find(they are born, not made).As far as the residents in Marion county, if they only new the truth, there would be a change!! 107, our last conversation was at the fire station and you know where I stand with you, when you get your head out of your ass and stand up and be a man and stand your ground you will be a better person!!! At anytime we have talked, I've tried to help better yourself.

[Annabelle]

Unregistered1972 (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/member.php?u=)

You will learn QUICK that I have little Patience for folks like you. Don't make me come back.:axe:

[firefighter107]

I have to stand up for 107. 107 is a friend mine he has done some great things for our fire dept. and i comend him for what he has done for us.there also no otheir person in the world that i would ratheir have at my side when duty calls.( heads swelling i can see it from here) he is a little gung ho some times and makes no sense but at the end of the day a diffrence was made and thats all that matter.I made some statements at the beg. of this deal about brotherly love hopeing to raise some eyebrows.We need more of it and this thread shows it. We all need to stand togetheir. there i s no better feeling than going out own a call come home tired as H@@@ and sit down take a big swaller of cold ice tea and say i just made a differance. what a feeling.well thats all for now but i could go own and own.

[TAZ]

firefighter 107, thank you for your comments but I don't want things like this to start again. It is off topic and doesn't help the other departments. This thread has a second chance thanks to Mrs. Annabelle. Thank you.

[firefighter106]

sorry that was supp. to be firefighter106

[bigfish]

Annabelle has paid our post a visit? What did I miss today?
If it was about Unregistered1972 then I understand why....
I have a serious question here and I will admit I am asking out of ignorance of the facts.

Are all fire departments suppose to be NIMS certified by now?

And I will follow that up with another question....

Does the NIMS certification affect how much federal grants a fire department will receive (if any)?

You see, I own a private ambulance service and grants are out of the question for our organization due to it being a for-profit entity.
Therefore, on the subject of grants and such I am a little ignorant. Educate me please.......
Thank you.

[daffy duck]

yes bf, evry fire department is supposed to be nims certified in order to be eligable to recieve federal funds. And if i remember correctly, all departments that wish to recieve funding has to have taken all phases of nims by next year. And it also depends on how many members the department has that has completed all phases if you will be eligable. I don't think fema will hold it against a department if they have members that don't have it due to date of their hire to the department. Don't quote me on that, but i think that is the way it goes. If there is anyone that can confirm this, how about let me know for sure..

[daffy duck]

and oh by the way, lets all try to maintain some civility and professionalism and try to work toward the goals of making Marion County emergency services better, not a hodgepodge of a** es trying to be something we are most definately not...

[Unregistered¾]

Unregistered1972 (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/member.php?u=)

You will learn QUICK that I have little Patience for folks like you. Don't make me come back.:axe:








LOL @ the noob who pissed off Annabelle.

Glad to see your still around Annabelle.

[Unregisterd mcmc]

Here is a word to the wise, dont be a fool and hide behind an unregistered name. You will only be fooling yourself. There are ways to find out who you are and you mite have to repeat some of your comments.
Dont cast stones when you live in a glass house.. think before you act or let me correct that and say think before you speak..

[MFPD219]

I Wanted To Tell Fireman107 That There Can Be Alot Of Good That All The Fire Depts In Marion County Can Do If We All Work And Train Together. It All Comes Down To The Ones That Put The Other Depts Down And That Get Things Started When The Fire Depts Cant Get Along.

[ff2]

Stopfire, need a hint to figure out who you are.(BA) Maybe the 'listen to the tape' is the hint. If it is, you brought a tape to my house and we both listened to it, and determined that MRFD called for help twice(not called six times and asked if we needed help) during a structure fire and got no reply for a little while. If this is who I think you are, you were thinking about going to county council with the tape so they could hear it, which I encouraged you to do, but I have not heard one thing from them. Just wondering?? No we're not best and don't have the best equipment....but we do what we can.I would love to have a 24 hour crew at the station with a new pumper and tanker, but we can't. I do see it in the future having a newer piece in the house, once the house is paid for, but it'll take time. I've tried to implement 'proper radio talk' with the crew, and some have improved and some have NOT. Still using 10 codes and CB talk, but I can't just kick a volunteer off the department due to talking like I don't want them to. I'm just one little volunteer in the system. I take much PRIDE in MRFD and PDFD and have goals for each, often getting disappointed from time to time when I don't make a goal, but I'm not giving up. I know how things should work, and hopefully one day we get where I would love for us to be. ***** NEED HELP FOR A METAL STAIRWAY FOR OUR TRAINING CENTERS ACCESS TO SECOND FLOOR, IF ANYONE KNOWS WHERE WE CAN GET ONE LEAVE A MESSAGE ON THIS SITE***** Thanks FF2 (M-10)
Got 2 volunteers needing 1152, does anybody else have some so we can get a class together?

[bigfish]

Thanks, Daffy Duck. I have an idea, if it has not already been impemented. Why not have all of the county stations get together for whatever may remain of NIMS training? The Fire Chiefs of the different departments within Marion County could coordinate a multi-department training session.
I am sure the training ideas could be endless. For example, how about a water rescue scenario? Or, if the resources are available, how about a scenario involving a multi-story structure fire? The multi-department training could also involve departments from other counties that would be close enough to assist the Marion County departments depending on the scenario.
I do not know if I have been of any help here but there are some ideas. I am sure the Chiefs could get together and coordinate something like this for the greater good of Marion County.

[firefighter106]

ok finally we are getting some where look if anyone is planing to train own vehicle extraction and need cars to train own let me no if you need vehicles to train own i can get my hands own plenty. i may even be able to work it out where u can train at our place to keep from moving the cars twice.just let me no own here our let fireman107 no and he can get in touch with me.

[daffy duck]

ff2,I think there will be a 1152 clas coming up shortly because i have several that need it at my department that just got voted on monday night.when i hear anything about when it is i will let you know.

[daffy duck]

thanks bigfish, and 107 is right, this is just the kind of cooperation we need and this is the way that this thread was intended, for the betterment of the fire departments around here. keep it up, guys!!!

[ff2]

THANKS TO RAINS, CITY OF MARION,AND E-911 for the help on the woods fire today. Mullins Fire thanks for contacting the Forestry for us. If some of you get a chance, go to Coastalfirenews.com, there is an area for Marion County to place info on the site, if any of you would like to. Anyway thanks again for your work today. See you on the big one!

[bigfish]

Do we have any Fire Chiefs on this site? If so, what are your opinions?
After all, you guys are the guys that make it happen through your leadership role...
I would love to get the opinions, views, and ideas from the Fire Chiefs. Not just Marion County but other areas as well.

[ff2]

Bigfish,
FF2 here, I do serve as one of two Assistant Chiefs on our department(s). My views are stated in an earlier post, we're behind, we do what we can with what we have, we hold our heads up(even when others look down on us) and we are IMPROVING due to more training, better funding from the fire fees collected, and saving what we can to purchase newer equipment. Currently we are adding a second story on our training building and soon hope to build a roof vent area for cutting operations. As far as MY opinion: I would like to see at least two county stations (to start with) manned with trained firefighters/ EMT's. A study of the call volume and area (homes, population,etc.) would need to be done before determining where the station(s) would be. A study was done a few years back and the start up cost for the complete 'plan' was in the millions. I don't know the exact figure and did not see a copy of the plan.....maybe someone else who has FACTS can state that. Some of the citizens in Marion County think that the stations have firefighters at them at all times. (Rural volunteer stations are not manned) I have been asked many times ' What took so long'? And when I mention how our volunteer department works;leave what I'm doing, drive to a station, unlock the station, get my gear, start the engine and so on, then they see the reason for the delay, and they DO NOT LIKE IT!! Firemen here in the past have tried to get things rolling for a county fire department, and have had no luck. To fund this(full-time manned department) would 'Raise Taxes' ,unless someone else knows some other way, and it is hard enough for alot of folks here now as it is. Anyway, that is all for now. Happy Fathers Day to all the dads.

[bigfish]

Bigfish,
FF2 here, I do serve as one of two Assistant Chiefs on our department(s). My views are stated in an earlier post, we're behind, we do what we can with what we have, we hold our heads up(even when others look down on us) and we are IMPROVING due to more training, better funding from the fire fees collected, and saving what we can to purchase newer equipment. Currently we are adding a second story on our training building and soon hope to build a roof vent area for cutting operations. As far as MY opinion: I would like to see at least two county stations (to start with) manned with trained firefighters/ EMT's. A study of the call volume and area (homes, population,etc.) would need to be done before determining where the station(s) would be. A study was done a few years back and the start up cost for the complete 'plan' was in the millions. I don't know the exact figure and did not see a copy of the plan.....maybe someone else who has FACTS can state that. Some of the citizens in Marion County think that the stations have firefighters at them at all times. (Rural volunteer stations are not manned) I have been asked many times ' What took so long'? And when I mention how our volunteer department works;leave what I'm doing, drive to a station, unlock the station, get my gear, start the engine and so on, then they see the reason for the delay, and they DO NOT LIKE IT!! Firemen here in the past have tried to get things rolling for a county fire department, and have had no luck. To fund this(full-time manned department) would 'Raise Taxes' ,unless someone else knows some other way, and it is hard enough for alot of folks here now as it is. Anyway, that is all for now. Happy Fathers Day to all the dads.


I see your point, totally. Thank you for the response, also.

Speaking as a taxpayer, I would rather taxes go up for a county-based fire department than for any other reason. I personally believe a county fire department will be needed especially now that plans are in place to carve an interstate through Marion County and, add to that, the apparent success that the Carolina Entertainment Complex had this weekend with the Marion County Music Fest.......There will be other large venues in the future. I believe there were about 10,000 people at the Entertainment Complex this weekend.

On the flip side, I can totally understand the costs that would be involved to implement the county fire department. The question no one can answer is this one: Where will the money come from?

I hope that Marion County Emergency Services "supply" (I am including fire, rescue, EMS, and the Hospital's Emergency Department, here) will be able to stay ahead of the ever increasing emergency service "demand" of the county's citizens, venues such as the Entertainment Complex, and the increasing thru-traffic going to and from the beach areas.

Marion County emergency services, as a whole, has no choice now but to work together to stay ahead of the supply and demand needs of Marion County. I fear that if nothing is done within the next two years to better orchestrate emergency services in Marion County then in five years the Marion County emergency services will be too far behind to successfully accomplish much at all....

Change in this area is coming at a faster rate than many realize.

"If you do not stay ahead then you will fall :butthead: (behind...lol)"
-Big Fish ;-)

[Govman]

Change can't happen fast enough. Our politicians tell us they're ready infrastructurally for mass progression. Let us see. As far as a huge success this weekend at the Entertainment complex your number of 10,000 is the first report i've heard. I hope there was more because I'm not sure that would be consider a success. Remember this was a multi day event and I imagine they had a huge payout with those big name performers. Most Amphitheatres pull in at least those numbers on one night with one performer. Let me be quick to say I wish the venue success buy I've yet to see how they have enhanced our community at all. I would love to be proved wrong on this one!


Maybe those folks at the entertainment center could give a small portion of profits to the local Fire Departments. That would win me over!

[bigfish]

Change can't happen fast enough. Our politicians tell us they're ready infrastructurally for mass progression. Let us see. As far as a huge success this weekend at the Entertainment complex your number of 10,000 is the first report i've heard. I hope there was more because I'm not sure that would be consider a success. Remember this was a multi day event and I imagine they had a huge payout with those big name performers. Most Amphitheatres pull in at least those numbers on one night with one performer. Let me be quick to say I wish the venue success buy I've yet to see how they have enhanced our community at all. I would love to be proved wrong on this one!


Maybe those folks at the entertainment center could give a small portion of profits to the local Fire Departments. That would win me over!


Now, not knowing the overhead costs of the Entertainment Complex, that is a terrific idea. I would just hate to be the one to ask in this present economy. I am hoping the Entertainment Complex works because it is our last (very) few avenues which Marion County can bring money in from outside of the county's borders.

By the way, the "10,000" which I heard over the weekend is not official. I apologize for being a Marion County redneck and repeating what I heard as if it were fact....LOL! I guess it happens to all of us. I will rescind that comment shamefully and wait for some official numbers. My bad...

My opinion of the Entertainment Complex is repeated below:


In the case of the Marion County Entertainment Complex there is a familiar saying that comes to mind. That saying is, "patience is a great virtue." With that being said, I am patiently waiting for positive results.
This incarnation of the Entertainment Complex seems pleasantly different than the apparent first incarnation which screamed "scam" to many people in the community.....and it was a scam.

With the understanding that hope floats, I have hope that the guys running the Entertainment Complex now will do their best to get things right. These same guys should also know that, unfortunately, Marion County is proudly thirty years behind the rest of the world. Any potential positive change in Marion County always comes with severe kicking and screaming of the "old guard." These backward-thinking residents of the county should understand that change is good.....if not controversial. Controversy always makes life more interesting after all....LOL!

After all, NAFTA sucked out our textile plants (Ross Perot was correct, by the way) and the tobacco market is all but obsolete so, logically, Marion County is quickly running out of options.

Add to that, is the truth that LBJ's "Great Society" experiment seemingly was centered in Marion County and the "Great Society" idea failed miserably. Just look at the "project problem" the community is faced with as all of the proof people need for that argument.

Those points, coupled with a long-failing public school system with no hope of improvement, unfortunately makes things pretty bleak for this area.

Like I mentioned before....hope floats.

Any ideas?

-Big Fish
<!-- / message -->

[Govman]

please share attendance numbers as you learn them. I'm very interested. I'll do the same.

[TAZ]

Now we're rolling. I've been gone on vacation and to tell ya the truth, I excepted the same old junk. I have some answers for some. Bigfish, I'll start with your question on the NIMS. There are 6 NIMS courses that FEMA requires. Now every member doesn't have to have all certifications. It depends on their rank in the dept. NIMS 100, 200, 700, & 800 are all done on FEMA's web site. There is no class needed for them. NIMS 300 & 400 is for officers only and there has to be a class. To my knowledge, there hasn't been a class for those two close by yet. If a dept. goes for the FEMA grant and is granted the money, all members have to be complaint with the NIMS courses with in a year on top of other fire dept. courses. It helps their chances if the dept. has a majority that has complied. ff2, wish I was here for the fire. Oh well. I'm hoping to have a 1152 class the first of next year at my dept. I have five that need it. You might want to ask THFD 101 or firefighter106 about the stairs. They might be able to help you. Does anyone need EVDT? I have 7 (maybe more) at my dept. that need it. Hoping to have a class soon.

[swampfox]

The education system could be fixed, IF it is taken completely out of the hands of politicians. If every day there were more parents in the school than administrators it would clean up right quick.

Until then, you're right, it's a lost cause.

[Phantom 447]

Now we're rolling. I've been gone on vacation and to tell ya the truth, I excepted the same old junk. I have some answers for some. Bigfish, I'll start with your question on the NIMS. There are 6 NIMS courses that FEMA requires. Now every member doesn't have to have all certifications. It depends on their rank in the dept. NIMS 100, 200, 700, & 800 are all done on FEMA's web site. There is no class needed for them. NIMS 300 & 400 is for officers only and there has to be a class. To my knowledge, there hasn't been a class for those two close by yet. If a dept. goes for the FEMA grant and is granted the money, all members have to be complaint with the NIMS courses with in a year on top of other fire dept. courses. It helps their chances if the dept. has a majority that has complied. ff2, wish I was here for the fire. Oh well. I'm hoping to have a 1152 class the first of next year at my dept. I have five that need it. You might want to ask THFD 101 or firefighter106 about the stairs. They might be able to help you. Does anyone need EVDT? I have 7 (maybe more) at my dept. that need it. Hoping to have a class soon.


Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by Phantom 447 http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=74057#post74057)
An Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training Class will be offered at Station 9 (Oak Grove) starts July 15 at 7 pm.
If you are interested please fax a copy of your SC Drivers License with your registration form to 664-0836.


Training will not hurt you, but the lack of it could.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


EVDT Class in Oak Grove, Marion County's very own Billy Floyd is the instructor. Everyone invited till we run out of room.

[ff2]

Phantom447, How many slots do you have available? If not enough for 7 out of 107's department, maybe we can request a class over this way.

FF107, I'll give 101 a call. We've got the second container on top, and NO stairs to access it.....but we will get there soon.

Cooperation not Domination is the key to success for all !!

[firefighter106]

ff2 would be glad to help. but right now my sched. is pretty packed.But may be i can help a little when there is time.thats going to be a steal case right do you have all stuff to do that with.bu t any way ill try to help any way that i can.

[Phantom 447]

Phantom447, How many slots do you have available? If not enough for 7 out of 107's department, maybe we can request a class over this way.

FF107, I'll give 101 a call. We've got the second container on top, and NO stairs to access it.....but we will get there soon.

Cooperation not Domination is the key to success for all !!



FF2

Get your 7 applications in, 1st come 1st serve.

Phantom 447

[ff2]

On an earlier post I wondered 'How much money volunteer fire departments saved counties". If anyone is interested in seeing some figures go to NVFC.org (National Volunteer Fire Council) and check it out. They have a calculator on the site that you'll have to key in some correct numbers for your coverage area, apparatus, population etc., and it ESTIMATES the cost. Pretty interesting. Anyway, set out to find the info on that and wanted to share it. Be safe!

[TAZ]

If anyone needs training videos, you can go to FEMA's web site. They have a selection to choose from and they're free.

[Unregistered1972]

i want to tell fireman107 that i go where i want to go

[TAZ]

Yeah, you can until Annabell gets involved. We're trying to work together and you come on here trying to stir up a bees nest. Fighting doesn't solve anything and that's not what we're going for on this thread. Finger pointing, name calling, and bad mouthing are acts of children. We are all grown ups here and need to act like it.

[Unregistered1972]

you sound like alan ammons you must be alan ammons

[protector]

1972, I agree with some of your comments, disagree with how you handle most of them, but will not deny your entertainment value. Your last comment reminds me of Ernest T Bass , the rock thrower on Andy Griffin (sp) Show. Thank you for the Mid-morning laugh that i probably exclusively enjoyed.

[TAZ]

I'm not going to comment on that 1972. If you had paid any attention to what has been posted, you would know that answer.

[bigfish]

Hey, 1972!
Fireman107 is not your good, close friend Alan Ammons who you love so dearly, adore, and cherish with every breath of your being.
Yet they do look alike.....LOL!!! LOL!!! LOL!!! LOL!!! LOL!!! LOL!!!

[TAZ]

LOL!!!LOL!!! Nothin' but love for ya fish.

[TAZ]

Just as a reminder. Today is the anniversary of the Charleston 9. Please keep the families and friends of those who lost their life in your thoughts and prayers. To all emergency personal, be safe and take care.

[bigfish]

LOL!!!LOL!!! Nothin' but love for ya fish.


I am glad you have a great sense of humor, Fireman107 :beer:

[ff2]

1972.....Please do not destroy the 'firefighter' section on this site. PLEASE! Thank You. ff2

[Unregistered1972]

1972.....Please do not destroy the 'firefighter' section on this site. PLEASE! Thank You. ff2


since you are a alan ammons loving whiney baby i will stay off this firefighter thread you dont believe in free speech and you are a communist go live in vietnam commie

[bigfish]

since you are a alan ammons loving whiney baby i will stay off this firefighter thread you dont believe in free speech and you are a communist go live in vietnam commie



:ditto: :wtf: :offtopic:

[bigfish]

Earlier in this thread I asked the fire chiefs to get in the discussion with us to improve the fire services of Marion County. No fire chief in his right mind will join us on this site if we continue acting as children. I am asking that everyone keep it professional. We can keep it professional and still give friendly "jabs" from time to time and I am guilty of that. :-)

I truly believe the internet may become the small community solution. Let's all try our very best to not single anyone out or verbally attack another person in a vicious and unprofessional manner.

By the way, send your friends an email with a link to this site. Let's get more people seriously involved. Please note that my intent is not to single any one person out. I am looking out for the best interest of my county and that is why I am here.

And fire chiefs, I am still waiting to here your views, opinions, and ideas. Please do not disappoint the people of Marion County that view this site. If there are any personal attacks aimed at any fire chief then I feel very comfortable that Annabelle can remedy the situation.

Thank you.

-Big Fish

[ff2]

BIGFISH..... Chief 1(48 years of service..I believe) is watching and will soon sign on with info. 1972 has really got me wondering who he is now. It will be interesting to know if he has sat down with some of the folks on this sight who have invited him for drinks,and really talked......he may just have a great memory and state what was talked about. As you see in his last post he said he would move off this thread. I dropped him a 'Thank You' on another thread. 106 the stairway will be all steel, and hopefully I can get my hands on one already built. Thanks for your offer to help and I'll let you know when we start if we need help. Everyone be safe. FF2

[ff2]

TO THOSE FIREFIGHTERS WHO WILL ATTEND THE FIREFIGHTERS CONVENTION......PLEASE VOTE FOR CHIEF KEN TAYLOR FOR 4TH VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION. He has some really good ideas to bring to the association. He is currently the Fire Chief of South Greenville Fire Department. Help him out!!!!! Thanks.

See that the sight is recieving alot of hits, key up fellows and suggest some positive ideas, post training dates,etc.

[bigfish]

I am going to ask this question out of total outright ignorance. That was my disclaimer...LOL!
What if the fire departments were consolidated under a "county fire department-"type jurisdiction? Basically, there would be one county fire chief in one county department consisting of many different stations and/or sub-stations.

Survey says......

[ff2]

Bigfish.... A countywide fire department would/could be a great benefit to the citizens and those traveling through Marion. SOME of the benefits would include; staffed departments, quicker response times, BETTER equipment, training requirements for career and volunteer members, safer operations and on and on. This of course would take money to run and the start up would be well in the millions, if it is done RIGHT. With a career department and the right equipment and apparatus in the proper locations the ISO ratings would be lower which could save some homeowners on their homeowners insurance. That (lower ISO)will take time. Anyway, these are my thoughts on the matter, but I feel it will be some years before the county can fund such a department.....but maybe I'm wrong. FF2

[daffy duck]

ff2, you are sooo right, it is a great idea and it would take millions of dollars in start-up costs, but the problem would be having the right personnel in place to lead this department. And that would start with a good ,experienced, personable chief,qualified training officer and other experienced and qualified officers to be shift supervisers and such. The only other thing that you would need ,other than equipment, is a good set of sop's so that things can go smoothly when things get tough, if you know what I mean.

[TAZ]

County council has looked into this idea and the start up cost where in the millions. Don't know how well it will work in Marion, but things are working good for Horry County.

[Papa Grizz]

I know this is kinda off subject, but where can I get info about the nims classes I need???

[Phantom 447]

I know this is kinda off subject, but where can I get info about the nims classes I need???


Hey Mr. Papa Grizz

Are you the same GRIZZ that I though was CHRIS in a haz/mat class a couple of years ago hosted by MRF?

Just wondering?

[Papa Grizz]

More than likely. Instructed by Oak Grove chief. :shrug:

[Phantom 447]

OK there buddy.

get with me we should be doing one before end of year.
:axe: :axe: :axe: :axe: :axe:
Thought you would like that.

[TAZ]

Phantom 447, are you talking about NIMS 300 & 400? Also I'll be able to let you how many will be attending the EVDT course after our monthly meeting. Start date July 15 at 7 pm at DC St. 9. Do you know about when the test day will be?

[TAZ]

This was stated by unregistered 388 on the Dillion County board Dillion County Fireman thread. Just thought I would share this.

"Seems like almost every new or different thing that comes along to improve the service given to the community (ya that is what the fire service is about) gets shot down because the (powers that be will not change). I got a news flash for you, we do not ride horses or sleep on the ground anymore. Technology and tactics have and will continue to change. The fire service in general is proud of the brotherhood. Im not bashing anyone but reading this thread it come to my attention that the majority of the comments are not from brothers or sisters but from redlight running, siren blaring, yard breathers. My 4 year old can stand in the front yard with arms crossed while the fire is blowing out of two windows saying ya we got to write this one off. Stop fighting, train harder, work together. If your leaders do not want too, then find new ones. Train the person under you to do your job, one day you maybe pinned to the floor of a burning house and they will be the one to get you out. I am sure that the bickering and fighting probly started ahhhh about two days after DCFD was started but it is time for change. Fireman have never been at more risk than they are now. Just remember change starts with you and the company you keep."

[Papa Grizz]

That left indentions in my bunker boots 107! :butthead: However whoever wrote that is correct. Thanx for the info 107. Phantom447, just learned who you are, and kinda embarrassed, and yes, it is Grizz not Chirs.

[firefighter106]

If anyone wants to do a vehicle ex. class or just pract. please let me no this for all dept. i have plenty of cars,trucks and vans just need to no in advance so that i can set them aside we can do any thing to them we want we may even be able to burn one ill have to check own that. I can be reached at 617-4725 oh yeah i a cant teach the class if thats what you want to do so if u have some one that can let me know so we can set it up own a sat.

[ff2]

Hello guys, been up north of here checking things out and did not have my computer with me. Hope all is going well. Bigfish...sorry about your wheels. FF106, we've got to get some other classes taken care of before we will need an auto to cut up, so don't crush 'em all. By the way what would a fire engine (minus the pump) bring in for scrap? It is an old Ford C-8000 type model.

[bigfish]

County council has looked into this idea and the start up cost where in the millions. Don't know how well it will work in Marion, but things are working good for Horry County.


Then maybe we should use the Horry County example. I have always been a believer in following successful examples, if not improving on them.

By the way, we have not heard from Trey lately. I consider Trey would know of the Horry County example as he used to work with Horry (unless I am mistaken).
The perfect person, in my opinion, to ask about bringing the "Horry Example" to Marion County would be him. He has always impressed me with his professionalism along with his professional demeanor. I would like his opinion on this subject. Like I said before, I am ignorant :confused: on this subject and searching for proper education, so to speak.

[firefighter106]

Not real sure about the weight own that truck FF2 just give me a call at work 423-8007 and we will go from there.Ill always have cars thats not a prob.

[firefighter106]

FF2 just let me know when ur ready ill set up some props cars upside down in a ditch just all kinda stuff

[firefighter106]

Oh yeah one more thing while everyone is out celabrating this weekend take a min. to remember our fallen brother`s. it only takes a min. And i dont think that we can do that to enough. but anyway everyone have a safe 4th .

[ff2]

STILL LOOKING FOR A METAL STAIRCASE AT LEAST 12 FOOT HIGH !!!! Got a second floor on the burn building and still no staircase, and I priced metal to build one, and it is too HIGH !

[firefighter106]

well then let me see what i can come up with ff2

[firefighter106]

ff2 come buy and see me this week when u get a chance my have something.

[lilchilly20]

For those on here that are members and officers of the departments here in Marion Co:
1. We have got to get together to set aside 3 Saturdays at a minimum to knock out the ICS 300 and 400 courses. We are not going to be able to get by with doing the take home deal like I had hoped for (I spoke with EMD in Columbia on this.) This needs to be done before September.
2. SCFA POV Response class:
We had one in Temp Hill back in May. We need to get everyone else up to snuff on this. This is a great awareness course for everyone from the new guys to the old smokies to have under their belt. The course is only 4 hours and can easily be done on a drill night. Most of you know how crammed my schedule is but we will get something scheduled for those wanting the class.
3. 1152
EVDT
Pumps I
Haz Mat Ops--
How many firefighters do we have that still need these courses???

For those that applied for the AFG grants they should begin awarding within the next few weeks. Our local politicians put in some good references for some of us I know. I have not heard any other news which is why I have not called some of you if you are reading this post. As soon as I hear something I will pass the info along.

This post will be a great resource for all departments in Marion County. I have just recently found out about it. We will never be able to stop those who like to stir the pots from posting on here so instead of getting caught up in senseless arguments let's continue to use this for the betterment of all of us. Everyone stay safe and keep doing the fine job that you do.

B Floyd

[ff2]

FF106, I'll get over your way on friday, but I'll call you to line up a time and to make sure your in.

Lilchilly20, I'll contact you on a date, time, and course for MRFD.

FF2

[firefighter106]

ff2 what i have is one already built i think that it will work. I can prob. get it a lot cheaper than you can buy the materials and build one.

[TAZ]

lilchilly, I have seven officers that need 300 & 400. Not sure what saturdays will work for them. I do know it will be hard sense it is racing session. I will get with you on the other classes. You might want to try and attend the next chiefs assocation meeting to let them know about the classes. I don't know if all the county fireman know about this thread. Also, please let me know if you get another POV class close by. I have a few that were unable to attend the last one. Thanks.

[lilchilly20]

The issue at hand is the number of people wanting the 300/400 series. We are limited on instructors in this area. A few of us have been trying to get some course scheduled for quite some time. If we are able to get one before Sept it will be limited to about 3 people per department at the most to ensure all the Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs who are required to have the training get it. Captains and others who want the course will have to hold on a little longer. I am all about getting everyone the training but right now we have got to figure out how to get the ones that are required to have it before Septemeber to remain eligible for Grant monies. For vol. depts that requirement is the Chief and Asst. Chief. I think the best thing for all the other officers that want the course will be to request one throught the Fire Academy in the County. We will work something out though to ensure that eveyone can get the training.

Next POV is scheduled in Mullins on July 22nd. Get up with T/O Collins there for more information.

[lilchilly20]

Congrats to Marion Rescue Squad in being awarded a $117,000 grant for a new ambulance. Round 1 was announced last week. Everyone else keep your fingers crossed!!

[ff2]

Congrats MARION RESCUE !!!!

[firefighter106]

ff2 can you give me a call tomm. need to run something by you. lost ur #

[lilchilly20]

The deadline for course requests for the Jan-June 2009 SCFA catalog is August 4th.

What courses would you like to see in Marion County. Let's avoid having multiple depts putting in for the same course or bboking courses on the same dates as we have in the past. If you would like to see a course in your department let me know which one and some dates. That way we can make sure we get most of the courses we request.

[bigfish]

Congrats to Marion Rescue Squad in being awarded a $117,000 grant for a new ambulance. Round 1 was announced last week. Everyone else keep your fingers crossed!!

Congratulations to Marion Rescue Squad!!! ;-)

[ff2]

Lilchilly...With the steady changing membership we encounter, MRFD will need an 1152, EVDT, POV, Health/Safety Officer?, and maybe a FF1 classin 2009....I do believe that will be a plenty for 2009. All of these courses do not have to take place at MRFD, but we can host all or some if needed. We will need additional firefighters enrolled to make up a full class, and as far as dates I'll contact you after our next meeting. On the NIMS classes for the officers, let me know about a date and I'll advise our officers. If there is limited room in the class we'll need 4 spaces, and we can host if needed. We do have a projector and computer, (and we even got a/c now) so let me know.

[E. Lindeman]

Lilchilly...With the steady changing membership we encounter, MRFD will need an 1152, EVDT, POV, Health/Safety Officer?, and maybe a FF1 classin 2009....I do believe that will be a plenty for 2009. All of these courses do not have to take place at MRFD, but we can host all or some if needed. We will need additional firefighters enrolled to make up a full class, and as far as dates I'll contact you after our next meeting. On the NIMS classes for the officers, let me know about a date and I'll advise our officers. If there is limited room in the class we'll need 4 spaces, and we can host if needed. We do have a projector and computer, (and we even got a/c now) so let me know.



I need the 1152, and wouldn't mind the rest. Let me know what I can do to help!

