Igniting Wellness in Every Firefighter.
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Trouble Sleeping? Help is on the Way
Brandon Dreiman discusses sleep wellness for first responders, emphasizing tailored strategies, the impact of shift work, and the shift in wellness culture prioritizing mental health and self-care.
3 min read
MD Firefighter Indicted in Alleged Station Sexual Assault
A Howard County firefighter, Xavier Dove, was indicted for allegedly groping a colleague and peeping on her. He faces charges including attempted rape and indecent exposure.
3 min read
San Jose’s Highest-Paid Employee Is a Firefighter With $1 Million in Overtime Over the Past Three Years
San Jose faces a $50 million budget deficit amid rising public safety overtime costs, with nearly 400 employees earning six-figure overtime as staffing shortages persist in fire and police departments.
6 min read
Why I Suck at Studying but Thrive in Chaos
Sometimes understanding your own wiring is the first step in turning frustration into strength. Keith Schumacher discusses how his ADHD provided lessons in fire service leadership.
8 min read
Off the Cuff: Performers and Stewards
A performer is focused on being seen. A steward is focused on making a difference. So who are you spending your attention on in the fire service—performers or stewards?
4 min read
Beyond the Algorithm: Firefighter Recruitment in the Age of AI
Among other changes, AI may increase the potential number of recruits for fire department positions. Michael Elhihi on how to best attract new firefighter candidates.
8 min read
Hope and Integrity in Hostile Times: Integrity and Survival
In fire and leadership, denial is deadly, but integrity is survival. John Doyle offers some other ideas leaders can use to mitigate the harmful effects of a hostile culture.
13 min read
The Fire Service Never Forgets: Social Media, Screenshots, and Consequences
Firefighters must be diligent about understanding the legal consequences we could face from our social media posts, says Michael K. Anderson. Illustration courtesy of Paul Combs.
7 min read
The Firefighter and the Professor: Prestige, Worldwide…Worldwide
Prestige can mean a variety of things, but it boils down to how people look up to you as a person, not just a title, writes Timothy Andrew Kussow.
6 min read
What Is Toxic Culture? And What Can Your Department Do About It?
Dr. Candace Ashby discusses toxic culture in fire departments, emphasizing the need for accountability, informal leadership, and self-improvement to combat negativity and enhance organizational health.
Video Shows Deputy Moved Waymo From Path of Fire Trucks After Oak Cliff (TX) Blast
A Dallas County deputy constable moved a Waymo autonomous vehicle blocking traffic during a gas explosion response, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of autonomous vehicle behavior in emergencies.
The Real Impact of Line-of-Duty Deaths
Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle discuss line-of-duty deaths in firefighting, emphasizing the need for prevention, mental health support, and the importance of active listening in recovery efforts.
3 min read
Son of Boston Firefighter Robert Kilduff Jr. Said ‘My Dad Was My Best Friend’ at Funeral
Boston firefighters honored Robert Kilduff Jr., who died in the line of duty.
5 min read
Fort Worth (TX) Firefighters Help Homeless Veteran and His Dog Get a Second Chance
The Fort Worth Fire Department and local nonprofits helped a veteran, Tom, and his dog, Jake, after they faced homelessness.
2 min read
What You Need to Know About Firefighter Reproductive Health
The episode highlights reproductive health risks for both male and female firefighters, emphasizing the need for tailored health support and gear design to address these occupational hazards.
3 min read
FDNY Lieutenant Michael Conboy Retires After 41 Years: ‘I’m Truly One of the Lucky Ones.’
FDNY Lt. Michael Conboy retired after 41 years, reflecting on his career of helping others during crises.
3 min read
CT Lawmakers Explore Expanded Cancer Screening, Treatment for Firefighters
Connecticut legislators plan to propose a law for specialized cancer screenings and treatment for firefighters.
6 min read
University of Iowa Hosts First Responder Wellness Symposium
The University of Iowa hosted a symposium to address mental health challenges faced by first responders.
4 min read
Appeals Court Affirms WA Department’s Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate Was Constitutional
A federal appeals court upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit by 18 former Bellingham city employees fired for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
3 min read
NYC Council Pushes for $4.5M to Fund 9/11 Ground Zero Toxin Report
New York city councilors are seeking $4.5 million to fund a report on 9/11 toxins.
3 min read
MI Firefighter Blood PFAS Study Hints at Foam Ban Impact
A Michigan study found PFAS levels in firefighters’ blood similar to the general U.S. population, possibly due to a 2020 ban on PFAS firefighting foam.
5 min read
Ex-Boston Firefighters Awarded Close to $300,000 and $200,000 for Comp Time Lose Case Against City
A Massachusetts appeals court ruled against two retired Boston firefighters, declaring that the city owes no additional compensation for unused comp time beyond their retirement payments.
3 min read
After Firefighters Questioned Bigger Police Raises, Charlotte (NC) Agrees to Equal Pay Boosts
The Charlotte City Council approved equal 10% pay raises for the fire and police departments.
3 min read
Councilman Questions NY City’s Department on Overtime Spending
Oneida City officials are addressing financial concerns regarding the fire and police departments’ overtime budgets, highlighting staffing shortages and the need for new revenue sources.
5 min read
Citing Better Pension Benefits, Firefighters Union Endorses NH Governor for Reelection
The Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire union endorsed Gov. Kelly Ayotte for reelection, citing her efforts to restore pension benefits and support cancer screenings for first responders.
3 min read
Grant Allows TX Fire Department to Purchase Safety Equipment
Greenville Fire-Rescue received a $10,866 grant to improve emergency communication for technical rescue teams.
2 min read
Judge Grants Norwich (CT) Access to Volunteer Department’s Firehouse and Trucks
New London Superior Court has granted Norwich access to the Taftville firehouse for emergency staffing, allowing paid firefighters to be placed there amid ongoing disputes with the volunteer department.
5 min read
Retirements Prompt Stow (OH) to Widen Firefighter-Paramedic Recruitment
Stow officials are expanding firefighter hiring efforts due to rising retirements and a lack of qualified candidates.
4 min read
Norwich (CT) Files Injunction to Take Control of Taftville Fire Department
Norwich filed for a temporary injunction to access the Taftville firehouse and implement paid staffing due to chronic response issues.
8 min read
FDNY Father and Son Both Honored With Awards at Annual Medal Day Ceremony
The FDNY’s annual Medal Day will honor Lt. Patrick Donlon and his father, Firefighter Timothy Donlon, for their heroic acts within a month of each other, marking a historic family recognition.
6 min read
Pittsburgh Fire Chief on Paid Leave Pending Results of Internal Review
Pittsburgh’s fire chief has been placed on paid leave pending an internal review related to bureau management.
1 min read