The Secret List 8-18-10 / 2046 Mosque in NYC / ZADROGA BILL

FROM THE SECRET LIST WITHOUT MODIFICATION

Hey,

A few emails have come to us about the issue of the proposed Mosque in NYC near the WTC Ground Zero site. Of course, some of you may get annoyed that we have an opinion and will claim it has nothing to do with our "mission" on TSL and/or The Secret List. That's ok, once in a while we will give editorial opinion on "related" items to Firefighter well being as we have since we started TSL in 1998. Some newer members of The Secret List may not be aware of that, as we don't do it very often. However, every once in a while, our opinion comes to you, at no cost, as a part of The Secret List benefits package. How lucky you are.

 

In this case, sure, we have an opinion on the Mosque issue. In our opinion, it is not an issue of religious freedom as the great majority of Muslims (like most people of all religions) are peace loving and are absolutely entitled to religious freedom as citizens of the United States of America. And, they, like all Americans, enjoy and demonstrate that freedom each and every day, as they absolutely should. However, it is an issue of respect for those murdered on 9/11, specifically at the WTC. That is the issue. If the proposed location upsets those directly affected, the survivors and relatives of those murdered on 9/11, simply respect their wishes and work with them on a better solution. It's not a religious freedom issue, but one of deep respect. Our opinion.

 

Now-since we have opened that can of worms, we will offer another opinion directly related to 9/11/01.

 

DYING FIREFIGHTERS (EMT's, POLICE OFFICERS AND RELATED WORKERS) 

Instead of the many politicians who are all worked up and grandstanding this issue, including The President, how about spending HALF that energy and HALF that press/media time focused on cleaning up and PASSING the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Firefighters, EMT's, Police Officers and Civilians who are in the process of dying with less than adequate protection desperately need that support, and it is shameful what has happened to it so far.

 

Everyone and their brother, including political big shots, from Pres. Obama to Ex-Gov. Palin, have an opinion on the Mosque issue, but where are they on the ZADROGA BILL clean up and passage?

 

To the Federally elected officials, including some who subscribe to The Secret List, the best use of energy related to 9/11 at this point would be to clean out all the bi-partisan junk that's been added to pollute that bill and then support it, across both parties. The folks who worked at Ground Zero need your help, urgently.

Many are literally dying.

 

CLEAN UP THE BILL:
Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the "9/11 bill" is being used to gain political advantage by some members of both parties. Firefighters, Police Officers, EMT's and others who worked on the pile are being used as pawns. If those who responded to 9/11 and those who participated in the cleanup continue to suffer, the Washington politicians appear to just consider that unfortunate collateral damage in their own political war. Incredible.

If you feel strongly about what we are writing, don't tell us. HOWEVER, every member of Congress should hear how you feel and, as far as we are concerned, they must put politics aside, clean up and PASS the "Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act". Get rid of all the added unrelated political crap that's in there and pass it with 100% of the bill focused on helping those who are sick from simply trying to help at Ground Zero. Ya thinking they can't do that, and do it quickly? BS. If they want to, they can. If they want to.

THIS AFFECTS YOU:

Today it's the Firefighters, Police Officers, EMT's and civilians in NYC, tomorrow it may be somewhere else. Perhaps you and your FD will be directly affected when the next attacks come.  Every Firefighter in the USA has the potential to be the next victim of terrorism. As FDNY, NYPD and others were on 9/11, you may be the "soldiers" who do the domestic fighting next time. This definitely does impact FF survival.

 

Religious freedom? FAILURE to provide compensation to our ailing Firefighters, Police Officers, EMT's and civilians could be an issue of religious freedom, a failure to hear and answer their prayers, by those who COULD answer them (Congress), if they wanted to. Please take action TODAY as you have a chance to help those who are "praying" for the passage of this bill-so they may have a chance at a better quality of life. Perhaps we can answer their prayers, no matter what their religion.

 

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS: http://www.contactingthecongress.org/

 

READ MORE HERE: http://tinyurl.com/27m3ffq

 

++++IMPORTANT SEPTEMBER 11th 2010 REMINDER++++

September 11th is less than two months away.

