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 two 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 […]

You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give. – Eleanor Roosevelt LODD: 2010 Volunteer fire fighter suffers a fatal cardiac event after fire suppression training – Pennsylvania 1990 Carbon monoxide kills three volunteer firefighters inside well […]

Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them. – Ann Landers Training: Rules of Air Management  Commercial vs. Residential Fire Attack LODD: Volunteer Fire Fighter Dies After Running Out of Air and Becoming Disoriented in Retail Store in Strip Mall Fire—North Carolina – 2016 Career Fire Fighter Dies From Injuries […]

Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire team-mates and customers. – Robin S. Sharma Training: Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke What’s in your pockets? 6-Minutes for Safety […]