Edited with additions and corrections 4/2/2024.
Two Alexander firefighters were recently recognized for actions they took after arriving at a house fire March 5. The ceremony took place during the Alexander City Council's March 18 meeting.
Fire Chief Ryan McCormick told council members how Assistant Chief Matthews and Firefighter Donaldson ran inside without a fire hose, as is customary.
"The house was on fire, full of smoke, fire throughout the house," McCormick said. "They went inside the residence without any protection or water protection, risking their lives to search for two kids that were reported missing."
"The search was completed under extreme conditions and without any hose or water protection as well as no children were found in the home, which was great, but they placed themselves in front of harm's way," McCormick concluded.
McCormick also explained how Engineer Rowland established the "water supply" and performed other tasks while the search was underway.
Chief McCormick also took the opportunity to introduce the department's newest firefighter. Albeit a new firefighter with 14 years experience.
"This gentleman, Firefighter Parker," McCormick began. "He comes with so much experience. He came from Little Rock years ago. He worked a little over 14 years, and then went in a different direction in life for a little while."
"And he's gone through his probationary period, and today he gets the shield as fireman," McCormick concluded.
Let's talk about this report for just a bit, - Two firefighters (one is acting chief's assistant) someone please tell me, if they are still employed at Alexander Fire Department. If two 'responsible' people had shown up at a fire without the required turnout, they should be two responsible people looking for another line of work. Do either of the firefighters have families? It is a risk alone to go into a structure fire, but these two "GLORY SEEKERS' (AKA BLOCKHEADS) not only risked the future of any families they might have, by risking their own lives the lives of every firefighter who might think a structure fire on a hot July day is too much to handle! Well if firerfighter Pete and Repete can leave safety gear making a hanger look useful, dare to do the same, I understand risk is part of the job, but Arkansas has set in place everything humanly possible to lower that danger! Furthermore This city went to great expense to provide them. [back at a time when there wasn't enough to go around.]
ReplyDeleteThey risked the lives of the 2 missing (not missing, Praise the Lord) boys. Frankly if the Fire Chief has not disciplined them, maybe he is in the wrong line of work as well. Strong leadership mixed with wisdom is a win for everyone, but what kind of message does 'running into a burning building completely UNPREPARED for anything that might happen give to the new people who might be dealing with ambitions new on the job, doesn't have a lot of experience. if any at all Doesn't provide much hope of anything here. I would think (& hope) proper gear, adequate turnout would be 1.01 in beginning firefighting class.
I've heard from the fire chief on our Facebook page. He says he didn't mean they entered the house without turnout gear. Based on the audio I have, and his comments in Facebook, apparently he meant they didn't wait for a hose to take inside to fight back the fire. That's not what was expressed clearly during the council meeting, but apparently that's what he meant.
ReplyDeleteI checked with one of the council members and she agrees with me. That's the impression she took from his telling of the incident. He tends to speak in fire jargon and alphabet soup.
I hope this clarifies everything.
Doesn't change a thing, just endorses the fact - it was stupid. That's exactly why flight (public air carriers) attendants tell us, as adults/parents "PUT YOUR MASK ON FIRST when it drops down.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a firefighter so I'm obviously using the wrong terminology. What the chief meant was they were wearing everything they needed to enter the building. He just didn't say it during his presentation.
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