Fire Chief Tim Butler
Thanks for checking out my web log! My radio call sign in Saint Paul is "Car 1." Join me as we go "On Scene" to the fire stations, training evolutions, emergency incidents, and community events in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Let's share perspectives on the issues facing our Department, our community, and the American Fire Service!
Saturday, June 29, 2013
CROATIAN AIR TANKERS
RETURN FROM CROATIA
I just returned from a 10 day trip to Zadar County, Croatia to visit their Fire Department, Mountain Rescue Unit, and EMS Institute. In September, a delegation from Croatia will come to Saint Paul to see our local hospitals, fire stations, and ambulance operations.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
THANKSGIVING, BLACK FRIDAY, AND 2 GREAT SAINT PAUL FIREFIGHTERS KILLED ON DUTY
Good Morning, Everyone!
Today as most of our society relaxes and enjoys a long holiday weekend, the Saint Paul Fire Department and I mark the sad occasion of two line-of-duty deaths.
63 years ago today, on November 24, 1949, Fire Captain John Dillon collapsed and died while on duty. John was the Captain of Engine 5. He joined the Department in 1909 and promoted to Fire Captain in 1925. He and his wife, Alice, lived at 663 Lincoln Avenue. Captain Dillon was 63 years old when he died on duty.
Tomorrow, November 25, marks the 39th anniversary of the 1973 death of Firefighter John Zilliox of Engine 7. John also collapsed and died while on duty. John joined the Department on June 1, 1943, and worked as a Firefighter and a Chief’s Chauffeur during his career.
Firefighting is by far the toughest, most physically demanding job in this City! EVERYTHING we wear and all the tools and equipment we carry are heavy and cumbersome. Heck – even a Halligan Tool (specialized Firefighter crowbar) weights over 10 pounds....and it doesn’t even have any moving parts! Hoses weighing more then 100 pounds per section have to be stretched and moved through snow banks; up stairwells; and over, around or through obstructions. Maintaining balance on narrow ladder rungs, on icy roofs, and in fire-damaged structures is tough enough to do empty-handed, but becomes extremely dangerous when carrying cumbersome power saws and heavy hand tools.
Crews returning from the scenes of fires or after EMS runs where they’ve had to lift 300 pound medical patients over snow banks, down narrow hallways, and down steep stairways can be overcome by exhaustion. Even when it’s freezing cold outside, the temperature INSIDE Firefighter turn out gear can top over 120 degrees, and crews can become dehydrated without even knowing it. Dehydration and the resulting changes to the body’s circulatory system have been shown to be major contributing factors to on-duty heart attacks.
Even just the sound of the alarm bells in the middle of the night can JUMP a Firefighter’s heart rate to over 120 or 130 beats per minute....I know: I’ve worn my heart rate monitor on all my “work-a-longs” with the crews. The sudden wake up from the PA system and the flicker of station lights coming on.....a hurried donning of station boots and uniform....a fast slide down the pole.....a hustle into bunker boots/pants/coat/seat belt.....Just getting a fast “turn out time” can leave you breathless before the truck even leaves the station! An urgent voice on the radio, a near-miss traffic incident while en route, and the sight of a column of smoke rising in the distance only sets the opening stages of a high-intensity “workout” that saps your strength and leaves you sweat-soaked and limp once the adrenaline wears off.
Returning from a call, many Firefighters are unknowingly dehydrated and oftentimes suffering from toxic gas and carbon monoxide poisoning from accidental and incidental smoke inhalation.
It is no small wonder that “overexertion” is found on many on-duty and line-of-duty Firefighter death certificates. In 2010, the National Fire Protection Association reported 72 line-of-duty deaths in the American Fire Service. More than half of those deaths were due to “overexertion” – and the underlying causes were cardiac arrest, embolisms, strokes, and the arduous, physically-demanding work we do. Some Firefighters are found dead in the fire stations after returning from strenuous calls late in their watch. Some make it home, only to die later in the day. Many – like Captain Dillon and Firefighter Zilliox – simply collapse and cannot be revived by even the very best paramedics and hospital staff.
On this Thanksgiving Day, and on “Black Fridays” following each Thanksgiving, I am ever-cognizant of the arduous work we are called to perform while everyone else is celebrating, relaxing, and enjoying time with family and friends. I worry about our crews, and pray that they make it through what is supposed to be a joyous time of remembering our blessings. I hope I never have to visit a family celebrating their blessings, only to deliver the devastating news that a beloved Firefighter has been killed at one of our stations, on a fire scene, or in the streets of a City they fought so hard and sacrificed so much to keep safe and peaceful.
