Thought we'd post some of the feedback we got from the volunteer firefighters that were able to join us on the trip to Indianapolis for FDIC 2008. These were all winners from the 2008 The Fire Within Calendar and Heroes In The Sky campaigns. For more information, please visit www.thefirewithin.ca.
"The value of leadership is sometimes overlooked. We have so much at our fingertips, we just need to ask. I do feel a new energy!"
"This was an experience I will not forget!"
"Thanks for the incredible experience. Your hard work and dedication has made us all better people and firefighters."
"Thank you so much for what The Fire Within has put into the organization of this trip. You have put countless hours and money into something we greatly appreciate. I'm so glad our department joined this organization."
"The conference was more than I expected. All the information I gained this week will better me as a firefighter, safety instructor, and person in general. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity."
"A week ago I climbed on a plane with 27 strangers feeling uncomfortable and with no idea of how this week would go. And here I am a week later with 27 lifetime friends and more memories than I can shake a stick at!"
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Fire Within Goes To FDIC!! Last Day
Day 7:Last day of FDIC. I’m almost too tired to even remember what happened today. There were some sleepy zombies walking our checking out the final hours of the trade show, shopping for their significant others and just chilling.
Jodi and I did some last minute clothes shopping and tried to ditch Brady (Red Deer Cty) before we snuck into Victoria's Secret. It’s amazing how interested guys are in the shopping experience when you say you’re going to that store.
Tammy and Ed (150 Mile House) did some last minute trade show hopping. Tammy was thrilled to have received some free fire resistant underwear and top…..though I’m not sure that I’d come out of a burning building and go “damn, sure glad I had that fire retardant underwear on!”.
T-shirts a plenty were purchased as you know that firefighters just can’t get enough of those navy blue t-shirts. The rest of the day was spent packing and having a few meetings and saying goodbye to Total Fire Group.
The whole gang met at 5:30pm to wrap up the trip. Steve (Morinville) presented a fantastic slide show presentation of the trip….there were 2 versions (you can imagine the difference in the pictures!). We were honored to have 2 fire chiefs from Provident Insurance come and speak to us about the work they do. It generated significant discussion on how departments need to work together to ensure that all firefighters and their families are protected.
After the meeting a bunch of the guys took in the NBA game. Brad and Steve from Morinville decked themselves out in….well….just check out the picture, it speaks for itself. The rest of us went for a great meal and then went to bed for our fabulous sleep of 4 hours before heading to the airport.
4 AM came really early and the plane ride home was uneventful. Considering that Chad got bumped to first class, he actually spent the least time in it. It was sort of like musical chairs. Danny (Ten Mile) looked like a bug squeezed in beside Ed (150 Mile House) and Brady (Red Deer County) was grateful to be given the exit row.
It was wonderful to hear the feedback of the ffs about the trip. Jodi and I have been watching as friendships have been formed, ff stories shared and future possibilities for the fire service envisioned.
We realize at The Fire Within that “together as one” has been exemplified in the past 7 days and the firefighters who have represented their departments on this trip have done so with commitment, passion and respect. Many of the ffs said they wouldn’t miss this trip next year and to sign them up!
The common thread shared among us all is a greater awareness of The Fire Within and what we are trying to achieve. The calendars are our vehicle to Train, Educate and Equip and this was met in spades at FDIC. We were honored to hear the The Fire Within has been heard about as far east as Nova Scotia and as south as Pennsylvania.
We thank everyone who has worked to increase awareness in their communities and to the firefighters who have embraced our vision. We hope to see you all again next year. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!
The Fire Within Goes To FDIC!! Day 6
Day 6:
Well, the mornings seem to start later and later as the week goes on!
Today was spent mostly checking out the tradeshow at FDIC. A pretty amazing event! The tradeshow area is huge and there are fire trucks everywhere. There are a lot of sore feet around here after all the walking, but it seems that everyone had a chance to make a wish list of equipment for their department!
At Total Fire Group’s booth there was a simulated smoke room where you can try out their helmet mounted thermal imaging cameras. Adele and I gave it a shot – what a weird feeling. We thought about using the drag rescue system to bring each other out, but then realized we had no idea where the door was!
