Friday, February 26, 2010

Genesis

Genesis


Erich Roden, Publisher and Senior Editor

Welcome to the revolution.  Not a revolution in terms of mission, tradition, or fire service  ideology of course; rather, a revolution in how we participate and contribute to all three. Urban Firefighter Magazine wasn’t created overnight. The genesis began a long time ago with a couple of minds and a thousand ideas. As these ideas came to fruition, it was discovered that a quantum-leap was made in fire service content and cultural delivery and participation. In other words, Urban Firefighter Magazine has become a product of technology redefining convention, both no longer remaining a stubborn dichotomy in the fire service.

The ability and desire to connect with each other, as well as our fire service content, academia and culture, is growing exponentially. Current economic realities notwithstanding, there is also the desire for an easy, efficient, and cost-effective means to get this content and culture at our fingertips. That’s why we are offering Urban Firefighter Magazine to you free. See, our mission will always be to connect everyone to Urban Firefighter Magazine, and the urban fire service, so we can all be a part of it, together. How?

Urban Firefighter Magazine is accessible twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year. Urban Firefighter Magazine will be brought to you online, which allows you to enjoy, connect, and be part of us in a manner that suits your needs. As the content is distributed via the magazine, website, or social-networking, you will have immediate access to our authors, contributors and goings-on. Letters to the editor are redefined as you can now comment and become part of the articles and content the minute they come out. That’s what fosters enlightening discussion, new ideas, and innovation to our dynamic, yet traditional profession.

Urban Firefighter Magazine-Issue 1



Welcome to the inaugural issue of Urban Firefighter Magazine. With each issue, you will have the ability to comment on each article and profile;  ask questions; and generate constructive discussions on their respective topics. Authors will have the opportunity to reply to the comments; answer any questions; and participate in each discussion as well. Each article is not simply a static document to be read only in the magazine. Rather, we hope each article remains a dynamic one that continues to contribute to the operations, training and culture of the urban fire service.

Greed is Good-Ray McCormack



Ray McCormack Lieutenant, Ladder 28, FDNY. Ray speaks to the competitive spirit of firefighters who understand the importance of being in the game. His observations on developing a winning mind set enables any engine company to see why “Greed Is Good”. (Page 2)

Gene Rowell-Erich Roden



Erich profiles an exceptional firefighter from Chicago who talks about playing professional football and fighting fires; and why they both parallel each other in Gene Rowell’s world. (page 6)

The Garage Fire-Erich Roden



Erich discusses a common fire in the urban setting, the detached garage, and how to safely operate during these fires. (page 12)

Bill Noonan-Erich Roden



Erich Roden profiles legendary fire photographer: Bill Noonan, and gets his take on getting that iconic fire photo; and why it’s important to stick around after the fire. (page 32)

Ventilating Peaked-Roofs: The Milwaukee Method-David Rickert



David Rickert Firefighter, Truck 9 Milwaukee Fire Department. The Milwaukee Fire Department has a unique method of ventilating peaked-roofs; and David describes the equipment, tools and step-by-step process that make it the safest and efficient manner of peaked-roof ventilation. (Page 18)

Engine Company Door Control-John Newell



John Newell Chief Battalion 16, FDNY. John wants us all to understand the importance of every step in the hose-stretching process, and to never let a door close on you or your line. (Page 36)

Kansas City L.A.S.T.-Todd Ackerson



Todd Ackerson Rescue Division Chief, Kansas City (MO) Fire Department (KCFD). The KCFD developed an effective large area search procedure after a tragic line of duty death in Kansas City. Todd describes the steps developed and involved in searching for and removing downed-firefighters during large area search operations. (page 38)

The Outside Ventilation Firefighter- Nate Demarse



Nate Demarse Firefighter, Ladder 49 FDNY. Nate describes the role and operation of the most dynamic position in the truck company during two-story fires: the outside ventilation firefighter (OV). Knowing what to bring and do while you’re the OV is crucial; and Nate gives us the reasons for both. (page 46)

Means, Motive and Opportunity-Kevin Legacy



Kevin Legacy Firefighter, Squad 61 FDNY. Opportunity rarely knocks when attempting to pinpoint the life hazard in the fire building. Kevin describes the types of search fire departments attempt; and why it’s important to consider an aggressive search when opportunity does come knocking. (page 50)

Forcing Slide Bolts-Andrew Brassard



Andrew Brassard Firefighter, Milton (ON) Fire Department. Andrew tells us what secondary locking mechanisms we should expect to encounter.; and gives us several procedures and methods of getting  past them. (page 56)

They're Not Just Ladders-Pat Nichols



Pat Nichols Captain, Tower 10 Boston Fire Department. Throwing ladders to a fire building is usually deemed a secondary consideration by many. Pat doesn’t think that’s right and describes several reasons why, “They’re not Just Ladders!” (Page 68)

Search Operations on the Floor Above-Mark Gregory



Mark Gregory Lieutenant, Ladder 111, FDNY. Mark brings you along with America’s Truck as they go to work above the fire. Learn how the team puts it all together and covers this crucial assignment. (Page 74)

Thursday, February 25, 2010