MAYDAY! FIREFIGHTER DOWN ~ Gary Rynman

Gary Ryman's newest & latest book Mayday! Firefighter Down was released by Hellgate Press  September 2014.

...Lieutenant Dave Michaels is a chief officer in the making, according to some, as is his best friend, fellow officer and brother-in-law, Matt Thompson. After an intentionally set fire kills Thompson, Michaels begins to investigate the fire himself, angered by the slow police action. A series of similar fires convinces him that the key lies with the buildings' owner, the ex-wife of his deputy chief. But Michaels' dogged pursuit of the arsonist eventually puts him at odds with his superiors and a gritty, old-school detective named Witkowski. And it's not just his career that's in danger. Michaels' life is also on the line as the arsonist has a plan to permanently extinguish the fireman's burning desire for justice. ...
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I do know Gary Ryman over several years now and he is an acquaintance of mine that I have the pleasure in saying I'm glad to have made within the Fire Protection Field of sorts. I also know Gary as well socially here on this thing called the internet on both Twitter and Google Plus (G+). Gary Ryman's Twitter handle is @GaryRynman . 
   
Having read Gary's first book Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family
and thoroughly enjoyed the great firefighting stories it had to tell. I'm happy for the successful second book released that Gary has pened and do look forward to the thrilling firefighting journey it will tell within it's pages. 

This is what has been said & are saying thus far about the new book....

"Gary Ryman is a master storyteller, his intricate details eliciting a full range of emotioins as he strategically positions you inside the head and heart of the firefighter feeling the heat, on and off the fire scene." ~ Chief Tiger Schmittendorf

"Mayday! Firefighter Down is a great read in the genre of Dennis Smith's Steely Blue and shouldn't be missed. Ryman kept the firefighter in me interested and the writer in me waiting to see what happens next." ~ Deputy Chief Michael "Mick" Mayers

"An incredible read! The Chief has blended just about all of the elements of a great American novel into this one--Mystery, Murder, Greed, A Sexy Love Story and Great Firefighting Action. This book should be required reading for all aspiring and new firefighters." ~ Dennis Rubin, former Fire Chief, Washington D.C.

"Ryman hits one out of the park...From the first dispatch to the jaw dropping ending (or is it?), Ryman takes you on a thrilling journey as a Truck Officer in a busy fire station, plagued by an arsonist. Mayday! Firefighter Down is a compelling read; once you start you won't want to put it down!" ~ Fred Bales, CFPS, CFI PA Senior Fire/Public Safety Instructor

MAYDAY! FIREFIGHTER DOWN by Gary Rynman now available on Amazon in softcover and  Kindle versions. Also available on Barnes & Noble in both softcover and Nook options.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

FIRE NEWS for October 10, 2013

Dedicated volunteer firefighter, 33, dies after medical emergency 

Published Wednesday, October 10, 2013

EATON, Ind. — Up until his last breath, friends say Mark Grove gave his all to the Eaton Volunteer Fire Department.

Grove, 33, died Tuesday, a week after he suffered a medical episode and was discovered “down and unresponsive,” according to Eaton police chief and firefighter Jonathon Snodgrass.

“The paramedics got there and they got him back on the way to the hospital,” Snodgrass said. “They just were unable to get him back all the way.”

According to his obituary, Grove served on the Eaton Fire Department for 13 years. Snodgrass said Grove would often show up to fire calls with his twin brother, Matt.

“Both boys have hearts of gold,” Snodgrass said. “It's a tragedy what's happened to him. That family is going through a lot.”

Snodgrass said Mark and Matt Grove “ate, drank and slept the fire department.”

“If there was something going on, they were there,” he said. “It didn’t matter what time of the day or night.”
Snodgrass said he expects Matt Grove to continue serving on the fire department in his brother’s honor.
Eaton Fire Chief Clay McDaniel said Grove’s communication skills, especially, were critical while battling a fire.

“You want something done? Him and his brother do it, no questions asked,” McDaniel recalled. “Mark was very, very important to our department.”

