Print, Broadcast, and Internet Awards 2014
FIRST PLACE
“Fire Fighters Union Claims Fire Chief’s Numbers on Reserve Fleet Are False; Local 36 President Ed Smith vs. DC Fire Chief”
Produced by Paul Wagner, Fox News, Washington, DC
Submitted by Washington, DC Local 36
This report incites anger and frustration over the ineptitudes of the fire department leadership in the Nation’s Capital and illustrates the persistent and dedicated efforts of a local president to ensure the safety of his union members.
SECOND PLACE
“Fire-Ops 101—On the Job with the WSFD”
Produced by Chad Nance, Camel City Dispatch
Submitted by Winston-Salem, NC Local 682
News reporter Chad Nance participates in Fire Ops 101 with Winston-Salem, NC Local 682 fire fighters to get a first-hand look at what it takes to be a fire fighter. Nance gives a descriptive, educational and informative account of his experience, including wearing heavy turnout gear, using an SCBA to breathe and performing a search and rescue, among other tasks.
HONORABLE MENTION
“Being a Fire Fighter for a Day in Pickering”
Produced by Moya Dillon, Pickering News Advertiser
Submitted by Pickering, ON Local 1632
This is an insightful and informative story that sheds light on why fire fighters need to have the proper resources to do the job and educates political leaders and the media about the importance of staffing, training and equipment.
Best News Story, Series or Feature (Print)
FIRST PLACE (TIE)
“Fire Fighter Marks 40 Years on Job”
Written by Patty Hastings, The Columbian
Submitted by Clark County, WA Local 3674
The writer gives a very important safety message, reminding fire fighters about returning home safely.
FIRST PLACE (TIE)
“Fire Fighters Bash Plan to Reduce OT”
Written by Aldo Santin, Winnipeg Free Press
Submitted by Winnipeg, MB Local 867
Winnipeg Local 867 found itself in the midst of a budget crosshair when the fire chief proposed a plan to reduce the number of fire fighters who rode in secondary fire trucks from four to two to cap overtime costs.
FIRST PLACE (TIE)
“On the Closer Inspection”
Written by Joel Calfee, Fire Rescue Magazine and FirefighterNation.com
Submitted by Houston, TX Local 341
This article reviews the NFPA standards on personal protective equipment (PPE) and stresses the importance of performing a routine PPE inspection. The standard advises that personal protective equipment should be retired in 10 years. In reality, how long PPEs last is subject to myriad factors, including exposure to heat and the elements.
SECOND PLACE
“The Way Through the Flames”
Written by Mark Harris, Spectrum IEEE.org Magazine
Submitted by Seattle, WA Local 27 341
This article discusses the promise of new and emerging technologies designed to track fire fighters in large structure fires.
HONORABLE MENTION
“Fire Fighters Actions Lead to Heroic Rescue”
Written by Stacey Barchenger, Florida Today
Submitted by Cocoa, FL 2416
This story captures the incredibly dangerous and heroic rescue efforts performed by six-year Cocoa Fire Department veteran Matt Holladay to save a 70-year-old grandmother from her burning home.
Best News Story, Series or Feature (Television)
FIRST PLACE
“Fighting for Help”
Produced by Adam Sexton, WMUR-TV
Submitted by Concord, NH Local 1045
This documentary emphasizes the need for a support system for fire fighters diagnosed with cancer.
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SECOND PLACE
“Boise Firefighters Dominate 22nd Annual Scott Stairclimb Challenge”
Produced by Natalie Hurst, KBOI 2 News
Submitted by Boise, ID Local 149
This story showcases the incredible physical ability necessary for fire fighting, while highlighting Boise fire fighters’ compassion for their community.
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HONORABLE MENTION
“4 Years Later, Injured Firefighter Looks Toward Future”
Produced by Erika Gonzalez, Washington, DC NBC4
Submitted by Prince George’s County, MD Local 1619
Four years after Prince George’s County fire fighter Daniel McGown suffered severe burns while responding to a fire (that was intentionally set), he spoke publicly about his journey and return to the job he loves as a fire fighter.
