Springtime in Illinois.

[ChiefReason]

HiHo Illinois contingent:
Thursday, March 20th will mark the first day of Spring. I am predicting warmer temperatures than normal for an early spawn for those who fish; above average rainfall to keep those pesky grass fires at a minimum; and more sunny days for the golfers and motorcycle enthusiasts.
Also, with better than average weather, the regional training sites will get busy. Reserve your dates early so that you can get the dates that you want.
The Midwest is the best.
CR

[jboczek]

And don't forget about those of us who go camping. It's great just to sit around the fire at night when its about 60, knowing you're just far enough away that the pager won't pick up your tones. Trouble is that our closest campground is actually closer to our dispatch center than I live. I have responded to calls from the campground, but not very often. Sometimes a couple too many Milwaukee Bests. Here we go again.

[jaybird210]

Snorkels!

Sunny and 77 balmy degrees in scenic Hinckley today! Took the snorkel out and flowed some agua with the newbees!

I love warm weather. Soon the clothing will reflect the temps....:o

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I love spending several hours extingusihing grass fires like we did this afternoon. The funny thing is that the grass grows back so GREEN and pretty in a few weeks. However, we have also gone to 5 structure fires in the last 5 shifts. We may not be the busiest in the world, but we sure aint the slowest either.

[Duffman]

Had my two year old son outside today. Couldn't get him to come in for the world. He has inherited the old man's love of warm weather.

[pcfdcap1]

Today is a reminder spring is just around the corner. We did a controlled burn for the park district. Now we won't have to put the grass out in an emergency.
Fishing notes: The perch are ready to spawn. Walleyes not too far behind.

[jaybird210]

Perch? isn't that what birds do?:D

[pcfdcap1]

Bird on the perch, perch in the hand...don't sqeeze too hard either will sh*t on ya

[pcfdcap1]

Mid 60s and rumbles of thunder for us tomorrow. We haven't had any flash and bang yet up here in the nort country. I'm sure Jack has though. Another sign spring is here. A J-S newspaper reporter is calling on Thurs to ask about storm preparation and storm spotting. And Stephenson County's annual spotter class is the 31st.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Gotta love it..42 one minute, then 60, then a thunderstorm, then cold again. And you guys make fun of me for being a lover of da SWAMPY air of a certain southern state that shall remain nameless. By the end of May, when the snow stops a' flyin', I will not leave our beloved Land of Lincoln.

[ChiefReason]

MIKEY:
Went to a new driving range today in Peoria on my lunch hour. Got a large bucket and they were having a special today, so I got a free small bucket too.
Forgot my golf glove, so I got a nasty blister on my left hand.
Funny thing; the whole time I was hitting, work or fire stuff never crossed my mind.
I think I'm on to something!:cool:
CR

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

You ARE on to something. I like the fact in golf, you are always thinking about that shot...I am not of the "throw my clubs and get all pissed" crowd when I make one of my frequent crappy shots. I am thankful that I can get out and walk 18 and forget about the troubles of the day. Of course when I am playing for money, it is another story...But not really because I just plan on forking over the cash :p

[jaybird210]

Orignally posted by MIKEYLIKESIT
when I make one of my frequent crappy shots.

I wouldn't know a crappy shot from a good one; all my shots are crappy....

[ChiefReason]

Since this will probably become the "General Discussion" thread for the Illinois contingent, I'd like to run something by youse guys.
A little friend of mine is on a volunteer fire department, volunteer ambulance department and also works for a full time ambulance service. While coming home from work one morning, he came upon a 4 vehicle accident, which happened to be in his fire protection district. He stopped and started providing patient care and in the meantime, his fire department was dispatched. When the fire department got there, the chief instructed my little friend to stand down from patient care, as he hadn't had a recent bloodborne pathogens awareness class. My friend did as he was instructed to do. After the scene cleared, my friend was told by the chief that he was being suspended for 60 days for insubordination.
His chief states that he told him to leave the scene. My friend denies that he was told to leave the scene, but only to stop patient care.
My friend called me very upset and asked me to look into his options.
I have researched the laws and I have what I believe is the correct course of action, but I want your reaction, your thoughts and your advice as well.
I am sure that you have questions. I will tell you that this kid and the chief have a history. The "chief" was the only one on his department to be FF II until this kid joined. The "kid" has FF II, Instructor I, HazMat Technician, Trench, Confined Space and Fire Investigation, as well as EMT-D. He was on another fire department previously, so he has experience as an asst. chief as well.
So, please; let the discussion begin. I will tell you one other tidbit. And that is I mentored this young lad and his chief and I have never gotten along. It doesn't help that I beat the chief for the presidency of a firefighter organization and removed him from a 911 board.
OK; now you know some of the history. Let the games begin.
CR

[dmsmith]

When the fire department got there, the chief instructed my little friend to stand down from patient care

Chief, do we know if anyone else heard exactly what his chief told him? And in what capacity was your friend acting in? Was he representing his full time job or the FD? If there's no witness, it sounds like one of those classic "he said/she said" things, and if no one overheard it, his chief will most likely get his way. And the "history" doesn't make things much better. Could this be a little retaliation? This has happened to me in the past, and it's pretty frustrating. Also what kind of EMS documentation was made, especially in what treatment was provided by whom? Could there be a falsified run report? Getting a legal opinion is a great idea. I would start by documenting everything that occured, ask others who were on scene if they are aware of the situation, get their statements, and file an appeal to the trustees or commisioners and go from there.

[VCFPD3]

I was on scene at this incident shortly after the "kid" was instructed to stand down. Upon my arrival on scene with EMS the "kid" was standing back and gave me a quick heads up as to what was happening with the patient, extrication, and his little situation with the chief that had just transpired. The "kid" did infact do as the chief had asked and relenquished patient care and was out of the way. The kid didnt tell me anything about being asked to leave but just to not provide patient care, which he did.
At that point there was no clear IC so I stepped up and started providing direction of the extrication operation.
I did ask for some advise from the kid on a somewhat difficult extrication.
The Paramedic "gods" were just arriving on scene when I got there so I concentrated my efferts on the extrication. There was no lack of patient care due to the situation and the patient was successfully removed from the car.
I am very aware of the history here.

[jaybird210]

This is a ticklish situation. What is the chief's political situation? How powerful is he? Is this something that the rest of the membership needs to know about (if they don't already)? How does the rest of this department feel about our friend? What is the chief's position with the trustees? Is this something he could get his tit in a wringer over? Is this the first time anyone has been suspended? Is there a written disciplinary program in place? What about their bloodborne pathogens program? How rigid is it (i.e. do they recognize training from other departments/entities)?

Sounds like this chief is a chump boardering on mutt. And on a power trip to boot. FFII? Big deal. Everybody ought to have that. Where's his FFIII? Fire Officer I? (Or II, for that matter). Why do I have more questions than answers? Why am I talking like this? Who the hell do I think I am that I am qualified to speak on this matter? Why don't I just shut the hell up?!?