What are the plans at your FD for your September 11th Remembrance Ceremony?
What are the plans in your community for the September 11th Remembrance Ceremony?

HERE IS SOME OUTSTANDING PLANNING HELP:

http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/$9-11.shtml

Take Care-BE CAREFUL.

BillyG

The Secret List 8-18-10 / 2046 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

Ground Zero SAR Veteran canine crosses Rainbow Bridge w/ handler

REMEMBERING BILLY

January 26, 1996 ~ August 16, 2010
The black Lab named Billy began his career with the Search Dog Foundation (SDF) staying with SDF Founder Wilma Melville and her late husband John at their home in Ojai, CA. Wilma evaluated his toy-drive and soon found she had nothing to worry about:
"Billy was outside the wrought-iron fence and my husband, John, threw a toy over the fence and into the pool. Billy went through the vertical wrought iron fence into the pool to retrieve that toy. Yes, Billy yelped as he shoved himself through, but through he went and he was one happy critter because he had the toy.  Billy simply had to have a toy.  If there was not a toy available, Billy would find one. Be it a bush, a rock, a plant... you name it, it became a toy if there was nothing else."
In November 1998, Billy was paired with Mike Scott, an 18-year veteran with Heartland Fire & Rescue. Though Mike's work included ten years with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Urban Search & Rescue Task Force, he had yet to try his hand at being a canine handler. After watching a fellow firefighter work with a dog from SDF, Mike called to inquire about becoming a handler himself and quickly found his true calling.
Mike and Billy quickly formed a solid bond as Billy went to work with Mike and spent countless hours training for the moment they would be called upon to serve their country. That moment came all too soon when they were deployed for seven days to the devastating scene of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
“We were scheduled for 12 hour shifts," Mike recalls, "but in reality they were 16 to 17 hour days because of the briefings, travel time, and other logistics. There was steel everywhere and lots of sharp objects... really rough terrain, so we had to let the dogs negotiate it on their own and search independently... the terrain really slowed them down but the dogs searched very well."
When Mike and fellow SDF Handler Steve Swaney returned from New York City, they realized that although teams must continually train even after becoming certified, even dogs with Billy's expertise do not have the opportunity to train for a disaster as large as 9/11.  This led the two handlers to recommend to SDF that an annual workshop exposing the dogs to unusual conditions to test how well they work when facing a disrupted routine would be incredibly beneficial. Mike and Steve’s suggestion is what SDF handlers now know as the annual IronDog competition, testing the deployment readiness and advanced search skills of SDF’s Certified Canine Disaster Search Teams.
In addition to their deployment to the World Trade Center attacks, Mike and Billy also responded to a landslide and retaining wall collapse in San Diego in June 1999 and the Torrey Pines Bluff collapse in December 2004. Mike and Billy served America together as a FEMA Certified Canine Disaster Search Team for six years and Mike shared that even in retirement, Billy’s eyes would still light up at the sight of a toy!
During his retirement, Billy had increasing difficulty moving around and sadly, on August 16, 2010, Mike could no longer watch his partner of twelve years suffering – Billy crossed the Rainbow Bridge with Mike by his side at the veterinarian’s office.
Even in his darkest moment, Mike still saw the good in what he and Billy had done and the canine program that they had helped build. In an email to SDF, Mike shared, "I am so proud to have had the chance to experience the reward of having a search dog and the chance to be a part of NDSDF."
We were proud to have the chance to work with a great Search Team like Mike and Billy and know that Billy will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
BACK TO RAINBOW BRIDGE
Source - Link

Two Richmond firefighters were treated for minor injuries

2 Calif. firefighters injured in house fireOne firefighter hurt his back, while another got debris in his eyes

By Karl Fischer
The Contra Costa Times
RICHMOND, Calif. — Two Richmond firefighters were treated for minor injuries Wednesday morning after a blaze consumed part of a home on the 500 block of Maine Avenue.
The fire broke out a little before 7 a.m., Battalion Chief Merlin Turner said, after the occupant started breakfast in the kitchen, then took a shower.
"When he got out he found the house full of smoke," Turner said.
He escaped unhurt. Fire crews extinguished the fire, which caused about $65,000 in damage to the house and its contents. and called the American Red Cross to help the victim with temporary shelter.
One firefighter hurt his back, while another got debris in his eyes, Turner said. Both were treated, and the department expects both will recover.

