New UL Study Reinforces Sound Old Fire Tactics
I can be a pretty skeptical guy when it comes to new studies and ideas in the fire service. That's because it seems that lately our profession tries to solve "hands-on problems" with fancy new...
View ArticleCheck your Dance Card….
I admit it, it’s happened to me… and I am sure that it’s happened to you too. Honestly, it’s easy to let happen. You can try to justify it, in your own mind by saying; it’s just that we love what we...
View ArticleFDIC 2012: COMBAT READY Firefighting (lecture)
Course Description: The objective is to motivate firefighters to recognize complacency, how it can cause errors to creep into your operations (“error creep”), and how it can snowball on the fireground...
View ArticleGot Stickers?
Got Stickers? Firefighters, absolutely love stickers and decals. I know that you know what I am talking about, and… it’s ok. It is absolutely fine to be proud of who you are as a firefighter, be...
View ArticleCheck your Dance Card… Part 2 “getting closer”
In part one of “Check your Dance Card” we discussed a few items to take a look at before we enter the fire building and start our dance with the “beauty of fire.” In part 2, we will discuss a few...
View ArticleMotivation
On the truck today I have a guy who's newer on the job and regularly assigned to an engine. After about an hour of drilling on portable ladders and forcible entry he said to me "Sarge, I just don't...
View ArticleExtending Leverage on Outward Doors
It's common that residential buildings will feature mostly inward opening doors, while commercial buildings will feature more outward opening doors. While the the technique for outward opening doors...
View ArticleLearning Moments & A Forcible Entry Challenge
One of the things we always talk about regarding staying "combat ready" is using every opportunity as a learning/teaching moment. We have an opportunity on every routine run to look at the buildings in...
View ArticleCommercial Storefront FE: Don’t Just Break the Glass
While it can safely be said that every response area in this country has unique challenges, the commercial storefront is one that is present in almost all areas. Forcible entry into these buildings is...
View ArticleCombat Ready – Sheperdstown, WV
Last weekend I was invited to present "Combat Ready Firefighting"to the firefighters of Jefferson County, WV. After a great class, the more than hospitable members were eager to show me their...
View ArticleWhat’s your standard? The firehouse just got a new puppy…
In my Department’s “Rookie Book” process, probationary firefighters have a 6-month series of monthly tests. These tests consist of written questions & knowledge and skill-based material. The goal...
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