[jboczek]

CR, I tend to agree with Jay as to whether there is any written policy on both disciplinary action and bloodborne pathogens. Without any written policies the chief has no ground to stand on. If everything the kid says is true, the chief had no right to suspend him. It really sounds like a power trip for the chief. The kid is probably a threat to him and he thinks he just put him down.
Does the kid want to join another department? I'll take him - as long as he doesn't go after the chief's job.

[80FIRE]

Jay did you have to use ALL my questions.

Depending on department proceedures, if the kid was employed by a full time EMS agency he should have current bloodborn path awareness certification there and should be honored at the fire department

To me this is still Bull Sh@!t. sound like serious internal problems in FD and should not be drug out to a emergency scene. If he needs a place to volunteer for 60 days send him down.

Acording to VCFPD's account it sounds like the chief was so involved in repramanding the kid that he was not doing his duty as IC.

This makes me so mad I can't even think straight anymore.

[trainer]

just a little more info on said cheif,rolls extriction equipment(on a 9-11 call for a 10-50)only after he arrives on scene to see if it is nessescery.

[ChiefReason]

Here's the sitrep on this;]
I didn't know that this situation was going to draw local interest. I am guessing the both VCFPD and trainer know me and they know that I could care less about the chief in question, but the young man that was suspended could be beset with more heat were these discussions made aware to said chief. Some of us know what happened to drkblram and his department, so I will ask that we discuss it here, but leave it here.
VC; glad you were there. I know you have the straight scoop. Email me at my home email addy.
Trainer; you have a keen eye or should I say ear? Trainer is absolutely right. This chief will not dispatch equipment until he has had a chance to "assess" the situation. True story; his department was dispatched to a barn fire last year that was about 2 miles south of our district. Dispatcher asked if he wanted my department dispatched. He said "wait". He got there and told Dispatch that there was no need to dispatch us. The barn was on the ground. Draw your own conclusions. I have personally sat there and listened to the scanner as he has instructed his people to wait until he gets there to pull equipment or roll additional resources or to call mutual aid. But he is so proud of his two brush trucks.
To stay on topic; even volunteers have rights to due process under the law. This firefighter's due process was violated. It is up to him as to how far he wants to take it and I have every intention of helping him.
Stay tuned.
VC; contact me. Trainer; email me at rockysroom@winco.net. I need to know who I'm talking to.
Jay; quit talking to yourself.
More later.
CR

[trainer]

hi cr.yea you know me. c-15 on my portable. herd one yesterday from said chief, base called to ask if he needed more man power,and he asked who they were. by the way my email is screwed. got to go my findger is getting tired.

[jaybird210]

Guys like this should just be beaten with sticks and left for dead. Sounds like a chief down the road from me. At one of the organizational MABAS meetings the question of auto-aid was brought up and he says, "I'm a firm believer in not bothering anybody until ya know what ya've got." Uh, okay. Give the fire the ten-twelve minutes it'll take you to get there, finish the chief's credo ("When in wonder, when in doubt: run in circles, scream and shout."), then call for the aid. It'll take them another fifteen to twenty minutes to get there. Maybe you will have burned down the whole farm by then.

"Yep, don't havta worry 'bout that farm no more."

Art, I have to talk to myself. Nobody else will talk to me. Plus, you answered NONE of my questions. Humph.

[jaybird210]

and I post this only for NUMBER 400!! WooHOO!

I might add that the "local interest" of which you speak implies to me that there are a lot more people looking at the forums than you think, Mr. There's-five-million- firefighters-in-Illinois-but-only-ten-of-us-posting-here.

[dmsmith]

"said chief" seems to be a legend in his own mind.

I think this merits a Illinois BMI Investigation. Delaying a response just so "said chief" can do his own personal recon is absurd!

[ChiefReason]

Jay:
Couldn't devote too much time to the topic, as I was preparing for a meeting. I also did some safety training for new employees. Been trying to chase down an accident that happened Sat. Nite. So, come on, buckeroo; turn that frown upside down!:)
Here are the answers to the questions that you asked:
Posted by jaybird210 This is a ticklish situation. What is the chief's political situation? How powerful is he? Is this something that the rest of the membership needs to know about (if they don't already)? How does the rest of this department feel about our friend? What is the chief's position with the trustees? Is this something he could get his tit in a wringer over? Is this the first time anyone has been suspended? Is there a written disciplinary program in place? What about their bloodborne pathogens program? How rigid is it (i.e. do they recognize training from other departments/entities)?

Sounds like this chief is a chump boardering on mutt. And on a power trip to boot. FFII? Big deal. Everybody ought to have that. Where's his FFIII? Fire Officer I? (Or II, for that matter). Why do I have more questions than answers? Why am I talking like this? Who the hell do I think I am that I am qualified to speak on this matter? Why don't I just shut the hell up?!?
1. Dysfunctional.
2. Sharpest tack in the box and that's sad.
3. They know, but they're sheep.
4. They would quietly support him, but deny it if confronted by chief.
5. Related by marriage, I believe.
6. With the right lawyer, yes.
7. To my knowledge, yes.
8. No; you would have to be able to read.
9. There isn't one.
10. Doesn't recognize other entities. Otherwise, the kid would be chief and not the squirrel.
I hope this helps, Jay. The chief wants to be the one in control. He wants to keep everyone else stupid so he can look smarter. But his radio traffic says it all. He subscribes by the "wait and see"!
Well, wait and see what happens here.;)
CR

[ChiefReason]

CONGRATULATIONS ON NUMBER 400!
Making friends; one post at a time!:p
CR

[F18Wub]

UGLY. I have a hunch the "Chief" you are talking about. Never really heard much good about the man. I do recall a 10-50 on the railroad tracks a year or two ago with a very loooonnnnggg scene time due to the extication truck "not being needed". Dinasaurs were extinct a long time ago. Time for him to move on. CR - If there is anything I can do to help the situation, let me know.

In an unrelated sidenote - Anyone going to the light and fight at the Galesburg RTC on April 13?

[VCFPD3]

WUB have you found your baseball yet:D :p
I may attend light and fight if schedule works out.

CR your answers hit the nail on the head. Number 5 is right.

[F18Wub]

VCFPD3

I had a IL FIRST Grant all lined up to purchase said baseball, but it was frozen along with the rest of the public safety money by our esteemed governer.

Don't you work the day of the light and fight?

[trainer]

F18Wub what is this class. talked to Chip about it awhile ago, he didn,t know anthing about.

[jaybird210]

Artie-

Answers 7, 8, and 9 say it all. Shouldn't even take a smart lawyer to make all sorts o' trouble.

How can you suspend somebody if there's no program in place? Hmmm. I guess it's good to be the king. :rolleyes:

It's too bad all the members are sheep. This sounds like the only way to make something good happen here is to threaten to quit en masse unless something is done. But it sounds like they haven't even mentioned to the powers that be that a change needs to be made. Maybe this is the way the trustees like it: don't rock the boat. Messy, messy.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

VCFPD...I dont know where you get off referring to paramedics as "Gods" but as a regular contributor to these forums I take great offense to it. I dont know who you are but as far as THIS PARAMEDIC is concerned, crap like that needs to be kept out of OUR Illinois forum.

