The Oregon State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson is encouraging Oregonians to submit nominations for the state’s 2010 Golden and Silver Sparky awards. 

The Golden Sparky recognizes a fire service member for outstanding achievement in fire prevention or public fire safety education. The Silver Sparky is the civilian version, awarded for outstanding achievement in fire prevention or public fire education.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Simpson believes that there are many good people doing great things to improve fire prevention and fire prevention education and he wants to hear about it.  Nominations can come from anyone – including the general public and fire service members.

Click here for the one-page nomination form. Nominations can be submitted by email to jim.walker@state.or.us or through the mail to:

Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Jim Walker

Office of State Fire Marshal

4760 Portland Road NE

Salem, Oregon 97305

The nomination deadline is April 19, 2010. State Fire Marshal Simpson will present the awards Saturday, May 22, 2010, during the Oregon Fire Service Meritorious Awards Banquet at the Salem Conference Center.

March 30, 2010

Station 18 Firefighter Nate Reads to Second Grade Students at Maplewood Elementary School

Read Across America is a program launched by the National Education Association to focus on the importance of reading with children. Over 45 million readers across America took part in reading celebrations meant to promote reading in children and celebrate one of the greats in children's literature, Dr. Seuss.

On Tuesday, March 2, 2010, firefighters from Portland Fire & Rescue’s Fire Station 18 A-shift helped celebrate "Read Across America" by visiting and reading books with local second-grade elementary school students at Maplewood Elementary School.  Maplewood Elementary School is part of the Portland Public School system, is located in SW Portland, and is known for its emphasis on a well-rounded education for all students.

Students were excited to sit and listen to the firefighters read books.  Afterwards, the firefighters answered student’s questions about what it is like being a firefighter. Station 18 firefighters reported that they had a fun time, it was a great experience, and they can’t wait to participate alongside the SW Portland community in next year’s Read Across America events!

Did you Know?

• Read Across America Day is celebrated on or around March 2 every year 
• The reading literacy program began in 1997
• Many schools declare it "pajama day" or "crazy sock day" in honor of the children's literature icon, Dr. Seuss
• Children spend the day reading stories, engaging in fun reading activities, and focusing on reading skills
• Read Across America lesson plans are available for children of all ages
• Events are held at schools and libraries nationwide with many of them featuring appearances from the ever popular The Cat in the Hat
• Green eggs and ham and Pink Yink ink are popular menu items on Read Across America Day

March 30, 2010

During January 2010, Portland Fire & Rescue opened recruitment for the positions of Firefighter Trainees and EMT/Paramedic.  PF&R accepted 2,500 applications for the position of Firefighter Trainee and 1,500 for the position of Firefighter EMT/Paramedic in little under one week’s time!

The Firefighter Trainee and EMT/Paramedic candidates whose applications where successfully accepted where invited to take a written, multiple-choice, video-based test on February 18, 2010.  Over 3,000 candidates arrived ready to take the 2 ½ hour test at the Convention Center.  The test consisted of four components including human interaction, mechanical aptitude, math, and reading.

The Firefighter Trainee candidates are currently preparing to take the Physical Agility Test (PAT) on April 16 – 18, 2010.

The Firefighter EMT/Paramedic candidates are taking a slightly different path – these candidates will be participating in the Fire Chief’s Selection Panel Interviews on April 14 -15, 2010 and shortly following will take the PAT Test on April 16, 2010. 

For further explanation into the process for both the Firefighter Trainee and Firefighter EMT/Paramedic candidates, read on!

FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE CANDIDATE UPDATES

Physical Agility Test (PAT)

Firefighter Trainee candidates who successfully scored high enough on the written, multiple-choice, video-based test have been invited to move onto the next portion of the exam – the Physical Agility Test (PAT).

The PAT Test requires candidates to perform several tasks similar to those performed by firefighters on the job.  These tasks are designed to test strength, stamina, endurance, agility and ability to work at heights. Firefighter Trainee candidates must complete the PAT Test’s nine individual skill stations within PF&R’s time standard of 8 minutes and 2 seconds.

