Saturday June 4, 2011 VA Falen Firefighters Memorial Service

Saturday morning, two members of the 2 House Crew and Salem Fire EMS Honor Guard traveled to Richmond, VA as representatives of the department to participate in the VA Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service.    Lt Mike Elston, and Senior Firefighter Chris Smith joined members of Roanoke Fire-EMS Honor Guard and Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Honor Guard who also participated in the memorial service

One of the seven being remembered was Battalion Chief Billy Obenchain, Chief Obenchain retired from Roanoke Fire EMS but had a great impact on the lives of a lot of people in the fire service in the Roanoke Valley and across Virginia.
The seven that were honored at the ceremony were...Billy Obenchain, William “Danny” Altice, Posey Dillon, Timothy Pigg, Carl Persing, William “Hal” Clark and Zyglmantas Zalys.

Members of the Honor Guard, families of those being honored, and most of the attendees received a very nice challenge coin to commemorate the event. 
 

The Honor Guard members from Roanoke Fire EMS that participated were:  Battalion Chief Roger Manual, Captain Chris Trussler, Lt. Robert Reid, Lt. Dan Goodwin, Zach Obenchain (Chief Obenchain’s son), Richard Lipes, Travis Meador,  Josh Hull,  and Jeff East.  The Honor Guard members from Roanoke County Fire and Rescue were:  Captain Jeff Lawson, Lt. Toby Martin, Lt. Jeff Yopp and Lt Riley McClure.
 Below are a couple of shots from rehearsal, and of the Salem and Roanoke City Honor Guard participants.

Please that the time to send prayers and condolences to the families and to the San Francisco Fire Department for the two brothers Lt Vincent Perez, and FF/PM Anthony Valerio that died in the line of duty. 

San Francisco LODD

Our thoughts and prayers, and deepest condolences go out to the members of the San Francisco Fire Department, and to the families of the fallen and injured Brothers.

 Click link below for information.
San Francisco LODD

Memorial Day - God Bless America and our Hero's

 Memorial Day, the day that we, as Americans, honor and remember our country's fallen hero's.

Beyond the backyard cookouts, a long weekend, the camping trips, vacations to the beach, lake or where ever  on this day we cannot forget  the men and women of our country's military that have made the supreme sacrifice.  We cannot forget the families of theses hero's and the pain and suffering that they have experienced.
Let us not forget our veterans that have given service to this county's military, the men and women that made that commitment to the defense of America.  Some returning physically scarred, some carrying the burden of mental scars inflicted from the stresses of combat.  Take the time to thank these veterans for there service, not just today, but any day.
Everyday in America, young men and women are enlisting in America's military, raising their right hand and making that commitment to service.  Take a moment of your time to thank them.

    Have a fun and safe Memorial Day
-  Big Mike

 God Bless America

Friday, Friday, Friday! Haz Mat and a Body Count(not the band)

Friday was the third day of regional Haz Mat training for the Brothers of Salem and Roanoke City, and what a day it was.
Captain Wines of Iron Firemen had posted from earlier in the week about the fun and festivities at the Regional Haz Mat Glow Worm Hootenanny - Day 1.
While Captain Wines, The Buckaroo, and  family were doing some work around the farm, the Brothers of Salem B-Shift and Roanoke City A-Shift got together to hone their Glow Worm skills, have a few laughs and test the limits of equipment and personal comfort.

I dare say that  the person that put the "One Size Fits All" label on the Tyvek coveralls that are used never met Charlie Adkins.  A wee lad, just 6'10", you should see him in a leprechaun costume.

When the structural integrity of the suit failed, the sound was described as a shotgun going off.  No medics, farm animal or small children were harmed during the event.

While the Brothers were getting their Haz Mat on, Captain Wines, The Buckaroo, and  family were working in one of the barns, and had a run it with a few of the occupants.  A bystander said all they heard was a yell, some gun shots, and then it was over.  After the incident was over, a body count of three.

A good day of Haz Mat training, fellowship, and a lot of good laughs.  It's always a good thing when the different localities in the Roanoke Valley can get together and train.

Be sure to check out Iron Firemem  for more pictures of ill fitting Haz Mat garments and such.
Stay safe, train hard. train often!

Listen up!

One more video to share! Be safe, train hard, train often!

Sunday morning - Some Marvin, and some Seattle FD Nozzle Forward

Saw this video on youtube  and had to share it with everybody.  A good demonstration of advancing a 2.5" line with a smooth bore nozzle.

Rescue Challenge 2011 - Day 4 May 05, 2011

After an evening of one helluva fish fry and some relaxation, the Division 6 team was ready for the final day of Rescue Challenge 2011.  The team drove to Fort Lee for the heavy lifting drill, and the other heavy lifting and moving obstacle course.  The teams that participated in Rescue Challenge 2011 had a rare opportunity to perform a heavy lift on a M1A1 Abrams tank. 69 Tons, BABY!! There are people that can say that they have had that opportunity, but can they say that the tank was on it's top and they had to remove two victims from under the turret?

       

                        

    

After the lift was completed, the event facilitators had some very positive comments and feedback for the Brothers of Division 6.  The representatives from Paratec also had very good comments and feedback.

The second event at Fort Lee proved to be a bit of a challenge, the team had to move a M113A3 Armored Personnel Carrier using manpower and mechanical advantage.

With several grunt, groans, yells, and foul language, the 13 ton tracked box moved forward back and even turned.

When it was all over and the APC came to rest in the ditch, the Brothers called it a day.  After the equipment was packed up and everyone was debriefed it was time to hit the road for home.
 It was an honor and privilege to be part of this group this year.  Everyone left with more knowledge than they came with, and a great sense of accomplishment. 
It was a good time...Time to get ready for the next adventure.
 Stay safe, train hard, train often!