Region 5 Course Update

In-House & Request classes with space:

 

Course Code/Section #		Course Name		Dates		Location		Prereqs		Registration Deadline
2144-14-502		IC: High Rise		4/16-4/17		City of Charleston Fire Dept		n/a		4/2---register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51887
1210-14-514		EVDT		4/19-5/4		Dorchester Co Fire/Rescue		n/a		3/28---register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51891
2119-14-502		STICO		4/28 & 5/1		Summerville Fire Dept		n/a		4/7---Register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51818
3224-14-504		Arson Detection		4/28 & 5/1 **note date change**		St. John’s Fire Dept (in house instructor: Murtaugh)		n/a		4/7—register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51883
2176-14-501		Shaping the Future		4/29-4/30		City of Charleston Fire Dept		n/a		4/8---register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51798
3224-14-502		Arson Detection		4/29 & 5/2 **note date change**		St. John’s Fire Dept (in house instructor: Murtaugh)		n/a		4/7—register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51881
3224-14-503		Arson Detection		4/30 & 5/6  **note date change**		St. John’s Fire Dept (in house instructor: Murtaugh)		n/a		4/7---register online only, via the following link https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51882
3224-14-505		Arson Detection		5/5 & 5/8		St. John’s Fire Dept (in house instructor: Murtaugh)		n/a		4/14—register online only, via the following link https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51903
3224-14-507	Arson Detection		5/7 & 5/13		St. John’s Fire Dept (in house instructor: Murtaugh)		n/a		4/14---register online only, via the following link https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51905
3224-14-506	Arson Detection		5/9 & 5/12		St. John’s Fire Dept (in house instructor: Murtaugh)		n/a		4/14---register online only, via the following link https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51904
2139-14-502	Fire Inspection		5/12-5/14		Bluffton Fire Dept		n/a		4/21—register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51709
2150-14-502		Incident Safety Officer		5/15-5/16		Bluffton Fire Dept (in-house instructor: Matt McDowell)		n/a		4/24---register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51764
4165-14-501		Fire & Life Safety Educator		5/16-5/25 (Fri-Sun/Sat-Sun)		City of Charleston Fire Dept		n/a		4/2---register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51779
2130-14-503		Bldg Const: N/C		6/18-6/19		Bluffton Fire Dept		n/a		5/23---register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51715
2132-14-503		Bldg Const: Comb		6/20-6/21		Bluffton Fire Dept		n/a		5/23—registger online only, via the following link:  https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51716
2144-15-501		IC: High Rise		7/23-7/24		Bluffton Fire Dept (in-house instructor: Matt McDowell)		n/a		7/2---register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51765

This is a brief update on some of our catalog courses:

1221-14-505, Pump Ops II, scheduled to start 4/15 at St. John’s Fire Dept will go

1220-14-508, Pump Ops, scheduled to start 4/21 at Burton Fire Dept will go

1250-14-56, Aerial Ops, scheduled to start 5/7 at Hilton Head Island Fire/Rescue will go

3350-14-502, Water Rescue, scheduled to start 5/30 at Hilton Head Island Fire/Rescue will go—this class is full

The following catalog classes are in danger of canceling due to low enrollment:

2117-14-501, Vol Emerg Svcs Mgt, scheduled to start 4/12 at Awendaw Fire Dept

4172-14-503, Fire Instructor II, scheduled to start 4/28 at Bluffton Fire Dept

2100-14-504, Fire Officer I, scheduled to start 4/19 at Lady’s Island Fire Dept

2158-14-501, The New Fire Chief, scheduled to start 5/13 at Isle of Palms Fire Dept

Region 5 Course Update

In-House & Request classes with openings:

Course Code/Section #	Course Name	Dates	Location	Prereqs	Registration Deadline
3224-14-502	Arson Detection	3/31-4/12 (shift schedule, four hours/day)	St. John’s Fire Dept (in house instructor: Murtaugh)	n/a	3/16—register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51881
3224-14-503	Arson Detection	4/1-4/10 (shift schedule, four hours/day)	St. John’s Fire Dept (in house instructor: Murtaugh)	n/a	4/18---register online only, via the following link https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51882
3224-14-504	Arson Detection	4/2-4/14 (shift schedule, four hours/day)	St. John’s Fire Dept (in house instructor: Murtaugh)	n/a	4/18—register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51883
2119-14-502	STICO	4/28 & 5/1	Summerville Fire Dept	n/a	4/7---Register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51818
2176-14-501	Shaping the Future	4/29-4/30	City of Charleston Fire Dept	n/a	4/8---register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51798
2139-14-502	Fire Inspection	5/12-5/14	Bluffton Fire Dept	n/a	4/21—register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51709
2150-14-502	Incident Safety Officer	5/15-5/16	Bluffton Fire Dept (in-house instructor: Matt McDowell)	n/a	4/24---register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51764
4165-14-501	Fire & Life Safety Educator	5/16-5/25 (Fri-Sun/Sat-Sun)	City of Charleston Fire Dept	n/a	4/2---register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51779
2130-14-503	Bldg Const: N/C	6/18-6/19	Bluffton Fire Dept	n/a	5/23---register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51715
2132-14-503	Bldg Const: Comb	6/20-6/21	Bluffton Fire Dept	n/a	5/23—registger online only, via the following link:  https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51716
2144-15-501	IC: High Rise	7/23-7/24	Bluffton Fire Dept (in-house instructor: Matt McDowell)	n/a	7/2---register online only, via the following link: https://fire.llr.sc.gov/FA-OnlineRegistration/registration.aspx?crsidnt=51765

 

This is a brief update on our catalog classes:

·        3310-14-505, Rope Rescue, scheduled to start 3/21 at Hilton Head Island Fire/Rescue has been canceled
·        2155-14-503, Command Sim, scheduled to start 3/24 at Summerville Fire Dept will go---this class is full
·        4171-14-509, Fire Instructor I, scheduled to start 4/14 at Summerville Fire Dept will go---this class is full

The following classes are in danger of canceling, due to low enrollment:

·        2117-14-501, Vol Emerg Svcs Mgt, scheduled to start 4/12 at Awendaw Fire Dept
·        4172-14-503, Fire Instructor II, scheduled to start 4/28 at Bluffton Fire Dept

Keep Right

By Mark vonAppen
from: http://mark-vonappen.blogspot.com/
 If being a driver means you are doing your job and working as hard as you can to be the best you can be every day then what is the problem?
I'm serious.  
I always get a big belly laugh out of the politically correct approach to how we communicate.  We dance around touchy subjects in order to protect feelings rather than talking honestly.  When all is said and done, a lot is said and little is done.
If we continue to defend mediocrity we will never truly move forward.  We can create the illusion of progress by telling lies because they are easier to hear, but everyone knows there is no substance in them.  Let's face it, honesty, vision, and drive are scary to people who lack these traits. 
We spend more time protecting the feelings of those who are more comfortable staying inside rather than those who are getting outside and progressing.  The focus should be on celebrating those who give back to the profession through passion, learning, teaching, and leading.  We must hold up those people whose personal tools include drive, high standards, and lofty expectations.
Anyone who gets their feelings hurt by people who are fired up about the job is way off base. Those who speak out against us do so because they are angry at themselves for who they are, rather than at us for leading.  It is an anger that is misdirected and projected upon us.  The complainers have an ear because they squeak, we don't talk about what we're going to do, we do it.  We must go around it all and continue with our way.

"We can't change the past, but we can shape the future by focusing on right now.  Focusing on now keeps us right."

It is ridiculous to say, "These people are trying too hard to be great at their jobs. They must be stopped!"  Instead of saying to the drivers, "Pump the brakes," management needs to tell the noisy, complaining people to "get on the gas."
Reality is a bitter pill for some to swallow. The truth has no anger.  It simply is.  Open minds are required on both sides. Unfortunately, it feels like the cards are stacked against those who care the most about the craft.  
Continue to lead by example and communicate your passion. We need to focus less on who gets their feelings hurt by a message (The BIG4) that has no downside and get on with doing our jobs.  We don't engage in jealous fantasy.  We are free when we are outside training and doing what we love with our brothers and sisters.  
Maybe we're dreamers for life.
Working hard at being the best we can be is all we can control, so we work tirelessly to achieve perfection.  We know that the journey is the destination.  We can't change the past, but we can shape the future by focusing on right now.  Focusing on now keeps us right.

April Promotional Testing

Anyone who is eligible to test for promotion in April must submit a letter of intent and their requirements booklets with all requirements and JPR’s signed no later than 1700 hours April 1. In addition, personnel testing for Senior Firefighter must submit a resume.

Promotional testing will be held on the following dates:

Firefighter I & II- Monday, April 7.