The evening brought more entertainment at an Irish pub where we celebrated Kelly‘s birthday (Irricana). I believe he is now 23? We were also able to determine how many people can fit into Rodney from High Level’s jacket at one time…
Some of the group continued on to The Slippery Noodle (it’s a blues bar, not what it sounds like!) to enjoy some music and a very cool environment including a wall where Al Capone used to do target practice!
Of note, it turns out that Norm (Ten Mile Lake) does a great monkey impression complete with tree branch swinging – and all you have to do is offer him a free t-shirt!
Of note, it turns out that Norm (Ten Mile Lake) does a great monkey impression complete with tree branch swinging – and all you have to do is offer him a free t-shirt!
Friday, April 11, 2008
The Fire Within Goes To FDIC!! Day 5
Day 5:
Kieran Sparks from MSA chatting with the group
Chad showing off Mac's cool tie which he believed was a chick magnet
Brady (Red Deer County) once again proved there are no boundaries (Kodak moment of his ‘nether region’). When Les was asked what he learned today he said ‘never to share a room with Brady’. Brady would say the same about Les. At least they have something in common!
I (Adele) was the target for the evening with the old ‘sticker on the back’ joke. Ha ha ha, verrrry funny Joshua, Steve and Ron (Morinville). And I thought when someone took a picture they were checking out my backside. Guess I have to let some of the hot air our of my head!
Rodney from High Level said he’s really regretting telling us that he coaches figure skating in his town (his daughters love it). He said he entered his team into the synchronized skating competition and they came in 2nd…….out of 2 teams. We’re hoping Rodney will teach us some moves on the dance floor. I personally would really love to see our ffs doing some synchronized high kicks.
Adele's new fashion accessories =>
Danny and Norm from Ten Mile said that they were amazed at the course and what they learned. They are looking forward to getting back to their department and sharing the new information with their colleagues.
By the way Danny, you are exceptionally well prepared for this trip with your binder of information. Remind me to have you plan the trip next year!
With all good intentions, many of us got ready to go out and meet fellow ffs. However, with the pouring rain that was coming down, the long line ups at any establishment, and our weary feet, we ended up hanging out in our suite, eating licorice and making fun of Doug (Priddis) trying desperately to get Jodi or I (or anyone for that matter) to massage his shoulders.
Day 6 we’re hitting the trade show. Check it out.
Total Fire Group booth
There were some very tired ffs out this morning. That first training class came awfully early. Reviews of the classes were good; some ffs found them packed with new and extremely useful information. Others felt it validated the knowledge they had acquired before so it’s a win win all around.
walking the floor
With tired feet, the ffs met at the MSA showcase cocktail party, a much sought after invite to have. Hundreds of firefighters came to eat, drink and check out the newest MSA equipment. 
Kevin (Strathmore) spoke too soon when he shared with the group that the sausages being served were ‘really big’. Think before you speak Kevin, think before you speak!
Kevin (Strathmore) spoke too soon when he shared with the group that the sausages being served were ‘really big’. Think before you speak Kevin, think before you speak!
Kieran Sparks from MSA chatting with the group
Chad showing off Mac's cool tie which he believed was a chick magnet
The new SCBA was being drooled over by all the firefighters. Tammy was doing her best to try to get a free helmet but to no avail. It was nice to see many of our ffs share with MSA how grateful they are for MSA’s support the past few years, and how the relationship will be missed.
We at The Fire Within realize how much of an impact MSA has had on our ffs when they're all together and sharing their stories. We also met some ffs from Gatineau, Quebec who we gave some calendars to and they expressed great interest in our organization in order to improve morale with their departments. Very cool, or should I say ‘ooh la la, merci’.
We at The Fire Within realize how much of an impact MSA has had on our ffs when they're all together and sharing their stories. We also met some ffs from Gatineau, Quebec who we gave some calendars to and they expressed great interest in our organization in order to improve morale with their departments. Very cool, or should I say ‘ooh la la, merci’.
Brady (Red Deer County) once again proved there are no boundaries (Kodak moment of his ‘nether region’). When Les was asked what he learned today he said ‘never to share a room with Brady’. Brady would say the same about Les. At least they have something in common!
