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I have had quite a few friends ask me if I wanted to be involved in the most destructive fire in the History of Colorado and the short answer is hell yeah I wanted to be involved.

I think the feelings I had were mixed. Did I want to be working 16 hour shifts swinging a Polaski? No, I did not. Did I want to sleep in a sleeping bag on an asphalt parking lot? No once again. Did I want to choke on dirt and smoke…

Here are some very cool items I found on Etsy that I thought people might like. 

Etsy Treasurer's List

Well one long story (and if anyone wants to know it message me) But im no longer with the department I was originally going for. I resigned because of some.....stuff. But now Im with a new department and love it! Im a intern firefighter and im continuing training. Its great!  Love my job! Stay safe out there!

A couple weeks ago I published a blog post about "defining Firefighter Fit." I appreciate the numerous responses and comments about this question (see that blog post here) and today want to follow up and add some more information and questions about this topic. One of the consensus opinions expressed when asked to define "firefighter fit" was that a…

So can you believe this one? Criminals are targeting the homes of firefighters fighting the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs CO. for break-ins and robberies.

Is there a lower form of life than a scumbag that would rob the house of a firefighter fighting to keep them safe? This news makes me sick to my stomach. Should these dirt bags be apprehended I am struggling with ideas for a fitting punishment.

The notion of…

Here’s another basic extrication technique for you to try at your next training.  It has everything to do with brake pedal displacement when a victims foot is entrapped.  For more on the old school techniques click here.…

Have you seen a vehicle crash where the front drivers and passenger airbags have not deployed?  The picture to the left is an example of the sensors not initiating airbag deployment.

This post is going to hopefully remind you to stay clear of un-deployed…

this song got me through the academy 5 years ago. just wanted to share it since my daughter had sent it to me back then.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7Em4fUOrZo

i was feeling sad tonight and it just popped up on my screen.

just had to tell someone who would understand the lyrics.

The medic stood and faced God. Which must always come to pass. He hoped his uniform was clean, He'd gotten dressed kind of fast.

"Step forward now, medic. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true?"

The medic squared his shoulders and said, "No Lord I guess I ain't, cause those of us who wade in blood, can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was tough. And at times I've been…

My home town Colorado Springs, Colorado is on fire. The beast known as the Waldo Canyon fire took three days to get here, but get here it did. Yesterday afternoon I stood in front of my house and watched as this beast clawed its way over a mountain ridge and then charged down the foothills and in to virgin territory.

It looked like a volcanic eruption the colors were intense black and brilliant orange, a true hell storm. I have seen many fires in…

The extrication world has changed over the years in more ways than one.  Vehicle construction, tool technology, and an evolution of techniques has created both challenges and advancements for rescue personnel.  As you read this post and watch the video below, reflect on some old school techniques that still work, but also embrace technology in the extrication world.  Read…

Yesterday the department had a barbeque in the hopes of recruiting some new members to the fire department. Although only a handful of new people came by for a hot dog or burger, it was loads of fun. I guess looking back the reason it was fun was because no one complained about the department or SOPs or gear that's not new. The guys put up the ladder and demonstrated with some of our junior program members the proper techniques for climbing the ladder. There is something to be said for kids…

The Fire Chief of my home town has had a YouTube video made about him. I’m sure most of you are familiar with the format; it has been used hundreds of times on YouTube. It is the famous Hitler rant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYJNoicuGeA&feature=player_embedded

Hitler sits at his desk surrounded by his staff of officers, all the…

What makes a good exercise for firefighters?  Any?  All?  Well, if you want to get technical then "yes and yes."  Today I want to give a quick upgrade for the row movement, firefighters, emts, and paramedics are asked to lift heavy things in akward and unbalanced situations.  Keeping this in mind, I often ask firefighters how and if the exercises that they perform on a regular basis challenge their balance, strength and core.  The DB Row is a great exercise and with a few manipulations can…

           This story is  from the International Association Of Firefighters own  Online Blog  the story  is Discusting and  Each and every Firefighter  Paid and Volunteer   Need  to Look at this and recognize  The ignorance in  depicting  Firefighters  as abusers and  racists, using Firehoses   To  fed  off  African Americans, ( not unlike  race  riots  in…

if you havent seen the stuff about a 4 year old who is a son of a dallas firefighter you should really look at it. its so amazing and touching. it really makes me thank god for my wonderful daughter. im gonna see if any of the departments in my area want to do something like this for him or donate to the cause. Dyrk you are a hero and stay strong little buddy we are all standing behind you.

When you see this post’s title you may wonder, when would I need to do that.  The scenario is a rare one, however, what if a school bus crash causes significant crumpling of the roof effectively trapping the driver and students that are towards the front of the bus.  Here’s an option for school bus roof removal involving a coordinated effort with firefighters and a heavy wrecker.…

**WARNING**

This blog is in no way a replacement of or supercedes any and/or all Fire Department S.O.P./S.O.G.'s, or replace training in regards to fire ground operations.  This topic is to give a general understanding to firefighters in hopes to promote firefighter safety and improve fire ground…

A few weeks ago Andrew Brassard started a discussion via email about meat grinder rescue.  Below are some pictures and a couple points to ponder on this type of extraction from Brass.  Be sure to check out the Brotherhood Instructors LLC Man-In-Machine Operations class and find more training materials …

Marijuana Warehouse on Fire

What seems like a part of a movie

actually happened in Zagreb,

Croatia. Firefighters from Fire Station 5

Dubrava were dispatched on

potential Roof Fire. Upon arrival crews

find smoke showing from Roof

but was fire on Warehouse which was

suppose to be a Mushroom growing

plant.

After some…