Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

History always has a sense of repeating itself and, unfortunately, those to whom we respond to help, serve, and protect often come up on the short end of the stick. The night before Thanksgiving, I always have an eerie feeling in my gut when working the night tour because of the kids home from college who are out partying, socializing, and having mini-reunions. Luckily, many times the tour is quiet and nothing unusual occurs, but then there are those memorable events that will forever be etched into your mind on an occasion that should be for family and giving thanks.
Fire Structure Size-Up for Nonofficers: The Five Ws

Fire Structure Size-Up for Nonofficers: The Five Ws

Firecomm on the air for Station 2 and Station 4. An odor of smoke in the house. 123 First Street, cross streets of Main Street…
Professional Qualifications Federal or State Responsibility?

Professional Qualifications Federal or State Responsibility?

The fire service has from time to time considered the need for establishing and enforcing nationally established standards for professional firefighter qualifications vs. the current…
COMPANY/ASSOCIATION NEWS

COMPANY/ASSOCIATION NEWS

After extensive lobbying by the INTERNATION ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS, H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, was approved by a bipartisan…
First-Due Companies at Hazardous Materials Incidents

First-Due Companies at Hazardous Materials Incidents

Regarding hazmat response, first and foremost, know your first-due area. Are there any industrial occupancies that store chemicals used to make consumable commodities or for…
Lessons Learned from Boeing 727 Cargo Fire

Lessons Learned from Boeing 727 Cargo Fire

It was supposed to be a one-time experiment, an interesting way of disposing of a retired research airframe. In a four-day workshop named the “Fast…
Electric Substations: Hazards and Response

Electric Substations: Hazards and Response

If you look, you will probably find that you have an electric substation in your response area. Have you responded to it? Have you entered…