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!

Fireworks Generate Temps in Excess of 1200 F

July 4th is almost here.  NOW is the time to educate people about the risks of private fireworks!!

According to the NFPA, private fireworks generate temps in excess of 1200 degrees F.  So the risk of starting a fire is real, on top of this year's being an already active wildfire season.

In a typical year (in the US):

• July 4th is the day on which the greatest number of fires are reported
• 40% of fires reported on July 4th are caused by fireworks

In 2010 (in the US):

• fireworks caused 15,500 reported fires, resulting in...
• 1,100 structure fires
• 300 vehicle fires
• 8 reported deaths
• $36 million in direct property damage

But fireworks also cause EMS calls, a lot of them!  EMTs are busy already, fireworks just add to the load.

In 2010 (in the US):

• 8,800 people went to the ER for fireworks-related injuries
• 52% were burns
• 21% were contusions and lacerations
• 40% of people injured were less than 15 yrs old
• Sparklers, fountains and novelties accounted for 43% of the injuries

Prepare now by (1) educating the public (2) equipping your department with the right firefighting gear (3) and stocking up on enough first aid supplies

Have a safe 4th of July!!