[bigfish]

I heard two silly rumors today. The silly rumor I wish to address on this thread is the one I heard where Marion City Fire employees are NOT allowed to go on this site!

I wish to maintain the fact that I heard this as RUMOR. Now, I can understand a boss dictating to employees what to and what not to do on work time. But this silly rumor I heard today includes a boss dictating to employees what to do in their FREE TIME!

I hope this rumor is not true. If it is then it is just another testament to the close-mindedness of Marion County.

I understand that people get on these threads and not register in order to talk trash but I, and several others, jumped in and properly defended the people who had trash talked about them unfairly.

Anyway, please enlighten me on this RUMOR. Thank you.

I remember something written down a long time ago about free speech, but I digress.

I also wish to state that this is just a RUMOR and I am treating it as such. (BigFish's Disclaimer)

[lilchilly20]

As most of you were aware, I lost a dear friend of mine back on June 19th to Lung cancer. Louie Sauceda and I were hired together at NMB and we also graduated Police Academy together along with one of Mullins PD nad Fire's finest, Robert Davis. Louie was an outstanding human being and loved his job dearly. He had never smoked in his life but was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on his lung last year. It was found to be one of the rarest forms of lung cancer around. After a long tough battle he passed away last month. I was blessed to have made it down to MUSC just hours before he died to see him one last time.

Louie got to experience a little of Marion County last year when we did the Pump Ops I course over in Mullins last August. He had already been diagnosed a few months before. He enjoyed the class and the guys over there and got to see first hand from all my stories I had told him about Marion County. I even treated him to some good eatin' at Bravo's.

We have had several close calls here in Marion County with some of our own personnel and their bouts with cancer. I will not call names to respect their privacy.

I saw these guys struggle in their own battles but they were able to overcome their situation.

When I first started here at the beach in 2005, they were going through some tough times with another one of their longtime firefighters and his battles with lung cancer. Lt Robert "Sonny" Truss lost his battle in August of 2005.

Louie left behind a wife and two small sons. The tragic part of this is he was only 28 years old.


We have set up a fund to help the family get back on their feet. I am asking any firefighter, department, civilian readinig this post to truly consider yourself in this families shoes and help them by sending a donation to:

Louie Sauceda Family Fund
c/o Annette Suggs- Branch Manager
Horry County State Bank
596 Hwy 17 North
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

God Bless and Stay safe out there

[lilchilly20]

www.peoplesburnfoundation.org (http://www.peoplesburnfoundation.org)

If your department has not recieved the newest installment of the "To Hell and Back" series go to this site. The material is available there or contact them to get your free copy. This year it is a 4 disk set and is some great materials for training

[bigfish]

I heard two silly rumors today. The silly rumor I wish to address on this thread is the one I heard where Marion City Fire employees are NOT allowed to go on this site!

I wish to maintain the fact that I heard this as RUMOR. Now, I can understand a boss dictating to employees what to and what not to do on work time. But this silly rumor I heard today includes a boss dictating to employees what to do in their FREE TIME!

I hope this rumor is not true. If it is then it is just another testament to the close-mindedness of Marion County.

I understand that people get on these threads and not register in order to talk trash but I, and several others, jumped in and properly defended the people who had trash talked about them unfairly.

Anyway, please enlighten me on this RUMOR. Thank you.

I remember something written down a long time ago about free speech, but I digress.

I also wish to state that this is just a RUMOR and I am treating it as such. (BigFish's Disclaimer)


I had this question answered in a most pleasing manner today.
This person called me, personally, and advised me that there was NO policy against Marion City Fire employees accessing this site.
This person handled himself in a professional manner, as he always does. This person's name is Alan Ammons.

Thanks, Alan. ;-)

I just hope no "unregistered" morons rear their ugly heads, now. I had to defend principle before and I will surely do it again!

I like the thread the way it is progressing.

[TAZ]

Did anyone go to the fireman's convention? If so, what new ideas did you learn?

[King Rooster]

Temperature at about head level is really HOT

That is where the term HOT HEADS come from :roll:

[ff2]

I find it quit pleasing to see that the firefighters thread has made a turn for the betterment of all, but disappointed that the number of 'people' on the site has dropped. It is ashamed that more folks want to participate when they can put down people or departments, but when it comes to getting things on the right track, it's time for some to jump off! To those who have helped this thread keep going..THANKS!! FF106 thanks for locating a metal stairway and guardrails for MRFD's training center. Lilchilly, thanks for the training you offer to line up and teach. These are the kind of things that will help ALL departments in Marion. So to those who view this thread and have positive ideas for training, surplus equipment that others need, safety ideas, or just want to help others.....sign in and help your fellow firefighters out!!! I recieved a call from a friend down around Charleston a couple of weeks back that "may" be able to get some used SCBA at a good deal if someone needs some. If anyone wants me to call him back and see if they are still available give me a call on Marion Rurals channel(M-10), and I'll be happy to call and check for you. MRFD is looking for a 40 foot container to add to the burn building, so keep your eyes open and call if you know where we may find a used one. Thanks.. FF2

[lilchilly20]

ff2,

Give me a call in reference to the POV class. Need to move it to either the 9th(morning) or the 12th( 6:30-10:30).

Just found out we have school registration on the 5th. I am going over to Florence on Thurs., I will get the paperwork taken care of then.

[firefighter106]

Glad That i could help. Trying to fix a pump so that we can get the water out of that hole so we can get those stairs out.Our pump blew up last week. Ill have as soon as Poss.

[ff2]

Lilchilly, Got a new phone and did not have your number saved, so call me. The morning class on the 9th sounds good, so lets plan on that. FF106, just call when things are ready to go.

[lilchilly20]

I'll try and swing by and see you at the X-roads tomorrow. But let's go ahead and lock down the 9th.

[lilchilly20]

course: Ics 300/ Ics 400

location: Marion County Multi-purpose Building Training Room (off Of Airport Ct)

dates: Saturday August 16th
Saturday August 23rd
Saturday August 30th

class Begins At 0800 Hours. You Must Attend All 3 Saturdays.

chief Officers Will Be Given First Priority In The Course. Additional Spots Will Be Filled In As Space Allows.

once I Have Made Contact With All Departments Will We Open Up The Course To Anyone Else.

please Help Me In Getting The Word Out. I Need A Headcount As Soon As Possible.

any Questions Give Me A Call

b Floyd

[King Rooster]

course: Ics 300/ Ics 400

location: Marion County Multi-purpose Building Training Room (off Of Airport Ct)

dates: Saturday August 16th
Saturday August 23rd
Saturday August 30th

class Begins At 0800 Hours. You Must Attend All 3 Saturdays.

chief Officers Will Be Given First Priority In The Course. Additional Spots Will Be Filled In As Space Allows.

once I Have Made Contact With All Departments Will We Open Up The Course To Anyone Else.

please Help Me In Getting The Word Out. I Need A Headcount As Soon As Possible.

any Questions Give Me A Call

b Floyd


Billy
Are these SCFA Classes?

[seagrave]

I just wanted to say something about the comment about rural departments needing the city departments help so much. To start with that is a joke right?? We ALL call on each other for help when need it. Last time I checked the city calls for rural help at times also. I believe in the old ways anyway where as All firefighters help each other out in time of need that is why it is called a "BROTHER HOOD". Those of us who are on the high horse so to speak seriously need a BIG reality check. You can't do it all superman! As for improving ourselves as rural departments, we are improving all the time. Volunteers are just as good as career firefighters! We can hang in there as long as any career maybe longer at some fires. We all need to work together as a team and not as seperate departments.

[seagrave]

This is for lilchilly20, I would like to see Fire officer 1 or first responder come to marion county.

[ff2]

Lilchilly, I'll get the word to Pee Dee and MRFD, and contact you ASAP with names and info you need. I'll be at THEE X ROADS tommorow, unless we're rolling with the new staffed station "41", somewhere in the Northwest part of the Independent Republic !!

[seagrave]

FF2 do you think we will see fire officer 1, first responder, or a 2147 NIMS class?

[lilchilly20]

<TABLE class=tborder style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 77865" vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 align=middle width=125>King Rooster</TD><TD class=alt2>Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by lilchilly20 http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=77858#post77858)
course: Ics 300/ Ics 400

location: Marion County Multi-purpose Building Training Room (off Of Airport Ct)

dates: Saturday August 16th
Saturday August 23rd
Saturday August 30th

class Begins At 0800 Hours. You Must Attend All 3 Saturdays.

chief Officers Will Be Given First Priority In The Course. Additional Spots Will Be Filled In As Space Allows.

once I Have Made Contact With All Departments Will We Open Up The Course To Anyone Else.

please Help Me In Getting The Word Out. I Need A Headcount As Soon As Possible.

any Questions Give Me A Call

b Floyd

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Billy
Are these SCFA Classes?
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


No this is through the State Emergency Management Division.

Same course. Different color certificate!

[lilchilly20]

<TABLE class=tborder style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 77966" vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 align=middle width=125>seagrave</TD><TD class=alt2>FF2 do you think we will see fire officer 1, first responder, or a 2147 NIMS class?</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


The 2147 ICS course will probably be no issue. Should be able to swing that one.

The pre-req for Fire Officer I is Firefighter II.

How many do we have in the county that are interested in taking this. I have no problem requesting it but I do not want to get it in the catalog and then it gets cancelled to low enrollment. For everyone out there get a head count from your depts and let me know by next week. Got to have them submitted the first week of August.

Any dept want to step and and be the host for the course. Let me know.

[bigfish]

Only 38 days left until NCAA Football!



A Bowden is picked to win ACC, but it's not Bobby
Published: 7/21/08, 7:46 PM EDT
By TIM REYNOLDS

<!-- google_ad_section_start (name=blsadstrgt)-->GREENSBORO, Ga. (AP) - For the 17th straight year, a Bowden-coached team is the preseason favorite in the Atlantic Coast Conference. For the first time in that span, it isn't Florida State.
Clemson - coached by Tommy Bowden, the son of Bobby Bowden, major college football's wins leader at Florida State_ was announced Monday as the favorite to win the ACC title. It's the first time Clemson has been the league's preseason choice since 1991, the year before the Seminoles entered the league.
"I'd like to see him win every game but one - not us," said Bobby Bowden, whose team was picked third behind Clemson and Wake Forest in the ACC's Atlantic Division. "But it's good. If I can't be there, I'd just rather him be next."
Clemson picked up 59 of 65 first-place votes in the league's Atlantic Division balloting, and was an overwhelming choice - named on 51 ballots - to win the overall ACC title and claim an automatic berth in the Bowl Championship Series. Defending league champion Virginia Tech easily picked up top honors to prevail in the Coastal Division, over North Carolina and Miami.
"I'm not used to being in this position," Tommy Bowden said. "My father's more accustomed to handling this question than I am. But I think it'll definitely elevate competition."
The Tigers have tons of offensive talent coming back, including quarterback Cullen Harper, two stellar tailbacks in James Davis and C.J. Spiller, and a breakout receiver in Aaron Kelly. And there's a clear sense that last year's 9-4 record won't be good enough in 2008 to Clemson.



Sorry, I know it is totally off topic but I had to throw this in!

[ff2]

Seagrave, Lilchilly will get the classes together, but he needs enough students to sign up for and attend in order for the classes to be a success. So get the word out and lets set a reasonable goal for classes. MRFD will be glad to be a host department if needed, and we will have students that will attend.

[seagrave]

To lilchilly,That would be great to get the 2147 NIMS class here in marion. I would like to take the first responder course also.Do you think it would be easier to get a class up for that?

[seagrave]

I heard something today that is really disturbing.It has come to my attention that real firefighters in the marion county area are few to none. What has happened to the fire service in this county?We are suppose to be a brotherhood of good fellas that help each other. What ever happened to the kind of firefighters who banned together in one county and helped one another? Looking at the FDNY and the way they operate I wonder how this county can ever put out fires for all the crap going on behind closed doors toward other departments. I believe every department should have the right to provide service for their community,county,city whatever. If we can't work as one team and are always trying to work against each other then in the end nobody will win.We All owe it to our residents to give them the best service we can offer. And fighting over where the lines should be drawn for more or less coverage area is plane out childish crap and whoever feels they need to argue with other deparments or council for more area are still growing up and should let the real firefighters take over so the residents of this county can be asured they are protected.

[Spotted Dog on Truck]

Need a county supported fire department with county supported stations and emplyees county wide. One Chief and lots of indians. Why not? Don't believe they 'can't afford it crap" they can afford it if enough people put their arses on the fire over it. I'm not a fireman but appreciate what you guys do and just trying to tell you to stand up for what is right and stand strong for the average people. Tell County Council, either get on our side which is the residents side OR we will start running for office and kicking YOUR door in! County fire is the way.

[seagrave]

I agree spotted dog, we do need to have a county fire department.But the problem with that is to many people are on one persons pay roll. I would love to see a county fire department assembled so we could better protect the residents of this county. The council would only give many excuses of why they can't do it. We might have a chance to as you say"force" change if the residents themselves came forth with us and protested to council for a county fire department.I think the residents of marion county deserve ALL of our best and not just some.They pay fire dues to the county for the county to turn around and say we "can't" but in reality they can just don't want to.I think the residents of marion county should start a pettion for a county fire department. Maybe if council sees how many people in this county are wanting a county fire department because they feel they are not being served to the best service they can be maybe then we will get a county fire department.

[seagrave]

By the way spotted dog who would be the head CHIEF over the county fire department????:roll:

[ff2]

Seagrave....First, where did you hear that comment 'good firefighters are few to none'? In my opinion, if the comment was made by another firefighter, he/she is looking down on fellow firefighters. IF they think they have so much to offer for improvements to fellow firefighters, why are they NOT trying to help at other fire departments in the county? MAYBE THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED!!! Because the 'brotherhood' for some is not permitted in this county. It is ashamed but it does happen elsewhere, even in the FDNY. If something did hit the fan here, I KNOW everyone would work together to provide the best for those in need, but when the smoke clears some of the 'self called REAL firefighters' make negative comments about others that is uncalled for. I myself have made comments to others about actions taken at scenes, but it is to them so hopefully it will not take place again and cause injury or death. (WISH I HAD BEEN AT THE MIDWAY MOTEL FIRE TO SEE WHAT WENT ON THERE) Some unsafe actions from what I've 'gathered 'from discussing the fire at MRFD monthly training. Some things that took place there could have injured or killed firefighters!!! From command being ignored, freelancing, and water supply being cut-off, this stuff blew me away. Maybe whoever made the comment attended this fire. I may have made some of our guys mad from what I told them at the meeting, but these kind of actions cannot take place again, it is too dangerous. I don't know if you volunteer in this county or you are one of the folks that view this thread fishing for info, but there is 'stuff' that goes on (not all behind closed doors) that does not benefit ALL departments in the county. One example: Countywide disaster drills when not all departments are invited to participate...(maybe because someone thinks the all volunteer departments might not have someone available to attend?) I don't know. But it would be a positive thing to include ALL departments. In regards to a county fire department with 24 hour staffed stations, this would be a huge benefit to the citizens not covered by municipality departments. And for the person to be chief of the department; someone who will respect ALL members and manage the place fair without prejudice. Someone with a great background who has worked his/her way up through the ranks and knows the ropes. I do believe Marion County is a long way from a staffed county fire department, but maybe I'm wrong. Anyway, my thoughts on your post. Be careful !!! FF2

[seagrave]

FF2 First of all I am not putting down on anyone in particular. And in this county the real firefighters are few to none. What I mean by that is that we are all trained by the same place, yet some of us feel we are better then others in some way or another. The reason I say "REAL" firefighters is because only a few of us don't walk around with our nose in the air. This county could be better served by our departments in so many ways and yet no one does anything about it. Yes, I know it takes alot of money to get things done, but don't you think if ALL the departments got together to try and make it happen it could? And yes I know FDNY has its problems but they have their stuff together. We ALL need to organize together as one aand find a solution to the problem. If I have offended anyone by what I wrote in my last post I do appoligize. But this has gone on long enough, the turning the other way, or just sitting back and letting stuff happen just because it is inevitable. We need to fight for the rights of our departments. We all belong here to help the residents of this county and to just sit there and just let it happen is mad! And yes I know of the hiring problems we face in this county, that also needs to be changed on alot of sodes.Sooner or later someone needs to be the bigger person and say enough is enough I need the help!

