“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” – Arthur Ashe LODD: In 2002, a volunteer firefighter died when he entered a molasses vat to attempt to rescue a downed co-worker, who also died. Major […]

“If you want to get the most out of your men, give them a break! Don’t make them work completely in the dark. If you do, they won’t do a bit more than they have to. But if they comprehend, they’ll work like mad.” – Lt. General “Chesty” Puller LODD: In 2016, One firefighter killed […]

“You should always be the first to try and make your idea fail; only then may it stand up to become a great idea.” – John Webb, Truck 4, Louisville (Ky.) Fire Department LODD: Instead of NIOSH reports, look to FireFighterCloseCalls.com for reports of LODD’s on this date. Major Incidents: In 1990, three college students […]

“The Saga of Pappy Gunn” by George C. Kenney is the amazing story of one of the great heroes of WWII. Pappy Gunn, with his mechanical genius and story telling abilities would have been a great firefighter! LODD: In 2018, a Sturgis, SD firefighter was killed when a propane tank exploded in a BLEVE at […]

Question(s) of the week: Since it is Labor Day, have you thanked those who work with you for all of their efforts? A simple and sincere “Thank You” from the “boss” can go a long way for morale (key word: Sincere!). LODD: Volunteer fire fighter dies during attempted rescue of utility worker from a confined […]

My wife and I fixed this for the first time last week. Martha Stewart’s One Pan Pasta will now be one of our “go to” dinners. We added some Zucchini and yellow squash we had in the fridge and enjoyed a wonderful meal while only dirtying one pan! I’m not sure how it would scale […]

Dad Joke: What do you call a bear without any teeth? A gummy bear! LODD: Another day without any NIOSH reports (a good thing!), but we can rely on FireFighterClose Calls.com for great information about LODD’s and other Fire Service related topics throughout history. Major Incidents: The Bastrop County Complex fire begins in Texas.  The […]

“If you are prepared, you will be confident, and will do the job.” – Tom Landry, Dallas Cowboys Head Coach 1960-1988. LODD: Volunteer fire fighter dies in a single-motor-vehicle crash while responding to a medical assistance call – Louisiana, 2011 New Jersey chief killed at a house fire in 2004 Major Incidents: In 1991 a […]

“It is my earnest hope, and indeed the hope of all mankind, that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past — a world founded upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish […]

“If everyone is always thinking the same, maybe no one’s really thinking!” – Firefighter Michael Frazer, BWI Fire Rescue LODD: No NIOSH reports today, but as always check out FireFighterCloseCalls.com. Major Incidents: In 1972, an arson fire at the Bluebird Cafe in Montreal, Quebec, Canada killed 37 Training: Fighting fires in silos Know your fire […]