Cloud computing is one of business's greatest advantages. It allows for more connectivity and easier information sharing. Now, however, California firefighters and their logistics teams are starting to use the cloud to help them fight fires. Because fires are ever-changing in nature, they can be difficult to contain. The California Natural Resources Agency is one of a few organizations working to make past wildfire and drought information available to firefighters over the cloud.
Not only would cloud access give firefighters real-time data and analyses at the scene of an ongoing fire, but it may also be able to help them prevent other fires before they start. Firefighters could access historical records of drought and fire-prone areas, making it easier to identify areas of potential fire outbreak and manage the risk. Previously, the state of California kept such records on tapes due to lack of storage space. This made it difficult for firefighters to access that information and use it to prevent fires. Tim Garza, director of IT at the California Natural Resources Agency, told Forbes that the main plan for setting up a cloud system for firefighters and first responders was to create a shared information network that would make them more effective at their jobs.
California is one of the first states to incorporate cloud computing into its firefighting arsenal.
When New Jersey waitress Liz Woodward paid for firefighters Tim Young and Paul Higgins' meal on her overnight shift at the Route 130 Diner, she never anticipated what she would get in return. Woodward let the firefighters have their meal free of charge, leaving them a note of gratitude for their service in place of a bill. Young was warmed by the gesture, so he shared a picture of the note and recommended that people who got Woodward as a waitress should tip generously. When he found out Woodward had a GoFundMe campaign to buy her father a wheelchair-accessible van, he decided to repay her kindness.
Young shared Woodward's GoFundMe page on his Facebook and received an outpouring of help from his followers. Over 185 people, most of whom knew neither Young nor Woodward, donated to Woodward's cause to raise $38,000, over $20,000 more than the campaign's goal. Woodward expressed her gratitude for the response on Facebook and encouraged others to spread the kindness around.
On her Facebook page, Woodward wrote, "Look for those opportunities because they are everywhere. You can make a difference – it doesn't always have to be an elaborate production or effort – it's always the little things that have the greatest impact."
The town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is known for its patriotism. Every year, the Patriot Festival is held there. However, Pigeon Forge recently took its patriotism to a new level. The little Tennessee getaway with just over 6,000 residents will be celebrating veterans and, for the first time, first responders in various ways for the entire month of August. The town is calling its month-long celebration and display of gratitude Celebrate Freedom. To kick things off, local businesses are offering discounts to veterans, active military personnel, firefighters, emergency responders and police officers.
The activities during the month include a Welcome Home parade, an exhibit featuring a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial, artillery demonstrations and various military performances. Musical guests include The Alabama Boys, Unreconstructed, Marty Raybon and T. Graham Brown. Active and former military personnel and first responders from around the country are invited to the Celebrate Freedom events. Admission is free for servicemembers and first responders. Interested parties can get tickets by calling 800-309-0816. Some of the money from ticket sales will benefit the Sevier County Fire Chiefs Association.
Click here for a complete schedule of events.
Firefighters' schedules are exceptionally demanding. When they are not risking their lives to protect their communities, they are busy working together to upkeep the stations that serve as their second homes. In a career that demands a good deal of stamina, it is important for firefighters to maintain a nutritional and filling diet. However, it can be difficult to find time to prepare food. The recipes below are some examples of quick and nourishing meals to keep firefighters energized and healthy.
Lemon thyme chicken with sauteed vegetables
This protein-packed meal takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. The chicken is bursting with zesty flavor, and the sauteed vegetables complete the dish nicely. At only 325 calories per serving, this dish is perfect for feeding a station full of hungry firefighters. See the full recipe here.
Whole-wheat Southwestern pizza
There is no need to waste station budget on ordering a pizza when this recipe can be done in 18 minutes or less. Top the whole-wheat crust with an array of fresh vegetables for a healthier take on a Friday night favorite. Alternate between chicken, sausage, turkey and beef each time to add protein and variety.
Grilled beef with basil puree over Tuscan beans
Beef and beans are notorious for being chock-full of protein, so this dish is sure to keep the station full and ready to go. The juicy tenderloin and hearty beans are extremely easy to make and can be on the table in about 20 minutes. Get the recipe here.
Pork chops with Dijon glaze
In just 30 minutes, this savory dish is ready to be devoured. The Dijon glaze accentuates the buttery flavors of the pork chops, making this a meal to remember. To make the recipe even healthier, leave out the honey. It will taste just as delicious without the added sugar.
Cauliflower sauce with whole-wheat penne
Pasta is full of good carbohydrates that provide the body with energy. The 35 minutes it takes to make this recipe will not be wasted. The creamy cauliflower sauce coats the pasta in delectable perfection. To make this a vegetarian dish, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
Ancho-glazed salmon and sweet potato fries
This meal contains an impressive 30 grams of protein per serving. Spicy notes from the ancho chilies give the salmon a little extra kick. The combination of nutrients from the fish and the sweet potatoes will keep firefighters full through any emergency situation, and this dish only takes 20 minutes to make. Click here for the recipe.
