Over the past several years, I have noted a decided change in the type of people who are becoming leaders in the fire service. Perhaps it is a byproduct of the way that our society has changed, or maybe it is just the next step in our evolution as a...

Article • September 1st, 2000

Over past several months, I have issued a number of challenges to the fire service throughout North America. On a number of occasions, I have also taken some serious shots at Fire Chiefs. Heck, that is part of my modus operandi.

Article • August 18th, 2000

Over the course of the past several weeks it has become exceedingly obvious to me that there is something evil at work throughout North America. On far too many occasions it has become painfully obvious to me that the actors on the stage of government...

Article • August 4th, 2000

Mike Wieder points out why an incident commander must be prepared to shift into a "higher gear" when the needs of the incident dictate.

Article • August 1st, 2000

Many months ago, we wrote a scathing piece of commentary about a sad situation that took place in the heartland of this great nation. I am referring to the shabby treatment of the survivors of those brave firefighters that died serving their community.

Article • July 29th, 2000

I read with great pleasure the words on the front page of Firehouse.com that spoke of the 3.1 billion dollars that the Senate attached to the defense-funding bill that they approved during this week. Being a realist, my joy was tempered for a number...

Article • July 16th, 2000

Let me reach back into the world of the 1950’s for inspiration. A lyric from Meredith Wilson’s classic musical, The Music Man, sets the tone for this week’s visit with you. "There’s trouble in River City." And trust me folks, the trouble I am...

Article • July 7th, 2000