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LODD: New Jersey - First Firefighter fatality of 2009 Posted: 02 Jan 2009 02:22 PM CST The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: 1 firefighter fatality has been reported to USFA in 2009 as a result of an incident that occurred in 2009 While at the scene of a house fire, Firefighter Gary Stephens was accidentally run over by a fire truck as it backed up to lay hose to a hydrant. He was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Name: Gary Stephens Rank: Firefighter Age: 57 Gender: Male Status: Career Years of Service: 28 Date of Incident: 01/02/2009 Time of Incident: 0200hrs Date of Death: 01/02/2009 Fire Department: Elizabeth Fire Department Address: 411 Irvington Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07208-2068 Fire Department Director: Onofrio Vitullo Incident Description: While at the scene of a house fire, Firefighter Stephens was accidentally run over by a fire truck as it backed up to lay hose to a hydrant. He was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Funeral Arrangements: Pending Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending Tribute: To Firefighter Stephens at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/ To date, 1 firefighter fatality has been reported to USFA in 2009 as a result of an incident that occurred in 2009. USFA does not have a Line-of-Duty-Death (LODD) criterion nor does it make LODD determinations. Please note, running totals of firefighter fatalities used on these initial notices do not necessarily reflect the number of firefighter fatalities used in totals for the(provisional) monthly year-to-date USFA firefighter fatality reports, or year-end (provisional) reports posted online http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm Firefighter fatalities in USFA reports are summarized by date/year-of-incident. Initial notices posted online (http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/) and distributed via USFA listserve do not represent the final on-duty firefighter fatality determination by USFA for such reports, nor LODD determination made by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (http://www.FireHero.org) for names added each subsequent year to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD, they are the beginning of a research process for each firefighter fatality reported so that such determinations can be made.

Hotshot Wildland Firefighter Job openings Posted: 02 Jan 2009 12:08 PM CST Hotshots Wildfire Season 2009 hiring - Hotshot Wildland Firefighter (Range/Forestry Aid/Technician) Applications will be accepted from all qualified United States citizens. KEY REQUIREMENTS: * You must be a U.S. Citizen * Some positions may require a CDL; information will be provided at job offer * All positions have medical qualification requirements * You must be 18 years of age or older prior to appointment. * These positions have no promotion potential. SALARY RANGE: 10.01 - 15.35 USD Hourly OPEN PERIOD: Monday, November 10, 2008 to Friday, May 29, 2009 SERIES & GRADE: GS-0455,0462-02/05 POSITION INFORMATION: These are excepted service temporary seasonal positions. The length and actual dates of employment may vary depending on the position. PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 05 DUTY LOCATIONS: multiple duty locations - click here for more info JOB SUMMARY: If you like remote and rugged conditions, extended travel and overnight camping, then becoming a Hotshot Wildland Firefighter may be for you. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for temporary employees to work on Hotshot crews. All locations may not be hiring for all grades; check with each location individually to find out the grades they are hiring for. FIRST CONSIDERATION DATE: The following locations will begin to consider applicants prior to the closing date of the announcement. You must apply on or before the date indicated below to receive first consideration for the location(s) you are interested in. Thereafter, applications may be considered as needed by location; during the open period of the announcement: 12/30/2008 Bakersfield, CA Fairbanks, AK 01/06/2009 Salt Lake City, UT 01/13/2009 Jackson, MS Pocatello, ID 01/20/2009 Carson City, NV Craig, CO Elko, NV Vale, OR 01/27/2009 Susanville, CA For information on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) fire program, please visit their website. A 23% living allowance is added to positions in Alaska. For contacts and information regarding housing availability visit Fire Contacts on the DOI Fire Jobs website and select the state you are interested in. During the application process, you may select up to SEVEN (7) locations from the list of available locations given at the top of this announcement. If you select more than seven locations, you will be removed from consideration. WHO DO I CONTACT IF I NEED MORE INFORMATION? If you have any questions about the application process you can contact the FIRES Help Desk at 1-888-364-6432, or e-mail them at fa_fires@nifc.blm.gov Additional Duty Location vacancy info: few vacancies - Craig, CO few vacancies - Bakersfield, CA few vacancies - Susanville, CA few vacancies - Pocatello, ID few vacancies - Jackson, MS few vacancies - Fairbanks, AK few vacancies - Carson City, NV few vacancies - Elko, NV few vacancies - Vale, OR few vacancies - Salt Lake City, UT Hotshot Wildland Firefighter duty information: MAJOR DUTIES: A Hotshot Wildland Firefighter Trainee (Entry Level)(GS-02, Range/Forestry Aid), receives training, performs simple tasks, and serves as a member on a Hotshot crew. This may include suppression, prescribed fires, or wildland fire use for resource benefits. A Hotshot Wildland Firefighter Trainee (GS-03, Range/Forestry Aid) is a member of a Hotshot crew; performs assignments as a firefighter in developing a working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices, and terminology; may assist trained personnel in more specialized assignments such as backfire and burnout. A Hotshot Wildland Firefighter (GS-04 Range/Forestry Technician) is a skilled firefighter on a Hotshot crew. May be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire, and burnout operations; utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment and techniques while actively managing wildfires. A Hotshot Wildland Firefighter (GS-05 Range/Forestry Technician) is a senior wildland firefighter; on a Hotshot crew; gathers and considers information on weather data, topography, fuel types and fire behavior in responding to wildland fire incidents. