Brattleboro (VT) Appoints New Fire Chief
Jay Symonds, who previously served with the Manlius (NY) Fire Department, will succeed Chief Leonard Howard, who retired late last year. Symonds will begin in his new role on April 7.
2 min read
Career Development
The firefighter career development section of FirefighterNation™ features success stories, practical advice, and expert tips to foster growth and advancement within the fire service. Explore strategies for setting career goals, enhancing skills through training, and navigating promotional opportunities effectively. Empower yourself with insights to build a robust career development program that supports professional growth and satisfaction among firefighters.
The Latest
Four Steps to Forging a Fire Service Team
It doesn’t matter what level of leadership you are at in the fire service—your job is to forge a team.
13 min read
Promotional Prep 101: Fueling Your Future
David Dachinger speaks with guest Al Pratts, a promotional prep consultant who shares valuable insights on preparing for the challenges ahead.
3 min read
Burning Bridges: How Invalid Promotions Erode Morale and Integrity in the Fire Service
When promotions are not based on merit, it can lead to all kinds of distortions in a fire department, says Jamie Jent.
9 min read
Durham (NC) Firefighter Applicants Lose $1M Settlement After Justice Department Reversal on Lawsuit
The city of Durham will no longer pay a nearly $1 million settlement it agreed to last fall to compensate firefighter applicants for an unintentionally racist test,…
Owensboro (KY) FD Hands Out Awards and Honors to Department Members
The Owensboro Fire Department (OFD) handed out awards and letters of commendation for 2024 at the department’s annual awards ceremony on Saturday morning at the department’s…
‘A Really Great, Rewarding Career’: Mountain View (CO) Fire Rescue Chief to Retire in April
Dave Beebe joined MVFR in 2005 and worked in a number of positions before becoming the assistant chief of operations and then fire chief.
4 min read
New Firefighting Course Planned for Winona (MN) Senior High School Students
Winona Senior High School students will soon have a new way to explore and potentially pursue a career in firefighting.
5 min read
Oklahoma Smoke Diver Association Hosts Training
Firefighters from across the United States learned survival techniques at the Oklahoma Smoke Diver Association training this week.
3 min read
The Power of ‘Yet’
Realizing a goal takes focus and hard work. Manuel A. Maldonado reviews how setting attainable, relevant goals can help you advance in your firefighting career.
7 min read
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…
4 min read
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.
1 min read
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.
12 min read
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.
6 min read
11 min read