Local 29

Fire Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:04:00 +0000

ISSUING OFFICER: Craig Cornelius
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/19/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4th and Myrtle
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Friday December 18, 2009 at 2340 hours, Engine 14 was dispatched to the area of 4th Ave. and Myrtle to investigate "smoke in the area". Engine 14 under the direction of Lieutenant Terry Smith located a home that was heavily charged with smoke and flames.

Lieutenant Smith requested a regular fire response from Fire Dispatch while he and his crew went to work. Two additional Engines, a Ladder, Pumper Ladder, Heavy Rescue and 2 Battalion Chiefs were dispatched. Upon their arrival, the additional crews searched, ventilated and manned additional hose lines.

This structure was not occupied and has been vacant for some time. The fire was extinguished in a relatively short period of time. However, fire crews were on the scene performing overhaul for several hours. Final extinguishment was difficult due to several layers of roofing and a remodel that had taken place over the years.

There were no injuries at this fire and the cause is still under investigation

PROBABLE CAUSE: Cause Still Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total Loss
DOLLAR LOSS: 40000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:15:00 +0000

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/18/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4822 N. Nelson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: Just before 11:30 am Friday December 18, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported apartment fire at 4822 N. Nelson. Upon arrival of Engine 15 the first apparatus on scene they reported smoke coming from apartment 6 on the second floor. They initiated a fire attack using a 1 ¾" pre connected hose line once a second apparatus was on scene. Additional crews were used for ventilating the smoke out of the apartment, setting a rapid intervention team and checking for extension of the fire beyond the room of origin as well as looking out for the needs of all residents of the apartment building. The additional crews arriving where to include 2 more Engine Companies, a Pumper Ladder, a Rescue crew and 2 Battalion Chiefs. The fast attack on the fire kept the damage confined to the contents in the bedroom where the fire originated and kept the fire out of the structure. The apartments on both sides and the apartment above the fire were checked for extension and none was found. The air quality was checked in all of the apartments for carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. All air samples were found to be within safe limits. Red Cross was contacted to assist 1 adult and 3 children living in apartment 6. There were no injuries to civilians or Firefighters and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. One concern which is not determined to be the cause of the fire was clothing and combustibles up against a baseboard heater. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind people during the heating season to be very careful with all heating devices and keep combustibles away from all equipment used for heat.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage to contents of bedroom and smoke throughout the apartment.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:52:00 +0000

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/17/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2404 West Longfellow
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: Today, December 16, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded at 9:54 AM to 2404 West Longfellow, Glover Jr. High on a reported fire in the building. Fire crews arriving on scene found light smoke showing in one of the hallways and upon further investigation discovered a small fire at an electrical panel at the buildings west wing. The fire was quickly extinguished and the remaining fire crews isolated the hallway from the rest of the school and began a systematic removal of smoke from the structure. Spokane Public School representatives' were on scene to direct all evacuation and student transfers to another location. One firefighter was injured when he slipped on an unsecured cover over an underground vault. There were no reported injuries to any civilians

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The fire damage was confined to an electrical panel and its associated wiring.
DOLLAR LOSS: 5,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:57:00 +0000

ISSUING OFFICER: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/14/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1640 E. Olympic
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: On Monday December 14th, 2009 at 6:07 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, a rescue unit and 2 battalion chiefs to a house fire located at 1640 E. Olympic. Engine 15 from their neighborhood fire station located at Wellesley and Crestline was first to arrive and found a house with smoke pouring from the attic and roof areas. A quick stretch of hose lines from the engine companies along with the ladder company quickly accessing the roof and cutting a hole to release the built up heat, resulted in a "knock down" of the fire after approximately 10 minutes. Both adult occupants were able to safely exit their home. At this time, it appears the fire originated near the electrical panel towards the back of the house. The fire spread upwards through the walls and horizontally through the ceiling space eventually consuming a significant portion of the attic. Storage items and personal belongings sustained heat and smoke damage from the blaze. The occupants were assisted by the Red Cross at the home. Fire crews will remain at the incident site throughout most of the morning working on complete extinguishment, overhaul and assisting the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians at this incident. The occupants did not have any smoke detectors present within the home and as a result were lucky to have escaped on their own because smoke is a silent killer. Every home should have a working smoke detector for each level of the home. Smoke detectors save lives.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Possibly electrical in origin. Under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heavy heat and smoke damage to the attic and contents contained within.
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:21:00 +0000