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: To qualify for a GS-02, you must meet at least one of the following: - 3 months of general experience OR - have graduated from high school or the equivalent To qualify for a GS-03, you must meet at least one of the following: - 6 months of general experience; OR - at least one year of education above the high school level, which included at least 6 semester hours in any combination of the following courses: range management; range conservation; agriculture; forestry; wildlife management; engineering; biology; mathematics; other natural or physical sciences; OR - an equivalent combination of education and experience specified above. To qualify for a GS-04, you must meet at least one of the following AND the Selective Factor: - 6 months of general experience AND 6 months of specialized experience; OR - 2 years of education above the high school level which included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of the following courses: forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine biology and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 3 semester hours of mathematics is creditable toward this requirement; OR - an equivalent combination of the education and experience specified above. SELECTIVE FACTOR for GS-04: In addition to the basic qualifications, you must have the following for the GS-04: 90 days of wildland fire experience. To qualify for a GS-05, you must meet at least one of the following AND the Selective Factor: - 12 months of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level duties; OR - successful completion of a 4 year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with either 1. a major study in forestry, range management or agriculture; or a subject matter field directly related to the position; OR 2. at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following courses: forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine biology and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 6 semester hours of mathematics is creditable. The level of the course work must have been equivalent to at least the junior- and senior-year levels of a baccalaureate program; OR - a combination of education and experience that is directly related to the work of this position. SELECTIVE FACTOR for GS-05: In addition to the basic qualifications, you must have the following for the GS-05: FFT1 qualified or have 180 days of wildland fire experience. Wildland Fire Experience is on-the-line wildland firefighting experience gained through containment, control, suppression, or use of wildland fire. This experience can be met by serving in a temporary, seasonal, or equivalent private sector fire position. Periods of wildland firefighting experience, gained through militia and rural fire departments, can also be credited. Wildland fire is defined as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. For more information regarding this go to FAQs Question #7 on the DOI FIRES website. GENERAL WORK EXPERIENCE: is considered any type of work that demonstrates the applicants ability to do the work of the position. This does not have to be work in wildland fire. SPECIALIZED WORK EXPERIENCE: This experience is considered on-the-line wildland fire experience in forest or range fire control, prevention or suppression work. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. For more information regarding basic qualifications, general experience and combining education and experience click here. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/TESTING: Please note that all selectees, regardless of grade level, must pass an initial pre-employment physical examination and must be able to pass the work capacity fitness test (Pack Test: Must carry a 45 LB pack for 3 miles within 45 minutes). Failure to meet any of the required medical qualifications will disqualify you for employment. Any condition, which would cause you to be a hazard to yourself or to others, will disqualify you for employment. DRUG TESTING: BLM POSITIONS ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG TESTING. If selected for a random drug test, it must be completed prior to beginning work. The drug test will be provided at Government direction and expense. Once hired, employees are also subject to random drug testing during employment. HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: Your application will be evaluated by reviewing your on-line resume and your responses to the User Information, Core Questions, and Vacancy Questions, and if applicable your transcripts. ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS MUST BE SUPPORTED IN YOUR RESUME AND WILL BE VERIFIED. IF THEY ARE NOT SUPPORTED IN YOUR RESUME, YOU MAY BE RATED UNQUALIFIED. To preview questions please click here. BENEFITS: Temporary employees in the Federal Service are eligible to earn annual and sick leave. Depending on the tour of duty, an employee may be paid Sunday, holiday, and shift differential and/or hazard pay. You are also entitled to paid Federal Holidays. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System website. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: These positions may be subject to a pre-employment background security investigation. If applicable, the appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the background investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to satisfy the background check will result in cancellation of offer of employment or may be grounds for termination. For further information on Privacy Act, please refer to the "Legal and Regulatory Guidance" link at the bottom of the screen. HOW TO APPLY: Please read the ENTIRE vacancy announcement to ensure that you comply with the application procedures. Applications must be received ON-LINE through USAJOBS (link at bottom of screen). On-line applications must be submitted prior to 12:00 AM (Midnight) Eastern Standard Time of the closing date/early consideration date of the announcement. For further instructions on how to apply click here. After you have completed the online application process you may review your current application status at any time, and update your application during the open period of the announcement. Click here for updating application instructions. Failure to provide the required information may negatively affect your qualification determinations. If applying online poses a hardship for you, or you do not have Internet access, contact the FIRES help desk 1-888-364-6432 for an application packet PRIOR to the closing date of the announcement. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: You MUST fax Required Documents prior to the early consideration or close date. College transcripts - If you are qualifying using education above high school, you MUST submit your college transcripts. Veteran Preference Documentation - If you are claiming Veteran Preference, you MUST submit evidence of eligibility. DD-214 MUST show character of service. Failure to submit a DD-214 which shows the character of service and other appropriate supporting documentation, if applicable, will result in NOT granting preference. - 5-point preference - DD-214 which shows character of service, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of entitlement. - 10-point preference - DD-214, SF-15, an official letter dated 1991 or later from the Department of Veteran's Affairs, or other appropriate source. For further information on Veterans Preference, please refer to the "Veteran Information" link at the bottom of the screen. * You only need to fax in documents that apply to you. * DO NOT use the USAJOBS upload feature to attach Required Documents as we can not see those documents. Please follow the faxing instructions by clicking here. * If faxing causes a hardship for you, please contact us at the number below. Failure to submit required documents, if applicable, may result in you not being considered, or not receiving the appropriate preference. You will not be contacted for additional information. If you have questions regarding what is considered appropriate supporting documentation, call the contact at the bottom of the screen. AGENCY CONTACT INFO: FIRES Help Desk Phone: 888-364-6432 Fax: 000-000-0000 Email: fa_fires@nifc.blm.gov Or write: Department of the Interior FIRES Program Office (call toll free number for address information) Boise, ID 83705-5354 Fax: 000-000-0000 WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT: If you are determined to be eligible and qualified; you may be referred to the locations you selected during the application process. You can check your application status by logging into My USAJOBS, and selecting "My Applications", then select the "More Information" link below "Resume Received" in the "Application Status" column to view detailed information regarding your application status. You will only be notified through e-mail when you are referred; no other notifications will be sent. Send Mail to: Department of the Interior FIRES Program Office (call toll free number for address information) Boise, ID 83705-5354 Fax: 000-000-0000 For questions about this job: FIRES Help Desk Phone: 888-364-6432 Fax: 000-000-0000 Email: fa_fires@nifc.blm.gov USAJOBS Control Number: 1392599 Source: USA Jobs Link Related articles: gila-hotshots

Retired Sac Metro Firefighter fatally shot by police Posted: 02 Jan 2009 03:13 PM CST Suicide by cop? The Fair Oaks man fatally shot by police was a 55 year old retired firefighter LINCOLN, Calif.—Authorities say a retired firefighter who was fatally shot by police in the Northern California city of Lincoln first aimed a pellet rifle at police. Rocklin Police Sgt. Forrest Richardson says Gregory Gifford of Fair Oaks robbed a mini-mart early Thursday. The 54-year-old took a candy bar and demanded cash with what appeared to be a pistol, but left without taking any cash. He says CHP officers spotted Gifford's car about 15 minutes later and pursued him into a dead-end street. Jill Thompson, a Lincoln city spokeswoman, says officers shot Gregory Gifford of Fair Oaks in self defense around 1:15 Thursday morning after he allegedly jumped from his car holding a pellet gun. She says he had been cornered by police following a chase. He died at the scene. Thompson says California Highway Patrol and Rocklin police officers pursued Gifford after the CHP suspected his car was involved in a convenience store candy bar robbery. The names of the officers involved in the chase have not been released. The Rocklin officers have been placed on administrative leave, which authorities say is standard procedure following a fatal shooting. A Sacramento fire department official says Gifford took early retirement after injuring his back about 15 years ago.

Air Station Los Angeles Starts 2009 with Catalina Island Medevac Posted: 02 Jan 2009 10:13 AM CST SAN PEDRO, Calif. - Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles started the new year off by providing assistance to a 70 year old male reported to be suffering from respiratory ailments on Catalina Island. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach's Command Center located on Terminal Island dispatched an HH-65 rescue helicopter from Air Station Los Angeles after receiving a call to provide a medical evacuation to the mainland for a male located on Catalina Island. Due to the reported condition of the male, the aircrew picked up a paramedic from the Los Angeles County Fire Department prior to departing for Catalina Island. After the initial launch, the aircrew had to turn back to the Air Station due to low clouds and dense fog. On the second attempt, the aircrew made it to the island and landed at Catalina Airport in Avalon. Once on the ground at Catalina Airport the paramedic met with the island medical staff to receive the patient. The aircrew was then able to depart Catalina Island and transported the patient to Torrance Memorial Medical Center without further incident. In 2008 Air Station Los Angeles performed more the two dozen medical evacuations. Source: Coast Guard news - Link

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