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In Parts 1 and 2 we have explained the importance of understanding these systems and have discussed Class I and II systems. Let’s explore the Class III system and begin applying what we have learned from a tactical perspective. A Class III system is a combination system of a...

In Bryan Smith’s Article on Fire ground Decision Making he gives a great explanation of size-up, its importance, and who’s responsible for it. ”Size-up is all about gathering and evaluating information in order to make good fire ground decisions”. As we grow in our experience and...

In the first article we discussed the problem of bitterness. Let’s dive right into how as an individual you can be affected by it, grow, and change for the better. Not too long ago, I had fallen victim to the poison of bitterness and even considered leaving the fire department. I...

As a firefighter we witness some of the most horrific tragedies that can often become permanently etched into our mind. We see the sadness of poverty in homelessness, drug addiction, and abuse in our daily calls for service. We started our career off with vigor and passion inside...

Serving The Least, The Last, And The Lost: The Servant We have discussed in the previous two articles what drives someone to be a firefighter. Our focus has been to take a look at the values that are within us all and where they come from. Now we will discuss the culmination of...

In Part 1 we discussed items around the station that get us into a routine and how we can overcome this routine. Lets jump right back into the station items that are part of our “routine”. Lets continue to look at our PPE. Our PPE Ask yourself is your PPE important...

How did you come to be a firefighter? I have told you my story. What is yours? What drove you to pursue this endeavor? Take a moment and ponder this question: Have your motivations to be a firefighter changed over the course of your service? “Just as perceptions of the situation...

Firefighters train and discipline themselves to create muscle memory, to have an almost innate ability to recall the right information, and to apply this knowledge to make a difference. If you have been involved with the fire service for any length of time you understand the...

A firefighter’s understanding of standpipe systems is valuable part of their firefighting toolbox. In the last article we reviewed the Class 1 system. This system provides firefighters a tactical point of refuge for firefighting crews. A crew needing to find their way out would...

I was raised in a good Christian home by two loving parents and I am the older of two children. My father worked a full time job and volunteered at the local fire department in our community. He dedicated countless hours to the community that we lived in. As a young man, the way...