July 2012 Blog Posts (25)

For the first 14 years of my fire service career I had never questioned the fly out instruction I had received in regards to extension ladders. I just assumed if it was so engrained it must be for good reason. During the ground ladders component of my department’s truck company operations academy the instructor presented us with a letter from Duo Safety (our ladder manufacture) regarding the use of their ladders in a fly in configuration.…

It is in great sadness that we as a Brotherhood post the 42nd Line Of Duty Death in 2012 from the United States Fire Administration. Fellow Firefighter & Lieutenant John Echternach Jr. has made the ultimate sacrifice in love for their fellow man. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and members of the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department.

John L. Echternach, Jr.

Rank: Lieutenant/EMT

Age:…

It is in great sadness that we as a Brotherhood post the 41st Line Of Duty Death in 2012 from the United States Fire Administration. Fellow Firefighter Rocky Dunkin has made the ultimate sacrifice in love for their fellow man. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and members of the Nile Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Rocky E. Dunkin

Rank: Firefighter

Age: 24

Gender: Male

Status:…

It is in great sadness that we as a Brotherhood post the 40th Line Of Duty Death in 2012 from the United States Fire Administration. Fellow Firefighter Ronald Keddie has made the ultimate sacrifice in love for their fellow man. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and members of the Sheridan Fire Department.

Ronald Keddie

Rank: Firefighter

Age: 64

Gender: Male

Status: Volunteer

Years of…

While carrying out perhaps my favorite fatherly duty of reading a bedtime story to my young son, I read a line that sparked a flurry of thoughts in my head.  The line came from Dr. Suess's book I Can Read with My Eyes Shut.  As with most Dr. Suess books, there isn't really a plot to follow just some good rhymes.  However, one line struck me that I related to the fire service, here it is: "There are so many things you can learn about, but you'll miss the best things if…