From Captain David Konys Dealing with manpower issues is a problem that I deal with at the department where I work and where I volunteer. I am always looking for ways to maximize our manpower and it starts on the training ground. I usually have a three man engine crew and when we […]
Don’t Be That Guy… See the Whole Picture
Author: EHT Lead Instructor Captain Steve Heidbreder I would like to recount to you a lesson learned during a recent structure fire I arrived to as the first-due engine company. The following incident was a vivid reminder to me that sometimes we’re just lucky. Sometimes we miss something and get our company in a position […]
Opposing Forces
A common question that is posed from current and prospective officers along with engaged firefighters is “how do you deal with superior officers or an organization that doesn’t want to move forward?” First, it’s not always the organization or the superior officers that are the sole problem. I’ve seen good, engaged, enthusiastic firefighters circumvent the […]
Opportunities for Training: Not Just on the Drill Ground
Many times we pass on opportunities to train or learn something although many situations lend themselves to doing so. Look for ways to incorporate the situation or circumstance that you are dealing with into a learning moment. The pictures below are of a company training on aerial ops with a candidate operator. It was a […]
Don’t Wait for Your Ship, You Might Miss It!
In recent weeks I have had the opportunity to be involved in both sides of the promotional process: as a participant and as an interviewer. Both are stressful and will challenge you. You must be able to pull from your training, education, experience and coaching in both circumstances to arrive at a positive decision and […]
You’re a New Officer: Don’t Try to Save the World all at Once!
As progressive, engaged and enthusiastic firefighters, we all took classes, trained hard and created an image of the way we would be when we got promoted. We would do this and we would do that, damn the consequences and those we might piss off. But, when we got there, it may not have all gone […]
Figuring Hose Stretches: Company Drill
Here is a quick drill for figuring out hose stretches for larger complexes or properties with long set backs. The key is to get out and figure this out long before the call comes in. Share and add your own information to it. Click to Download this Company Drill – EHT Hose Stretch
For the Prospective Fire Officer: Prepare
I started a new video series and am presenting a new class at FDIC 2015 called “10 Commandments for the Company Officer: A Guide for Success off the Fireground.” The class touches on 10 things for the new company officer to consider for success in the firehouse and dealing with his members. In the first section, or […]