“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” – John Maxwell LODD: 1915 A Firefighter from Westwood Fire Department in New Jersey dies in the Line of Duty 1934 A firefighter from Pennsylvania died after falling under the apparatus and having his legs crushed on May […]

Written by a gentleman that I sometimes play golf with, NORVEL: An American Hero by Kenneth Conklin, is about a Olympic Gold Medalist from rural southwest Virginia.  I enjoyed the read and couldn’t resist plugging a friend’s book!  UPDATE: Norvel’s Historical Marker was unveiled on September 17, 2022. LODD: 2016 Deputy Chief from Pennsylvania dies […]

It seems that everyone has a favorite meat loaf recipe.  I adapted my wife’s Mini Meat Loaf recipe for the fire house.  You can leave off the bacon if you wish, but why would you? LODD: 2001 Career fire fighter dies after becoming trapped by fire in apartment building – New Jersey. 1791 – 12 […]

The final test of a gentleman is his respect for those who can be of no possible service to him. –  William Lyon Phelps LODD: 1899 One Ohio Firefighter is killed and one injured when a wall collapses at a warehouse fire 1997 3 Firefighters are killed in an explosion at a chemical plant in […]

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy  Promotional processes often motivate firefighters to train and study harder.  But, as J.F.K.’s quote indicates, this learning, training and doing need to be a constant.  Most departments can see further back than the last few months when deciding who to promote. LODD: F2019-15 […]

Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions. – Harold S. Geneen LODD: 2015 Captain suffers sudden cardiac death while performing physical fitness training – Mississippi. 2015 Lieutenant suffers sudden cardiac death at apartment fire – District of Columbia. 2013 An Alabama Asst. Chief dies from a medical emergency […]

Well, it has been three years and it is still hanging around, but things are returning to some degree of normalcy, whatever that is these days! A wise captain I worked with often said “This too shall pass”.  I think we need to remember it now with the COVID-19 situation. While difficult, dangerous and emotional […]

“Fewer things will impact a team’s morale than a leader who does not recognize their accomplishments and hard work.” ― Lt. General Harold “Hal” G. Moore LODD: 2015 A Lieutenant dies after suffering a medical emergency at a dwelling fire on April 24 2015 Firefighter suffers cardiac event following residential fire – New York. 2002 […]

I just recently finished two books about our “cousins” in law enforcement.  NYPD TRUE: TRUE STORIES FROM ONE OF THE NYPD’S MOST DECORATED OFFICERS by George Norris and I Hate Campaign Hats: Police Stories of a Young State Trooper Making His Way with Faith, Love, and Silly Humor by Randall Stevens .  Both were much like […]

I enjoy cooking.  Back in the day, I would make it a point to cook for one of my stations on the weekend.  This Sausages and Grapes recipe was one of the favorites.  I served it over Cheesy Polenta. LODD: 2016 A New York FF suffers a medical emergency and dies after an emergency call […]