Lessons Learned

This is a perfect example of something that should never happen again. If we learn from this fire departments failed demonstration it doesn't need to happen again. Some ideas: chock the wheels, flatten the tires, perform the demonstration on level ground. There is no need to bash the department, simply learn from their mistake.

Below are just some of the videos that were recommended by the FB Brothers. I will add that this article was a quick idea I had after all of the great examples shared...and then I sat down and watched all of the videos, one by one. I was holding it together until the Pipes started playing on the Kyle Wilson Tribute video...then I lost it.

Moscow, Idaho firefighters work hard to get a handle on this house fire. The fire apparently started in the garage and spread to the house. At least one vehicle burned as well. As firefighters try to get under the hood to silence the horn, the passenger side airbag explodes.

As for learning how to actually extinguish fire, simulators don't seem to be a reasonable trade off. Even after hours of classroom to learn fire behavior, building construction, reading smoke, extinguishing agents, hose and appliances, water streams, and all that other stuff I feel that actual firefighting in the very least a Class B burn building is necessary to effectively teach what it is like to put out a house fire....and I mean a hot and smoky class b burn building with plenty of fire.

So here’s your chance. Write out a draft policy on social media/networking for members of your department. Chances are good that most of you don’t already have one in place. Be serious about it as your work might be a catalyst for change, and could help prevent your department from experiencing some of the problems we’ve read about – and will continue to read about. Check our you current disciplinary process to be sure your draft policy is fair and legal.

An Alpine Township (Michigan) volunteer firefighter is suspended after using his lights while tailgating another vehicle. The incident is being considered a case of road rage. The driver thought he was impersonating a police officer.

Firefighters in Kugluktuk, Nunavut Territory, Canada lose control of their hoseline just long enough to give another firefighter a huge spray of water right to the face. No doubt this had to hurt. I am just wondering why you would post this on the internet.

Ok readers, this new column titled “Lessons Learned” will be my attempt to write about my experiences. Just to put my experience into perspective, I am a career firefighter with 10 years on the job. My current rank is Lt. ...