ISSUING OFFICER: Dave Leavenworth Deputy Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/9/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1311 S Walnut St
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99204

NARRATIVE: On December 9, 2009 9 units from the Spokane Fire Department responded to a possible structure fire at 1311 S Walnut St. Arriving crews found a small fire started when an unknown subject utilized impovised incendiary devices thrown at the structure. Witnesses at the scene reported an unidentified person running from the scene with their arm involved in fire.
This incident is being investigated by the SFD Special Investigaion Division in cooperation with the Spokane Police Department. The SFD is asking anyone with information to call the SIU at 344-FIRE (3473) to report any knowledge they may have concerning this incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Minor damage to the interior of the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 0.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:24:00 +0000

ISSUING OFFICER: BC Dave Haworth
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 603 S Ralph St
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On December 7, 2009, at 1:09 Pm, 6 companies of the Spokane Fire Dept, 4 engines, 1 heavy rescue, and 1 senior-ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Bruce Moline and Bob Green responded to a reported garage fire in the alley behind 603 S Ralph St.
The first arriving company, SE14, reported smoke coming from a detached 2-car garage behind this address. After ensuring everyone was out of the structure, companies began a coordinated attack and quickly controlled the fire.
There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The Spokane Fire Dept SIU determined the fire was accidentally caused by an improperly installed wood heating device.
The Fire Dept would like to remind citizens to follow all code requirements when installing home heating devices and to always maintain adequate clearance around them. During periods of extreme cold weather heating devices can be called to operate at a much higher capacity and this can exacerbate any existing problems.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Moderate heat damage to the interior of the structure with smoke damage throughout.
DOLLAR LOSS: 1000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Vice-President Nominees

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:59:00 +0000

The Executive Board of Local 29 will be accepting candidates for appointment, to fill the position of Vice-President. The duration of this term will be for one year and then will be filled by the standard election process. The names must be emailed to Greg Haff at ghaff@spokane fire.org no later than 1700 hours Wednesday December 16th 2009.

Election Results

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:58:00 +0000

The election results for Local 29 are as follows;

President:
Mark Vietzke 160
Shane Skipworth 52

Executive Board:
John Goodman 137 Frank Wood 51
John Griffith 111 Brian Chavez 46
Dan Stroebeck 75 Mike Miller 40
Dan Awbery 69 Rick Barron 20
Dean Carr 59 Brad Cassell 13

The Executive Board Positions will be filled by the three candidates with the most votes.
John Goodman
John Griffith
Dan Stroebeck

Fire Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:46:00 +0000

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/6/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 6002 North Forest Boulevard
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: On Sunday December 6, 2009 at 4:50 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue and 1-Senior Ladder under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Bruce Moline and Dan Brown responded to a reported house on fire at 6002 North Forest Boulevard.

The neighborhood fire company arrived within 4-minutes and reported smoke showing from the eaves of the home and flames from the rear of the house. The incident was upgraded to a working fire and an additional engine added to the alarm. Once confirming the family of four was accounted for, engine companies stretched pre-connected attack lines to the main body of the fire while the ladder company set ladders and opened the roof for ventilation.

It took 22 Firefighters just 20 minutes to locate and knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the damage to the home's contents by placing tarps on the majority of the effects and protecting their property while the damaged area was overhauled.

No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident is under investigation by the SFD's SIU.

