"News" in the world of Public Safety...
If you have any "news" to add email dennis@offdutynetwork.com
October 2007
October 29
Several Washington DC Firefighters have been burned (1 critical, 3 serious) while operating at an occupied 2 story row house, with heavy fire conditions. This fire is going on at this time but is under control. Updates to follow.
It is with deep regret that we advise you that Assistant Chief Ralph Cross of Charlevoix Township Fire Department (MI) died on 10-27-2007 while on duty performing public fire prevention services. Assistant Chief Cross was a founding member of that department starting in 1973 and his death has been classified as a Line of Duty Death. Our sincere condolences go out to all effected.
This morning in Virginia, a Goochland FD engine company overturned at Fairgrounds Road and Broad Street. Initial reports indicted the driver was trapped. At least one firefighter was flown out. Details will be posted.
October 25
If you saw THE TODAY SHOW yesterday morning, then you saw FEMA Chief Paulison speaking with Matt Lauer. When Matt Lauer asked him if FEMA was being greeted with skepticism or open arms in California, following the supposed poor response to a hurricane, Dave answered as such:
“The residents are greeting us with open arms, it is the media that is fueling the skepticism.”
Firefighters across the USA spit their coffee out and smiled.
October 22
A savings account has been opened in Walker Coulthard’s , Steve Coulthard (Gwinnett County Fire Department), name at Wachovia Bank. As of yesterday Walker has been taken off the respirator and is digesting his food, Protein Free food that is. He has a long road ahead of him with many medical bills, and many months in the hospital. All that we can do is pray for Steve, Melissa, and Walker. Please pass this to all of your departments.
October 17
Just to let everyone know Walker, Steve Coulthard (Gwinnett County Fire Department) was transferred to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Scottish Rite) due to complications and is in serious condition.
October 17
To: All Metro Atlanta Fire Employees
From: Chris Sobieski – Cobb County Fire
Subject: Metro Atlanta Fire Lacrosse Team
I have recently formed a lacrosse team in Cobb. I have folks from Cobb, Marietta Atlanta, Gwinnett & Alpharetta. I really need about 30 - 35 dedicated people in order to field a team and play games. We are interested in playing some out of town teams like FDNY and DC Fire when we get better established. I am extending an invitation to any Metro Fire employee interested in playing.
The Mission Statement for the team is:
Metro Atlanta Inferno Lax is a men’s lacrosse organization formed to promote the sport of lacrosse in Atlanta while demonstrating the camaraderie of firefighters in good natured competition. The goal of the club is to provide athletic competition for its participants, raising charitable funds for various organizations while “honoring the game” of lacrosse.
Our coach is Ken Byers from Atlanta Fire who also happens to be the head coach for Kennesaw State University's Lacrosse team. He has played in the Metro hockey league and played lacrosse since 1982 around Atlanta.
We've got a really good start, and would like to extend and invitation to anyone from Metro Atlanta Fire to play. Anyone interested can contact me at csobieski@comcast.net or 770-337-1351. Thanks and be safe.
October 16
This morning Walker Scott Coulthard was born to
Steve and Melissa Coulthard (Gwinnett County Fire Department) at Northside Hospital. A time of great celebration
has brought with it a need for intense prayer for Walker Scott; Steve and
Melissa's son is listed in critical condition at Northside. We are asking each
and everyone to lift little Walker Scott as well as his mom and dad up in prayer
for healing and strengthening. Let us not forget to hold up these members of our
Roswell Fire family. We will keep you posted of any changes in his condition.
October 16
It is with great sadness that I relate that College Park Firefighter Chuck Preston has passed away. Chuck reported for work at 0700 hrs but asked for time off for personal business. His body was found by his wife late last evening. Please keep his family in your thoughts, hearts, and prayers during their time of need.
October 10
I just received word from Milton Fire Dept that FF Ryan James was out with his family last night skating and fell injuring himself. Doctor's are saying that FF James fractured L3 and will be out or work for some time. I will be contacting FF James in the morning to find out if that is anything that we are able to do for him.