Benefits of Stretching

Unlike athletes firefighters and other first responders don't know when "game time" will be. It could be at 7am or it could be at 11pm but in any case we need to ensure we are at our best when the alarm goes off. As we know, we cannot predict when runs will come in and when they won't but preparation of our bodies before and during shift is just as equally as important as preparing our gear, tools and apparatus. Further, being able to wind down after runs is just as important as preparing for the shift and the potential call volume. This will help prepare the mind and body for work.

So where am I going with this?

I'm going with a focus on stretching. That's right. Stretching.

Stretching, even a short routine, added to your daily routine is a great benefit for overall health and wellness and pays off large dividends. It could be used as a pre-workout or a post-workout routine or both. Stretching can help unwind and release tension after a hectic day or even a long duration run as well as assist in increasing energy levels.

Here are some health benefits to stretching that help can keep you on the path for a long shift in the firehouse and overall better health.

1. Improves flexibility and agility which is important for all firefighters
2. Helps keep a decreased resting heart rate. A health heart is vital for all firefighters
3. Increases the circulation of blood and oxygen to the muscles
4. Helps remove waste from tissues such as lactic acid which is built up during intense exercise. Sometimes causing painful, sore muscles.
5. Helps prevent injuries
6. Increases overall mood and well-being.

Stretching at its best could be used a form of exercise for the body and mind. Keep in mind to only stretch as far as your current level of flexibility and over time the range of motion will gradually increase.

6 Stretches to do everyday to help improve flexibility, blood circulating, oxygen levels, relieve stress and tension. Do all 6, three times for 15-30 seconds each.

1. Quadricep stretch

2. Hamstring stretch

3. Calf raise

4. Spinal twist

5. Kneeling hip-flexor

6. Chest opener

Always remember, before beginning any type of exercise program to consult with your primary physician first.

Side note: As per the 2018 NFPA Journal on firefighter injuries, there was an estimated 58K plus injuries estimated in 2018 and also the lowest since the NFPA has been analyzing this data in 1981. In this report it was noted that the major type of injury during fire ground operations were strains and sprains, which accounted for 38% of all injuries while it accounted for 59% of all non-fire ground injuries.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

Avoid Exhaustion through Healthy Eating

Exhaustion and burn out are common in all jobs. It's inevitable not to feel exhausted or burnt out from time to time and that's OK. Exhaustion can begin long before the end of shift or the end of your day. Again, that too is OK. When thinking about it and looking at the cause, is it because of the workload? Personal issues? Health? Let's look at the latter. 

As they say, "you are what you eat" and that is in fact true. We can work out all we want. We can lift weights, do bodyweight exercises, cardio, train in our PPE and still feel burnt out and exhausted. Why is that? Simply, it's our nutrition. What we eat has a direct relation to our energy levels and our diet plays a large role in how we produce energy to function through our day.

If in doubt, ask yourselves these 2 questions: 

1. Do I have the right amounts of food in my diet?

2. Am I consuming a diet filled with enough nutrients?

By choosing the right nutrients to consumer in our diets will greatly impact how we maintain and keep energized throughout the day.

Nutrient Dense Foods

Focus on consuming lean meats, whole grains, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. Two key nutrients known to help the body produce energy are Magnesium (also good for headaches) and vitamin B. These 2 nutrients can be found in foods such as spinach, avocados, and bananas.

Regularly Eating

Eating small meals every 3-4 hours (if possible) will help in fueling our metabolism and keeping you energized and full.

It starts with Breakfast

Having a nutritious breakfast consisting of healthy proteins (eggs, chicken, almonds, lean meats, etc.), complex carbs (longer to breakdown and provides lasting energy levels such as oats and wheat) with some fruits and vegetables will fuel your body and mind to begin your day properly.

Smart Snacking

Snacking is good if it's done wisely. Nutritious snacking should contain lean protein and fiber-rich carbohydrates to provide lasting energy. Have an apple, nuts, seeds, carrots, or low fat Greek yogurt. Snacks are not intended to fill you up, but to simply bridge the gap from one meal to the next while keeping you energized.

Hydrate

When we feel like we need energy, it's easy to pick up and energy drink or coffee. However, most caffeinated drinks are filled with added sugars which could cause a spike in blood sugar levels and add to a mid-late day crash. Further, dehydration plays a role in fatigue and exhaustion. Swap in the sugary drinks for water and eliminate the added sugars and unwanted/needed calories.

Keys to Hydrations

Hydration varies from person to person. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:

About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men

About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women

These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20 percent of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks. Remember, proper nutrition throughout the day will assist in daily hydration. Some examples of foods for hydration are watermelon & spinach (almost 100% water by weight)cucumber, broths/soups and herbal teas to name a few.

The next time you're in need of a boost or a quick pick me up consider the options mentioned above on shift or at home. The more nutritious foods we put in our bodies the better we are able to perform.  Stay ready instead of have to get ready. It starts with you. 

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

Prepare to Perfrom

We are only as good as our last performance but we are also only as we prepare ourselves to be. Preparation begins long before the call comes in. It even begins before any preplanning is done and crew training. It's done, with one's own self. It's called knowing your job and performing it as if it's the championship game each time you're working. Each firefighter is responsible for their assignments and should know their job better than anyone else. On the flipside, each member of the crew should know their fellow firefighters responsibilities just as well as their own. Without knowing and understanding your role and roles around you even knowing the role above you, success is much harder to achieve and days with lower manpower will impact the rate of success.  

Some will say strategic planning is something for the command and company officers to worry about. I disagree, this is something each firefighter needs to be thinking about in some capacity. Without it, responsibilities cannot be done as efficiently and voids cannot be easier filled. When looking at this in a sports perspective, the great dynasty teams all had one common denominator, great preparation and an understanding of each other's roles. If we take the New England Patriots who won 3 Super Bowls from 2014 until now went by the mantra "Do Your Job" which stood for one thing, know your responsibilities better than anyone else on the field and understand the big picture that is looking to be achieved. By doing this, success will come. The same goes for the fire service. The more each member of the crew knows and the better they prepare, the easier a day on the fire ground becomes.

Here are a few steps on how to prepare to perform.