DAMAGE EXTENT: Extensive damage to the rear of the home and moderate smoke damage throughout the structure. SFD is cooperating with Avista, Red Cross and the insurance company to assist the residents in securing temporary accommodations and to make certain the structure is secure and safe.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 22
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

fire press release

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:45:00 +0000

ISSUING OFFICER: Larry Mummey/Battalion Chief Mentor
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/4/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2803 N Mayfair
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: 12 apparatus and 21 Spokane Fire Department firefighters were dispatched to a reported single family residence structure fire in the north central area of the city at 9:41 am today Friday, December 04, 2009. Vigilant neighbors noticed light smoke coming from the house and called 911. The first crew on scene was Spokane Ladder 2 who reported light smoke coming from the rear of the house. No persons were reported in the structure. The fire response level was not upgraded for additional apparatus. Forced entry into the structure was not necessary. Light smoke conditions and little fire were found inside. After advancing a hose line into the house the fire was quickly extinguished as a result of a coordinated attack on the fire. Damage was contained to the upper floor. Four adults and one child were displaced because of damage to the structure. Red Cross will arrange temporary lodging for the residents. Spokane Fire Department Investigators responded to the scene. No injuries reported.
This is the time of the year where an increase in the number of space heaters contributes to increased fire dangers. Portable heaters should be plugged into properly sized wiring that is designed to handle the load of the heater. Overloaded wiring can heat up and cause fires in the walls.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Upper floor smoke damage
Upper floor west end fire and suppression damage
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:07:00 +0000

ISSUING OFFICER: AC Schaeffer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 12/1/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1120 W Sprague Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: On Tuesday December 1, 2009 at 6:46 AM, Spokane Fire Station 4 was dispatched to 1120 W Sprague Avenue on a reported general fire alarm sounding in the apartment building. While enroute, Fire Dispatch received 911 calls from the building reporting smoke present on multiple floors. After taking the citizen's calls, Fire Dispatch upgraded the alarm to include a total of 4 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper-Ladder and 2-Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Dan Brown and Bruce Moline.

When Station 4 arrived they found smoke in the lobby of the 15-story building. Upon further investigation, the companies found heavy smoke emanating from a locked apartment in room 106. Ladder 4 and Engine 4 forced entry into the room, searched and successfully rescued the sole occupant. The victim was located within 6-minutes of dispatch and removed to the exterior of the building where SFD Paramedics treated the victim on-scene and transported the patient to Deaconess Hospital.

Additional tasks were ongoing throughout the rescue including companies successfully confining the fire to the unit of origin, pressurizing the atmosphere to make it safe for occupants, evacuating floors 1 and 2 and sheltering all other occupants from Floor 3 to Floor 15.

It took 28 Firefighters 50-minutes to completely ventilate, extinguish and control the incident.

One fatality occurred as a result of the fire (Ethel Maxfield) a 70 year old female. One adult male from Floor 15 was treated by SFD Paramedics and transported to the hospital. This patient's medical emergency was not related to the fire incident. No Firefighters were injured from the incident.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident is under investigation by SFD's SIU.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Significant damage to room 106 and minor smoke damage throughout the first floor.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

fire press release

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:09:00 +0000

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman, Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/25/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1218 E. Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: At 7 minutes after midnight on Wednesday November 25, 2009 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported kitchen fire at 1218 E. Queen. 4 Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Rescue Unit and 2 Battalion Chiefs responded with 21 Firefighters. Upon arrival by the first unit, Engine 15, it was reported that light smoke could be seen coming from the structure. The crew prepared to make an interior attack and did so after Ladder 2 arrived on scene. Additional crews took care of securing a water supply, searching the structure for occupants, ventilating smoke and setting up a rapid intervention crew if needed. Crews also overhauled the structure and looked for possible extension of the fire. The Incident Commander talked with the residents and was told that they had been cooking when the pan caught on fire. They tried to extinguish the fire with a blanket but spread the fire instead and they evacuated the duplex. No smoke alarms were heard sounding anywhere within the structure. A fast interior attack using a 1 ¾ inch fire hose confined the fire damage to the kitchen area. There was significant heat and smoke damage in the downstairs unit's kitchen with smoke damage throughout both duplex units. The fire was determined to be accidental and nobody was injured. Red Cross was called as the fire displaced a total of 5 adults, 1 child and 1 cat. The Spokane Fire Department would like to stress the importance of being careful and vigilant when cooking. If a pan does catch on fire, use an oven mitt to put a lid on the pan to try and smother the fire. Evacuate the building and call 911 for assistance to make sure the fire has not spread. Especially with grease fires do not use water or try to smother a fire with anything that will burn. Lastly make sure your smoke detectors are in working order.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Cooking fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Heat and smoke damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout the building
DOLLAR LOSS: 20,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Spokesman-Review Letter to the editor from a couple of days ago.

