Archive for September, 2011

Bad news for Eastman Kodak

Firegeezer.com sent us a link to an article which will cause photographers to pause and reflect on the past. The article states among other things that:

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Shares of Eastman Kodak dropped almost 60% Friday, with trading halted several times amid rumors that the camera maker has hired a law firm for advice on a major restructuring or bankruptcy filing.

The Wall Street Journal said Friday that Kodak had hired law firm Jones Day for restructuring. Bloomberg said the company hasn’t officially hired a firm yet, but that bankruptcy is among the options being considered.

Kodak: Death of an American icon?

IPAM said in its letter to Kodak’s board that the company’s “long-term performance is simply unacceptable, and as such it has not earned the right to remain an independent company.” It urged Kodak to find a buyer that “has resources to commercialize the company’s intellectual property more efficiently.”

Kodak has been increasingly relying on licensing for revenue. In July, The company also announced it’s exploring the sale of more than 1,100 patents tied to digital imaging. Analysts say that deal could generate as much as $3 billion.

Find the complete article HERE.

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Northwest Central Dispatchers threaten strike

Dispatchers at Northwest Central Dispatch in Arlington Heights are threatening to strike if negotiators fail to reach an agreement for a contract. From the Chicago Tribune:

The Metropolitan Alliance of Police, which represents the Northwest Central Dispatch System’s 70 dispatchers in collective bargaining, issued a strike notice late Wednesday. Unions are required to give employers five days notice, so the earliest a strike would occur is Oct. 6 – unless an agreement is reached before that.

The Tribune article can be found HERE.

The Daily Herald reports that:

“Northwest Central is taking precautionary measures to insure that 9-11 dispatch services will continue without interruption,” said Cindy Barbera-Brelle, executive director of Northwest Dispatch, in an statement. “We have various sources from which to draw in order to continue providing emergency services to the communities we serve.”

Read more: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110928/news/709289549/#ixzz1ZRziAPBZ

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Fire departments discuss combining services

Dennis McGuire, Jr. found an article discussing a possible merger of sorts between three suburban fire and police departments.

La Grange officials voiced unanimous support to pursue a program of shared services with Western Springs and LaGrange Park in the first of three presentations Sept. 26 on the concept.

The study, sponsored by the Metropolitan Mayors and Managers Caucus and funded in part by a grant, was designed to examine similarities between the three villages regarding community characteristics and public safety operations.

The three towns have very similar populations, number of square miles and financial resources. Differences lie in emergency services with LaGrange Park and Western Springs employing paid, on-call firefighters and a private paramedic service, compared to La Grange, which has full-time firefighters.

The project also identified opportunities to share public safety services and made seven recommendations in a three-phase approach, beginning with combining emergency dispatch services.

The analysis of calls for emergency services suggests the total call volumes could be met from a single dispatch center with a potential savings of three full-time and four part-time workers. Other communities may be invited to join the system in time.

Departments could also share a record and reporting system.

Fire department trucks could be shared, and police services could be combined with overlapping responsibility between the communities for the supervising shift sergeant. Eventually, policing districts within and between the communities could be consolidated into larger ones.

Read the complete article from TheDoingsWestern Springs HERE.

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Chicago looks at ways to save money

There have been many articles of late discussing the Chicago budget deficit and offering several areas that might produce savings or added revenues. An article from WBEZ.org mentions several items concerning the Chicago Fire Department as potential options.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago aldermen are having mixed reactions to the city watchdog’s ideas for balancing the budget.

Chicago Inspector General Joe Ferguson released a report late Monday outlining dozens of ideas to cut spending and raise revenue in order to deal with a projected budget deficit of more than $635 million for 2012. All told, Ferguson’s “budget options” could net the city about $2.8 billion, and they run the gamut from policies that have been seriously considered in the past, to long-shot revenue grabs.

The report also said Chicago could save millions of dollars by trimming back public safety budgets by reducing the number of firefighters who work on a truck, eliminating the police marine and helicopter unit and converting 1/5 of the city’s firefighting vehicles into ambulances.

Ald. Leslie Hairston, 5th, bristled at an idea to cut more than 700 fire department supervisors in an effort to trim middle management.

“When you have, you know, fire and burning buildings and maybe people trapped in there, those supervisors are important,” she said.

But public safety budgets could use some trimming, says Ald. Pat O’Connor (40th).

The complete article can be found HERE.

Chicago looks into EMS costs

The City of Chicago is reviewing all aspects of city services looking for ways to save money and increase revenue. The Chicago Fire Department Emergency Medical Services came under scrutiny recently as highlighted in a Chicago Sun-Times article.

