I was working with a consultant recently who listed "training requirements" as one of the deterrents to why people join or stay in the volunteer fire service. I told her that those words jumped right off the page at me and for the first time, I was offended by them.

We have to change our complete attitude towards training. It requires a 180 degree cultural shift from the way we approach training. They're not training requirements - they're training NEEDS!

Training is what we…

Getting the word out about what your fire department is doing for its community is a never ending task. But, it doesn't have to be an expensive or time consuming one if you're smart about it.

I write a lot. I mean a lot. I have my blog here and I also write as a featured blogger for the Buffalo News at www.buffnews.com/yourhub/southtowns. I also write frequent submissions for two local publications, the…

It is with great sadness that I must announce the passing of Michael V. Walters, former Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Emergency Services.

Mike Walters retired as our commissioner in December of 2005 and was diagnosed with cancer in September of 2006.…