Articles

By Chief Marc Bashoor There are common threads to operational and mortal issues affecting the fire service and firefighter growth and development. Similar to the operational 360 that we should all be using to size-up fire scenes, let's take a look at our own personal 360. I’m not talking about…

By Lieutenant Brad Bouchillon, Statesboro (GA) Fire Department Can you name one machine that doesn’t require maintenance? I can’t. There might be one (I’m a firefighter, not a machinist), but for the most part, all the equipment we operate requires regular maintenance. Fire apparatus requires constant upkeep ranging from oil…

You may have heard the term “tactical athlete” a lot recently. The term itself is not confined to the fire service and firefighters but other high-risk professions such as the military. The United States Marine Corp (U.S.M.C.) defines a “tactical athlete” as an individual who trains for combat readiness using…

Dedicating yourself to a lifestyle of health and fitness is more than just “working out.” As a firefighter, you owe it to your co-workers, community, and family to make sure you are fit for duty. In addition to physical training, proper attention to rest and recovery, hydration, and nutrition plays…

By Dr. Karlie Moore, Fit for Duty Consulting Losing weight can be really hard, especially for firefighters. With all the misinformation and nutrition myths out there, it’s no wonder people are confused. Here are three big mistakes I’ve observed throughout my work helping thousands of firefighters to lose weight. Mistake…

By Kelli LaPage, MS, ATC, LAH, FASNY Health and Wellness Committee A new year is upon us and with all of its promises for a new beginning comes a time of reflection for many of us, and a desire to start anew in 2018. Every year, millions of people ring…

In June, the London Fire Brigade responded to one of the most tragic incidents the international fire service has witnessed in years. In the middle of the night, some 40 apparatus and hundreds of firefighters descended upon a 24-story apartment block in North Kensington. Upon their approach, London’s bravest came…

By Kevin D. Quinn, NVFC Chairman I recently attended two funerals for firefighters who died in the line of duty.  As with every tragedy when we lose a brother or sister, my heart went out to the family, department and community that now must deal with the loss and figure…