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Intro to Better, Stronger, Safer

In the past I've refrained from trying to tempt or provoke readers by offering the startling conclusions of my work in an introduction. I've done so under the assumption that these conclusions are so contrary to popular opinion that they're more likely to drive readers away rather than engage them. I'm going to mix it up, and list a few of these so that the reader can decide if this group and blog might be worth joining or following, if only to prove me wrong. Here goes.

From… Continue

Added by Brian Houska on June 8, 2010 at 5:30pm — 1 Comment

RETIREE PLACEBO

Perhaps this illustration is a bit over the top, but it is an unfortunate reality for many of our retiree and disabled Brothers and Sisters. Pension benefits often do not cover sky-rocketing medication costs, not if you intend to eat, too. Volunteers have it worse, yet - some gave 20 to 30 plus years of service to a… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on June 8, 2010 at 9:16am — 6 Comments

Nice Guy vs Not so nice Guy.

First time so go easy on me. I am a relatively new company officer (3 years now) and I am looking for some advice. I am a nice guy and feel lately that it is hurting me as a company officer. I frustrated to the point that I don't want to be that "nice guy" anymore, but that is not who I am. I know that I am well respected by members of my own department and members from the agencies around me but I get the feeling that it is almost expected that I should be this "not so nice guy" and that… Continue

Added by Mark Wadsworth on June 1, 2010 at 4:55pm — 8 Comments

RIDING BACKWORDS...A Rookies Perspective on Issues Affecting the Fire Service

When make do shouldn't do

Firefighters and emergency medical workers must be largely optimistic - if they weren't then how or why would they want to do the job. Is a pessimist going to routinely put themselves in a position to respond to what may be the worst day of someone's life and expect to make it better - or at least make a difference? If they believe that they can’t/won't be able to make a difference then why even respond? An optimistic attitude is essential for success for… Continue

Added by John Barrett on May 25, 2010 at 2:30pm — 3 Comments

THE PUPPET MASTER

One of my all-time favorite quotes pretty much sums up my feelings on this month's commentary; "Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with the results" - George S. Patton.

Nothing is more demoralizing than to have a job or responsibility ranked from underneath you,… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on May 24, 2010 at 9:30am — 3 Comments

Fundamentals, Basics, Training, Oh My!

Last night I had the pleasure to listen to and get in on a discussion on Art Chief Reason’s new FirefighterNetcast radio show. The show was fantastic and the content was interesting and stimulating. However, the topic that came up that really got my attention was when he and Dave dove into the subject of risk vs. benefit and safety vs. extinguishment. I know, I know, this has been beaten with a sledge hammer over our collective heads for the last year or so. But, I just can’t figure one thing… Continue

Added by Jason Hoevelmann on May 18, 2010 at 9:57pm — 6 Comments

Are You Making a Difference?

Ahhh, the good ole days!

Are you making a difference? It is a simple question that requires a “yes” or “no” answer. So, which is it?

The fire service is full of opportunities for people to take advantage of to better themselves. Are you taking advantage of those opportunities?

It is easy to go to work and sit down at the kitchen table and complain about what needs to be done that day. It is easy to come into work and… Continue

Added by Jason Hoevelmann on May 15, 2010 at 5:53pm — No Comments

MAY MAGAZINE ILLUSTRATION

...and just in time for all those summer wildfires, too. I am truly amazed every year as I watch reports from the network news drama-mill about folks who refuse to leave homes and property threatened by wildfires. Understanding that every home is a man's castle and we'd all fight to keep ours, it's comments like "I'm can… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on May 12, 2010 at 2:00pm — 1 Comment

WHO'S SERVING WHO?

Ahhh, the stench of May elections is in the air and I just couldn't resist pulling out my ol' political cartoon pens to take a stab at our "helpful" elected officials - with an obvious fire service twist, of course. This cartoon expresses two points; the first being that our elected public servants tend to steer the… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on May 3, 2010 at 3:13pm — 5 Comments

Too Hot - The last!

Ok! On March 22nd. I asked "HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN THE FLOOR YOU ARE CRAWLING ON IS BECOMING WEAKENED BY FIRE?" I had one fire officer post a comment. One!