[ChiefReason]

MIKEY:
It appears that VC was caught making a blanket statement about paramedics when in fact, the remark he made was meant only as it applies to a local problem. He, like I, have great respect for the men and women in the EMS. I'm sure if he knew you like I do that he would have chosen his words more carefully! We do have some fun in the Illinois thread. I would just as soon keep it that way.
On the other hand, at least it wasn't a remark aimed at chiefs for once!:p
So, have you given LaSalle any thought? 18? 36? Day and time; I'll be there.
CR

[jaybird210]

(DAMMIT!! CR beat me to it!!!! Here I spend TWENTY MINUTES thinking up and typing this eloquent, beauteous reply, and he sneaks in there and beats me to it. You sit back at auctions till the end, too, don't you Art? Well, too bad. I'm leaving my response here anyway. You can read it or skip it.):p


MIKEY, I'm not sure he meant it quite the way you took it. I think if you look at the rest of his post, it's not quite like that.

Having seen medics in my area (prior to Hinckley and Big Rock going ALS), I think I know exactly where he's coming from. Given the area these folks are working in, I would be willing to bet a lot of the medics they have out that way have the "paragod" attitude. I'm sure you know what I mean: "EMTs are slaves to me. You don't know what I know, so go put oxygen on somebody...." I know we saw an awful lot of it out this way in my early days. Actually turned me off from going medic at the beginning of my career. Thank goodness I wised up. I know I'd take some of our better EMTs over some of the medics I know.... :rolleyes:

You may or may not have that where you are; I'll bet most of your mutual aid is ALS. But it's tough to deal with. Now it's tough to keep our people from getting like that when we mutual-aid somebody who is BLS. Sometimes we forget where we came from.

[ChiefReason]

Jay:
In this state, volunteer fire departments in fire protection districts can have an "organizational set of by-laws", BUT they cannot supersede or supplant the laws in 70 ILCS 705/6 that govern the duties of the board of trustees. So, although the by-laws may contain verbage that outlines selection, election, and discipline of a member, the final decision is the board's and EVERYTHING must be in writing. Where there are no by-laws, the board governs period. They cannot give up that governance to a chief.
As far as BBP program; Sparky the Mutt doesn't realize that his fire department is suppose to have it too. They provide extrication, but he thinks it's just EMS who has to have it. Funny thing is; at this same scene, many of the ffs were not properly protected to conduct rescue activities! Pick and choose; pick and choose....
You make the call.
CR

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Maybe I got a little "hot under the collar" but I am on a department that has been ALS for THIRTY years. I have been a paramedic myself for 16 years, and I will never understand why there is that underlying "hostility" in some areas of the country. Unless you have been a firefighter for that amount of time, EMS has been a part of the fire service for most of everyones career. We dont deal with any of that nonsense.I am proud to be a firefighter AND a paramedic like my father and my late uncle before me. They were true pioneers in there own ways. Anyway, I WAS planning on golfing on Monday, but things got a little crazy in our neck of the woods. We do need to set-up a little outing.

[ChiefReason]

Jay;
I can tell you that it's not just with the area's paramedics. Hell, fistfights almost break out with a department to the north of me because they are EMT-I. Our department just worked a wreck where they had to call them for mutual aid and my chief(god, that sounds weird) wanted to strangle one of them. They tried to take over the scene. Problem around here is that nobody wants to check the egos at the door. Everyone is still very territorial. But if we stay in long enough, we will change it.
I can see when we get together with MIKEY to play golf, we'll have plenty to talk about!
VC; speak up!
CR

[jaybird210]

It's cool, MIKEY, we all have our "hot" buttons (I know what CR's are. Wanna know 'em?;) ).

Now, about this outing? Is this going to be a private party? Or are you going to let sitting chiefs crash it?:D

[ChiefReason]

MIKEY:
You have every right to be damn proud of what you do. Man, I love to hear about second and third generations getting into the job.
As I said, many of us have been here long enough to know how you are.
VCFPD forgot that others read these comments too. His remark was localized. It wasn't directed at paramedics as a species.
But why am I telling you?
VC; get your bubble butt back here and tell MIKEY that you're sorry.
He has juice. HE KNOWS TYKE!
CR

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Ok,ok, sorry if I got a little nutty. I am like one of those nice dogs that will wag his tail and be nice, until poked by a stick. Then it is ON. I am sure this was all in good fun. I just missed the joke. Looks like a great day for golf, but alas it is a work day. Time to get my sorry butt off the computer, and mop floors/save lives...:cool:

[ChiefReason]

MIKEY:
Pull the truck out, hang up a canvas salvage cover, grab the welcome mat from in front of the walk-in door and start hitting them, man.
It's perfect.
Don't tell me that you don't have a bucket of shags hidden there in the closet.
Indoor golf. Wish I could be there with you, but I am going to the driving range-----outside!:D
Hit 'em long and straight!
CR

[jaybird210]

Hit 'em long and straight!

How do you do that!!?!?? :eek:


:p :D :D :D ;) :cool:

[F18Wub]

I agree with the interpretation of VC Paragod statement. I work for the service part time that was on this call, and there are a lot of people there with the attitude. I know, I used to be one until I grew up. VC can vouch for that one. So, do you guys mean minature golf, or the real long driving losing 30 balls a round version:D

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Thanks Wub... I will remember that I am a GOD. Sorry that some people have more training then you.

[ChiefReason]

How about a new topic?
Randy Johnson-$33 million for 2 years. Worth it?
Elizabeth Taylor just announced her retirement from acting. She's 20 years too late.
How many airbags in a vehicle are enough?
Should there be a cap on punitive damages?
Is it too easy to file bankruptcy?
Is it haligan or hooligan tool?
What color should a fire truck be?
Why is a chief's helmet white?

There; you have plenty to choose from. Let's stay away from religion.
CR

[jboczek]

Keeping with the topic of the thread, isn't it a nice spring day - about 60, sunny, 1 mph wind. Just great. Supposed to be 75 here tomorrow. And a little snow on Sat. morning. Just love Southern Illinois weather.
And fire trucks really should be all red.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I wish Sean Penn, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins etc. etc. etc. would also announce their retirements. Fire engines should be red. Its Halligan. If you watch daytime T.V. it appears to be very easy to file chapter 7,11,13...

[jboczek]

Why is a chief's helmet white?

[trainer]

CR you opened up a can of worms with that truck color thing::D

[80FIRE]

Originally posted by jboczek
Why is a chief's helmet white?

Because it looks so nice with a RED!! firetruck

[F18Wub]

MIKEY

I think my statement was misunderstood, most likely poorly written. VC was refferring to the medics within the organization. I was employed there full time for a few years before I was fortunate enough to come on the job and have dealt with some of the people who have the God complex. I am sure that when I became a paramedic, I had that complex for a little while also. Then I matured, and have become what I am now. That company has some of the finest EMT's and paramedics I have seen, and they helped to make me the medic I am today. But there are some with a complex. I am also a firefighter and a paramedic, and like you I am proud of it. If I came off in a concieted tone, I apologize, as it was not meant that way.