Korean sticky chicken
For those extra busy days around the station, try making this dish. It only takes eight ingredients and 12 minutes to finish. The sauce combines the sweet flavors of honey with energizing hints of spice. The chicken is tender and sure to satisfy big hunger. Get the recipe for this quick meal here.
Finding time to prepare a healthy, balanced meal with a normal schedule is difficult. For firefighters, the challenge is even greater. All of the meals above can be completed in 35 minutes or less and provide the proper nutrition to keep any station healthy and ready for action.
Fighting fire requires a superior level of fitness. The dangerous situations firefighters experience daily are physically demanding. Being properly prepared for these physical challenges can save a firefighter's life. Outlined below are a series of exercises designed to help firefighters reach the level of fitness required to safely do the job.
1. Sled drags
Firefighters need to be able to drag equipment and carry victims to safety, and they need to do it without exhausting themselves. Sled drags are an excellent exercise for strengthening the muscles required to do these tasks.
2. Farmer walks
Fire hoses can be difficult to hold onto. The strength of a firefighter's grip can be a key factor in a successful fire rescue. Farmer walks can drastically strengthen grip and upper body muscles, making it less likely that a firefighter will tire while working the hose.
3. Squats
This exercise is crucial for firefighters. Leg strength increases speed and stability. These two skills are crucial for completing the job safely and effectively, and squats are guaranteed to improve leg strength and balance.
4. Deadlifts
On the scene of an emergency, firefighters will likely be required to lift heavy objects frequently. This can mean moving weighty obstructions or hoisting an unconscious victim and carrying them to safety. Deadlifts ensure that a firefighter's muscles are strong enough to lift heavy objects at a moment's notice.
5. Medicine ball slams
Having a strong core is crucial for firefighters. While crunches can be an effective way to achieve strong abdominal muscles, medicine ball slams engage all areas of the core. This creates rotational strength and can help firefighters become more agile.
6. Weighted stairs
Firefighters are required to go up and down stairs quickly and often weighed down by heavy equipment. Weighted stairs exercises can train the legs to withstand these physical demands. These exercises can also help prevent fatigue and improve a firefighter's speed.
7. Vertical jumps
In a burning building, there may be obstructions that result in a firefighter having to jump and hoist himself or herself over the obstacle. Structural damage could also leave firefighters with no option but to jump and hoist themselves to another, safer level of a burning house. Vertical jumps help improve the heights to which firefighters are able to leap. This exercise also strengthens leg muscles which can help prevent exhaustion from carrying the heavy equipment.
Good physical fitness can be a lifesaving factor for firefighters. The demands of the job require plenty of strength and conditioning, and the exercises above can help firefighters improve those two things.
First responders are some of the bravest people in the workforce. Every day they risk their lives for the safety of others. In true Hollywood fashion, filmmakers recognized the potential for telling an amazing story through the eyes of first responders. Who made the top five list for Hollywood's most heroic police officers, firefighters and paramedics?
1. John McLoughlin from "World Trade Center"
The tragedy at the World Trade Towers on 9/11 is something not many can forget, especially when told from a first-hand perspective. In the movie "World Trade Center", Nicholas Cage plays a veteran Port Authority police officer named John McLoughlin. He and his fellow officers are going about their normal patrol for the day when they see on the news that the North Tower was struck by a plane. McLoughlin rallies his unit to help with the evacuation, but during the rescue, he and two of his men become trapped under the collapsed tower. McLoughlin shoulders the weight of the knowledge that they may never get out alive but does his best to keep the surviving member of his unit positive. He remains strong throughout the whole harrowing ordeal, reminding movie-goers of the courage it takes to put on the badge every day.
2. Stephen 'Bull' McCaffrey from "Backdraft"
Firefighting is a profession that comes with a lot of pride and bravery. In "Backdraft", Kurt Russell plays a Chicago firefighter with a head-on attitude. Despite cautionary warnings from a more experienced firefighter who worked under his father, McCaffrey continues to attack fires aggressively without regard for his personal safety. McCaffrey and his unit are eventually called to a multiple alarm fire in a chemical plant. Here the "Bull" struggles with the betrayal of a beloved partner, but he still tries to save the traitor's life. This noble act ultimately costs him his own. This movie speaks to the pride and brotherhood shared between firefighters, and it is an excellent display of their bravery.
3. Miguel Zavala from "End of Watch"
Police officers, especially inner city patrol officers, experience some of the toughest day-to-day challenges on the job. Michael Pena portrays one of these brave officers in "End of Watch." Pena's character, Miguel Zavala, and his partner patrol the streets of South Central Los Angeles. The duo takes down several major criminals in the area which puts them on the watch with a dangerous cartel. Despite the threats and potential danger, Zavala and his partner continue to patrol their area. When the pair are lured into a showdown with the enraged cartel, Zavala loses his life in an attempt to save his partner's. The movie is an inspiring testament to the honor and sacrifice of police officers.