1. Know your role and own it. Be able to understand and explain to others the ins and outs of your role clearly. 

2. Know and understand the other responsibilities of your crew. This helps become multi-dimensional and can easily back fill other roles should there be a short staff or other circumstances that may arise.

3. Consistently train on your responsibilities and rotate through training on other responsibilities as well. By doing so, it bridges any gaps and helps develop a more unified crew. Example using engine company ops: On a 4 man engine, there's an officer (assumes back-up role), driver, nozzle firefighter and control firefighter (also assumes hydrant duty).  This is a prime example of how firefighters are responsible to one role and yet assumes another role. Continually practice in such roles plays dividends when it is used in the field. 

• Use your resources such as google maps to get aerial views, side views and street views of buildings you want to have specific plans for and even use it for the frequent flyers. Never take anything for granted.

• Develop a plan and train on it consistently and then develop contingencies and train on those. 

• Ensure all crew members understand the strategies and tactics and can clearly explain them. This helps show everyone is clear on the assignments. 

Preparation is key to successful fire ground performance. How you prepare is how you perform. Train accordingly.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

The Social Media Fire Service

In today's world, almost everything is accessible with the press of a button with many of today's arguments behind a keyboard or smartphone finding faults or flaws in what others do or say. As the world changes, the fire service changes. Experience, response area demographics, training and years on the job all play a part in our individual wealth of knowledge and while many share this, others seems to want to tear it down. Is it for personal gain? Or is simply to hide their own insecurities?

There's a growing trend across the world and in the fire service world, called the "Social Media Warrior" trend. Many of you may recall this as being the "Monday Night Quarterback" before the dawn of social media where we'd sit around the firehouse kitchen table, in the bays or day room and critique other departments calls we buffed or heard from a scanner but in any sense, the term has evolved into a worldwide social media trend on all aspects. Nowadays, everything we do and say has potential to be posted on social media for all to see. Sometimes it's good. Sometimes it's bad. 

The fire service has seemed to have been a victim of the social media warrior, as many firefighters sharing training tips, fire departments posting pictures (with reason) of scenes they've worked on find themselves at the hands of a keyboard warrior critiquing their training and operations without adding any valuable insights or takeaways. Granted no one is going to ever please everyone -- I get it but what I'm saying is there's always a time and place for negative banter and social media commenting in my opinion, isn't one of them.  

Is this benefiting the culture of today's fire service? Or is this a hindrance to its growth?

As a fire service family regardless of status (career, volunteer, per diem, etc.) we are all privileged to do this job and should live by that notion to not only improve ourselves but assist in the improvement of the firefighters around us. It's one thing to point out others flaws and assist in correcting them but it's another thing to point out those same flaws to mock them. 

The fire service is known for traditions of honor, commitment and loyalty, to name a few and as such, paying it forward is the best way to keep those traditions alive and avoid bringing downs others.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

A New Decade

As we enter a new year, a new decade, we want to say thank you to all of our friends, followers and partners we’ve had throughout our journey and those we gained this year. Each and every one of you has helped us become better at what we do and helped us provide meaningful content to the fire service.

The next year will be a great year for us as well add more speaking engagements to our list and look forward to spreading our message to more people and more departments.

Without any of you, we couldn’t do what we do. When we started this, we didn’t expect the type of support and response we’ve received and we are wholeheartedly grateful for that.

From all of us here at The Firehouse Tribune, have a happy, healthy and safe New Year.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

-FHTribune Staff

The Engine Company Chauffeur

Arguably one of the most critical assignments in the fire service is transporting firefighters to and from a call…safely. The firefighters in the back of the cab and the officer riding next to you rely on you to get them there safe and sound. Further, should this be the engine company chauffeur they rely on you to provide them water during fire suppression. Not only do these brother and sister firefighters rely on you, so does the other crews responding as well, the IC, the people who called for help and above all the families of yourself and your crew your chauffeuring to the call. If you want to be a chauffeur or are currently one here's a few tips I've learned and utilized when driving the engine.

1. Know your apparatus inside and out. Knowing where tools are, how to operate all equipment and how to maintain the apparatus go a long way. This tells the crew you're confident in your job and can support them while they're at work should anything go bad.
2. Know your district. Knowing your district shows the difference between a "driver" and a "chauffeur". One is someone who is simply driving the firefighters and apparatus to a scene while the other is knowing the inner circle of the role and making it their livelihood.
3. Drive with a purpose but drive safely. There's no rush to get there, take your time but be alert. Just because there's lights and sirens doesn't mean everyone else will move over or see you. Follow all traffic laws to ensure a safe arrival to the scene and back.
4. Know your hydrant locations or have a good understanding of where they might be. This will help with establishing a water supply quickly. Also, with today's modern technology, a lot of departments have tablets with maps showing hydrant locations. Take a look at them so it isn't a scramble while enroute.
5. Know your place. Proper engine apparatus is vital and should be passed the building leaving room for the first due truck. Also, this helps the officer and firefighters going in to see 3 sides of the structure for size ups and fire attack purposes.
6. When on scene, ensure a secure water supply is properly in place.
7. Ensure cross-lay is fully flaked out of the hose bed or static lay is connected.
8. Monitor the radio for instructions from the engine company officer to charge the line(s)
9. Monitor the radio for all radio traffic. This will help assist the IC should any urgent messages be missed.
10. Secondary eyes. Perform a size up of your own and as conditions change let the IC know. Remember, the IC is one person and can only see so much, as a first due engine this is a way to assist with valuable information to help crews on the fire ground.
11. Monitor the panel. Communicate water and fuel levels to the IC as they change.

It may be a lot of tips but this role calls for a lot of work, effort, knowledge and leadership. Remember, for that call, that shift, that moment, all trust and reliability relies on you. It's your apparatus and the trust is all in you. Get them there safe.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 18 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.

The Engine Company Doorman

As we know each position on the engine company is an integral role to the success or failure of the job at hand. Each role is unique and plays an important part in the grand scheme. Like chess each firefighter is just as important as the other and how they're utilized is most important. In this case, it's the Door Man. A role that isn't spoken about much and like many departments today, is often times combined with the roles of back-up firefighter due to staffing limitations yet the responsibilities are crucial and play large parts during fires.
Here are some quick tips for the door man.

