Friday, February 3, 2012  Hey,
Typical mop-up work after a fire changed in an instant for West Point (Indiana) Fire Chief Gary Cheesman.
 
"The instant it happened, 'oh my goodness, I just lost an eye for a vacant house'," Cheesman said.
  
The fire with suspicious origins broke out January 23 near Attica. West Point Volunteer Firefighters fought the fire from the outside because it was vacant.
 
Chief Cheesman said the house had hundreds of rounds of ammunition inside. Firefighters had heard bullets explode as they worked the fire, but thought none of the possible projectiles were traveling beyond the structure.  
 
The fire was knocked down and he had walked to the back of the house to discuss what firefighters should do next. Because he was running the pumper and was wearing a radio headset around his head, he wasn't wearing his helmet. That's when it happened.
 
"There was a bang that went off," Cheesman said. "It felt like someone punched me." A primer cap from a .223 caliber bullet entered in the corner of his eye by his nose and lodged behind the eyeball.
 
"I thought I lost it," Cheesman said. "I thought 'this old house, that's worth nothing, and I lose an eye over it'."
Anywhere else on his face and doctors think he would have had just a scratch.
Paramedics rushed Chief Cheesman to the hospital.
 
Surgery last week has helped improve the Chiefs vision as it's getting better, but it's still blurry. Doc's told the Chief they are hopeful his vision will clear completely in 4 to 8 weeks and he'll be back on the job.
 
Chief Cheesman said he's been overwhelmed by the response sincerity fighters and friends since January 23. He hopes his story serves as a reminder to everyone who work in potentially dangerous situations, to always wear all of your protective gear-including eye protection.
HERE is much more: http://www.wlfi.com/dpp/news/local/freak-accident-nearly-claims-eyesight-of-volunteer-fire-chief
Take Care-BE CAREFUL
BillyG
The Secret List 2-3-12 / 2233 hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com


 

Friday, February 3, 2012  CRASH KILLS FIRE CHIEF AND CRITICALLY INJURES ASS'T CHIEF
The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
We regret to advise you that the the Chief of the Franklin Township VFD, located in Erie County, PA was killed last night along with the Ass't Chief being critically injured in a crash while returning to quarters. Fire Chief David Flint was killed in the Line of Duty in that head-on MVA. Their Assistant Chief, Sharon Petri, was with him and is currently in serious condition at a local hospital. More to follow. Our sincere condolences to all affected. RIP Chief Flint.
MEDIA DETAILS HERE:
http://www.erietvnews.com/

http://goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120203/NEWS02/302029860


MINN FIREFIGHTER MAYDAY RADIO TRAFFIC
This "small" single family dwelling fire happened last month. The fire had burned through the first floor and immediately collapsed when St. Paul Firefighters made their way through the front door. One Firefighter fell through the floor but managed to spread his arms across the hole which kept him from falling into the basement below which was fully engulfed in flames. But, as he dangled just a few feet above the flames he received third degree burns on his legs and back. The FF's pulled their Brother FFJeff Black out and saved his life. If the rest of the floor had given way, the outcome could have been much worse for Black and the other firefighters. FF Black was just released from the hospital where he received several skin grafts and is not yet back to work.
NOTE:
-The size of the house-don't let it fool you.
-Their training that kicked in by all involved. Training.
-The rapid response and availability (staffing) of other FF's to secure and rescue him.
-EMS on the scene when it happened-ready for service.
Situational awareness applies before the bad stuff happens-but also when and after it happens ...and it played out well here-resulting in a FF's life saved.
HERE IS THE VIDEO AND AUDIO: http://kstp.com/news/stories/S2480776.shtml?cat=1
Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 2-3-12 / 0839 Hours
www.FireFighterCloseCall.com





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Subject: LODD-Crash Kills Chief, Inj A/C, Mayday Audio (The Secret List)
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012   ST CHARLES (MO) FIREFIGHTER DIES ON DUTYThe Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
It is with deep regret that the City of St. Charles Fire Department announces the death of Firefighter/Engineer/Paramedic Douglas “Doug” Haase, Sr. Firefighter/Engineer/Paramedic Doug Haase, 60, died today, February 1, 2012-he was found while on duty. FF/Eng/PM Haase served his 27 year career with the City of St. Charles Fire Department.  He also served as the Fire Chief of Lincoln County Fire Protection District from 1982 to 1984. Additionally Paramedic Haase served the Lincoln County Ambulance District from 1980 to 1995.  He proudly served all of these communities with dedication and for that we are grateful.
Funeral details are pending and will be posted at: www.mofirefuneral.org. Our sincere condolences to all affected. RIP.
 
 
OHIO FIREFIGHTER SUICIDE
(In the past 72 hours, 2 Firefighters have taken their own lives-this is a very real issue in our business...much more to follow on this diversely difficult subject which has become much too common.)
 
