FireFighterNation

On Jan. 6, 1985, Fort Worth (Texas) firefighters found themselves in a tragic fire involving flashover and collapse. Homer Robertson reviews what happened and provides some ways all firefighters can learn from this incident.

In his first Reality Check column, Brian Meroney looks at accountability on the fireground and examines the ways that departments use, or do not use, accountability systems.

“Strength and Resiliency: Emergency Preparedness for Tribal Leaders and Program Directors—Your Roles and Responsibilities” is a training video designed for use by tribal fire leaders to educate tribally elected officials and others in emergency preparedness and their role on the TERC and unified command. It is also a tool that can be used to help educate non-Indian firefighting agencies about tribal communities and their unique firefighting needs and coordination efforts.

Kevin Milan discusses the importance of honesty in evaluating firefighters’ performances. He also shares a personal experience he had with one of his company officers that changed his entire outlook on his training and his job.

At any time, firefighters can be called to respond to unimaginable tragedies—such as the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Although such calls are rare, we have a duty to prepare every day as though the next call could be the biggest test we’ll face.