I (Adele) was the target for the evening with the old ‘sticker on the back’ joke. Ha ha ha, verrrry funny Joshua, Steve and Ron (Morinville). And I thought when someone took a picture they were checking out my backside. Guess I have to let some of the hot air our of my head!
Rodney from High Level said he’s really regretting telling us that he coaches figure skating in his town (his daughters love it). He said he entered his team into the synchronized skating competition and they came in 2nd…….out of 2 teams. We’re hoping Rodney will teach us some moves on the dance floor. I personally would really love to see our ffs doing some synchronized high kicks.
Adele's new fashion accessories =>Danny and Norm from Ten Mile said that they were amazed at the course and what they learned. They are looking forward to getting back to their department and sharing the new information with their colleagues.
Ed and Tammy at the big show =>
<=Brady and Brad at the MSA party
By the way Danny, you are exceptionally well prepared for this trip with your binder of information. Remind me to have you plan the trip next year!
With all good intentions, many of us got ready to go out and meet fellow ffs. However, with the pouring rain that was coming down, the long line ups at any establishment, and our weary feet, we ended up hanging out in our suite, eating licorice and making fun of Doug (Priddis) trying desperately to get Jodi or I (or anyone for that matter) to massage his shoulders.
Day 6 we’re hitting the trade show. Check it out.
Total Fire Group booth
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The Fire Within Goes To FDIC!! Day 4
Day 4:
There was a heart warming commemoration of the 2007
So FDIC has begun. The opening ceremonies were amazing. The Indianapolis Bagpipe Band led the morning with the national anthem sung by the IFD.
There was a heart warming commemoration of the 2007line-of-duty deaths.It puts this job in perspective when you see the many men and women that sacrificed their lives to protect others.
Bobby Halton, Education Director and FDIC editor of Fire Engineering gave an awe inspiring speech about what it means to be a ff. He paid tribute to the men of the USS Indianapolis:
At 12:14 a.m. on July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in the Philippine Sea and sank in 12 minutes. Of 1,196 men on board, approximately 300 went down with the ship. The remainder, about 900 men, were left floating in shark-infested waters with no lifeboats and most with no food or water. The ship was never missed, and by the time the survivors were spotted by accident four days later only 316 men were still alive.
At 12:14 a.m. on July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in the Philippine Sea and sank in 12 minutes. Of 1,196 men on board, approximately 300 went down with the ship. The remainder, about 900 men, were left floating in shark-infested waters with no lifeboats and most with no food or water. The ship was never missed, and by the time the survivors were spotted by accident four days later only 316 men were still alive.
Go to www.ussindianapolis.org for the history.
The guys then went their separate ways to attend a few of the many informative classes. Chad went to a Reading Smoke class where he said he learned that ‘where there's smoke, there’s fire’, he feels he’s a better ff for it! But seriously, he learned that smoke is a bigger indicator of the extension of a fire than the flames and you always see the smoke.
While the ffs were busy getting an education, Jodi and I were working hard at doing nothing. We realized we are very good at it. Jodi said the only problem is you don’t know when you’re done doing nothing. We put in a hard 4 hours by the pool, catching some rays and sawing a few logs (we can’t keep up with these ffs).
We then had the driver of the hotel (pretty cool to have a driver at your disposal) take us to the store. The chauffeur Jake is a great guy. He proceeded to tell us that there are a lot of Canadian ffs in the hotel (he didn’t know they were our guys). He said that he had to take one guy to 3 different stores so he could buy his brand of chewing tobacco. It wasn’t a hard guess for Jodi and I that it was Brady from Red Deer County.
He then said that he also took 3 guys to the liquor store and they took forever to select a bottle of wine. We had to laugh at that one because it was Ron from Morinville who we asked to get us a bottle of wine. I imagine he was concerned about picking the right one!
He then said that he also took 3 guys to the liquor store and they took forever to select a bottle of wine. We had to laugh at that one because it was Ron from Morinville who we asked to get us a bottle of wine. I imagine he was concerned about picking the right one!
The Fire Within staff went to the hotel lobby lounge to sample the world famous pineapple martini (very nice). Ed and Tammy from 150 Mile House stopped by to say hi. They had put on a lot of miles and were enjoying exploring all the classes being offered. Other ffs joined the group and we had a few drinks.
