Firefighters are known for saving people from burning buildings, but one unit in Grand Rapids, Michigan, took their duty one step further. The firefighters from the Bridge Street Fire Station saved a local family's beloved dog.
When firefighter Craig Lewis and his crew went on scene at a house fire at 7 a.m. on Sept. 15, they did not realize that there was a dog in the family's burning home. Lewis rushed back into the home and found the pet near the door. He told Wood TV-8 News that the dog was not in good condition. Bringing the animal out to safety, he quickly began to perform CPR and apply the snout-shaped oxygen mask to the dog's face.
ABC News-10 reported that after 30 minutes of attention, the family's pet came to with a wagging tail. Witnesses applauded the firefighters' efforts and dedication, but Lewis said it was all part of the job.
"Every firefighter, whether it's a human, a person or an animal, it's just our nature," he told Woodtv.com. "We like to save lives and didn't even think twice about it."
Lewis and his crew are receiving an outpouring of positive responses to their story on social media.
When Trish Buchanan's husband, a police officer in East Hartford, Connecticut, took his own life because of post-traumatic stress disorder, she searched for a way to make sure no other first responder had to go through what her husband experienced. Buchanan partnered with the Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement to found Believe 208.
The number 208 was her husband's badge number, and the organization helps first responders cope with depression and PTSD. They link police officers, firefighters and emergency medical service workers to support groups and provide resources to help them cope with the stresses of their jobs. Believe 208's upcoming event is the annual 5K race, which remembers first responders who have taken their lives because of work-related stress.
For Buchanan and her family, it is a difficult but rewarding time.
"[My husband] helped so many people while he was living and doing the job that he did," Buchanan told Eyewitness News 3. "I'd like to think that through his death we're going to save people also, and I'd like to think that he's smiling down on us."
This year's race will be held on Sept. 20 and will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus on Main Street in East Hartford.
Veterans United Arizona is a nonprofit group dedicated to providing assistance to servicemembers as they enter life after service. The group helps with veteran housing, employment and support groups. Its next fundraising event is a Texas Hold 'Em tournament in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Veterans United Arizona said there is room for 225 players. Tickets must be purchased beforehand, as walk-in players will not be permitted. Interested players can buy tickets for $100.
Half of the proceeds will go toward the tournament's payout, while the other half will fund the Veterans United Arizona programs and services.
"It's going to help vets who need help with their utilities, and to make sure that homeless vets have sleeping bags or whatever they need from day to day," Frankie Lyons told HavasuNews.com.
The tournament is scheduled to begin at 8:30 on Sept. 19. Lyons told the news source that half of the tickets have been sold, so interested parties should act fast. To purchase tickets call (928)-302-9547 or visit the Lake Havasu City Balloon Store. Remaining tickets will be available for purchase until the day of the event.
The National World War II Museum reported that over half a million Mexican Americans served during WWII. Because of race relations in the country at the time, these individuals were not honored for their service. Recently, President Obama made an effort to thank the Mexican American veterans who had yet to be recognized.
"No nation is perfect, but here in America we confront our imperfections and face a sometimes painful past — including the truth that some of these soldiers fought, and died, for a country that did not always see them as equal," Obama said in an address outside the White House.
The Latino Cultural Center in Dallas, Texas, followed the president's address by opening an exhibit called "The Untold Story: A Tribute to Dallas' Mexican American Veterans and Families." The exhibit launched on Sept. 11 and marked the center's kickoff of National Hispanic Heritage Month. It features photographs, videos and memorabilia from Mexican American veterans.
Over 800 people attended the opening. Many of those people were family members of Hispanic veterans. One attendee, Manuel Flores, told The Dallas Morning News that it was fantastic to finally see Latino American veterans getting recognition for their service to the country. Flores' brother served in Vietnam, and his picture was one of 400 that hung in the exhibit.
During the Vietnam War, the soldiers who did not make it were sent home to be laid to rest by their families. For varying circumstances, some of these soldiers' remains were never claimed. The Missing in America Project is a group that is dedicated to identifying and locating the remaining family members of these fallen heroes. The project's website stated that it had helped identify and honorably intern over 500 unclaimed veterans since its beginning.
Vietnam veteran John Hundahl partnered with The Missing in America Project to identify the remains of 47 veterans in the Medical Lake, Washington, area. According to The Tri-City Herald, many of the remains have been unclaimed for over 20 years.
"There was a gentleman who served in Korea, Vietnam and World War II and his urn was never claimed," Amy Coffman, an employee of a local funeral home, told KREM-2 News. "How sad that this national hero who dedicated his life to serving and protecting us was never honored until today."
Hundahl and the MIAP made it their mission to arrange for these remains to get a proper military internment ceremony before they were finally laid to rest at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery. On Sept. 15, they oversaw the public event that finally honored the unclaimed soldiers.
During his campaign, Donald Trump has established himself as a champion of veterans. In fact, much of his policy deals with veteran support and VA reform. On Sept. 15, the Republican frontrunner delivered his first speech relating to national security.
With the decommissioned battleship USS Iowa as his backdrop in LA, Trump gave a less than 15-minute speech where he briefly touched on topics like immigration reform, military policy and veterans affairs.
"We're going to make our military so big, so strong and so great, so powerful that we're never going to have to use it," Trump told the crowd. "We're going to have a president who is respected by Putin, respected by Iran."
The Huffington Post reported that Trump won the support of veterans' advocacy group Veterans for a Strong America just before the speech. The group also sponsored Tuesday's gathering, and while many anticipated the day's address would focus more on veterans issues, the majority of the real estate tycoon's speech was dedicated to immigration reform.
