What I Keep in My Pockets: Nick

Over the next week or so, a few of our instructors will each post a little about what they have in their pockets and why…  As a bit of background, I work in a diverse neighborhood of Washington, DC and spend most of my time on a ladder company, with an occasional detail to an [...]

Forcible Entry Tool Maintenance

Chris Good of West Chester, PA asked a “good”  (get it, lol) question in the comments of another post – “Do any of the instructors have any tips on maintaining forcible entry tools? “  Here are a few quick thoughts on the topic…
Tools require regular maintenance and care, whether they have been used recently or not.  [...]

Back to Basics Drill

Put it in the category of oldie-but-a- goodie, but here is a drill for you to run at your Firehouse that requires minimal setup but will achieve maximum results. We have seen too many LODD’s and close calls that fall into the “lost/disoriented” category that may have been prevented. Most have not done a hose [...]

Two Rings & A Rubber Hose: Putting a SCBA Mask on a Downed Firefighter

Face mask emergencies are one of the 3 major types of SCBA failures that can occur (do you know the other two??).  If a SCBA mask fails, or a FF who is out of air removes one, you as the RIT may have to put a new face piece on the downed FF if they [...]

You’re on the Truck and given the assignment to vent the roof. Easy, right?

You are riding the truck and arrive at a working fire in an elementary school. The Chief assigns you to vent the roof because the Engine is having a hard time making the push to get to the seat of the fire and Truck is crying that it is too hot (as they often do!). Sounds [...]

Sound that FLOOR!

How many times have you taken the floor for granted?  That’s right we’ve all done it!   Usually until you learn the hard way!  You crawl across during your search, limited to no visibility.  Pushing that line down the hall looking for the basement stairs.  Nothing making sure your next move isn’t DOWN… ”Combat Ready” doesn’t stop at [...]

Loss of a Brother & A Mentor

Few fireman have such a natural knack for the job and the ability to mentor and inspire other firefighters, but Mick was all these things.  Mark “Mick” McKenzie served as a life member of the Kentland Fire Department and held rank to the position of Deputy Fire Chief.  In addition, he was a career firefighter [...]

O’ Da Chain…

Report of a fire in apartment 3F.  Your crew is in position, they are combat ready, they are forcing the apartment door.  HIT, HIT, HIT!!!   The crew pops the deadbolt and opens an inch or two, the door belches black smoke.  But alas, the door will not spring open!  
What’s holding us back now?
 
If [...]

Congratulations, Lt. Mitchell

Congratulations to TT Instructor & Vice-President Doug Mitchell on his promotion to lieutenant in the FDNY.  Doug was promoted today at a ceremony on Randall’s Island.  A second generation firefighter, Doug’s father retired from the FDNY as a lieutenant after 30 years of service.  Doug came home to New York in 1999, after working as [...]

Great Forcible Entry Resource

If you haven’t already seen it, check out the “FDNY Forcible Entry Manual”…. There are some excellent tips for forcing all types of doors with all types of tools, as well as some good in-house modifications for your forcible entry equipment.
Be sure to check out some good ideas on forcing magnetic locks, which have become [...]

Engine Ops with Martins Corner, PA

This past weekend, August 9 & 10, we headed back to Chester County, PA for a 16-hour “Engine Company Operations” course hosted by the Martins Corner Fire Company.  We got in town on Friday night and had dinner with the members while we familiarized ourselves with their operations & equipment.  Class consisted of 4 hours [...]

“Hide” the Hydrant

 
While I prefer the work of a Truck Co, there is no better sound to hear when doing an aggressive primary search, than the sound of flowing water.  Hearing the Engine Co pushing in with the line is pure magic.  As much as I would like to say that we truckie’s can stomp out the [...]