May 2011

Michael Coppola
PATERSON, NJ, MARCH 20, 2011 – Paterson Fire Department companies responding to a fire call reported a heavy black column of smoke visible as they left quarters and later arrived to find two three-story multiple dwellings fully involved. A second alarm on arrival was requested and a third alarm shortly thereafter as fire extended into a neighboring two-story dwelling. Crews attempted to advance lines into the building, but were pushed back by heavy fire. Exterior lines eventually darkened down the fire enough so crews could gain entry and knock down pockets of fire. Several firefighters were evaluated for heat-related issues. No injuries were reported.
Dec. 5, 2014
Tom McDonald
HOUSTON, TX, MARCH 21, 2011 – Houston Fire Department EMS crews assemble equipment for an EMS staging area near a burning three-story retirement center. The fire was reported shortly before 4 P.M. and escalated to three alarms. The flames appeared confined mainly to an attic space, but the third floor was filled with smoke. All of the estimated 90 residents were soon accounted for outside after many were assisted by firefighters and few requested onsite evaluation by EMS. One firefighter was taken to a hospital for evaluation after complaining of chest pains.
Dec. 5, 2014
Bill Bennett
OCEANSIDE, NY, MARCH 17, 201 – The Oceanside Fire Department responded to a report of a garage fire. When the chief arrived, it was reported as a fully involved shed fire. One line was used from the first-due engine to put out the fire. All fire department units were released after one hour.
Dec. 5, 2014
Courtesy of FDNY/Marvel Comics
The FDNY has teamed up with Marvel Comics on a new fire-safety comic book.
Dec. 5, 2014
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Dec. 5, 2014

More content from May 2011

LAST MONTH, WE DISCUSSED THAT THE AMERICAN FIRE SERVICE is under attack from every direction in these tough financial times. The mayor of New York City continues to call for the...
Dec. 5, 2014
CAPTAIN JAMES VON RODEN, 49, of the Lee, FL, Community Volunteer Fire Department died on March 12. Von Roden collapsed while responding to the fire station to answer a call for...
Dec. 5, 2014
Dennis Walus
TK
On Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, a four-alarm fire destroyed the Harvard Plaza office building in Southfield, MI. Early recognition of possible backdraft conditions prevented injuries...
Dec. 5, 2014
Seminars and networking venues focus on major national fire service issues.
Dec. 5, 2014
Photo by Ted Aurig
Studies have documented that interior firefighting, stretching hoselines, ladder work, carrying tools and equipment, and other physical tasks require high levels of cardiovascular functioning. Extreme obesity impairs a firefighter’s ability to perform cardiovascular activity and lowers exercise tolerance.
Obesity is a major health issue for Americans. In fact, obesity is a recognized medical condition with potential for extreme consequences for all firefighters. Firefighters with...
Dec. 5, 2014
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The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Health and Safety Committee has compiled a set of priority areas where firefighter health and safety can be impacted and the best ...
Dec. 5, 2014
You are the volunteer fire chief in a small, suburban community. Your fire department has been in business for well over 100 years and is a fixture in your area. You have been...
Dec. 5, 2014
Adam Alberti
DETROIT, MI, MARCH 6, 2011 – Firefighters responded to 24th Street and Buchanan on a reported dwelling fire. Upon arrival, they found a well-involved 1½-story wood-frame dwelling well involved. A box-alarm assignment of three engines, one ladder, one squad and one battalion chief controlled the blaze within 15 minutes.
DETROIT, MI, MARCH 6, 2011 – Firefighters responded to 24th Street and Buchanan on a reported dwelling fire. Upon arrival, they found a well-involved 1½-story wood-frame dwelling...
Sept. 4, 2014
The Davey two-stage portable pump from Darley is now available in a CAFS version that has the same patented drive system as the other systems manufactured at the Odin Foam Division. Due to its smaller size and weight, this is the package for those lighter vehicles where every pound counts. It also hits a lower price point for those with limited budgets. The new Mini Mongoose is the most economical Odin CAFS ever offered. Like all Odin CAFS, the module is complete – with a full operation panel that calls out simplicity, and loaded with features that others have optional.