Brad from Morinville was giddy with excitement at his new iPhone. We also found out that if you scare Brad, he screams like a girl. He’ll deny it, but it’s true. He calls it a deep male bellow but it’s totally a valley girl shriek….like, totally.
The evening continued at Ike and Jonesy’s where the Bagpipers showed up and played some great sets for all the ff’s. Kevin (Strathmore) and Andrew (Irricana) busted out the dance moves. And first prize for the most impressive variety of dance moves goes to Brad from Morinville. I hear he’s giving lessons in the art of interpretive dance.
By 3 AM everyone was off in dreamland waiting for Day 5 at FDIC. Oh, except for Rob from Priddis who has made a reservation with the couch in our suite, as his roommate Doug (Priddis) has an amazing talent for generating shockwave tremors.
Brad from Morinville was giddy with excitement at his new iPhone. We also found out that if you scare Brad, he screams like a girl. He’ll deny it, but it’s true. He calls it a deep male bellow but it’s totally a valley girl shriek….like, totally.
The evening continued at Ike and Jonesy’s where the Bagpipers showed up and played some great sets for all the ff’s. Kevin (Strathmore) and Andrew (Irricana) busted out the dance moves. And first prize for the most impressive variety of dance moves goes to Brad from Morinville. I hear he’s giving lessons in the art of interpretive dance.
By 3 AM everyone was off in dreamland waiting for Day 5 at FDIC. Oh, except for Rob from Priddis who has made a reservation with the couch in our suite, as his roommate Doug (Priddis) has an amazing talent for generating shockwave tremors.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Fire Within Goes To FDIC!! Day 3
The rest of Day 2 was spent enjoying the hospitality of Total Fire group at the Lone Star restaurant in Dayton. It was wonderful to see the excitement on our waiter Jeremy’s face when he found out that he was going to be serving a bunch of Alberta firefighters!
And to make it even better, we told Jeremy that Chad (the Fire Within) and Brady (Red Deer Cty) were actors in BrokeBack Mountain. That made Jeremy veryyy happy.
After dinner some went to bed, others went for another drink and partook in the Olympic grocery cart 100 meter dash (Terry from Strathmore and Brad from Morinville had excellent form. Also, Steve from High Level did his best to find us dinner for tomorrow night by chasing down the geese in the parking lot.
And others went to see the, ummm, other ‘sights’ that the local club had to offer. The ‘sights’ were obviously well tipped as the club owner sent the ffs back to the hotel in a limo.
And to make it even better, we told Jeremy that Chad (the Fire Within) and Brady (Red Deer Cty) were actors in BrokeBack Mountain. That made Jeremy veryyy happy.
After dinner some went to bed, others went for another drink and partook in the Olympic grocery cart 100 meter dash (Terry from Strathmore and Brad from Morinville had excellent form. Also, Steve from High Level did his best to find us dinner for tomorrow night by chasing down the geese in the parking lot.
And others went to see the, ummm, other ‘sights’ that the local club had to offer. The ‘sights’ were obviously well tipped as the club owner sent the ffs back to the hotel in a limo.
Oh yeah, one other thing to know is... you never, ever want to fall asleep on a bus full of ffs.
Les from Red Deer County can attest to this, as can Josh from Morinville (nice stripper pole dance by the way Josh)
And honorable mention goes to Charles the photographer for his pole maneuver. The truckers driving by really got a more of a show than they were ever expecting.
Day 3: We headed to the Total Fire Group to tour their plant and research lab. Totally amazing the research that they are doing.
It was really informative to learn what makes gear exceed the minimum standard and the importance of proper testing. The leading edge work that Total Fire Group is doing regarding bunker gear is fascinating.
The Vice President of Total Fire Group shared his vast knowledge and his experience as a firefighter caught in a flash over and the crusade he has been on to change the way the gear is made to protect ffs.
Also it was great to watch Barry break the world record for speaking the longest time without taking a breath! Note to self: don’t ever ask Barry an open ended question if you really have to pee.