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:24:00 +0000

The burning question

A few days ago I saw a car with two bumper stickers. One said “Why should I pay for your health care?” The other said, “IAFF.” Presumably the driver of that car, or someone close to him, is a fire fighter. As such, who pays for his health care? I do and so do you.
It seems as though that man gets the lion’s share of his health care paid for by the taxpayers but doesn’t want others to recieve the same benefit. How ironic.

Patricia Cain
Spokane

fire press release

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:34:00 +0000

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/14/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1314 W Cleveland
CITY: Spokane,
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire apparatus and fire fighting crews to 1314 W. Cleveland at 10:27 in the morning on Saturday, November 14th, for a reported structure fire. Fire crews responding to this incident reported heavy smoke in the area as they were approaching the scene and requested additional resources be dispatched. The first arriving fire crew reported a story and a half wood/frame dwelling that had heavy dark smoke, under pressure, coming from the roof and out of the eaves. Assignments were made to the other responding fire companies by the Officer of that first arriving fire apparatus and as those companies began arriving on scene the crews went about undertaking their assigned tasks. In an aggressive and coordinated effort, fire attack hose lines were advanced into the structure at the same time that other firefighters, on the roof, were cutting vertical ventilation holes in the structure's roof. Other crews were sent inside to pull ceilings, open up walls, search for any possible victims, and still other crews were assigned as back-up for the crews inside. Another crew was assigned to protect a dwelling to the west of the fire building that was being exposed to radiant heat from the fire building. A fire crew was also assigned as the "rapid intervention team"; a safety mandated unit that needs to be in place and available at every fire in case a rescue of injured, lost, or trapped fire fighters should occur. The fire had taken possession of the attic space in this building and was burning hot and fast until all phases of the attack came together and the crews were able to hit the main body of fire from inside and below and push it out of the vent holes that had been cut in the roof. While the extinguishment of the fire was dramatic and quick it still had caused serious damage inside the structure. Once the fire had been darkened down the labor intensive task of overhaul began as fire fighters went about digging out the hidden fire from those concealed spaces that are inherent inside of every structure. Fire damage was severe in the roof and the roof supporting members located in the attic, the fire also damaged the walls and ceilings of the main floor as it burned inside the walls as it moved from the first floor up and into the second floor on it's way to the attic. There was considerable smoke and water damage throughout the dwelling and the electrical supply to the building had to be disconnected. Because of the damage, Red Cross representatives were requested to the scene and they were in the process of assisting the tenants with temporary lodging and supplies. There were no reported injuries to any of the fire fighters at the scene or to the two tenants of the dwelling who were able to get out safely along with their pet dog. Investigation into the cause of the fire is being conducted by a member of the Spokane City Fire Dept.'s Special Investigation Unit and at the time of this release an electrical problem is being considered as the most likely cause.

PROBABLE CAUSE: An unspecified electrical problem appears to be the most likely cause of this fire.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Severe fire damage to the walls and ceilings on the main floor and second floor including the attic spaces, the structural members supporting the roof, and the roof itself. Smoke and water damage throughout the structure.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 25
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

Great KXLY story on 9-1-1 abuse...

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:17:00 +0000

but no mention of this:

fire press release

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:59:00 +0000

ISSUING OFFICER: Ken Kirsch/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/7/2009
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1506 E. Desmet
CITY: Spokane
STATE: Wa
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On 11/07/09, at approximately 0353 hrs units of the City of Spokane Fire responded to 1506 E Desmet upon report of a structure fire. Initial reports indicated that an attached deck on the structure was on fire and that the tenants were evacuating. First arriving fire department crews found a two-story, wood-frame, duplex, with heavy smoke coming from the roof and eaves. Fire was evident in the soffit area on the north side of the home. Pre-connected hose-lines were advanced to the main floor of the residence to extinguish the fire. At the same time fire crews conducted search and rescue operations to assure all civilians had evacuated the duplex and to cut a hole in the roof to ventilate hot smoke and gases from the structure. The fire was extinguished within approximately 20 minutes with overhaul of fire damaged areas continuing for another 2 hrs.

