In a perfect world, staffing decisions — particularly whether to continue with overtime or hire new — would be easily reached; however, in a world with budgetary concerns and only a finite amount of time humans can operate at their … Continue reading →
Beginning in 2016, West Virginia decided to allow the sale of fireworks past the simple novelty items like snakes and sparklers. Along with the ability to purchase fi reworks within the state came a 12 percent tax on all consumer … Continue reading →
Community risk reduction in the fire service By BRIAN GETTEMEIER | Cottleville Fire Protection District First responders not judged equally when it comes to public safety. Police departments are judged by how few crimes occur in their communities: Few crimes … Continue reading →
“The sounds of the sirens still make me cringe. I was an EMT for four years, then a medic for four more … I’ve suffered from depression on and off for as long as I can remember and yet I … Continue reading →
Since 2001, the West Barnstable Fire Department, servicing the seaside town of roughly 3,200, has received just shy of $1 million in grants. Part of that success came about from simply taking the first step: applying for a variety of … Continue reading →
Grant writing is a daunting task for fire departments of all makeups; however, dangling funds, ripe for the picking, prompt savvy departments to reach for them to ease budgetary concerns. While some reap grant success others have sidelined themselves, deeming … Continue reading →
Two public-private partnerships in the Midwest have addressed a local fire department’s concern as well as a cultural component of one firehouse neighborhood. Joliet, Ill., is home to NASCAR-themed Fire Station No. 3, said to be one of few like … Continue reading →
Ever since a derailment and fire that occurred in Lynchburg, Va., on April 30, 2014, Battalion Chief Robert Lipscomb has been traveling across the U.S. giving talks about what the Lynchburg Fire Department learned from the experience. In that incident, … Continue reading →
There’s no denying that incidents of train derailments containing hazardous materials have increased. The distinction to note, however, is between derailments of hazardous material and other derailments. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, there are on average three train … Continue reading →
The volunteer fire company of Chincoteague, Va., has its share of cowboys; and the island village of nearly 3,000 is glad, as are visitors from around the globe who crowd the tiny resort area each July. After the release of … Continue reading →
On the surface, it appears to be routine. A family member panics as their loved one struggles to breathe or slips into a state of unconsciousness. He or she does the first thing that comes to mind in an emergency … Continue reading →