[TAZ]

We are made fun of at Temperance Hill. I know this for a fact. We don't have any nice new equipment or trucks but we do the best with what we have. I'll admit that there have been some dumb mistakes made by some of the members but that's changing. We are training and learning new things together every month. Hopefully we'll receive the FEMA grant also so we can get the things we need. There are alot of growing pains that we need to endure at THVFD and we are. There are many things in the works as we speak. I have to remind myself that some things take time. We are a young dept. but we're done crawling. We at THVFD have always said that we're willing to work or train with anyone. As far as who for chief as a county wide dept., I don't care as long as he/she never forgets that volunteers out number career personal. Work with them so they to can receive the same training as a career person. There's no difference between the two except that one does it every third day.

[ff2]

Seagrave, I was not offended, but I know exactly where you are coming from. It is ashamed that some look down on others thinking since they have fought some fire they are superman. These types of folks are in every walk of life, but should not be in the firefighting field. MRFD has and will continue to work with any fire department around. Even when we are talked about by some members of other departments.We are currenlty building a training ground that everyone with the fire service can use. We still have a ways to go but we'll get there. When training courses are set up I'll try my best to place the dates, class, and times on this thread so everyone will know and have the CHANCE to enroll. I like the way your thinking SEAGRAVE so here is an idea I've been kicking around and hope everyone will help get it started.....AN ASSOCIATION FOR MARION COUNTY EMERGENCY WORKERS. I placed emergency workers to cover; FIRE, RESCUE, EMS, and maybe LAW ENFORCEMENT. What does everyone think? Please post comments and even ideas on this association. I believe it would work with getting everyone together and assisting ALL with getting things on track for better emergency services in Marion County. Check with everyone later!! FF2

[ff2]

Lilchilly, MRFD and PDFD will need 4 slots for ICS 300 and ICS 400. Are the dates you listed for sure? (Aug. 16,23,and 30) If there is room we would like to have 2 other officers attend this training as well, just let me know.
FF2

[lilchilly20]

The dates are locked for the ICS 300/400. Once I hear back from everyone else we will see if there is room for the other 2. I have made contact with Brittons Neck, Nichols, Mullins, Temp Hil is also aware. I have not heard from Rains or Centenary. As soon as I can get up with them we will see how many open slots are left. If we end up with more than 12 I will have to find another Instructor to assist, that is why I am trying to put a limit on it.

This is all I have confirmed so far:
1- from Mullins F/R
4- Marion Rural/ Pee Dee

Let me know on the other depts by Friday at the latest. If you see or speak to any other depts let them know.

As I said before the Chiefs and Asst Chiefs have priority for this course.

I am going to put in a request for the 300 and 400 through the SCFA for next year to get everyone else caught up that wants to.

For those interested in the 2147 NIMS ICS course.

I am putting in a request for one in the catalog to be held in February on the 7th and 8th.

For now I am going to schedule it at the County multi-purpose building as soon as I get the OK from Mr. Harper. Our backup plan will be Marion Rural.

I already have an instructor lined up willing to teach, and he is one of the top Instructors in our state.

I am going to request an ICS-300 course in March or April, 107 I will get with you about hosting this at THVFD.

My goal is to get all of our depts hosting courses. I think this will help us grow together.

I am going to try and put in for a Fire Officer I course as well.

1152, Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2. We can not put in for one of each so which of these is the biggest priorities?

EVDT, Pumps- No need to request these, those that need it can contact me to schedule one.

Any other classes you want to see?

We need to limit to about 5 courses for the entire county for the catalog. That way we can ensure these classes fill up and stand a better chance of getting courses in the future.

Thanks again for you help

[seagrave]

FF2, Yes I would back you on an association for emergency workers. Anything that would help better the emergency services in this county I would like to help out to make it happen. I know of the troubles the rural departments are having in this county and I to have thought of some ways we all could help our departments benifit. I think that if we do some of these things I am going to list I think we could benifit in the long run.
1. fundraisers- chicken bog, bbq, selling chocolate to people ( I know that sounds funny)but it works.
2.Promote whatever dept. you are with for applicants
3.Make fire dept. seen in the public more get noticed.
4. Make notice of FF's who complete classes or get awards in paper.
5.Go through district and ask residents what they want from their FD.
6.Educate public, show we care
7.Keep trucks clean and good working order
8.Check businesses in district for fire safety issue, let them know we want them safe.
9.Make smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc. available to public.Extinguishers for a small fee.
10.Get reflective number for mailboxs and sell the numbers for a small fee. (not the whole green bar kit)
I think if we did these and people saw our trucks out more we would show the public we are just as important.As for training I thikn the more the better. Practice makes perfect and if people are on a fire department calling themselves firefighters they should be at all training no matter how small or big. If they don't show up let them go they are of no use if they are not trained with the rest of the team.

[seagrave]

as for making fun of a department fireman 107 that is out right ingnorant of anyone to make fun of another department because of truck training or anything for that matter.

[TAZ]

lilchilly, that sounds fine with me about the classes. We do want to host another 1152 class maybe starting in late Jan. Also need a HAZMAT Ops class. Would like to have it in the second part of the year. I have at least 2 more officers that need the NIMS 300 & 400 if space is available. Seagrave, you do have some good ideas. If I'm not mistaken, I think there is a government program that we can get free smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and address signs. If not the signs, I feel that with the dues being paid, the county can at least buy some for the residents a sign so they will have one. That sign is better than regular numbers on the mail box or home. We all should be out and talking to the business in our areas getting our pre fire plans together. While doing this we can also do a fire inspection just let them know what dangers there may be. Maybe also each year one dept. can host a fun day where we can all get together and have games and classes for the residents like what Marion use to have in October. If we want to have games for us to play fine but I say no trophies though. It's more for the residents and not us.

[lilchilly20]

FF2, Yes I would back you on an association for emergency workers. Anything that would help better the emergency services in this county I would like to help out to make it happen. I know of the troubles the rural departments are having in this county and I to have thought of some ways we all could help our departments benifit. I think that if we do some of these things I am going to list I think we could benifit in the long run.
1. fundraisers- chicken bog, bbq, selling chocolate to people ( I know that sounds funny)but it works.
2.Promote whatever dept. you are with for applicants
3.Make fire dept. seen in the public more get noticed.
4. Make notice of FF's who complete classes or get awards in paper.
5.Go through district and ask residents what they want from their FD.
6.Educate public, show we care
7.Keep trucks clean and good working order
8.Check businesses in district for fire safety issue, let them know we want them safe.
9.Make smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc. available to public.Extinguishers for a small fee.
10.Get reflective number for mailboxs and sell the numbers for a small fee. (not the whole green bar kit)
I think if we did these and people saw our trucks out more we would show the public we are just as important.As for training I thikn the more the better. Practice makes perfect and if people are on a fire department calling themselves firefighters they should be at all training no matter how small or big. If they don't show up let them go they are of no use if they are not trained with the rest of the team.

1. Some depts are doing this. Temp Hill and Rains have been for years. It has gotten tougher over the years with trying to oranize and getting our personnel to help out though. One option would look into a big fundraiser to benefit every dept. ( Chilli cookoff, Chicken bog or spaghetti sales, bake sales, yard sales, Turkey shoots, to name a few) The biggest obstacle is getting our people to help and not leaving it to the same few.

2. Finding new volunteers is tough now. One idea, all depts pitch in and staff a information booth at the Foxtrot and Golden Leaf festivals.

3. As long as we are noticed in a positve manner and not in the negative light that has shadowed us in this county in regards to POV responses.

4. We've done it in the past on occasion but need to do it more.
What about an annual get together of all depts to give out recognitions and awards. Bring all depts together and recognize each FF of the Year and Officers of the Year for all depts.

5. Invite them as well to meetings, hold Open houses to let people see where their money is going.

6. Mullins and Marion Fire both do an excellent job not only in their schools, but in many more throughout the county as well. We need to get the volunteers more involved. Yes there are many different programs out ther that will provide funding for smoke detectors for the public.

7. I hope everyone is proud of the dept they are serving. So show it. Keep the trucks and the stations clean!

8. Courtesy inspections are great at the request of the owner. Remember we are limited on what we can actually inspect. To go further with inspections and enforcement we would need to get with County code enforcement, become familiar with fire codes adopted by our County, get personnel trained to properly do the inspections and how to document it.
We have to walk a fine line with this to ensure we do not put ourselves in hot water.

9. There are programs and grants out there to accomplish this.

10. Great idea but I would promote the signs b/c they are much more visible. They are a little more expensive but we should really be working our County Council to make this a requirement to help with emergency responses. I have
passed by many homes while working EMS b/c of no address markings. FOR THOSE CITIZENS READING THESE POSTS. WE CAN NOT HELP YOU IF WE CAN NOT FIND YOU. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE NUMBERS ON YOUR MAILBOXES AND HOMES WHERE THEY ARE VISIBLE.


Great ideas, Seagrave. Thanks for the input

[lilchilly20]

Update on ICS 300/400:

This is what I have so far:

Mullins Fire Rescue: 1 spot
Marion Rural Fire: 2 spots
Pee Dee Comm. Fire: 2 spots
City of Marion Fire: 3 spots
Brittons Neck Fire: 3 spots
Temp Hill Fire: 3 spots
Rains Fire: 2 spots (not confirmed)

I have not made contact with Centenary Fire.

The officers in Nichols Fire have already had this training.

This will put us at a max with the class. We will look at doing some more in the early part of 2009 for those who want to get the remainder of your officers through the course.

Thanks

[ff2]

Lilchilly, I talked with the Chief of Rains today and he said he'll call you ASAP. They may have problems due to work schedules. The association were discussing may take a little work to get off the ground, but I do believe if handled in a professional manner it would be a huge benefit to each department and the public. Some really great ideas being thrown in!!! Keep up the good work, and to those viewing.....key up, and help!!!

[TAZ]

Inspections in homes or business can be done with the owners permission. Each dept. should have a pre fire plan for each business in their district. If you don't, here's what you need to do. Call the business and schedule an appointment to do a pre fire plan. Explain to them that this is not a fire inspection but a drawing of the layout of the building. Let them know that you could do an inspection while you're there if they would like. If they say no to the inspection, that's ok but push the importance of the pre fire plan. If you see something against code or that might lead to a fire, there's nothing wrong in letting the owner know for their safety. Like lilchilly said, we can not enforce the law but we can make suggestion to the owner. If you go to someones home to put up a smoke detector or something else, ask if they would mind if you did a quick inspection of the home. Being polite and showing that you care gets a yes.

[seagrave]

Let me start by saying congrats to FF2 for the award again. Now fireman107, What and where are these grants you are talking about so I can try and get one going for my department? getting fire plans together would be a really great idea I think we ALL should do if we already haven't. As for a fun day we all should get together and talk about this as it would benifit all involved. To lilchilly20, I know exactly where you are coming from with the same members having to do tournaments, bucket days, etc. It happens everywhere unfortunately.I really like the idea of an information booth,that would be good at getting attention for the departments. handing out the awards for firefighter of the year I think should stay with the department my own opinion there as for classes It would be good to show everyone in one picture so everyone could see. Open houses would be a good idea for the public. They need to see where their tax dues are going.As for educating the public the volunteers do get involved and I am glad that mullins do well to educate the public in schools. Makes me feel safer when my kids are going to school.The volunteer departments do what they can and when. I would love to be able to do that all the time and show the kids fire safety and all.By the way FF2 what are these good ideas you talk about for the association? Would love to get more involved with it to see what I can do to help promote it more.

[ff2]

Thanks Seagrave, it was an honor to recieve the award. As for the ideas I have for the association: To build good relationships have 4 meetings a year hosted by different departments so everyone can 'keep in touch', when a department has a fundraiser, members of other departments can help with the project if requested, have a website devoted to and ran by the association to get news out to the public and other departments (if not too expensive), public outreach safety programs, toy drives for the unfortunate kids in the county,county training sessions to get to know what each department has,(specialty tool or team), start a fire bear program to give a teddy bear to kids involved in an accident or fire, etc. These are just a few of the ideas that pop in my head that could help each department as well as the people we serve. I feel that if we all band together, like we should, and strive to make this a respected association of firefighters, rescue members, EMS, the program could be a great tool in many ways for the emergency services in Marion. I'm just one person with an idea hoping this will be an successful program. Maybe we can get a meeting together in a month or so and set some goals and time limits for the start of the association. Thanks for the imput!! FF2

[lilchilly20]

Seagrave,

www.firegrantsupport.com (http://www.firegrantsupport.com)

These are the big grants everyone is shooting for.

Also check with SC Forestry Commision they do an annual grant.

The V-Safe grants through the State did not make it back this year from what I understand.

Progress Energy and Pee Dee Coop used to do donations for smoke detectors, don't know if anyone has tapped that resource lately.

Most of your insurance companies like State Farm have funding available to start the fire bear programs.

There are other grants out there as well, you just have to be weary of what the actual match is on your dept's part.

If you are really interested in finding grants shoot me a private message and I will be more than happy to assist in any way I can. All I need to know is your purpose for the grant (ie. equipment, apparatus, etc.)

ff2, I think we should bring up the Idea for an info booth for the Golden Leaf festival at the next Chief's meeting

Just to clarify my comment on the awards, each dept should still do their own awards but if we have an annual dinner with all depts together those people should be recognized at that time for their accomplishment.

[E. Lindeman]

FF2...I think the idea of an emergency services association in the county would be a great thing! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. On that kind of note I have a question for all the fire/rescue depts. in the county. Kim Collins at EMS is trying her best to get everyone on the same page as far as patient care goes since the majority of the time our fire depts. respond as first responders for EMS. She wants to get EMS to the training drills of the county FDs so the FFs can see our ambulances and ask whatever questions they may have. She also said she'd be happy to set up first responder classes or CPR/First Aid classes or just show the FFs how to maintain C-Spine for us and package a patient for transport. Working with EMS I see that we have a lot of good FFs that want to do everything they can to help people but they may not know what to do or how EMS needs things to happen, working together like this would clear all that up. If anyone would like EMS to come out to a training day or monthly meeting at their FD please either contact Kim directly at EMS or send me a message on here and I'll be more than happy to relay it to her!
Seagrave to answer your question the good FFs in the county are the ones making posts on this thread. I know almost everyone of these FFs and they're all great at what they do. There are also some other great FFs in the county who don't get on here, but in no way are the good FFs in the county few or gone. As for the knuckleheads that like to talk bad about another FF or FD, just ignore them...they wouldn't know a spanner wrench from a halagen tool!
FF107 you make a great point...if not for us volunteers most of the county would be ash on the ground right now. There is simply no way the few paid FFs spread out around the county could handle things without volunteers.
I hate to say it, and I would hate to see it happen in some ways, but I've been saying for years now that Marion County needs to have a combined county Fire/Rescue Dept. Atleast that way the monies would be spread around more fairly, the level of training would be uniform among the departments, and hopefully some of the smaller, poorer depts. would be able to keep their equipment running and maybe even get some equipment that isn't still horse-drawn. As far as who'd be the head honcho I could name a few people that I think would be excellent for the job. As already pointed out the important thing there would be keeping the volunteers trained and motivated.
I want to say a quick thank-you to Mullins F/R for hosting a great basic extrication class this past weekend. The instructors they had lined-up were great and I learned a lot and really enjoyed it. Thanks a lot Mullins F/R!
If there is ever anything I can do to help anyone involved in emergency services in Marion, or any other county, all you have to do is ask. Be safe brothers!