A total of 10 apparatus with 27 firefighters fought this blaze. No injuries were reported to either firefighters or civilians. Tenants of the fire damaged unit of the duplex declined assistance from the Red Cross and were going to stay with relatives. The other half of the duplex was reoccupied by its tenants.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Fire Investigators are currently attempting to determine the exact fire cause. The fire is currently undetermined.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The area of greatest fire damage was to the attic. It appears the fire started on the deck, moved up the exterior wall, and then entered the attic. The ceiling in the kitchen and living room of the unit was removed to gain access to the attic area and extinguish the fire. In addition a portion of the roof was removed to find hidden hot spots.
DOLLAR LOSS: 40,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 27
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE

If you want to see how they voted for the Fire Bond....

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Here is a link to individual precinct counts.

And here's the precinct map.

Once you download the map, you will have to zoom in to see the precinct numbers.

BULLSEYE SAFETY FILM - FORKLIFT OPS

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:09:00 +0000

Prez candidate letter!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Vietzke For President
I am Mark Vietzke, and I am running for the position of president for Local 29. I have been with the Spokane Fire Department for 24 years and have worked at Fire Station # 4 since 1994. For the past 9 years, I have served in an official capacity for the local. In 2001, I was elected to the executive board where I served 4 years. In 2005, I was elected vice president and continue to serve in that position today.

Over the past 9 years, I have attended numerous classes and seminars educating and preparing me to do my job as a union leader. The classes have educated me in contract negotiations, grievances, health and safety, LEOFF 2 disability issues, mediation and arbitration procedures, and other aspects of service for you and our union.

I was part of a team that negotiated our latest contract. In my opinion, it’s one of the best contracts in Local 29’s history. We also negotiated a salary savings plan with the city that is a great benefit for retiring members.

One thing I have certainly learned over the years is that you cannot always make everyone happy. However, I can assure you that in every issue, we always try to make a decision that is best for the body as a whole.

The last nine years have been exciting, successful, and humbling. Even though there have been some stresses along the way, I have enjoyed serving as your vice president. I am now am asking for your support to be the next president of Local 29. I can say I will work hard for you and keep Local 29 moving in the right direction.

Thanks for listening,
Mark

EBOARD CANDIDATE LETTER!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:02:00 +0000

Hello. John Griffith here. I am running for e-board. I was on it years ago, but after my initial term, didn’t run again because of some time constraints.

When I was on the e-board, one of my goals was to establish better lines of communication between union members and also between the union, the citizens and the news media. I maintained this role after my term expired. For many years now, I have continued to edit the newsletter, blog the blog, write press statements, forge relationships with our elected officials and create multi-media epics and underwhelming street theater.

My PR work has been a key topic in senior staff meetings, resulting in the occasional Informational Notice.

Not being on the e-board, yet having the job of “spreading the word,” sometimes leads to an incomplete picture of what’s going on in our union. If elected, once again, I would know more of what’s going on, and I would let you know. In the past, I always brought your concerns to the table, and sometimes was a lone dissenter because I thought it was the right thing to do.

You know what you’re getting if I am elected. I will even “amp it up,” as the kids say. Because of that, or in spite of that, I am asking for your vote.

I would be happy to answer any questions, or hear your concerns. Just click on the Foss head in the upper-right corner.

Thank you,

John Griffith

EBOARD CANDIDATE LETTER!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:41:00 +0000

Dan Strobeck is running for E board

Our union is only as strong as the effort put into it by its members. Thankfully our previous representatives have been there for us. After many years of letting someone else do the hard work and put a tremendous amount of time into our union, it’s time for some of us to take on bigger roles. I’ve been there when the union calls for help, door belling and sign waving. Now our union needs our help. The union, now more than ever, needs to be strong in these tough economic times. Without a doubt, we face many tough opponents who will try to divide and conquer us. However, a continued vigilance is necessary to face up to the difficult challenges ahead.