Retired Monmouth Fire Dept. Chief Dale Moore passed away yesterday, He was a Monmouth firefighter and chief for 21 years before moving on to North Maine Fire Dept, where he was chief for 10 years, retiring in 1979. He was a past president for the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. He also taught for IFSI. Funeral is Sat. If anyone wants particulars, email me.

[ChiefReason]

So; now that we all agree that there was a misunderstanding, we can get back to business here. It is the business of saying good-bye to a dear old friend.
As Wub mentioned in his post, Dale C. Moore passed away yesterday at age 78. I am deeply saddened, because Dale was my very first instructor. I owe him so much, because he helped to shape the manner in which I trained our fire department and later on, led. In another thread(Name names...), I said that it was Dale who had the biggest impact on my 22-year career. I have had some fantastic instructors throughout my years, but it was the early years with Dale that gave me the solid base on which I grew. I will always remember the cigar, the old white helmet, the coat that hadn't seen a washer in so many years and boots that I never saw pulled up, but rolled down. I will always remember that he was a religious person; a quiet man. He never told war stories. I never once heard Dale talk about his days on his fire departments. He was always teaching fundamentals. He never, ever told stories about his department and I'll bet that he had thousands. I think it was his humility that wouldn't let him tell of some of the big fires or complicated extrications that I am sure he tended to.
He made us all feel like a part of the brotherhood. He always took time to help. If you didn't get the knot right the first time, he would show it again and again.
Some of the best live-burn training that I experienced were at the hands of Dale. He helped us gain that confidence that is so important to young firefighters.
I will be forever grateful to him. I will be at Monmouth on Friday evening to say good-bye and to tell his wife how fortunate I was to have known Dale. Truly, a Hall of Fame Crusty Old Jake.
God Bless you, Dale. And thank you.
CR

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I am good friends with two Monmouth area young men who were seriously injured in a fire in Galesburg quite a few years ago. The Brothers from Monmouth and Galesburg went above and beyond for these kids. I spent a little time at the Monmouth Fire Station back in 1992. I met one of the men on duty that day. He was friendly and it was nice to meet him. Not long after that, he was killed in the line of duty at a fire. Be they Harley riding "big dudes" from Galesburg,or crazy disc jockeys from Monmouth, they are all "good guys". I never met Chief Moore, but I would bet that his example was followed by the firefighters from all over Western Illinois..... Wub,I overreacted and that is that.

[ChiefReason]

MIKEY:
You have some strong ties to this area.
Caper is a local celebrity. The DJ that you speak of did my sister's reception and also my niece's reception. I met Dennis Olson when he was Asst. Chief for Monmouth. I attended his funeral. I also had the privilege of standing in front of his marker at the National FF Memorial at Emmittsburg. This is the ten year anniversary of that Monmouth FD LODD.
And then of course, you know Tyke and Brad from Galesburg FD.
I must say that you have kept good company over the years.
Keith Patterson is up by you, isn't he?
Take care. Dress warm if you play this weekend.
CR

[VCFPD3]

Mikey, in no means did I mean to offend you or any other paramedic. I used the wrong combination of words. I am not the greatest written communicator in the world. I need lessons from CR. :)
I was refering to the medics as the ones I look up to everyday when I work side by side with them. I respect them to the highest level. I learn so much from them by listening to them and watching them that it is hard to explain. By listening to, respecting, and learning from these guys I have hopes that some day I may have half the compassion and fire that you have shown me. Maybe someday you and I could get together and I could learn from your years of experience.
I'm sorry for the uproar.
I talked the the chief and he still feels everything went very well with this 10-50 and he was right, as always.

Now CR as I can see everyone here, minus afew from Henry Co., understand that firetrucks are supposed to be RED!!!!

Warren I heard a rumor of a baseball rolling down the hill on east Girard.:D :eek:

By the way CR, Im still hurt by the sideburn comment:( and the one about "he knows Tyke" I havent figured it out if that is good or bad.:confused: :confused: :D

[jaybird210]

Now CR as I can see everyone here, minus afew from Henry Co., understand that firetrucks are supposed to be RED!!!!

But, Ty, his trucks ARE red! At least, that's what he calls red. See, that color looks orange on my monitor, but, then, I don't have my monitor calibrated properly to accurately render retro-reflective- phosporescent-fluorescent-mother-of-pearl- child-of-the-manger-gold-leaf red. Which is what the color is; I think. At least, that's what I'm told.....

[VCFPD3]

Jay my monitor must have the same problem. Either that or my eyes cant tell between those two colors.:D

[pcfdcap1]

I wish we could have red. any shade of red would do. even orange-red:mad: :mad: :D :p

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Keith is the Pub-Ed coordinator at Deerfield-Bannockburn which is about 60 miles north of me. VC, No problemo. I must have had something extra in my wheaties the other day. No golf for me. Its freakin snowing.

[80FIRE]

Doen't feel much like spring here. Temp in 30's and snow showers all day. Visability was less than 1/4 mile at times. One thing about the weather in midwest is if you dont like it just wait until tomorrow. It will be totaly different.

[jaybird210]

Snow flurries here today too. Sure am glad it cooled off. That warm weather was killing me......:rolleyes:

[ChiefReason]

Had a meeting in Peoria this morning and when I got to Galesburg on my way home, there were die hards golfing at Soangataha.
I decided since I couldn't golf, I would re-grip some of my clubs. It's a real bear when you don't have a vise. Had to use my brute strength.
Got some flurries today. Could use more rain. It's tougher to light the brush piles when they're wet!
Hot weather will be here before you know it and the "summertime" thread will begin.
CR

[pcfdcap1]

60s and 70s starting Tuesday with rain at the end of the week. The Morels won't be far behind.

[trainer]

CR normaly when you buy grips they install them for free.Don,t think new grips will help:D looking foward to playing in Galesburg Fire Dept. open. Boy do i need to get to the range.always a bad time of year for me, that work thing, sure screws up the golf. Hey any mushroom hunters out there? Rain was nice,now if the wind will just lay down, i need to burn & burry 2 barns.well got to go need to work on my taxes :(

[80FIRE]

Bring on the mushrooms!! Its my favorite time of the year.
I have been known to park the tractor and corn planter to check out a mushroom patch or two. Jack's area should find them first.

[trainer]

Okay,use guys from down south any hunters,any finds,to hot, to cold, to dry, to wet,come on let us know. May be a bit early even for you. we,ll be about 2 weeks after your first treasures :D

[benlochef]

Went out today and did not find anything yet!! The temp has been up and down around here, plenty of rain just need a few more days of warm sun and they will be running all over the place :D By the way (for you northern'ers) do you have a special hunting permit to catch the little critters up your way?? :p or is it the same as snipe!!!

[jboczek]

I don't do mushrooms myself but several guys on the dept. do. I'll keep you posted. It's really wet down here and its supposed to be in the 70s all week. Maybe that'll get they up.

[jaybird210]

'Shrooms are nasty. They oughta make 'em all illegal!!:p

Gonna crowd 80 degrees here today! WOOHOO!!!