Our bus ride to our final resting place Indianapolis was uneventful…..we’ve finally worn the ffs down enough to shut them up. Ahhhh peace and quiet for 2 whole hours.
Everyone checked in to the gorgeous Hilton Hotel…some of the guys got a little freaked out when they were asked if they wanted ‘turn down service’! Big first day of FDIC tomorrow. 35,000 firefighters have descended on the town. It’s going to be a heck of a time!!
And honorable mention goes to Charles the photographer for his pole maneuver. The truckers driving by really got a more of a show than they were ever expecting.
Day 3: We headed to the Total Fire Group to tour their plant and research lab. Totally amazing the research that they are doing.
It was really informative to learn what makes gear exceed the minimum standard and the importance of proper testing. The leading edge work that Total Fire Group is doing regarding bunker gear is fascinating.
The Vice President of Total Fire Group shared his vast knowledge and his experience as a firefighter caught in a flash over and the crusade he has been on to change the way the gear is made to protect ffs.
Also it was great to watch Barry break the world record for speaking the longest time without taking a breath! Note to self: don’t ever ask Barry an open ended question if you really have to pee.
Our bus ride to our final resting place Indianapolis was uneventful…..we’ve finally worn the ffs down enough to shut them up. Ahhhh peace and quiet for 2 whole hours.
Everyone checked in to the gorgeous Hilton Hotel…some of the guys got a little freaked out when they were asked if they wanted ‘turn down service’! Big first day of FDIC tomorrow. 35,000 firefighters have descended on the town. It’s going to be a heck of a time!!
Monday, April 7, 2008
The Fire Within Goes To FDIC!! Days 1 & 2
The Fire Within crew along with 25 other volunteer fire fighters headed off on their six day trip to FDIC and two manufacturers of fire safety equipment, MSA and Total Fire Group.
FDIC is the annual fire fighter training conference and exhibition held in Indianapolis between April 6 and 12th, 2008. (www.fdic.com).
The winners from the 2008 The Fire Within Calendar campaign as well as the Heroes In The Sky campaign were invited to join The Fire Within for an opportunity to see what The Fire Within is all about - Train, Educate and Equip as One.
The volunteer fire fighters on the trip this year are from various departments across Alberta and British Columbia.
What follows below are some observations from Adele Fox........
Day 1: The trip started out with bleary eyes at 5am. If you’ve ever been around 25 firefighters when they are tired and hungry then I feel sorry for you!
So away we went flying around the world….we flew to Houston then to Pittsburgh, little bit of a tour given that we couldn’t book such a large group on a more direct flight. You can bet that Chad got bugged about that one! Did I mention that Chad got bumped to first class and the rest of us peasants stayed in economy?
The flight was uneventful other than watching Brady (our 6’2, 245 pound Red Deer County ff) sardine himself in his seat. Thank god he had some rum to soothe him. We arrived in Houston and everyone held hands to make sure that no one got lost before boarding our plane to Pittsburgh. I’m not sure what you ffs do at the hall but you seemed really comfortable holding hands??
some trivia on the party bus
Once in Pittsburgh and with no luggage issues (by the way Doug from Priddis FD had the biggest suitcase….we heard he likes to bring his own bubble bath), we headed to our hotel, the Marriott. Again, very strange how comfortable the ffs were when they realized they had to share a bed…..what do you do at the hall again?
Actually all Danny from Ten Mile wanted was to make sure he got the left side of the bed!
We were wined and dined by MSA that night with a fabulous presentation on the history of MSA . Did you know that MSA stands for Mine Safety Appliances and one of their first products was the battery powered candle lamp which was invented by Thomas Edison. Cool.
The ffs all got custom embroidered duffle bags and golf shirts from The Fire Within to commemorate their trip as well as MSA t-shirts. The rest of the evening was spent consuming ‘beverages’ and watching some of the ffs turn the swimming pool into a whirlpool….I will not elaborate.
Day 2: After a great breakfast put on by MSA, we headed in our porno/party limo bus….(yes….it has a pole in it ) to the MSA factories.