1. Back-up the hydrant firefighter. Ensure the cross-lay is emptied from the bed or assist with the static lay connection.
2. Know your hose estimates. Should the static lay be used, estimate the amount needed before connecting to the engine (better to go more than not enough)
3. If there is a back-up firefighter, assist in flaking out the line from the front to the back-up firefighter.
4. Prevent kinks in line. Choke doors as the line goes through.
5. Eyes on the structure. Monitor fire conditions at the doorway(s) and/or stairwell(s) and report any deteriorating conditions.
6. Next man up. Should the nozzle firefighter need to be relived, it's your job to step up.

There it is, quick tips for an often overlooked position on the fire ground however a role that plays dividends to the success of the fire suppression team.

Until next time; work hard, stay say & live inspired. 

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 17 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.

Dedication and Commitment

In order to be in the fire service, each person needs to have a level of dedication to the job and a level of respect for the job. A few years while training in marital arts I had the opportunity to train with a professional MMA fighter, who at the time was in the UFC. Currently, this fighter who I won't mention is now retired from active competition. During this time, I would only train on the techniques while at school I trained at 3 days a week. That was until I met and trained with this pro fighter who did train with former UFC Middleweight and Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre. While training with him, I learned tons of techniques, gain valuable tips and other tidbits of information I could use in competitions and also in other facets of my life especially as a firefighter. Along with the information he shared, he asked me one question. "How would I train if no one was watching?" He went on further to say, because we all want to put on a show when the cameras are on us. After that conversation, those words had me reevaluate my training to see if I had that same level of enthusiasm and dedication as I did when I was training by myself or with other people outside the MMA gym and off the baseball field. To be honest, it wasn't as fulfilling and once our training was over, that question changed my course and enhanced my personal wellbeing and dedication to my crafts. 

Why am I telling this story? Because just as a professional athlete will train with or without an audience, us too as firefighter should train. 

This fighter made mention that no matter where he was training he dedicated himself 100% each time he was in there. It didn't matter if the coaches were around or he was alone, he made sure it was everything he had for that session. Cellphones, selfies and social media were nonexistent to him while he was training and for obviously reasons, the work paid off and never took any of it for granted.

Since those training sessions, I took that advise and used it for myself as a firefighter and would like to share them with you. 

Dedicate yourself to the job in the firehouseand also when out of the firehouse. Utilize as many resources as you could to better yourself as a firefighter. Do not just attend certification courses at a fire academy but also read educational books (which my book shelf is now loaded with), understand the changes in the service and how you could adapt to them. To go even further, attend fire service conferences with or without departmental funding so you could attend seminars, see new advancements and network. Networking pay huge dividends when it comes to advancing yourself and gaining wealth's of knowledge from fire service leaders. Also, read and stay on top of NIOSH reports in order to understand the line of duty deaths and the findings reported after the investigations. Make your body your machine and develop a healthy lifestyle through physical and mental fitness along with proper nutrition for an optimal lifestyle worthy of the functionally fit firefighter. Always ask yourself, would you want YOU rescuing YOU? 

Fire doesn't care of your status, career, part time, per diem or volunteer so why should you train yourself as if it's a job I just need to get through to retirement or a volunteer gig I do as a hobby?

Think about why you started with in the first place. What made you sign up for this?

To be successful and dedicated to the fire service it takes hundreds of thousands of hours of dedication and commitment to the books, in the gym, in the firehouse and on your own time to be a battle ready, battled tested firefighter. The time to prepare isn't when the bell rings because then it's too late. To be battle ready is to always stay battle ready. 

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 17 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.

Re-Present Yourself to Represent Your Department

From the time we enter the academy to the time we are sworn in as firefighters, we are training to become a better version of ourselves. Even after we graduate and begin our time as a firefighter we are still training each and every day to improve ourselves to become a better version of ourselves but what about the department and community we serve? They say the name on the helmet represents the department and the name on the jacket represents who raised you. Well, what if the name on the helmet and the name on the jacket are not only being represented by you but your “re-presenting” those names through you? 

Think about that for a minute. The 2 names on your uniform are being “re-presenting” through you. The town, the communities and other agencies know the department on the helmet and may quiet possibly know the name on the jacket but it’s how the names are carried and “re-presented” that makes the difference. It’s easy to put the uniform on and go to work but it’s another thing to put the uniform on and go to work with humility, honor and respect. Ask yourself these questions when you’re “re-presenting” the names because this is how you are “re-presenting” your department and your name to others.

1. Am I respectful to my boss and my crew?

2. Am I humble?

3. Do I respect the job?

4. How do I want these names to be “re-presented” to my fellow firefighters and the community?

5. Am I training hard each and every day to improve myself mentality and physically?

6. Would I be able to lead myself?

Being a firefighter and wearing the uniform isn’t a right, it’s a privilege. A privilege many people wish they had and a privilege that can be taken away at any moment. Be conscious of how you act and speak when wearing any part of that uniform on and off duty, it’s showing how you present yourself and also how you are “re-presenting” the names on that uniform. So do a service to your department, the community you sworn to protect, your fellow firefighters who ride alongside you, your family and most importantly yourself and “re-present” them the way you would want someone to “re-present” you. 

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 17 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.

Blank Slate

This past year my wife and I were blessed to welcome the birth of our first child. For those who are parents know the thoughts that go through your mind; joy, excitement, nervousness, and worry just to name a few. The last 7 months have been the most amazing and important yet difficult time we’ve ever experienced.

Each day we watch our son grow, learn and take on life. He learns a little more and more about himself and us each day and us the same about him. The one thing I’ve noticed as he discovers life and becomes his own little person is his impressionable innocence. Everything he’s exposed to and everything he’s taught is absorbed like a sponge.

The same is true for those entering the fire service. New recruits come in as an empty slate who, for the most part don't know anyone or how anything works and will absorb everything they hear, see and read like a sponge. In order to keep the fire service family and brotherhood alive, it is upon us, the current generation to do our best to not allow any negative emotions or feelings towards a fellow firefighter and departmental policies be absorbed by the newer generations coming in. The best thing we could do is to look at the things we don't agree with and turn it into a positive remembering why we signed up for this job. Just like babies, new recruits are excited and have an eagerness to learn, grow and a hunger to prove themselves worthy of this job. So let's embrace the newer generations entering the fire service and show them that although there is downsides to what we do, we can always walk in with a smile on our face,  have an eagerness to learn and a willingness to always pay it forward with the hopes of developing the generations to come.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 17 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.

