Editor's Note: This article is a reprint from the Gloucester County Times and is not an original EGH newsletter article. In accordance with the reprinting guidelines this newsletter had to use the article and title exactly as they appeared in the original article. EGH and the NFFF prefer the term "firefighter" as opposed to "firemen" or fireman." In this instance EGH felt the information in the article is important and outweighed the use of the term "firemen" in the title.
According to national statistics, 44 percent of all firefighter deaths are caused by heart failure a disturbing trend that the township's four volunteer battalions have decided to fight.

In 1976, my lieutenant said, "Firefighters have to get killed; it's part of the job."* His statement frightened me. Does the fire service and society believe this statement? Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

On a wet and dreary day - April 20th to be exact - over 150 firefighters from six different Maryland counties got together in Baden, Maryland to hone their skills at moving water in the "non-hydranted" environment. The drill was actually the Spring drill of the Maryland State Fireman's Association's Rural Water Supply Committee and was hosted by the Baden VFD, located in southern Prince George's County.

One Firefighter remains in the hospital in good condition this morning after an Orfordville tanker truck rolled Monday about 5 miles west of Beloit on the way to a fire. The passenger in the apparatus, FF Chad Cleasby, 31, Orfordville, was in good condition at Rockford Memorial Hospital. The driver, FF Michael Ponkauskas, 54, Orfordville, was treated and released today at Beloit Memorial Hospital.
» Previous Article: 10 Deadly Tanker Mistakes (from December 2007 Issue)
» More Seatbelt News: Beatrice, Neb. Fire Department Takes Seat Belt Pledge

In January of 2008, Wichita was honored to host Chief Ronald Siarnicki, the Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Chief Siarnicki addressed select members of the Wichita and Sedgwick County Fire Departments. The topic was the 16 Life Safety Initiatives and their regional implementation.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Life Safety Initiatives Program, is pleased to announce that Kevin D. Quinn has been selected as the Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Program State Advocate for Rhode Island. Deputy Chief Quinn of the Union Fire District will join Stephen Hay, Warwick Fire Department and Teddie Cocco, Providence Fire Department as Rhode Island State Advocates.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Life Safety Initiatives Program, is pleased to announce that Tony Bailey has been selected as a Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Program State Advocate for North Carolina. Captain Bailey of the Nashville Fire Department will join Scott McCollum, Fire Chief, Swift Creek Fire Department, in representing North Carolina. Captain Bailey is dedicated to working locally in his home county on getting 100% compliance on seat belt use with completion of the seat belt pledge.
» Also: A Message from Tony Bailey, North Carolina's Newest Advocate

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is looking for a firefighter whose house and family need help. The show is accepting nominations for a firefighter who has displayed heroism or has proven to be a positive role model within the community, but whose family is in dire need of a new home. If there is a firefighter within your department or community that can benefit from a home makeover, nominate them today.

Chief Brian McMahan is the new Region X Advocate. He has proudly served as a State Advocate for the state of Washington for several years. The Everyone Goes Home® Program would like to apologize for the misprint and thank Brian for his dedication and service.