[seagrave]

Hey eric, you said kim collins can do a first responder class, well I would be interested in that have been trying to get that class for a while now.As for the basic extrication in mullins, I didn't even know anything about it would like to have taken that too.If anyone on here knows of anyone giving that class near by please let me know. FF2 let me know if you get a meeting together soon for the association. I believe those are some really good ideas have you looked into any of them so far? And fireman107 thanks for the link for the grants will be messaging you shortly.

[seagrave]

sorry lilchilly20 thanks for the link lol

[ff2]

Seagrave, I have checked into a couple of the listed ideas. MRFD did have some of the State Farm Bears and it really helped the 'little ones' to recieve a bear during troubled events. MRFD has participated in toy drives in the past and helped Santa deliver the toys to kids. It looks very good in the communities eyes for their fire department out helping with projects like these. Once I have more info I'll get everyone up to date. ERIC...MRFD will need a First Responder class soon, remind me to bring this up at our next meeting. (8/5/08) LILCHILLY.... I'm thinking the FF1 class for MRFD is the class we need to put in for. Give me a call and we'll shoot for a start date. Good to hear ENGINE 10 on the way to us in the 38 box Tuesday afternoon at the first of three structure fires of the shift!!!! Take care and be safe. FF2

[lilchilly20]

And if they would have waited about 5 more minutes before cancelling E-10 would have been on scene as well.

[lilchilly20]

The location for the NIMS ICS 300/400 course has changed.

Due to the training room at the Multi-purpose building not being able to hold the amount of people we need we will be moving it to the City of Marion Fire Department Training Room.

Dates and times are the same.

Any questions give me a call. Please let the others know if you speak to them.

[seagrave]

FF2, I know you do the santa drive, although I am not sure santa will be able to get on the fire truck that easy anymore. Could you use more bears for the department? if so I will talk to a few people I know and see what I can do.
I have some training ideas also if you want to listen to them. By the way Eric, be careful out there tomorrow you know how people get on the first of the month all that
money drives them nuts and they don't know where to go
lol.Everyone else also be careful out there, no matter if you are on duty or not. FF2, how's the association stuff going?

[ff2]

Seagrave, yes we would like to have more bears, any type will do, as long as they are not too big. But, beggers can't be choosy.(sp) I'm always open to training ideas, so let me know about them. Just for eveyones info, Howe Springs Fire Department called me today and they are starting a FF1 class tomorrow, I know it is a very slim chance the word will get out this late, but if ANYONE has the prerequisites for the class and wants to, they can attend. Just contact me and I have a contact number for the instructor. He will start letting me know of upcoming classes in the future alot sooner and I'll relay them out on this thread. There is an 1152 coming up in a week or two at Windy Hill Fire Dept. and as soon as he e-mails me the dates I'll let everyone know. As for the association, still working on it and when I get things in order we will have a meeting. Looks as if this may be a Fire/Rescue Association, unless anyone knows if EMS or Law has heard about it and expressed interest. GET THE WORD OUT AND TELL THEM TO SIGN ON HERE AND SHOW SUPPORT!!!! THE ASSOCIATION CAN BE A GREAT PROGRAM WITH EVERYONES SUPPORT. Take care! FF2

[E. Lindeman]

Seagrave, yes we would like to have more bears, any type will do, as long as they are not too big. But, beggers can't be choosy.(sp) I'm always open to training ideas, so let me know about them. Just for eveyones info, Howe Springs Fire Department called me today and they are starting a FF1 class tomorrow, I know it is a very slim chance the word will get out this late, but if ANYONE has the prerequisites for the class and wants to, they can attend. Just contact me and I have a contact number for the instructor. He will start letting me know of upcoming classes in the future alot sooner and I'll relay them out on this thread. There is an 1152 coming up in a week or two at Windy Hill Fire Dept. and as soon as he e-mails me the dates I'll let everyone know. As for the association, still working on it and when I get things in order we will have a meeting. Looks as if this may be a Fire/Rescue Association, unless anyone knows if EMS or Law has heard about it and expressed interest. GET THE WORD OUT AND TELL THEM TO SIGN ON HERE AND SHOW SUPPORT!!!! THE ASSOCIATION CAN BE A GREAT PROGRAM WITH EVERYONES SUPPORT. Take care! FF2


FF2, I'd love to get into the 1152 class, so let me know as soon as you can about the dates please! I'll represent EMS in the association if noone has a problem with that, and I'll mention it to Kim to get her input.

[E. Lindeman]

Seagrave, I have checked into a couple of the listed ideas. MRFD did have some of the State Farm Bears and it really helped the 'little ones' to recieve a bear during troubled events. MRFD has participated in toy drives in the past and helped Santa deliver the toys to kids. It looks very good in the communities eyes for their fire department out helping with projects like these. Once I have more info I'll get everyone up to date. ERIC...MRFD will need a First Responder class soon, remind me to bring this up at our next meeting. (8/5/08) LILCHILLY.... I'm thinking the FF1 class for MRFD is the class we need to put in for. Give me a call and we'll shoot for a start date. Good to hear ENGINE 10 on the way to us in the 38 box Tuesday afternoon at the first of three structure fires of the shift!!!! Take care and be safe. FF2



I'll try to remember...do you want me to mention the extrication tools too?

[E. Lindeman]

FF2, I know you do the santa drive, although I am not sure santa will be able to get on the fire truck that easy anymore. Could you use more bears for the department? if so I will talk to a few people I know and see what I can do.
I have some training ideas also if you want to listen to them. By the way Eric, be careful out there tomorrow you know how people get on the first of the month all that
money drives them nuts and they don't know where to go
lol.Everyone else also be careful out there, no matter if you are on duty or not. FF2, how's the association stuff going?


Thanks Bro! I'm doing my best to keep it safe. I'll check with Kim and M-10 to see about setting up a first responder class. It'll probably be at Marion Rural since M-10 has been talking about trying to get us one. On that note, I did talk to Kim earlier today and she said she would be more than happy to do anything she could in the way of classes or getting ambulances to fire drills to help us all be more productive on scene and to improve patient care. As soon as M-10 gives me some dates to shoot for I'll ask Kim to get us a class and I'll post it once it's firm. Anything else I can do y'all let me know!

[seagrave]

what does the (sp) stand for FF2? As for the bears I will see what and how many I can get a hold to.

[seagrave]

Thanks for asking her Eric, I have been trying for months to get one to marion rural for a while now and find one closer by but didn't happen. Hope it comes to marion rural soon want to take that class bad. Sorry for not seeing you in time to wave at you in the ambulance but I did wave anyway lol.

[E. Lindeman]

Thanks for asking her Eric, I have been trying for months to get one to marion rural for a while now and find one closer by but didn't happen. Hope it comes to marion rural soon want to take that class bad. Sorry for not seeing you in time to wave at you in the ambulance but I did wave anyway lol.


No problem Bro...anything I can do to help! Don't worry about not waving....I get flak all the time for not waving at someone....honestly half the time I don't see them, I just dodge traffic to get where I need to be...lol. Oh...while I'm thinking about it....I don't know if they will do it this year, but last year, and I think the year before, while my wife was working at Movie Gallery they took donations like bears and dolls to donate to FDs and PDs and EMS for the very reason you and FF2 are talking about. They may do it again sometime soon....that may be worth someone checking into. Just a thought. Also, I know some of the churches around the county do stuff like that sometimes too. Maybe someone could check into that as well. I think we need to really start pumping the county for the things we need, be it through county council, other agencies, or just the citizens. I feel that the more we get them involved the more good things will happen for us, and ultimately them. A lot of people want to do stuff to help but they just don't know how or what we need. Also, it's not like someone from Nichols FD couldn't talk to a church, organization, citizen in Britton's Neck and get a donation or whatever. If we go forward with the association like FF2 is suggesting then we could all pool our resources and spread everything kind of evenly throughout the county. Again, just a thought, for what it's worth.

[seagrave]

Eric, I agree the more people or businesses we ask the more we could recieve. But who is going to go out and do it other then the usual few? You and I know that is the way it will go, lol. As for the bears and dolls I will check with my boss next week to see if she knows anyone who would be willing to donate some to the dept. They know alot of high to do people. We also cater to alot of golf courses and churches too.

[ff2]

Eric, Yes bring up the tools, I got another quote from a Hurst salesman and will have it with me training night. As soon as I have dates for the 1152 class I'll let everyone know. Hopefully I'll have the dates by Tuesday nights meeting. Seagrave (sp) is to represent a possibly misspelled word. MRFD will discuss dates for a first responder class at this meeting as well, and we'll post the dates and times on this thread. Take Care! FF2

[seagrave]

FF2, are you thinking of upgrading marion rural for rescue? :finga: I see has been a while since I saw that kind of mark lol.

[E. Lindeman]

Eric, Yes bring up the tools, I got another quote from a Hurst salesman and will have it with me training night. As soon as I have dates for the 1152 class I'll let everyone know. Hopefully I'll have the dates by Tuesday nights meeting. Seagrave (sp) is to represent a possibly misspelled word. MRFD will discuss dates for a first responder class at this meeting as well, and we'll post the dates and times on this thread. Take Care! FF2


Gotcha bossman! Sounds good to me!

[seagrave]

I just wanted to say something about our dispatch system we have here in marion county. My own opinion we need to have better trained personel to operate this system. They should know where each department's area is and not have to call and ask us. Also the system SUCKS in my opinion because of the other day at a call it goes down. What if we had a structure fire that would leave any department in a bad situation.Communication to the outside is a critical thing and for the system to keep going down like this is stupid. I think since we are all talking about classes here I believe the county should send the dispatchers for a class as well. In reference to responce to calls I think we should change how the county runs calls also, meaning if the fire department get a call for a fire or a car accident dispatch should run a county ambulance to it( if possible). And no one but the fire department whose area the incident is in should have the right to cancel an engine or firefighter from responding.The issue with the ambulance to respond with the fire dept. is it would cut down on response time for them and also get the patient out and to a hospital quicker if need instead of having to wait for them to get there.It should be fire dept. first, them EMS, then whatever else just incase the victims are trapped what good would it do for EMS to get there first if they can't get them out.

[TAZ]

Seagrave, I have talked to the chief association about dispatch and our radios. Come to find out, our system is not updated and really isn't working up to it's full capacity. If it were, our dispatchers would be told by the computer who goes to what calls in what areas. We don't even have a set standard for our radio channels. If three dept. had a mutual aid call, none of them could talk to each other on one channel. I agree that the dispatchers need more training than OJT. They hold everyones lives in their hands and they act like they don't care. I don't feel a bit sorry for the one that screwed up the call where the guy had his hand caught in the farm equipment. Things like that should open up their eyes but it seems like it didn't. It's crazy to have to call them five or more times for them to answer.

[ff2]

Seagrave, if it was up to me only, MRFD would have had tools over 5 years ago. I went out and got info on the cost for new and used equipment and presented the idea a number of times in meetings and got shot down. In MY OPINION every department needs to have a set of tools to cover their response area. For instance, I can recall a few calls where MRFD was dispatched for a car fire and upon arrival we find it is an auto mobile accident instead. Now, imagine if someone was entrapped and the FD had to just stand around instead of taking action.....possible lawsuit for NOT doing something to free the patient! It has happened where fire departments elsewhere have been sued for not taking the proper action at emergency scenes, and I believe ALL departments should be prepared, before it happens here. So, whats wrong with the departments here upgrading? Nothing at all!!! Now, if we just had at least a full-time day crew in assigned rural stations to respond when needed, that would be a great asset to the community(s) we serve. The dispatch issue has been addressed by the Marion County Fire/Rescue Chiefs Association in the past, in writting, and hopfully things will improve soon. As far as dispatch going down, I don't believe they can help that, but I'm no electronic goo-roo so not sure about that. Have not recieved upcoming 1152 class dates yet, but as soon as I do I'll post them. Thanks, FF2

[seagrave]

For fireman107, yes I agree thier OJT is awful. They should let someone outside the county to train them on that particular system. Second, if our system is not up to date how are they even operating to state level for emergency services. I think WE(as in the citizens of marion county) should make a big issue in the open to the public that our dispatch system is not in good working order for the best possible service and see what can be done if anything about it. FF2, you still have not figured out who I am? Let's put it like this I am 100% behind you in upgrading the department and I am sure if I talk to a few more we won't be the only ones who would like to do it.You just need to stress the importance to everyone and make the whole sue issue come to reality for some. I also think if you ask around to a few like I have you will find you are not alone on the upgrade. I hear things from others most do not.

[E. Lindeman]

I just wanted to say something about our dispatch system we have here in marion county. My own opinion we need to have better trained personel to operate this system. They should know where each department's area is and not have to call and ask us. Also the system SUCKS in my opinion because of the other day at a call it goes down. What if we had a structure fire that would leave any department in a bad situation.Communication to the outside is a critical thing and for the system to keep going down like this is stupid. I think since we are all talking about classes here I believe the county should send the dispatchers for a class as well. In reference to responce to calls I think we should change how the county runs calls also, meaning if the fire department get a call for a fire or a car accident dispatch should run a county ambulance to it( if possible). And no one but the fire department whose area the incident is in should have the right to cancel an engine or firefighter from responding.The issue with the ambulance to respond with the fire dept. is it would cut down on response time for them and also get the patient out and to a hospital quicker if need instead of having to wait for them to get there.It should be fire dept. first, them EMS, then whatever else just incase the victims are trapped what good would it do for EMS to get there first if they can't get them out.


To my understanding, EMS is supposed to be dispatched to any structure fire or MVA along with the FDs, just like rescue is supposed to be dispatched to any calls involving possible cardiac arrest and a few other medical issues. As far as our dispatch staff, we have a few dispatchers who are really good at their job and who really care...they try hard to get us all the info. they can about the call and the situation as well as trying to get the appropriate support agencies dispatched ASAP. As with any where, there are a few dispatchers that just don't seem to get it, but I lay some of the blame for that on the fact that Marion is a small and very poor county that can't afford to pay as well as some other counties. As a very wise woman continues to remind me when I complain about our dispatch center..."We have a very highly trained, qualified, and proficient dispatch staff who are equally motivated and concerned with the welfare of the general public they serve for the salary they earn." In regards to our CAD system, I've been told that it is capable (or could easily be upgraded) of telling the dispatchers who they need to tone to a certain call in a given area, as well as telling dispatchers who should be the next station/agency to be toned to the call based on many factors such as proximity to the call, calls already being ran by that agency, etc...etc... In english, when Marion County built our new communications center they did very well with the equipment they put in there, now all that is left to do is to configure it to operate to it's fullest potential and to train the staff to use it that way. Basically, the way I understand it, the dispatch center can pretty much run itself, you just need the dispatchers there to talk to us on the radio. (I've also been told that the CAD could dispatch calls if need-be, thus allowing the dispatchers to function as call takers and button pushers to enter the call info. in the CAD so it could do the rest) Fireman 107, in the multiple dept. mutual aid call you talk about isn't that what the fireground and talk-around channels were supposed to be for? Is the problem that not all the firefighters on the depts. have those channels, or what exactly? I know we would be in trouble if we ever went to Horry or Florence counties or if they ever came here for mutual aid being as how I know so few of us have any of their freqs. in our radios. I think that is something that really needs to be addressed...we should have their freqs. and they should have ours...from the lowest, newest probie to the highest Chief. There is no telling what could happen in the future and who/where we may end up having to work with...we should all be able to get on the same page with whoever it is that is helping us or that we are helping as far as communication, in my opinion. (and I'm sorry but cell phones or having to manage two or three separate radios on a scene just don't cut it in my mind...too much room for confusion to slip in, costing what could be valuable seconds to slip by while you're searching for the right phone number or the right radio to talk to your support)

[seagrave]

Eric, I do agree fully with you that there needs to be a frequency we ALL have, Other wise we run into alot of "free lancing " on a scene. But it won't happen not because it can't be done but because some counties want to keep their frequency secret from others. As for EMS being dispatched to fire calls and accidents with the fire department, I have never seen since I have been a firefighter an EMS bus on any fire scene I have been on except in Horry county where their rescue ambulances are dispatched to every call.It would be nice to see them at a fire scene just in case they would be needed. I also fully agree with you and kim that the rural departments should get training in how to prep a patient for transport, so when you guys get there all you need to do is load and go.

