Beaver Creek Fire in Idaho

Credit: Great Basin Incident Mgmt Team

 It started back on August 7th.  It is now raging into its 12th day.

The Beaver Creek Fire in Idaho has burned over 100,000 acres (nearly 160 square miles).

Over 2,000 home have been evacuated.

More than 1,100 firefighters are battling this blaze.

Local tourist towns are currently threatened, including Sun Valley and Ketchum.

But the fire is only 10% contained.

Beth Lund is Incident Commander with the US Forest Service, and she has nonetheless expressed some optimism that the crew may begin to make meaningful progress in fighting this fire.

It reminds us that we are well into Wildfire Season.  Wasn't long ago we were reporting on the Black Forest Fire in Colorado and the Powerhouse Fire in California.

Currently, the NIFC says 47 active (and large) fires have burned over 800,000 acres.

Year-to-date, more than 31,000 fires have burned over 3.3 million acres.

To those on the front-lines, your work is greatly appreciated.  Be safe as you fight on!!

Credit: KIVITV

Credit: Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman

Credit: Ashley Smith/Times-News

World Police and Fire Games 2013

Going on now...

The 2nd largest sporting event in the world (behind the Olympics).

The World Police and Fire Games 2013 has drawn:

• 25,000 visitors
• 10,000 competitors
• in 57 sports
• from 70 countries
• to Belfast, Northern Ireland

Its a great way for Police Officers and Firefighters to (1) promote good health (2) reduce stress and (3) expand competitive skills and abilities.

Next up... World Police and Fire Games 2015... in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Start training soon!!

Spring Cleaning Warehouse Sale!

Have you been doing any Spring Cleaning?  We have been!  And its turned into a Warehouse Sale!!

Firefighters!  Check out these fire sales!!

• 25% off -- Firefighter Deluxe Gear Bags

• 25% off -- Majestic Fire Hoods

Law Enforcement!  Grab these near steals!!

• 25% off -- NIK Test U - Methamphetamine

• 25% off -- Hi Vis Safety Vests

EMTs!  Try these life savers!!

• 25% off -- Polypropylene Backboard Straps w/ Loop-Lok Ends 5' - ORANGE only

• 25% off -- Elite Trauma Bags

Use Coupon Code = SPRING25

While Supplies Last!  Offer Expires April 7, 2013!

Got any questions?  Call us at (888) 707-3195

Bill Shaw: 69 Years in the Fire Service

Photo Credit: Jeff Murray / Star Gazette

Bill Shaw is 86 years old, and still an 'active' member of the Elmira Heights (NY) Fire Department.  In fact, he has served on the department for 69 years!

He started when he was in high school, at 17 years old.  He was a ladder boy, and was allowed to leave high school to go on calls.  He says it was great because he then returned to school as a "big shot!"

Many things have changed over the years.  Bill remembers the days when there was little training, no gas masks, less than enough boots and a limited supply of turnout gear.  The gear was first-come first-serve.  So the first guys to the station got the boots and other equipment.

But he says firefighters today are much better equipped to respond to fires and other emergencies.  He would certainly know!

In addition, other firefighters and community members say Bill has been a terrific mentor, great friend, valuable resource and wonderful citizen!

Hats off to Mr Bill Shaw's 69 years of fire service!

Firehouse World - Shelby Gloves

15% off Shelby Gloves on PSS

This week we visited the Firehouse Expo in San Diego.

We were surprised to find it chilly and windy.  But a couple guys from Rhode Island mentioned the 12 inches in snow they got the day before they came out.  So we were grateful to San Diego for whatever it wanted to give us!

At the expo we spent time with the President of Shelby Gloves.  He reminded us of the reasons why Shelby is still the top-selling Fire Glove.

Durability.  Shelby prides itself in making a highly durable glove.  Other gloves might come at a lower price, and therefore serve a certain part of the market.  But the quality of construction in Shelby Gloves means they need to be replaced less often.

Quality.  Shelby Gloves use a specialized barrier system with waterproof, breathable Gore™ technology.  Every liner system is 100% dunk tested.  And their FDP gloves use the industry's first ever cut and sewn e-PTFE barrier system.  So firefighters can be assured of great performance.

Made in the USA.  Shelby Gloves can't be more American.  They are made right here in the USA.  Shelby is proud of its American manufacturing, just like we are proud of our American heroes - Police, Fire, EMS and Military.

So this weekend we are running a special 15% off Shelby Gloves when you buy them from Public Safety Stores!

