Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Andy Bessmer writes from Afghanistan!




Dear Mr. Foss,

Thought I would send a quick note to let you know that all is well in this part of the world. I have been working at the Kabul Military Training Center on the outskirts of Kabul. My team is responsible for assisting the Afghan National Army in training new soldiers for their army. We have about 6000 recruits in training at any one time here and at five other locations across the country. I am about half way through my deployment and look forward to getting back to Spokane. Take care and be safe.

Andy <<4>>

Andrew P. Bessmer
LTC, CA
BWT Detachment Commander
andrew.p.bessmer@afghan.swa.army.mil
andrew.bessmer@us.army.mil


THANKS ANDY FOR KEEPING US POSTED AND STAY SAFE!!!

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 5/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4312 W Arrowhead Road
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. was dispatched to 4312 W Arrowhead Road at 2:23 in the morning on Tuesday, May, 6th, for a reported structure fire at that address. The first fire crew on scene reported heavy smoke issuing from the eaves of a 2 story wood/frame day lighted basement dwelling, within minutes of their arrival they reported that flames were shooting out of the roof of the structure. As more fire apparatus began arriving at the scene an aggressive interior attack was launched coupled with a search of the entire building for any possible victims. The fire, now venting through the roof, actually relieved the pent-up heat and toxic gasses that had been building up inside the house and made the conditions inside more tenable for the firefighters to get their work done. The fire, which had begun in the garage ceiling, had burned through the second story flooring, through the second story ceiling and was burning freely in the attic space, was then knocked down quickly by the firefighters. The search of the interior revealed that the house was vacant and appeared to be under-going a bit of remodeling, neighbors stated that the house had recently been used as a rental. One firefighter at the scene fell partway into a hole which had been burned through the floor in the main hallway of the house; he caught himself and with the help of his partner was able to extricate himself without sustaining any injury. No other firefighters reported any injuries during the operations being conducted at this fire. The damage to the house was considerable. The heat of the fire had caused the soldered copper pipe joints to separate in the lower level ceiling allowing water to flow into that level of the home for quite some time. The upper level of the home was damaged heavily by the heat of the fire and the roof structure may have to be totally replaced. A total of 28 firefighters, 7 pieces of fire apparatus, and 2 Command vehicles responded to this early morning fire and remained on scene for about 3 hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane City Fire Dept. and preliminary indications are that the fire was accidental in nature.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Accidental
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire, smoke, water, and heat damage was present on both floors of this house, in addition ceilings were pulled down and walls opened up to allow extinguishment of hot spots.
DOLLAR LOSS: 50,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 28
MUTUAL AID: None Given

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Bloomsday Water Station!

A reminder to be there by 7 am. Remember Ash will be closed, so getting to the corner of Broadway and Nettleton may be a little tough. Show up and get a free t-shirt and a quarter of a point and be a part of the fun!

Note from injured FF Chad Michael...

To the Men and Women of the Spokane Fire Department:

I would like to thank each of you for the generosity and outpouring of support you have shown my wife and I after my recent accident. On Thursday, April 17th, my right calf received second and third degree burns while I was operating on the scene of a shop fire in northern Spokane County. I stepped off a boat trailer and some cross members of the trailer that were hidden by burning debris lifted my pant leg up. My right boot was instantaneously filled with hot debris. My fellow members of District 9 provided initial care and treatment to my wound while I waited on scene for an ambulance. After arriving at Sacred Heart Medical Center, I was quickly informed that the hospitals in Spokane were not equipped to deal with my injury. The physician informed me that I would soon be on my way to Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle. A short jet ride later, I was landing at Boeing Field.

The care I received at Harbor View was more incredible than I ever could have possibly imagined. The men and women I came into contact with throughout the hospital were extremely kind, compassionate, and professional. I especially appreciate the individuals I dealt with during my brief stay on one of the burn floors. I had the opportunity to see a number of other individuals that had received burns much more severe than mine during my time on the floor. I got a chance to see individuals that are going to live with the scars and devastation most of us hope we will never know. My surgeon operated on me Monday, April 21st. I was released from the hospital a day later.