A message was posted on the Eaton Fire Department’s Facebook page Tuesday afternoon, shortly after Grove’s death.

“We will take it from here brother,” it reads. “We love you ... Continue (to) look over (your) brothers and sisters from the heavens. You will not be forgotten.”

“We’ll really, really miss him,” McDaniel said.

Full story: Dedicated volunteer firefighter, 33, dies after medical emergency



High-Angle Rescue Saves Spokane Worker in Auger

Surgeons on scene had to sedate the worker and remove part of his leg

Spokane, North Idaho News

Published Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Spokane Fire Department Press Release courtesy of KHQ.com

On October 4th, 2013 at 6:44 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a worker from the Purina Mills Plant at 4714 E. Trent stuck in some machinery. Engine 8 from their station located at 1608 N. Rebecca was first on the scene and rapidly assessed the situation. They found an adult male patient that was pinned by one of the plant augers on the top of the roof, six stories high.

The patient had a serious leg injury so the crew placed a tourniquet to stop further hemorrhaging and continued with their life saving stabilization of the patient. Plans were immediately made to provide advanced life support care to the patient, the extrication of the patient from the machinery, the proper packaging of the patient and finally, the transport of the patient which included lowering the patient to the ground.

As the various plans were being put into place, a special request was made for a surgeon to respond to the scene. As a result of this request, three surgeons from Deaconess Hospital arrived on the scene and were involved with the extrication of the patient and patient care. They were supported by a nurse from Medstar and Fire Department paramedics. At this same time, blood from Valley Hospital was being rushed to the scene by a deputy from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. While the machinery was confirmed to be locked out and isolated, extrication crews consisting of Rescue 9 and Ladder 1 continued to aggressively work providing patient care to stabilize the patient while the machinery was being dismantled to free him.

A contractor's crane was used to lift a basket to the level where the patient was. This same crane was responsible for lowering the patient to the ground. The Fire Department Technical Rescue Team from Station 4 worked hand in hand with the crane operator and made sure of the patient's safety and transport back to the ground. The patient was flown to Sacred Heart Hospital by Medstar.

The cause of this incident is being investigated by the State of Washington Labor and Industries.

Fire rips through Miami strip mall; firefighter falls through roof

Published Wednesday, October 9, 2013

A fire ripped through a Miami shopping center early Thursday, gutting several stores and putting a scare into a firefighter.

The fire broke out after 1 a.m. at the center, on Flagler Street between 67th and 69th avenues and took about 90 minutes to extinguish.

Firefighters are still on the scene and investigators will look into the cause of the fire later Thursday morning.

An unstable roof affected the crew atop the building.

“The roof became unstable and one fire captain did fall halfway through the roof,” Miami Fire Rescue spokesman Ignatius Carroll told reporters. The captain’s equipment caught him from a full fall and greater injury, Carroll said.

No one else was injured at the strip center. A hardware store, restaurant, medical officer and underwear shop were damaged.     

Full story: Fire rips through Miami strip mall; firefighter falls through roof

Dashcam Video of car crashing into fire station

Published Wednesday, October 9, 2013

LENOIR, N.C. — Police released the dash cam video of the police pursuit in Lenoir that ended with a car crashing into a fire department Tuesday.

Channel 9 learned that the whole pursuit was less than a mile long lasted only 61 seconds. In the video, the convertible that police were chasing could only be seen for a few seconds as it sped off down Harper Avenue toward downtown Lenoir.

The car ended up crashing through the front bay door at the Lenoir Fire Department knocking a 30,000-pound fire truck several feet. “It looked like the movies,” said Shebala Norwood, who was in the area around the time of the crash.


Full story: Dashcam video released of chase that ended with car smashing into fire station

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.) 

