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DCFD’s presence at “State of the Department” address, and surprising reaction.

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Firefighters gather on the steps of the American History Museum in DC, to organize their presence at Chief Ellerbe's "State of the Department" address.

Lt. Alvarado rallies the troops before the press conference.

Firefighters traveled from all areas (including outside the DMV)—via many different means of transportation—for the purpose of this demonstration.

Firefighters utilized social networking (Twitter, Facebook et. al) to garner support and increased presence from members and non-members alike.

 

Members proudly wore garments with the "DCFD" logo, which have been outlawed by Department order. Uniform regulations have changed five times within the last calendar year.

(I wouldn't want to face this crowd, either.)

Chief of Department Kenneth Ellerbe assumed his stance on the podium with a cool demeanor.

Multiple local news sources were present at the address; Fox5 presented the day's story on the 5 p.m. evening news.

Attempting to make several jokes during his presentation, Chief Ellerbe proffered a casual, carefree demeanor during his presentation.

Several firefighters had their children present in the room; all expressed the silent statement that Ellerbe's policy changes affected not only the firefighters, but their spouses and children as well.

Just prior to the 'question and answer' section, a pre-arranged cue brougt all firefighting members of the Department to attention.

Again on cue, all members performed a crisp about-face, turning their backs on Chief Ellerbe. Members were dismissed via vocal cues immediately thereafter.

Chief Ellerbe had no reaction, instead staring at his notes on the podium until the exodus was completed.

Completing the press conference, Chief Ellerbe presented the remainder of his Q&A to a mostly empty room.

Outside, firefighters gathered to show homemade signs and share their thoughts on the day's events.

District firefighters still staunchly oppose several recent pieces of Department order, including uniform policy regulations and rumors of changes to the shift schedule.

Lt. Alvarado speaks to members of the Washington Times, relating the day's events and the reasoning behind the firefighters' actions.

Firefighters gather to watch the 5 p.m. broadcast of their actions, featured by local news station Fox5.

Posted by on January 24, 2012 • Filed under: Uncategorized

Comment Cards.

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During my last tour of duty, I came across a most unusual new practice. I was instructed to present a comment card to all patients whom we encounter in the performance of our duty. Yes, that's right, a comment card—the likes of which I had only seen at my favorite 24-hour breakfast joint.

Sure, we have an ongoing struggle regarding our shift schedule. Our repair shop is "understaffed and overworked," threatening our citizens with the possibility that there may not be enough serviceable apparatus to adequately cover the city's ever-growing number of emergencies. Oh, and morale is circling the bowl, one flush away from joining the cesspool.

But the most important thing we need know is: how were the pancakes?

So here's the obverse and reverse of the card. Upon first inspection, I already have qualms about this piece of self-righteous cardstock (remember, even in bulk quantity: add the cost of the stamp to the cost of printing and cutting thousands of these). Seriously, could we have picked a more efFEMinate stamp? Purple, swirly Foxglove flowers on a cream/off-white background. Interestingly enough, the Latin name for the Foxglove species, digitalis purpurea, is named because of the plant's intensely colored flowers that are able to fit snugly over a finger-shaped object (one of your "digits," as it were)… not unlike a condom.

Additionally, there is a class of medication extracted from the Foxglove plant whose purest form is called digitalis, which is a cardiac drug used to treat various abnormal heart rhythms. I find it just so poetic that the medication (also called digitoxin) can be lethal if the patient is given too much. Toxicity can result in headaches, vomiting, jaundice, blurred vision, delirium, convulsions, and wild hallucinations. Certain species of this very plant are actually so toxic that they've earned the name "Dead Mens' Bells."

Another note: these cards are addressed to the chief himself—as if he'll be reading a Santa-Clause-worthy bag of mail, stuffed to the brim with these cards. Technically, they should be returned to the "Public Information and Community Affairs Office," a branch of FEMS tasked with "disseminating information to the public on Departmental programs and services, conducting community outreach and fire safety education programs and ensuring high quality customer service."

But, given what happened to our Public Information Officer, I guess they're a little short-staffed at the moment. Thanks for stepping up and helping out, Chief! (Table 38's Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity® is ready for pickup, by the way.)

In an effort to do my part, I would like to suggest a new comment card. Sure, we can keep the old one, since it's geared primarily towards medical calls. However, we are still a functioning fire department with a rich and storied history; I think it only fair in this most progressive day and age that we offer a comment card for our fire suppression services.

Fair citizens, I entreat you to please take a moment and assist us in bettering our Department (click to enlarge it, if you'd like).

Posted by on January 10, 2012 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , ,

2011: RL’s Year in Photos

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Happy New Year to everyone—I'm glad to see that our little blue planet has made it another year without something truly awful happening, and for that I'm thankful.

Like I said back in March, I'm still a firm believer in "the best camera is the one that's with you." What good is $3,000 worth of camera gear if it's in your closet? It's been a good year, and I've definitely captured some moments. I present to you now my favorite images and photos of 2011 (don't forget about the most recent photo collection I posted just a short while ago!)