Apprentice Engineer & Engineer- Tuesday, April 8

Senior Firefighter- Wednesday, April 9

The written test will begin promptly at 0900 in the Station 24 training room. All personnel testing must be in their Class C uniform. Personnel must bring at least two black ink pens and a calculator. No other items will be permitted in the training room during testing. The practical application test will be held after lunch and all personnel will need their turnout gear. Unexcused absence, tardiness, cheating, or failure to follow any of the directions in this memo will result in disqualification.

Anyone who is unable to make it to the test dates may request an alternative date prior to the deadline (1700 hours April 1). If you have any questions regarding the testing process feel free to call or email me.

 

Captain Earle

Next Man Up

By:  Mark vonAppen 
from www.fireengineering.com

Working a shift trade on a company that you are not totally familiar with poses some interesting and potentially hand-tying problems.  It also presents an opportunity for growth.

As things were winding down at our last structure fire, a light rain began to fall as the home owner approached me and put his hand on my shoulder.  His home gutted, the teary-eyed father said, "Thank you for risking your lives to search my home.  My son (12) rides his bike over from his mom's house sometimes and lets himself in when I'm gone.  I come home and he is taking a nap in his room.  When you asked if the house was empty I wasn't totally sure."

Twenty minutes earlier, smoke billowed from the house as I stood in the street after completing a hasty 360 lap, juggling between speaking with the frantic homeowner, and giving arrival assignments.  My crew du jour (engineer and firefighter) hustled to my side, laboring under the burden of their structure gear and tools.  I asked the homeowner, "Is everyone out of the house?"

After a pause, he answered, "Yes, I think so."

I went through my mental checklist: 

• What is the situation?
• What can I realistically accomplish with my crew and our tools right now (Rescue company with no water)?
• What is our responsibility; does it change given the arrival order?
• Is an "all clear" from the occupant sufficient; what are the consequences if we do not search?
• Can I turn this crew loose to function on their own?
• What is the back up plan (audible) if the original plan doesn't work? 

My crew purposefully donned their masks in anticipation of getting the green light to initiate a search of the burning home.  I turned to my engineer as the first due engine roared past and said, "As soon as the engine gets boots on the ground, I want you guys ready to search.  I have to stay here.  Can you get it done?  I need to know right now."

"Yeah, we're ready.  We'll get it done."

As the Incident Commander, I was forced to stay outside and send my crew into the building to search without me.  The Battalion Chief was across town and delayed by flooding from the biblical amount of rain we had received over the course of the week. Just like the captain's simulator exam, there was no one to pass command to - I was it.  The crew, long ago prepared by their regular company officer, gave me the thumbs-up and disappeared into the smoke to conduct the search. 

At that point, my mind was a jumble of uncertainty.  There were many unknowns that I had to trust would turn out in our favor, that the crew in my charge was able and up to the assigned task – my misgivings should not be mistaken for mistrust.  I know with certainty what my regular crew is capable of, I know their strengths, weaknesses, and they know exactly what I expect of them.  We have an established standard of performance.  I had no defined point of reference for this crew, I knew them, and I knew their captain, which eased my fear of the unknown if only slightly.

Moments later, their radio traffic crackled, "Rescue 2 entering Charlie side for primary, PAR 2, full air." A few uneasy minutes later, as the flames were snuffed, "Rescue 2, side alpha, PAR 2, 1/2 air.  Primary complete, all clear."

"View every situation as a potential threat.  Examine every opportunity to perform with a critical eye."

What if the crew hadn't been ready; and stood there frozen on the front lawn when given the order to search? Fortunately for everyone, my crew-for-the-day had been paying attention throughout their careers and recognized the importance of being ready to perform without their officer shepherding them along.  As leaders, we must train our people to view every situation as a potential threat and to examine every opportunity to perform with a critical eye, so that they will be ready.  We must prepare them for any contingency so that when a critical situation presents, they will act decisively and not flinch in the face of adversity.

Everyone has to be all-in-all-the-time because it all counts. The time to prepare for your opportunity is in the days, weeks, months, and years before it happens.  You have to prepare your people with a sense of urgency, not a sense of crisis.  When we are called upon to act, we must be able to do so with conviction, and at full speed.

Mentoring, whether formal or informal, is critical to developing the future of the fire service.  Every one of us at some point in our career will have a chance to make a difference.  It might occur during a search, on the nozzle, or on a medical call.  We cannot determine when that time will come, only that it will.  We must prepare for that moment with the attitude that it is a certainty, not just a possibility. 

We never know when we will be the next man up.