I especially pray for the Zilliox family. I had the distinct pleasure of working with John’s son, Fire Captain and District Chief Jack Zilliox. This stuff hits home for a lot of us, and I will never spend Thanksgiving without thinking about Jack and his Dad, and the many years of sorrow their family has felt on every Thanksgiving holiday weekend. For them, “Black Friday” has a whole different meaning.
At 0800 this morning, the members of the Saint Paul Fire Department will pause for a moment of silence to honor the memory of Fire Captain John Dillon, Firefighter John Zilliox, and all 61 members of the Saint Paul Fire Department who have given their life in the service of this Department and the Citizens of Saint Paul. Please feel entirely free to join in that remembrance as well, and please take a moment from your busy weekend to THANK a Firefighter you know or the crew of a fire station near your home.
Respectfully,
Tim Butler
Fire Chief
Today as most of our society relaxes and enjoys a long holiday weekend, the Saint Paul Fire Department and I mark the sad occasion of two line-of-duty deaths.
63 years ago today, on November 24, 1949, Fire Captain John Dillon collapsed and died while on duty. John was the Captain of Engine 5. He joined the Department in 1909 and promoted to Fire Captain in 1925. He and his wife, Alice, lived at 663 Lincoln Avenue. Captain Dillon was 63 years old when he died on duty.
Tomorrow, November 25, marks the 39th anniversary of the 1973 death of Firefighter John Zilliox of Engine 7. John also collapsed and died while on duty. John joined the Department on June 1, 1943, and worked as a Firefighter and a Chief’s Chauffeur during his career.
Firefighting is by far the toughest, most physically demanding job in this City! EVERYTHING we wear and all the tools and equipment we carry are heavy and cumbersome. Heck – even a Halligan Tool (specialized Firefighter crowbar) weights over 10 pounds....and it doesn’t even have any moving parts! Hoses weighing more then 100 pounds per section have to be stretched and moved through snow banks; up stairwells; and over, around or through obstructions. Maintaining balance on narrow ladder rungs, on icy roofs, and in fire-damaged structures is tough enough to do empty-handed, but becomes extremely dangerous when carrying cumbersome power saws and heavy hand tools.
Crews returning from the scenes of fires or after EMS runs where they’ve had to lift 300 pound medical patients over snow banks, down narrow hallways, and down steep stairways can be overcome by exhaustion. Even when it’s freezing cold outside, the temperature INSIDE Firefighter turn out gear can top over 120 degrees, and crews can become dehydrated without even knowing it. Dehydration and the resulting changes to the body’s circulatory system have been shown to be major contributing factors to on-duty heart attacks.
Even just the sound of the alarm bells in the middle of the night can JUMP a Firefighter’s heart rate to over 120 or 130 beats per minute....I know: I’ve worn my heart rate monitor on all my “work-a-longs” with the crews. The sudden wake up from the PA system and the flicker of station lights coming on.....a hurried donning of station boots and uniform....a fast slide down the pole.....a hustle into bunker boots/pants/coat/seat belt.....Just getting a fast “turn out time” can leave you breathless before the truck even leaves the station! An urgent voice on the radio, a near-miss traffic incident while en route, and the sight of a column of smoke rising in the distance only sets the opening stages of a high-intensity “workout” that saps your strength and leaves you sweat-soaked and limp once the adrenaline wears off.
Returning from a call, many Firefighters are unknowingly dehydrated and oftentimes suffering from toxic gas and carbon monoxide poisoning from accidental and incidental smoke inhalation.
It is no small wonder that “overexertion” is found on many on-duty and line-of-duty Firefighter death certificates. In 2010, the National Fire Protection Association reported 72 line-of-duty deaths in the American Fire Service. More than half of those deaths were due to “overexertion” – and the underlying causes were cardiac arrest, embolisms, strokes, and the arduous, physically-demanding work we do. Some Firefighters are found dead in the fire stations after returning from strenuous calls late in their watch. Some make it home, only to die later in the day. Many – like Captain Dillon and Firefighter Zilliox – simply collapse and cannot be revived by even the very best paramedics and hospital staff.
On this Thanksgiving Day, and on “Black Fridays” following each Thanksgiving, I am ever-cognizant of the arduous work we are called to perform while everyone else is celebrating, relaxing, and enjoying time with family and friends. I worry about our crews, and pray that they make it through what is supposed to be a joyous time of remembering our blessings. I hope I never have to visit a family celebrating their blessings, only to deliver the devastating news that a beloved Firefighter has been killed at one of our stations, on a fire scene, or in the streets of a City they fought so hard and sacrificed so much to keep safe and peaceful.