[seagrave]

I am not knocking the good dispatchers that are there what I am saying is that I know there are good ones and bad ones there but niether are trained enough to run that system and should be trained to the full extent that the system handle even if it is not in use at this time.

[ff2]

Seagrave, not 100&#37; sure who you are, but glad you are on here to express concerns and support!! The next FIRE/RESCUE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION meeting is Aug. 14, does anyone have anything they would like to have brought up at the meeting? Let me know. Also, if anyone would like to attend a meeting to express concerns or ideas let me know and I'll put you on the agenda. FF2

[lilchilly20]

For once I am glad to see issues about Dispatch being discussed in a way other than just putting them down. Everyone is making good points. Let me toss in my 2 cents here.

Our Dispatch system is more than capable of hamdling anything we need, it has not been set up to do it. The question keeps going back to Why?

Eric, you hit it on the money, you get the quality of work you pay for.

There are good dispatchers and bad ones.

I have had my issues in the past and addressed them directly to Dispatch to be resolved. If more would do the same, instead of just yelling and screaming, more may get done.

I have had the opportunity on several occasions to sit in Dispatch and see 1st hand the load they have to take on. No easy task there.

I am not sure I would want to rely on a computer to handle all the dispatching. leaves more room to error in my opinion.( Just like a computer trying to run my pump for me on the Engine!!)

Seagrave, EMS is being dispatched to all structural fire calls. Our biggest issue is that we can not keep EMS dedicated to the scene like we would love to have and need. They have to stay availble for other calls in the area. We have also utilized PRO and other private services in the past and they have come out for Rehab if a truck was available.

EMS has also come out to several large brush fires when the temps were rising. Again it boils down to if a truck is available.

As far as MVA's, EMS should be dispatched to all MVA's if it is unknown of injuries, if this is not happening and you have some examples please send me a message and let me know and the Chiefs Association will correct that issue ASAP.

Seagrave, you mentioned concern about firefighters or an Engine being cancelled by another agency I am guessing. While I understand where you are coming from, the quicker we can cancel a POV response the better. We do not need 10 or 12 firefighters to continue responding if no fire services are needed. The Engine should continue in non emergent at a minimum in my opinion unless the vehicles are clear from the roadway and Law enforcement is on scene. I hope that I can clarify this a little more for you if you are attending the POV Response class in the 9th. You mentioned to ff2 about stressing the liability issue and you are correct 100%. So many are blind to this fact. Again I stress on that big time in the POV Response course.


ff2 and 107 call me in reference to the class requests you are wanting for the catalog. I have got to turn those in on Friday.

[seagrave]

lilchilly20, let me start by saying I am glad to see others with the same concerns as myself. Now on to the reply, as for EMS being dispatched to structure fires or brush fire especially, in the five years I have been a firefighter I have never seen an EMS bus on any brush fire scenes I have been to and I can honestly say the same thing about structure fires I have been to here in this county. Now over in horry I have seen them at every incident I have been to. As for our dispatchers, truthfully I could understand the "you get what you pay for" theory in any other proffesion but in that one where our lives and the lives of others are in their hands I must say to them "GET OVER YOURSELF". Do your job to the best of your ability so people aren't hurt or worse or go find another job! I also understand the limiting the number of firefighters on a scene if not all are needed but when only like a number of five or six are responding to an accident I do not see the issue there. I do agree that we have alot of good people at dispatch but, if all act the same way toward their job they are no better then the bad ones.

[E. Lindeman]

lilchilly20, let me start by saying I am glad to see others with the same concerns as myself. Now on to the reply, as for EMS being dispatched to structure fires or brush fire especially, in the five years I have been a firefighter I have never seen an EMS bus on any brush fire scenes I have been to and I can honestly say the same thing about structure fires I have been to here in this county. Now over in horry I have seen them at every incident I have been to. As for our dispatchers, truthfully I could understand the "you get what you pay for" theory in any other proffesion but in that one where our lives and the lives of others are in their hands I must say to them "GET OVER YOURSELF". Do your job to the best of your ability so people aren't hurt or worse or go find another job! I also understand the limiting the number of firefighters on a scene if not all are needed but when only like a number of five or six are responding to an accident I do not see the issue there. I do agree that we have alot of good people at dispatch but, if all act the same way toward their job they are no better then the bad ones.


Well, like lilchilly20 said, the biggest issue with having EMS on a scene is the availability of the trucks. We do the best we can, unfortunately the hang-up is that we are a small service with a relatively large area of responsibility and, as luck would have it, most of the fire calls where EMS is needed come while EMS is busy running all over the county with calls stacked two and three deep per truck. As chilly said, we do have arrangements with Pro, but remember they have patients they have to take care of so they may not always be able to help us out. I agree with what you said about our dispatchers, but I think chilly hit a great point there...I can only think of one or two of them that MAY have been trained to properly run the system, and I'm almost sure the system still isn't set up to be ran properly. Basically our dispatchers are caught behind the eight ball in a major way...number one, they don't get paid nearly what they deserve (like the rest of us) which as I'm sure you know has a serious effect on morale and job performance even though it shouldn't in this line of work....number two, they have the tools to use but most of them don't know how to use them....number three, those tools aren't set up to work as they should so even those few that may know how to use them are stuck not being able to do anything more than what they have in the past. I'm not trying to make excuses for dispatch, GOD knows they tend to frustrate the heck out of me at times, I'm just trying to state facts so that maybe solutions can be found to fix the problem. Mr. Tim Harper, in a meeting with EMS not too long after he took over as county administrator, assured us that getting the CAD working up to its full potential and having all the dispatchers trained to use it properly is among his "honey do list". He also assured us that it is on the agenda to have all dispatchers EMD certified, which I think would be a huge help to us all. Another good point chilly made is in reference to the call volume the dispatch center handles. I have had the opportunity, on several occasions, to sit-in on their shifts and I can honestly say they get pretty swamped in there, more times than not. In my mind, man-(or woman as it were) power is a huge issue with dispatch. Do the math on this one....there's only three dispatchers on a shift.....how many fire departments do we have in the county? Law enforcement agencies? Add EMS to the equation....now imagine a high speed chase involving Sheriff's Dept., city PD, and HP....factor in a two FD mutual aid fire, and add the normal two to five EMS calls per hour, plus the NCIC checks for law enforcement, calling power and other utility companies for the FDs, contacting neighboring county law enforcement as the chase approaches their county and coordination with their dispatch centers...... No small task we require of our communications center and it's workers, and yes, I've actually been in dispatch while this very situation was played out. It happens, and I have to say that those poor ladies, and Tony, do the very best they can. They're just overworked, underpaid, and ill-equiped like the rest of us. To me, most of the problems we face in this county as emergency service workers come back the the same common denominator....money.....we don't have any, and it is going to take lots of it to get us to where we need to be. I hate to say it, but considering the economic depression our country finds itself in, I don't think lack of funds is a problem that is going to be solved very soon. I mean I'm sure it's kind of hard to lure business into the county to create revenue when most businesses across the nation are downsizing or just plain going out of business. Like I said, I'm not trying to make excuses, and I'm not trying to say that we all can't do our part to make the county better. I'm just saying that we need to remember that we're all in this together, and we're all relatively in the same sinking boat (RMS Titanic, I think...lol). Maybe we should invite a shift leader from dispatch, or Ms. Eva even, to our fire drills or to the Chief's Assoc. (if she's not already a memeber) so we can have a sit-down. Then we could voice our concerns, and complaints (in a constructive manner). This would give us a chance to get it all out in the open, hear their point of view, and it would also give us a platform we could use to come together as a community of emergency service workers to solve the problem. Maybe there are things we could do to help dispatch help us. Who knows....I'm just thinking that the more brain power working on a problem the better.

[TAZ]

Ok Eric, what I was talking about is this. At THVFD there a three different ways our radios are programed. Not everyones main channel is on 1A. This it's self is a huge problem. Yes the fire ground channels are for communication on the fire scene but I ask you this, how can we do so when not every county radio is not programed the same? If all the radios had the same channels except the first two in the first bank, that would be a standard program and everyone would know what channels were what when it comes to the GTX radios. I sat down one day and came up with a list that I proposed to the Chiefs Association. I did alot of research on this before I jumped up on the soap box if you know what I mean. My opinion with the radios and our CAD is this, we don't need Carolina Communications working on our system any more. It takes a moron to tell us how to run things when he doesn't work here. The customer is ALWAYS right. He has never been willing to listen to what anyone has to tell him. Alan Ammons had to fight with him to put the third tower up years after the Motorola tech said we needed one. But this issue kinda goes back to the county council. They need to hear us out and fix the problem. As for the dispatchers, yes I do agree that there are some good ones up there but the bad out weigh them.

[TAZ]

Oh yeah Eric, you're still the same Eric I grew up with. Talks to much, or in this case, types to much and doesn't give anyone time to talk. LOL!!!!! Notin but love for ya bro.

[ff2]

Eric, Ms.Eva is a member of the Chiefs Association and attends the meetings. Has anyone brought up the EMERGENCY WORKERS ASSOCIATION to your co-workers? If so, how many are interested in becoming a member? If WE can get this association off the ground it is going to help with issues we face. POWER IN NUMBERS! We could attend County Council meetings, send letters of concerns to our county council about 'problems' we encounter, have newspaper articles to inform the public about fundraisers, goals, or issues we are having, but with only a handful of members we will not get too much attention. We need alot of signatures on paper instead of a few. We already have a few that will support the association, but need everyones help in getting the word out and signing up members!! Maybe we can start the signing up process beginning with each of you presenting the association idea to your department at the next meeting you have. MRFD has a meeting tonight and I'll bring it up and get a total number of members from the department. The sign up sheet should list; Name, contact number, department, and e-mail address. Thanks, FF2

[lilchilly20]

Guys the problem cam in when depts starting buying GTX radios for other sources besides Motorola to save costs. For example I bought several radios for one dept off of Ebay for $75 each instead a couple hundered bucks from a Motorola dealer. As these different styles of radios came in the template got changed along the way. The following is the original template for the GTX:

1A- Fire All (County wide frequency for major calls)- keying up on this channel will come across every fire radio in the county if their radios are on their primary channel (1B)

1B- Primary Dispatch channel for you dept
1C-1F were the same in all FD radios. These were to be used for tactical channels for calls
1C-Fire Tac 1
1D- Fire Tac 2
1E-Fire Tac 3
1F- Fire Tac 4

1G-1H were Admin channels to be used for Fire officers from each dept to communicate with each other. (NOT TO BE USED AS A TALK AROUND CHANNEL)

1G-Fire Admin 1
1H-Fire Admin 2


2A- Probation and Parole (Why this was in our radios, I still have never figured out)

3A-Marion County EMS
3B-Marion County Medical Center ER

4A- Mullins Fire
4B- Marion Rural Fire
4C- Marion City Fire
4D- Brittons Neck Fire
4E- Centenary Fire
4F- Rains Fire
4G- Nichols Fire
4H- Temp Hill Fire

Banks 5, 6,7, and 8 were open.

5 & 6 were programmed with Law Enforcement channels and Horry County Fire Rescue for those that had permission.

Some of the numbers on the banks may be different but the channels should be the same still

Then you had 10 Fireground channels that did not run off of the repeater. These have never worked right because Channel 2 in my radio could be Channel 7 in yours. That is why we never really used these. They were for places like the hospital or Blumethal where you lose the repeater when you are inside.

Seagrave, just as I said earlier our issue is that we can not commit a bus to each call as in HCFR. I have been on many fire calls with EMS there or me actually being the one on the ambulance there. My advice to you would be that if you are on a scene where you feel EMS is needed due to safety, heat, ie. let the IC know and request them to respond if available. Remember our safety is the priority here.

As far as cancelling the responding units even if it is only 5 or 6 I hope I can clarify that to you during the POV class if you are attending.

ff2 is the meeting at Jimmy B's this time?

[ff2]

Lilchilly, yes the meeting is at Jimmy B's at 7pm. POV class should have 19 or 20 from MRFD and 5 or so from The Hill.

[seagrave]

Hey bill, I will go ahead and tell you who I am since you want to know. Although all you had to do was ask would have told you. Here it is 31!Yes that's right Hurley! I would have told you at the station but I did not like being called out in the middle of a meeting lol! Have a question for you though. Was all the video watching we were doing a class or just seeing what you found on line? Was told it was a class but you never said you were going to give one so I left to put the baby to sleep. Anyway there it is, see you at the next one and stay safe and keep t between the lines. That goes for everyone else to always stay safe!

[ff2]

UPDATE ON COUNTY EMERGENCY ASSOCIATION.... 12 more firefighters expressed their wanting to join and help with issues facing the emergency services in the county. Lilchilly, has anyone heard anything about the RADIO REPLACEMENT the county was SUPPOSED to get earlier this year? I believe the replacement was for the GTX radios we currently operate with. Would be nice to know whats is going on before SOME departments get overlooked! Also got a 'way in' for publishing articles in the AYNOR JOURNAL for us. Contact me and I'll get you the number. FF2

[TAZ]

Lilchilly, I have some info for some classes but I need to talk to ff2 about his before I finalize mine. ff2, I have 1 person for sure but maybe 5 total that may be there Saturday.

[ff2]

Seagrave, The videos were to get everyone aware of 'SAFETY' that we must keep practicing. We DO NOT want to be like the HOTSHOTS in some of the videos we watched. Some were injured!! Not what we need. There were a couple of clips I could not access yet due to a password issue, but that will be taken care of by the next training night. So it was part of an ongoing part of monthly training "SAFETY". Each month we will view a couple of clips and take notes on 'what can go wrong' at emergency scenes. 107, did you mention the Association at the meeting on 'Thee Hill'? POV class starts at 0830 Saturday, Don't be late. Advised Lilchilly you had 5 or so that needed to attend and it is a go. We have a couple that have to work and will need to take the course another time, so let me know if you hear of another class(POV) in the area. Thanks FF2

[seagrave]

FF2 I was not aware you doing a safety talk as you did not say so.I will look forward to the next set of videos you have next month.Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[lilchilly20]

107, I will get with you and ff2 tomorrow at St 6.

The classes have got to be turned in on Friday.

From what I understand the radio replacement has been halted. Due to changes made by Sprint/Nextel the GTX's will still work with the rebanding. That is not confirmed by no means just what I have heard over the last few months.

Make sure the ones coming to POV have a signed registration form.

[E. Lindeman]

107, I will get with you and ff2 tomorrow at St 6.

The classes have got to be turned in on Friday.

From what I understand the radio replacement has been halted. Due to changes made by Sprint/Nextel the GTX's will still work with the rebanding. That is not confirmed by no means just what I have heard over the last few months.

Make sure the ones coming to POV have a signed registration form.


Where can I get a registration form?

[ff2]

Eric, forms are at the firehouse. Get with Chief 1 and he'll have to run enough copies for everyone! FF2

[Papa Grizz]

what were the web sites that you were trying to get into at the meeting the other night?? I need to fill out a form as well. Babysitting tonight, and working tomorrow. Can I give you info, and sign Sat., or do I need to get them and fill out my self?

