Entering the firefighting and paramedic field can be challenging due to the extensive time, training and costs involved. These barriers often deter people from pursuing this career path, leaving communities with a shortage of these crucial individuals. To address their … Continue reading →
The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department invited the city’s elected officials and the media to be “firefighters for a day.” Every two to four years, the department will host this type of event, with the first having been held in … Continue reading →
Despite a smaller population of around 11,000 residents, Crestwood, Mo., is taking great strides to make sure the local fire department stays up to date with the latest technology. Crestwood Fire Chief Lou Hecht has brought on two new technologically … Continue reading →
Community events require intensive labor to be a success. Reaching the 10-year marker, especially when working solely with volunteers, is an impressive feat for any event. In Orrville, Ohio, a city of more than 8,000, an annual weeklong Fourth of … Continue reading →
Wearing head-mounted displays like those seen in virtual reality video games, today’s firefighters are not playing; they’re training. Virtual reality 3-D simulators, augmented reality simulators and other digitally enhanced training tools are being developed, and new technology is making these … Continue reading →
By ANGELA MOORE and JONATHAN WISE | Southeast Apparatus Southeast Apparatus is a Kentucky-based manufacturer of custom fire and emergency apparatus that is dedicated to a “service first” approach when building new or refurbishing existing apparatuses. All of the employees … Continue reading →
In addition to math, English and social studies, some high school students are adding firefighting to their course lists. At Twin Lakes High School in Monticello, Ind., students come together from seven different schools to enroll in a two-year program … Continue reading →
Running headlong into a burning building is not something a person can do haphazardly. It takes training, training and more training for a firefighter to have the skills and composure to face situations that require quick response time. Training under … Continue reading →
Strolling by any firehouse on an average weekday, firefighters working on vehicles, conducting routine maintenance on equipment and preparing for the next call can be seen. Firefighters, by necessity, occupy the time between calls of service with routine chores, planning … Continue reading →
Years ago, the city of Lynchburg, Va., started a program called “After the Fire.” If there was a fire in a neighborhood, particularly if someone was injured or killed, the fire department would canvas the neighborhood, speak to all the … Continue reading →
With any waterworks device that will be buried in the ground for long periods, regularly exceeding 50-plus years, proper maintenance is essential to ensure they perform as needed and fulfill their expected life. But unlike many of these devices, a … Continue reading →
