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Modification of the channel lock pliers will assist in cutting down on multiple tools in your pocket. In a previous article, I wrote about the five tools for your pocket toolbox.  The 5 tools for your pocket tool box are: modified channel lock pliers, the multi-purpose tool, a...

On scene, a smart firefighter never goes into a situation without his or her proper tools. But why don’t we do that when it comes to our health? There are countless tools around us to assist us in maintaining or obtaining good health. Shouldn’t we be using them? A...

Many great firefighters are non-believers and it’s neither this article’s intention nor the author’s to state that a non-believer cannot be a great firefighter. It is my belief that faith is a key asset to the fire service and to our firefighters. Consider the...

Leadership Tip #3 – Be Supportive & Appreciative As leaders in the volunteer fire service we have the unique challenge of managing our community of volunteers to do a job most people would never consider doing. We ask them to leave family functions, make training, and...

#1 – The Deadlift The very worst offender, #1 on my list, is a deadlift. A deadlift is a tricky exercise – many people do them completely wrong and this is usually because they’ve never really been taught how to do them right and/or they’re trying to lift too much weight....

Firefighting is and always will be an inherently dangerous profession marked by selfless acts of bravery, commitment, and sacrifice. The creeds and oaths that are spoken by those who embrace this calling are not taken lightly. Consider the words of Benjamin Franklin that were...

How many times have you been to a building that has an elevator equipped with fire service controls and known exactly how to operate these controls? Now you will learn the parts and functions of the elevator. Part 1 of this series will explain the Fire Service Elevator Control...

Consistency is a very important of solid functional leadership. However, without good solid communication nobody will know if we are being consistent or not, and even if we are the membership may be getting the wrong message. #2 – Communicate Communicate, and communicate...

#2 – Lunges & Squats The second worst mistake is allowing force to transfer through the knees during lunges and squats. The reason this is so high on my list is because your knees are so important to spare! Arthritis is the most common chronic disease in the United...

How to organize your pocket toolbox for best performance when a tool is required and how to protect your pocket from wearing out is what I am about to share. Recently turnout gear manufacturers have provided options to fire departments when specing out gear to better organize and...