Just use this Coupon Code ... shelby15

Why Do Nightclub Fires Keep Occurring?

Public Safety Stores (Photo: AP)

We have seen these before - nightclub fires that cause hundreds of people to die.

• there was the Cocoanut Grove Fire in 1942 that killed 492 people in Boston
• there was the Station Nightclub Fire in 2003 that killed 100 people in Rhode Island
• now we have the Kiss Nightclub Fire this year that killed 253 people in Brazil

So why do these type of fires keep occurring?

In this video the NFPA Manager for Building and Life Safety Codes discusses this.

He comments on the danger of revolving door exits, and the use of combustible decorations.

But as he says, Building and Safety Codes are constantly being created.  Then it becomes a matter of enforcing these Codes.  As well as the obligation of building owners to comply with Codes.

Once a fire starts and emergency responders are called to a scene, they work hard to save as many lives as possible.  But there is only so much Firefighters, EMTs and Police can do to make a bad situation better.

Visit the Public Safety Stores Facebook page to share your thoughts and feedback!

Sparta Pewter Keychains for Firefighters

Firefighter Maltese Cross

Fire Helmet

Fire Truck

Firefighters serve their communities faithfully!  Both in career and voluntary roles.

So you might want to SPREAD GOOD CHEER this holiday season!

Here's a Gift Idea : Sparta Pewter Keychains for Firefighters.  Your options are:

• Firefighter Maltese Cross
• Fire Helmet
• Fire Truck

These are Solid Pewter.  And they are not expensive.  They are less than $10 each.

Happy Holidays!

Spread Good Cheer : Sparta Pewter Keychains

We love all things Public Safety!

We spent the year talking about Police Officers, Firefighters, EMTs, Dispatchers, Active Military, Veterans, Injured Veterans, Olympians, Paralympians and more.

So given the Holidays, we want to SPREAD GOOD CHEER!

Our goal is to help you "Give back to those who give all year."

Todays Gift Idea is a Sparta Pewter Keychain.  These are your options:

• EMS Star of Life
• Firefighter Maltese Cross
• Police Officer Badge with Eagle
• Sheriffs Handcuffs
• Fire Helmet
• Fire Truck

These are Solid Pewter.  And they are not expensive.  They are less than $10 each.

Have a great holidays!

THANKS to Military Members

Last week we said THANKS to Firefighters, THANKS to Police Officers and THANKS to EMTs.

Today we say THANKS to Military Members everywhere!!

We realize you have two of the most stressful jobs -- as a Soldier and a General.

We enjoyed following you at the 2012 London Olympics, including:

• Vincent Hancock -- Army Sergeant // Skeet Shooter // Gold Medalist!
• Dremiel Byers -- Army Soldier // Wrestler
• Keith Sanderson -- Army Soldier // Pistol Shooter
• Spenser Mango -- Army Sergeant // Wrestler
• Dennis Bowsher -- Army Soldier // Pentathlete
• John Nunn -- Army Sergeant // Race Walker
• Daryl Szarenski -- Army Sergeant // Pistol Shooter
• And many more

In addition, we followed Ryan McIntosh - Injured Army Veteran - at the 2012 US Open.

And then we followed you at the 2012 London Paralympics, including:

• Brad Snyder -- Navy Veteran // Swimmer // Gold Medalist!
• Rob Jones -- Marine Veteran // Rower
• Melissa Stockwell -- Army Veteran // Triathlete
• And many more

We are glad to see local communities reaching out to help local Veterans, through programs like this one -- SCV Habitat for Heroes.

We are thrilled to see US citizens - like Tom Clark, a US History teacher - who carefully remembers the brave Veterans who have shaped American History.

And many of you worked tirelessly to serve and rescue people through Superstorm Sandy.  The devastation was immense.  But with your help the cleanup will be fully accomplished.

Your service to this great country is amazing, so we say THANKS to Military Members everywhere!!

THANKS to EMTs

On Monday we said THANKS to Firefighters.  Tuesday we said THANKS to Police Officers.

Today we say THANKS to EMTs everywhere!!

EMTs have a demanding job.  Did you know an EMS event occurs every single second in the USA?  That's a lot of medical emergencies ... 36 million per year to be exact!

In fact, nearly 70% of all calls to a Fire Department are medical calls.  And despite tightening budgets, the public still expects very fast response times.

EMTs have a surprisingly dangerous job, considering the potentials attacks they face from violent patients and bystanders.  The big question is whether EMTs and Firefighters should carry guns.