God Bless,
Papa Grizz

[lilchilly20]

POV registrations can be done at class on Saturday

[E. Lindeman]

UPDATE ON COUNTY EMERGENCY ASSOCIATION.... 12 more firefighters expressed their wanting to join and help with issues facing the emergency services in the county. Lilchilly, has anyone heard anything about the RADIO REPLACEMENT the county was SUPPOSED to get earlier this year? I believe the replacement was for the GTX radios we currently operate with. Would be nice to know whats is going on before SOME departments get overlooked! Also got a 'way in' for publishing articles in the AYNOR JOURNAL for us. Contact me and I'll get you the number. FF2


FF2, I spoke to a few people at EMS yesterday who seemed to agree with the idea of an Emergency Association. Kim said that she'd gladly do anything that would help us get what we need to better serve the public and do our jobs safer. Also, Mullins Training-1 wants you to call him at his office today, he says you have the number, about some AHEC training we can get for free...but the deadline is fast approaching, the 20th of this month I think. When/where is this POV class?

[ff2]

Eric, The POV class is tommorow, Sat.(8/9/08), at 8:30 am SHARP at Marion Rural Fire Station.

[E. Lindeman]

Eric, The POV class is tommorow, Sat.(8/9/08), at 8:30 am SHARP at Marion Rural Fire Station.


Gotcha boss, see ya there! Did you have a chance to get with Mullins T-1 about those classes? The way it sounded it was MCI training and other stuff like that...but hey, any free training is good training in my book. :)

[seagrave]

This is to lilchilly20, To start with thank you for teaching the POV class today. I thought it was really informative. I have been working on a POV response policy since we left class. Figured I would throw some ideas out to the dept. To Eric, sorry to hear you boys are having to run so hard all over the county. Like I said though everyone needs to get together in this county and see if we can get something done as a big number of people. Maybe the more who show concern about that issue the more we can get done. Stay safe and watch out for the intersection morons out there. FF2, would like to get with you and talk about an idea for training I have.

[ff2]

Seagrave, I'm working on Sunday, so try to get with me early next week on the training ideas, if you have them ready. Lilchilly, thanks for teaching the class today! FF2

[E. Lindeman]

This is to lilchilly20, To start with thank you for teaching the POV class today. I thought it was really informative. I have been working on a POV response policy since we left class. Figured I would throw some ideas out to the dept. To Eric, sorry to hear you boys are having to run so hard all over the county. Like I said though everyone needs to get together in this county and see if we can get something done as a big number of people. Maybe the more who show concern about that issue the more we can get done. Stay safe and watch out for the intersection morons out there. FF2, would like to get with you and talk about an idea for training I have.


Thanks to Lilchilly for a great class! It was informative and I thought productive, great job! Seagrave, no reason to apologize bro, it's the nature of the beast...but I appreciate the thought! I've been brainstorming ideas for a POV policy as well, don't think some people will be too happy about it, but oh well....like Lilchilly said, you can't make everybody happy all the time. I agree that a lot can be solved by concern from enough people being voiced about a subject, but I honestly don't think this issue will be solved unless, like Lilchilly said, I-73 comes through and we get all that "unlimited money". Then, maybe...if not because the money and concern are there, then because someone gets left hanging because things haven't been taken care of by then. I hope it isn't the latter of the two!

[E. Lindeman]

FF2, I spoke with Kim this morning about the EVDT class. She said she could send between 10 and 15, or more, depending on how much space there was in the class. It's her intent to get everyone in EMS through the class, which including part-time employees is a total of about 30 people. If you want to set up the class with Lilchilly I'll give her the date(s) and get a number and names/contact info. on the people she wants to send. She was also planning to send some of us to the EVDT class Marion City FD will have when they get their new ambulance, so don't feel obligated to put everyone in if there isn't room. Kim also asked about cost. She wanted to know if it was the usual fire academy price or how much. I wasn't sure, but told her I thought it would be the fire academy price.
Question; do we have anything close to being a policy manual at MRFD? If so, how current is it? How complete is it? The "homework" Lilchilly gave us in class the other day just got me thinking...a POV response policy is a great thing to have and a good place to start, but it shouldn't be the sole content of a department's policy manual. I know I have seen one or two "policy letters" posted at Pine Lake Station, but I have never heard of a policy manual, and have never seen a copy either. I think that a copy of the current policy manual should be something every firefighter in the department should be issued when they join. If that were done I think it would greatly help to reduce some of the "issues" we have had in the past with some of our firefighters.

[seagrave]

Eric, I agree with you there. Everyone who joins the department should be issued a copy if the department policy. It would save alot of " what am I suppose to do". The POV policy I have been working on I got some of the idea from the policy in the back of our book and some of my own. And your right you can't please everyone all the time it is just impossible.We should get together some time and share our ideas and see what can come out of it. Maybe a new policy you never know. And yes I did need to apoligize to the EMS family as I had no idea that you were stretched so thin. It is a crime in my opinion that this county only runs three buses for the size of this county. All the talk lilchilly was saying about a truck the county was talking about with air and rehab on it is all good but the county in my opinion need to staff more EMT's and get more trucks rolling in this county for better service to the county. I think Kim is doing a great job with what she has to work with. FF2, let me know when to get up with you and I meet you then. I only have one for training right now but if it goes through we should be training and doing a debrief on what we do. It should take an hour to an hour and a half if we go over every task given. It will combine alot of what we have been going over the last few training days in one training.

[ff2]

Eric, we do have policy manual but I've been working on updating all of them. The ones you've seen posted were new or updated ones. As soon as I finish the rough draft I'll present it to the board and then the new ones will be presented to everyone at a meeting. Any input is welcome. Also, we hosted an EVDT class a little while back and only have a handful now that need the class, so if any of you hear of a EVDT class coming up, sign up for it and myself or the chief will sign off on it. I-73 and 'unlimited money'? What's up with that? Don't count on it! We need better funding now in order to have updated apparatus and equipment. Besides WHEN it comes it will not be in MRFD coverage area so...back-burner for us!!! Seagrave, I'll should be around Monday afternoon if you want to give me a call and we'll meet at the station to review your training ideas. Thank you Lilchilly for the class!! PS. I SEE YOU GUYS LOOKING!!!! (guest) FF2

[Papa Grizz]

FF2, Seagrave, if and when you two get together, if yall don't mind,let me in on it as well. I think we all have ideas about "new" polices. I received a copy of our SOP's when I joined, but that was over ten years ago, and we all know the fire service has changed a great deal in the since then. Lilchilly, I thanked you in the class, but I want to do it again. Thank you to all who participated in the class. Yall were talking about getting another EVDT course together, put me on that list, I missed out on the last one.

Thanks, God bless
Papa Grizz

[ff2]

Don't mind at all, we WILL have a training meeting and call you when it occurs!! Getting the word out about needing the EVDT class, and when I know about one I'll give you guys a call!! Still no word on the 1152 yet, I'll call the instructor Monday afternoon. FF2

[lilchilly20]

Hey guys, Thanks for helping make a great class on Saturday. You guys had great input and that made it that much better. Remember one thing on developing SOP's/SOG's. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Do some research online, look at other dept's policies and then adjust them to fit your needs. Many of us do that. It is not stealing ideas, we are all in the same game. The important thing is to make it fit your dept.

Just let me know on the EVDT. AS I told you guys on Sat, we need a minimum of 10, no more than 18. If EMS wants to get everyone through we can split them between classes. I have not gotten back up with Trey to see when they want to get the one in Marion City going.

Stay safe and you guys know how to find me if you need me.

[ff2]

Hello Stopfire!!!

[stopfire]

Hi there ff2!!!

[ff2]

Good to hear from ya STOPFIRE! Seagrave/ PapaGrizz, Tuesday is a bad day for me to meet, unless you guys are available before 4pm. Let me know. The policy manual is in the meeting room(not the 2008 updated one) and the chief has copies for those who don't have, lost, or did not recieve a copy. Take Care!! FF2

[TAZ]

I have received word of a haz-mat ops class coming up in Latta. I have a call in, waiting on more info. I'll let it been known as soon as I know something more.

[TAZ]

http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif How FF died in 2007
<HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->Hey...
As they do each year, the USFA has released their 2007 Firefighter Fatality Report (link below) with 118 Line of Duty Deaths. Keep in mind that these numbers are different than the NFPA report (link below) which shows a total of 102 on-duty Firefighter deaths occurring in 2007. Both agencies calculate our deaths differently.

In addition to the USFA's overall findings, this 2007 study includes information on the hazards to Firefighters presented by the lack of seatbelt use. In 2007, 27 Firefighter fatalities resulted from vehicle related incidents. In 19 of the 27 incidents where seatbelt status was known, 11 Firefighters were confirmed as not wearing seatbelts at the time of the event.

Here is the USFA overview of the 118 Firefighters that died while on duty in 2007:
=68 volunteer Firefighters and 50 career Firefighters died while on duty.
=There were 7 Firefighter fatality incidents where 2 or more Firefighters were killed, claiming a total of 21 firefighters' lives.
=11 Firefighters were killed during activities involving brush, grass, or wildland firefighting, the lowest in over a decade.
=Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in the deaths of 76 Firefighters.
=38 Firefighters engaging in activities at the scene of a fire.
=26 Firefighters responding to or returning from emergency incidents.
=11 Firefighters were engaged in training activities.
=15 Firefighters after the conclusion of their on-duty activity.
=Heart attacks were the most frequent cause of death for 2007, with 52 Firefighter deaths.
Here is a link to the USFA report: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/report.shtm (http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/report.shtm)
Here is a link to the NFPA report: http://www.iaff.org/08News/PDF/NFPAReport.pdf (http://www.iaff.org/08News/PDF/NFPAReport.pdf)
Take care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 8-11-08 / 1645 hours
www.FirefighterCloseCalls.com (http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/)

[E. Lindeman]

Eric, I agree with you there. Everyone who joins the department should be issued a copy if the department policy. It would save alot of " what am I suppose to do". The POV policy I have been working on I got some of the idea from the policy in the back of our book and some of my own. And your right you can't please everyone all the time it is just impossible.We should get together some time and share our ideas and see what can come out of it. Maybe a new policy you never know. And yes I did need to apoligize to the EMS family as I had no idea that you were stretched so thin. It is a crime in my opinion that this county only runs three buses for the size of this county. All the talk lilchilly was saying about a truck the county was talking about with air and rehab on it is all good but the county in my opinion need to staff more EMT's and get more trucks rolling in this county for better service to the county. I think Kim is doing a great job with what she has to work with. FF2, let me know when to get up with you and I meet you then. I only have one for training right now but if it goes through we should be training and doing a debrief on what we do. It should take an hour to an hour and a half if we go over every task given. It will combine alot of what we have been going over the last few training days in one training.


Hey, I'd love to sit down and talk policy. Most of you guys know my schedule, so get a time that FF2 and Grizz can be there. I'll be there with bells on, if it will help the process....lol. I've got some ideas for the POV policy and a few other ideas for improving or creating other policies as well. Yeah, Kim does a great job with what she has to work with, and I can say as an employee of EMS that things are getting better in leaps and bounds...it's just a slow process for these changes to be seen....especially since we are so small and the county is so big. Yeah, the rehab unit Lilchilly spoke of is a great idea! You know, we could do our own rehab...doubt it will ever happen, but we have most of the resources we need in place at Pinelake Station as we speak. Support Ten could be a great rehab unit...it was an ambulance and most of the important stuff is still in it like O2 hook-ups. It's not like we'd have to buy a ambulance or modify an existing truck we have to suit the purpose. We already have an AED too, so two of the most important and expensive peices of equipment we need are sitting there just begging to be used. What would kill us is that for us to do our own on-scene rehab including anything more than taking vital signs we would have to have a liscensed/staffed ambulance. That means a stretcher, IV fluids, bandaging supplies, oxygen delivery devices, splints, traction splints, KEDs, etc... The great fear of the liability involved in having an ambulance, and not wanting to spend the money on the liscensing and insurance, that seems to run rampant through our dept., I fear, will kill this idea. We have the people certified on the dept. to staff the truck most any time it would be needed, and could get grants to cover most of the equipment we lack. If we need more certified EMTs that isn't a huge problem either. There are a lot of grants out there that we as a dept., and we as individuals, could apply for that will help, if not completely, pay for the cost of the EMT classes. It's not like it would have to be an ALS unit...we could make due with a BLS rehab unit quite nicely. We could also let our rehab unit be dispatched out to other depts. in need of rehab to keep the county ambulances free to run their calls. It just makes sense to me for us to explore the possibility.

[ff2]

Eric, The policies in effect for MRFD are in standing now, any updates will have to be approved by the board and chief. As I stated earlier I'm working on some new and updating some of the existing ones for the boards approval and sign off by the chief. When I get a chance we'll have a meeting with all interested parties and discuss policies. As for Support 10 being a rehab unit, we already have it set up for a simple rehab unit (a/c, water, gatorade). We do not have the volunteers to staff the unit when needed. Look at the run records and see how many times it gets out and who is taking it, same few folks. We are a volunteer department, and I believe 95&#37; of us have full-time jobs. As far as getting the liscense and insured for that service, I don't see that happening no time soon, but if we have volunteers willing to spend the time on it we can discuss that in a department meeting, and see how many will agree to man the unit each week. Remember there is only a handful doing the apparatus checks now, and I've got a new policy for review by the board for that. AS far as getting folks up to EMT's or First Responders, I ALL for that. The community would be of great benefit if we had the medical training. There is a report on MRFD balance presented at each meeting and the books are open for review by members. Remember we have got fire stations, insurance, apparatus payments, fuel, equipment and other payments we are committed to. Once some of the items are payed for we'll have more funds to work with. We must focus on improvements, but have a little hump to clear before we can really make big steps forward. Feel free to check on the grants and fill them out, the info needed can be obtained from the board of directors, and you know we need all the help we can get. Thanks.FF2

[BR549]

Hey MRFD, do you have a community election for your board or is it within the dept.? Speaking of books does your dept let the community know that you are struggling or is just by word of your ff's, maybe there is some rich person in the community that would help out. I see some fire depts have a yearly election with books at hand. Just wonder if there are different types and why?

[ff2]

BR549, the board is elected within the department volunteers. Some of the community knows the struggle, but most do not think about the fire department until they need the fire department.We do let our county council representative know what we face.If you are interested in helping out, stop by, we need some good volunteers! Hope this answers your question. Thanks FF2

[E. Lindeman]

Eric, The policies in effect for MRFD are in standing now, any updates will have to be approved by the board and chief. As I stated earlier I'm working on some new and updating some of the existing ones for the boards approval and sign off by the chief. When I get a chance we'll have a meeting with all interested parties and discuss policies. As for Support 10 being a rehab unit, we already have it set up for a simple rehab unit (a/c, water, gatorade). We do not have the volunteers to staff the unit when needed. Look at the run records and see how many times it gets out and who is taking it, same few folks. We are a volunteer department, and I believe 95% of us have full-time jobs. As far as getting the liscense and insured for that service, I don't see that happening no time soon, but if we have volunteers willing to spend the time on it we can discuss that in a department meeting, and see how many will agree to man the unit each week. Remember there is only a handful doing the apparatus checks now, and I've got a new policy for review by the board for that. AS far as getting folks up to EMT's or First Responders, I ALL for that. The community would be of great benefit if we had the medical training. There is a report on MRFD balance presented at each meeting and the books are open for review by members. Remember we have got fire stations, insurance, apparatus payments, fuel, equipment and other payments we are committed to. Once some of the items are payed for we'll have more funds to work with. We must focus on improvements, but have a little hump to clear before we can really make big steps forward. Feel free to check on the grants and fill them out, the info needed can be obtained from the board of directors, and you know we need all the help we can get. Thanks.FF2


I did some checking at work yesterday and found out that we can do almost everything I think we would need to do for on-scene rehab without having to have Support 10 liscensed as an ambulance, and we could do it with our people trained as first responders. That would save us the money on getting the permit from DHEC, stocking the vehicle, insurance on an liscensed ambulance, and money on the EMT classes. There are a few medics at EMS who said they'd be more than willing to teach a first responder class for us one night at no charge. Since I work in the county as an Intermediate I could keep my jump bag stocked with the fluids, IV supplies, and other odds and ends we may need at times and, I'd be covered under med-control and malpractice through EMS. I'll let y'all know about the grants for EMT classes as soon as I find out about them.