The Chicago Fire Department is hemorrhaging hundreds of thousands of dollars — and tying up ambulances — by administering free medication to patients with diabetes and asthma who then refuse to be taken to the hospital.

Last week, the City Council’s most powerful alderman suggested that Chicago privatize collection of city ambulance fees to raise a dismal 37.5 percent collection rate that has created a $50 million-a-year debt.

Finance Committee Chairman Edward M. Burke (14th) described the ambulance fee debt as “low-hanging fruit” that would go a long way toward maintaining Chicago Fire Department operations at a time when Mayor Rahm Emanuel has demanded a 20 percent cut.

Now, a veteran paramedic who asked to remain anonymous is describing other ways the city is losing money.

Every day, ambulances are summoned to assist patients with diabetes who are suffering from low blood sugar.

They administer dextrose or sugar water. And when the patient’s blood sugar rises, they refuse to go to the hospital. Paramedics try to persuade them to go, but they cannot force patients to do so.

They simply advise the patient to eat and call their doctor. The patient signs a refusal form and the ambulance takes off. The patient is never billed — either for the cost of the ambulance run or for the drugs.

“It happens 30-to-40 times-a-day and thousands of times a year,” the paramedic said.

The same scenario plays out less frequently with asthma patients. The ambulance arrives. Paramedics administer a drug known as Albuterol. And when the patient stops wheezing, he or she refuses to be taken to the hospital. Once again, the city eats the cost of the ambulance run and the medication.

Dennis McGuire, Jr. found the article which can be viewed in its entirety HERE.

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Fox River & Countryside Fire Rescue

Christopher Holmes submitted several images depicting some of the apparatus which makes up the Fox River & Countryside Fire Rescue District.

Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District

Fox River & Countryside Fire Rescue District emblem. Chris Holmes photo

Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District

One of the new Type I ambulances for the Fox River & Countryside Fire Rescue District. Chris Holmes photo

Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District

A new IHC/Alexis engine #1820. Chris Holmes photo

Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District

Reserve Ambulance 1832. Chris Holmes photo

Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District

Command Car 1810. Chris Holmes photo

Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District

Part of the graphics package on the new ambulances. Chris Holmes photo

 

Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District

Rear ambulance graphics. Chris Holmes photo

Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District

Ambulance interior. Chris Holmes photo

 

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Koeppen Appointed Fire Commissioner

Gregory Koeppen has been appointed to the Fire Commission of the Grayslake Fire Protection District.  Koeppen comes from a long family history of fire serve in the Chicagoland area.

Koeppen’s father Gerald Koeppen was a firefighter/paramedic with the Wheeling Fire Department for 30 years, his uncle Bernie Koeppen was the first full-time Fire Chief of the Wheeling Fire Department serving the department for 43 years, Koeppen’s cousin Ken Koeppen is the current Deputy Chief in Arlington Heights, and he has several other members serving in departments throughout the Chicago area.

“The fire service was not the career path I chose, but it was a profession I was born into so I have always been a supporter of it,” says Koeppen who works full-time as the Executive Director of the Lake County Farm Bureau.  “While you won’t see me putting on a helmet and turnout gear racing to a fire, I am excited to serve as a commissioner working with the men and women who work to protect the residents of Grayslake 24/7,” adds Koeppen.

Koeppen who served as the youngest elected official in Illinois when he was elected alderman at age 19, has logged ride-alongs with fire departments around the United States including Las Vegas, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Clark County, Nevada. “In order to be an effective and well informed decision maker, I believe it’s important for me to see all aspects of the fire service.  Ride-alongs with other departments have truly helped me experience that,” says Koeppen.

“I look forward to many years of serving on the Grayslake Fire Department Commission and feel fortunate to have such outstanding firefighters to represent,” says Koeppen.

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A friend of the fire service passes away

Long time fire fan, former Chief of the Chicago Civil Defense, and Rosemont Public Safety Auxiliary Captain Eddie Karas, Sr. died on Saturday after a sudden illness.

Edward James Karas

July 19, 1952 – September 24, 2011

Karas, Edward James. Beloved husband of Lucy (nee Sanchez) and the late Jorjean Ellen. Proud father of James Arthur (Krystyna), Edward James II (Jill) and step daughter Jasmine. Loving grandfather of Eliana, Emilie, Brooke, Carlie, Jackie, Jesus, and Zion. Past Commander Chicago Fireman’s Post 667 American Legion; Chief Chicago Civil Defense 477; Rosemont Public Safety Auxiliary Captain 604/183; Retired Machinist-City of Chicago Water Dept “Water 1”. In Lieu of flowers, we request donations to be made to the The Fire Chaplain’s Ministry Fund 1140 W Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607. Funeral info: malecandsonsfh.com or 773-774-4100.