Monday, April 28th, I flew back over to Seattle for my first follow up appointment. The surgeon was extremely happy with how I was healing up. Aprox. ½ to ¾‘s of the my right calf had received second and third degree burns. The surgeon opted to graft everything in the hopes that my injury will be less noticeable when things heal. I was informed at my first follow up that the doctor would be requiring me to do follow up visits every two to three weeks for up to a one year. I believe they continue to be worried about infection, how well the graft is taking, and a whole host of other things.

All in all it hasn’t been too painful of an experience. The mot pain I have had has been a result of my maiden voyage into the world of catheters. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, I would recommend that you do everything in your power to ensure that you don’t have to ever get one. I also highly recommend the phentonayl (s.p.) suckers. When my wound was being cleaned up, the nurses provided me with one. The feeling they provided was so great that I wanted to bring some back for any of you that would like to have a sample. However, since they are kept under tight lock and key, if you want to experience “the magic,” I guess you are just going to have to have your own injury.

On a serious note, I greatly appreciate the financial support you have provided. As you can imagine, the expenses incurred during my treatment and subsequent trips to Seattle has become very costly. I expect at least a portion of those costs will be covered by L & I and I am currently attempting to work with them to find out where things stand. The support you have provided will go a long way towards helping cover current expenses and costs as well as future expenses that aren’t covered.

As some of you know, I had the opportunity while growing up to spend a fair amount of time around the Spokane Fire Department. One of your comrades is the reason I decided to go into the fire service. As I continued to get older, I spent time around some the stations asking questions and continuing to be fascinated by the idea that maybe one day I too would get to work on a department. While my journey never created the opportunity to work directly alongside each of you, I continue to have a tremendous amount of respect for your organization. I still know a number of individuals working throughout the city and I believe they are some of the finest individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Thank you so much for the generosity and help you have provided.

Respectfully,



Chad Michael

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Todd Chism Press Conference

This from Local 29 HQ:

Todd Chism will be holding a news conference May 1st at 11:00 a.m. at 618 West Riverside.

Todd would like to have as many people as possible there to show support for him. If you can make it , please be there.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Todd cleared of all charges...

Hopefully, the nightmare has now ended for Todd and his family. It is sad to think that, in today's climate, this could happen to anybody at anytime.

Unbelievable.

If Todd wasn't such an intelligent, tenacious, well-respected, and all-around good guy, I wonder how this would have ended. The State Patrol is going to give a press conference today. That should be interesting.

Congratulations Todd. We all look forward to seeing you back at work!

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/28/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1220 East Pacific
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202

NARRATIVE: On the afternoon of April 28th at 3:45 pm The City of Spokane Fire department responded to a reported structure fire at 1220 East Pacific. Smoke could be seen from a ½ mile away by the first responding companies. Upon arrival the first apparatus reported heavy black smoke and flames showing from a 1st wood frame house. Fire from the fully involved house was impinging on the house to the east. Fire attack leads were advanced to the interior and to cover the exposure to the east. Roof ventilation was completed and a search was conducted. No one was found inside. It took about 20 minutes to extinguish the main body of the fire and 3 hours to complete overhaul and final extinguishment. The house and contents were total loss. Red Cross was called to assist 5 adults who were displaced. No injuries to report. The cause of the fire was determined to be an accidental.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Accidental cooking fire
DAMAGE EXTENT: House and contents total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/27/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2614 E Euclid
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting apparatus to 2614 E Euclid at 1:31 in the afternoon on Sunday, April 27th, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire crew reported light gray smoke issuing from the roof vents of a single story wood/frame dwelling. As other apparatus and crews arrived on scene they immediately forced entry into the structure to simultaneously search the dwelling for occupants and endeavor to locate the source of the smoke still coming from the roof vents. A primary and a secondary search of the house revealed no one in the home, and the investigation into the cause of the smoke found smoldering blown-in cellulose insulation in the attic space. The ceilings in some of the rooms were pulled down and they revealed that this smoldering fire had completely burnt through 2 or 3 of the roof trusses at the ceiling and that 2-3 more of the trusses had been seriously damaged. Crews remained at the scene for more than an hour as they worked to remove the still smoking insulation to the outside of the structure where it could be completely extinguished. There were no reported injuries to any of the firefighters. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane City Fire Dept. The damage to the house was confined to the attic space, the roof trusses, and of course the ceilings in the rooms where the sheetrock had to be removed.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The attic space, several of the roof trusses, living areas where sheetrock on the ceilings were pulled down.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