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Best Editorial, Opinion or Blog Post
FIRST PLACE
“Praising Boston’s Fire Fighters—Because Their Bosses Won’t”
Written by Kevin Cullen, Boston Globe
Submitted by Boston, MA Local 718
This tough editorial calls out the Boston fire commissioner and former fire chief for not supporting fire fighters after many were praised for heroic rescues during the Boston Marathon bombing. The columnist captures the emotions and scars inflicted by the actions or inactions of department leadership.
SECOND PLACE
“City Budget Leaves Senior Fire Fighters in a Bind”
Written by Stephen Borders, Creative Loafing
Submitted by Atlanta, GA Local 134
This is a compelling message on the pay inequities for Atlanta fire fighters and emphasizes why it’s important to retain veteran fire fighters to ensure public safety. Atlanta, GA Local 134 President Stephen Borders writes that the city budget slights veteran fire fighters compared to newer hires.
HONORABLE MENTION
“Negative Effects of Technology”
Written by Jim Spell, Firechief.com
Submitted by Vail, CO Local 4138
As technology plays a larger role in the day-to-day operations of the fire service, the writer cautions fire fighters to be mindful to not drift from basic fire-fighting and fire ground principles.
Best Photo (Print)
FIRST PLACE
“Photo of Boston fire fighter James Plourde carrying injured woman”
Photo by Ken McGagh,AP Photo/Metro West
Submitted by Boston, MA Local 718
Boston, MA Local 718 member James Plourde was one of the first responders on the scene of the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013. He carries an injured woman from the finish line to safety.
SECOND PLACE
“6 Killed in Philadelphia Building Collapse”
Photo by Tom Kelly IV
Submitted by Philadelphia, PA Local 22
Fire fighters perform a search and rescue operation looking for citizens buried under debris after part of a building under demolition collapsed on an occupied Salvation Army store. Fire fighters rescued a woman who was buried for at least three hours under the rubble. Another woman was found alive and rescued 13 hours after the building collapse.
HONORABLE MENTION
“Stretching on a Commercial Building”
Photo by Glen Duda,Fire News
Submitted by Bridgeport, CT Local 834
New Haven fire fighters stretch additional hose lines toward a fire at a one-story auto body shop. A kerosene heater was assumed to be the original cause of fire, and numerous chemicals inside strengthened the blaze.
Best Photo (Online)
FIRST PLACE
“Lincoln IAFF 3023 member FF Clark Opens Up a Bedroom as Fire Rolls Over His Head”
Photo by Kenneth LaBelle
Submitted by Lincoln, RI Local 3023
Fire fighter Donald Clark Jr. is seen from a window after he breaks through a second story wall as flames jump above his head.
SECOND PLACE (TIE)
“Uxbridge Local 4149 Members Vent Windows at a 6th Alarm on South Main St.”
Photo by Kenneth LaBelle
Submitted by Uxbridge, MA Local 4149
Fire fighters on an aerial ladder respond to an electrical fire at a commercial/residential building dating back to the 1800s. The building was completely destroyed, but there were no injuries and the dresses from a bridal shop on the first floor were saved.
SECOND PLACE (TIE)
“Detroit Fire Fighters”
Photo by Kenneth LaBelle
Submitted by Kenneth LaBelle
Detroit fire fighters emerge from a top-story window of a home. Dark smoke billows around them as they wait for water to reach their hose.
Best Social Media Video (Professional Media)
FIRST PLACE
“Being a Fire Fighter for a Day in Pickering”
Produced by Moya Dillon and Leeanna McLean, Pickering News Advertiser
Submitted by Pickering, ON Local 1632
Fire Ops 101 participants give testimonials about their experience, including the mayor of Pickering.
HONORABLE MENTION
“Flash Flood Hits Palm Springs”
Produced by Chris Tarpening, KESQ News Channel 3
Submitted by Atlanta, GA Local 134
This is a compelling video showing emergency response to flood waters running through the city of Palm Springs after heavy rain.