What’s Not in My Pockets

By Michael Capoziello

A buddy of mine jokes “when are you going to do a what’s in your pockets article,” insinuating that if you write articles for fire service publications eventually you must do the obligatory “tools in the pockets” article.

I never considered doing one, but to be honest it was a topic I had addressed personally in the past. So, on that note, I guess it’s time for one. But I will call this piece “What’s not in my pockets.”

What’s not in my pockets? Not a lot of “stuff.” Today’s bunker gear comes with all sorts of pockets and clips and latches to carry all sorts of “stuff.”

I went through the “toolbox in my pockets” stage years back when we first were issued bunker gear. Those cool leg pockets were stuffed with everything. Too much “stuff.”

As time went on, I eventually realized during real-time incidents having too much in my pockets and digging through a ton of items, most of which I rarely used, was not an efficient way to operate.

If I had time to take a glove off and select a bit for a multi-tip screwdriver or adjust a pair of locking pliers, I had time to call for the well-stocked toolbox on the rig.

It was more important that in zero- or limited-visibility, I could easily reach into a specific pocket with a gloved hand and be sure of what I was grabbing for. The solution for me was one pocket, one tool. Each pocket would hold just one specific tool or item.

That said, I am in a ladder company and this is what I carry in and on my gear.

• Turnout coat right pocket: A good knife that can be opened with one gloved hand. I have one with a window punch and seat belt cutter built in.

• Left coat pocket: A cable wire cutter. Besides lights and chocks, the tool is used most often.

• Inside coat pocket: A nice, clean pair of durable nonfirefighting work gloves.

• Left leg pocket: A simple bungee cord. I find this can be used in many ways, especially in controlling storm/screen doors, which many times have closing mechanisms that do not work properly. I hate seeing a Halligan or a water can used to hold storm doors open.

• Right leg pocket: A 25-foot section of rolled tubular webbing stored in a latex glove. Good for a myriad number of things: Tying, dragging, lifting, etc.

On my helmet, I still use an old-school Gerraty light. This is not my primary light, but a useful emergency backup. Also, on the helmet is a chock or two. Simple wood chocks that are easy to grab. Nothing fancy. Gimmicky chocks are clever and useful in design, but somewhat expensive considering many will get lost or left behind on the fireground.

Clipped to the outside of my turnout coat, I carry a Streamlight survivor right angle LED light. I rarely use the sling type of light as this light performs well.

Firefighting gloves are carried on the outside of my gear secured with a Velcro glove strap.

We will set aside how to wear a portable radio with your gear for another time. My department uses the Petzel EXO personal escape system with a Gemtor harness attached to the bunker pants. I do not carry any additional rope. If you do not have a personal “bailout” system, one of your pockets should contain at least a 20-foot piece of rope for escape if needed.

Some other tools that I would say are a must for an “engine guy” would be a hose strap and a collapsible spanner wrench. It is important to note all tools should be clean from grit and rust and operate smoothly, especially with a gloved hand.

Now, this is just how I do things. Everyone will find their comfort zone and what works for them. The important thing is to keep on evolving. Train, practice, experiment and be aware of what works in real-time as opposed to the drill setting.

So, there it is. My “tools in the pockets” writing. Until next time, be safe and keep ’em rolling.

Michael P. Capoziello is a 30-year member and former chief of the Elmont Fire Department. He is a training officer, public information officer and department historian. A supervising dispatcher at Nassau County Fire Communications FIRECOM and a training officer on the fieldcom unit, Capoziello is also a 14-year member of the Nassau County fire service Critical Incident Stress Management Team.