The Dance of Life

I'm sitting in my room, studying with an intensity I didn't know I had. It's the mid 1980's and I am in middle school. My mom and I had just moved from Philadelphia, PA to Augusta, GA for her first military assignment. It might as well be a different world. There aren’t any Philly cheesesteaks and sports teams that I’m used to seeing. Yet, in this very different place, there is one thing I feel connected to; the very thing I am so intently studying: Breakdancing.

Middle school is an age where I wanted to fit in and be cool. Being prolific in breakdancing isa ticket to coolness. I carefully read, and reread my beloved practice poster (yes, there is a practice poster for breakdancing). I watch and study MTV like a must-see webinar. And the movies! Oh, I watch every single one the day it is released. Now, I’m not really all that good. Dreamsof being a dancer on a rap video are just dreams. But I can spin around on my head and not get sent to the hospital. I work at honing these skills leading up to the next military assignmentthat my mom and I take to Belgium, then Germany. During my high school years, I find to secure the social life I want, I amgoing to need to learn different dances for different occasions. Sure, breakdancing is a great fit for house parties, but what about the Semi-formal winter dance or the Formal Prom. If I amgoing to get dates and not look like a fool, I am going to need to dabble in the right kind of dancing to move my social life along.

Advancing your career with training and education is a lot like learning the right dance. All of the dances are great, but serve a different purpose.

• Dances at the house party is down to earth, wild, sometimes crazy or zany. In your career, this equates to training in the fire service. The drills for new people. Improving the skills of tenured people. Working with other stations and units. There is a general way it should be done, but there is room for creativity.

• Semi-formal dances have a bit more structure. These are your conferences, conventions, 1-3-day trainings. Going to regional schools. Going to FDIC and FRI. They are home grown classes that may have originated at the fire station, but are now on a bigger stage.

• Formal danceshave set expectations for how the event is happening. Dress like this. Move this way. These include official college certifications and formal classes such as Fire Officer I. They take more time and have a set structure. That structure allows for your education to be comparable to others across the world. It helps to measure your investment. It helps to increase your creditability.

Just like my dance life, you will do the most good for yourself by attending all the dances. Over reliance on station training may mean not keeping up with best practices. Over reliance on college and other formal training classes will lead to understanding theory, and not practical application. You are advancing your fire service life; your fire service career. Be sure to take part in training and education in all three parts to be ready for the big dances that are coming. And you won’t need to spin on your head, either!

Ordinary People Have Extraordinary Impact.

About the Author

 NICK BASKERVILLE Nick has had the honor of serving in the United States Air Force for 10 years, followed by 4 years in the United States Air Force Reserves. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6). Nick also has 18 years of fire service time, with 15 years of that being in a career department in Northern Virginia. Nick has had the opportunity to hold positions in the Company Officer's section of the Virginia Fire Chief's Association (VFCA), The Virginia Fire Officer's Academy (VFOA) staff, and as one of the IABPFF representatives to the Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance. Nick is one of the many trainers for Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) to offer awareness and prevention training about cancer in the fire service. Nick has the honor of being one of the many contributors for The Firehouse Tribune.

You Have Just One Job

 "This shouldn't take too long." I'm not talking to anyone;that's just the thought in my head as I get ready to clean the bathroom today. On the first floor of my house there is a half bath that is just after the front door, on the right side. It's just close enough to the door that if you pull in to the parking space, Dukes of Hazzard style, and busted through the front door to use the bathroom, you can make it without an 'accident' happening. The bathroom needs cleaning. I go to work using an assortment of cleaners; being careful not to cause a hazardous environment needing 911. Now, it's time to mop. That is also the time things go in a new direction. I go to the hallway closet a few feet away on the other side of the hallway. I see a mop handle sticking up, but there is all this stuff in the way. I start cleaning the closet to get to the mop to clean the bathroom. I now have two bags of things to throw out, brooms and other floor cleaning devices neatly arranged, but no mop. A wide area search (of a townhouse, mind you) leads to finding the mop in another bathroom upstairs. To recap, I have cleaned the closet, to find and clean the mop, so I can finish cleaning the bathroom. But while cleaning the mop, I notice there may be a leak coming from the sink I used. So, after cleaning the closet to get the mop, I found and cleaned the mop, then found the leak, then cleaned up the water from the leak to clean the, uh…what was I supposed to be doing again?

At that moment, I see myself in a place I have been before. Perhaps you have found yourself in that same place. I have one thing on my mind to do. In the process of working on that one thing, I accomplish 3 or 4 other things. Never what I set out to do in the first place. Once I realize the situation I am in, it was easy to tell I didn’t use my focus habit.What habit do I use to keep my focus? The yellow sticky note habit.

People who have worked with me have seen and made fun of my yellow sticky note habit. I admit, it's definitely a little odd. I can't remember how I got started using it, but I've done if for a while. I take two 3-inch yellow sticky notes and stick them together back to back so the sticky parts are at opposite ends. Now I have a 3-inch paper that I can write on both sides. On only one side of the note, I write the date and everything I want to try accomplish that day. The rest of the day, the list resides in my pocket. Periodically for the rest of the day, I look at my list and see what I have done, and what I still need to do. Whatever I don't finish, goes on the list for the next day.

Time has taught me that the size of that paper doesn't allow me to put more on it than I can finish in one day. I stay focused, keep track of my progress, and I can evaluate if what I'm doing is more important that what is on my list. I use this at the station, at the office, and sometimes at home. I get laughs about my list at the station, at the office, and sometimes at home. I find that I am more efficient and productive at the station, at the office, and sometimes, at home.

My habit for staying focused may not be for you. It doesn't have to be. We all, however, need some way to keep focused on our intended tasks. Completing tasks, completes objectives. Completing objectives, completes goals. And completing goals is how ordinary people have extraordinary impact.

