Author: David Carruso
Date Published: 6/8/2012
Publisher: Firehouse
Keywords: cancer
From the October issue of Firehouse® Magazine By Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki Our hearts were heavy this past August when three wildland firefighters were killed battling the Twisp River Fire in Washington State, and two died battling fires in California. These tragedies shook their communities and saddened our nation. These devastating deaths and other injuries… Read more »
On September 22nd, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Tom Carper (D-Delaware) filed S. 2068 and Rep. Tom Reed (R- New York) and Rep. Jim Langevin (D-Rhode Island) introduced H.R. 3591, the companion house legislation to encourage building owners to invest in life-saving fire safety upgrades.
Every day the public relies on firefighters to respond without hesitation to manage and resolve multiple emergencies, often while putting themselves in high-risk situations. In the wake of multiple suicides within departments around the country, fire service leaders have asked if firefighters are more vulnerable to suicidal tendencies.
The Fire Service must do a better job of educating the public of the risks they face as a result of fire. Equally important is educating firefighters about the critical importance of prevention through intervention.
Everyone must practice the skills until the muscle memory won’t let you get it wrong. By drilling regularly on a variety of scenarios, everyone on the crew will be confident in their abilities to successfully perform basic skills, such as forcible entry, air management and hoseline deployment.
“The number of youth who have stepped up to accept our Challenge to help save lives truly is inspiring,” said Jeff Richardson, Project Paradigm’s Founder and CEO. “Normally, youth contests attract around 1,000 participants or less. Thanks in large part to the support of our partners these youth are part of an exciting movement to make a difference.
Fourteen-years later, buildings have been rebuilt, memorials established and remembrances held. The fire service continues to honor the 343 in numerous ways, including the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs. We have upheld our promise to never forget.
The concept of risk permeates the fire service. We talk about risk/benefit analysis. Our “golden rule”—risk a lot to save a lot, risk little to save little, risk nothing to save nothing—is ingrained into us in the academy.
Through the agreement, NFFF will help the Ohio Fire Academy (OFA) deliver several classes including Courage to Be Safe®, Leadership, Accountability, Culture, Knowledge (LACK) and Leadership So Everyone Goes Home.