[ChiefReason]

So, what do you put on your pizza, you big wuss?
Pineapple and ham?
Or are you the one ordering the damned vegetarian pizzas for your spastic colon?
French liberal!:cool:
Oui, oui; I cannot tolerate zee spicy sauzage. Un bezides; you must chooze zee right wine for zee ontray! A raucous bordeau, perhaps?
{Evil French laugh}
CR

[jaybird210]

Wow. You are abnormally brutal today. Who crapped in your Wheaties this morning? What's the matter Art? A little tense over the election? Did somebody mount a surprise write-in campaign?

[ChiefReason]

I am running unopposed, but with my luck lately, I could probably still lose!
I'm being nice here. Check out the other website.
I like Frosted Mini-Wheats.
And I have NEVER mounted anything.:eek:
Don't forget; it's user name over here. Code name: ChiefReason
Over there: Art.:p
CR

[jaybird210]

And I have NEVER mounted anything.

What would........

No, perhaps I'd better leave that one alone. Discretion is the better part of valor.

[RspctFrmCalgary]

And I have NEVER mounted anything.

*GASP* :eek:

Jay's a CHICKEN!!!!

Kids were immaculately conceived???? :eek: :p

*Sher thinks she may have to go shopping for those cigars VERY soon, after all the little digs today hehehe* :rolleyes: :D

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Well I made it to the golf course yesterday. Shot like garbage AND missed a call back for a box alarm house fire AND the investigation of said fire.

[jaybird210]

That sucks MIKEY. I guess what they say about golf doesn't hold true for the fire service:

A bad day at the golf course is still better than a good day at the office.

[pcfdcap1]

Spring has sprung, fall has fell, winter is here and it's cold as hell. Our forecast for Sunday night is calling for 4-8" of snow.
You golfers will have to get our the orange balls(or are they fluorescent red):D for Monday. Youze Guyz down south ever find mushrooms in the snow?:p :p Oh, and Jay, you got the qoute all wrong. It should read: A bad day of fishing is better than a good day golfing, and besides, ever try to filet and deep fry a golfball? :D :p :D :p

[jboczek]

Haven't seen any of the guys for a week or so to find out about the mushrooms. No fires. I'll let you know when I do. One EMS call in the last week.
No snow here this weekend. It's supposed to get down in the upper 30s and highs in the 50s.

[trainer]

Jbo,you can,t find them because there out huntin. Checked my other site, finding them Paris Il,carterville, Springfield. gettin closer to me, can,t wait. Weather sucks, calling for 3-6 in snow.Nice warm up after that should bring em up.

[80FIRE]

Just checking to see if its working. Its hard to belive its been dead all weekend. With this sh!!!y weather I bet nobodys playing golf or hunting shrooms. Don't have to wory about grass fires here today. I thought spring was supposed to be here.

[pcfdcap1]

there was a grass fire northeast of us this morning

[jboczek]

I'm here, too, even if it's late at night. Busy weekend - got the lawnmower running, did some plumbing in my nephews house, bbq supper last night, changed the clocks, lost an hours sleep, went to church this morning, choir practice, lunch, nap, car race to watch, nap, work on FIRE grant narrative & application, visited mother, now this. Not much time for forums. Even missed the meeting tonight. How can I have time to be a FF?

[jaybird210]

Jack, sounds like it's about time for you to start taking the Fire Officer I classes. There's only five of them, and they are only 40 hours each. I'll send you the info.....

:p

[ChiefReason]

HiHo Everyone:
I just submitted our FIRE Act grant application, but I will not divulge my number. Don't want it traced back to me, if you know what I mean.;)
So, what have I missed?
We'll talk more later.
CR

[80FIRE]

We thought you were still lost in Jay's blizzard. I guess we can call off the search and rescue team.

I submitted ours on Sat. We were around #4500. Still a lot to go. I just came home from our county assoc. meeting. Several departments were complaining about not being able to log in to finish today. It will probably get worse later in the week.

[pcfdcap1]

We're still putting the finishing touches on ours. We want our app to shine through. It would be nice to get a quicker answer this year but I'm not going to complain if we are awarded the funding in the last round.

[trainer]

CR, just had a thought, maybe we could get these guys here for the Oxford open.Lots of fun, 4 man best ball,fireman only,dinner included, BEER.:) I think its $15 or $20 + greens fees ($20).Not sure about date yet, they,re talking about sometime in june or july.

[jaybird210]

Orignally posted by trainer

BEER


I'm there!!! Date and time please.:D

[jboczek]

Jay, if I were 20 years younger and single like some of you guys, I'd take every officer class I could get. Probably too late for me now.
I'm still finishing up our application, too. Just haven't gotten around to getting it quite right. We're only asking for SCBA and that's pretty easy to justify when you only have 9, some of them 40+ years old, that's between 3 engines, 2 trucks and 2 stations. Hope this is our year.
Trainer, if we don't play golf, can we just have the beer?

[jboczek]

Just got the grant ap in. #9781. Seems kind of a low number with only 2 days left. Maybe there won't be so many this year and our odds will be better. Talked to a salesman yesterday and he said he has been swamped with quote requests. Amazing how many people wait until the last day. Heck, I had 2 days left.

[jboczek]

Did a little search and found out that the boyzz from illinoizz have 681 FIRE grant applications. When I submitted mine I was about 9800 so that figures out to a little under 7% of all for IL. We not only have big mouths but we put out, too. I know CT isn't as big but they've only got 241 aps started. About the same proportions as here.

[pcfdcap1]

I'm just putting the finishing touches on ours. I'll send mine late tonite so it will go through faster.
The Stephenson County Chief's Assoc hosts a golf tourney every summer. I'll post the details as I get them. They have beer and a steak dinner.

[ChiefReason]

Well, the Spring session of our state's legislative session is almost in the books. Needless to say, most bills under consideration deal with pensions and promotions. That's not all bad, but it seems like an awful lot of time and effort goes into the pension and promotion system of our Chicago area departments. I'd like to meet the guy that lobbies for them. I could use his help.
But, on the upbeat; Gov. Blago has included $10 million in his budget as seed money for the Moffitt/Smith bill for no interest loan program for fire apparatus. If you've been over to the other site where I have posted an article, you will know that the bill creating this unique program was sailing to passage by the Gov.
I am sending Don a heartfelt thank you for his efforts on this historic piece of legislation. I think back to the state of our fire service just five years ago and thank God for Richard Jaehne and Don Moffitt.
So, if you get smoked on your FIRE Act grant, keep this in mind.
Moffitt can be emailed at moffitt@gallatinriver.net.
CR

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Chief R. the promotion/pension bills you mentioned were lobbied very hard for by the AFFI. They really have thier act together in regards to lobbying. Most of the local union pay into a PAC fund for that very reason. It should be intersting to note that last year Jim Ryan and Carl Hawkinson both spoke at the AFFI convention. No Blogo. The reason given to us for the endorsement of him, (after they backed Vallas in the primary) was that ol Rod was very receptive to fire service issues and had plans in mind for funding etc. Judy Baar Topinka is another friend along with Dan Hynes and of course Lisa Madigan. I was very impressed with Dan Hynes and I think he will have a long career climbing the ladder of political success. The bills you mention have a statewide effect..Not just Chicagoland..

