Dr. Carter Named President of USA Branch of IFE
Firehouse Magazine Contributing Editor Dr. Harry R. Carter was installed as President of the United States of America Branch of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) of Great Britain on August 17 at the association’s annual meeting in Chicago, IL. Dr. Carter had previously served as the Vice President and Secretary of the association.
A 49-year veteran of the fire and emergency service world, Dr. Carter currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissions for Howell Township Fire District #2 and is an Ex-Chief, Active Life Member and Chaplain of the Adelphia Fire Company. He served more than 26 years in the Newark, NJ, Fire Department, retiring as a Battalion Chief in 1999.
He is a Life Member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Past President and Life Member of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI). He is a retired military officer and formerly served as Fire Marshal for the New Jersey Division of Military and Veteran’s Affairs.
He has served as a Contributing Editor for Firehouse Magazine since 1990.
Dix Hills FD Honors Reithel for 50 Years of Service
The Dix Hills, NY, Fire Department recently honored Ex-Chief and past Commissioner Fred Reithel for his 50 years of outstanding and dedicated volunteer service to the department and community. At the August department meeting, the 92-year-old Reithel was recognized with proclamations and citations from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and other politicians as well as several fire service organizations.
Reithel, who has seen the community grow from a predominantly rural and farm community to a mainly residential area with several heavily traveled major highways, is still an active member of the Fire Police.
FDNY Receives Donation of Table Tennis Equipment
SPiN Galactic has partnered with STIGA to donate Olympic-grade table tennis equipment to the FDNY. The donation included 10 Optimum 30 tables, along with the requisite nets, paddles and grosses of balls. SPiN New York is a first of its kind nightclub concept from Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon. With its roots in a weekly underground social event started in 2007, SPiN is largely considered the catalyst for the rise in popularity of the once-nerdy sport. STIGA, a global company with partners in more than 100 countries, has been a world leader in the sport of table tennis for more than 60 years.
“The friendly competition that Ping-Pong promotes is an excellent source of exercise,” said FDNY Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano. “This generous donation of Olympic-quality tables from Susan and her team at SPiN along with STIGA, will serve to enhance firefighter attention and agility, as well as overall fitness.”
For more information on SPiN, visit http://newyork.spingalactic.com. For more information about STIGA, visit http://www.stigaus.com.
SAFD Opens Services & Logistics Facility
San Antonio Fire Chief Charles N. Hood was joined by Councilman Ray Lopez of District 6, serving as Mayor Pro-Tem, and other City officials in a hose uncoupling ceremony to officially open the San Antonio Fire Department’s (SAFD) new Services & Logistics Facility located on the City’s northwest side.
“Services & Logistics serves as a hub for all of the repair and supply work the SAFD does and I am pleased to say that District 6 is their new home,” said Councilman Lopez.
The San Antonio Fire Department has 51 stations spread across the city of San Antonio and each one relies on Services & Logistics for the repair and routine maintenance of fire and EMS apparatus. They service more than 360 vehicles for the department. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), thermal imaging cameras and gas detection monitors are also maintained and repaired in this facility. Personnel at the facility are responsible for repairs and maintenance to fire stations as well. Additionally, the facility supplies each fire station with equipment like axes, hose and even trash bags.
“This facility is a critical component in enhancing our life safety infrastructure, it will enable us to better manage our increasing resource and logistical needs,” said Chief Hood. “Everything that we do is centered around taking care of our citizens on their worst day.”
The Services & Logistics facility houses six heavy duty bays that serve 12 large vehicles with a covered area that can park an additional 12 vehicles. They have three light duty bays that serve six small/medium vehicles like ambulances and command vehicles. This area also features a covered area that can park an additional six vehicles. Three technical bays allow small/medium vehicles to be customized to Fire/EMS standards.
FASNY Holds Fifth Annual Youth Firefighter Training Day
The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) joined with elected officials, state and local government leaders, and emergency response representatives at the Colonie Municipal Training Center to kick off the 5th Annual Youth Firefighter Training Day.
The event was part of FASNY’s Annual Convention, in which more than 1,000 volunteer firefighters are attending various training and educational events in the Albany area. During “Youth Day,” approximately 100 fire department explorers and juniors from across the state participate in hands-on firefighter evolutions and exercises including Roof Ventilation, 2nd Floor Window Bailout, Engine Company Operations, Fire Extinguisher Operations, Timed Scoring, Search and Rescue Drills and Survival Skills.
“Our Youth Day Program highlights the future of our fire service, and is a critical tool in helping us recruit and retain new members,” said FASNY President James Burns. “This is the next generation of first responders and events like this, coupled with our year-round recruitment campaign, help us accomplish our goal of boosting the number of firefighters throughout the state.”
This Month in Fire History
October 2, 1922 – First national Fire Prevention Week proclaimed by President Warren Harding
October 7, 1979 – First Fire Fighters memorial Sunday is held
October 8, 1871, Peshtigo, WI – Forest fire kills 1,152 people
October 8, 1871, Chicago, IL – Great Chicago fire kills 250
October 15, 1984, Washington, DC – U.S. Postal Service headquarters fire
October 20, 1873, Baltimore, MD – International Association of Fire Chiefs founded
October 23, 1989, Pasadena, TX – Phillips Petroleum plant fire
October 29, 1974 – Federal Fire Prevention & Control Act of 1974 creates U.S. Fire Administration
Courtesy of NFPA
For details on fires that occurred 100 years ago this month, turn to Paul Hashagen’s “Rekindles” on page XXX.
