New Haven, Ct. – 12/28/2020 – New Haven Fire Chief John Alston, Jr. is vaccinated for COVID-19 during a ceremony outside the New Haven Health Department marking the first phase of a four-part mass immunization campaign. “Let the healing begin,” proclaimed Alston after receiving his shot from APRN Grace Grajales. Photograph by Mark Mirko | mmirko@courant.com (Mark Mirko/Mark Mirko)
Just before he rolled up his sleeve to get his COVID-19 vaccination Monday, New Haven Fire Chief John A. Alston Jr. acknowledged it was a historic moment. He not only became one of the first people vaccinated by the city’s Health Department, but — as person of color — he said he was showing people that it is safe.
“These are unprecedented times and the fire department has literally been the tip of the spear in fighting this virus,” Alston said. “This is the best possible tool we have to fight this and the only way that it works is if everyone gets vaccinated.”
It was an honor to get the vaccine from APRN Grace Grajales who has been the coordinator for the NHFD during these trying times. Grace works around the clock to arrange testing, contact tracing, follow-up and return to work.
I want to thank the Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association, for allowing me to present a brief portion on Calling the Mayday and the responsibilities of the Rapid Intervention Team or Rapid Intervention Crew.
This was done during one of our monthly membership meetings. It has been difficult, this year for us to meet together, due to the COVID19 Virus.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to share.
While attending the 2018 i-Women Conference, I had the most fortunate opportunity to sit down with Ms. Cindy Ell of the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation.
The Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation:
Working to Extinguish Fire Fighter Cancer
Firefighters dedicate their lives to the service of others. The Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation was established in 2004 to provide international outreach, support, and resource assistance programs for firefighters and family members that are stricken by cancer.
The Foundation is creating state of the art programs for cancer education, awareness, research and prevention to ensure the quality of life and retirement of fire fighters around the world.
Cindy is a wealth of information and showed us many of the products and information packs that they have developed to help educate Fire Fighters and their families. We had the chance to talk about Cancer, as it relates to the work environment and the impact it has on first responders and our families. It was one of the most uplifting discussions I have had on this subject. Cindy is a driven advocate for healthy Fire Fighters and their families.
There was such a wide range of topics and programs that we encourage you to visit their website at: www.ffcancer.org
I joined the Fire Smoke Coalition years ago. It was not until I got their information at FDIC (www.fdic.com) and reviewed it that I found a wealth of resources that can change firefighters lives.
The mission of the Fire Smoke Coalition is to focus the required attention and resources on the deadly and life-long consequences of breathing fire smoke by teaching firefighters and first responders how to Prevent, Protect, Detect, Diagnose, and appropriately Treat the exposure if it occurs. The Coalition is comprised of firefighters and the medical community – all who embrace the challenge of teaching firefighters how to stay alive – and prevent the disease, illness and death associated with today’s deadly fire smoke.
This post links you to an interview I had with the organizations Executive Director, Shawn Longerich. Her candor and passion for firefighter safety permeates this discussion.
Please visit: www.firesmoke.org for further information and resources. Support the cause that is focused on firefighter safety and health. We can do better!
The Gong Club is a non-profit canteen unit that provides rehab to Jersey City firefighters and those in the surrounding towns of Hudson County. The Gong Club has also been an integral part of providing refreshment and rehabilitation to the community and Emergency Management, during a variety of events. Their selfless acts of service and dedication are greatly appreciated by our us.
Gong Club Members
Their members are all volunteers. They are on-call 24 hours a day and year-round.
The Gong Club responds to fires in Jersey City which are 2nd alarms or larger.
They are also their lend a hand during firefighters funerals and memorial services.
Member of Rescue One
They also respond to larger fires throughout Hudson County.
JCFD Members “Rehabbing” at the Gong Wago. There are mutual aid agreements with canteen clubs in surrounding counties as well. They have responded to other towns when called.
Throughout the year they also assist at several community events, such as walk-a-thons and runs, including the March of Dimes, Juvenile Diabetes and the Carlos Negron Run. The past 2 years they have served riders during the Police Unity Tour.
They also respond when called out by the JCPD.
During this year’s recognition of their 65 years of service, Deputy Director of the United States Fire Administration, Dr. (Chief) Denis Onieal read and presented a Proclamation from the FEMA, recognizing the many contributions of the Jersey City Gong Club. There was also a presentation for three members, recognizing them for 25 years of continuous service to the club and fire service.
The Gong Club is a member of the International Fire Buff Association (IFBA) and and the Fire Buff Association of New Jersey.
They have been in the same address, on Bay Street, for over 50 years, but have been around for 65 years!
Congratulations Gong Club Chief Connie Spellman and members.
We celebrate and honor our friends in the Jersey City Gong Club!
34th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend: October 3-4, 2015
Every October, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
For additional and up-to-date information, please visit:
Denver firefighters opened their doors and their hearts to share painful lessons to help improve firefighter safety across the country and around the world.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has released Denver Fire Department: Leadership So Everyone Goes Home, a documentary highlighting the department’s efforts to make improvements after the tragic loss of three Denver firefighters over a six-year period
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