2010 Firefighters Memorial Ceremony Call for Honor Guards/ Pipe Bands

Call for Honor Guards and Pipe Bands

The 2010 California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony is quickly approaching. All California fire department honor guards and pipe and drum bands are invited to participate in the ceremony in Sacramento on Saturday, October 16th, 2010, at 11:30 AM.
Any honor guard or pipe band wishing to participate in the memorial ceremony must attend the mandatory meeting and practice on Friday, October 15th, 2009. Please see below for specific rehearsal times.
PIPE BAND REHEARSAL
Friday, October 15th, 2010 -- 10:00 AM at the California Firefighters Memorial site in Capitol Park.
All experienced pipers and drummers are welcome to participate, but you must know the music. Click here for copies of the sheet music.
FULL HONOR GUARD AND PIPE BAND REHEARSAL
Friday, October 15th, 2010 -- 1:00 PM at the California Firefighters Memorial site in Capitol Park.
MEMORIAL CEREMONY
Assembly will begin for all honor guard and pipe bands at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 16th on the South Steps of the State Capitol, a short walk from the California Firefighters Memorial site.
Note: Breakfast burritos and coffee will be served from 9:30 to 11:00 AM for all honor guard and pipe bands marching in the procession.
If you are interested in participating, please email rsvpmem@cpf.org.
Check memorial.cpf.org for more details on the ceremony.

SLO Fire Chief Callahan dies of heart attack

John Callahan, the San Luis Obispo Fire Department Chief, died suddenly of a heart attack Wednesday.

Callahan was appointed chief in 2005, after 32 years in the Los Angeles Fire Department, where he retired as a deputy chief. He was expected to retire from the San Luis Obispo Fire Department in November.
“He was a very senior and experienced fire chief,” San Luis Obispo Mayor Dave Romero said Wednesday. “… I think he did an excellent job while he was here. He was very stable, very knowledgeable and everybody liked him.”

Source article: http://www.sanluisobispo.com - Link

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

Operation Iraqi Freedom: Last combat brigade has left Iraq.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, WE ARE PROUD OF YOU
OIF - 0340 #Iraq time the last combat troops crossed the border into Kuwait, combat operations have ceased, the war is over!

A quiet end: The troops drove the last 86 Strykers from Baghdad to Kuwait down main
road in traffic at night without incident. The 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry
Division, which left Iraq, was the final U.S. combat brigade. The #Iraq
war killed 4,415 of their comrades, cost about 800 million to date
Photo credit: Maya Alleruzzo - AP/MSNBC.

50,000 assistance troops remain in harms way, the ceremony is at the end of the month but technically the Iraq war is really over...

Thank-You
Mr. President, Thank-You U.S. Armed Forces, Thank-You for the sacrifices made by our youngest and brightest generation, Honor the Fallen

Casualties in Iraq

American Military Casualties in Iraq

American LODD Deaths

Since war began (3/19/03):4415

Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03)3493

Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03):3954

Since Handover (6/29/04):3556

Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09):1878

American Wounded Official 31907
Estimated Total Wounded:  Over 100000

Other Coalition Troops - Iraq	318
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan	1,229
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan	775
Contractor Employee Deaths - Iraq	1,457
Journalists - Iraq	338
Academics Killed - Iraq	437
Sources: DoD, MNF, and iCasualties.org

Latest Fatality Aug. 15, 2010

List of U.S. Servicemembers killed since 5/1/03

State of California and U.S. government assisting with Russia's forest fires

U.S. - Russia Cooperating On Forests

U.S. government agencies are working to provide relief supplies for those affected by Russia's forest fires

Working with the Government of Russia to outline a comprehensive U.S. response to the severe, forest fires in the Russian Federation, several U.S. government agencies are working to provide relief supplies.

