On this anniversary of the 19 LODD’s from the Granite Mountain Hotshots who perished on the Yarnell Hill fire in 2013 (see LODD’s below), I want to recommend the book written by the sole survivor, Brendan McDonough.  Granite Mountain: The First-Hand Account of a Tragic Wildfire, Its Lone Survivor, and the Firefighters Who Made the […]

Question(s) of the Week: Does your department have guidelines for responding to calls during severe weather events?  What are some hazards your crew may encounter during and after severe weather?  What preparations should you make, if you can, before the severe weather arrives? LODD: Volunteer firefighter killed when tree falls during windstorm – 2012 Volunteer fire […]

From June 23 – July 10, 2018, the world was watching the development and rescue of a boys soccer team from a cave in Thailand. The book The Boys in the Cave: Deep Inside the Impossible Rescue in Thailand by Matt Gutman details the events that made this extremely risky rescue possible. LODD: Career fire […]

I enjoyed getting invitations to dinners, especially when one of our Captains was making his famous Cajun Pasta!  Be careful!  This one will put you in a “Carb Coma”! LODD: Fire chief suffers sudden cardiac death after physical fitness training – Washington 2011 Fire fighter dies as a result of a cardiac arrest while working […]

I honestly do feel that I am a role model for young people. – R. Lee Ermey Are you a role model for your crew? Are you a role model for other young people?  If not, work on it! LODD: Deputy fire chief suffers sudden cardiac arrest about one hour after conducting a fire prevention […]

“You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, rest when you know that it was a one hundred percent effort that you gave – win or lose.” – Gordie Howe LODD: Career Captain fatally shot and a fire fighter wounded by arsonist while responding to a fire alarm […]

“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.” – General George Patton LODD: Career part-time fire fighter dies after being struck by pressurized SCUBA cylinder – Ohio. 2018 Fire fighter suffers sudden cardiac death at structure fire – West Virginia. 2013 In 1994, […]

For every run:  Goal #1 – Everyone goes home safe;  Goal #2 – Don’t end up on YouTube – Scott Rice, Turman Township Fire Rescue LODD: 38-Year-old captain suffers a heart attack at a medical call and dies 4 days later – Nebraska. 2016 Volunteer fire chief killed when rubber-tracked vehicle overturns at brush fire […]

Question(s) of the Week:  Have you discussed promotion plans with each of your crew?  Do they know what is expected of them to be promoted?  If they don’t want to be promoted, why?  What can you do to prepare them for the next step? LODD: Fire fighter-paramedic suffers on-duty cardiac death at fire station – […]

20 Years in the Secret Service: My Life with Five Presidents by Rufus W. Youngblood is an eye opening read about the development and evolution of the protective details the U.S. Secret Service provides. LODD: Career fire fighter dies in fall from roof at apartment building fire – New York. 2007 Volunteer fire chief dies […]