December 2016 Blog Posts (32)

It is in great sadness, that we as a Brotherhood, post the 76th Line Of Duty Death for 2016 from the United States Fire Administration. Fellow Brother Firefighter Ted Rodney Collett has made the ultimate sacrifice in love for their fellow man. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and our Brothers & Sisters with the Red Bird Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department.

Ted Rodney…

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It is in great sadness, that we as a Brotherhood, post the 77th Line Of Duty Death for 2016 from the United States Fire Administration. Fellow Brother Firefighter John C. Brocker has made the ultimate sacrifice in love for their fellow man. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and our Brothers & Sisters with the Savannah Fire & Emergency Services.

Michael W.…

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It is in great sadness, that we as a Brotherhood, post the 75th Line Of Duty Death for 2016 from the United States Fire Administration. Fellow Brother Firefighter & Fire Chief Michael Payne has made the ultimate sacrifice in love for their fellow man. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and our Brothers & Sisters with the Brookston Prairie Township Fire Department.

Michael…

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It is in great sadness, that we as a Brotherhood, post the 74th Line Of Duty Death for 2016 from the United States Fire Administration. Fellow Brother Firefighter & (Former Fire Chief) Alfred A. Stewart has made the ultimate sacrifice in love for their fellow man. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and our Brothers & Sisters with the West Milford Volunteer Fire Company #6.…

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It is in great sadness, that we as a Brotherhood, post the 73rd Line Of Duty Death for 2016 from the United States Fire Administration. Fellow Brother Firefighter Adam Long has made the ultimate sacrifice in love for their fellow man. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and our Brothers & Sisters with the DLA Columbus (Defense Logistics Agency) Fire and Emergency Services.

Adam…

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To say we live in a society of bold and colorful individuals is an understatement. One only needs to stroll down any city street to see people who would have once been characterized as “outsiders” or “one of them” pleasantly blending into modern society. It’s acceptable to be personality-loud! We “old-schoolers” may shake our heads in disbelief, but truth be…

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Among the well wishes that you will undoubtedly receive as a newlywed couple, friends and family are bound to ask you questions about your future life together. Where will you live? Will you have children? When? How many? What are your occupations? Upon learning that your spouse is a firefighter, you’re bound to feel a sense of pride when you receive accolades about your spouse having a career that is inherently…

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A good majority of the fire service community has at least heard of a Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) and a Vehicle Repeater System (VRS). But what exactly are they and why are they a valuable tool in the tactical fire communications toolbox?

A BDA is a booster of incoming (Rx) and outgoing (Tx) radio traffic. You can find them in most large, modern buildings, and in most below grade transportation systems. The actual BDA is typically in a room with other telecom equipment. A system of…

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Developing a Firefighter Workout

By: Jordan Ponder

Firefighter fitness is vital to our performance and longevity.  It is the cornerstone to increasing our safety and a critical element to protecting firefighters.  It’s a fact that can’t be overstated. The tragic trend of firefighter obesity, diabetes, hypertension and stroke can be positively impacted by implementing…

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The Leadership Tune Up -

During our travels there seems to be a common complaint heard by many brothers and sisters around the country, that

their department…

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      I would rather anticipate a fire 1000 times and not have one, than be surprised once.  Because we don't respond to a working fire every time we leave the firehouse some firefighters may begin to expect each incident to be mundane, uneventful, or routine.  Allowing this thought process to take hold undermines the safety of every member of the company as well as the public, and may put the outcome of an incident in jeopardy.  Remaining focused and vigilant usually isn't the easiest…

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We’ve got to do better than this.

It is with a heavy heart that I find myself mourning another brother as I write this blog post. A brother who was the epitome of dedication and passion, and who was loved by all who had the fortune to know him, or be the target of his shameless wit and humor. He loved the fire service, he loved teaching, but something…

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