Well, what do ya know? After our first blog post and subsequent follow-ups asking that the photo on the front of Dallas Fire-Rescue’s website be changed – it finally happened. The original full size photo showing a firefighter not wearing any respiratory protection while surrounded in smoke with a link to their Respiratory Protection Program has been replaced with rainbows … and the removal of the respiratory program link. Coincidence? We think not! (more…)
Archives for tech
Looks like someone over at the Gilroy Fire Department in California got a new video camera! Youtube account holder RJSILVIAJR (we will assume the firefighters last name is Silvia Jr) posted six simple pranks performed around the station. While simple in nature we over at SideCharlie.com got a good laugh from them anyway! Check out the videos in order after the jump … (more…)
SideCharlie.com has obtained a copy of the debut flyer that was provided inside the gift bags at the 2011 World Police & Fire Games fundraiser last week. The 8.5″ x 11″ handout depicts Firefighter Robert Keiley stricken with ailments as a 9/11 FDNY rescuer when in actuality he wasn’t employed until 2004.
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This is a growing list of online resources from around the globe the provide the detailed, 24 hour coverage of the Japan disasters. If you are aware of additional resources that may be of use to humanitarian aid and responders please add them to the comments section below. We will be updating this list over the next few days. (more…)
Let’s assume a major hurricane similar to Katrina has struck Louisiana coast wiping out all utility centers, shelters, roads and other sources of relief. FEMA is faced with the reality of housing tens of thousands of people AND providing them electricity, showers, bathrooms and other conveniences that Americans demand. If you were the refugee you may want to hold off jumping for the standard FEMA trailer and opt for new robotic mobile mini house from the folks at Daiwa? (more…)
Looks like the folks over at Magic Jack don’t want to play fare in the telephony world. Seems they refuse to collect 911 fees from their customers EVEN THOUGH those customers have the same access to 911 services as those who PAY. And now, Kanawha County Florida is taking the USB phone company to court! (more…)
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We came across this new video posted on YouTube (by DoworkLT) this morning by a company (owned by a firefighter) called Firefighter Tools. They have a new tool holster called the Pocket Caddy. The video says it is constructed of long lasting Kydex. The Caddy comes with the most commonly used tools (center punch and wire cutter) made by Pittsburgh Tools which are guaranteed for life through Harbor Freight. (more…)
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The 2011 Jetlev Flyer is now available for purchase. That’s all well and good for average people. However, further examination of this new recreational vehicle tells me that a fire station shift of 5-8 could put this together in about 2 hours flat. I’m thinking a pumper, 4″ supply line, an empty SCBA bracket, a pike pole, a couple of smooth bore nozzles, and some summertime weather should make this work! Who’s in? (more…)
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Another gadget from CES that may be of interest to those in the emergency services is the inexpensive SPOT Communicator. The little device connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone and allows you to call for help, update Facebook and Twitter, send global satellite messages and transmit your coordinates from anywhere. (more…)
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For some odd reason the internet has gone out of its mind over this Verizon iPhone announcement. At approximately 11:06AM ET the words ‘Verizon iPhone‘ was mentioned at today’s news conference in New York. If you are contemplating switching carriers or buying the Verizon version of the iPhone you REALLY need to take a deep breath and consider a few things. (more…)
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[Download the demo below] It was a very slow week for video game releases. Think about it though – who in their right mind would release a game two weeks AFTER Christmas? The Germans of course! Deep Silver Studios has released EMERGENCY 2012 for both the PC and Nintendo DS. From what we can tell you can play the role of either a firefighter or a paramedic. (more…)
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There is a new piece of exercise equipment coming to market on January 11, 2011 that may be of interest to firefighters. It’s called the SledBarrow. The SledBarrow claims that it is a three-in-one conditioning system that combines the power of a drag sled, drive sled and a training wheelbarrow all into one unique design. (more…)
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Tom Horne of Spokane Washington just posted his demo YouTube video of the new Jake Knife firefighter tool. Before we talk about the knife we must comment on the video. Tom is definitely your average Joe. This guy couldn’t be more personable. As a matter of fact, Tom is downright humorous in his own little way without even trying. He makes me want to buy his knife just because I trust the guy. (more…)
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There is a new portable data drive on the marketing from ioSafe. The manufacturer makes all of the standard claims, but goes the step further by proving it! At the Consumer Electronics Show yesterday, ioSafe demoed their drive by dunking it in water, dropping it, and even shooting at it with a shotgun! (more…)
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I remember seeing Microsoft Surface early last year for the first time. It was bulky, expensive, and one of those tech things that you never see become reality. That’s about to change. At the Consumer Electronic Show yesterday, Microsoft revealed the next generation of Surface. Only this time we have a manufacturer and a price. (more…)
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This isn’t your fire chief’s fathers Polaroid camera! Polaroid introduced some new portable, digital equipment that may be of use to the emergency services personnel. Products introduced yesterday include the GL20 picture-taking sunglasses and the GL10 mobile wireless printer. Polaroid’s Creative Director Lady Gaga was on hand to demo the products at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. (more…)
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A retired man believes he has come up with a better mouse trap … or should we say a better ladder truck?
According to an article at Gizmodo Australia, ladder trucks haven’t changed much since they were deployed back in the 1880s. Denison told Gizmodo that “It’s ridiculous to climb up, put someone on your shoulders, and climb down. There had to be a faster way.” (more…)
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