I especially pray for the Zilliox family. I had the distinct pleasure of working with John’s son, Fire Captain and District Chief Jack Zilliox. This stuff hits home for a lot of us, and I will never spend Thanksgiving without thinking about Jack and his Dad, and the many years of sorrow their family has felt on every Thanksgiving holiday weekend. For them, “Black Friday” has a whole different meaning.
At 0800 this morning, the members of the Saint Paul Fire Department will pause for a moment of silence to honor the memory of Fire Captain John Dillon, Firefighter John Zilliox, and all 61 members of the Saint Paul Fire Department who have given their life in the service of this Department and the Citizens of Saint Paul. Please feel entirely free to join in that remembrance as well, and please take a moment from your busy weekend to THANK a Firefighter you know or the crew of a fire station near your home.
Respectfully,
Tim Butler
Fire Chief
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
REMEMBERING FIREFIGHTER RAY HAIN
Today marks the 3rd anniversary of a Saint Paul Fire Department line-of-duty death.
On November 14, 2009 Saint Paul Firefighter Ramon “Ray” Hain passed away from complications of an on-duty blood borne pathogen infection.
Ray joined the Department in 1994. He was a talented and enthusiastic Firefighter and a self-professed adrenaline junkie. He was also a talented EMT and a most caring and compassionate care giver. On November 24, 1996, while performing CPR on a patient, he knelt in some of the patient’s bodily fluids. The fluids seeped into an open wound on Ray’s knee, and he developed a massive infection in his leg a few days later. He subsequently was diagnosed with a viral infection that attacked and weakened his heart. Being young and strong and a good candidate for a heart transplant procedure, he was put on the transplant list, and on November 30, 1998, he underwent a heart transplant. Doctors anticipated the transplant would give Ray 10 more years of life.
Although his hope – and ours – was that he would see a return to full duty on the Department, that dream remained unfulfilled. He retired in 2000 to focus on his recovery and spending time with his wife, Gail, and their two daughters, Rachel and Sara. He became the “stay-at-home-Dad,” and was very active in the school activities of the two girls. He was also a talented and creative woodworker.
In 2009, Ray became increasingly sick due to the deterioration of the transplanted heart. It was not an unexpected process – the heart was just wearing out, as the doctors and Ray had known that it eventually would. On November 14, 2009, Ray passed away peacefully at the age of 50.
At 0800 hours this morning, Saint Paul Fire Department members will pause for a moment of silence to honor the memory of Firefighter Ramon E. Hain and all 61 members of the Saint Paul Fire Department who have given their life in the service of this Department and the Citizens of Saint Paul. Please feel entirely free to join us from wherever you may be.
Rest in Peace, Ray. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice while serving your fellow man.
tim
On November 14, 2009 Saint Paul Firefighter Ramon “Ray” Hain passed away from complications of an on-duty blood borne pathogen infection.
Ray joined the Department in 1994. He was a talented and enthusiastic Firefighter and a self-professed adrenaline junkie. He was also a talented EMT and a most caring and compassionate care giver. On November 24, 1996, while performing CPR on a patient, he knelt in some of the patient’s bodily fluids. The fluids seeped into an open wound on Ray’s knee, and he developed a massive infection in his leg a few days later. He subsequently was diagnosed with a viral infection that attacked and weakened his heart. Being young and strong and a good candidate for a heart transplant procedure, he was put on the transplant list, and on November 30, 1998, he underwent a heart transplant. Doctors anticipated the transplant would give Ray 10 more years of life.
Although his hope – and ours – was that he would see a return to full duty on the Department, that dream remained unfulfilled. He retired in 2000 to focus on his recovery and spending time with his wife, Gail, and their two daughters, Rachel and Sara. He became the “stay-at-home-Dad,” and was very active in the school activities of the two girls. He was also a talented and creative woodworker.
In 2009, Ray became increasingly sick due to the deterioration of the transplanted heart. It was not an unexpected process – the heart was just wearing out, as the doctors and Ray had known that it eventually would. On November 14, 2009, Ray passed away peacefully at the age of 50.
At 0800 hours this morning, Saint Paul Fire Department members will pause for a moment of silence to honor the memory of Firefighter Ramon E. Hain and all 61 members of the Saint Paul Fire Department who have given their life in the service of this Department and the Citizens of Saint Paul. Please feel entirely free to join us from wherever you may be.