EMTs are a vital part of the Public Safety community that serves the public tirelessly - both On-the-job and Off-duty.  For example, this Off-duty EMT bravely paid the ultimate price this year while reportedly protecting two women who were being threatened.

In a bit of good news, New York officials are pursuing new legislation to provide better legal protection for EMTs and Paramedics.

Throughout the chaos and devastation of Superstorm Sandy, many EMTs conducted life-saving rescues.

And at least one EMT competed in the 2012 London Olympics this year!

So this week, we say THANKS to EMTs everywhere!!

THANKS to Firefighters

We want to say THANKS to Firefighters everywhere!!

Firefighters are vital part of the Public Safety community, and this great country would not be the same without your great service!

Firefighters generally prefer to be fighting fires, but the reality is they get called on out far more medical emergencies.  In fact, medical calls outnumber fire calls nearly 3-to-1.

Nonetheless, firefighters have one of the most stressful jobs in America.

They fight wildfires, including the devastating Colorado wildfires this year.  And they fight structure fires.

Firefighters go the extra mile to save lives at dangerous traffic scenes - like this one in Santa Barbara, CA.

At least one firefighter proudly represented the USA in the 2012 London Olympics!

They invent genius new products - like this water misting station for heat relief.

They passionately care for the community and valiantly support worthy causes - like this cancer fighting non-profit organization.

And sometimes, firefighters are called to protect people from themselves.

So this week, we say THANKS to Firefighters everywhere - whether you are career, volunteer or on-call!!

Off-duty EMT Hero - Paul Frontiero III

Last month we brought up the question of whether EMTs and Firefighters should carry guns.  Our blog post was highly visited, and our Facebook post generated broad engagement.

Its a widely debated question.  And situations like this add to the body of data.

In October 2011 an Off-duty EMT allegedly witnessed two women being threatened by a young man.

The Off-duty EMT was 27 year old Paul Frontiero III.  Both women were 29 years old.  And the man allegedly threatening these women was 19 years old.

Paul Frontiero III reportedly stepped in to rescue the women.  But according to a local detective Paul died of 16 stab wounds, apparently inflicted by the young man, with a six-inch pocket knife.

The young man has been charged with second degree murder and is currently being held without bail.  He has stated that his actions were taken out of self-defense.

In the past we have mentioned Off-duty Police Officers who took heroic actions.  And in each case they used their firearm.

What do you think?  Is this different because it involves an Off-duty EMT?  Or does it still point to the notion that EMTs and Firefighters should carry guns?

Let us know on our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/PublicSafetyStores

Hero In Action - Rob Verhelst

We have brought you many American Heroes... Injured military vets, Ative military personnel, Police officers, Firefighters, EMTs, Off-duty officers, and more.

This time its Rob Verhelst - a US Air Force veteran and current Madison, WI firefighter.

But Rob has big ambitions beyond fighting fires and responding to medical emergencies.  Rob is a husband, father, motivational speaker, fitness trainer, life coach... and now he's an ambassador for the non-profit organization Code 3 For A Cure.

Code 3 For A Cure helps firefighters diagnosed with cancer, especially those facing financial hardship.  Code 3 For A Cure does this by "providing support, giving encouragement, and sharing experiences."  They also provide financial assistance to firefighters and select non-profit cancer organizations.

So what is Rob doing as an ambassador?  He's raising awareness and money!  Pretty effectively!!

Rob is competing in multiple Ironman Triathlon's.  Don't forget, the Ironman is:

• 2.4 mile swim
• 112 mile bike
• 26.2 mile marathon

But after his 2.4 mile swims and 112 mile bikes, Rob runs the 26.2 mile marathons in full firefighter gear!!  Complete with turnout gear, air tank and fire helmet!!

Seriously!

On his website - www.FiremanRob.com - he says, "Your strength is your passion."

His next event is in a few days... the Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI on October 13, 2012.

Go Rob... for the benefit of Code 3 For A Cure!!

And check out this video of Rob finishing the Ironman Wisconsin on 9/11/11 ... exactly 10 years after Rob went to NYC to personally work at Ground Zero for 8 straight days!

Should EMTs and Firefighters Carry Guns?

We already know Public Safety personnel have the most stressful jobs, including police officers, firefighters and military soldiers.  Here's one reason why... dealing with violent patients.

