Research Identified the Dumbest Guy in the Room
Questioning why we do things often proves or improves firefighting methods and tactics that have been in place for decades.
Editor's Opinion
The Latest
So Afraid We Make It Unsafe
The struggle between moral obligation and strict adherence to policy will continue unless firefighters are clear about what our work is.
You Say You Want a Revolution
To effect a real change in fire department culture, it takes more than sensationalism and popularity among like-minded firefighters.
Mr. Incident Commander, Tear Down That Structure!
Vacant and derelict structures present hazards to firefighters, but also problems to the wider neighborhood. David Rhodes has some thoughts on dealing with them.
More Editor's Opinion
Your Local Fire Conference
There's no single fire conference that can reach every firefighter. If our goal is to promote training, we must support that mission wherever it is carried out.
To OSB or Not to OSB?
Is oriented strand board really creating more exposure hazards than other material that firefighters use as training fire loads?
It Has Already Been a Year
True mentors emerge naturally from relationships built on trust. David Rhodes on how they influence the trajectory of a firefighter's career.
We Should Throw Ladders More Often
Clearly identifying the steps necessary to build the skills needed for advancement is the ground ladder of opportunity for setting members up for success.
Karl Makes a Difference
David Rhodes considers the story of Karl Prinzler of Indianapolis, his impact on safety, and how it can inform our approach today.
T-Shirt Management Seven Years Later
The fire department is a support community for firefighters. If that community is fractured, it causes a degree of mental trauma, says David Rhodes.
They Aren’t Dumb; We Just Gotta Change Our Methods
David Rhodes on how instructors can adjust their teaching methods to address gaps when training the next generation of firefighters.
It’s So Easy to Game a Reputation Nowadays; Don’t Be Fooled!
We all compete for reputation, and that should be something founded in productivity and the value of contribution.