Fire News for September 12, 2013

FIRE VIDEO NEWS:

9/11 Anniversary Marked With Somber Tributes

Relatives read aloud the names of victims killed in terror attack

Published Wednesday, September 11, 2013 

NEW YORK (AP) - September 11 victims' loved ones marked the 12th anniversary of the attacks Wednesday at ground zero with the reading of names, moments of silence and serene music that have become tradition. (Sept. 11)

The FDNY 343

Remembering those killed on September 11, 2001

Published Wednesday, September 11, 2013 

Photos of all 343 FDNY members who were killed at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

The Long Road Back from 9/11

Rescue Company 5 returns home to Staten Island

Published Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Members of The FDNY's elite Rescue 5 unit welcome home the rig that carried eleven of their departed comrades to the world trade center on 9/11/01.

Raw Video: Fatal Georgia Townhome Fire

Man and woman die in Sandy Springs fire

Published Tuesday, September 10, 2013

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. (11Alive.com) - Two residents of a Sandy Springs home died in a fire Monday morning, while the two firefighters who pulled them out of the burning home were injured.

CAL FIRE September 9, 2013 Situation Report

Brush fire caused a propane tank explosion during Fremont Fire in Sonoma County

Published Monday, September 9, 2013

Raw Video: Massive Indianapolis Fire

Large vacant warehouse burns throughout the night

Published Monday, September 9, 2013

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Firefighters worked through the night on Sunday to extinguish a massive fire that burned a vacant warehouse in Indianapolis. Fire officials say one firefighter suffered possible heat exhaustion. No other injuries were reported. (Sept. 9)

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is notconclusive in any shape or manner.) 

FIRE VIDEO NEWS for 09.04.2013:

Crews Search for Missing Firefighter at New Mexico Wildfire

Firefighter did not return to pre-arranged meeting point on Friday

KMPH FOX 26 | Central San Joaquin Valley News Source

Published Tuesday, September 3, 2013 

COARSEGOLD, Calif. (KMPH) - A firefighter with Valley roots has been missing since Friday in New Mexico. Token Adams disappeared while working as a firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service. The search for Adams covers 30 square miles and there are hundreds of people looking for him.

New Jersey 11-Alarm Warehouse Fire

Solar panels complicate efforts at meat warehouse fire

Published Monday, September 2, 2013

DELANCO, NJ (AP) — A massive fire that severely damaged a southern New Jersey food warehouse continued to burn this afternoon, more than a day after it broke out.

Dozens of firefighters were battling the 11-alarm blaze at the Dietz and Watson distribution plant in Delanco. 

Three People Critically Injured in Maryland Plane Crash

Plan had just taken off and narrowly missed vehicles on highway

Published Tuesday, September 3, 2013 

BOWIE, Md. (WUSA9) - Three people are critically injured after a small plane crashed into the woods off of Route 50, police said. Ken Molestina Reports.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Major Fire at Southern Tier, NY, Town of Pomfret: Hills Trucking, Inc.

Hills Trucking is total loss after fire

Major fire broke out in the Southern Tier, New York at a trucking company Monday afternoon. A series of explosions at Hills Trucking, Inc., sending flames and smoke high in to the air that could be seen from miles away. It started in a garage at the trucking structure on Route 60 and spread to another building.

"I mean it was just constant, bang, boom. And then we had, I'm not really sure what blew-up, but we had a giant fireball," said Matt Davis who worked in the garage.


"I got to the first bay in our garage and the truck that was in front was already fully on fire and the flames were hitting the ceiling," said Davis.


"We responded to a report of a tractor-trailer fire, the tractor-trailer being inside a building at Hills Trucking," Fredonia Fire Department Chief Derek Jordan reported as stating. "When we got on the scene the building was fully engulfed. We had the fire under control in about two hours. Between the vehicle tires and gases that were inside the buildings the heat was tremendous. My initial report was about 200 tires. I think it was more about 150 tires I was told were stored inside the building along with acetylene gases, propane tanks and oils."


Fire Chief Jordan said hazmat was called. "There was unknown chemicals inside one of the structures. We wanted to just bring hazmat up as a precaution," he explained.

Both buildings were destroyed but no one was injured.

