COMMISSIONER’S BUSINESS
Thermal imaging camera demonstration
On Tuesday I joined the Premier Bob Carr and Minister Tony Kelly at
the State Training College for a media demonstration of our thermal
imaging cameras (TIC). The event was an opportunity to highlight the
capabilities of the cameras to the Premier and assembled media. I
made a point of mentioning that the NSWFB was one of the first fire
services to use TICs to their full potential and that our procedures
have been adopted by other fire services. Thank you to those involved,
particularly Station Officer Paul Sydenham and Instructor Daren Ellen
of the BA/Hazmat Training Unit.
Indonesian earthquake
At this time there has been no request for USAR assistance after the
recent earthquake in Indonesia. Agencies who were assisting with the
tsunami recovery in the region were able to assist where necessary.
As the national contact point for overseas USAR responses, I have
been in close contact with Emergency Management Australia. It is unlikely
that the NSWFB will be asked to join any relief effort.
Hydrant and watermains maps – part 2
Further to last week’s article regarding the new hydrant and
watermains maps, I would like to acknowledge and thank Inspector Peter
Malek for all his valuable work in getting this project off the ground.
The initial concept was Peter’s and he carried out much of the
research and liaison with Sydney Water, before handing the project
on to the Operations Research Unit.
OPERATIONAL UPDATE
Maitland house fire
Yesterday there was a tragic house fire in the Maitland area where
two young boys died. 454 Tarro were at the scene within nine minutes
of the initial triple-0 call, and 373 East Maitland, 432 Raymond Terrace
and 260 Newcastle also responded.
The children’s mother and three other children escaped from
the fire. The woman and two of the children were taken to Maitland
Hospital, suffering smoke inhalation, and a firefighter was treated
on the scene for heat stress. There were claims that there was a delayed
response to the fire. Investigations of FireCAD and triple-0 calls
confirm that fire crews were on the scene within nine minutes.
Loss of life is always deeply saddening, and I take this opportunity
to remind staff of the support given by the Brigade Chaplains, critical
incident team and employee assistance program.
Parkes Leagues Club fire
417 Parkes responded to a reported fire in the three-level Parkes
Leagues Club building at around 6.30pm on Wednesday 30 March. Following
a Red message from 417, crews from 419 Peak Hill, 294 Forbes and RFS
also responded. Ambulance crews and Police were also in attendance
as crews tackled the blaze. Despite the flames spreading into ducting
and some minor damage to the roof, the fire was contained to the kitchen
area of the club thanks to the fast work of firefighters from 417
station. All persons at the scene were evacuated and no injuries were
reported.
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that the NSWFB intends to
put a wholly female recruit class through in the very near future?
Response: This rumour is completely untrue. Those
applicants, men or women, who successfully win a permanent firefighter
position will do so solely on the basis of merit. Regardless of an
applicant’s gender or background, the selection requirements,
such as the physical aptitude test, are the same for every applicant.
Rumour: Is it true that the current
SOPP class is doing four hours extra study per night and also extra
study on weekends? I hear this is creating problems in morale and
adding strain to firefighters' family lives. If this is true, shouldn't
the course be extended or overtime be paid? Firefighters are not schoolchildren
and aren't expected to do unpaid homework.
Response: The amount of time needed for extra study
will vary between individuals. Some candidates may decide to address
some areas in greater depth, and this can create an extra individual
workload. If individual students require help in preparing a more
effective study plan or in any other aspect of the course, instructors
are always available to provide assistance. This course is no different
to the many others before it – it is hard work.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Template media release for translated fire safety factsheets
To demonstrate our commitment to spreading fire safety messages to
cultural and linguistically diverse communities, Community Risk Management
has translated seven key fire safety factsheets into 22 languages.
The translated factsheets are available on both our intranet and internet.
A template media release announcing the translated factsheets has
been produced for stations and I encourage all officers to notify
their local ethnic media and community groups. To access the template
media release and tips on how to get the message out, click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kandos 50th anniversary celebrations
Tomorrow night Assistant Commissioner Murray Kear and A/Zone Commander
West 3, Inspector Terry Farley will join firefighters from 342 Kandos
to celebrate the Brigades’ 50th anniversary. The celebrations
will include the retirement RFF Glen Evans who has given 20 years
service to the community of Kandos. During his visit Assistant Commissioner
Kear will be given a tour of the station by the crew. Congratulations
on reaching this milestone.
Reserve Forces Day “Coo-ee March”
In commemoration of the 1915 “Coo-ee March” the NSWFB
has been invited to form a platoon in a re-creation to be held as
part of the 2005 Reserve Forces Day Parade in Sydney on 3 July.
In July 1915 the Coo-ee March set off from Gilgandra with 35 men.
Over a period of three weeks they marched 510 kilometres, urging others
to enlist along the way. They passed through Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst,
Lithgow, Penrith, Parramatta and many other towns and villages, finally
arriving in Sydney with 263 men.
To participate in the reenactment, no previous military knowledge
is required. You need to be aged between 18 and 45 and be available
for a training day in Sydney on Saturday 2 July and the march itself
on 3 July. This is a great opportunity to be involved in an historic
event. All participants will be issued with a commemorative 1915-style
ID card, and will wear period clothing. The training day will cover
basic military drills. The NSWFB Platoon needs 30 people ASAP; entry
is also open to friends and family of NSWFB staff. To get involved
please contact Assistant Commissioner Bob Dobson on 9901 2499 or bob.dobson@fire.nsw.gov.au.
For more information about Reserve Forces Day you can visit the website
www.rfd.org.au.
Puffing Billy Run
The runners at the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Melbourne have invited
us to join them for the Puffing Billy race this year on Sunday 1 May.
The run is against the Puffing Billy train through the Dandenong Mountains
in Victoria. It's a 13.2km run from Belgrave to Emerald Lake. The
train makes the run back to the start after the race and family and
friends can catch the train out to Emerald Lake to be part of the
fun.
The MFB sends a team to Sydney each year to run in the City To Surf
and would love to have some NSWFB runners (or walkers) come down for
the Puffing Billy race so they can reciprocate our hospitality.
Entry forms and further details are available from Inspector Ron
Sinclair via email ron.sinclair@fire.nsw.gov.au. Ron can help arrange
travel.