Last night I attended the Congressional Fire Services Institute's annual Christmas party. Sponsored by the Total Fire Group, the gathering included members of the CFSI's National Advisory Committee and others from around Washington, D.C.

Amid the holiday decorations, some serious discussions were held.

Have you seen the video clip that resulted in two Tennessee firefighters losing their jobs? Take a look here.

Last month, two adults and two children died in a house fire in Loudon City, Tenn. According to the news report from WBIR-TV in Knoxville, a camera affixed to a police cruiser filmed two firefighters not immediately running into the house, while a police officer did enter and try to save the residents.

Every story has more sides than an octagon, but a member of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was upset over the firings. In the video clip, the house appears to be totally engulfed; one firefighter appears to be trying to locate a hose line and the other firefighter does not have on his turnout gear.

Pull a hoseline or run into the building like the unprotected police officer? Put on the protective ensemble or run in unprotected?

For the past two years, the NFFF, FIRE CHIEF magazine and many other fire service organizations have been pounding out a message of safety to emergency responders. If the firefighter ran into that house without his gear on and died, what message would that send? Instead, the cop's the hero for running into the burning building and the firefighter gets fired. It's not easy, is it?

With advancing electronics and recording devices, there will be more scrutiny and surveillance of all emergency responders, as witnessed in this incident. No one wants civilians to die, but like my Dad's chief always said, "A dead firefighter does nobody any good."

On a lighter note, the CFSI party gave us a chance to see the new flame-less pillar candles from Northern International. These candles look and feel like a regular candle, but they have a battery-operated flickering light that is so realistic even I was surprised. The candles are available at hardware stores nationwide. For a location near you, call 450-444-6911, ext. 25.

And on an even lighter note, the evening's festivities included a contest for the best Christmas tie. An array of colorful and fun neckties were worn, and it's a good thing that host CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb's red-and-white striped tie was not eligible. The final competition was between NFFF Executive Director Ron Siarnicki with his Santa over Washington, D.C., and FEMSA President Giff Swain's assorted Santas. In the end, Swain's tie took the prize.

Be safe and be sensible.

Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director
janet@firechief.com