Firefighter in training Daniel Holland of Station 7 in Zebulon practices rapid dress, a drill in which trainees must go from street clothes to full turn out gear - including the new SCBA device - in less than two minutes.
Firefighters update respiratory equipment
Pike County Emergency Services recently purchased 10 refurbished Scott Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses. The SCBAs will upgrade the firefighting capabilities of the county and replace many of the antiquated breathing units now in use. Those have become unsafe and unreliable for firefighting operations. The old breathing apparatus also did not meet minimum National Fire Protection Association standards.
NFPA regulates when SCBA's are to be worn not to mention the health risk without their protection. I hope that Chief Grant incorporates some training along with the new equipment.
1) Mule: Is a domesticated, hybrid animal that results from crossing a mare (female horse) and a jack (male donkey)
2) Donkey: A domesticated ass
I do have a immeasurable amount of knowledge that I have acquired over the years most of which is in the fire service, law enforcement, EMS, etc.
Although, I have been on a farm a time or two, wanna know the difference between a duck & a goose?
Our county tax payers will gripe all day long about someone getting paid for doing a job. Talk about saving Tax dollars when the PCSO gets their budget raised over 800 percent gets new cars, hires new officers, cut corners on medical contracts for prisoners and run a jail that doesnt meet sanitary and living codes.
If it was a resteraunt it would score a 50,
By the way what happens to the drug siezures are they not account for by this department or is that like and extra free for all spending account.
I could go on and on my point is all that money and we have afire department thats barely got equipment fit to use and a cheif that n one seems to want to pay.
Im wondering if Pike county is really in America.
If I may be permitted to jump in here, I'll attempt to answer that difficult question you posed to Alex. Since I'm an established agrarian who owns a HUGE farm consisting of almost half-an-acre and who possesses book knowledge regarding animal husbandry coupled with astute observing skills of wild birds and farm fowls, I know the answer to your question, "wanna know the difference between a duck & a goose?"
I know...I know...I know...! pick me! pick me! Whew! Thanks for picking me to answer:
Let's see...I had to rely on Google to assist me since it seemed like a trick question for a big land baron like me to answer. According to Google, the only difference between a duck and a goose is: the DUCK is an irritating, hyperactive, talking fowl who dances and sells insurance for AFLAC and rides around on Carl Edwards #99 race car.
Contrast the active DUCK with that constipated anthropomorphic old biddy GOOSE wearing a blue "do" rag on her head who sells high priced potato and tortilla chips.
No NASCAR ride for her. I don't have a duck or a goose on my large spread, but, I do have a smelly old goat that looks like the one who chopped down the cherry tree in the Capital One Visa commercials. Lil' George Washington was wrongly accused.
I'm thinking about buying a farm donkey and I will need the services of a domesticated ass to assist me in its orientation to the wide green pastures. Any volunteers? Call me.
Call N. Alcars
'Green Acres is the place for me. Pike County Farm livin is the life for me'
Call-N-all cannibals.......
2) Donkey: A domesticated ass
Everyone who puts a uniform and badge on takes a inherent risk of serious injury and/or death. I believe the people whom throw that phrase out is in the business for the glory.
I much rather have a increased SO budget than a worthless ladder truck. Let's see how much you complain about the PCSO when Mr. Thug breaks into your home or worst. Just remember you can always rebuild but, you can't get your innocence back.
If you want to complain about waste of your tax dollars look at all the money sucking leaches that are on welfare, parks and rec. etc. I could go on and on too......
Don't get me wrong either, the PCFD needs the proper equipment too. BTW, Mike knew what the chief's salary was when he took the position. I think Mike will be fine for now and if the economy turns around maybe he will get a check.
What's in your wallet?
FYI, you have to earn it.
I refuse to think you're more than an anonymous troublemaker. This sprang from an article about something positive - new breathing apparatus to replace old, worn, out-of-date equipment that are used daily. These are a basic tool designed to allow firefighters to operate in deadly conditions. What would bring you to say something so negative? Have you ever met one of or volunteers or talked to them?
Let me tell you a little about the people who serve this community by volunteering with Pike County Emergency Services. Approximately 100-strong, the men and women of our department range from 18 year of age to 73. They come from all kinds of backgrounds and hold a wide range of jobs. Everyone gives their most, and they fit into our organization very well. They work in one or more of the following: fire suppression, training, public education, administration, rehabilitation, emergency medical, or other support roles. We do this without the multi-million dollar salary benefits packages that burden other communities.
Our people don't seek recognition. The only thing they seek is the ability to perform their duties and return home to their families and places of employment. People like me work to get them the recognition they deserve by getting work to the press and the public about positive things they do in this community. They deserve it.
Like what, you might ask. In the past year alone, I have seen our men and women do great things. They've saved lives and property. They've passed on life-saving skills and information to citizens young and old. They've done fundraisers for those in need. They've supported members of our "family" through the worst. They've been there for people like you. I could go on and on. What can I say, I'm proud to serve alongside my fellow volunteers.
