Posts Categorized: Professionalism
Professional Always
No matter what happens and what the units in the field are doing or saying over the radio it is the dispatcher's job to be a professional always. Being a professional always is our job we set the tone over the radio just like managing a hysterical caller we need to do our best to bring those in the field back to the ground so that we can do our job and they can do theirs.
Read More »
“Iron Sharpens Iron”: Company Officers in today’s Fire Service
Hey Brother,....The Good Book says in Proverbs, that "iron sharpens iron.." meaning that iron in one form can be sharpened by iron in another form (like a file). It goes on to say that in a similar way, good friends build each other up. Sometimes by …
Read More »
360
It was a big hole. At least 8 feet across at its longest point and four or five at the widest. I won't exaggerate and say we nearly fell in, because we didn't come close. But that pit got my attention! This was a run-away wood stove fire and it was b…
Read More »
Year-End Review
The following article was written by NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg for FireRescue1.com. It was published on 12/19/11:
Work together: Overcoming volunteer challenges in 2012
We must examine which practices are working and which ones
By Philip…
Read More »
Take Action on Radio Spectrum Allocation
Tell the Senate not to take radio spectrum from emergency responders!
On December 13, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3630, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011, which includes language that would allocate the D Blo…
Read More »
Action Alert: LOSAP Bill
The Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act (H.R. 376/S. 1911), which is supported by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), clarifies the treatment of length of service award programs (LOSAPs) under the federal tax code. The bi…
Read More »
Beyond the Academy Video Training Series – Engine Operations: Hydraulic Ventilation
Check out the newest Beyond the Academy Video Training Series. This one is entitled "Engine Company Operations: Hydraulic Ventilation with a Smooth-bore/Solid Stream Nozzle.
Many fire service members believe that a fog nozzle is the only nozzle tha…
Read More »
Leadership: Catchin’ Speedy
What is it about leadership that is so elusive? Grab your cup and get a refill, this'll be quick. While we're at it I should mention that leadership is an issue we need to talk about more. I been cogitatin' on it and I think I will begin to hash ou…
Read More »
“Field EMS” Legislation Introduced in House
On October 7, Representative Tim Walz (D-MN) introduced the “Field EMS Quality, Innovation, and Cost Effectiveness Improvements Act of 2011” (H.R. 3144) along with original co-sponsor, Representative Sue Myrick (R-NC). The bill is patterned after leg…
Read More »
Brotherhood Instructors class in Wildwood NJ
Brotherhood Instructors, LLC. will be presenting our 8-hour hands-on "Beyond the Academy: Engine & Ladder Company Operations" class on Thursday September 15, 2011. This course is hosted by the Cape May County Fire Chiefs Assn. - Click…
Read More »
Zen Zone #2
Brain food for Mongo.
Read More »
Remembering the True Heroes – D-Day, June 6th 1944
Every now and then, I have the chance to meet a true hero, the likes of which I could never be. This was one of those times.
Read More »
Power Saw Decompression Valves – By: Andrew Brassard
There are a tremendous amount of myths and misconceptions that circle in the fire service about the decompression valve on rotary saws. Some of these myths and misconceptions can lead to a lack of saw performance and or and inability to put the saw…
Read More »
Why the Framing Square Sucks – By: Chris Collier
The framing square doesn’t actually suck; it’s a great tool if you are building a house. When it comes to forcible entry, the framing square has no place on the fireground. The fire service has enough trouble with the basics. …
Read More »
We Try Harder
"Zero defects" is a pretty lofty goal, but in our business, zero defects may be the difference between life and death.
Read More »
Power of Positive
I have heard it said that the only reason a bee can fly is because it doesn't know it shouldn't.
Read More »
Tillered Aerials and Safety Collaboration
We find too often that people are unwilling to accept the observations and experiences of others and instead "reinvent the wheel" regularly, wasting time and money in the process.
Read More »
The Way of The Chief
What constitutes the next leader of the fire service? Which qualities break someone out from the pack?
Read More »
Shut Up
Perhaps part of the problem in anonymity is that people feel compelled to say what they think, which in this and more than a few other cases, isn't much.
Read More »
Cleveland Fire Department’s Lt. Kevin Brady Survives Heart Attack, Sought Out Help
Instead of ignoring it he told a paramedic in the station who hooked him up to the monitor to discover he was having a heart attack.
Read More »
Saying Goodbye To A Friend
If we really care about leaving a legacy, we should consider the culture we develop as a result of our leadership of others.
Read More »
Smells Like Innovation
I have asked students and others for a number of years, "What changes can you see for emergency services that would revolutionize our industry?"
Read More »
San Antonio Fire Captain Gets 60 Days Suspension Over Reckless Fire Response
Fire Chief Charles Hood of the San Antonio Fire Department suspended three firefighters for traveling at an unsafe speed and not buckling up while racing to a fire on the Northwest Side last year. Firefighter Robert Arranaga, 30, was trapped and hospital…
Read More »
Personality Issues
I have worked hard, and continue to work at being understood, because your relationship with your partner can make or break your shift. I sat with this medic having the same problem, and offered advice from my own experience.
Read More »