This includes equipment to bolster Russia’s fire suppression efforts, such as water tanks, pumps, hand tools, fire-protective clothing, and medical kits. As well, a monetary donation to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will help provide relief items, such as blankets, bedding, and food parcels, for some of the people who lost their homes in the fire.

In addition, the State of California, which frequently suffers from forest fires, is donating fire-protection clothing, which was identified as a critical need by Russian firefighting authorities. This brings total U.S. assistance to approximately $4.5 million.

Since late June, Russia has baked in unusually high temperatures, often reaching 40 degrees (Celsius). The heat wave is unprecedented in 130 years of Russian record keeping, and has sparked thousands of peat and forest fires, most of them in western Russia. The resulting smoke has settled like a blanket of poisonous smog over Moscow. At the height of the crisis, 700 Muscovites were dying daily. That's double the city's usual death rate.

Because U.S. and Russian forests share similar plant and animal species and face similar threats, 2 two countries have been working together to protect the world’s largest forests for more than 50 years. Under the auspices of the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator, Craig Fugate met his counterpart in the Russian Emergencies Ministry this July as part of a 14 year effort to strengthen our joint capacity to respond to such natural disasters.

The U.S. departments of Agriculture and Interior, also, have a long history of exchanging information and technical expertise with Russian forestry and firefighting agencies in such areas as firefighter training and wildfire behavior. This disaster highlights the need for continued and expanded cooperation in both of these areas.

During a telephone call to Russian President Dmitri Medvedev, President Barack Obama expressed his deepest condolences for the tragic losses that Russia has suffered in the recent wildfires, and extended an offer of help. "We are taking action to support the heroic efforts of Russian firefighters and emergency responders as they seek to bring these fires under control," said President Obama. "The United States stands with the people of Russia as they fight to contain the destructive spread of wildfires."
Source: VOA article link

Tech News: Full mission profile demonstration of our Multi-Mission Aircraft

PTG Demonstrates Fire Support Capabilities to Ventura County Fire Leadership

by Patriot Technologies Group, LLC on July 22, 2010

Washington, DC, July 22, 2010 – Patriot Technologies Group (PTG) is pleased to announce the completion of a full mission profile demonstration of our Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) to Fire Chiefs representing the Ventura County, CA Fire District yesterday.

“We are happy to have had the opportunity to illustrate the important situational awareness tools our Multi-Mission Aircraft can provide for airborne fire support,” said PTG CEO Dan Caine.
“Every year hundreds of brave firefighters risk their lives for us fighting incredibly complex fires in California.  We care deeply about the sacrifices that they make and believe our aircraft will provide the firefighters and their leadership greater real-time situational awareness, and help keep our firefighters and communities safe,” said Caine.

PTG’s Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) is a revolutionary, affordable, airborne mapping and aerial support vehicle for clients.  PTG’s MMA is an extraordinarily capable technology focused system, packaged on a very economical single-engine fixed-wing aircraft.  The retractable EO/IR camera ball and on-board mapping system allow the two-man crew to quickly generate precisely geo-registered maps of the fire perimeter and hot spots.  These “shape” files are immediately available to GIS personnel on the ground through in-flight cellular and line-of-sight downlinks.  The system can also precisely measure flame height and surface area, as well as transmit live video to battery powered, hand-held receivers that are provided with the PTG service.

PTG’s MMA can provide real-time streaming video, near real-time pictures, perimeter map and shapefiles, all designed to assist incident commanders with key and time critical decision making information.   Experienced aviators and TFOs that have flown on multiple fire missions will control PTG’s MMA.  This aircraft will provide Ventura County Fire District and other Departments and Agencies greater real-time situational awareness and help keep our firefighters and communities safe.
PTG is a leading homeland security firm.

For more information - www.ptgllc.com.

Contact:

Dan Caine

Patriot Technologies Group, LLC

www.ptgllc.com

Alameda fire chief gases up his vehicles on city's dime

Budget cuts in Alameda have shuttered a fire station and resulted in the layoffs of firefighters, but the town's $195,702-a-year fire chief is getting unlimited free fill-ups for both his BMW convertible sports car and his Honda pickup truck at the city pump.