EMTs and Paramedics are no different.  EMS events happen continually, in fact an EMS event occurs every second of the year!  But we did not find statistical data to define the frequency of violent encounters.  If you know where we can find this data, please contact us.

What we do have, though, is a long list of anecdotal stories which tell of EMTs, Paramedics and Firefighters being assaulted:

• New York EMT shot and killed by patient
• Fort Wayne ambulance shot at 17 times
• Houston EMTs shot at
• Long Island Paramedic shot at
• Small town EMTs (in MT and NY) shot and killed
• Pennsylvania Paramedics attacked by man with a shovel
• Huntsville Firefighters attacked on Alabama A&M campus
• and the list could go on and on

Forget about the data, the rise of these stories is shocking.  And then the question comes up... should EMTs, Paramedics and Firefighters carry guns?

Some say yes.  Some say no.  Tell us what you think!

Go to our Facebook Page ... www.facebook.com/PublicSafetyStores

'Like' the page and share your thoughts!

Hero Rush!

We have talked a lot about the sports and competitions that Police, Fire, EMS and Military members engage in!  They include the Olympics, Paralympics and Police & Fire Games.  Here's another competition you'll love... Hero Rush!

Hero Rush is for Firefighters and anyone else (young or old) who wants to test their mettle as a Firefighter Hero for the day!

The competition can barely be called a 5K obstacle course.  The presenters cleverly call it "The Infernotastic 5K+ Obstacle Experience"!!

Check out this video and you'll see why...

The race includes...

• Sliding down poles
• Climbing ladders
• Getting wet
• Making saves
• Crawling through windows
• Breaking down doors
• Scrambling through HazMat zones
• Locating trapped victims
• And much much much much more!!

These are upcoming event dates...

• 2012
• Oct 6  --  Illinois / MidWest
• Oct 20  --  Carolinas
• Nov 3  --  Central Florida
• 2013
• Mar 2  --  Central Texas
• May 4  --  Maryland / DC

Check out the Hero Rush website for more info!!

New Fire Stations in Santa Clarita, California!!

Remember a series of huge wildfires burning across Southern California in October 2007?  If not, you can refresh your memory here!

Together these fires:

• destroyed 1,500+ homes
• burned 500,000+ acres
• injured 85 people (including 60+ firefighters)
• and killed 9 people

They were devastating to say the least.  Among these was the "Buckweed Fire" in northern LA County.  The Buckweed Fire alone burned 38,000 acres and destroyed 63 structures - all in our hometown of Santa Clarita.

Well, a little hometown news ... two new Fire Stations opened in Santa Clarita this week.  One of the fire stations is just a few hundred feet from the burn area of the Buckweed Fire.  And another new station is set to open in Santa Clarita later this year.

These stations are much needed in a dry part of Southern California with a long history of wildfires.

Keep in mind, this year is expected to be a very active wildfire season.  Choose your turnout gear carefully.  And stock up now with the proper wildland firefighting equipment.

Go!

Its Wildfire Awareness Week!  And CAL FIRE has a 3-step strategy for people to prepare for the dangers of a wildfire: Ready, Set, Go!

Get Ready - protect your home with defensible space and fire-resistant materials.

Get Set - protect your family by preparing for a potential evacuation.

Now Go - actually evacuate.  Your home and your family have prepared for this, now its time to Go!  Properly close up your house.  Leave as soon as fire personnel tell you to.  Activate your Wildfire Action Plan.  And keep your Emergency Supply Kit handy.

Wildfires are dangerous and firefighters are working hard to contain the fire itself.  Homeowners should be the least of their worries.  So get Ready, Set and Go!

Wildfire Season

Did you know 2011 was among the most destructive wildfire seasons on record?

According to the USA's National Interagency Fire Center, more than 8.7 million acres burned in 2011.  This is third most in 50+ years.  And the two worse years occurred recently - over 9 million acres burned in both 2006 and 2007.

So how many acres will burn due to wildfires in 2012?  And how will firefighters prepare?

We don't know how many acres will burn this year, but we certainly know a wildfire season is coming.

So preparation is important, especially in wildland firefighting.  It includes continuing education, skills training and acquisition of wildland firefighting equipment.

Continuing education should occur in the classroom and in the field.  Principles learned formally should also be tested in real-life scenarios.  Skills training bring firefighters both the physical and mental instincts to make increasingly better decisions.

And strategic acquisition of wildland firefighting equipment is part of how firefighters prepare to do their job safely.  We know a wildfire season is coming.  Start preparing now!