[jboczek]

CR, that's great news about the no interest loans. I know Moffit and his committee worked hard for us the last couple of years. I was rather interested in finding our about the member inititative grants and ours in particular. Sounds like those that are for public safety have a great chance of getting signed - ours included. Maybe some new constructin this spring for us. (See, I tied politics into the Springtime in Illinois thread). I liked what Rod had to say. It's tough times and I think he's trying to find a solution even if everything can't be fixed in one year. OSFM did take a cut. Have to wait and see what affect that'll have.

[ChiefReason]

Jack:
Keep in mind that the membership initiative money is NOT tied to the General Fund budget that is seeing cuts.
MIKEY:
I'll give you a big 10-4. What I find interesting is that out of 47 bills currently in the house, 17 deal with pensions, promotions and benefits paid to widows.
HB 116, sponsored by Smith is the "Fire Protection District Powers" bill. It allows reasonable charges to individuals who repeatedly cause false alarms.
HB 117, sponsored by Moffitt is the "Fire Truck Fuel Tax" bill. It says that fire departments are not subject to taxes under certain tax acts. It allows for the state fire marshal to create an awareness program to inform fire departments of these acts.
HB 118, sponsored by Moffitt is the "Driving under the influence restitution" bill. It raises from $500 to $1000 the restitution paid by a DUI offender that causes an emergency response.
HB 119, sponsored by Moffitt is the "Controlled Substances Act" bill. It defines chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamines as explosive compounds or incendiary devices.
HB 120, sponsored by Smith is the "Municipal Fire Protection Services" bill. It allows a municipality or township to affix, charge and collect reasonable fees for services to non-residents, businesses or other entities.
HB 121, sponsored by Watson is the "State Fire Marshal" bill. It allows OSFM to re-certify as safe and to distribute to other departments or fire districts equipment from their equipment exchange program. It limits liability of departments that donate equipment to the program.
HB 122, sponsored by Smith is the "Fire Marshal Bulk Procurement" bill. It allows OSFM to make bulk purchases of supplies and equipment for purchase by the state's fire departments.
These are the bills to keep your eyes on.
Oh; I almost forgot. There is a Senate bill that is proposing: "provide that, to encourage continued service with the district, the board of trustees of a fire protection district has the express power to award monetary incentives, not to exceed $240 per year, to volunteer firefighters of the district. Provides that to be eligible for the incentives, the volunteer firefighters must have at least 5 years of service with the district. This bill is sponsored by Walsh.

[ChiefReason]

There are two other bills that are noteworthy.
One deals with promotions. It is IL HB 1195, sponsored by O'Brien, it requires municipal and fire protection distict fire departments to make promotions in accordance with the Fire Promotion Act. It requires the preparation and publishing of promotion lists. Sets components that may be included in the seniority points, the award of ascertained merit points, subjective evaluations, and the award of Veterans Preferences. Excludes a combination department.
IL HB 1249, sponsored by Slone says that a fire department may not enforce notification of open burning if the burning is done by or under the direction of forest preserve district personnel.
These are just some of the bills to monitor. I'll keep you all posted.
CR

[MikeF25]

I know this is pretty late, but I was wondering about the legalities of said chief's actions.

When I went through EMT class I was told that once patient care had been established i could only quit when someone who was trained to a higher level then me told me to quit. I didn't see EMT-I, P, or Basic for that matter in the earlier list of qualification. Could the EMT be sued for abandonment being that the Paramedics were not there yet?

Oh and Firetrucks Red. Chiefs helmets are white because the only chance they have of getting dirty is if they are dropped.

I am ducking and running now.

[jaybird210]

Humph. He comes in here, GROSSLY tardy, then answers questions that were posted months ago. AND takes a shot at chiefs in the process. There is no hope for the youth of America.






:p

[jboczek]

Jay, you want current events? 530 this morning, call to a printing shop on fire in the north end of the district. Yep, sure enough, it was burning through the roof when we got there. Any idea how much paper they stack up in a print shop? While we were there, a 1st Responder call for a sick 2 year old in the middle of the district. Luckily we kept a 1st Responder at the station to take that call. 11:00, while we were washing hose from the first call, a brush fire in the East end of the district. About an hour for that one. More hose to wash. Then a rest for a while until 530 tonight. A 2 car wreck in the south end of the district (at least close to my place for a change). Nobody hurt too bad. 4 in one day! That's unheard of. I need a nap but there's a village board meeting tonight and I gotta go take notes. It'll probably be a hot one, too. Hope we're done for the day. We usually only have 10 - 12 calls a month. Enough!!

[JoeOFPD4]

Ok guys, maybe a dumb question but, what's I.A.C.O.J.

[ChiefReason]

Joe:
IACOJ is an organization that stands for all that is good with the fire service. It is the International Association of Crusty Old Jakes.
You can go to www.iacoj.com to learn more. Illinois is well represented there.
Which reminds me; we need to get more Illinois brothers and sisters in. Especially sisters. Any non-males out there?
CR

[ChiefReason]

OK;
The conference is June 19, 20, 21 and 22.
Who's going? What days are you going to be there? Where are you staying?
Some of the speakers include:
Dr. James T. Reese, a former Special Agent with the FBI
Kent Sorrells, a hypnotist
Tim Gard, a humorist
Pat Wagner, a trainer/recruiter for the public sector
Bill Berg, a communications expert
Richard M. Miller, Chief of the James City County, Virginia Fire Department, a combie department
Connie Mattera, an EMS Administrative Director
That's the short list of what is going on this year. There will also be the legislative updates and legal sessions as well.
So; am I the only one going or what?
CR

[jaybird210]

CR, due to a clerical error (mine), I have not yet made reservations (D'OH!)

Can I bunk with you? I'll sleep on top of the sheets, if that'll help.:D

I plan on going. I think I'll bring some young ladies down, and have them meet with the hypnotist:

"You find jaybird210 sexually attractive. You find jaybird210 sexually attractive"

"I am now in SingSing."
"I am now in SingSing."

Moe, Larry cheese! Moe, Larry cheese!!!

:D :D :p

[80FIRE]

As of right now I am planning on going on Friday. Probably will not stay in Springfield as we are only about 1 1/2 hrs away. Would like to attend more but not sure if i can get away any longer. My plans all depend on the weather. This spring is starting to be an exact repeat of last year. Last year I was still planting crops during the conference and could not attend.

Rain Rain go away, Come back another day:)

[jboczek]

Hey, CR, there's a thread dealing with the IAFPD, remember? Post those things there. I'll be going, but probably staying with a brother in law. I doubt if I could get my trustees to foot the bill. Have to let you know for sure what days, though.

