FDIC 2009 & INDIANAPOLIS, IN FIRE DEPARTMENT

I had the pleasure of attending FDIC 2009 in the City of Indianapolis. This was the first time the event was held in the new Lucas Oil Stadium (The RCA Dome has been torn down). I offer my congratulations to Fire Engineering for another great conference!

Rescue Me revolves around the lives of the men in a New York City firehouse, the crew of 62 Truck. Examining the fraternal nature and relationships of firefighters, the series tackles the daily drama of the life-and-death situations associated with being a firefighter, while exploring the ways the men use dark humor to protect their true emotions.

For the second year in a row Fire-Dex commissioned Orange County Choppers to build a custom motorcycle. Fire-Dex compelled firefighters to "Take the Fire-Dex Challenge" for the chance to win “Heat of the Battle II,” Fire-Dex's newest custom built OCC’s bike. Paul, Sr. made an appearance at the show. This is the second year that OCC's Teutul appeared on behalf of Fire-Dex at FDIC. At FDIC in 2008, over 1,000 participants took the Fire-Dex Challenge to win last year's custom bike, the "Heat of the Battle," and three sets of turnout gear autographed by the OCC founder. Who has the better moustache?

Another two fellow Jersey-ites, Battalion Chief (Ret) Harry Carter of the Newark, NJ Fire Department (L) and Training Chief Mike West of the South Metro, CO Fire Rescue Authority (R).

April 24th, 2009 Indianapolis Metropolitan Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 416 held its annual open house at the Fire Museum/Union Hall, located at 748 Massachusetts Avenue. The Pumper Pulling Competition was held in conjunction with the event. Groups of firefighters from various departments battled in this test of brawn and teamwork.

Shortly before midnight on April 24th, 2009 Engine 15 arrived on scene and reported smoke showing from this two-story residential structure. The fire was brought under control with the resources assigned to the first alarm.

On April 25th, 2009 at approximately 1230 hours, Engine 31 arrived on scene and reported a working garage fire off of the alley behind 3674 Birchwood. The fire was quickly knocked and one area resident was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

On April 26th, 2009 at approximately 1010 hours, Engine 25 arrived on scene to find fire showing from a three-story wood frame multi-family dwelling. Command requested extra companies and a Rapid Intervention Team as all-hands from the 1st Alarm assignment went to work.

To a displaced Jersey kid, a White Castle hamburger stand is like a shining beacon in the night. On April 26th, 2009, after clearing the structure fire on South Emerson, Engine 13 was dispatched to a report of a vehicle fire at this “Slider Palace” at Illinois and South. I was only two blocks away at the time of dispatch and arrived “first due.” Not much was showing and Engine 13’s crew cooled what still burning in the vehicle’s wheel well.