The events in the PAT test include the simulated ladder rack, hose carry, electric fan, fan placement, ladder raise, ladder halyard, body drag, foam bucket carry, simulated hose pull, and truck ladder climb. Click here to watch video footage of the PAT Test, find tips to enhance your physical agility preparedness, and read about the PAT Test exercise stations.

PAT PRACTICE SESSIONS

PF&R has offered to Firefighter Trainee candidates the option of practicing the nine individual skill stations of the PAT Test.  For the five consecutive weekends of March 12, 19, 26 and April 2 and 9, the candidates have been invited to attend as many practice sessions as they like to work on the individual skill stations with direction, support, and coaching from PF&R firefighters.

PAT TEST & EQUALLY RANKED ELIGIBLE LIST

Firefighter Trainee candidates will take the PAT Test on April 16, 17, or 18, 2010.  In late April 2010, Firefighter Trainee candidates that successfully complete the PAT Test within PF&R’s time standard of 8 minutes and 2 seconds will have their names placed on an Equally Ranked Eligible List for further consideration.  The Equally Ranked Eligible List will be posted; the previous Equally Ranked Eligible List will be discarded.

FIRE CHIEF'S SELECTION PANEL INTERVIEW

Between May 10^th and the 28^th, Firefighter Trainee candidates who successfully pass the PAT Test will be invited to take part in the Chief’s Selection Panel Interviews.  The Chief’s Interviews are a critical phase in the applicant process as it will provide PF&R with an opportunity to meet the candidates and make an evaluation of the candidates’ knowledge, skill, and abilities.  The Chief’s Interview is a structured oral interview conducted by a panel of PF&R chief officers and staff. Each candidate is asked the same set of questions and is designed to be challenging and provoke critical thinking.

FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE ELIGIBLE LIST & HIRING

On June 1, 2010, PF&R will post a one-year eligible list for the position of Firefighter Trainee and move forward with hiring selected candidates.

FIREFIGHTER EMT/PARAMEDIC CANDIDATE UPDATES

ELIGIBLE LIST FOR FIREFIGHTER EMT/PARAMEDIC

On March 10, 2010, PF&R prepared and posted a eligible list for the position of Firefighter EMT/Paramedic. 

PAT PRACTICE SESSIONS

PF&R has offered to Firefighter EMT/Paramedic candidates the option of practicing the nine individual skill stations of the PAT Test.  For the five consecutive weekends of March 12, 19, 26 and April 2 and 9, the candidates are invited to attend as many practice sessions as they like to work on the individual skill stations with direction, support, and coaching from  PF&R firefighters.

FIRE CHIEF'S SELECTION PANEL INTERVIEW

On April 14^th and 15^th, eligible Firefighter EMT/Paramedic candidates will take part in the Chief’s Selection Panel Interviews.  The Chief’s Interview is a critical phase in the applicant process as it will provide PF&R with an opportunity to meet the candidates and make an evaluation of the candidates’ knowledge, skill, and abilities.  The Chief’s Interview is a structured oral interview conducted by a panel of PF&R chief officers and staff. Each candidate is asked the same set of questions and is designed to be challenging and provoke critical thinking.

Note that as vacancies arise, Firefighter EMT/Paramedic candidates will be continue to be interviewed according to the ranked eligible list that was posted on March 10, 2010.

PAT TEST

Eligible Firefighter EMT/Paramedic candidates who successfully pass the Chief’s Interviews will be invited to take the Physical Agility Test (PAT) on April 16, 2010. The PAT Test requires candidates to perform several tasks similar to those performed by firefighters on the job.  These tasks are designed to test strength, stamina, endurance, agility and ability to work at heights. Firefighter EMT/Paramedic candidates must complete the PAT Test within PF&R’s time standard of 8 minutes and 2 seconds. 

FIREFIGHTER EMT/PARAMEDIC HIRING

Firefighter EMT/Paramedic candidates who successfully pass the PAT Test will move forward into the hiring portion of the process.

Check back here on PF&R's Fire Blog next week for more updates on the Firefighter candidates!  

March 31, 2010

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSA) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products. You can find information on over 4,500 product recalls and search recalled products by visiting the CPSA’s Recall and Product Safety News webpage at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html. 

