I honestly do feel that I am a role model for young people. – R. Lee Ermey Are you a role model for your crew? Are you a role model for other young people?  If not, work on it! LODD: Deputy fire chief suffers sudden cardiac arrest about one hour after conducting a fire prevention […]

“You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, rest when you know that it was a one hundred percent effort that you gave – win or lose.” – Gordie Howe LODD: Career Captain fatally shot and a fire fighter wounded by arsonist while responding to a fire alarm […]

“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.” – General George Patton LODD: Career part-time fire fighter dies after being struck by pressurized SCUBA cylinder – Ohio. 2018 Fire fighter suffers sudden cardiac death at structure fire – West Virginia. 2013 In 1994, […]

For every run:  Goal #1 – Everyone goes home safe;  Goal #2 – Don’t end up on YouTube – Scott Rice, Turman Township Fire Rescue LODD: 38-Year-old captain suffers a heart attack at a medical call and dies 4 days later – Nebraska. 2016 Volunteer fire chief killed when rubber-tracked vehicle overturns at brush fire […]

Question(s) of the Week:  Have you discussed promotion plans with each of your crew?  Do they know what is expected of them to be promoted?  If they don’t want to be promoted, why?  What can you do to prepare them for the next step? LODD: Fire fighter-paramedic suffers on-duty cardiac death at fire station – […]

20 Years in the Secret Service: My Life with Five Presidents by Rufus W. Youngblood is an eye opening read about the development and evolution of the protective details the U.S. Secret Service provides. LODD: Career fire fighter dies in fall from roof at apartment building fire – New York. 2007 Volunteer fire chief dies […]

I have had plenty of dry, bland chicken dishes at the firehouse.  One easy way to impart more flavor and moisture into your chicken recipes is to brine the meat for 2 to 12 hours.   Here is a link to a basic brine.  I really like this Bourbon Brine for Chicken.  Brining works great for […]

If you want to change the world, get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward. – Admiral William H. McRaven, USN Retired LODD: Reserve fire fighter suffers sudden cardiac death while working on a fuel reduction crew – Arizona. 2004 In 1867, Nine Philadelphia, PA firefighters were killed when the front wall collapsed.  […]

“Never give up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding” – Jim Valvano LODD: Nine career fire fighters die in rapid fire progression at commercial furniture showroom – South Carolina. 2007 Fire fighter suffers heart arrhythmia and dies at wildland fire – Washington. 2001 Major Incidents: In 2007, a fire at the […]

First, I would like to wish my wonderful wife Loni a Happy Birthday! I was recently made aware of a new chef that was posting on Instagram. Her name is Tieghan Gerard and she posts regularly on IG under halfbackedharvest.  She also has a website of the same name.  I have found her recipes to […]