Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. – Peter Drucker LODD: Check out Firefighterclosecalls.com for more LODD reports dating back to 1880. A firefighter is killed while operating on a wildfire in California – 2015 Major Incidents: In 1979, an arson fire at a Holiday Inn in Cambridge, OH killing 10 […]

“There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” – Derek Jeter LODD: Career lieutenant and fire fighter die in a flashover during a live-fire training evolution – Florida 2002 Major Incidents: In 2016, a hot air balloon strikes a power line, […]

Five NIOSH reports today!  Are you doing everything you can to keep your and your crew as safe as possible? While Rommel was on the side of the Nazis, I think the following quote is good leadership advice! “Be an example to your men, in your duty and in private life. Never spare yourself and […]

“The school of hard knocks is a difficult teacher, because the tests come before the lesson. So be prepared to be tested in this job.” – Lt. Don Kaderabek LODD: Career captain dies and 9 fire fighters injured in a multistory medical building fire – North Carolina 2011 One volunteer lieutenant dies and a volunteer […]

Question(s) of the week: Do you hold regular “one on one” meetings with your crew?  Or, with your supervisor?  These are a good time to praise and thank them and to address any issues.  Also, a good time to “take their temperature” as far as their mental health and well being are concerned. LODD: Volunteer […]

In today’s “Do more with less” fire service, the book Hal Moore on Leadership: Winning When Outgunned and Outmanned has leadership lessons we can all put to use! LODD: Volunteer chief and fire fighter die after being ejected during a rollover crash – Virginia 2010 Junior volunteer fire fighter dies and three volunteer fire fighters […]

Quick mustard mashed potatoes goes well with grilled brats for a take on “Bangers and Mash”.  Add some grilled or roasted zucchini and you have a quick and easy dinner. LODD: A firefighter is killed by a falling tree on a wildfire in California – 2008 Three Washington, DC firefighters were killed battling a fire […]

Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine. –  […]

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” – Jackie Robinson LODD: Volunteer fire fighter struck and killed by tanker backing into the bay of the fire station – Pennsylvania 2016 Lieutenant suffers heart attack during physical fitness training and dies seven days later – Vermont 2010 Volunteer fire […]

“There’s always one more thing you can do to influence any situation in your favor—and after that one more thing, and after that…. The more you do the more opportunities arise.” ― Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore, US Army (ret.)  LODD: A volunteer mutual aid fire fighter dies in a floor collapse in a residential […]