[ChiefReason]

Jack:
Just wondering how your day in Peoria went on Saturday. I have never seen so many pairs of shoes in my life. I told the boss that I'm glad his wife didn't own a Famous Footwear! We filled up a straight truck with just shoes! But I was able to play a round of golf when we got done. The boss bought us a round for next Saturday. It's a best ball tourney at Oak Run. So, I guess moving all of those shoes was worth it. Not to mention the brownie points. At my advanced age, you need all the breaks you can get.:D
Let me know about Peoria.
CR

[jboczek]

CR, I didn't make it to Peoria. It's a long story - here's the condensed version. You see, "DJInferno" actually doesn't have anything to do with fire. He's a DJ, besides working at a restaurant during the week and volunteer FF anytime. He was supposed to be going to Peoria for a little informatinal workshop about the upcoming test proceedure for full time FF. I was going along so he could sleep. He DJ'd Friday night and had another gig about 2 hours away on Saturday. He found out that he had to start Sat. at 7 PM so there was no way for him to get back from Peoria and then get to Edwardsville and set everything in time. So at 12:30 Sat. morning he woke me up to tell me I didn't have to get up at 5:30 to go to Peoria. So I slept to 6:30.
He is going up to take the written test in May and then the physical test in June, I think. He's got 3 or 4 other places lined up to test, too. He really wants a full time job somewhere.

[pcfdcap1]

Not to change the subject guys, but it is spring. The T-storms forecast this week will get those delicious spongy little shrooms. :D Anybody else having good hunting?

[jaybird210]

Much to my gastrointestinal chagrin last night, the Chicago superstation, Channel 9, had a little news clip on some yuppie schleps running through the woods, I think it was in Algonquin, looking for the ugly little devils. They did have some success, the news to be believed.

They then showed these guys eating dinner after. They said it was really good. I'll take their words for it. You can have my portion.

[80FIRE]

Have been finding them here since last week. we went out over the weekend again and found several. Had a bunch for supper sat night
MMMMMMM GOOD!!!!

[jboczek]

A neighbor of mine went out a week ago sunday and found a few - about a gallon. he didn't offer me any, though. jay, you don't know what's good!

[ChiefReason]

Well, Jay, you finally did it. Over in the "damn" thread, Airborne just went, well, "airborne". Now that you flushed him out, I can't nominate him for membership into the IACOJ. He even admitted that he has learned a little from you. You busted his balls; you broke his spirit. Now he must go back to the simple life of a newbie.
But not to worry; I got your back, buddy. I'll put him on my buddy list to make sure he isn't saying bad things about you.
He likes me, you know!:D
CR

[trainer]

Went out sat and sun got skunked. LOoks like it's about time, need more rain. Jay , saw that clip,hunttin in a suit and tie:rolleyes: I bet i could cook um so you would like um :) Dip in egg, roll in craker crumbs, fry in butter umumum!!, flatland lobester:D

[ChiefReason]

trainer:
Forget about the damned mushrooms and get to a golf course. Or at least a driving range. We are playing Jay and his ringer in less than a month and you're wasting valuable links time looking for a shrivelled up piece of fungus!
I thought I taught you better.
Hell, if you don't fix that slice in your swing, you can look for mushrooms while you're looking for your ball, anyway.:D
We got to be ready. I got money riding on this.
CR

[trainer]

there always time for shrooms.:D and i don't slice i hook, same result though :)

[trainer]

There up , there small, but there up. Found my first mess yesterday, Man were they great.Rain last night will help, looks like a good year. So for you guys down south:p ,and for you guys up north(except for jay)there commin :D

[pcfdcap1]

I walked outside in the rain this morning. I could almost smell the little critters from my deck.:D :D :)

[ChiefReason]

Mike:
Congratulations on going over 500. At 504! Wow. Come to think of it; I think that was my batting average as a kid.
I can't remember my 500th post. Now that I think about it, I can't remember your's either, but the point is; you have reached a milestone that is noteworthy.
Here's to another 500; I mean 496!
CR:p

[pcfdcap1]

It was definately springtime in Illinois yesterday and last night. We must live right up here in the NW corner though. We escaped all the severe weather youse guys had south and east of us. I hope all got through it ok.
All that moisture will get the fungus really growing!:)

[jboczek]

We've missed the rough stuff by me, too. Some went north, some went south, some hit east. Not a lot, only 10 miles any direction. Some day....

[ChiefReason]

Siren went off twice. There were several tornado sightings but no confirmed grounders. Quite a light show too.
It hailed the size of quarters. Wind got up to maybe gusts of 50.
Buttload of rain, though. Pope Creek(pronounced crick) was out of its banks this morning. Sun comes out, the fungus finders will be out in droves.
CR

[jaybird210]

I grew up in Aurora. It was a CREEEEEEK. Same sound the loose floor boards make when you walk on 'em.

I moved out to this little poe-dunk farm town, and they call it a "crick." No, a "crick" is a thing I get in my neck when I look at you with my head tilted to one side trying to figure out WHAT THE HELL YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT.

No, city-boy, a "crick" is a thing we draft out of to fire fahrs in the country.

Oh, so THAT's a crick.

Well, I'll be derned.

[F18Wub]

We missed out on the nasty stuff also. Had some decent rain, and a very impressive view of the lightning to the north.

[pcfdcap1]

My kid, the meteoorology major, tole me early the other morning that the most severe would be near Ottumwa and track east thru Illinois and a secondary track from Des Moines and track th the NE thru Iowa ind into Wisconsin. At the time he told me, he was interpreting his computer models differently than the national weather service and the storm prediction center(the Gods of severe weather forecasting)He also based his prediction partly on the history of storms and how they track this time of year.In a nutshell, the gods said the track would run from central Iowa thru Waterloo and eventually split Stephenson county(me)right in half exiting thru winnebago county(MikeF) before going into Wisconsin. He has had a talent for predicting storm tracking since he was 15. Why am I writing this? Jon is considering quitting his persuit of his degree for the fire service. I am trying to convince him to stick with the program and volunteer with a department during his summers off. I could use your help in telling him he could have the best of both worlds this way at least til he finishes his degree. I know I can count on you. If I'm wrong, be sure to tell him. Jon can be emailed at weatherman or fireman (liebej1@hotmail.com) THANKS:)

[VCFPD3]

Trainer if you can take a break from your fungus hunting we're having a pancake breakfast on sat. and sun. 6-10 am. I thought you would like to know that since you came down last year. Maybe you could catch CR before he goes golfing and drag him with? Maybe Earl too?

[jaybird210]

pc-
email sent. I am sending you a copy for your records.

[jboczek]

Cap, the e-mail is on its way. He can have the best of both worlds and a second degree is a great way to start. Why not finish the meteorology degree and get a fire science degree, too. They'd have to have a lot in common.
Speaking of weather, we've got some rough stuff coming our way. Should be here in a couple of hours. maybe I'll sleep through it.