The Davey two-stage portable pump from Darley is now available in a CAFS version that has the same patented drive system as the other systems manufactured at the Odin Foam Division...
Nov. 17, 2011
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Fire Investigation Tool DecontaminationFire Investigator Brent Burke writes about the steps taken by the Thornton, CO, Fire Department after an investigator was asked about the...
April 19, 2011
Industry News
April 15, 2011
DAVID REEVES is a district chief with a Syracuse, NY, Fire Department. He is a 37-year veteran with Syracuse. He has been the chairman of the department’s Apparatus Advisory Committee since its creation in 1996. Currently, he is administrator and superintendent of the Division of Maintenance for the department with responsibilities for design, specification, acceptance and maintenance of approximately 100 vehicles.
Firehouse® Magazine recently asked a sampling of fire chiefs for their opinions about apparatus purchasing, especially in light of the current economic situation. We selected ...
April 15, 2011
Hale’s Side Kick module is now available with a foam option. The Side Kick’s compact design allows for maximum space for tank or compartments by moving the pump system below the chassis top of frame. This frees up the space above the frame for the full width of the apparatus tank or body design. The added flexibility of this design allows for a lower center of gravity for improved vehicle handling and safety. With the foam option, all discharges become foam capable.
Hale’s Side Kick module is now available with a foam option. The Side Kick’s compact design allows for maximum space for tank or compartments by moving the pump system below the...
April 11, 2011
FRC has introduced the most compact and complete governor, master- pressure display, and engine-monitoring system available to the fire service industry. Designed and built to the highest standards, Total Control is available for all standard fire apparatus engines. Total?Control uses a J1939 CAN Bus interface and offers programmable presets, automatic regulation of pump discharge pressure, low-water recognition and diagnostic capabilities. Total Control is durable, simple to operate and easy to read under the most demanding conditions.
FRC has introduced the most compact and complete governor, master- pressure display, and engine-monitoring system available to the fire service industry. Designed and built to...
April 11, 2011
Class 1 has introduced the UltraView line of displays. The UltraView features a fully modular design that allows users to customize more than 100 parameters for electronic engine monitoring and diagnostics. The UltraView is fully Es-Key compatible. It features a bonded LCD screen viewable in direct sunlight. It is fully configurable by the OEM and available in multiple languages. Flexible mounting options include flush mount, rear mount or gimbal mount.
Class 1 has introduced the UltraView line of displays. The UltraView features a fully modular design that allows users to customize more than 100 parameters for electronic engine...
April 11, 2011
The new Hurst Jaws of Life S 700 series cutter design has improved blade geometry, which enables the forged shock-resistant tool steel blades to attain their maximum cutting capability at a five-inch opening. The blades on the cutters feature a 7.3-inch opening in the fully open position and are specifically shaped to generate a high degree of power at the tip of the blade, making them more suitable for cutting the larger diameters and stronger steel being encountered by rescuers today. The tip of the blade has a punch-like design. Placing the crook of the inside cutter blade on the pillar-post weld flange, the tip of the outside blade is able to more easily punch through the highly reinforced areas of the A Pillar-posts and B-posts while maintaining the tool’s position outside the vehicle.
The new HURST JAWS OF LIFE S 700 series cutter design has improved blade geometry, which enables the forged shock-resistant tool steel blades to attain their maximum cutting capability...
April 7, 2011
INDUSTRIAL SCIENTIFIC CORP. has introduced the Ventis MX4 multi-gas detector. The unit is a lightweight, highly configurable instrument that is available with or without an integral pump and is compatible with iNet, the company’s “Gas Detection as a Service” solution. It detects one to four gases including oxygen, combustible gases (LEL or CH4) and any two of the following toxic gases: carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The instrument is designed for confined-space monitoring and/or continuous personal monitoring in potentially hazardous environments. In confined spaces, it can be used to draw samples from up to 100 feet with the integral pump. The gas detector alerts users in dangerous conditions through an audible alarm, ultra-bright LED visual alarms and a vibrating alarm.