 About the Author

 NICK BASKERVILLE Nick has had the honor of serving in the United States Air Force for 10 years, followed by 4 years in the United States Air Force Reserves. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6). Nick also has 18 years of fire service time, with 15 years of that being in a career department in Northern Virginia. Nick has had

the opportunity to hold positions in the Company Officer's section of the Virginia Fire Chief's Association (VFCA), The Virginia Fire Officer's Academy (VFOA) staff, and as one of the IABPFF representatives to the Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance. Nick is one of the many trainers for Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) to offer awareness and prevention training about cancer in the fire service. Nick has the honor of being one of the many contributors for The Firehouse Tribune.

Nick is also a member of the public speaking organization Toastmasters. He holds an Advanced
Competent Bronze (ACB) certification. He also tells personal narrative stories that have been featured
on shows for The Moth, Better Said Than Done, and Storyfest Short Slam. Follow more about storytelling
and public speaking for purpose at Story Telling On Purpose (www.stop365.wordpress.com)

The Engine Company Search

A critical role and sometimes often overlooked or undervalued is the engine company performing a search. Normally, the truck company is assigned to search and rescue operations however due to limited staffing in many departments across the country, it’s not surprising to be on a hoseline and performing a search (also, a value added role).

Before we can discuss ways to search off a hoseline, here are a few considerations for conducting search and rescue operations.

Questions to consider when determining search operations

1. What areas of the building are being determined as primary search areas?

2. Are there any factors or clues from the incident that are assisting you in determining which areas the search is to begin? (i.e. Possible victims, location of fire, type of structure etc..)

The Primary Search

1. Make it quick. This a quick attempt to remove victim or if on a hoseline, remove the fire and protect the victim.

2. Be quick yet thorough. Check all areas where victims may be even ones that are tenable and safe for a quick search.

3. Trust your senses. Use your eyes, ears and touch.

4. We carry in hand tools for a variety of reasons, use them. Using hand tools to extend your reach off the wall or off your partner can help extend the area of the search and cover more ground in less time. This is especially true for residential homes and small to medium size spaces.

As we just discussed the key points of a primary search, here are 2 ways we can search while operating off a hoseline.

2 Man Hoseline Search

One way the engine company can search a room is allowing the nozzleman into the search room while the backup completes a search of the room. In some instances, the officer and the backup are the same person. If this is the case, the nozzleman will guide the searcher through the room as if it was a quick oriented search. It is to be noted that the nozzleman should place themselves just inside of the doorway. This will allow the searcher a point of orientation and smoother hose advancement once the search of the room is complete. If this is the fire room, it will allow the searcher to move the victim to a safe place of refuge (if need be) while the nozzleman advances in and suppresses the fire.

3 or 4 Man Oriented Search

Same rules apply as if an oriented search was being completed by the truck company. However, this time the nozzleman will advance down the hallway between the adjunct room(s) allowing the searcher(s) and the officer (oriented person) clear access to the room(s). This operation must be predetermined prior to putting in place and practiced before use.  From here, the officer will monitor conditions of the room along with the location and status of the searcher. Searchers will use traditional search methods (right or left hand quick primary sweeps of the room). Once completed, the nozzleman and crew will advance.

Keys to remember when searching as an engine company

1. NEVER pass up fire!

2. Use the TIC to ASSIST the search. Never allow it to take OVER the search.

3. The search should be systematic and towards the fire

4. Communication of doorways AND victims are key

5. Chase and remove all kinks in the hose

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired

Discipline

We have all heard the word Discipline in many different ways through the course of our lives and careers. For those who listen to the Jocko Podcast know the worddiscipline to be used to explain freedom. As Jocko says, “Discipline Equals Freedom”. So what does discipline mean for us in the fire service?

Discipline can mean a lot ofdifferent things. It could mean an act to obey an order or a prescribed conduct/behavior. For me as a firefighter, discipline is doing the right thing even when it isn’t noticed by others and it also means always doing your job.

A disciplined firefighter is one that will take pride in his or her job at all times. This person will ensure they are alwaysmentally and physically ready for. They will make sure their uniform and gear is clean and ready to be worn when called upon. A disciplined firefighter will continually take pride in their job by washing the trucks and cleaning the station when needed. They will also tend to all the tools and equipment, ensuring they are clean, fueled, and 100% ready to go.

A disciplined firefighter will consistentlykeep training in many different ways. They will read books, articles, and do research on new tools, techniques, and advancements. They will also keep training their bodies physically to be fit for duty. They will make sure to set aside time for working out and eating right. For most, this will become a way of life and hopefully not just for them, but for their entire crew and family as well.

Perhaps most importantly a disciplined firefighter will share their knowledge and experiences with the younger members to instill a sense of pride and discipline into the new generation of emergency responders. This is critical because the younger generations look up to those of us who have been around for a long time. They tend to model their behavior and tendencies to that of the more experienced crew members. If we are sloppy, careless, and not disciplined they will also be. On the flip side, if we are squared away and disciplined they will be too.

When the bell goes off, everyone needs to know what is being asked of them and what their job is. When working on the fire ground everyone needs to work together to achieve the common goal of solving the problem presented. Being a disciplined firefighter will allow you to do your job efficiently so that everyone goes home.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

 About the Author

 NICHOLAS J. HIGGINSis a firefighter with 16 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ as well as NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor and currently a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation. A martial arts practitioner in Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai as well as a former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Nutrition Coach and studying for the Functional Fitness Instructor certification.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website.

What’s Black, White, Yellow and Red All Over?

Honestly, it is a pretty awesome flag. The Maryland state flag. It is a rectangle piece of cloth with the colors black, white, yellow, and red. I am accustomed to seeing flags with different shapes and colors. My time in the military has made travel around the world possible. It’s probably because I have been bombarded with so many flags, I typically don’t give them a lot of thought. Ironically, I didn’t come to realize the greatness of the Maryland flag by living in Maryland. I realized it by working in Virginia.More than a few times someone would ask, "Why do you Marylanders love that flag so much?" Another Maryland native would typically answer, "Because it awesome!"Honestly, he’s not wrong.

The Maryland flag is on every possible thing possible. EVERY. THING. Look for a Virginia flag helmet sticker. Can’t find it. A Maryland one? Twenty versions. The flag is on beach towels and coffee cups. It was on a plane from Southwest. A Plane! Although I don't completely identify with loving the Maryland flag, I get it. It's what it symbolizes. When a true Maryland native looks at the flag, he or she can smell the old Bay food seasoning. Taste the blue crabs. The roarof the cheering crowd at the University of Maryland games is deafening. Seeing the flag can take you to a great place for a person from the state of Maryland.

