RYAN PENNINGTON , a Firehouse.com Contributing Editor, is a firefighter/paramedic for the Charleston, WV, Fire Department. He is currently assigned to Station 8 and a member of the West Virginia Task Force 1 USAR team. He has over 18 years of combined fire, rescue and EMS experience. Ryan is currently a West Virginia State Instructor 2, Hazmat Technician, and Certified Fire Officer 2. He is the author of the "Views From the Jumpseat" blog on Firehouse.com. You can reach Ryan by e-mail at: Ryan33@suddenlink.net .
Articles by Ryan
Pennington: What Hand Tools Do You Choose?
by Ryan Pennington
June 12, 2013
As the men and women who ride in the jumpseat, we have a certain level of...
Training to Search for Victims
by Ryan Pennington
June 4, 2013
Protecting life has long been the number one priority for all...
Armpit Firefighters & Hose Stream Management
by Ryan Pennington
May 24, 2013
A debate that has been around since my first day in the jumpseat is: pistol...
The Biggest Honor in the Fire Service
by Ryan Pennington
May 10, 2013
What is the biggest honor that you have ever received in the fire...
Your Crew Has a Mayday: Are you Ready?
by Ryan Pennington
May 3, 2013
If you have an emergency and need assistance, the firefighters nearest...
Pennington: Those Who Rush In...
by Ryan Pennington
April 18, 2013
As firefighters learn the details from West, Texas and the Boston Marathon...
Hoping For a Fire?
by Ryan Pennington
April 11, 2013
"Man, I hope we run a fire today." How many times have you said those words...
Teamwork: Build it Before the Bell
by Ryan Pennington
April 3, 2013
After the bruises from one of the most intense training weeks I've...
Pennington: Have You Gotten Lucky Lately?
by Ryan Pennington
March 21, 2013
It’s time that we remove the word "luck" from emergencies that...
Firefighters: Be First in Everything
by Ryan Pennington
March 11, 2013
When did you ever participate in something where your goal was to be...
Remembering the 7 Fallen Charleston, W.Va. FFs
by Ryan Pennington
March 4, 2013
Charleston, W.Va. had an eerily similar large loss of life fire on March 4...
The Power of Positive
by Ryan Pennington
March 1, 2013
When was the last time you were stuck in a rut of negativity?
First, I...
Training, Who Needs it Anyway?
by Ryan Pennington
February 9, 2013
Have you ever witnessed the senior firefighters standing around when it...
When We Roll Up
by Ryan Pennington
January 30, 2013
Cruising down the road in my favorite white pickup, up and down the big...
Firefighter Training: Never Left the Basics
by Ryan Pennington
January 30, 2013
How often do you hear the term "back to the basic?" One question that keeps...
Never Leave your Wingman
by Ryan Pennington
January 26, 2013
"Maverick, you never leave your wingman!" How many of us have heard these...
How to Keep Jumpseat Ready in 2013
by Ryan Pennington
January 21, 2013
As I sit in the fire station waiting for the bells to hit I often wonder...
Talk the Truth - Cancer Kills Firefighters
by Ryan Pennington
January 10, 2013
I cannot express how much I enjoy and learn from the continued...
Did You Achieve Your 2012 Goals?
by Ryan Pennington
December 31, 2012
As the door closes on another wonderful year, it is time to reflect and...
Is a Melted Helmet a Badge of Honor?
by Ryan Pennington
December 25, 2012
Is your helmet burned beyond recognition? Over the past two or three...