In my many duty stations (14’s, 13’s, 3’s, 8’s, 1’s) I have had an opportunity to work with a huge variety of people. I’ve worked on BLS pumper ladders (way old PL14 now in field house), ALS pumper ladders and squads, BLS engines and ALS engines. With this background and perspective I believe I can help our union maintain its strong commitment and dedication to our members.

Thanks for reading this and please consider me for E board,
Dan Strobeck

EBOARD CANDIDATE LETTER!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Local 29 members, My name is John Goodman and I am running for one of the three soon to open E board positions. I am not a politician or aspire to be one, I speak pretty directly and to the point, sometimes too much so. I am willing to listen, and work for you or with you and the other board members. The learning curve is steep but I am willing to give it the time and energy to make myself a useful tool for the union and the membership. If this sounds like the type of person you would like to represent you on the E board, I would like your vote.
In closing I would like to thank the guys stepping down as they have done a fantastic job and have left us much better off than we could have been.
Thanks for your time, John Goodman

EBOARD CANDIDATE LETTER!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:35:00 +0000

Wood for E-Board

I’ve been on our fire department for 17 years and I’m convinced we all have some obligation to make this job better and safer for the long-term. For me, this means active union participation, and well-placed political action. Towards this end I’ve tried to pay my dues as a Trustee, Grievance member, and Station Rep. I’ve availed myself of labor education when offered, and I’ve served on numerous committees. Two years ago I had the privilege of attending the State Legislative Conference in Olympia.

Most important, I’ve seen how our contract negotiations play out from beginning to end, and I realize that there is nothing that we get that can be taken for granted. While it’s impossible to make everyone happy, by and large we win the big battles of wages, benefits and working conditions; and only because we pick our battles wisely and do our homework to prepare. With this upcoming election our union is losing some experienced and dedicated members. It would be easy to lose the thread of continuity that has made us successful. To see how quickly things can unravel, look no further than the Police Guild where a regime change allowed personal gripes to overwhelm the greater notion of being a union- the result is dysfunction and a failure to be proactive. For lack of concessions, they now face layoffs and in frustration their President elects to slam us in the pages of the Spokesman-Review. All he had to do was tell the City, “we’ll do what the firefighters did”, but I'm guessing the Guild lacks an established “brain trust” to honestly study the issue. Let’s not make the same mistakes.

I look forward to serving my union brothers and sisters on our eBoard during these challenging times, and I would appreciate your vote!

EBOARD CANDIDATE LETTER!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:58:00 +0000

Hello Union Brothers,

I am running for one of the vacant Executive Board positions. I am not going into the politics of making statements I can not keep. I will do my best to represent you the union body fairly and equally. I will be approachable for any issues and questions you may have if I do not have the answer to your question I will get the information and get back to you promptly. IF you have any questions on why I am running feel free to call me sta 8 A shift .

Thanks Dan Awbery

Prez candidate letter!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Foss) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:37:00 +0000

Shane Skipworth for Local 29 President

BRINGING THE YOU BACK IN UNION

What makes a strong union? Involvement by all of its members. When I am elected as President of Local 29, I will work for you, the members, not the other way around. As union president, I am responsible for my decisions and actions. However, I am accountable for those decisions and actions to you, the members of the union.

What do I bring to the table? I have been in local 29 for 8 years. I graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1998 with a degree in Criminal Justice which required some classes in law, government, ethics and management. Some people will say I don’t have the experience required to do this job. What I do have is the motivation, desire and personal integrity to be the president. I concentrate on the issues not the person. We may have differing opinions, but you will get the same effort from me. I believe this is about what is right not a popularity contest. We are a professional organization and we should act like it.

I believe in respect, whether it’s dealing with the chiefs, city hall or our membership. We may not agree on every issue, but all discussions and negotiations can be done with professional courtesy and respect.

We need to unite and look toward the future together. We need to unite and be prepared for both the good and the challenging times. We need to unite to be a stronger union. Together let’s bring the you back in union.

Shane Skipworth