Jerry Knapp on staff meetings

Fire Alarm Activations: Thoughts on Fixing Systems That Cry Wolf

How many more false alarms can the volunteer fire service endure? Jerry Knapp examines this problem and offers some ideas to reduce false alarms.
Firefighters in front of rig

The Company Officer: It’s All About Trust

Leading a fire company is one of the greatest privileges in the fire service, but it also carries considerable weight. Nick Papa on the challenges officers must face.
high-angle tree rescue Virginia Beach

A Challenging High-Angle Tree Rescue

Josh Xenakis walks readers through a high-angle tree rescue that took place on the west end of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Fire Engineering Editor in Chief David Rhodes

Stepping Back and Staying Around

Always work to make sure your replacement succeeds, writes David Rhodes. That individual's success is what your fire service legacy depends on.
Firefighter in silhouette

Managing Your Fire Department Promotional Process

Promotional processes are a time for fire department and personal change. Dave Casey describes how agencies can get it right and promote the right people.
Fire in a gardne apartment

First Due: Preparing for Large Events

Eric Linnenburger recounts a major "career event" that firefighters with the Westminster (CO) Fire Department faced during a garden apartment fire.
John Bennett

What Does It Mean to Be Accountable to Your People?

Memorable leaders in our lives hold themselves accountable to the people they represent—their own personnel.