INDUSTRIAL SCIENTIFIC CORP. has introduced the Ventis MX4 multi-gas detector. The unit is a lightweight, highly configurable instrument that is available with or without an integral...
April 7, 2011
ELKHART BRASS has introduced the HERO Pipe high-rise system, designed to address the unique challenges of fires in skyscrapers and tall buildings beyond the reach of ladder trucks. The system enables firefighters to deliver a high volume of water at the point of attack from the exterior of the floor below. It can be set up for action in as little as three minutes with a two-person team. Once the proper attack points have been determined, the aluminum manifold is secured to the exterior of the floor below the incident. The telescopic waterway is made of anodized aluminum and is capable of delivering large volumes of water. Combined with Elkhart’s Sidewinder EXM monitor, a targeted stream can be directed by remote control.
ELKHART BRASS has introduced the HERO Pipe high-rise system, designed to address the unique challenges of fires in skyscrapers and tall buildings beyond the reach of ladder trucks...
April 7, 2011
OSHKOSH AIRPORT PRODUCTS has introduced the Stinger Q4 Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) designed for airport and specialized firefighting applications. The vehicle features 4x4 all-wheel drive, a Mattracks rubber track conversion system, a 6.4-liter V8 turbo diesel engine and a tri-agent hydrochem handline nozzle. It is also available with the QuadAgent and Pulse Delivery technologies. The Quad Agent system can deliver four firefighting agents simultaneously, or in any combination. The Pulse Delivery technology lets firefighters deliver dry chemical powder more than 90 feet.
OSHKOSH AIRPORT PRODUCTS has introduced the Stinger Q4 Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) designed for airport and specialized firefighting applications. The vehicle features 4x4...
April 7, 2011
SAFEGUARD AMERICA LLC and W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES INC. announce the new FireGuard 3DX firefighter glove. Certified to the 2007 edition of the NFPA 1971 standard, the all-leather glove features 3-D forchette construction and a CROSSTECH insert with DIRECT GRIP technology. The premium-grain leather is puncture-resistant and slip-resistant to improve protection and grip in wet or dry conditions. The glove’s construction provides heat resistance for the back of the hand that exceeds the NFPA 1971 requirement for compressive heat resistance testing with dry and wet pre-conditioning. The advanced forchette pattern improves dexterity by minimizing seams at the finger tips, joints and knuckles; and expandable patches on the fingers and knuckles improve flexibility by stretching when the hand is clenched. In addition, the ergonomic design of the gloves allows the hands to rest in a naturally curved position.
SAFEGUARD AMERICA LLC and W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES INC. announce the new FireGuard 3DX firefighter glove. Certified to the 2007 edition of the NFPA 1971 standard, the all-leather...
April 7, 2011
BULLARD’s Eclipse personal-issue thermal imager is now available with a 160 x 120 high-resolution engine. This optional feature enhances the versatility of the Eclipse by providing firefighters with clearer, crisper and more detailed images, making the Eclipse suitable as an analytical and navigational tool. In addition to the higher resolution engine, the Eclipse can be equipped with optional advanced features including Bullard’s exclusive Electronic Thermal Throttle (ETT). ETT aids firefighters in revealing hidden fire and distinguishing hotter objects, saving firefighters critical time and preventing costly mistakes. Other optional features available on the Eclipse include High-Heat Colorization, temperature measurement and customized start-up graphics. The 1½-pound imager easily fits into the palm of a firefighter’s hand.
BULLARD’s Eclipse personal-issue thermal imager is now available with a 160 x 120 high-resolution engine. This optional feature enhances the versatility of the Eclipse by providing...
April 7, 2011
ELBECO now offers 100% cotton polo shirts, work pants, shorts and caps. Polos are N-Zyme washed to minimize shrink and fading and feature fine gauge pique fabric, extra-long shirt tails, no-curl collar, and hidden shirt and pen pockets. No-rollover waistband, deep double-tipped pockets and permanent Nano Fluid Repellency are included in work pants and shorts, available in 4-pocket and cargo styles. All 100% cotton station wear is also available in Ladies Choice styles.
ELBECO now offers 100% cotton polo shirts, work pants, shorts and caps. Polos are N-Zyme washed to minimize shrink and fading and feature fine gauge pique fabric, extra-long shirt...
April 7, 2011
BRAUN INDUSTRIES INC. has debuted the Super Chief model ambulance on a Hino 258ALP chassis specifically designed for the fire-EMS service. With Braun’s exclusive Solid Body construction, Ez-Glide side entry door, MasterTech III Multiplex electrical system and Braun’s exclusive Vital Max Lighting, this module pairs with the Hino chassis. HINO Trucks is introducing this chassis to meet the need for a durable, roomy cab, smooth ride and superior reliability. The chassis is equipped with a Hino J08E Series eight-liter diesel engine and produces 220 hp with 520 pound/feet of torque.
BRAUN INDUSTRIES INC. has debuted the Super Chief model ambulance on a Hino 258ALP chassis specifically designed for the fire-EMS service. With Braun’s exclusive Solid Body construction...
April 7, 2011
IMLCORP has introduced the SOUNDCOMMANDER SC1000MC (mobile convertible) and SC 1300MC ruggedized portable emergency notification loudspeaker systems, offering power and voice clarity to instruct firefighters, other responders and civilians. The systems include lightweight amplifier/control base unit and three loudspeakers to operate from a vehicle, tripod or command operations center desk or to be hand-carried. They are engineered to deliver undistorted live voice audio and warning sounds for directional or wide-area mass notification coverage up to 3,300 feet. Upgraded optional, wireless remote VHF transmitter enables operation up to 660 feet from the base unit.
IMLCORP has introduced the SOUNDCOMMANDER SC1000MC (mobile convertible) and SC 1300MC ruggedized portable emergency notification loudspeaker systems, offering power and voice ...
April 7, 2011
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC. has announced the newest addition to its award-winning APX Project 25 (P25) mission-critical two-way radio series with the introduction of the APX 6000XE portable radio for the fire market and extreme conditions. All radios in the Motorola APX series are P25 capable, including the newest P25 Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) protocol. The single-band portable radio is designed for fire and EMS users with advanced features in a smaller, rugged form factor, available in optional colored housings and is available in three models with a full keypad for Front Panel Programming (FPP). The extreme ergonomic design includes oversized controls with glove-friendly volume and channel selector, extra-large emergency button, enlarged top display with intelligent lighting that provides information at a glance and a rugged. The Extreme Audio Profile delivers increased noise suppression to help firefighters in loud fireground environments.
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC. has announced the newest addition to its award-winning APX Project 25 (P25) mission-critical two-way radio series with the introduction of the APX 6000XE...
April 7, 2011
DRÄGER has introduced the UCF 6000, a technologically advanced thermal imaging camera designed to optimize image quality and simplify operations in the most extreme conditions. The camera offers advanced new features to meet the needs of firefighters and first responders in the most hazardous situations. It provides superior image quality with 160x120-pixels resolution. A brightness sensor adapts the display to all lighting conditions, eliminating the need to cup hands over the screen when operating in direct sunlight. A snapshot function allows freeze-frame imaging of difficult areas. An integrated laser pointer pinpoints hazards and aids communication among responders. The camera also offers a wide, 47-degree field of view with a dynamic range to stay safe. It can detect hot spots and capture temperature ranges from –40 degrees Fahrenheit to more than 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit.
DRÄGER has introduced the UCF 6000, a technologically advanced thermal imaging camera designed to optimize image quality and simplify operations in the most extreme conditions...
April 6, 2011
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KME has introduced the 79-foot AerialCat aerial ladder. Mounted on a KME Predator single-rear-axle chassis with a 425-hp engine, the ladder is available with an unrestricted 500...
April 5, 2011
American Medical Response (AMR), which claims to be the largest private ambulance company in the country, announced on Feb. 14 that it was being purchased by the large private...
March 31, 2011
Joel Gebert
Ndbroomall 10247186
THE CITY OF BURLINGTON, NJ, FIRE DEPARTMENT, Mitchell Volunteer Fire Company 3, has placed in service a Ferrara Ember pumper outfitted with a 400-hp Cummins ISL engine, Hale Qmax...
March 30, 2011
Photo by Robert Burke
CBRNE Response Division vehicles in front of the Pentagon 911 Memorial. In the background is the west side of the Pentagon at the location where the plane hit the building on 9/11.
The Pentagon, located in Arlington County, VA, is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and the world’s largest office building in terms of square footage – 6.5 million...
March 29, 2011
THE MATTAWAN, MI, VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT has placed in service a Midwest Fire Model PT4 3000 tanker-pumper built on a Freightliner chassis. Components include a 330-hp Cummins engine, 1,000-gpm Hale MG pump and 3,000-gallon tank. Indicate 2XX on the Reader Service Card.
THE MATTAWAN, MI, VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT has placed in service a Midwest Fire Model PT4 3000 tanker-pumper built on a Freightliner chassis. Components include a 330-hp Cummins...
March 25, 2011
ROANOKE, VA, FIRE-EMS has taken delivery of a BullEx 27-foot Fire Safety Trailer featuring an interactive kitchen emergency scenario with Bullex SmartProp components. The trailer also has an Extreme Weather Package that broadcasts realistic weather emergencies and a Bedroom Scenario with an E.D.I.T.H. evacuation window.
ROANOKE, VA, FIRE-EMS has taken delivery of a BullEx 27-foot Fire Safety Trailer featuring an interactive kitchen emergency scenario with Bullex SmartProp components. The trailer...
March 25, 2011
Dennis C. Sharpe
THE ENGLISHTOWN, NJ, FIRE DEPARTMENT has taken delivery of a Crimson pumper built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. The unit is equipped with a 425-hp Cummins ISL engine, 1,750-gpm Darley LDMBC pump, 750-gallon UPF Poly Tank IIE water tank, 30-gallon foam tank, FoamPro foam system, Task Force Tips Crossfire deluge gun, Fire Research In Control 400 pressure governor, Hannay electric reels, 6,000-watt Will-Burt Nightscan light tower, ROM shutters, Voyager rear backup camera and Kussmaul Auto-Eject. Indicate 2XX on the Reader Service Card.
THE ENGLISHTOWN, NJ, FIRE DEPARTMENT has taken delivery of a Crimson pumper built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. The unit is equipped with a 425-hp Cummins ISL engine, 1,750-...
March 25, 2011
THE NAPANOCH, NY, FIRE DISTRICT has taken delivery of a KME custom pumper built on a KME Predator MFD chassis. Components include a 515-hp Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, 1,500-gpm Hale Qmax pump, 1,500-gallon poly water tank, 20-gallon foam cell, Akron 3126 foam system, 15-kilowatt Onan generator, ASA Voyager camera, Hannay reels and Whelen warning lights. Indicate 2XX on the Reader Service Card.
THE NAPANOCH, NY, FIRE DISTRICT has taken delivery of a KME custom pumper built on a KME Predator MFD chassis. Components include a 515-hp Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, 1,500...
March 25, 2011
Dennis C. Sharpe
OCEAN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY 1 in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, has taken delivery of an E-ONE Quest pumper equipped with a 500-hp Cummins ISL engine, Hale Qmax 200-23 pump, 750-gallon UPF Poly Tank IIE water tank, 30-gallon foam tank, FoamPro 1600 foam system, Kussmaul Auto-Eject and Fire Research Focus lights. Indicate 2XX on the Reader Service Card.
OCEAN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY 1 in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, has taken delivery of an E-ONE Quest pumper equipped with a 500-hp Cummins ISL engine, Hale Qmax 200-23 pump, 750-gallon...
March 25, 2011
THE PALMYRA, MO, VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT has taken delivery of a Danko tanker built on a Freightliner M2 106 chassis and powered by a 330-hp Cummins ISC engine. Components include a 2,000-gallon tank, 500-gpm Waterous pump, three-way rear manifold dumping system and Whelen LED lighting. Indicate 2XX on the Reader Service Card.
THE PALMYRA, MO, VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT has taken delivery of a Danko tanker built on a Freightliner M2 106 chassis and powered by a 330-hp Cummins ISC engine. Components include...
March 25, 2011
Joel Gebet
THE BROOMALL, PA, FIRE COMPANY has taken delivery of a 4 Guys quint built on a Spartan Gladiator LFD chassis. The unit features a 500-hp Cummins ISM engine, 1,500-gpm Waterous CMU pump, 600-gallon UPF Poly Tank IIE water tank, 50-gallon foam tank, Waterous Eclipse foam system, RK 75-foot aerial, ROM shutters and 20-kilowatt Harrison generator. Indicate 2XX on the Reader Service Card.
THE BROOMALL, PA, FIRE COMPANY has taken delivery of a 4 Guys quint built on a Spartan Gladiator LFD chassis. The unit features a 500-hp Cummins ISM engine, 1,500-gpm Waterous...
March 25, 2011
Dennis C. Sharpe
THE CITY OF BURLINGTON, NJ, FIRE DEPARTMENT, Mitchell Volunteer Fire Company 3, has placed in service a Ferrara Ember pumper outfitted with a 400-hp Cummins ISL engine, Hale Qmax 200-23L pump, 550-gallon UPF Poly-Tank IIE tank, Cummins Pump Boss pressure governor, Fire Research quartz lights, ROM shutters, 10-kilowatt Harrison generator and Hannay electric reel. Indicate 2XX on the Reader Service Card.
THE CITY OF BURLINGTON, NJ, FIRE DEPARTMENT, Mitchell Volunteer Fire Company 3, has placed in service a Ferrara Ember pumper outfitted with a 400-hp Cummins ISL engine, Hale Qmax...
March 25, 2011
Courtesy of the author
Figure 1. Organizational chart for the fireground with implementation of the safety section officer and rapid intervention team chief.
The first installment of this series discussed preliminary items that must be understood to have a successful rapid intervention team (RIT) on the fireground. The next question...
March 25, 2011
Every vehicle displaying the word ‘PRIUS’ is a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle produced by Toyota Motors.
Identifying that a crash-damaged vehicle is in fact a gasoline-electric hybrid is a critically important first step in effectively dealing with a hybrid vehicle incident.
March 24, 2011
Graphics courtesy of Massey Enterprises Inc.
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Part one of this article described three important functions Rapid Ascent Teams perform during a serious high-rise fire. Now that we have clearly defined these three important...
March 24, 2011
On Jan. 17, 2010, a 51-year-old male volunteer major responded to a reported residential fire at 1:30 P.M. Three hours after returning home, the major went to exercise at a local...
March 23, 2011
A controversial video showing a confrontation between a state trooper and a Connecticut Post video camera operator has raised basic questions within the fire service about the...
March 23, 2011
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No aspect of firefighter discipline is more misunderstood, misquoted and maligned than the “Garrity Rule.” Yet the Garrity Rule and the rights it provides are vitally important...
March 23, 2011
Helpful information on the use of social media for the Fire Service.
March 22, 2011
Social media let public safety organizations quickly disseminate vital information to the public.
March 22, 2011
Who’s in command at your fire department’s responses? I mean overall, permanent command from the moment units arrive until the operation is completed.
March 22, 2011
Photo by Tom Shand
The three folding steps at the front of the body of this unit meet the NFPA 1901 standard and yet you have to ask the question: Where are we going when we get to the top step?
Most all types of apparatus, whether engine or ladder company units, will at some point require members to climb up onto the vehicle to perform firefighting duties, rack hose ...
March 22, 2011
Most people are under the assumption that those who can multi-task are more productive than people who focus on one thing at a time. People in technology-rich environments are...
March 21, 2011
Dennis Walus
Personnel accountability is vital on the fireground. Strategic tools that make tactical accountability possible will ensure your firefighters are not caught in the wrong place, at the wrong time, for the wrong reason.
The absence of tactical accountability on the fireground is dangerous and has contributed to the death of many fine men and women. Part one introduced the concept of “tactical...
March 21, 2011