“Some of the best advice I’ve had comes from junior officers and enlisted men.” – Admiral Chester W. Nimitz LODD: Safety officer/instructor suffers sudden death after training – Montana 2014 Volunteer assistant chief killed and one fire fighter injured by roof collapse in a commercial storage building – Indiana 2014 One fire fighter died and […]

“The extra mile is the stretch of road that is never crowded.” – Chief Jim Moore LODD: Two Trenton, NJ firefighters were killed and 13 injured in a fire at a restaurant. 1986 Four Cleveland, OH firefighters are killed in an explosion at a metal manufacturing company. 1966 Major Incidents: In 2019, a gunman kills […]

Question(s) of the week:  Do you have a subscription to Fire Engineering?  If not, why not?  There are many fire service publications, but Fire Engineering has remained my favorite throughout my career. LODD: Career fire fighter dies while diving for a civilian drowning victim – Rhode Island 2008 A volunteer mutual aid captain and fire […]

A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II is the amazing story of a B-17 pilot and crew and the German fighter pilot who led them to safety. LODD: 46-year-old Sergeant suffers fatal cardiac event at station – Michigan. 6 New York firefighters are […]

Easy Avocado Pasta is simple to make and scale.  Serve with a salad for a filling, meatless meal! LODD: Volunteer fire fighter dies during wildland fire suppression – South Dakota 2002 Volunteer fire fighter killed during wildland fire – Texas 1998 8 FDNY firefighters were killed in 1932 at a fire and explosion at the […]

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 […]