Billy Goldfeder recently put out another e-mail on his "Secret List" about another firefighter falling into a basement in a floor collapse. PLEASE don't tell me that as an officer, don't have a method of determining the fire conditions below you. Please. Pass on to other firefighters how you know if the floor assembly you are crawling on… Continue

Added by Skip Coleman on April 29, 2010 at 6:13pm — 9 Comments

I need your input.

Hey Brothers,

I need your input. I’m the head training officer for our Fire academy, and we have been in the market for a good Forcible Entry Door Prop. We have been looking at different ones for sometime now and have chosen to get Firehouse Innovations Crops system. While at FDIC one of my guys heard a couple guys from different Dept, stated they broke this door fairly easy after just a few times of using it. I know there is a 90 day warranty, and I didn’t know what they were doing… Continue

Added by Chad Ray on April 28, 2010 at 11:52pm — No Comments

( BEVERLY HILLS SUPPER CLUB FIRE ) its time to tell the total truth Sat. May 15th 2010

location for the complete story on the truth of how the fire started will be held on May 15th 2010. Northern Kentucky University Nunn Hall Board Room Time 10:00am till 4:00pm.Everyone is welcome. thanks David Brock. email onemoment2105@netscape.net

Added by David Brock on April 27, 2010 at 2:06pm — No Comments

APRIL MAGAZINE ILLUSTRATION

If you attended this year's FDIC, please take what you've learned and share it! It's what FDIC is all about.

Added by Paul Combs on April 27, 2010 at 8:52am — No Comments

RICCI KEYNOTE ILLUSTRATIONS

Above are the two illustrations used in Lt. Frank Ricci's passionate Thursday keynote address. If you didn't catch it, please go to the FDIC… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 25, 2010 at 6:19pm — 5 Comments

Tour Of Duty

Hey everyone. Just back from FDIC. Wow what a trip!!!! It was great to see all of the Brothers and Sisters from all over ...

First I would like to say THANK YOU!!!! Thank you to everyone for all of the kind words and support. Thanks to the Downey Family, Chief Halton, PenWell/Fire Engineering, NFFF, NFAAA, and everyone else that made the Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award possible. It is truly and honor to recieve this award.

Second I would like to "plug" a group that we… Continue

Added by Eric Hankins on April 24, 2010 at 11:52am — 1 Comment

THURSDAY and FRIDAY POST

I didn't, but should have... Especially when a Brother from Australia ran the 3.1 mile course in a kangaroo outfit, with a stuffed Joey in his pouch (that took a real man) - but I chickened out and ran in plain running gear. It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day for the 5k, and the scenery was just as inspiring. I didn't… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 23, 2010 at 7:12am — 1 Comment

WEDNESDAY FDIC POST

Those fortunate enough to have attended at least one FDIC knows how special the opening ceremony is. Personally, it gives me the chance to meticulously put on my Class A, making sure that every button is placed correctly and polished to a perfect shine. Not because it may impress some prominent chief, or wow some of… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 21, 2010 at 4:11pm — 1 Comment

TUESDAY FDIC POST

It's Tuesday and the last of FDIC's H.O.T. classes are wrapping up. Many folks come down for the classroom sessions only, but if you ever get the chance attend the full week - you will never regret it.

I began today by "trying" to keep up with my boss, Chief Bobby Halton, as we dropped by a couple of training sessions. The classes were in full gear and I found myself listening in on the instructors within their respective groups. Always a student, I suppose. It was unfortunate my… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 20, 2010 at 3:23pm — No Comments

MONDAY FDIC POST

I have been attending FDIC since 1998 and I must say, it's only getting better. Over the course of this week, I will be posting sketches and sharing some of what I see as the greatest gathering of Fire Service minds in the world. On a technical note: Please do not hold these sketches to the same artistic standard that I… Continue

Added by Paul Combs on April 19, 2010 at 3:01pm — 1 Comment

Update on my sister...

They found a heart donor for my surgery yesterday. She went into surgery and the surgery went well. Now all we have to worry about for the time being is her body rejecting the heart which hopefully doesn't happen. So please continue to pray and pray that her body doesn't reject the new heart. Thank you for all of your support and prays.

Added by Christian Cossey on April 18, 2010 at 4:34pm — 1 Comment

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