COMMISH’S CORNER

.Friday 18 May 2007 Number 413 NSWFB The Rumour Mill No (02) 9265 2627
CURRENT NATIONAL SECURITY ALERT LEVEL : MEDIUM

Station Visits

Over the past two days I have been visiting fire stations in Metropolitan North. It was good to get out and about and talk to firefighters about the issues they face. Yesterday I visited Newcastle Fire Station and spoke to 260 Newcastle, 462 Mayfield West, 500 Tingira Heights, 252 Carrington, 376 Merewether and 454 Tarro. Today I went to East Maitland and had discussions with 373 East Maitland, 374 Maitland, 382 Morpeth, Captain Cameron Powerll (455 Telarah), Captain Greg Foster (344 Kearsley), and zone office staff. I also visited Gosford Fire Station and spoke to 304 Gosford, 340 Umina, 341 Kariong, 228 Berkeley Vale, 509 Wyoming, 459 Terrigal, and 450 Saratoga. Last night, Deputy Commissioner Ken Thompson and I attended an RFS conference dinner in Newcastle.

Recruit graduation

I welcomed 18 new firefighters to the NSWFB at their graduation at the Training College last Thursday. They come from diverse backgrounds, including a tax officer, carpenter, police officer, beach inspector and soldier. Among the class was former Retained Firefighter Sam Edwards, of 379 Moama. See the photos from the graduation on the intranet.

AFSM investitures and bravery award

On Wednesday 9 May, I attended a ceremony at Government House where the Governor of NSW, Professor Marie Bashir AC, presented the AFSM to four NSWFB officers. Congratulations to Superintendent Michael Guymer (ZC ME1), Captain Keith Ferguson (445 Springwood), Captain Raymond McTiernan (284 Delroy), and retired Captain Des Fairfull (formerly of 362 Lismore). The AFSM is a fitting tribute for your dedicated service and contribution to the NSWFB and the community. In a separate ceremony at Government House on Thursday 10 May, I also witnessed Professor Bashir present the Australian Commendation for Brave Conduct to FF Justin Taylor for actions at a boat fire on 1 January 2005. Read the details of the awards on the intranet.

75th anniversary of the NSWFB Medal for Conspicuous Bravery

Seventy five years ago today eight firefighters put their lives on the line to protect the Armidale business district from a fire in a storeroom containing 9,000 detonators. The building exploded and was threatening a nearby shed which contained a large quantity of explosives. Sadly, two firefighters died in the explosion and despite the danger of another explosion in the shed, the surviving members of the Armidale Brigade attacked the fire by playing a water curtain around the explosives magazine, preventing the destruction of the town?s business centre. The incredible bravery exhibited by all the firefighters resulted in the establishment of the NSWFB Medal for Conspicuous Bravery. Though the medal was instituted in 1932, it was first conferred in June 1933, and since then the medal has been awarded 26 times, the last recipient being SO Carlos Henry who rescued three-year-old Tyler Jameson from his burning home in Kingswood on 26 July 2006. Special In Orders have been published today to celebrate the anniversary.

Discrete Aboriginal Communities project

A pilot NSWFB project which identified fire safety issues in discrete Aboriginal communities, that is communities which were formerly missions or reserves in remote areas, is to be expanded into a whole-of-government project by the State Emergency Management Committee and the Office for Emergency Services (OES). Under the NSWFB pilot, a team consisting of Aboriginal Services Officer Terry Hill, SO Terry Kirkpatrick and SO John Barr conducted several fire safety audits in some of these remote communities and found issues concerning water availability, hydrants, smoke alarm penetration, building construction and access/egress. When the pilot project was presented to a meeting of stakeholders, including the RFS, Police, Water and Energy, Aboriginal Lands Council, OES and Premiers Department on Friday 4 May, it was decided the expanded project would require involvement from a range of government agencies and needed to be coordinated at a State level. Congratulations to everyone involved in the project on obtaining such high level support for this important initiative.

Comms Centre opportunities

There are a number of vacancies available for Comms operators (firefighters) and Response Coordinators (Inspectors) in Sydney, Wollongong and Katoomba. Comms can be a good place to grow your skills and career. Many senior officers have spent time in Comms Centres because it helps to provide a good overview of NSWFB operations, and Comms Operators work hand in hand in an emergency situation with the RFS, NSW Police, Ambulance, SES and other emergency and support services. For more information contact your local Comms Centre or Operational Communications o­n 9318 4351.

NSWFB Escape Day 2007

The June fire safety campaign is Escape Day, which will be officially held on 16 June. Throughout the month of June, stations are encouraged to promote the importance of escape plans (and other winter fire safety messages) in their local community. Further information about the escape plan fire safety campaign and Escape Day will be available on the intranet shortly.

Is Hazmat your next career move?

