Swansboro Fire Department Celebrates 75 Years – Saturday, October 28

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The Swansboro Fire Department in Onslow County is celebrating their 75th anniversary Saturday, October 28, at the town Public Safety Facility from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Public Safety Facility

That building is the former fire station, which was renovated and expanded in 2015 to also house the police department. The $567,273 project included new bay doors, adding more first-floor space, and an upgraded exterior to meet the town’s appearance standards.

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Google Maps

Chartered in 1942

The fire department was chartered in 1942, recalls former member James Baggs, 93, in this Tideland News story. “Back then people just showed up to help [when the fire siren went off],” he notes. “There was no real training, but fires got put out.”

Their first fire engine was an “old Dodge” that was homemade. Had a pump mounted on the back and was parked in one of the stalls at Ed Trexler’s service station. (The truck was moved outside during business hours.) [ Notes the SFD web site, it was a 1943 Dodge pick-up that also had a small water tank. ]

Later, the town built a storage building behind the old USO building. “Some of the Jaycees got some [concrete] block and we buil tthat building. It had two stalls. The fire truck went into one and the trash truck went into the other,” Baggs notes.

Their first new apparatus was brought from Chicago, and three members flew to the Windy City to drive it back. Funds for the truck came from whatever “the town could spare, augmented by the occasional fundraiser.” Eventually, the county also helped with funding.

Anyone have old or old-old photos of SFD? Shoot me a note and we will add.

Established in 1783

The fire department’s web site also notes that the  Swansboro Fire Department was established December 26, 1783. That was “concurrent with the establishment of the town as a municipal corporation.” The town had only six streets and the firefighters “were, of course, volunteers.”

Need to dig into that reference. Guessing the newly incorporated town had some basic fire equipment, probably hand equipment. But also a formal fire department? Unsure.

Sources:

The Daily News – Public Safety biulding project nears completion, December 14, 2015 – Retrieved from http://www.jdnews.com/article/20151214/NEWS/151219573

Tideland News – Former chief recalls Swansboro Fire Department’s early days, October 25, 2017 – Retrieved from http://www.carolinacoastonline.com/tideland_news/news/article_7976fec6-b98e-11e7-a5c2-ebd9d5a4eb5b.html

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About Words: Service, Service Trucks, Service Companies

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Let’s look some uses of the word “service” in the fire service, starting with “Service Company.” 

That’s a descriptor from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), used in their Fire Suppression Rating Schedule.

Service companies operate service trucks (see below) and ISO awards points for specific equipment carried therein. See this page[1] of information.

[1] Link now broken, https://firechief.iso.com/FCWWeb/mitigation/ppc/3000/ppc3005.jsp

Service Trucks

We can safely say that “service company” is derived from “service truck,” a type of fire engine that carries ground ladders and other traditional truck company equipment. But that is neither equipped with a pump nor an aerial device.

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Jeff Harkey photo

Service trucks are also called “service ladders,” “service ladder trucks,” and “city service trucks.”

Wait, what? “City service?” How did that name come about? We blogged on that one before, in this 2010 posting.

In late 19th Century, hook and ladder wagons were built in various sizes. The smallest of these were described as perfect for small communities, such as villages. Or for “village service.” The larger ones were designed for “city service.” Thus they were known as “village ladder trucks” and “city service ladder trucks.”

The descriptor of “city service” continued for decades, and the longer phrase was shortened to “city service truck” and, finally, “service truck.”

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Other Types of Service

The word “service” has other uses in the fire, um, service.

Service call – When firefighters respond to a non-emergency event. Like, say, removing a tree from a road or helping an invalid get back into bed.

Public service – In Raleigh and Wake County, it’s a synonym for telephone. Thus you’ll hear dispatchers saying “let me give you a call on public service.”

Public Service – In North Carolina, it’s also the business name of a natural gas provider. And doubly confusing for those listening to a scanner for the first time. 

Years of Service – Popular discussion topic in firehouses, typically in the context of years, months, and days until retirement.

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Thoughts on Marketing Raleigh Police and Raleigh Fire

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These musings were originally part of postings to Legeros Fire Line on Facebook this week.

Marketing, Baby!

The Raleigh Police Department again displayed a display at the State Fair this year, at the Kerr Scott Building. And with a double-wide booth, no less!

We meaning me have long wanted to see Raleigh Fire in the same space. They’d fit perfectly alongside the city, county, and state police booths nearby. As well as the Department of Insurance, which had sundry safety materials on display. 

The fire department should have its own full-on marketing of who they are, what they do, and how to join.[1] That’s been a notable absence at the Fair for years. (And where’s Wake County EMS, come to think of it?) One of these days/years, hopefully. Click to enlarge:

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Social Media Specialist

And speaking of marketing and our friends in the police department, the city has a job opening for the newly created position of Social Media Specialist. 

