At 1924 HRS on Nov. 9, 1872, a fire broke out in the basement of a commercial warehouse. Although the incident occurred 138 years ago, the Great Boston Fire, as it later became known, is still Boston’s largest urban fire to date, and remains one of the most costly fire-related property losses in U.S. history.

By the time firefighters gained control of the fire, 12 hours after it started, 65 acres of Boston’s downtown area were destroyed; 776 buildings, as well as a…

Lets see, purchase an apparatus? Select a committee? Identify the problems with the last purchase, identify the great things about our BRT (big red truck)

Let's get it right, Emergency One?, Pierce? Sutphen? Rosenbaugher? Seagraves?

The last unit had pump problems, valve problems and the foam injection system gave us problems. Some of us actually look at the apparatus manufacture identity, Does this make it a warranty problem with the apparatus manufacturer? ,The one who put…

By Andy Speier



The cold-weather months are fast approaching. If your response area includes a body of water that freezes over when the temperature drops, you need to be fully prepared to perform a water/ice-based rescue. Below, I provide information on some of the primary equipment and PPE you’ll need if and when you need to enter the water or break through the ice to save a life.…

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Pro Development Team (FFCA PDT) uses cycling to spread the word about our professional rescuers

suffering chronic to terminal illnesses, especially those that can be

attributed to exposure during the months after 9/11. First

Responders everywhere are at risk for health issues that don't go away.

For many it’s a chronic cough or…

Perception is reality...and a large part of one's perception is based upon their environment... past, present and their expected future.



For example, if you are around positive people the majority of your life then you more than likely will have a bright outlook on things and most who cross your path will consider you to be a smiling optimist. Conversely, if you spend most of your time around people and situations that steep in negativity then you will probably share a life view…