Archive for August 11th, 2018

Cancer in the fire service

Aug 11

Posted by Admin in Cancer in the fire service | 1 Comment

The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have partnered to develop and release the Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer. This report provides 11 actions that can be taken to mitigate the risk of cancer for firefighters.

Unfortunately, the topic of firefighter cancer has had a significantly increasing impact on firefighter health and welfare. Great strides have been made by departments and responders everywhere in combating and preventing cancer, but more still needs to be done. The time is NOW to make changes.

It is imperative that local leaders take this report to heart and spend the time and energy to make changes to improve the safety and health of firefighters. Too often, we hear about firefighters suffering from and dying of cancer. What if things had been differently and personal protective equipment (PPE) was washed thoroughly and stored it in a better way? There are many relatively cost-effective actions that can be taken to reduce the risk.

This report, released at Fire-Rescue International in Dallas, Texas, is dedicated to those that are battling or have lost their battle with cancer.

For additional cancer resources, go to firefightercanceralliance.org.

Tags: cancer in the fire service, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS), Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer, National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)

Elmhurst Fire Department news

Aug 11

Posted by Admin in Fire Service News | Comments off

Excerpts from mysuburbanlife.com:

Joseph D. Schenk, 31, of the 1500 block of Jill Court, was charged with aggravated battery, possession of a controlled substance and obstructing a peace officer, and Mayrel J. Gamez, 25, of the 1500 block of Jill Court, was charged with obstructing a peace officer and criminal trespass to motor vehicle following the incident that reportedly occurred about 6:21 p.m. July 31 at Lake Street and Church Road in Elmhurst.

Elmhurst Deputy Police Chief Mike McLean said the two reportedly stopped the vehicle they were in while they were in traffic on Lake Street, and Elmhurst Fire Department personnel pulled up behind them in a department vehicle. The personnel inquired as to the welfare of Schenk and Gamez, anticipating their vehicle had broken down.

McLean said Schenk and Gamez were acting erratically, and Gamez allegedly opened the door of the fire department vehicle. A firefighter reportedly asked the woman to exit the vehicle, and Gamez allegedly refused to do so. The firefighter then reportedly pulled her out of the vehicle. Schenk then allegedly shoved the firefighter, and Elmhurst police responded to the scene and took Schenk and Gamez into custody. The pair were then transported to the hospital for treatment.

Gamez was charged with obstruction of justice because she allegedly did not comply with police officers’ orders during the arrest. The firefighter did not sustain injuries.

Tags: Elmhurst Deputy Police Chief Mike McLean, Elmhurst Fire Department, pair charged after saving firefighters

Prospect Heights Fire District news

Aug 11

Posted by Admin in Fire Department News | Comments off

From the Prospect Heights Fire District:

We are recruiting for our POC program. POCs attend the NIPSTA Fire Academy and transition quickly to part time employees. This is an excellent opportunity for those who can commit to the fire academy schedule and want to begin a fire service career. The residency requirement is flexible and used as one tool in selecting applicants. Typically, each year three applicants are selected for this program.

APPLICATION PERIOD IS CURRENTLY OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 19, 2018

CAREFULLY REVIEW ALL INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING APPLICATION

Information and link to application herehttp://www.phfire.com/content/paidoncall/

General Requirements for Paid-On Call Membership

In order to be considered for Paid-On-Call (POC) membership (employment) with the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District (PHFPD), the following minimum requirements must be met. The requirements include, but are not limited to:

In order to be considered for Paid-On-Call (POC) membership (employment) with the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District (PHFPD), the following minimum requirements must be met. The requirements include, but are not limited to:

Be at least 18 years of age.

Reside within approximately ten (10) miles of the fire station. More importantly, meet performance requirements of fire district. Persons living more than ten (10) miles will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Be in good physical condition and mental health and able to perform strenuous manual labor.

Be of good moral character and not had any serious criminal activity history as determined by a background investigation conducted by the PHFPD using fingerprint submission to the Illinois State Police and FBI and request for Drivers License Abstract from the Secretary of State.

Possess a valid class D Driver’s License issued by the state in which the applicant resides.

Be a High School graduate or possess a GED certificate.

Be an U.S. citizen or possess work authorization from the U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization.

Possess a valid and current EMT-B or paramedic license from the IDPH.

Possess proof of completion within the 12 months prior to application of the Candidate Physical Ability Test – CPAT.NOTE: You must present a valid CPAT with ladder climb card or certificate with your submitted application AND again at time of job offer, present a valid CPAT card or certificate. Valid means not more than 12 months old.

Upon acceptance pass a psychological evaluation, physical examination, and drug screen.

Complete position descriptions as well as hiring policies and procedures of the PHFPD are available upon written request to the Fire Chief.

Tags: application for firefighters, openings for part time firefighters, Prospect Heights Fire Department, Prospect Heights Fire District, Prospect Heights Fire Protection District

Deck fire in Prospect Heights, 8-9-18

Aug 11

Posted by Admin in Fire Department News | Comments off

From the Prospect Heights Fire District:

Companies responded to the listed location for a report of a structure. Prior to arrival dispatch informed responding units that the fire was on the rear deck and had been extinguished. Following an investigation, a smoldering fire from a planter box had dropped smoldering materiaal onto the the rear balcony deck and caused a deck fire. Firefighters cut and removed a deck board along with some trim and checked for extension, then proceeded to wash down the area and completed extinguishment.

Companies at the scene:
Prospect Heights E9, Twr9, E39, Batt. 9 and 900. Wheeling E23, MP Twr13, and MP A14.