MSA factory
I must admit I was somewhat embarrassed when I got on the bus and told the driver Derek that I was ‘going to clean his pole’. (think before you speak Adele, think before you speak!).
the party bus
MSA lab tour
Pretty cool to check out the MSA factories and see all that goes into making safety equipment.
discussing the SCBA communications device
Especially the helmets and the 14+ layers of Kevlar that is compacted to keep the noggin safe.
Considering the amount of alcohol consumed on the bus from Pittsburgh to Dayton, they should probably be wearing those helmets right now. Jodi and I are actually quite impressed with the aroma, or lack thereof, in the bus considering we spent 4 hours with 25 ffs and no fresh air.
The ffs completed a ff trivia competition and the best score was 15/25 (good going Mac from Strathmore). It was quite overwhelming experiencing the brain strain that was going on during the test.
Again, it might have been good if the ffs had their helmets on to contain the brain waves being expended.
FDIC is the annual fire fighter training conference and exhibition held in Indianapolis between April 6 and 12th, 2008. (www.fdic.com).
The winners from the 2008 The Fire Within Calendar campaign as well as the Heroes In The Sky campaign were invited to join The Fire Within for an opportunity to see what The Fire Within is all about - Train, Educate and Equip as One.
The volunteer fire fighters on the trip this year are from various departments across Alberta and British Columbia.
What follows below are some observations from Adele Fox........
Day 1: The trip started out with bleary eyes at 5am. If you’ve ever been around 25 firefighters when they are tired and hungry then I feel sorry for you!
So away we went flying around the world….we flew to Houston then to Pittsburgh, little bit of a tour given that we couldn’t book such a large group on a more direct flight. You can bet that Chad got bugged about that one! Did I mention that Chad got bumped to first class and the rest of us peasants stayed in economy?
The flight was uneventful other than watching Brady (our 6’2, 245 pound Red Deer County ff) sardine himself in his seat. Thank god he had some rum to soothe him. We arrived in Houston and everyone held hands to make sure that no one got lost before boarding our plane to Pittsburgh. I’m not sure what you ffs do at the hall but you seemed really comfortable holding hands??
some trivia on the party bus
Once in Pittsburgh and with no luggage issues (by the way Doug from Priddis FD had the biggest suitcase….we heard he likes to bring his own bubble bath), we headed to our hotel, the Marriott. Again, very strange how comfortable the ffs were when they realized they had to share a bed…..what do you do at the hall again?
Actually all Danny from Ten Mile wanted was to make sure he got the left side of the bed!
We were wined and dined by MSA that night with a fabulous presentation on the history of MSA . Did you know that MSA stands for Mine Safety Appliances and one of their first products was the battery powered candle lamp which was invented by Thomas Edison. Cool.
The ffs all got custom embroidered duffle bags and golf shirts from The Fire Within to commemorate their trip as well as MSA t-shirts. The rest of the evening was spent consuming ‘beverages’ and watching some of the ffs turn the swimming pool into a whirlpool….I will not elaborate.
Day 2: After a great breakfast put on by MSA, we headed in our porno/party limo bus….(yes….it has a pole in it ) to the MSA factories.
While the ffs toured the factories, Jodi and I bought some anti-bacterial wipes and sanitized the bus (and pole).
MSA factory
I must admit I was somewhat embarrassed when I got on the bus and told the driver Derek that I was ‘going to clean his pole’. (think before you speak Adele, think before you speak!).
the party bus
By the way, once you’ve seen one chief do the upside-down-splits on the pole, you’ve seen them all.
MSA lab tour
Pretty cool to check out the MSA factories and see all that goes into making safety equipment.
discussing the SCBA communications device
Especially the helmets and the 14+ layers of Kevlar that is compacted to keep the noggin safe.
Considering the amount of alcohol consumed on the bus from Pittsburgh to Dayton, they should probably be wearing those helmets right now. Jodi and I are actually quite impressed with the aroma, or lack thereof, in the bus considering we spent 4 hours with 25 ffs and no fresh air.
The ffs completed a ff trivia competition and the best score was 15/25 (good going Mac from Strathmore). It was quite overwhelming experiencing the brain strain that was going on during the test.
the now famous Jodi revealing the answers
Again, it might have been good if the ffs had their helmets on to contain the brain waves being expended.
wearing various helmets from the MSA museum
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