On the Line

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Firefighter looking up

Orientation for Officership

Just as firefighters must orient themselves on the fireground, an officer must maintain orientation of their priorities to succeed and grow. David DeStefano considers a method for conceptualizing four factors that are crucial in staying focused.
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Two firefighters dragged a down firefighter during training

Initial RIT Response

Are all your companies capable of serving as a rapid intervention team? David DeStefano shares an account and lessons learned from the fireground.
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Firefighters confront a large volume of fire in a home

First-Arriving Decisions

The ability of first-arriving officers to rapidly assess the scene and set an initial action plan into motion will have a tremendous effect on incident outcome.
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Plan B

Firefighters need to keep a "Plan B" in their minds if their initial course of action on the fireground fails. David DeStefano runs through several examples for truck and engine operations.
FirefightingStructural Firefighting

More On the Line

On the Line: Fast and Effective Water

To achieve the best possible outcome at a fire, firefighters must have fast and effective water, writes David DeStefano.
Firefighting
David DeStefano

On the Line: Pursuing Perfection and Catching Excellence

Just being good has never been our goal. Every firefighter, officer, and chief must strive for perfection each day, writes David DeStefano, and in so doing we may obtain excellence.
Fire Department LeadershipFirefighting

Benchmarks and Sit-Reps

"When used routinely and adopted as department policy, benchmarks and sit-reps are important tools that enhance safety and efficiency on the fireground," writes David DeStefano.
Firefighter Training

Setting the Course for Training

"Just as fireground operations only succeed as a team effort, our training programs should reflect the best knowledge, skills, and experience of the department," writes David DeStefano 
Firefighter Training

On the Line: Relying on Luck

Is it better to be lucky or good? David DeStefano urges firefighters to hone the fireground skills necessary to reduce one's dependence on the whims of fortune.
FirefightingStructural Firefighting

“Fools Rush in Where Angels Fear to Tread”

Although our work environment sometimes seems to be a place where angels would fear to tread, we should heed the first part of the quote and not make ourselves the fools that rush in, writes David DeStefano.
Firefighting

Personal Rope: Lifeline to Safety

Firefighters assigned to both engine and truck companies will benefit from the many advantages of having a length of personal rope that they can quickly and safely deploy during operations, writes David DeStefano.
Firefighter Training

Garden Apartment Fires: No Walk in the Park

Garden apartment fires may not be a walk in the park, but the well-trained fire company should be prepared for the challenge. David DeStefano shares some tips.
Firefighting

Search That Saves Lives

FeaturesFirefighting

Be a Leader Regardless of Rank

FeaturesFire Department LeadershipFirefighting

Overcoming Stale Firefighter Syndrome

Firefighting

The “Prime” in a Primary Search

Firefighting

Ten Tips for the 10-Year Veteran

Fire Department LeadershipFirefighting