In March 2010, CPSA announced over 40 product recalls including extension cords, baby slings, scarves with microwaveable heat, outdoor lighting fixtures, and fireplace dampers.  Portland Fire & Rescue wants to make sure you’re aware of the recalled products in March 2010:

• Ardica Recalls Heated Jackets and Vests Due to Burn Hazard
• Boys’ Vests and Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by North-Sportif Due to Strangulation and Entanglement Hazards; Sold Exclusively at Burlington Coat Factory
• Howard Berger Recalls Extension Cords and Power Strips Due to Fire Hazard
• Sport Obermeyer Ltd. Voluntarily Recalls Girls' Jackets with Drawstrings at the Waist Due to Entrapment Hazard
• Lennox Hearth Products Recalls Vent-Free Gas Logs and Fireplaces Due to Gas Leak and Fire Hazards
• Evenflo Recalls Top-of-Stair Plus Wood Gates Due to Fall Hazard
• Children’s Educational Kits Recalled by Carolina Biology Supply Due to Risk of Lead Exposure
• Girls’ Hooded Sweaters with Drawstrings Recalled by Children’s Apparel Network Due Strangulation Hazard
• Girls’ Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Bubblegum USA Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Burlington Coat Factory
• Girls’ Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Liberty Apparel Due to Strangulation Hazard
• Infantino Recalls to Replace SlingRider Baby Slings; Three Infant Deaths Reported
• Painted Wooden Beads Intended for Children's Crafts Recalled By S&S Worldwide Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard
• Simpson Dura-Vent Recalls Fireplace Dampers Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard
• Ventus Bicycle Aerobars Recalled by 3T Cycling Srl Due to Fall Hazard
• Audio Receivers Recalled by Niles Audio Corp. Due to Fire Hazard
• Do It Best Recalls Bicycle Bells Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
• Lumetique Recalls Botanika Candles Due to Fire and Laceration Hazards
• Cost Plus Inc. Recalls Konrad and Loft Office Chairs Due to Fall Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Cost Plus/World Market
• Graco Recalls Harmony™ High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard
• Haselson International Trading Recalls Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Burlington Coat Factory
• Mobile Power Packs Recalled By Tumi Due to Fire Hazard
• CPSC Approves Final Rule on Civil Penalty Factors
• Remote Control Kits for Electric Fireplaces and Stoves Recalled by Dimplex North America Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
• Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers for Babies
• Noncontact Electrical Tester Recalled by Fluke Due to Shock or Burn Hazard
• Coil Nailers Recalled by Hitachi Koki Due to Serious Injury Hazard
• CPSC Issues Warning on Children’s Winter and Holiday-Themed Charm Bracelets with High Levels of Cadmium
• Byer California Recalls Girls’ Jackets with Drawstrings Due to Strangulation Hazard
• Girl’s Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Regaliti Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Burlington Coat Factory
• Telebrands Recalls Scarves with Microwaveable Heat Packs Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
• Boys’ Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Brand Evolution Due to Strangulation Hazard
• Gerber Legendary Blades Recalls Machetes Due to Laceration Hazard
• Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roman Shades by Ethan Allen
• LELE & Company Recalls Children’s Hooded Sweatshirt Sets with Drawstrings Due to Strangulation Hazard
• Outdoor Lighting Fixtures Recalled by American Electric Lighting Due to Shock Hazard
• Children’s Bracelets Recalled by Chandigarh Fashion Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
• Boys’ Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Ten West Apparel Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold at Burlington Coat Factory
• Daiso To Pay $2 Million Civil Penalty for Violations of Federal Safety Laws and Must Stop Importing Children's Products and Toys Into U.S.
• Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roman Shades and Roll-Up Blinds by Meijer
• Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roman Shades by Lutron Electronics
• Children's Fork and Spoon Sets Recalled by Peachtree Playthings Due to Choking Hazard; Sold at Dollar Tree and Deals

Stay informed of recalled products by bookmarking or adding CPSA’s website http://www.cpsc.gov/ to your favorites and check it often.  You can also sign up on CPSA’s subscription list to receive emails about recalled products. Visit https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx to join.

Keep you and your family safe and educated!

March 31, 2010

All Recipes Courtesy of Firefighters at PF&R's Fire Station 12

Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

Any kind/types of fruit can be used. For this salad we will be using strawberries, blackberries, bananas,  and mangoes.