It’s described as assisting the police Public Affairs Manager in the coordination of communication activities in order to enhance the flow of information within and outside RPD using various social media platforms. Other duties include creating social media analytics reports; media contact; social media production; and developing, updating and revising informational products and materials.

This is exciting news and on a couple fronts. For Police, it’s a big add, and will hugely help with public information and community relations. It also shows that city officials are recognizing the use of digital platforms to connect citizens with the work of their emergency workers.

Can Raleigh Fire be far behind? Hope we’ll see added resources on that side soon enough.

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Who Needs Marketing?

Everyone in public safety. Every department in public safety, from fire to police, from EMS to comms. 

Pause. Let’s define marketing. Mr. Blogger says, it’s communication outside an agency, that helps its customers learn such things as:

  • What you do
  • How you do what do you
  • How they can help, when they call you
    (when a fire truck arrives, do this; when a police officer stops you, behave this way; etc.)
  • How they can help themselves, first, so they don’t always have to call you
    (how to prevent fires, how to prevent injuries, etc.)
  • What you’re doing on a particular day, at a particular call
    (drivers can take alternate routes, residents can be calmed over nearby incidents, reporters don’t have to call to with questions, etc.)
  • Why you need the resources you have
  • How they can support you, as citizens or voters
  • Why you do things they have questions about
    (why does a fire truck arrive when I call an ambulance, why do I see firefighters buying groceries, etc.)
  • How they can learn more
  • How they can visit you
  • How they can join
  • etc.

Okay, okay, okay, we’re blending public information and even life safety into our model. But the “M” word is valuable here, as it’s a newer expression in public safety. 

Public information officers, life safety educators, those are tried-and-true concepts. But… marketers and marketing. Whoa, what’s that?

Google is your friend and there’s much more “out there” about this.  About the important of marketing in emergency services. Take a look, have a dive.

Knowledge is good, as the statue said in Animal House.

Your Thoughts?

Start or join the discussion below. Or opine on the Facebook side, on Legeros Fire Line.

[1] The Raleigh Fire Department does indeed do marketing. From display booths, notably during Fire Prevention Week, to their web site to their recruitment team, that travels locally and regionally. Would love to see more, both in the digital and physical realms. And surely that’s coming. It’s the wave of the future. You don’t even have to be named Shirley.

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Remembering Bay Leaf Fire Tower Operator Jenny Tilley

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Cornelia “Jenny” Crabtree Tilley, 90, passed away in Raleigh last week. She was the longtime operator of the Bay Leaf forestry fire tower, first located at Six Forks Road, a half-mile north of “Six Forks” (1937-1968) and then moved to Howard Road, just west of Creedmoor Road (1968-present). Click to enlarge:

She was one of the first female tower operators in the state, and served until the tower was closed in 1985. She then became secretary to Wake County Ranger Albert Coley. Ms. Tilley retired in [TBD].

Her husband was the late George “Buck” Tilley, also a Wake County Forest Ranger and a thirty-one year employee of the forest service. He passed away in 1971 and is remembered with a plaque at the Howard Road site. Click to enlarge:

Ms. Tilley is survived by her children Jerry (and Patsy) Tilley and David (and Nancy) Tilley, and their six grandchildren and eleven (!) great-grandchildren. As well as her special friend Pat Toothman.

The funeral service was held yesterday, at Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial followed at Brier Creek Memorial Park. Read her obituary, which includes over 120 photos, including these historical images of Ms. Tilley at work:

 

The Bay Leaf fire tower is still standing. Here are some aerial views of the site. Or read this text history:

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Burke County Firefighter Struck, Killed While Clearing Debris

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Triple Community Fire Department firefighter Jason Keith Hensley, 40, was killed on Sunday night, while clearing debris on Highway 70 East near Drexel Road in Morganton.

The fire department was dispatched to a tree blocking both east- and westbound lanes of the highway, just before midnight. Hensley responded in his personal vehicle, and a second firefighter responded with a piece of apparatus. Hensley arrived on scene about 11:45 p.m.

At approximately 11:53 p.m., Hensley was struck by a pick-up truck traveling eastbound, which subsequently struck two other vehicles at the scene, including Hensley’s personal vehicle, which had warning lights activated.

Hensley, wearing reflective gear, was killed instantly upon impact. 

Driver Randall Stewart, 55, was charged with driving while impaired and a number of other offenses. The accident is being investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. 

Stormy weather impacted Burke County on Sunday, including a tornado that touched down southeast of Morganton. 

Stories:

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Nine North Carolina Fallen Firefighters To Be Honored at National Memorial Service on Sunday, October 8

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Press release. The 36th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will honor nine firefighters who died in the line of duty from North Carolina. They are among the 75 firefighters who died in 2016 and 20 firefighters who died in previous years who will be remembered at the official national service at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD, on Sunday, October 8, 2017.