Everyone who encounters the Maryland flag can be broken up into three groups: 1) Diehards who value the flag highly, 2) People who don't fully get it, but think it pretty cool and 3) those who simply see it as a piece of cloth with colors. One symbol, three different views. All three views can be debated. As usual, none actually wins. Your interpretation of an object can be as different as the people who see it. So, what's the truth?

Unless you live under a rock, you know the US is having some major debates about flags. From the confederate flag to the American flag. There is nothing in this post that will ‘win’ the debate for one side or the other. Yet, in the workplace, in the fire service, or where ever one encounters groups of people will need get work together despite the version truth they see.

Pastor John Gray did a talk for Soul Sessions where he talked about “The Bridge”. A place where two people can meet even though they don’t agree with one another. “The Bridge”, is a safe place for thorny conversations to happen without major conflict. As a leader, or aspiring leader, are you creating bridges? If you have not experienced the following know that it is coming: people on your team will disagree viscerally about a topic, yet still need to work together. Using what I have seen on the smaller, more lighthearted matter of the Maryland flag, try getting your team, crew, office to go AOR:

• Accepting someone else’sbeliefs

o Accepting is not agreeing. It is just noting that another point of view exists. “Yes, I see that the Maryland flag means a lot for you. I don’t get it. But I value your point of view.”

• Open, but not rude about your belief

o I sometimes hear people say “I’m not trying to be rude, but…” Most times, people are looking for a way to not use tact when stating a point. This normally leads to bigger conflict. Instead, start off with “My perspective” or “My belief”. You are not judging some else’s thoughts, just stating your own

• Remembering what you came to do

o A contingent of people from my Virginia Fire Dept went to Ellicott City, MD to help with the flooding situation. I’m not there, but I’m willing to bet no one is judging the Maryland flag. No one is judging ANY flag. People are there to help the mission: get people out of harm’s way.Do you know your organization’s mission? Vision? Values? Successful groups should have individuals with some of these things in common. As a leader, you will need to remind peoplewhat is common among them. Get people to focus on the common mission, vision, and values instead of the different flags.

Flags are important symbols for people. They embody a great number of values. Evoke a great number of emotions. All of which can vary from person to person. As a leader, you will be tasked with taking people and uniting them not under one flag, but under one mission. Different people. Ordinary people…who will have an extraordinary impact.

About the Author  

 NICK BASKERVILLE has had the honor of serving in the United States Air Force for 10 years, followed by 4 years in the United States Air Force Reserves. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6). Nick also has 18 years of fire service time, with 15 years of that being in a career department in Northern Virginia. Nick has had the opportunity to hold positions in the Company Officer's section of the Virginia Fire Chief's Association (VFCA), The Virginia Fire Officer's Academy (VFOA) staff, and as one of the IABPFF representatives to the Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance. Nick is one of the many trainers for Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) to offer awareness and prevention training about cancer in the fire service. Nick has the honor of being one of the many contributors for The Firehouse Tribune.

Nick is also a member of the public speaking organization Toastmasters. He holds an Advanced Competent Bronze (ACB) certification. He also tells personal narrative stories that have been featured on shows for The Moth, Better Said Than Done, and Storyfest Short Slam. Follow more about storytelling and public speaking for purpose at Story Telling On Purpose (www.stop365.wordpress.com)

When It Rains...

It's just another day at work. More things to do than time in the day. I'm at the fire station, making my way up the stairs to fit in what I can. Up the stairs, I make my way down the walk way and take the second left. I open the office door just to drop off my coffee cup. Training is about to happen and I don’t want to be late. I don’t turn on the light, at first. But what is that sound? It reminds me of running water? That doesn’t make sense. There is no water in the office.

I turn on the light and oh my, what a sight!One of the ceiling tiles looks more like a cloud instead of a part of the ceiling. It was full of water and beginning to rain down on the entire office. The air condition system is located in the ceiling, just above the office. I have heard stories of how it leaked before. I now have my own story.

As a new officer, I'm still working through the gut reaction to be in the thick of the problem. To get directly involved on fixing the problem hands-on. On this day, however, I activate a skill that have cultivated for years.A skill perfect for this situation. That skill?Ignorance.I understand what to do with a busted hose line. I understand what to do for a spill for muriatic acid. I know nothing about what to do for a leaky ceiling. I knew enough to know, however, that there was a problem. Even officers know water is not supposed to come from the ceiling. Sizing up the situation, I knew I need more resources. Downstairsare 2-3 firefighters who would know exactly what to do. I went downstairs and hustled back with a strike team of people to handle with the problem.

What did I do? I took two steps back and supported the plumbing strike team while they worked. I handed them a wrench when asked. I held the ladder when needed. I called the maintenance person for the long-term fix. As things are windingdown, the Battalion Chief stopped by. Chief’s seem to either have a 6th sense or hidden camera that tell them when to stop by the station."Where's the guy in charge?"All fingers point to me in the corner coordinating with the HAVAC vendor on when they can fix the problem.

Sometimes being in charge means letting the right people use their skill. Especially when you don't have that skill. I have learned something long ago that I have just managed to put into words. I don't have to be the smartest person in the room in order to lead the room. Let the ordinary people have the extraordinary impact.

 About the Author

NICK BASKERVILLE has had the honor of serving in the United States Air Force for 10 years, followed by 4 years in the United States Air Force Reserves. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6). Nick also has 16 years of fire service time, with 13 years of that being in a career department in Northern Virginia. Nick has had the opportunity to hold positions in the Company Officer's section of the Virginia Fire Chief's Association (VFCA), The Virginia Fire Officer's Academy (VFOA) staff, and in the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF) as a chapter president, a Health and Wellness committee member, and one of the IABPFF representatives to the Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance. 

Truck Company Operations: LOVERS__U

The fire service loves acronyms and we have a lot of them. For this discussion we are going to talk about the old acronym for all you truckies out there – LOVERS_U. Before we get into the acronym and details of it, let’s first talk simply about truck company ops.