Disgruntled firefighters caught Fire Chief David Kapler on camera over the weekend taking advantage of the perk and forwarded the photos to Mayor Beverly Johnson - who promptly called the vacationing city manager for an explanation.
"In my opinion, it was a very inappropriate thing to do," the mayor said of Kapler's habit of filling his cars with gratis gasoline.
Kapler, however, says it's no secret that he regularly gases up his personal cars at the city pump. He says the free gas is part of the deal he cut with then-City Manager Debra Kurita when he signed on as chief in 2007.
"Since I don't drive a city vehicle," Kapler said, "I was given the option to drive my own vehicle and to have access to city gas for all my vehicles for my personal use."
Maybe, but Kapler's contract doesn't actually say anything about fueling up for free.
"It is not in there," Karen Willis, the city's human resources director, told us after looking over the agreement. "Whether there was some other understanding, I don't know."
The contract does state that given his round-the-clock duties, the chief is entitled to a $250-a-month car allowance if he uses his own car "for 'on call' responsibilities."
Dom Weaver, president of the 86-member Alameda Firefighters Association, which is battling the city over a new contract and voted "no confidence" in the chief last year, said, "I'm shocked and disappointed this is going on, especially in light of the current conditions we're facing."
However, it should be noted that it has been going on for years - with the chief often filling up at a pump right next to the firehouse.
Seems no one cared all that much - until Alameda hit on hard times, laying off three firefighters and scrapping 15 unfilled positions 15 months ago.
Johnson, however, said she hadn't known about the chief's free gasoline until firefighters showed her the photos Tuesday morning.
"The city manager wasn't aware of it, and I am sure she will conduct a full review of what has occurred here," Johnson said.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/18/BASK1EVC85.DTL#ixzz0wyH84TN7

CA-BDU-Miller - Wildland Fire - 100 acres 10%

CA-BDU-Miller

A wildland fire is burning on the northern edge of Lake Silverwood, north of Crestline. There are no threats to residents in the local mountains or Summit Valley area of Hesperia. All highways are open and no evacuations are in place.
Fire is under unified command - CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit and US Forest Service San Bernardino National Forest

IA: 1705hrs - Wildland Fire - Cal Fire and BDF responding to Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, Hesperia,   Smoke showing from Strawberry peak lookout.
Sizeup: 1.5 ac mod rate of spread. heavy fuels, Fire was very active during initial attack.
Location: In the Miller canyon areaof Silverwood lake.
Communications: 
CDF Command 1 - 151.355
CDF Tac 8 - 151.370
CDF Tac 5 - 151.250
CDF A/G - 151.220 narrow
Closures: All highways are open and no evacuations are in place
Incident Command: Fire is under unified command - CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit and US Forest Service San Bernardino National Forest
Fuels: Chaparral - approx 7yr growth. Fire area burned during October 2003 Old and Grand Prix fires
There are no threats to residents in the local mountains or Summit Valley area of Hesperia.
Updates:
1915hrs - IC just order 3 more water tenders closest available.
1830hrs -Helitanker 781 inbound from Hemet, Heli 534 also assigned.
1800hrs -Helitanker 716 returning to San Bernardino tanker base reporting issues with his tank.
IC reporting fire making a run to the east - 25-30 acres, potential for another 10-20. No structure threat.
1745hrs - Lead Bravo 5 ordered out of Fox. T05 and T73 currently enroute, will be loading out of Victorville. Order is in for 2 additional ATs and 2 HTs.
1735hrs -25 acres holding on a ridge, AA12 on scene.
BDF resources responding or on scene: BC11 (Nelson); Crew 1, Crew 3; H534; E13, E14, E311, E32, E333, E336, PT11, WT32. Helitanker's 792 716 from BDF enroute
Incident Contact:

John Miller
Phone: 909-382-2788

More information:
Inciweb: Link
Wildlandfire.com - Link
Incident Cooperators:
Calfire

California Highway Patrol
Crest Forest Fire District
San Bernardino County Fire Department