However, Trump did express his displeasure with the quality of veteran health care and current foreign policy. The candidate's next engagement was the GOP debate on Sept. 16.
It is important for children to trust first responders and be ready to ask them for help should they ever need it. This is why the first responders of Circleville, Ohio, started Kids and Badges Day. This year's event marked the fifth annual gathering. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m on Sept. 12, families came to Circleville's Mary Virginia Crites Hannan Park to visit with local firefighters, police officers and emergency service workers.
Nicole Allen, one of the event organizers, told The Circleville Herald that the local first responders dedicate a lot of time and effort to Kids and Badges Day. They want the children to respect their jobs and know that they are there to help.
The day started off with a tribute to 9/11 first responders. Afterward, the kids in attendance got to participate in activities that demonstrate what daily life is like for the various first responders. They were also allowed to explore the emergency vehicles and witness canine demonstrations.
Parents had the opportunity to enroll in child identification programs and fire prevention courses while the children enjoyed the bouncy castle and hotdog cookout.
Fire equipment is an integral part of fighting fire. If equipment malfunctions, firefighters run the risk of losing lives. It is important to make equipment checks a station-wide priority to maintain properly functioning tools and gear.
1. Usage check
FirefighterNation.com recommends instating a "You touch it, you test it" rule. Simply put, this holds every firefighter accountable for the equipment he or she touches during daily work. If the firefighter handles a certain section of the hose, he or she is responsible for checking and maintaining that part of the hose. This method divvies up the responsibilities fairly and makes sure every member of the team is doing his or her part.
2. Tool check
Station managers will want to assign several members to make sure every tool kit has the proper pieces and that each tool is in good working order. You would not want to send a fellow firefighter into a building without a sharp hatchet or a sturdy crowbar.
3. Turnout clothing inspection and cleaning
Keeping turnout clothing clean and in good repair not only helps extend the life of the equipment, but it may save the life of the firefighter as well. FireResecue1.com reported that dirty turnout clothing provides less insulation and can become more flammable. Perform regular checks of the clothing to make sure there are no tears or vulnerabilities in the material and properly clean the gear to keep it working at top performance levels.
4. Fire suit inspection and repair
Many times your helmet, boots and other flame-retardant clothing are the only things between you and deadly flames. These items should be carefully examined on a regular basis to ensure they are functioning up to standard. If they are in need of repair, get it done immediately.
5. Hose tests
The hose is a vital part of fighting fires. It is absolutely essential that this piece of equipment works without flaw. FireDepartment.org suggested that stations should perform a hose test at least once annually. These inspections can prevent serious accidents and fatal malfunctions. Click here for the proper procedure for testing your station's hoses.
Society relies on first responders like firefighters to keep it safe, and firefighters rely on their equipment to help them fulfill those duties. This equipment should be kept in top-notch condition to ensure that it will work properly when it is needed. Well-cared-for tools and gear can prevent unnecessary incidents in the field.
Honor Flight is a nonprofit program that flies veterans who served in World War II to Washington, D.C., to see the monuments and receive gratitude. This program has gotten almost 100,000 WWII veterans to participate. In fact, it is so dedicated to making sure all WWII veterans have the opportunity to experience Washington, D.C., the program is willing to do whatever it takes to let the veterans know they are appreciated. Such was the case with Richard Jowders.
The New Hampshire native served as a Private First Class in the Army. Unfortunately, health risks prevented Jowders from participating in the Honor Flight. Sheila Peters, a VA volunteer close to Jowders, decided to bring the experience to him. Peters arranged for the veteran to get the same experience without the flight to D.C. WMUR-9 News reported that Jowders was able to watch the film all Honor Flight participants see, to get the same apparel and receive a mail call with well wishes from loved ones.
"I can't thank them enough," Jowders told WMUR-9 News. "I probably can't even sleep tonight. I'll think about it all night."
Fellow veterans who were there with Jowders and who had experienced the Honor Flight said the event was as close to the real thing as it could be.
Firefighters are first responders without an abundance of spare time on their hands. However, tradition holds that they should maintain a clean and presentable station house. How are these busy individuals supposed to clean their fire station while having time to respond to calls? AFBA has outlined five ways firefighters can clean quicker and more efficiently.
1. Top to bottom, left to right
Most experts recommend starting at the highest point in your house and working your way to the right and downward. This method should also be applied to the rooms you clean. By establishing this pattern in every room, you are less likely to miss areas.
2. Maintain a schedule
Staying on top of cleaning can help cut back on the time you spend keeping things tidy. Set a weekly cleaning schedule and make sure you stick to it. Post this schedule somewhere visible so the assigned individuals know when it is their turn to clean.
3. Use the proper cleaning materials
Avoid using cheap cleaning solutions and poorly made cleaning tools. Invest in a quality broom and dustpan, wet mop, duster and vacuum to save yourself the hassle of creating more work for yourself cleaning up after cheap products. Professional-grade cleaners can also help make your job easier. You will also want to invest in good cleaning gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes that are crucial for performing your job.
4. Make it fun
Cleaning may seem like an arduous process, but who said you cannot have fun doing it? Crank your favorite playlist or a new audiobook to help pass the time while you scrub away. You could also make it a challenge. Divide the station into teams and assign sections for them to clean. Reward the team that produces the cleanest area in the shortest time.
5. Get the team involved
If you tackle cleaning as a group effort, it will go much quicker than if it is left to a few people to finish. Cleaning as a team can also make the tasks more fun and will create universal respect for the cleanliness in the station house.
Though cleaning may seem tedious, it is a big part of maintaining a functional fire house. Firefighters should follow the tips above to help develop a faster, more effective cleaning method in their station house.