Authorities believe the blaze was sparked by an electrical or battery problem in a semi that caused flames to break out and quickly spread throughout the garage.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

5-Alarm Fire Harrison, New Jersey - With "Backflash Explosion" Injures 5 Firefighters

New York News | NYC Breaking News


Five firefighters were injured while battling a five-alarm fire at a northern New Jersey   industrial building when a massive explosion happened. At the Harrison, New Jersey five-alarm fire, the backflash explosion created a huge plume of smoke that could be seen for miles, and fire extended to some adjoining buildings.




None of the injuries were considered life-threatening, though a battalion chief was bleeding from cuts he received from broken glass. "When that glass blew out, he got it all in his face and his body," said Harrison fire Capt. Robert Gillen. "He was bleeding profusely." Harrison Fire Capt. Robert Gille also stated, "They were literally thrown out of the building by the smoke explosion." According to Harrison Fire Captain Robert Gillen, five firefighters suffered non-life threatening injuries in a backdraft explosion while fighting the blaze and were taken to Jersey City Medical Center. Four of the five injured firefighters had been released from the hospital by Monday.

The fire broke out Sunday morning at around 11:00 a.m. in Harrison, New Jersey and burned for several hours before it was brought under control. It's not yet clear what sparked the blaze, which apparently started in a restaurant on the building's ground floor and spread toward a nearby apartment building. No civilian injuries were reported.

The Red Cross said they are assisting more than 15 people displaced by the fire. The cause remains under investigation.







(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Time To Turn The Clocks One Hour Ahead!

It's almost time to spring ahead, which means it's also time to test and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 10.

Is your smoke alarm still working? Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all.

Tioga Fire Protection and Fire Prevention would like to remind everyone to not only set their clocks ahead this weekend, but to also test your smoke detector batteries and change them if necessary.

A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and maintained. Depending on how your smoke alarm is powered (9-volt, 10-year lithium, or hardwired), you’ll have to maintain it according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Tioga Fire Protection and Fire Prevention says even hard-wired smoke alarms should have their batteries replaced and tested monthly.

A working smoke alarm doubles your chance of survival during a fire by giving you the critical time needed to escape.

A lot of fires occur at night while most people are sleeping.

Actually, the smoke and toxic gases from the fire can cause you to fall into a deeper sleep, diminishing the chance of survival.

Tioga Fire Protection and Fire Prevention recommends changing the batteries every six months and testing them monthly.

General guidelines for smoke alarm maintenance:

Smoke alarm powered by a 9-volt battery
•Test the alarm monthly.
•Replace the batteries at least once per year.
•The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long life”) battery
•Test the alarm monthly.
•Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Smoke alarm that is hardwired into the home’s electrical system
•Test the alarm monthly.
•The backup battery should be replaced at least once per year.
•The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

A Sound You Can Live With: Test Your Smoke Detector!



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Russian Passenger Plane Crashes: Four Killed & Four Injured 12.29.2012

The Tupolev-204 is a twin-engine medium-range jet with a capacity of 210 passengers.

The Russian Red Wings Airlines flight was arriving to Vnukovo International Airport from the Czech Republic when it crashed through a fence, Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations said.

It is thought the plane was on its second attempt at landing when the crash happened, at around 4.35pm local time (12.35GMT).

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

A Russian airliner split into pieces after it slid off the runway and crashed onto a highway outside Moscow on Saturday, killing at least four of the 8 crew members and with no passenger on board. The Tupolev-204 aircraft broke into pieces and caught fire after crashing, leaving smoking chunks of fuselage on the icy road.





Exclusive footage of the Tu-204 crash above. The exclusive footage shows the initial accident of the Tu-204 at Vnukovo airport. Footage filmed by witness whose car caught the plane rolled out to Kiev highway.

The crash took place during high winds and a snowstorm, but the cause of the accident is not yet clear.

Preliminary reports say the jet rolled out from the runway into Kievskoye Highway, fell into pieces and caught fire. Russian investigators said preliminary findings pointed to pilot error as the cause of the crash. The plane's nose, including the cockpit area, appeared to have been sheared off.