Click to enlarge:

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  • David Kevin Britt
    Fire Chief, age 54
    Severn Volunteer Fire Department
    Died June 18, 2016, after suffering a heart attack at his home several hours after responding to a motor vehicle accident.
     
  • John M. Davis, Jr.
    Firefighter, age 45
    Kenly Fire Department
    Died May 7, 2016, after experiencing chest pains within 24-hours from assisting with a patient extrication at the scene of a motor vehicle accident.
     
  • Bradley Steven Long
    Captain, age 28
    Sherrills Ford-Terrill Fire and Rescue
    Died June 6, 2016, while diving at Lake Norman to recover the body of a man who drowned the day before.
     
  • Richard Michael Sheltra
    Firefighter, age 20
    Pineville-Morrow Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue
    Died April 30, 2016, during a lightning-sparked commercial structure fire at a strip mall.
     
  • Prentice Jay Tyndall
    Firefighter, age 45
    Hugo Volunteer Fire & Rescue
    Died May 12, 2016, after falling ill following his response to a mutual aid structure fire on May 8, 2016.
     
  • James Ronald Varnell
    Firefighter, age 53
    Bakertown Volunteer Fire Department
    Died February 2, 2016, after becoming ill immediately following his participation in department training.
     
  • Joshua Lee Warren
    Firefighter, age 33
    Alexis Fire Department
    Died June 16, 2016, after participating in department-mandated physical fitness training.
     
  • Joshua M. Woods
    Firefighter, age 24
    Siler City Fire Department
    Died January 12, 2016, from injuries sustained in a crash while responding to a call for a reported cardiac arrest.
     
  • Tommy Wright
    Firefighter, age 20
    Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue
    Died March 21, 2010, after a car accident on the way back from training.

Their names will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the Academy grounds. The national tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration.

Thousands are expected to attend the service, including families and friends of the fallen firefighters, members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries.

Families will receive flags flown over the U. S. Capitol and the National Memorial. Members of the fire service, honor guard units and pipe and drum units from across the country will participate in this national tribute. For a complete list of fallen firefighters being honored and live streaming of the event, visit weekend.firehero.org.

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Raleigh Fire Department Announces Annual Hiring Process

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The Raleigh Fire Department has announced a new annual hiring process, with application periods to be conducted each year from November 1 through November 30. Selected applicants will start the annual fire academy in late spring.

Hiring Process

The hiring process takes approximately six months to complete and includes accepting applications, written exams, physical agility testing, background checks, interviews, drug test, physical examinations, and psychological evaluation.

The academy is scheduled to begin each year in April and with graduation scheduled for November. The hiring timeline will be also be evaluated each year, to determine if the department needs are being met.

All interested candidates must visit www.raleighnc.gov/employment to complete an online application during the month of November. 

Requirements

Firefighters must be thoroughly fit in order to meet the rigorous physical demands of the job. They must also be able to think and act quickly in emergencies.

Before a new firefighter recruit is employed, hiring officials must be sure that he or she is capable of learning to operate complex mechanical equipment, as well as safely working in hazardous situations.

Each prospective member must also meet high character standards; since he or she will be entrusted with the safety and property of citizens and co-workers. Applicants must be able to work as part of a team.

For more information, contact Captain James Hill, james.hill@raleighnc.gov.

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Raleigh Recruit Academy 42 – Videos

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October 3
Also posted is this City of Raleigh video of last week’s graduation ceremony. Meet the recruits in this earlier blog post:

September 29
This was shown at the graduation ceremony this week of Raleigh Fire Department Recruit Academy 42. Great footage, great editing! Created by Krahe and Stepp Videos.

With day drone footage from Yours Truly, and numerous stills from myself and Lee Wilson. Meet the recruits in this earlier blog post:

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Meet Raleigh’s New Firefighters – Recruit Academy 42 Graduates on Wednesday

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October 3
Update. See these photos and video recordings:

September 24
On Wednesday night, September 27, thirty-six new firefighters will join the ranks of the Raleigh Fire Department. Recruit Academy 42 will graduate in a ceremony at 7:00 p.m. at the Fletcher Opera Theater in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South Street.

The new firefighters have completed over 1,000 hours of classroom, practical and physical fitness training. Each of them will be certified by the State of North Carolina as a Firefighter Level II, Emergency Medical Technician, and Hazardous Materials Responder I.

Their 32-week academy started on February 20. And in a change from prior academies, fire training preceding EMT training, instead of following it. Most of their instruction was conducted at the Keeter Training Center in downtown Raleigh. Click to enlarge:

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Mike Legeros photo

Names and Faces

Back row, left to right: Continue reading ‘Meet Raleigh’s New Firefighters – Recruit Academy 42 Graduates on Wednesday’ »

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