We regret to advise you that Fire Lt. Kevin W. West, 41, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, died Sunday, January 29, 2012, in his home.
Kevin was a Lieutenant Firefighter and Paramedic for Cumberland Trail Fire District in St. Clairsville, firefighter and paramedic for the Glen Dale Volunteer Fire Department, a flight medic for Stat MedEvac of Pittsburgh, a Methodist by faith and a member of the Cumberland Trail Career Firefighters Local Union #3667.
He was preceded in death by two nieces, Madison and Morgan Schnarr.
Surviving in addition to his parents of Glen Dale are his wife, Mary Reynolds West; three sons, Colton, Hayden and Jordon West at home; and m,any more family members and friends.
Friends will be received today at Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville from 1-4 and 6-9 p.m., where services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. with Rev. William Webster officiating. Burial follows in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Wheeling.
Fire department service, bell ceremony, and last alarm will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Our condolences to all affected-RIP Kevin.
 
PLEASE CHECK OUT THESE SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS LINKS AND PASS'em ON.

HERE: http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/personal-survival.php  (FFCC Personal Survival Section)
HERE: http://blog.iaff.org/post/2010/11/05/No-Fire-Fighter-Stands-Alone.aspx (IAFF-No Firefighter Stands Alone)
HERE: http://www.ffbha.org/ (Fire Fighter Behavioral Health Alliance)
HERE: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/firefighter-ptsd-suicide/story?id=14466320(ABC News Article on Firefighter Suicide)
HERE: http://firechief.com/health-safety/ar/firefighting_not_without_warning/ (Fire Chief Magazine Article)
HERE: http://tinyurl.com/7bbz8ev (The Company Officers Role-article)
HERE: http://sweeney-alliance.org/grievingbehindthebadge/?tag=national-fallen-firefighters-foundation (Grieving Behind The Badge)
HERE: http://tinyurl.com/7kxzfv9 (Nat'l Fire Service Summit On FF Suicide-NFFF)
 

Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
 
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Tuesday, January 31, 2012   FIRE CHIEF TAKES HIS OWN LIFE (Chief Kyle Ienn of Ralston NE-RIP)Ralston Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kyle Ienn, 40, took his own life in Omaha late last night/early this morning. Many of you may know Kyle with his well known work with the NFFF-he was also a long time subscriber and good friend to our crew here at The Secret List, FFCC, the IAFC and the NFFF. The Chief was instrumental in helping promote his department's honor guard, which for the last several years has participated in National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. He also served as a State Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation amongst other local, state and national involvement supporting Firefighters and their families. Chief Ienn managed a hardware store in Omaha, in addition being Ralston's Fire Chief. He and wife, Christine, lived in Papillion and he was the Father of 3 children. RIP.


===FIRE FIGHTER SUICIDE: A very real issue in our business....
 
PLEASE CHECK OUT THESE LINKS AND PASS'em ON.
HERE: http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/personal-survival.php  (FFCC Personal Survival Section)
HERE: http://blog.iaff.org/post/2010/11/05/No-Fire-Fighter-Stands-Alone.aspx  (IAFF-No Firefighter Stands Alone)
HERE: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/firefighter-ptsd-suicide/story?id=14466320 (ABC News Article on Firefighter Suicide)
HERE: http://firechief.com/health-safety/ar/firefighting_not_without_warning/  (Fire Chief Magazine Article)
HERE: http://tinyurl.com/7bbz8ev  (The Company Officers Role-article)
HERE: http://sweeney-alliance.org/grievingbehindthebadge/?tag=national-fallen-firefighters-foundation  (Grieving Behind The Badge)
HERE: http://tinyurl.com/7kxzfv9  (Nat'l Fire Service Summit On FF Suicide-NFFF)






2 TENN FIREFIGHTERS CRITICAL BUT STABLE AFTER BEING STRUCK ON THE HIGHWAY (Update)
As posted previously, 2 Braden TN FF"s were struck on I-40 last night. A pickup truck pulling a trailer struck them as they were operating on the highway. One of the Firefighters was on the step at the rear of the 2000 International 4900 Crew Cab pumper truck loading equipment after putting out a grass fire and the other was only feet away helping out when the crash occurred shortly after 1700 last night.
Firefighter Josh Sair, a 7-year veteran suffered a crushed pelvis, fractures to his femur and is currently experiencing pulse issues in one foot.
Capt. Mack Green Jr., a 15-year veteran sustained four fractured ribs, multiple contusions and an anemic thorax.
Both were airlifted to Regional Medical Center in Memphis and have now been upgraded to stable condition. The Braden FD responds to a majority of its calls on I-40 and they are prepared for working in the dark. Their fire apparatus are lime green and their turnout gear is yellow and they wear reflective vests to calls. However, "We could have been wearing neon suits last night and it would have never made a difference," Chief Whitney said. ANOTHER reminder of how dangerous roadway operations are.
MORE FIREFIGHTER ROADWAY SURVIVAL TRAINING AND INFO HERE:www.ResponderSafety.com 
Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 1-31-11 / 1845 Hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com


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Monday, January 30, 2012  PA FIRE CAPTAIN LODD-MEDICAL EMERGENCY
The Secret List
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
Within 24 hours of responding to an incident on 01/21/2012, Captain Walter Sumner of the Cranesville VFD suffered a heart attack. Captain Sumner then passed away on 01/24/2012 from complications related to that heart attack while his company was on a relocation/fill-in/transfer detail. Our condolences to all affected. RIP Take Care-Be Careful, BillyG The Secret List 1-30-12 / 0821 hours www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com