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Journaling for Firefighters: Laying the Foundation
Journaling is a dependable, proven, and adaptable tool that firefighters can use to help process their experiences and bolster mental well-being, writes Brandon Douglas.
The Carnivore Conundrum: Does It Fit the Fire Service?
Many proponents of the carnivore diet cite its purported nutritional and physical benefits. But does it work for firefighters?
Tailboard Misfits: Jesse and Micah Horton
Host John Velez sits down with Jesse and Micah Horton of Hortons and Hunt to discuss fire service leadership, mentorship, and training.
The Benefits of Fire Service Coaching and Mentoring
Ken Fowler considers the distinction between mentors and coaches and challenges to implementing these approaches in your fire department.
Is Your Firehouse Failing or Functioning? Setting Priorities
When the tones drop, firefighters must be ready to perform. AB Turenne on how setting your shift priorities can help make that happen.
Off the Cuff: Upholding the Standards
Firefighters rightly stress the need for new hires to adhere to the expected standards. But how well are our seasoned members upholding those standards?
Wartime and Peacetime Leadership in the Fire Service
Different leadership styles are required at different times. Officers must distinguish between peacetime and the “wartime” of the fireground.
What You Do Defines Who You Are
Fire crews must establish a set of nonnegotiables that members must complete each shift to help ward off complacency.
Women in the Firehouse: It’s 2025
Many fire departments are still grappling with adding their first female firefighters. Stephanie White offers thoughts on how to smooth the integration process.
Retired Seattle Firefighter Denied Coverage for Work-Related Cancer
A retired Seattle fire lieutenant is fighting to try to win coverage for treatment of a work-related cancer.
D.C. Firefighter Stood Guard Over Soldier’s Body Recovered From Potomac Crash
As first responders recovered the remains of Staff Sergeant Ryan O’Hara from the Potomac River, a probationary firefighter and former Marine noticed the soldier’s uniform…
Merced (CA) Fire Captain Runs Into Son While Assisting on LA Wildfires
Merced Fire Captain Bryan Akers, 45, has been with the Merced City Fire Department for 22 years. But it was during his deployment on Jan. 8 to assist with the firefighting…
‘Scary Moment’ Leads to West Hartford (CT) Firefighters Appearing on TV With Drew Barrymore, Denis Leary
A mayday alert five years ago sparked a series of events that led to a group of West Hartford firefighters being on national television this week.
Five After Midnight: Fire Service Culture, Brotherhood, and the Internet’s Impact
Stephanie White and Bobby Eckert take a candid look at the evolving culture of the fire service and the growing influence of the internet on training,…
Firefighter Fitness, Aging, and Breaking the Hustle Culture
Roy Smalley talks with Angie Bishop and Chris Marella about the realities of firefighter fitness, aging in the fire service, and the pitfalls of hustle…
Detroit Fire Department Marks 90th Birthday of Longtime Chaplain
George Aren has served the department in various capacities since 1987 and has been the fire department’s chief chaplain for 22 years.
Fort Lauderdale (FL) Firefighter Opens Up About Mental Health to Break the Stigma
In an effort to raise awareness about mental health among first responders, a Fort Lauderdale fire lieutenant is opening up about his mental health struggles…
Glens Falls (NY) Shoots Down Pension for Firefighter Suffering Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
Glens Falls Fire Lieutenant Doug Holl, in his mid-50s, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s over a year ago.
Recruit Collapsed in MA Fire Academy Exercise; Resuscitated by Firefighter On Scene
A recruit collapsed at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy on January 29, 2025 during a live burn training.
Bulldozer Dedicated in Name of Late Edinburg (TX) Fire Chief Shawn Snider
The legacy of Shawn Snider, the longtime Edinburg fire chief who died of cancer in May 2023, will live on for years to come thanks to a tribute from…
Therapy Dogs Lowering Stress of Port Royal-Beaufort (SC) Firefighters. Now They’re Modeling Stars
Therapy dogs have been making monthly visits to station houses where they bring comfort and joy to firefighters who face daily stresses.
Risk On, Risk Off: The Mr. Miyagi Approach to Retirement Planning
Let’s consider the “Risk On, Risk Off Portfolio.” As in The Karate Kid, there’s more behind those words than just a memorable phrase.
$10 Million in State Grants Awarded to TN Volunteer Fire Departments
Volunteer fire departments across Tennessee are set to receive a major boost as the state distributes $10 million in grants to 245 departments.
Massachusetts Firefighter Safety Grants Contingent on Compliance With Transit Housing Law
Municipalities in Massachusetts must comply with a controversial transit-oriented housing law in order to receive state grant money for firefighter safety equipment.
Keene (NH) Fire Department Staffing ‘Unsustainable’
It’s time to reconsider the Keene Fire Department’s staffing model, according to city and department leaders, as staffing levels have not kept pace with rising…
FDNY Slams Congestion Pricing Tolls, Warns of Delayed Responses, Millions in Overtime
As New York City ushered in its long-awaited congestion pricing plan, the FDNY sounded the alarm over what it calls a looming public safety crisis.
Gasport (NY) Chemical Hose Celebrates Norm Pearson’s 70th Year of Active Service
Members’ Length of Service milestones were acknowledged, and a veritable procession of local dignitaries joined the membership in celebrating Pearson’s latest one: Seventy years as…
As Western Altadena (CA) Waited Hours for Evacuation Orders, Fire Commanders Faced Utter Chaos
As flames exploded from the parched hillsides of Eaton Canyon on Jan. 7, fire agencies faced a crisis far beyond their worst reckoning.
Tri-Township Fire & Rescue (IN) Receives Donated Lumber for Training
To help with the training of the next firefighters to join Tri-Township Fire& Rescue, PC Lumber and Hardware donated lumber to be used for training…
North Tonawanda (NY) Fire Chief Honored for More Than 3 Decades of Service
It was one last walk out of the North Tonawanda Fire Department’s headquarters on Zimmerman Street, and Chief Joe Sikora looked wistfully at the long line of his fellow firefighters…
Court Rejects Former OR Firefighter’s Appeal; Lawsuit Filed by Former City Councilors Continues
The panel’s decision is not a ruling on the merits of the lawsuit, which continues and could potentially go to trial.