Fire Press Release

SSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/27/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1923 West Shannon Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208

NARRATIVE: On Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 4:21 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper/Ladder and 1 Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chief Dan Brown responded to an unknown type structure fire at 1923 West Shannon Avenue.

Firefighters were initially dispatched to a large amount of smoke and fire coming from behind the address. While enroute, the first-due company upgraded the alarm to a working fire due to the close proximity of the adjoining addresses to the incident and large amount of fire showing on arrival.

To access the fire, the first two companies had to force gates and remove a privacy fence to obtain entry to the fire's location. They encountered a single story garage at the rear of the address with live utility (Avista) wires down and arcing. There was an intense fire that had consumed the majority of the structure and was impinging on a neighbor's home.

It took 21 Firefighters just 30 minutes to knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the spread of fire to the building of origin and limit additional damage to the adjoining homes and property. 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 Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The incident has been determined to be incendiary. More information regarding the investigation will be released when available.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The garage and contents are a total loss. Adjacent property received limited damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

Friday, April 25, 2008

INVITATION TO ATTEND THE DEDICATION OF THE “SPOKANE COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT & FIREFIGHTER’S MEMORIAL MONUMENT” DEDICATION – MAY 15, 2008

April 25, 2008
Dear Firefighters and family members,
INVITATION TO ATTEND THE DEDICATION OF THE “SPOKANE COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT & FIREFIGHTER’S MEMORIAL MONUMENT” DEDICATION – MAY 15, 2008 – 2 PM AT RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK
We cordially invite you to join us and family members of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty in law enforcement and fire in unveiling the eighth monument that commemorates the people and events that have helped make Spokane history. This event is being sponsored by the Fairmount Memorial Association in conjunction with the Spokane Law Enforcement Museum and the SPD History Book Committee to honor the men and women of the public safety sector who have protected our community for the past 127 years and those who have lost their lives while performing that duty. Spokane County has lost 39 officers, all male, in line of duty deaths. There have been 23 law enforcement officers and 16 firemen.

Spokane County statistics show that eight firemen died as a result of falls, two due to accidents occurring on the way to a fire, two due to health related problems, two due to building collapses, one due to electrocution, and one to smoke inhalation. On the law enforcement side, 13 officers died due to gunfire, 8 due to vehicle-involved accidents, one was beaten to death and one due to health related problems. To our knowledge we have never lost a volunteer law enforcement or fire department officer. The Spokane Police Department has lost the most officers with 14, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office – 4, Washington State Patrol – 2, Cheney Police – 1, Waverly Police – 1, Spokane county Game Department – 1.

As the committee continues to research our rich history, while completing work on the book “Life behind the Badge” they will continue to identify and immortalize those deserving citizens who have made Spokane the city it is today.

Please join us in celebrating the lives and the sacrifice of the public safety officers and their families. We are pleased to have the Spokane County Sheriff, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane Fire Department Honor Guards take part in this ceremony.