Rest in Peace, Ray. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice while serving your fellow man.
tim
Saturday, October 27, 2012
AUTISM OPEN HOUSE AT STATION 1
Today SPFD hosted an open house at Fire Station 1 for autistic kids and their families. The event was organized by our Public Education Specialist, Elizabeth Larkin, and some great members of the Autism Society of Minnesota. We were joined by volunteers from a number of agencies and departments, and we had a total turn out of about 50 kids and their families - about 150 people total.
The event was focused on getting autistic children comfortable around Firefighters, firefighting and EMS equipment and rigs, and to get Firefighters and paramedics comfortable working with autistic kids. There was a lot of great interaction and fun, and the B-shifters from Squad 3, Ladder 10, and Engine/Medic 10 did an outstanding job of hosting the event and working one-on-one with the families.
The event was a great way to share information on fire prevention topics and accident reduction with the families, AND a great way for Firefighters to learn about autism and how special those with autism really are! I look forward to doing similar events in the future and providing autism awareness and response training to all of our Firefighters!
The is still a week left in Fire Prevention Month. Please take a few minutes and test your smoke alarms and talk with your family about how you would escape a fire in your home. Practice your egress plan, and always "Have 2 Ways Out" of each room.
Take care, and stay safe.
Tim
The event was focused on getting autistic children comfortable around Firefighters, firefighting and EMS equipment and rigs, and to get Firefighters and paramedics comfortable working with autistic kids. There was a lot of great interaction and fun, and the B-shifters from Squad 3, Ladder 10, and Engine/Medic 10 did an outstanding job of hosting the event and working one-on-one with the families.
The event was a great way to share information on fire prevention topics and accident reduction with the families, AND a great way for Firefighters to learn about autism and how special those with autism really are! I look forward to doing similar events in the future and providing autism awareness and response training to all of our Firefighters!
The is still a week left in Fire Prevention Month. Please take a few minutes and test your smoke alarms and talk with your family about how you would escape a fire in your home. Practice your egress plan, and always "Have 2 Ways Out" of each room.
Take care, and stay safe.
Tim
Saturday, September 22, 2012
CHOOSING SAFER STUDENT HOUSING
Day 22 - Campus Fire Safety Month
One of the best ways to protect your college student from fire is to choose student housing that is compliant with building and fire codes, that have well-maintained and operating safety systems installed, and where housing managers make a concerted effort to promote fire safety on the premises.
Saint Paul Fire Marshal Steve Zaccard recommends asking some important questions when selecting college student housing - either on-campus, or off-campus (85% of student fire deaths have occurred in off-campus housing):
• What is the fire history in off-campus housing?
• Are there automatic fire sprinklers installed?
• Are there WORKING hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? How often are they tested?
• What discipline is handed out by the school if someone maliciously causes a false fire alarm?
• How much fire safety training do residence hall staffs receive?
• How often do students receive fire safety education?
• How often are evacuation drills conducted?
• Are there couches or upholstered furniture on the front porch or deck?
By doing some research when selecting student housing, your student can have a safer, more secure college experience!
Take care, and enjoy the rest of Campus Fire Safety Month!
tim
One of the best ways to protect your college student from fire is to choose student housing that is compliant with building and fire codes, that have well-maintained and operating safety systems installed, and where housing managers make a concerted effort to promote fire safety on the premises.
Saint Paul Fire Marshal Steve Zaccard recommends asking some important questions when selecting college student housing - either on-campus, or off-campus (85% of student fire deaths have occurred in off-campus housing):
• What is the fire history in off-campus housing?
• Are there automatic fire sprinklers installed?
• Are there WORKING hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? How often are they tested?
• What discipline is handed out by the school if someone maliciously causes a false fire alarm?
• How much fire safety training do residence hall staffs receive?
• How often do students receive fire safety education?
• How often are evacuation drills conducted?
• Are there couches or upholstered furniture on the front porch or deck?
By doing some research when selecting student housing, your student can have a safer, more secure college experience!
Take care, and enjoy the rest of Campus Fire Safety Month!
tim
Friday, September 21, 2012
SMOKING-RELATED FIRE.....AGAIN!!!
A quick follow up to today's Campus Fire Safety tip:
An early morning fire on Portland Avenue in Saint Paul this morning highlights AGAIN the hazards of carelessly discarded smoking materials.
2-story, 5-unit apartment building....a cigarette discarded in a potted plant on a second floor balcony....potting soil caught fire hours later....Saint Paul Fire Department called out at 4:30 AM....
MORE THAN $10,000 DAMAGE DONE to the second floor of the building!!
Please talk to your college students about the hazards of smoking - whether or not they are the smoker!
Tim
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