4. Kit Latura from "Daylight"
Emergency Medical Professionals have to keep a cool head while dealing with a lot of stressful situations. In "Daylight", Sylvester Stallone plays former Emergency Medical Services chief Kit Latura who does just that. When a tunnel under the Hudson River collapses, Latura witnesses the accident from the Manhattan side. He quickly rushes to offer his assistance. Latura realizes there are survivors trapped in the tunnel, so he risks his life to go in and bring them to safety. After a series of harrowing escapes and through indomitable perseverance, Latura manages to get the majority of the survivors to safety. "Daylight" does an excellent job of portraying Emergency Medical Professionals' leadership and selfless urge to save lives.
5. Jack Morrison from "Ladder 49"
The courage it takes to run into a burning building to save lives is something few people possess. Firefighters do this on a regular basis, and the movie "Ladder 49" gives people a good sense of the courage it takes to do that job. Joaquin Phoenix stars as Jack Morrison in this emotional film. The movie opens with Morrison saving the life of a man trapped in a burning grain elevator before the floor collapses, leaving him trapped and with a broken leg. The audience is then taken on a journey through Morrison's career as a firefighter and the bonds he forged with his unit along the way. When rescue efforts grow increasingly dangerous, Morrison orders his captain to pull the other men out of harm's way. His ultimate sacrifice is a prime example of firefighter courage.
Hollywood has documented the heroism of first responders many different times, but only the bravest and strongest made the top five list.
On July 28, the Green Bay Packers joined forces with the firefighters in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, for a fundraising event called Fill the Helmet. The goal of the campaign, which is being lead by the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, is to raise money for the purchase of child identification kits for every kindergarten through eighth grade child in the state. These kits, which include a DNA swab, an inkless fingerprint card and a wallet-sized ID card, are meant to assist law enforcement professionals in the event of an emergency.
The Sheboygan Fire Department, the Packers and 4,000 other firefighters from across the state hope to raise $2.4 million by the end of the fundraiser. The plan is to donate this money to Safety Blitz, an organization dedicated to national child identification, for purchase and distribution of the kits.
Former Green Pay Packer Jerry Kramer shared his enthusiasm for the event with the Sheboygan Press, "[Child identification] is something that I think has been necessary. I'm pleased to be a part of it and think it is a wonderful program."
Wisconsin firefighters will take to the streets to collect money, but individuals interested in making a donation can stop by any firehouse.
On Tuesday, a 10-year-old Maryland boy got the birthday surprise of a lifetime. As an infant, Jordin Bishop was diagnosed with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes an excess of uric access in his body, as reported by the Lesch-Nyhan Organization. The disorder causes Bishop to have difficulties with speech and to rely on a wheelchair for mobility. Bishop's family put out a request on Facebook for birthday cards for the boy, and the response astounded them.
More than 700 cards came flooding in from all around the world. Bishop received birthday wishes from people in France, Israel and Canada. However, what touched the family the most was the outpouring of support. Local fire fighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians collectively sent Bishop over 150 birthday cards. To make the day even more special for the boy, the fire department brought a truck to his Hagerstown home and let Bishop explore it.
"When we can do something special like this for Jordin, that makes what we do just that much better," Officer Gerard Kendle of the Hagerstown Police Department told Your4State News.
Bishop received even more cards from friends and others in his community.
First responders in Council Bluffs, Iowa, are some of the first to employ the use of new hovercraft technology in emergency situations. The new machine is lightweight and has strong horsepower. It can handle almost any temperature and fly in nearly any condition. However, the best feature of this new technology is its potential to save both civilian and first responder lives. Chief Justin James told KETV News that the hovercraft can fly about 25 miles per hour and can maneuver through spaces that a rescuer may not be able to.
The hovercraft is especially advantageous during poor weather conditions when first responders may be slowed down. Because it flies about 9 inches off the ground, the vehicle is ideal for ice and water rescues where cracking or debris may a safety hazard or slow down the rescue.
"It takes a long time to deploy a boat in the winter because of the ice flow, but the ice floe wouldn't affect [the hovercraft]," James said. "You can drive right over the ice."
In the future, it is possible that hovercrafts will become normal tools for first responders. Their effectiveness in making rescues safer and more effective are just a few things that make them a worthy investment for rescue workers.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rookie Club has been working hard to contribute to the team's initiative to become more involved in outreach programs. The Buccaneers are especially determined to get their younger players interested in giving back to the community. This year's rookie members, including Jameis Winston, Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet, have already visited a veterans' hospital and greeted local service members at an air base.
Their next event will take place on Tuesday, July 28, when the Buccaneers Rookie Club will meet 24 firefighters, many of whom are also rookies, from Tampa Fire Rescue. The group will spend the afternoon talking and knocking down pins at a downtown Tampa bowling alley called Pin Chasers. Over the last several years, the NFL team has been committed to developing a philanthropic relationship with the city of Tampa and the fans who support them. One of the team's lineman, Kevin Pamphile, started his own charitable program in which he raised money for school supplies for disadvantaged students in the Haitian town where his parents grew up.
"Me, personally, I'm blessed to be able to play football in this league," Pamphile said on the team's website. "I feel that it's my responsibility to give back to somebody in need."