Please contact Susan S. Walker at (509) 477-6449 or at sswalker@spokanepolice.org, if you would like to attend this ceremony, and how many will be attending. She can give you directions as to where the ceremony will take place and let you know places to stay in the area if that is needed.
Sincerely,

Susan S. Walker, Chairperson, SPD History Book Committee Spokane Law Enforcement Museum and Fairmount Memorial Association

Thursday, April 24, 2008

This sweatshirt was 70/30 - 24/7 - 365.

From February's Paramedic Meeting...



This is a little late and I apologize. You may have caught this on Channel 95 already. You can probably log 2 minutes of CPR instruction, extrication and interpersonal relationship development in the FDM Training Module, after watching this. Probably. Maybe not.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/17/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2727 E. Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207

NARRATIVE: At just after 4 pm on April 17, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a detached single car garage that was reported to have had a couple of young males running from the area just before the fire was noticed. The garage fire occurred at 2727 E. Sanson. Fire investigators were called to investigate the fire and interviewed some of the witnesses at the scene. If you have any further information relating to this fire please call the Spokane Fire Department at 625-7000.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total loss to the garage
DOLLAR LOSS: 12,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

Friday, April 11, 2008

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/10/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1303 East Rowan
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:

NARRATIVE: On Thursday, April 10, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:00 PM to 1303 East Rowan on a reported structure fire. The first crew on scene reported heavy smoke coming from the front door of a 1-1/2-story, wood framed house. Aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to a bedroom on the main floor with heat and smoke damage through out the structure. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Investigator Captain Kevin Smathers and he can be contacted at 625-7052. However, preliminary examination indicates the possibility of children playing with matches' ignited bedding in a bedroom located on the main floor of the house with fire spreading from that location.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor with heat and smoke damage through out the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 25,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

END OF RELEASE

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Fire Press Release

ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/5/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3711 W. Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205

NARRATIVE: At 1030 am Saturday April 5, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department responded with 20 Firefighters on 7 apparatus to a single family house at 3711 W. Queen for a reported structure fire. The first Fire Department apparatus on scene, Engine 16, reported light smoke coming from roof vents. A quick search of the house indicated that everyone was out and the fire was above the ceiling in the attic area. Using a thermal imaging camera along with overhaul equipment a portion of the ceiling in both the living room and kitchen were removed along with the insulation to determine the extent and spread of the fire. Some of the roof trusses were burned as were areas of the attic insulation. With careful removal of the insulation and a diligent investigation on the amount of burned insulation, all spread of the fire was stopped and damage minimized to the structure. There was very little water damage or smoke damage to the living area of the house. Utilities were left on and the windows remained intact so the resident was able to occupy the house immediately after the fire. Cause was determined to be electrical. The resident had replaced a blown fuse and heard a crackling noise. Upon exiting the house smoke was seen coming from roof vents. At this time the Fire Department was called. It was also determined that the incident was accidental and nobody was hurt. To minimize the chance of fire when a breaker trips or a fuse blows, you should determine the reason for the failure and correct any problems in the system. An electrician can be very helpful in running down electrical problems.

PROBABLE CAUSE: Electrical (accidental)
DAMAGE EXTENT: Some structural damage to roof trusses, living room ceiling and a small portion of the kitchen ceiling.
DOLLAR LOSS: 3000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002

Thursday, April 03, 2008

State Patrol Finds Nothing in Todd's Computers...

So, I guess the big question is whether they will have Todd come back to work before or after the inspection work is done!

Congratulations Todd! All of us are happy to see justice start to prevail. We're sure you will finish the job.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Bellingham votes to replace fire apparati





From Paul B.

New CP Freq.



Here you go scanner geeks (OK, I'll admit I'm one) - the new city primary frequency:

154.055

New amber is the old primary, so no need to erase it.

Program this in right away, so you won't miss any BBQ smoke, skunk odor, cigar smoke, flag flapping, sunset/sunrise, roof dew evaporation, lawn sprinkler mist, dryer vent steam, television set flickering , Christmas light flashing or inflatable lawn ornament calls!!