What did it cost them? They'll never gripe about it, but it cost them much. Time with their families. Dates with as sweetheart for the younger bunch. Late arrivals to birthday parties. Canceled dinners. Cold suppers. Arguments at home. Some sleep. Those are but a few examples.
Still, they keep their heads up and continue to serve quietly. How can you or anyone feel negative toward something like that? For the life of me, I can't understand it.
If you or anyone else ever has any question, please contact me. I would love to speak with you. We can talk about our people, our mission, our needs, and our future. I look forward to it. Also, please feel free to visit our department's website at www.pikeemergencyservices.com for further information.
Respectfully,
Randy Snyder
Deputy Chief, Operations
Pike County Emergency Services
randy.snyder@pikeemergencyservices.com
A friend of mine recently said. "What kind of strange person hates firemen? When I grew up they were people to look up to." I couldn't agree more.
The men and women of PCES are the finest folks I have had the privilege to know. The county is truly blessed to have such capable people. They are not only excellent volunteers, they are just good human beings. My thanks to all.
My wife and children support the volunteers and their efforts every chance we get. Things would be a lot better if you have any control of that Firebug person who writes on here. It seems he likes to incite folks and make fun of people on this paper. Thank you again.
I commented positively about Grant and the program but, made a very good notation about the use of the personnel not wearing the SCBA's. Regardless, anyone in the fire service (career professional or volunteer) needs to abide by the stringent guidelines that NFPA sets forth regarding the use of SCBA's.
I find it interesting that when any volunteer whom gets called out on any given subject there is a automatic interest from the "peanut gallery". As far as the comments about red-tee shirt hero's and all that, I could care less. My only concerns are safety, training, continuing education, EMS, tactics & strategy, departmental development, etc.
Now, can Chief Snyder justify the FF not wearing his SCBA during salvage/overhaul operations? I do believe that is the comment that started this conversation.
See! See!..just what I was referring to in my post thanking Deputy Chief Snider.
Firebug must be a poor excuse for fireman who wants to be a chief. I heard he works a real job as a fireman in another county and is a Pike volunteer. maybe some volunteers knows who the creep really is and will cuss him out.
First, in late 2008 we made a bulk purchase of refurbished SCBA and tanks. In fact, they were purchased from the same company as the SCBA in the story above. Before that time, PCES personnel had poor, if not spotty, access to usable SCBA. By December of that year, everyone was still a little stuck "behind the times." Can you imagine not having access to working, up-to-date SCBA at your department? Try thinking about depending upon SCBA that are 20 years old. How would you gauge your confidence and safety levels?
Second, the training our personnel receive on SCBA has improved. As you know, SCBA use and accompanying skills are a basic skill that must be automatic. Our guidance on their use is much, much stronger. If you were to observe one of our scenes today, you would see constant policing of SCBA to include PASS device activations and air supply monitoring. Just two weeks ago one of our personnel was dragging a charged line toward a burning truck. I had to literally grab him by the back of the coat and tell him to don an SCBA. He dropped his head, apologized profusely, and quickly returned in his complete personal protective equipment (PPE). After we were done he thanked me, apologizing repeatedly.
Third, air use is factored into our firefighter rehab program. Among others, we monitor air use and firefighter condition. Based upon this, personnel may or may not return to work on incident scenes. It takes good, serviceable SCBA and a certain quantity of them to keep any rehab program running and worthwhile.
Last, this recent purchase of SCBA will give our personnel better access to more up-to-date equipment. Still, we have a long way to go. We field a mix of old and new; several manufacturers; and two operating system pressures. Our department badly needs to standardize as we update. PCES is affected by budget constraints like any other department, so this process is being done as quickly as possible. We have applied for grants, but alternative funding is becoming increasingly harder to find. Our answer to this is the purchase of refurbished SCBA at great cost savings.
In surfing the internet and television channels on any given day, I see firefighters nationwide failing to wear their SCBA at all times. Over the weekend I saw a crew of eight - to include a station officer and a chief officer - from a large metro department doing just that. They weren't even wearing coats! You and I both know the short- and long-term dangers of failing to use proper PPE. Sadly, it's a constant problem that we owe ourselves, our families, our peers, our department, and communities to fight through self-policing.
As I said a few days ago, you or anyone else should feel free to contact me or visit us. Everyone is always welcome. I'm happy to discuss any issues. Thank you for your concern.
Respectfully,
Randy Snyder, NREMT-I
Deputy Chief, Operations
Pike County Emergency Services
randy.snyder@pikeemergencyservices.com
We wanted to know what time it was and you built us a clock.
Remember, the biggest problem with firefighter safety is they become complacent. That includes Chief officers to the rookies.
To the less educated bloggers that think I am just a" rebel rouser" think twice before you type. I may just have saved one of your tee-shirt wearing hero's lives.
After church yesterday I thanked the "Almighty Lord" for blessing me with the immeasurable amount of wisdom for which I possess and can share with you all.
"Got my eyes on you" btw, you don't even have a clue. My anonymity is just as secure as to where Hoffa is buried.
Thanks RAT, I needed that :)