 Visitation is Tuesday Sept. 27 1PM-9PM

Malec Funeral Home 6000 N. Milwaukee Ave Chicago

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a department walk through will take place at 7PM

(Arrive at 6:15PM)

The service will be 10AM on Wednesday Sept. 28 followed by a procession to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood

Eddie Karas

 

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Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park

The Firefighter Combat Challenge is in Tinley Park this weekend at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477

The Challenge annually attracts hundreds of U.S. and Canadian municipal fire departments at more than 25 locations and is now expanding to countries around the world, including New Zealand, Germany, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa.

The Challenge seeks to encourage firefighter fitness and demonstrate the profession’s rigors to the public.

Karl Klotz visited the event on Saturday and submitted several images depicting the events.

  • There was a Combat Challenge for kids:
Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL

During the youth challenge events, one competitor works to endure the work the miniature Keiser Force Machine. Karl Klotz photo

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL

The final leg of the challenge involves rescuing a victim by dragging a dummy across the finish line. Karl Klotz photo

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL

Using a hand line is another portion of the challenge. Karl Klotz photo

  • The adult Combat Challenge:
Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL

Two competitors prepare to begin the challenge. Karl Klotz photo

Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL

The firefighters make their way up the tower carrying a hose load. Karl Klotz photo

Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL

One they reach the top, they have to haul additional hose to the top. Karl Klotz photo

Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL

A competitor uses a mallet to move the Keiser Force Machine. Karl Klotz photo

 

Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL

The challenge also requires competitors to drag a charged 1 3/4" hose line back towards the starting line and then open the nozzle to hit a target. Karl Klotz photo

Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL

A firefighter drags a dummy to simulate performing a rescue. Karl Klotz photo

Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL

Another competitor performs the rescue which is the final phase of the evoluton. Karl Klotz photo

  • There was quite a bi of apparatus on display:
Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL

The Rescue Remembrance Project had the restored FDNY Rescue 4 on display at the challenge. Karl Klotz photo

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL Division 24 Fire Investigation Unit

The MABAS Division 24 Fire Investigation Unit was on display. Karl Klotz photo

 

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL Division 24 Command Van

Oak Forest 951 is the Division 24 Mobile Communications Van. Karl Klotz photo

 

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL MABAS 24 Haz Mat

One part of the Third District, Division 24 Haz Mat response is this box truck #9901. Karl Klotz photo

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL Division 24 Haz Mat

Division 24 Haz Mat 9902 is this X-Tinley Park Spartan/Darley engine. Karl Klotz photo

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL Cook County Emergency Operations Mobile Command Center

Another unit on display was this Cook County Mobile Emergency Operations Command Center. Karl Klotz photo

 

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL MABAS Division 24 DECON Unit

The MABAS Division 24 DECON unit was setup and on display as well. Karl Klotz photo

 

More photos can be viewed HERE.

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Buffalo Grove Fire Department Open House

The Buffalo Grove Fire Department held their open house on Saturday. Although the event was well attended, the weather played a role in keeping some families away in addition to grounding the Flight For Life helicopter which was unable to visit. Those that did attend had plenty to keep them busy and well fed.

Larry Shapiro attended the event and submitted several images depicting the junior combat challenge, static displays, vehicle extrication demos, a puppet show, hands-on use of a fire extinghuisher, Pink Heals Tour fire engine, below grade tripod rescue scenario, and multiple photo ops for the kids.

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

A large crowd gathered to watch a demonstration of vehicle extrication. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

A young girl learns about the the emergency medical services. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

The radio controlled Dalmatian is always a hit with young children. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

Children were fascinated with the hands-on fire extinguisher demonstration. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

What would a fire department open house be without hot dogs? Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

Families were entertained by a puppet show about fire safety. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

Part of the junior combat challenge involved crawling through a tunnel section. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

Children enjoyed creating their own designs which were then pressed into buttons. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

Firefighters helped youngsters use a fire hose to hit targets representing fire. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

Buffalo Grove Chief Vavra congratulates two future firefighters after completing a leg of the combat challenge. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

The portable brass fire pole was the first stop in the combat challenge. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

This strong guy pulled a simulated victim on a SKED into the air with a rope and pulley. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 open house Pink Heals Tour Northern Illinois chapter

Buffalo Grove Firefighter Steve Rusin brought his American LaFrance Century Series X-South Elgin, X-Lakewood engine representing the Northern Illinois Chapter of the Pink Heals Tour. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 open house

Buffalo Grove firefighters demonstrate an auto extrication. Larry Shapiro photo

A large gallery with many more images can be found HERE.

 

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