Technology & Communications Magazine Articles

  • The Thermal Imager And Accountability

    At most incidents, even relatively small ones, chiefs and officers face a difficult task of maintaining accountability for firefighters working at the scene. A number of tagging and marking systems are available to assist fire officers in tracking...

    Article • October 31st, 2005

  • Thermal Imaging Training: Fire Attack

    Successful use of the TI in fire attack requires fire departments to plan TI deployment both strategically and tactically.

    Article • October 19th, 2005

  • Thermal Imaging Training: Size-Up

    A bad size up of any incident can quickly lead to disaster. It is important that fire officers use all the tools they have available to make the best possible decisions in a timely manner.

    Article • October 19th, 2005

  • Thermal Imaging Training: Size-Up

    It has been nearly two years since this column examined the foundation of any successful incident: good size-up. The thermal imager (TI) is frequently purchased with the promise of saving lives, since it allows firefighters to "see" through the smoke...

    Article • October 1st, 2005

  • Using Your Fire Service TI to Help the Police

    The fire service frequently and rightfully laments the fact that law enforcement receives billions of dollars more in federal funding and grants than the fire service. Firefighters have, however, adopted certain technologies at a much faster rate than...

    Article • September 1st, 2005

  • Spectrum Reconfiguration: Ready, Set, Go!

    The effort to eliminate 800 MHz public safety radio interference has felt like a race, or, more accurately, a marathon. We've had some distinguished leaders carry the baton on this issue, with plenty of hearty support from the public safety team. But...

    Article • September 1st, 2005

  • Generation Next: CB Protective Firefighter Turnout

    Article • August 1st, 2005

  • Getting Thermal Imagers Through the Budget Process

    Introduction As budget time approaches, a number of fire departments will yet again request thermal imagers (TIs). Many departments will struggle to convince their budgetary authorities to fund the request. TIs may be removed from the budget...

    Article • August 1st, 2005

  • The IAFC's Guide To Interoperable Communications

    Communications problems and the inability to coordinate with other disciplines and jurisdictions have been recognized as significant operational limitations in every major incident, from the shootings at Columbine High School to the terrorist attack...

    Article • August 1st, 2005

  • Fire Attack and the Thermal Imager

    Fire suppression: it’s the job most commonly associated with a firefighter. When lives and property are at risk, firefighters extinguish the fire to bring control and safety back to a situation. This month’s training column examines how...

    Article • July 1st, 2005

  • Internet Telephones and 911: Emerging Technology – And Emerging Problems

    Throughout history, people have reported fires in a number of ways. Watchmen’s rattles, church bells and locomotive rims gave way to Gamewell boxes and, eventually, the telephone. For many communities, the corner fire alarm box has long been a thing...

    Article • July 1st, 2005

  • Blackberry to the Rescue

    Public Safety agencies are using the Blackberry handheld wireless device for a variety of wireless applications.

    Article • June 21st, 2005

  • Thermal Imager Fundraising In Small Communities

    In 1999, the Thorn Township Fire Department, in Thornville, OH (population 3,500), purchased a thermal imager (TI) with money donated largely from local fundraising. Last fall, firefighters used this TI to rescue 3-year-old Jonah West from his burning...

    Article • June 1st, 2005

  • The Interoperability "SWEET" Spot

    Interoperability and technology solutions in general have inundated the public safety market. With so many solutions available, there must be some easy method to help guide first responders through the selection process. After reviewing the local...

    Article • June 1st, 2005

  • 911 Center Staffing: A Burning Issue

    Adequate staffing has long been a fire service concern. Whether it involves the number of career firefighters assigned to ladder and engine companies, or the ability of suburban and rural communities to recruit adequate numbers of volunteers to...

    Article • June 1st, 2005