Investigators are examining flight recorders and other evidence to try to determine the cause of a plane crash in Moscow that left four people dead.

Vladimir Markin, a spokesman for Russia's main investigative agency, was quoted by Russian news agencies today as saying the data recorders were being examined, along with fuel samples.


In addition, he said flight documents for the plane have been taken from the airline for examination.

The four survivors were reported in critical or serious condition in Moscow hospitals.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Press The Button & Hear The BEEP!

Smoke Detectors and Smoke alarms do save lives when they are prepared to work properly. Ensuring that these first line of fire safety are ready to work. Perform a monthly check is a easy as pressing a button...



Having and knowing capabilities of all the different Smoke Detectors and Smoke Alarms that are on the market today becomes essential. Not all models of Smoke Detectors and Smoke Alarms are created equally. You need to be aware of the difference s in these devices to ensure you purchase and have the optimal fire safety protection...



Smoke alarms: Not all wake 'deep-sleeping' children

Officials urge smoke detector use in wake of deadly fire


A fire will quadruple in size as the time doubles. It's the smoke that's the killer not the fire. It is the gases that are in the smoke that are the killer. The importance of a Smoke Detector and Smoke Alarm is it's early warning. Anything that improves the chances to get out of a structure on fire is good.

So, each month take the time to "Press The Button & Hear The BEEP!" Be Fire Safe, Be Fire Wise, Learn Not To Burn!





(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Moore Township, Pennsylvania Structural Fire 11.04.2012

Multiple company's and firefighters battle a "fully engulfed" blaze. 

Emergency crews responded to a large fire at a home at 193 Nazareth Drive, in Moore Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania Sunday afternoon.

On arrival, command found heavy fire on the top floor and roof of a 2-story dwelling.

The "fully engulfed" blaze broke out around 1:30pm at the home at 193 Nazareth Drive which is also known as Route 946.

All occupants evacuated safely from a house, and no firefighters were injured.

The cause of the blaze remains unknown.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Baldwinsville N.Y. Blaze, No One Hurt 10.25.2012

Three up-state New York fire departments Baldwinsville, Belgium Cold Springs, and Moyers Corners responded quickly at 5:45 a.m. to a reported in a home at 26 Mechanic Street.



Upon arrival the Baldwinsville Fire Chief KC Pickard said he saw smoke showing from the back corner of the building. No one was home, and when firefighters first arrived, it's reported, they saw that only a small fire behind a TV. Though the structure, which housed several apartments, appeared to be uninhibited firefighters performed a quick search to make sure no one was inside.

The fire quickly spread but was extinguished by firefighters an hour later at 6:50 a.m.. Fire Chief Pickard said that the fire started in a second floor rear apartment.

No one was injured and cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire crews respond to vacant home in Baldwinsville

No one hurt in Baldwinsville fire



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Remember Fallen Firefighters...

Firefighters who died serving their communities were honored Sunday.





The sights and sounds of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 2012 Memorial Weekend where 85 firefighters who died in the line of duty were honored.









(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

4-Alarm Fire: Wyncote, Cheltenham Township, Pa. 10.05.2012

Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Condo Inferno Leaves Dozens Homeless - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

4-alarm fire ravages condominiums in Wyncote: PHOTOS

Firefighter crews battled a fire at a condominium complex in suburban Philadelphia. The 4-alarm fire began around 9:30 p.m. at  the Chelsea Condominiums complex on the 1600 block of Church Road in Wyncote. 125 firefighters and other emergency responders arrived at the scene and fire was placed under control around 3 a.m. 

Investigators say the fire spread quickly and that at least five people are hurt. Two firefighters and five residents were taken to the hospital. Officials say they all suffered from non-life threatening injuries.

At least 50 condominiums were impacted, and at least 100 residents are reported to be displaced. Fire may have started in stove of third floor unit. Cheltenham High School set up as temporary Red Cross shelter; up to 150 displaced

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)