Manager Hazmat Supt Rob McNeil is appealing for Qualified Firefighters and above to apply for two positions as Hazmat Technicians at 9 Hazmat ? one each on C and D Platoons. If you are looking for exposure to a diverse range of incidents, specialist training, including the initial four-week Hazmat Technician?s course, helicopter training and the BA Technician?s course, a focus on counter terrorism and high involvement with Specialised Operations, you can apply for a transfer via the Electronic Self Service on Station Portal or by calling Supt McNeil on 9318 7322 or 0419 264 647.

NSWFB North Regional Firefighters Championship

Congratulations to all 15 teams that took part in the NSWFB North Regional Firefighters Championship at Dorrigo on 5-6 May. In addition to the NSWFB teams, one Rural Fire Service team and three teams from the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service took part in the weekend of competition. Congratulations to the host brigade, Dorrigo, which was declared the North Regional Champions and will be representing the NSWFB at the Queensland State Championships to be held in Cairns in July. The next round of the NSW competition will be held in Balgownie in July.

Kogarah centenary

On Saturday 12 May, I was privileged to attend the centenary celebrations for 21 Kogarah. It is always a pleasure to be at these events and pay tribute to the service, courage and commitment that my fellow firefighters have demonstrated over 100 years. I was joined by the local MP, Cherie Burton, the Mayor of Kogarah, Councillor Michael Kitmiridis, and senior NSWFB staff. It was good to see so many firefighters past and present 'and of course their families' at the celebrations. Read the intranet story.

'New' ladders now old

We are continually placing new appliances in stations, keeping the fleet as up to date as possible. The other side of that, of course, is the decommissioning of older appliances. I note with some nostalgia that No. 7 Ladders (FBY-807), one of three identical 37m lveco-Magirus DL37 ladders, has found a new home at The Museum of Fire. I was among the first batch of operators of this class of ladders, which were 'new' in 1984, transferred from Crows Nest to HQ specifically to train on the new ladders because I was a qualified hydraulic platform and ladder driver at 36. At that time, Nos. 5, 6 and 7 ladders were state of the art, and I operated them at several large fires over the years. Read the intranet story about No. 7 Ladders and other appliances now housed at the Museum.

Best band

The NSW Fire Brigades Band took out the first place trophy in the Service Section of the 2007 Sydney ANZAC march. The University of NSW Army Reserve Band came second with the Corrective Services Band in third place. Congratulations to the band for this well deserved recognition. I heard many comments among the crowd on the day about the high standard of the band and it was clear who the public thought were the best. A special thank you to the band?s Drum Major, Peter Ryan, who has spent many hours drilling the band in correct marching technique since December.

Barrington Tops getaway

On the weekend of 5-6 May, my wife Erris and I, NSW Ambulance General Manager Operations Mick Willis, and Superintendent Jenny Willis, as well as a Police Officer, other Ambulance Officers and Hunter Valley firefighters headed to the high country for an emergency services get-together. Retained Firefighter Wayne Woodward from 344 Kearsley organises an annual emergency services camping trip aimed at forging closer bonds of friendship between the services. A great time was had by all, and a number of tall tales were told around the campfire. Well done and thank you Wayne.

Charity shield ''Return to Camperdown'

A charity touch football day is being held at Camperdown Oval on Sunday 27 May. Last year, the organiser, FF Robbie Stephenson, held a pilot day at Meadowbank, raising almost $5000 for The Children's Hospital at Westmead. This year they're hoping to pass that figure. For information about the event, contact FF Stephenson at 75 A on 9456 3536 or on mobile 0408 676 911.

Lost Tribe

Firefighter Tony Povey and his family are currently featuring in a new TV show, 'The Lost Tribes'. I know Tony must have survived, because he's back at work safe and sound. Sorry if I spoiled the ending!

RUMOUR MILL

Rumour: Is it true that, by not enforcing the NSWFB regulation against smoking in uniform, the Commissioner is happy to accept passive smoking claims against firefighters?

Response: Policy relating to smoking in uniform can be found in Fire Brigades Regulations 2003, Part 3, Section 18 (1)(d) and the Non Smoking Policy (Standing Orders; In Orders 1990/10, as amended by In Orders 1991/21). These policies should be followed by all firefighters and there are no instructions to the contrary. It is the duty of all employees to observe the requirements, and of all officers to represent the Commissioner by rigidly enforcing them so as to safeguard health and safety, and our professional image.

INCIDENTS

Serious MVA in Branxton

EVENTS
Kogarah centenary celebrations
Commissioner accepts plaque in recognition of efforts of the ?400 in 4? cyclists
Superintendent Tom Milburn completes Honiara assignment
Hazmat in vertical rescue exercise
Mock scenario on Parramatta River
Scenic World rescue drill



COMMISH’S CORNER
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Cora Sarmiento, Commish’s PA: 9265 2930
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