Here's to one hell of a 2012.

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I started off the year with some cool research (my welcome-to-2011 post from last year). It was pretty cool to find old maps of what DC looked like back when Engine 15 was founded, and seeing that some street names stuck around from 1898. The full post is available here, if you want more maps.

There were a couple of fires this year, too. This one was right around the corner… gotta love a first-due house fire to kick the year off. (As it turns out, I'm at work as I write this, and one of my good friends found himself up to his ass in this Northeast rowhouse just a few hours ago. Lucky bastard.)

It was a damn shame I was on an ambulance when this one came out around 3am one night. At least I was able to show up, help flake some hose, and snap a few pictures. The guys from Squad 3 told me that they had a good time on this one. Sheesh.

I helped out a few of the guys at the firehouse fix their bikes…

One of the darker moments of last year came when several guys from my house got burned up in one of the bigger fires of the year. Thankfully, they've all recovered wonderfully, and the firefighter who got it the worst is back to full duty.

The Andy Fredericks Training Days in Virginia was truly an eye-opener, and there were some stellar instructors who were gracious enough to pass on their (combined) 100+ years of knowledge about the fire service. So, who's signing up for this year? Registration opens January 8th.

One of the coolest things about working in a firehouse that has some serious history behind it is digging up that history. This commendation was in the back of the storage closet, stacked with a whole host of other similar items. Come to think of it, would our chief even give these out anymore?

One shift was spent at Reagan National Airport with what felt like damn near every company from Virginia and a whole bunch of us from DC. Huge inter-agency Mass-Casualty drill sponsored by the airport? Yup, it was as cool as it sounds. Very neat to see the simulated plane crash and our resulting "response."

"The Marina's on fire! The Marina's on fire!" We lost a lot of good boats that day. I mean, when you fill a vessel up with water, and it's already in the water… hey, can't save 'em all. The fireboat damn near sprayed me right off the deck, too.

I took some time off and went to England. It was a much-needed vacation, so I unfortunately didn't do any exploration of the British fire service (unlike my 2010 trip to Europe, when I spent a good bit of time in an Irish firehouse).

Did I mention that I adopted a dog?

I survived the great earthquake of 2011, too. It locked up the city for damn near a day, too—much to the fire department's chagrin, since communications was overrun with calls and the guys working that day were ridiculously busy resetting fire alarms and investigating possible collapsed structures.

Every so often we have to take a little trip down to the Training Academy while we're on shift. It's good to see that the old wagon we tagged is still alive and kicking… and our class numbers are undisturbed.

I know it's an old photo, but the previous shot made me feel a little nostalgic. The blog officially turned three this year… and it all started with the Academy. (God, remember when I still called it "Recruit Class 994?" Haha, anonymity is overrated.)

My Battalion Chief celebrated his thirtieth (yes, thirtieth) year on the job. Also monumental this year, our wagon driver hit twenty years—and every one of them was at 15 Engine. Here's a bit more about him, and someone else's photos.

I've been experiencing more and more firehouses this year, what with being detailed to EMS units all over the city. Also, trading with people at different houses is interesting, to see a different side of the city than my usual "Southeast experience." Working uptown or over in Georgetown isn't half bad, every once in a while… it's a very welcome respite, in terms of call volume. I even got to work with the Naked Chef on one trade! (Thankfully, there were no repeats of his, *ahem*, transgressions.)

On a more personal note, I got married! Right here in the city, to boot. 2011 was a great year if for no other reason :-)

(We honeymooned in Barcelona. It was awesome.)

Back stateside, Engine 15 responded to assist Santa (and Toys for Tots) with distribution of presents on Christmas Eve.

Unfortunately, a sadder ongoing of 2011 that will certainly continue into 2012 is what I've witnessed first-hand amongst the members. Dissention in the ranks, reduction in morale, and new rumors every day can make work a bit… edgy. Ultimately, however, our dedication to the job and the pride that we hold for our profession cannot be quashed. We may falter, we may stumble—but we will stay strong. Our union (IAFF Local 36) president penned a very poignant opinion piece for the Washington Post two days ago; do us a favor and have a read.

Despite the problems, the arguments, the scare tactics, or the generally uncoordinated efforts of the administration, one thing remains the same—my crew is an amazing group of guys who have my back, just like I have theirs. It's a great feeling, whether we're getting the knock on a fire, running a medical call, or just plain bullshitting around the firehouse. It's one of the main reasons I still love coming to the same job for the past three years, and I hope to feel that way for years to come. We put out some fires, and we saved some lives—here's to a great 2011, and thanks for everything you guys have taught me thusfar.

…oh yeah, and one more thing: SuperSafety Rocco says: "stay safe out there!"

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Thanks to my friends and family, everyone at FireEMSBlogs.com along with all of my fellow bloggers, and most importantly: my readers. You've made it the best year yet for RaisingLadders, and it looks like it's only getting better!

/RL

 

Posted by on January 1, 2012 • Filed under: Uncategorized