FireRescue1 joined scores of firefighters in Indianapolis to report live every day from Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) 2010, covering breaking news, hot products and useful tips from educational sessions. Be sure to check out our full coverage below for a recap of important speakers, sessions, awards and much more.
IAFF president lashes out at politicians, media IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger delivered a stinging attack on the media and politicians, saying the economic crisis has caused the fire service to be targeted for salaries, pensions and benefits during the current economic downturn. IAFF fights back
Keynote: Fire service culture not to blame for problems Lt. Frank Ricci, of New Haven, Conn., said the fire service must stand up and take action through accountability and leadership, and also spoke about the "New Haven 20" Supreme Court race case, of which he was the lead plaintiff. "Smokescreen for poor leadership"
Panel discusses diversity in fire service The three-member panel included Lt. Frank Ricci from the "New Haven 20" Supreme Court case; Lt. Joseph B. Muhammad, President of International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters; and Division Chief of Training Cheryl Horvath. Defining equality
NFFF head honored for LODD reduction efforts NFFF's Executive Director Ron Siarnicki was given the Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize his efforts in reducing line-of-duty deaths. He played a lead role in creating the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives. Keeping firefighters safe
Calif. firefighter honored at FDIC for rescues without PPE Capt. Eric Hankins, of the Yuba City, Calif., was recognized for his bravery in rescuing two children from a fire he spotted while driving to the firehouse to begin his shift. He was only wearing his regular clothes when made the rescues. Courage and Valor Award
FDNY battalion chief outlines survival tips FDNY Battalion Chief John Salka outlined a range of survival tips that can help keep firefighters alive during a session at FDIC on Wednesday. He told the audience that "survival is a mentality" and that the best survivors share a positive approach. Start with awareness
Session: Firefighters should think like incident commanders "If you get everyone at the scene thinking a little more like the incident commander, thinking a little more strategically as well as tactically, our operations will run a lot easier," FDNY Deputy Chief Thomas Dunne told an FDIC session. Five major challenges
Panel discusses firefighter safety challenges Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder, of Loveland-Symmes, Ohio; FDNY Lieutenant Ray McCormack; Orlando, Fla., Firefighter Walter Lewis; and Chief Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF, made up a panel that focused on a variety of topics. NFPA process debated
Pre-planning tips for EMS highlighted at FDIC session Karen Owens, emergency operations assistant manager at the Virginia Office of EMS, said pre-plans serve four main purposes: identify target hazards, identify limitations, access the right information at the right time, and aid in decision-making. Coordination is key
FDIC session tells fire officers to take 'newspaper test' Deputy Chief Steve Kraft, of the Richmond Hill Fire Department, Ontario, Canada, told an audience to ask themselves, "If what I am about to do appears on the front page of the National Post, would I be proud or embarrassed?" Walk the walk
MSA displays next-generation SCBA
Lion Apparel unveils new turnout boots
Oshkosh unveils new ARFF apparatus
W.L. Gore introduces new two-layer moisture barrier
3M presents reflective materials
Honeywell releases new harness at FDIC
Honeywell Batteries impress at FDIC
Black Diamond introduces new fire boot
Nine 1 One Gear shows off 2 new jackets
E-One builds new heavy-duty cab interior
Globe's Crawl & Climb benefits Burn Foundation
5.11 Tactical announces wildland fire apparel, EMS bags