• 2 mangoes, ripe, soft to touch
• 1 quart of strawberries
• 2 pints of blackberries
• 2 bananas
• 1 fresh lemon
• 1/2 cup of fresh honey
• 1 tsp of sugar

Preparation:

• Rinse all fruits. 
• Chop/quarter strawberries and mangoes.
• Slice both bananas.
• Add to a medium mixing bowl along with blackberries.
• Cut lemon in half. 
• Squirt juice of one lemon half over fruit. 
• Add the other half if a more of a tart flavor is desired. 
• Add honey and sugar. 
• Mix completely, let sit, chill until ready to serve. 
• An option is also to add a half cup of heavy whipping cream, if calories are not a concern. 

Serves 6 to 8. 

Corn and Kiwi Chutney

Ingredients:

• 1 can of corn
• 2 kiwis
• 1 fresh tomato
• 1 half of a fresh jalapeno
• 2 tablespoons of cilantro
• 1 tablespoon of fresh honey
• 1/4 cup of red onion
• 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
• salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Clean fresh fruits and vegetables. 
2. Pour can of corn into a medium size mixing bowl.
3. Strain the juice from the corn. 
4. Dice kiwis, tomato and jalapeno and add to bowl. 
5. Chop cilantro and onion and add to bowl. 
6. Last add honey and vinegar, salt and pepper. 
7. Mix, let sit and chill until ready to serve. 

Blueberry Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

For the cake: 

• 1 1/2 cup of flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp of salt
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of shortening
• 3/4 cup of milk
• 1 egg
• 1 cup of fresh blueberries, not frozen

For topping:

• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 2 tsp of cinnamon
• 1/2 stick of soften butter, salted

Preparation:

1. In a medium mixing bowl add flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and mix. 
2. Add shortening and stir in. 
3. Then add the egg and milk. 
4. Mix until smooth. 
5. Add blueberries last. 
6. Pour mixture into a round or square greased baking pan. 
7. Before baking add the brown sugar/butter topping. 
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 375 degrees. 
9. Cool and let sit. 

Serves 4.

Traditional Eggs Benedict with Fresh Hollandaise

Ingredients:

• 8 eggs, poached
• 4 English muffins, toasted
• 8 slices of Canadian bacon or ham, grilled

Hollandaise Sauce 

Ingredients: 

• 12 egg yolks, raw
• 1 fresh lemon
• 1 cup of green onion
• 2 sticks of clarified butter
• salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Clarified butter is also known as "drawn butter".  It is the golden butter you use to dip your lobster or crab in.  All you do is melt the butter, let is sit and cool. 
2. The milk solids and water will float to the surface.  Skim off the white film and you have clarified butter.  By removing the milk solids and water, you create a butter that will with stand higher cooking temperatures and not brown.
3. Take a medium mixing bowl and place the egg yolks in it. 
4. Add salt and pepper, the juice of the lemon and the green onion. 
5. Set up a double boiler. 
6. You need to take a 12 quart cooking pot with boiling water. 
7. Place the mixing bowl with the egg yolks over it. 
8. Do not let it sit long. 
9. Add the clarified butter slowly, constantly stirring the egg yolks. 
10. Very important to not to keep the egg yolks on to long, say no more than 2 minutes. 
11. Any longer and the egg yolks will cook and ruin the sauce. 
12. Take sauce off double bowler and let sit until ready to pour over the eggs. 
13. Take a 12 quart cooking pot. 
14. Add 2 gallons of water and bring it to a boil. 
15. Before adding the eggs, add a quarter cup of white vinegar. 
16. The vinegar will help the egg proteins coagulate, stick together, and form little balls.
17. Crack the eggs one by one and add them one by one to the boiling water. 
18. The eggs will only need to cook 2 to 3 minutes. 
19. This will keep the yolk soft and runny. 
20. Cook longer if you want a firmer yolk. 
21. Place the toasted English muffin on a plate. 
22. Add the slice of grilled ham or Canadian bacon.  
23. Place one egg on top of the bacon/ham carefully, then cover with the hollandaise sauce. 

Serves 4.

March 31, 2010