[RspctFrmCalgary]

No rough weather here, ITS STILL F'N WINTER!!!!!! grrrrrrrrrr

Current Conditions
Observed on 5 May 2003 at 10:00 UTC
Condition : Light Snow
Temperature : -2°C
Pressure : 101.7 kPa
Visibility : 2 km
Relative Humidity : 92%
Dew Point : -3°C
Wind Speed : NNW 9 km/h


Forecast
Issued 4:00 PM MDT Sunday 4 May 2003
Tonight : Periods of snow. Further accumulation 2 to 5 cm. Low minus 3.
Monday : Flurries. High plus 1. UV index 1 or low.
Wednesday : Cloudy. Low minus 3. High 7.
Thursday : Cloudy. Low minus 3. High 7.
Friday : Cloudy. 60 percent chance of flurries or showers. Low minus 3. High 7.
Normals for the period : Low 2. High 15.


wheeeeeeeee I think the demerol just kicked in :cool:

pcfd how many more years for Jon to finish Meteorology? I think the guys are right, finish the degree and volunteer for now, can always go career after he finishes the degree. Then he has a back up as a 2nd career IF something was to prevent him from continuing in the fire service in later years.


Hope that makes sense ..... demerol has DEFINITELY kicked in

[pcfdcap1]

Sheri, I hope you're enjoying the demerol. I coulda used some of that after my back surgery. All I got is regular strength vicodin:( Back to the subject, Jon is completing his freshman year. 3 1/2 years to go. He took the calc final today and about bombed it, so it's take that class again.

[pcfdcap1]

Thank all of you that emailed Jon with your advice. I am really humbled that you guys took the time to send him your words of advice and encourgement :)

[pcfdcap1]

I hope you guys down south came through the severe weather that has hit your way the last three days. Unfortunately, more is on the way the rest of the week. Jon said a significant amount of rain is coming also. As the week goes on, the severe weather is going to spread further north and effect us too.

[ChiefReason]

PC:
I tried to send Jon an email from my workplace, but I kept getting an error message.
I agree with most, in that he should at least finish up on his degree and volunteer as a firefighter. At least until the student loans are paid back.:p
He also needs to understand how important weather predicting has become, especially with HazMat incidents. Not to mention if we would be attacked with biological or chemical weapons.
It would also be nice to know that I'm not going to get my butt wet if I decide to play a round of golf, too.
I see win-win with a meteorology degree in his pocket and volunteering on the side.
I did it for 22 years and look at me. Bad example. There, trainer, I beat you to it.;)
CR:cool:

[jboczek]

It sure is springtime. We had another 2 1/4" of rain last night, lots of lightning, not much wind and only a little pea sized hail. We did get to use our warning sirens for real as we had a tornado warning for about 1 hour. We've missed the worst of it so many times this spring.
It's past being wet down here. More rain doesn't hurt, it only runs off now. I've got a 30" culvert in my back yard that I put in 3 years ago. This is the first time I've seen it run over 1/2 full. It was FULL last night. A lot of roads around here were under water. I heard a neighboring dept. go out to a kitchen fire this morning and a volunteer in his car had to find another way in because of the water. Enough of this already! Sunshine is what we need. The ONLY good thing about this is that it is at least warm, not like what Sheri's got.

[DjInferno]

Easy for him to say the weather was bad...he was at home where there is a basement! I was the one he sent to the station to hold down the fort over there!! But as bad as our weather got, I guess they had it a lot worse not too much farther south. I heard all of it on the scanners while I was sittin on the floor of the station watching the hail.

Doug

[trainer]

Hey guys,just a little update. I can die a happy man now, found the motherload yesterday, spotted them from my P/U, all were 6-12in tall. What a day. CR i think i can start workin on my golf game now :p :)

[RspctFrmCalgary]

Thanks Jack :rolleyes:

I've lost track of how many days we've had this S**T!! MAKE IT GO AWAY!!!!!!!!

I was watching Storm Warning Tuesday afternoon, showed 2 tornados one day after the other in Decatur (sp) sorry its too early in the morning and I'm too whacked out on demerol to go look it up LOL. I didn't catch what year it was though. The first one was at night, no warning sirens, the spotter couldn't see it in the dark. The next evening the same guy was parked outside a church spotting when another tornado touched down, he and a lady that lived across the street who was out talking to him (Lonny McVeigh I think his name was) had to run for cover to her basement where her kids were already, her whole house was destroyed and the weather spotter was hurt quite badly.

Current Conditions
Observed on 8 May 2003 at 11:00 UTC
Condition : Light Snow
Temperature : 1°C
Pressure : 101.6 kPa
Visibility : 24 km
Relative Humidity : 86%
Dew Point : -1°C
Wind Speed : NNW 24 km/h

-----

Forecast
Issued 5.00 AM MDT Thursday 8 May 2003
Today : A few showers or morning flurries. Wind north 20 km/h. High 5. UV index 1 or low.
Tonight : Cloudy. Wind north 20 becoming light this evening. Low zero.
Friday : Cloudy. 60 percent chance of flurries in the morning. Clearing in the afternoon. Wind becoming north 30 in the afternoon. High 5.
Saturday : Sunny. Low minus 3. High 9.
Sunday : Sunny. Low zero. High 15.
Monday : Sunny. Low 2. High 16.
Normals for the period : Low 2. High 16.

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Yesterday
Max Temp. : 1.5°C
Min Temp. : -1°C
Precip. Total : 1.0 mm
Normal
Max Temp. : 13.4°C
Min Temp. : 1.5°C
Mean Temp : 7.5°C

I CAN HARDLY WAIT UNTIL THE WEEKEND!!! HOPE IS ON THE HORIZON!!!

[ChiefReason]

Sheri:
When your temperatures there finally get over 70, you're gonna wish you had this cool weather!:D
trainer: I like mushrooms, you know. Do to the debilitating arthritic conditions of both knee joints, I can't walk hill sides in hunt for them.
Can you hunt them from a golf cart? Just asking.
CR

[mfdff2]

Trainer, I was out for 45 minutes on Wednesday and found 6 pounds. I brought them into the station and was going to cookem up for everyone but sold them to the cops and made some money instead. I was at the meeting with Tyke the other night on the fall fire school and he finally figured I was golfing with CR in the tournament.We are going to have 8 cars for the auto extrication, 3sets of power tools and you name and we are going to do it. These guys are going to cut all day.

[pcfdcap1]

Hey trainer, how about some pictures!
I gotta watch my back and my fake knee to I don't wreck them again.
I got 5 pounds under 1 tree this afternoon plus another pound around 3 other trees combined. Oh are they going to taste good. I had to save my best spot for tomorrow when the kid gets home from Iowa State:D :p :p :eek:

[trainer]

Sorry no pictures. Using my daughters computer,lost my other 2 in the storm,it's a e-machine just got it set up for internet, no scaner,printer,or web cam,what a pice of s#$t. rain last nite will bring more up. Pat,couldn't make the meeting, daughters softball, going to see Chip today to get details. don't know what you got, but there going for $12-25 per lb. Sheri; I feel for you,altho rain is good for mushrooms, it's bad for work. I have worked 2hrs in 2 weeks,that sucks. CR, should have told me earlier, gave most away, If i find more i'll give you some. Don,t know about a golf cart,(Gibson Woods is probily loaded)but seems to me someone told me about findin them from a fishing boat:D

[RspctFrmCalgary]

CR - you are probably right

Trainer - rain would be a welcome change :rolleyes: