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  • May 2026

    • May 2026

    Issue Description: The May issue of Firehouse includes feature articles on logistics management software, handling retirement from the fire service, cost-effective fleet replacement alternatives and looking beyond firefighters' schedules to prevent lack of rest.

    Cover Description: Companies of the Paterson, NJ, Fire Division were dispatched for multiple reports of a building fire. On arrival, crews reported heavy fire on the second floor of a large, 2½-story vacant mansion and extending into the attic. Apparatus placement was difficult, because the building was set back from the street and down a hill. Water supply in the area was limited. Command transmitted a second alarm within five minutes of arrival. Heavy fire vented through the roof of the north wing of the building as a ladder pipe, deck gun and several large exterior handlines were placed into operation. Photo by Pete Danzo.

    Dedication: Thirteen U.S. firefighters recently died in the line of duty—Firefighters Patrick Trout, Carlos Ramirez Jr., Stephen Reeves, Michael Altman, Wayne Barry Jr., Todd Pendleton, Bryan Jenkins, Capt. Aaron Wescott, Deputy Chief Scott Durfee, Shift Commander Jackson Warren, Fire Police Officer Todd Koch, Administrative Chief Elton Jacobs and Fire Chief Chris Dorsey. This issue of Firehouse is dedicated to these firefighters.

    More content from May 2026

    Photo by Pat LePore
    Engine 71 of the Howard County, MD, Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is assigned one of three 2025 Spartan 1,500-gpm pumpers that were built by Fouts Fire. It’s equipped with a 1,000-gallon tank and has an overall length of just over 32 feet.
    Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur found proof of the value of specifying base model fire rigs at the Howard County, MD, Department of Fire and Rescue Services and the Shawnee Volunteer...
    May 12, 2026
    What EMS Providers Must Know About Drug-Assisted Intubation & Paralytics
    Although Megan Funk concedes that improved intubation conditions and increased first-pass success often result when paralytics are utilized for drug-assisted intubation, she urges...
    May 11, 2026
    Images courtesy of CambridgeSeven
    The Somerville, MA, Fire Department’s Assembly Fire Station is integrated into the city’s Xmbly parking garage/retail space property. Focused attention on fine-tuning the developer’s original proposal, meeting Risk Category IV requirements, and smart placement of spaces that are provided with daylighting were among key architectural and construction parameters.
    Justin Crane explains why the Somerville, MA, Fire Department's Assembly Fire Station exemplifies how firefighter health and wellness, department response times and all-electric...
    May 8, 2026
    Photo by Bob Meyers
    Officer preplanning for water rescues includes knowing the crew. Who is a strong swimmer? Who is better with a throw bag? Who stays calm when things get chaotic?
    Robert Policht gives fire department officers and firefighters what they need to know about preplanning for water rescues and victim assessment.
    May 7, 2026
    Photo courtesy of ESO
    Although logistics management software to streamline and strengthen apparatus checks—as well as that of equipment and EMS supplies, including controlled substances—has been advanced, the industry isn’t standing still. “Departments shouldn’t have to settle for a single vendor that does everything adequately when they can have best-in-class tools that actually talk to each other,” ESO Executive Director for Fire & EMS Bill Gardner says. “The systems need to connect.”
    The well-being of firefighters is improved when pen and paper are taken out of the equation for apparatus and equipment checks.
    May 6, 2026
    Photos by Steve Reno
    On a large commercial building, the truck officer’s ventilation 360 size-up might be accomplished best from the roof.
    Steve Reno explains why truck officers who perform disciplined, informed and continuous size-ups elevate the entire operation and help to protect their fellow members and civilians...
    May 5, 2026
    Halfway There: A Generational Shift in Firefighter Mental Health
    Peter Matthews sees signs of a cultural shift in recognition of the struggles that firefighters experience from their encounters in the field. He's hopeful that efforts in this...
    May 4, 2026
    Photo by Peter Matthews
    During their career, many firefighters come to define themselves primarily through their role in the fire service. Many firefighters underestimate the centrality of this identity until retirement forces them to separate from the environment that shaped their sense of self.
    Jordan Saas' study highlights how firefighting is more than a job—it's a core part of identity—and examines the effect of retirement on social connections, advocating for improved...
    March 3, 2026
    Photos courtesy of H2M architects + engineers
    A feasibility study for the Massapequa Fire District led to completion of a 21,600-sq.-ft. station that comprises seven bays, integrated hands-on training, decontamination spaces, company offices, fitness facilities, a training classroom, rehab support and a large multipurpose room.
    Aubrey Dunn and Dennis Ross use examples like the Massapequa Fire District on how comprehensive feasibility studies evaluate needs, costs, and challenges for fire station design...
    Feb. 17, 2026
    Photo by Jeremy Mitchell
    Champaign, IL, Fire Department companies visit Strides, which is a low-barrier shelter, an average of four days out of 10 for high-frequency/low-acuity medical calls.
    Jeremy Mitchell tells how the Champaign, IL, Fire Department’s data analysts uncovered information regarding the city’s downtown area that a coalition of stakeholders can use ...
    Feb. 16, 2026