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With increasing regularity you hear about “respect for the job” yet, in some cases, those who argue for it are a danger to themselves and the firefighters around them. Why? The level of physical fitness for some active firefighters is abysmal. This reflects poorly on the individual and showcases a distinct lack of respect for the job. Hypertension, increased risk of stroke or Myocardial Infarction, inability to remain sufficiently active during an incident – these are just a few signs of obesity in young firefighters who have yet to hit their mid-30's. One need only look at Line of Duty Death Reports or read peer reviewed papers from medical journals to understand the risks of being overweight and attempting to work as a firefighter. However looks alone don't indicate lack of fitness. Some people are naturally big, participate in evolutions and never see the dramatic rise in blood pressure or feel the body say “no mas.” Yet, in the face of saying respect the job it seems some forget their level of fitness may show disrespect to the job and those they stand beside.

News from around the fire service: Departments understaffed was driven home in Sandwich, Ma. as budget cuts left just two firefighters to respond to a major blaze. You can watch a video report from WCVP

A letter from the Jersey City Fire Chief to a councilmen is making the rounds. The chief explains why he won't risk the lives of his firefighters, something a few chiefs around the country could learn. From the Jersey Journal Top Heavy! Councilman Fulop, with all due respect, I have checked my roster and daily manpower status sheets and I cannot find any of these top-heavy positions you reference in your OPINION. “In the country” is quite a bold statement to make. I ask what fire consulting expert provided these facts. It has become obvious that the Jersey City Fire Department has become the punching bag for all the “Fire Experts” to point fingers at, without any input or confirmation from the Fire Department itself. The Fire Department has not created the financial mess we are currently experiencing, and we sure as hell will not take the blame. It is quite obvious your “Fire Expert” has failed to provide you with critical information regarding the number of retirements the department has experienced over the last fiscal year. By July 1, the department will realize 82 retirements, thus reducing our salary budget by more than $8 million! A reduction in manpower of 14 percent overall! Thousands, YES thousands of years of experience and leadership has retired from the department in one year. Leadership and discipline within the ranks of the department must be maintained. If not there would be chaos, and who would work for an organization with no direction or vision. While I address your next concern about the Safety Officer, I will make a quote so there is NO misunderstanding about what I intend to convey. “I WILL NOT put the safety of my firefighters and officers, nor the citizens of Jersey City, in jeopardy for a few dollars. Secondly, you have no clue what you are talking about!” If you would like to have a dialogue, I will provide the needed information to enlighten you. As your second point in the referenced article states, “in the 1980s.” Really, the 1980s, that's 30 years ago, I think the city has grown somewhat in the last 30 years. Also, you address the advocacy of a high-rise fire fighting unit, and early proponent of the water vessel, largely covering the Downtown residential, financial district, and accompanying waterfront of the Hudson River. Last time I checked the Fire Department was responsible for providing fire protection for all six wards within the confines of Jersey City, not just Ward E. In closing, the Fire Department has taken measures to maintain fire protection for the ENTIRE city, reduces costs, and maintain the level of service the taxpayers expect and deserve. If you have a reorganization plan from your “Fire Expert” I would be more than happy to discuss the plan with you or any other council member or members. I will seriously entertain any plan or suggestions to improve fire safety, streamline costs, maintain fire protection, and protect our citizens and property. With that being said I will quote again: “If the plan is to turn the Jersey City Fire Department into a circus, hire a clown, as I will not jeopardize firefighter or public safety to appease soapbox finger pointing.” CHIEF MICHAEL J. O'REILLY JERSEY CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

In the last three years firefighters have gone from being able to read just a few blogs to having numerous blogs, twitter feeds and Facebook pages to peruse. Dynamic content established a new pecking order in how the public received their information. “Old” blogging was concerned with the number of links a blog could get to push it up search rankings. This has changed in drastic fashion due to Twitter, RSS Feeds, Email Subscriptions and Facebook. Now the number of “on-site” visits means very little because people are reading feeds or getting posts via email. While visitors used to matter now relevance in information delivery, or influence, is based on email subscription numbers, feed readers, Twitter activity and Facebook pages. Having 4500 Feedburner readers means more than on site visits and having a fan page on Facebook with 3000 plus members equals influence across social media, a key in information delivery. Those who are still looking at pageviews can't measure their influence. In fact it may be misleading. We will have a good discussion in tonights podcast.