[seagrave]

FF2, I would like to talk with you about some of the things I have read in the sop book I just read. There are a few things in there I agree wit hyou we should change. I would like to know if we ALL are able to make the change or just the board members? I would like to find out from you when a good time would be for you to talk about these things. I also would like to talk with you about the training practice I have for us to run.

[ff2]

Eric, sounds like a plan !! Can the first responder be done in one night? Let me know and we'll check into it. Seagrave, the proposed 'updated sog's' I've been working on is 90&#37; finished and ready to present to the board for review. They do have to be approved by the board. (New SOG-114) I'm off friday so give me a call and we can discuss what you've found, maybe the updates I've done will take care of what you've found. FF2

[seagrave]

FF2, Sorry I did not get your message till now at 10:24. I have not been home since I have gotten off of work. I will call you on the radio sometime sat, to set up a time to meet with you and talk to you then about what I saw needing change. Also will bring the training practice plan I told you about with me. As for the talk about staffing support 10 to run it when needed I would volunteer for it right now if we are going to do it.

[ff2]

Seagrave , I'm working Saturday. Support 10 may be 'needed 'at any hour and any day of the week, so you'll need sleeping quarters set up, and be at the station alot! To 'staff' a piece for 'when needed' can't be done by the working volunteers this county depends on, unless they're set for life with $$$$$$, and have the desire to hang around a station. A staffed county fire department in RURAL Marion County is a little ways down the road, or maybe I should say a long way. HOPE I'M PROVEN WRONG!!!! LOL FF2

[seagrave]

FF2, yeah I know it could not be done all the time like it really should lol, but I can always help during the weekend if it comes down to it. I go to marion alot during the weekend. I was not actually talking all the time 24/7 even though I would love to be able to do that. I am talking about like maybe every other weekend to start with so there is atleast someone there to roll support 10 if needed. I would like to be first responder certified before hand though so there is a little extent to the training lol. Anyway keep it between the lines and watch each others back.

[E. Lindeman]

Eric, sounds like a plan !! Can the first responder be done in one night? Let me know and we'll check into it. Seagrave, the proposed 'updated sog's' I've been working on is 90% finished and ready to present to the board for review. They do have to be approved by the board. (New SOG-114) I'm off friday so give me a call and we can discuss what you've found, maybe the updates I've done will take care of what you've found. FF2



I'll find out and let you know. I'll volunteer to staff Support 10 some on my days off.

[E. Lindeman]

I did some more checking today and found out that the first responder class is between a 40 and 60 hour course. The medic I spoke to at EMS said he would be more than glad to teach it at Pinelake Station for the cost of his gas and maybe just a little more. The only thing would be getting the books...that would be on us as a dept., or as individuals. The prices vary on the books. They should be available online at Amazon.com for a decent price.

[ff2]

Eric, good on Support 10. We really just need every volunteer to respond the needed apparatus to the scene at the time of the call(s). But it would be great if some volunteers want to staff the station when they can! Everyone is expected to HELP around the station, (yard/building maintenance, equipment checks etc.), so there is plenty to do. Make sure to track your times doing activity around the station for record keeping. Ask the medic that can teach the class if he is able to attend next months meeting to talk about the class. We can discuss the books and schedule then. FF2

[seagrave]

Eric,dumb question here, is there any specific first responder book or are they all about the same just some newer then others?

[seagrave]

Ok I am not trying to step on any one toes here but I am really tired of hearing other departments responding to other departments calls knowing full well they are out of there protection district. We all need to respect each others areas. There is alot of territory wars going on where there should not be any. What are we the teamsters! We are all brothers and sisters in this job and should only be in another departments area if requested. Respecting each other in every aspect makes things alot less stressful. I am not going to point fingers at anyone they already know who they are, We as in the departments of this county ONLY need to all get together, truthfully the chiefs should get together and all say ok this is our area and put it on paper to make it legal and then leave things alone. This way everyone if they already don't know, will know what deaprtment covers what area. I am sure most know their area already but seems like I said some do not.

[Unregisteredfire]

FDNY: Radio training needed after deadly WTC fire
Published: 8/21/08, 6:08 AM EDT
By AMY WESTFELDT
NEW YORK (AP) - Firefighters sent more than 30 distress calls from a burning ground zero skyscraper where two firemen died, but not all were heard in the confusion, a fire department official said.

A Fire Department of New York report on its response to the Aug. 18, 2007, blaze at the former Deutsche Bank tower details communication breakdowns and a maze of fire hazards in the smoky building, the official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the official wasn't authorized to publicly release the report.

The 176-page report, written by safety chiefs investigating the blaze, was to be made public on Thursday after families of Firefighter Robert Beddia and Lt. Joseph Graffagnino were informed, the official said.

The Deutsche Bank building, badly damaged on Sept. 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center's south tower collapsed into it, was being dismantled when the 2007 fire occurred. Manhattan prosecutors have been investigating the blaze for a year, and a grand jury is deciding whether contractors and government officials overseeing the dismantling project should be charged.


The report didn't explain why fire officials had stopped inspecting the building every 15 days as required by law. City officials have said the building's broken standpipe - which was supposed to supply water to fire hoses - and hazards including blocked stairwells, plastic sheeting covering asbestos that kept in smoke and poorly marked exit signs hampered firefighting.

A construction worker at the building, which was being cleaned of toxic debris and dismantled floor by floor, waited 13 minutes after the blaze began to call the fire department, the official said. Careless smoking is believed to have started the fire.

It took 67 more minutes for firefighters to attack the fire with water, after discovering the broken standpipe and rigging a fire hose to go up the outside of the building to the 17th floor, the fire official said.

Beddia, 53, and Graffagnino, 33, were found on the building's 14th floor. They weren't wearing the masks connected to the air tanks they carried with them, and Beddia had enough air left in his tank to breathe for 5 to 8 minutes, the official said.

The report does not say why the firefighters might have taken off their masks, but it says the equipment was working, and it recommends that firefighters get better training in the use of the air tanks, the official said.

Firefighters inside the burning building sent 14 maydays and 19 urgent distress signals, some of which came in at the same time, making them inaudible, the official said. The report recommends firefighters undergo training in emergency radio communication, the official said.

The report also recommends firefighters get better training on hazardous situations during a blaze and on knowing when they should withdraw from a high-rise.

"Well, that's easy to say," said Graffagnino's father, Joseph Graffagnino. "When you're in a maze, where are you going? Where's your backup?"

Graffagnino said Wednesday he was eager to see the internal report.

"I want to see if they can actually pin the blame on somebody for this," he said.

[lilchilly20]

We do have district lines that were drawn up and approved years ago. One issue is that we still have grey areas around. Senator Gasque Rd, Maidendown Rd, the Industrial Park on Hwy 501 Bypass are some of those areas that depending on the address given to dispatch as to who the CAD reccomends for the call. 1 good example if it has not been updated:

A MVA occurs at the Intersection of Senator Gasque Rd and Lipsomb Rd at the Tire Barn.

If the call is entered as Senator Gasque & Lipscomb then Mullins Fire & Rescue and EMS are notified.

If the call is entered as Lipscomb Rd and Senator Gasque then Marion Rural Fire, Mullins Rescue, and EMS are notified.

At one point and again not sure if this is still the case three different depts covered the Industrial Park. Mullins Fire would be toned for calls at Wellman, MArion Rural for calls at Road Rescue, and Marion City for Datwyler(I know it is not spelled right, but close as I can get it)

I think it is time we take a look at the district lines and consider updating them.

One thing you have to remember though is that if a dept is toned for a call they are legally obligated to respond. Some may not be scanning and may think that the first due dept did not get out. They should at least check with Dispatch to ensure that the other dept did get toned and continue a response until cancelled by that dept responding.

[lilchilly20]

Is there any department in need of MSA SCBA cylinders?

North Myrtle Beach Fire has 14 steel cylinders we are looking to get rid of.

They need to be hydrotested and can be put in service.

Let me know if anyone is in need.

[E. Lindeman]

Eric, good on Support 10. We really just need every volunteer to respond the needed apparatus to the scene at the time of the call(s). But it would be great if some volunteers want to staff the station when they can! Everyone is expected to HELP around the station, (yard/building maintenance, equipment checks etc.), so there is plenty to do. Make sure to track your times doing activity around the station for record keeping. Ask the medic that can teach the class if he is able to attend next months meeting to talk about the class. We can discuss the books and schedule then. FF2



I'll ask when I go back to work tomorrow. Seagrave, I'm not sure on the book.....I'll find that out tomorrow too. I'm in the process of moving across town right now, but as soon as I get settled again I'll be spending a lot more time at the station and would like to invite anyone else that wants to hang out....I'd appreciate the company and I'm sure we could put ourselves to good use like FF2 is saying.

[seagrave]

Eric, Like I said many paragraphs before to FF2 I would be willing to volunteer like every other weekend to start with to staff support 10 just was looking for more people to help me with this issue. I am all for being at the station in case of a call. Any way the reason I was asking about the book is because I found a 2007 or 2008 version on line and was wondering if this would be the one everyone else would also have.

[seagrave]

Lilchilly20, I agree with you about if a department is toned out to respond but I also agree that if they do not hear the department going in route to the call it belongs to they should alert dispatch. But some do not do this and just go in and take over the scene and basically in my opinion try to show up the other department as if saying to its residents they protect "see they won't even respond to you how can they help you". It is not right! Yes the lines do need to be updated very badly and get everything straight once and for all. Three different departments being able to be toned out for area either in a mile or within a mile is ridiculous. One department should be responding to road rescue, old wellman and daitwyler. If it is a big issue then I could see something different.

[E. Lindeman]

Eric, good on Support 10. We really just need every volunteer to respond the needed apparatus to the scene at the time of the call(s). But it would be great if some volunteers want to staff the station when they can! Everyone is expected to HELP around the station, (yard/building maintenance, equipment checks etc.), so there is plenty to do. Make sure to track your times doing activity around the station for record keeping. Ask the medic that can teach the class if he is able to attend next months meeting to talk about the class. We can discuss the books and schedule then. FF2



My buddy said he'd be more than happy, and thrilled even, to come to a meeting next month, or whenever we need him to! In reference to what book he plans to use, he said he'd bring it to the meeting so everyone could see it and thumb through it.

[ff2]

OK Eric, I'll ask the chief to put him on the agenda. FF2

[seagrave]

:mad: Ok let me just start by saying those of you who can't respect other firefighters and their areas should not respond! I responded to a scene today and heard of a firefighter refusing to move their truck to make way for the truck of the deparment the area and scene belonged to. WHAT IS THAT ! Respect your fellow brother and sisters and don't take over another departments scene just because you get there first. Stay there till they get there YES block the way,not move, try to take over NO! Can anyone out there tell me why it is so hard for certain departments to understand and follow this simple rule of RESPECT!:evil: It seems to be going back to the old times :club: .

[Trey Cooper]

I'll respond to that Seagrave, since I am the officer that didn't allow the engine to be moved. But an online forum is not the place to discuss operational problems or what you perceive to be problems. First learn the chain of command, get permission from your chief and then give me a call at the station (423-8602).

We, and by "we" I mean the fire services of Marion County, should be doing whatever is best for the people of Marion County. The fire service is about just that, SERVICE. Get over your pettiness, and get to work. Train, Train, Train, and when you think you have done enough, train some more. Stop spending all your time online, discussing a County Fire Service or combining services, and get to work, do more that just talk, make your service better.
You want respect, EARN IT.

Chief Cooper

[mcresident]

What vehicle was in the way, was it a fire/rescue or personal vehicle? I could understand wanting the personal vehicle moved but why would you want a fire/rescue vehicle moved? They're there to do a job and you want to fuss about them being in your way? I agree with Trey, you need to do some more training and understand how things work. I might not have much room to talk not being a firefighter but it's just commonsense, duh huh.

[daddysays]

Stop spending all your time online, discussing a County Fire Service or combining services, and get to work, do more that just talk, make your service better.
You want respect, EARN IT.

Chief Cooper

you mean ass chief dont you? and dont talk about a county fire service or combining services because that scares daddy trey! get a life trey and quit coming online just when you want to call us down. how about be helpful on this thread discussion all of the time? we all have daddys

[Trey Cooper]

Need I say more? Thanks for proving a point.

[daddysays]

Need I say more? Thanks for proving a point.

you are welcome and thanks for proving my point. go back and sit on your throne and leave this discussion to fire fighters who really care!

[bigfish]

Y'all need to get off of Trey's back and learn from him! From what I have read on this post it seems Trey was in the right. People do not have time to coddle to an adolescent's hurt feelings and I am sure Trey does not have the time either.

[lilchilly20]

Ok, at my last check we are all grown adults here. Let's continue to keep this forum open to push positive aspects of improving our service. There has been some good discussions on here so why is it everytime we get this train slowly roll we want to derail it.

We expect the County residents and politicans to support us but yet we can continue to play dirty amongst ourselves, and then voice comments on here that everyone can see. Seems to me we don't need to worry about anyone stabbing us in the back b/c we are to busy slicing our own throats.

I was not at the incident in question, nor have any real knowledge of what occured. If a POV was blocking the access of a fire engine then that is a problem that needs to be addressed and corrected.

If it was another fire engine blocking the highway for scene security then apparantly they positioned their apparatus correctly for a highway operation.

Was there a need for a second apparatus to go around one already committed to the scene?

Why does it always have to matter to us whose territory it is in?

The most important question is Who was the Incident Commander of this scene?

I am sure the people involved in the accident could care less where and Engine and an Ambulance came from as long as someone is there to help them.

That's all my 2 cents worth since I was not there and would need more information before giving my professional opinion (like anyone would care anyway!!!!!)

Bottom line is that our train will never make progress if we keep derailing on issues that should be discussed among departments involved and not broadcasted for everyone with a computer to see.

[TAZ]

daddysays, I'm fore warning you now. Do not start this mess on this thread. Seagrave, you need to provide more info than what you have. Don't start crying about something and only give part of the info. That's how trouble starts. Besides, Annabelle has given me the right as an administrator. Be careful with what you say. Thank you.

[ff2]

Seagrave, This 'problem' Will Be Resolved With You Internally. Per Chief 1. Call Him When You Get This Post. (423-2475) Trey, I Was Not There, But Sounds Like You Did Exactly As Needed To Be Done!!! Scene Safety So Everyone Calls Home Safe!!!ff2

[BR549]

As an outsider, sounds like this guy Trey takes the right idea here. This guy seagrave has a problem. Now tell me whos who in this situation. One dept. is jealous of the other, this is too obvious. I have heard that the rescue squad has a new truck, and from what I have scene in the past that really hurts and makes people jealous(why). Looking at the past threads this seagrave has a problem with another dept. As for county service , its who can respond and help the citizens the quickest, this is a no brainer. I wish yall could inlighten me of what has caused this problem in the next county over. I do remember the rescue had problems many years ago.What was this about? And we thought we had problems in wildcat country(watch them WILDCATS!!

[BR549]

107 you are the administrator!! Give me a break. Looks like you could be part of this problem. If so, has is this fare to the rest? If it stinks it could be dog dodo!!!!