Tag Archives: Black Diamond Boots

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the launch of its new Alternative Fuel Vehicles Training Program for U.S. Emergency Responders* (See below), which is now available online. This free, self-paced course teaches emergency responders how to safely deal with emergency situations involving alternative fuel passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and commercial fleet vehicles.

Yea, I've seen work but I've seen a lot worse between those jobs. I'll take the fires any day over some of the other runs we take in. We see how people live... neglected elderly, sick, cold and / or hungry children. It's not all about going to jobs and making grabs.

Of course, that topic in itself is a HUGE debate within the Fire Service.... leave companies together of bust em up on a regular basis. Stay and learn your territory or bounce around and always be on edge? Become comfortable with your crew or work to fit in, find each other's work habits and find neutral ground? There are advantages and disadvantages to both ....

When I watched the video, I could believe what I was watching. Well, I could believe it but maybe I didn’t understand it is a better way to put it. Now I don’t typically “Monday morning quarterback” or “keyboard command” fires but I want, and feel like I have to say something on this one.

A couple of things I should mention here is that 1.) we followed the key note speaker ... Chief Bobby Halton. Yea... "THAT" Bobby Halton... OMG... talk about pressure.

As firefighters, we see and do things on a daily basis that most people never will (and shouldn't have to). We see and do these things without hesitation yet there was no way we could have known or been prepared for the life we were about to devote and expose ourselves to.

Rhett and I will be speaking Friday morning but the bigger news there is that we will be following the keynote .... BOBBY HALTON! (yea FDIC attendees... THAT "Bobby Halton").

Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the Corp but many other members of my family would grow to serve. Several are still serving and I couldn't be more proud of our history.

For those of you deployed, serving our Country, pulling a tour or on duty (military or public safety) somewhere, here or abroad .... THANK YOU. For the families of those who have lost a loved one in Service, THANK YOU as well! We are thinking of you and remembering your loved one this weekend!

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?