In Philadelphia today FDNY Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn (Ret)
and former Philly Fire Commissioner Roger Ulshafer told the council committee
that top management made a basic mistake on the morning of the fire; in his
view they failed to establish what’s called a collapse danger zone at the
scene. That’s a zone that would be clear of all citizens and firefighters.
“Disgraceful.” That’s how Ulshafer described how the
department commanders handled the April Kensington warehouse blaze that claimed
two firefighters’ lives. “There was the incident commander, his staff, the division commanders,
the sector commanders, at least three safety officers,” Ulshafer said.
“And yet no one, no one had the sense to establish a clearly defined collapse
zone around the entire building. If I was to describe the command control and
emergency scene management, my definition would be disgraceful.”
Philly City Council’s Public Safety Committee called the hearing to examine
policies and procedures in the department in the wake of the April inferno.
Also testifying was a former New York City Deputy Fire Chief, Vincent Dunn, who
shared Ulshafer’s concern about the lack of a collapse zone. “If there
is no potential to save lives or property, there is no justification to expose
fire department members,” he said. Dunn said the department’s way of
keeping track of firefighters, a command board, is obsolete. “That’s
prehistoric. We (in New York) had the same command board before 9-11. Now we
have a command board that’s like an iPad.” Philly FD members Lt. Robert Neary
and Firefighter Daniel Sweeney died in the Line of Duty on April 9th, when a
wall in a store neighboring the warehouse collapsed. More to follow.
NFA, FIRE, EMS AND EMI INSTRUCTOR TIMMY CAMPBELL
PASSES SUDDENLY
Years ago, in the 70's, I was real involved with
what is now known as the "old" ISFSI (Int'l Society of Fire
Service Instructors**) and I jumped in with both feet. One day I was in
some sort of a planning meeting that was lead by a guy named Tim Campbell-he
was a Firefighter and also the fulltime Chief of Emergency Services for Chester
County, PA. What struck me in the meeting is how damn smart this guy was. Now
that's coming from someone who is as basic as they come-so I am impressed
easily---as I joked with Timmy years later as our friendship grew. Honestly,
this was easily one of the smartest but also kindest men I had ever met in our
business...he had an uncanny ability to think of or look at issues
and challenges unlike few I had ever met.
Several days ago, while at the National Emergency Training
Center/National Fire Academy, Tim took a fall near the front inside
entrance of the cafeteria. Highly qualified EMS folks from within the NFA and
locally from Emmitsburg/Frederick County were on the scene instantly, talking
to and treating Tim. They were talking to him, he was talking back and all
seemed OK...
The wind was knocked out of me when I was told a few
days ago that Timmy had passed away. Above are my feelings about Timmy. Susie N
from Firehouse has also written about him-with comments from many of his
friends-so here is some of her piece:
For nearly 30 years, Timothy R.S. Campbell was a familiar
face on the campus of the National Fire Academy and Emergency Management
Institute. On Thursday, colleagues gathered in the chapel to remember the EMI
professor for his tenacity for education and mentoring thousands. Campbell died
on Sept. 28, a few weeks after falling in the wet hallway outside the campus
cafeteria.
He was lauded for his expertise in emergency management and his contributions
on a number of task forces including one addressing terrorism.
“Tim was perfect for this assignment. He was a great asset,” NFA Deputy
Superintendent Kirby Kiefer said. Kiefer added that Campbell was held in very
high regard throughout the country.
Albert Fluman, chief, integrated emergency management branch, told the crowd:
“Mere words are not going to do justice for Tim Campbell…” Fluman remembered
how his colleague adopted Emmitsburg as his second home, and became an expert
on local information including the daily specials in town restaurants. Campbell
was responsible not only for instructing but developing the curriculum for
many, many train the trainer courses at EMI. “He had a large impact on
emergency management across our nation,” Fluman said.
Retired Beloit, WI Fire Chief Jim Reseburg remembered: “When you asked Tim a
question, he would never answer. Instead, he would take you on a journey…and
you would figure it out.”
Reseburg recalled the last moments with Campbell. Taking a break from a meeting
in the same building as the cafeteria, the group was trying to decide on lunch
plans. The former chief said his friend told him to step out in the rain, and
depending how wet he was they would make the decision to drive to a restaurant
or eat in. As he obeyed, he felt a tug, and realized Campbell was holding onto
him laughing. “He was very happy to be here…” he said, adding that it was the
last time he had with his friend.
Retired Kissimmee Chief John Chapman said Campbell embraced educating people
about concept and theory of emergency management. If the powerpoint went out,
it was OK, he said, because he knew his subject inside and out. “He asked tough
questions,” Chapman said because he wanted his students to think and realize
that’s what they’d be facing as emergency managers.
Burt Clark reminisced about the times he spent with Campbell at conferences and
working on course curriculum. Clark as a NFA instructor, and his friend, the
emergency management expert spent a great deal of time collaborating. Clark
said the two shared a bond, one that he will cherish. “Tim was part of my
dash,” he said, referring to the symbol on a tombstone between the date of
birth and date of death.
HERE is MORE about Timmy, take a look, if
you have ever attended EMI or NFI, odd's are, you will recognize him.
**ISFSI today is very much alive and well
today and lead by some of the best folks in our business-doing some great
stuff-please check them out and consider membership if you have ANYTHING to do
with firefighter training-it is not expensive and is an excellent investment in
yourself and your crew. www.ISFSI.org
