Tag Archives: Backstep Firefighter

How about leaving as "better" firefighters? As "better" EMT's or Paramedics? As "better" public servants, leaders, co-workers, mentors? How about leaving as "better" human beings ... as better people?

Take Randy's new Department for example.... in my opinion ... just like others all across the Country (paid and volunteer); single member staffing and POV response is a gamble. IT'S A GAMBLE WITH FIREFIGHTER'S LIVES!

I think the member who asked the question already realizes this ... otherwise, he wouldn't be seeking the advice he is (he's planning / preparing for these "bigger" firefighters to go down). Why are these members inside anyway? Why are they even on the Department? Is their potential heart attack, stroke or death worth the benefit of having them as members? THINK ABOUT THAT.

If we can not help ourselves.... our own members... the Brothers and Sisters riding beside us ... how can we be expected to help those we are sworn to serve and protect? Think about that for a minute.

I'll be meeting up with NFE President Shane Parkins and we will be delivering some much needed relief to our Brother and Sister firefighters down there who were affected by the EF5 Tornado that tore through their Moore back on May 20, 2013.

“Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.” "

Bill took issue with my use of the word "LUCKY". I'm not going to get into my beliefs ... luck, fate, evolution vs creation etc. I will say that Bill made a good point and I could have chosen a better word.

My heart rate went from 60 to 180 .... I wasn't expecting to "work" ... I SHOULD HAVE BEEN!

Our strategies and tactics must change and adapt to the environments in which we are placed. I'm not so sure that our training methods and text books shouldn't be changed as well. I mean we may as well be teaching single firefighter techniques right? Why teach and drill into a rookies head the "team concept" when in reality, they are gonna end up on the nozzle or searching alone?

I really haven’t checked in with a “full” post since our 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Greenbelt, Md back on the 11th. I received a TON of e-mails, text messages and comments on the site from that post ( I Cried ) … THANKS! I was hesitant to hit the “publish” button on that post. I had so much I wanted to ...