November 2014 Blog Posts (39)

Enjoy family and friends, and be thankful for all who are in your life. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, everybody!

Tankers are big, they are bulky, top heavy, and were never intended to be driven at a high rate of speed. However, when you mix adrenaline, inexperience, and complacency, these vital resources can become killers. 



I've attached a link to a Fire Engineering article from 1998 by Dale Perry that is a great learning and training resource. …

You have heard them all. Maybe you have even said some of these things. I am talking about fire service staples like the following:

• “Don’t worry, this is just a routine fire.”
• “All you have to do is put the wet stuff on the red stuff.”
• “Stay in until you can’t stay in anymore.”
• “Because that’s the way we’ve always done it.”…

It’s Saturday afternoon. You are watching your favorite college team play football on TV and you notice the freshman quarterback shows flashes of great athleticism, but rushes throws, and makes some not-so great decisions that cost your team first downs and points.  Yet when the veteran running back gets the ball, there is rarely a hitch in his game.  He always makes yards, hangs on to the ball, and makes the big plays needed to get the “W.”

In the sports world you will often hear…

The Wrong Side of History

Lt. Brad French

                In an industry so deeply engrained in tradition, a shift in the way we conduct our business is inherently bound to be wrought with resistance, emotional reaction, and hesitation. …

Return on Investment. A relatively simple business principle that says "by giving us your money, we will make you MORE money." One may question, "how does this apply to the fire service? We don't make money for the tax payers." In short, yes you are correct but we are a totally different type of monetary investment. In truth, many people pay for us simply…

It appears and rightfully so, that there is an increase in "chatter" about the utilization on the fire ground for VEIS (Vent, ,Enter, Isolate, and Search) training. A few years back I wrote an article for Fire Engineering on utilizing what some call the 'Oriented Man" V.E.I.S. this tactic utilizes two members one with a thermal imager to conduct the operation. the two member approach in my opinion helps calm any naysayers who state that this tactic is far too danger and is only for the "big…

On January 16th 2007, at 0047 hours Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) was dispatched to a reported fire in an apartment building. Three minutes later, the first district chief arrived and immediately requested a second and third alarm when dozens of occupants were observed at windows and balconies (Royal, 2009). “We addressed the obvious challenge and priority of the…

Here's a press release from the ISFSI on their Principles of Modern Fire Attack Program.  It includes some tactical clarifications that might help some out.  

Fire First Mindset…

Brotherly Advice for the Soul

So you just took that fire chief job in a new department or maybe you just got promoted and moved across town on a different shift. Maybe you are just a pawn in the reorganization or the…

          In any department, volunteer or career, large fires in large buildings eventually bring lots of resources. However, in every one of those fires a single crew, usually an engine company arrived first. Often times the ability of this first arriving crew to make an attack with forward progress on the fire is downplayed, because it is alone against a much larger enemy. What can it realistically do?…

This fire occurs in a vacant wood frame building.  It was originally built (1920’^s or 30’^s) as a multi-family dwelling and has been renovated several times over the years. 

The building is located in an old section of your community where blight and deterioration has overtaken the area.  There are many homeless people in the area and drugs and prostitution is prevalent.  

Your company is approaching and awaiting assignment. First on-scene crews are…

Lot's of discussion/conflict on the SLICE-RS concept, which I think is great. Conflict/discussion is a necessary indicator of change. Without it, everything remains the same. Although, some of the who-ha is inaccurate. Not picking on this guy. It just happens to be the example of the day. A few facts that might be helpful: 

1) Rescue remains the highest priority of the fire department. We're every bit as aggressive on rescue as ever; I'd argue more aggressive and more e…

On many extended extrications access to the patient is obviously very limited. One often-overlooked method is using the seatback to facilitate much needed access to the patient. This technique is completed via the seat controls-electric/manual or by cutting the seatback…

It’s not just in the fire service: It’s everywhere! We visit fire stations, talk to those around the country, and read about them every day. “This guy has a lot to offer” “She’s going to turn this department around” “He has 3 college degrees”.

I can remember working for a chief who was in the right place at the right time, but couldn't talk tactics with the…

Well, you know which side of the isle I sit on. Below are some excellent links that further explain the science, research, and applied tactical aspects of the flow path study and SLICE-RS.…

Welcome to Grandview FD, Vinnie Cappaletti

“Son of a *****!” was all that Jake could say.

“Excuse me?” asks Vinnie.

“Didn’t Mommy teach you how to knock?” an irritated Jake asks.

“You don’t have a door on…

How do our ethical and moral codes get derailed while we engage in our beloved career on a daily basis? The recent accusations against a Metro Fire Chief Officer for taking equipment, kickback and other  “stuff” gets this individual before a court to answer these charges, possibly with jail time as a remedy and the total destruction of a hard earned reputation. Already the members of the court of public opinion have ruled on this…

I often get emails and questions about ways to improve leg strength and recovery while in firefighting gear.  We all know that stairs and climbing are…