“The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor” the author, Jake Tapper, paints a vivid picture of the attack on Combat Outpost Keating, a mere 14 miles from the Pakistani border in Afghanistan.  The outpost, in a valley surrounded by steep mountains, was manned by just 53 Americans when it was attacked from the high […]

My wife and I create “Burrito Bowls” based on fish, chicken, beef or pork.  They are easy…prepare some rice and squeeze in some lime.  Bake or grill the well seasoned protein, add some prepared fresh or frozen veggies and well seasoned black beans.  Top with salsa, avocados and sour cream/yogurt/cheese.  (Watch the salt and those […]

“I am a very positive thinker, and I think that is what helps me the most in difficult moments.” – Roger Federer LODD: Fire fighter suffers sudden cardiac death at a structural fire – New York 2001 Major Incidents: In 1983, a propane vapor cloud ignited at a school in Santee, NE, seriously burning 8 […]

“Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you.” – Arnold Palmer LODD: Floor collapse at commercial structure fire claims the lives of one career lieutenant and one career fire fighter – New York 2006 Volunteer fire fighter / rescue diver dies in training incident at a quarry – Pennsylvania 2005 Volunteer […]

“There’s likely a place in paradise for people who tried hard, but what really matters is succeeding. If that requires you to change, that’s your mission.” – General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army Retired LODD: Fire marshal suffers cardiac arrest and a probable heart attack during a fire department physical ability test – Utah 2011 In […]

“The fire service is a lot like a lighting store…. You have your ‘spotlights’ that shine brightly in one area, your ‘floodlights’ that shine over a wide area, the ‘rough service bulbs’ that get the job done; and then you have the ‘4-watt night lights’ that can barely find their way.” – Deputy Chief Ron […]

Question(s) of the Week:  Do you ever give your crew individual assignments to bring back for future training?  Here is a suggestion…assign each member to bring back a favorite quote from a non-fire service source and explain what it means to them.  Sound like a promotional assignment/question?  It will develop their public speaking, research skills […]

Destroyer Squadron 23: Combat Exploits of Arleigh Burke’s Gallant Force by Ken Jones provides insights into Arleigh Burke, a man who did not graduate high school due to the 1918 pandemic, but went on to the Naval Academy and ultimately to become the Chief of Naval Operations.  There are several leadership concepts in the book […]

Everyone loves a BBQ! I often add apple butter to house brand sweet and tangy BBQ sauce when I smoke pork.  Alabama White BBQ Sauce and Easy Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce are my other “go to” BBQ sauces. LODD: Firefighter suffers heart attack after participating in a parade – New York. 2015 Major Incidents: […]

Last year about this time, I attended Post Traumatic Purpose by Travis Howze .  I assisted in the hosting of the event by the Roanoke Valley Firefighters Foundation.  I had the opportunity to share a couple of meals with Travis and he is the real deal!  The event was attended by over 200 first responders […]