Truck operations involve a variety of tasks; forcible entry, search, rescue, ventilation, ladder operations (ground/aerial), overhaul, etc. Nowadays with the lack of manpower, squad and engine companies may be needed to perform these operations at any time on the fire ground and are equipped with the tools to do so. Some engine companies may need to perform both truck and engine operations due to lack of manpower or the absence of a truck on scene and vice versa for companies who run quints.

Well here we are, a truck company; what do we do?

Let’s being here with LOVERS_U:

1. Size-up (Yes, truck has its own size up to do). Everything we do on the fire ground calls for a scene size up (and a continual one) to better help us make smart tactical decisions to effectively complete our tasks especially with ventilation. Can this start the LOVERS_U? Hmm….

2. Forcible Entry, if needed (for searching and fire suppression). Sometimes the doors may be unlocked so like they say, “trybefore you pry”. This action should be determined quickly upon arrival in the case of victim removals. Please remember to keep this simple. Remembering your basic tools such as the irons, a hook and/or saw along with variations or combinations of each, can save time and get the job done. The key here is to know your tools and how to use them efficiently.

3. Search (Rescue, if needed). This is very important because we are not only searching for victims but searching for fire both of which may or may not be identifiable from the outside which is why searching is critical on the fire ground. Let’s remember searching for fire can also be done by the suppression team as well. Don’t forget your TIC.

4. a. Ventilation for search team (Vent for life). By venting for life, it is allowing a lot of the thick, black smoke remove itself from the structure giving search teams inside better visibility and time for locating victims.

b. Ventilation for fire suppression (Vent for fire). By venting for fire, this assists the fire suppression team in making an easier push to the fire and much easier extinguishment. This is done with very precise communication between your crew, the suppression team inside and the IC. If done haphazardly, this can be catastrophic.

5. Ladder the building (ingress, egress, vertical/horizontal vent). Every window accessible should have a ladder on it for emergency egress and also for access to the roof and 2nd floor windows for vertical vent. Why not throw a ladder up while heading with your crew to your assignment? Kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

6. Overhaul/Salvage. Once the fire is determined to be out, now it’s time to get inside and open the place up. This is to look for any hotspots and perform another search should any victims have not been found. During this operation, SCBA is still required along with a TIC and hand tools. Using tarps are also considered to help salvage as much property as possible and avoid any smoke and/or water damage.

7. Utilities. This is also known as shutting  down the utilities. Depending on where the utilities are located, this is done by either an interior crew or an exterior crew. Having control of gas, electric and water will help increase the safety of all fire service personnel on the scene.

Now that we discussed primary responsibilities of the truck company, we can now collectively say we have described and discussed LOVERS_U. For all those on truck companies or working with truck company responsibilities keep this acronym in your toolbox when pulling up to a scene, during your pre plans and in your training. It’s a valuable guide to helping you get the job done efficiently, effectively and most importantly safely. 

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

 About the Author

 NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 16 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ as well as NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor and currently a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation. A martial arts practitioner in Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai as well as a former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor and studying for the Functional Fitness Instructor certification.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website.

The Unexpected Church Lesson

My kid, Baby Girl, is a church baby. If you're not familiar with what that is, allow me to explain. A church baby is a kid that,from birth, has been raised and mentored in all things church. And I mean ALL things. He or she in the church children's choir, even if the "gift" of singing isn't theirs. He or she is apart of the children's ministry, even though they never ask to be. He or she is expected to go to children's bible study to learn all the rules that grown folk break. He or she gets dressed in the latest clothes for the latest church holiday. The duty of church baby lastsfar longer than being an infant.Baby Girl is 6 but will always be a part of the church baby alumni.

Church babies do get a stipend. This is normally paid out in candy and one-dollar bills. More so candy, than money. Still, not a bad weekly haul. The people who fund these payments are the elders of the church family, Pastor, Church Mothers, and Church Uncles and Aunts. Ever since she was born, Baby Girl has gotten candy and money from these elders. Except for one person. One Church Mother, small in stature, with big glasses and an even bigger smile. She makes payments in the form of books. Ever since Baby Girl was born, this wise Church Mother regularly, and unassumingly, gives her one or two books every few weeks. From church stories to Dr. Seuss.From classics Church Mother read as a kid, to new storiesfor the new ages. Baby Girl loves the books! She looks forward to the books. And when she gets new books from Church Mother, we absolutely have to read them right away.

I love the books too! Beyond the colorful characters and simple adventures, there is always a wise nugget to learn. A bit if knowledge to be bestowed. Something that when I want Baby Girl to understand life, I can refer to one of the many books we read. Question for you: What books of wisdom and knowledge are you giving people? We all make our way through life collecting books; wisdom and knowledge. Have you shared your books with anyone? Younger members of your organization? Of your group? Of your family?

Passing on wisdom and knowledge should come from wise elders and thought leaders, right? When I sometimes feel I have nothing to offer anyone, I remember this statement that was told to me: “To the third grader, the fifth grader is an expert.”You don’t have to know all the answers to life to enrich some else’s life. Give what you have. You have no idea how much someone would enjoy your story. That seeming ordinary story, that can have an extraordinary impact.

 About the Author  

 NICK BASKERVILLE has had the honor of serving in the United States Air Force for 10 years, followed by 4 years in the United States Air Force Reserves. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6). Nick also has 16 years of fire service time, with 13 years of that being in a career department in Northern Virginia. Nick has had the opportunity to hold positions in the Company Officer's section of the Virginia Fire Chief's Association (VFCA), The Virginia Fire Officer's Academy (VFOA) staff, and in the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF) as a chapter president, a Health and Wellness committee member, and one of the IABPFF representatives to the Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance.

The Initial Stretch

The engine company’s main job is to go in and put the fire out, right? Well yes but there’s a lot more to it than just that. For starters, without a thorough size up and hose selection, the task of fire suppression may be a bit more difficult than you think not to mention a preplan of your first due structures and strategic and tactical decisions prior to arrival but those topics are for another time and another day. Let’s also not forget any SOGs or SOPs the department has in place regarding fire attack and hose line operations as each department does things a little differently based on factors known to their department.

The engine company officer on the first arriving engine they have the job of determining the hose line used for the initial fire attack. This decision is critical to how the operation goes from this point on. Determine your hose line is determine by a few areas.

