All Blog Posts (3,145)

This short clip show balloon frame construction from the inside. With Engine House Training, LLC this summer, we had the opportunity to hold a class in this building. It was going to be torn down and the interior wall coverings in most of the house had been removed. That exposed the balloon frame construction characteristics that we so often speak of but seldom have the chance to see.

Use this however you like and share it.  Hopefully,…

Ever have trouble pulling out for a run forgetting you left a coffee cup on the bumper?

Yeah, me too. 

In fact, I had this happen several times due to the fact that I couldn’t impress upon a rookie on my crew to make a walk around the engine before it moves. 

After losing a particularly valuable piece of equipment left on the tailboard after a call, I knew I had to…

I do not usually post on blogs but I recently saw this Scott ad that really twisted me up. I like the reason for the ad, however Scott's lack of detail/attention is somewhat ignorant... see for yourself.

The things I noticed are:

1) Not only did Scott deface the American flag by overlaying FDNY, the flag is also "flying" the wrong direction.

2) Why is…

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I find it hard to believe that no one in the fire blogosphere picked up this post-election story and especially since Ohio Governor John Kasich’s very political existence may have hinged upon its defeat.

But, $30 million union dollars later, “Issue 2”; otherwise known as SB 5 was repealed by the voters of Ohio and Governor Kasich was left wondering “why”.

From my perspective, it was the classic political cage match.

The union brought its street fighting style and the…

This information was passed on to me from David Walsh via Deputy Commissioner John Horan (OC Fire Services – NY).  The links below are very graphic pictures of severe effects from mercury exposure.  Of course its a potential hazard in many of our homes, but also on the fireground. 

Here’s a summary of the to-do’s if a CFL light breaks:

• Have people and pets leave the room.
• Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or door to…

Autumn in the Great Lakes. Cool crisp air, leaves brilliant in their Fall splendor, slight frost on the morning horizon - and the sound of distant gun fire blowing the be-jesus out of a poor, gentle deer!



Ok, ok, so I'm not a hunter - all the more reason to have some fun at their expense:) We have plenty in my department who are, and this time of…

Liquid CO2 is a hazard that is now being found in restaurants.  These systems are decreasing the number of CO2 bottle changes needed, however, many of the hoses are plastic and subject to damage.  When a hose develops a crack, the liquid CO2 expands at a high ratio quickly filling the area.  Unsuspecting persons may quickly become unconscious as O2 levels decrease rapidly. Continue reading.

The envelope measured four inches wide by six inches long. It has held up rather well. It almost has a waxy feel to it. I am sure that it was white at one time, but is now a dark beige color.

In the top, left corner scribbled in pencil is: “after 5 days return to Pvt.…

Blog Talk Radio: Episode 141

Had a great time talking with Chiefs Lasky, Coleman, Halton and Crawford last night during the radio show! Link to the archived stream is above.



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I read an article by an old acquaintance the other day.  I don't want to identify the author because this is not about the "who", but the "what." 

What a concept.  Here's an excerpt:

“There was a code that said that the coach was always right and you NEVER questioned a coach’s decision in regards to you. Like it or not, you had to respect it. It was not an option!  Sound familiar?  It should!”

“I came up in the fire service at a time…

By Chris Mc Loone, Associate Editor

With all the cancer research that goes on in the world today and with all the advisories to get screened early because early detection is key, the last thing I expected was an attempt to talk me out of it.

I am in my 19^th year in the fire service. I’m a volunteer in a company that may…

Want to kill off an evening or two in front of your computer?

Google “firefighter arson”.

Then, kick back and prepare to get angry!

From the lame and pathetic excuses offered up by the accused to the light sentences handed down to the guilty; it’s enough to get this old boy’s blood boiling.

Over the years, I have written a few blogs about this fire service issue and one thing remains true…

It is still a big problem…

It’s the morning of Halloween in Mockingbird Heights.

Mockingbird Heights is a sleepy little hollow that is nestled in between Haddonfield and Savoy. It has been said often that you can…

Unlike our favorite Halloween monsters and ghouls, the Toxic Twins are very real, and very deadly! Sometimes they kill quickly using heart attacks as their form of malice, other times they kill slowly in the form of cancer and respiratory illnesses. They are invisible, silent and odorless - and indiscriminate!

Are you wearing your SCBA during overhaul and…

The Moline, Illinois city council, on the advice of the city administrator, plans to cut 12 firefighter/paramedic positions and privatize EMS in the city.

Immediately after the decision was made, Chief Ron Miller announced his resignation/retirement. See associated links:…

I have stood by and watched this “Occupy Something/Anything” movement move from a crawl to almost motionless and all the while, telling myself to keep quiet.

But I cannot any longer…

Those of us who grew up in the 60s/70s have an appreciation for the protests and demonstrations that rolled through the better part of two decades. It was in those days that I spent my time as a radical. I did not consider myself a liberal, though in the strict definition,…

The social media world is providing instructors with numerous options to pass on knowledge.  As an instructor, I am often wanting more time in the classroom or on the training ground.  Here’s a way to gain valuable class or training time.

By making a video preview of an upcoming lecture or hands-on drill, instructors can increase the knowledge base of their students prior to them even stepping foot in the classroom or on the training ground.  This will allow for greater conversation…