Firehouse Expo 2009 Opens in Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- This year's conference officially kicked off Thursday, July 23, at the Baltimore Convention Center with a keynote presentation themed, "The Total Experience Includes Making it Home Safely."

The main feature was a video co-produced by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and FDNY through their partnered program, "Everyone Goes Home." The video was introduced by Ron Siarnicki, NFFF and Chief Salvatore Cassano, FDNY. They urged those in attendance to take the lessons presented back to their departments and to work toward a culture of safety.

"We wanted to reduce line of duty deaths and injuries to the best of our ability," Cassano said. "...The FDNY is the largest fire department in the country, and if we can do it in the FDNY you can do it at home." He noted that creating a culture of safety is not a matter of changing fire service tradition. "We just want you to be safer when you're doing it."

Throughout the 30-minute video, FDNY officials and firefighters recount their mistakes and lessons learned, including the improper wearing of turnout gear and embarrassment over calling a Mayday. All attendees were offered a copy of the DVD and program information upon leaving.

In a related special presentation, manufacturer Sperion announced a major donation to the "Everyone Goes Home" program. Sperion's Bill Sokol announced the presentation of a $60,000 check to the NFFF for this program, as well as plans to present a $50,000 check for efforts in Canada.

"We're thrilled to be able to make these kinds of contributions," Sokol said, and he invited firefighters to visit the company's online memorial book at www.sperionfire.com which will remain open until July 31. "The donation is in their names," he said.

Attendees were welcomed to the event by Conference Director Harvey Eisner and Baltimore Fire Chief Jim Clack. In his address, Clack made it a point to invite firefighters to the Baltimore FD's 150th anniversary event this coming Saturday, July 25 at 4 pm., just a few blocks from the conference at city hall.

The overriding message of the opening ceremonies was delivered by Dr. Denis Oneil, Superintendent of the National Fire Academy. "There are easy ways to learn things and hard ways," he said. "The easy way is to learn from others who have learned the hard way."

Oneil ran through a number of the issues to be presented at this Expo that he found most important, including the aging of the nation's population. "EMS in this country is going to face a challenge -- baby boomers," he said. "They are a high risk group for fire, accidents and high demand for EMS."

Oneil left the audience with the message, "Your choice over the next few days -- and over the rest of your life -- is whether you're going to learn things the hard way or easy way."

Also making an appearance was Glenn Gaines, Acting Assistant Administrator, U.S. Fire Administration. He spoke about the passion of those in the administration and at the U.S. fire academy, and praised the nomination of Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran for U.S. Fire Administrator.

Gaines also spoke about his own role; specifically, making sure that the fire service is ahead of what it will need to face in the future. "I worry. That's my job," he said.

Gaines made a special point of noting the new EZ Training System, highlighted in a morning training session, which is being designed by state, federal and professional association partners to provide free supplemental training, particularly for volunteer responders.

He also noted the current situation regarding the H1N1 flu pandemic -- that no one knows what to expect 4-6 weeks down the road. "You need to make sure you're prepared," he said, and he invited everyone to get on the U.S. Fire Administration's email list for accurate updates.

Another highlight of the event included the introduction of Firehouse Magazine's "Heroism and Community Service Award" winner, Firefighter Anthony M. Romano of FDNY Ladder 142. Romano risked his own life to rescue fellow firefighter Robert Grover of Ladder 143. Firehouse Magazine's Harvey Eisner recounted the story, in which Romano recognized the signs of an emergency, climbed up to a window to make entry, located Grover and removed his 220 lb. colleague from danger. The award was sponsored by Draeger Safety and presented by Mike Bick.

Read more about Romano's story in our Firehouse.com profile and in the April issue of Firehouse Magazine.