1. Size/type of structure

2. Size, location and extent of fire (if known)

3. Manpower

4. Needed fire flow

5. Method of attack

These items listed are critical in determining which hose line is chosen for any given job but not always used based on the job.

So, the engine company officer determined which line they want pulled for their initial attack; now it’s time to make the stretch. Simple right? Well not, exactly. First off, practice and coordination with your own crew along with other crews going in will make for a smooth or bumpy initial attack. Determining your length of hose will be based on these areas but remember not all are for each job.

1. Method of entry (front, side or rear of structure)

2. Location and extent of fire (if known)

3. Building size (1 length per floor with vertical distance of 10-12 feet)

4. Apparatus distance to the front door

5. Pulling from a preconnecthosebed?

The method of entry is key since there are cases the front door may not be an option and a long stretch is needed to the rear of the structure or even a side door or window. In these cases, a preconnect may not be the best option. However, using a high-rise pack can help increase the lengths to your hose line. The location and extent of fire goes hand and hand with the method of entry since a smoother and quicker attack may be warranted by a different means of entry. This will all depend on an initial size up and 360 of the structure which can be done by the chief officer, if on scene before the engine.

Normally, residential structures are around 2,600 sq. ft. and most are 2 - 2 ½ stories. The first stretch will determine the rest so make sure the stretch from the apparatus to the FRONT DOOR is estimated properly.  After making the front door, it’s now time to determine your stretch to the seat of the fire and knowing where the location and if it is close to a stairwell will help determine this stretch. Keep in mind the rule of thumb for hose stretches is 1 length per floor. Oh, and don’t forget the stairwell if you’re advancing up to a second floor or down to a basement, each flight of stairs will require 1 length of hose.

So, we made the stretch and found the fire room, we did it! Well not so fast, there’s still more work to be done. What’s our nozzle?

Combination Fog Nozzle:

1. Constant Flow Adjustable Gallon Nozzle

2. Low psi Hi Volume Auto Fog Nozzle

3. Automatic

4. Adjustable GPM

5. Fix Variable

Constant Flow Adjustable Gallon Nozzle:

1. Stream is from wide to narrow fog patterns and a compact straight stream

2. GPM setting: 95-120-150-200 when pumped at 100psi

3. Adjustable GPM

Low psi Hi Volume Auto Fog Nozzle:

1. Stream rang from wide to narrow fog and a compact stream

2. Nozzle flows at 200 GPM when pumped at 75psi

3. Fixed GPM

Smooth Bore:

1. Flows unimpeded from the hose through the bail and out the tip and moves at high velocity.

2. Allows for better reach and deeper penetration before it loses mass and breaks apart.

3. Excellent thermal penetration due to increased mass & velocity of the stream and rapidly cools all radiant heat sources along with the primary fuel source simultaneously.

4. Under heavy fire conditions, it allows for fire knock ahead of you rather than having to move closer to it.

Determining the hose size, hose stretch and reach is vital to a successful fire attack. These can be practiced prior to the call in the firehouse, at department burns and through preplanning. These determinations can also be practiced without even pulling hose. Setup cones distances apart and make each cone part of a scene. Make 1 the apparatus, 1 the front door and 1 the seat of the fire. Firefighters will now have to visualize a structure and estimate the lengths of hose needed to make each cone. Granted nothing is better than going out and pulling hose but for quick indoor training to get each other thinking, it does the job.

Let’s get out there, train and remember to never forget the basics.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

 About the Author      

 NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 16 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ as well as NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor and currently a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation. A martial arts practitioner in Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai as well as a former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor and studying for the Functional Fitness Instructor certification.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website.

A Perfect TIN

My choice of title may have you question my high school diploma. It may also have you question if I understand the difference between self-confidence and being self-absorbed.  Rest assured, my diploma is valid, and many of life's lessonshave kept me humble.After spending just over a year on an ambulance as a probationary supervisor, I learned a number of things. Three of those things that come to mind can be put together in the acronym TIN:

• Theory

• This is the starting place, not the ending place. When I left home after high school, I thought to myself "Now I get to show my mom I know what I'm talking about!" like so many folks leaving home, I knew the answers that I came up with would carry me though life. Most of those answers didn't last the first year. Life as a new supervisor was no different. I already had 10 years of supervisory experience from the military. Yet, this first year I found myself tweaking and adjusting how I thought things would go. As the military saying goes, "No plan survives contact with the enemy." What theories do you have that are awaiting contact with real life situations?

• Information

• When I prepared for the promotional process, there was an exercise where I interactedwith role players to show my interpersonal skills. I knew that the role player may have info that I needed. If I didn't ask for it, however, Iwasn’t going to get it. So, when it was brought to me that there was a difference between what I thought was happening my first year, and what was actually happening, I realized I didn't have all the info I needed. After talking it over with my boss, I completed a 360-degree survey at my station. I gotfeedback from my boss, other supervisors, and the firefighters there. I found where my Theory was working, and I found where it wasn't. I didn't make all the changes recommended, but I did change my approach on a number of things. Sometimes, you won't get information unless you ask for information. When is the last time you asked for more info?

• Network

• Having a network is huge! You've used your Theory. You've gotten Information you didn't have before. Still coming up short on leadership answers? No problem. Phone a friend from your Network. Your Network is a grouping of people you respect and depend on to be the best version of yourself. Getting the insight and perspective of another person can be just what you need to get on the right track. Who gets to be in your network? Your mentors to start with. Getting advice from someone who cleared the path of wilderness before you can help greatly. Respected peers are some others. I was lucky enough to be at a station with 6 other supervisors that I interacted with. Each person was able to provide me with an angle I may not have considered. Don't have 6 supervisors where you work? Connect with others in your organization. Join professional groups. Attend local conferences and trainings to network with people. Finally, don't forget about the people you know, that know nothing about your job. One of the best relationships I've had thus far, is the older gentleman I used to ride with to the men's prayer breakfast. As we rode, I would just soak in all the life wisdom he was nice enough to bestow on me. Who are you calling in your Network to be a million-dollar supervisor?

Are there more lessons that I learned I that year? You bet! I’m still digesting some of them. Luckily, being a good supervisor is a process. One that I hope to get better at every day. All with the hope that one day, I’ll be an ordinary person, who had an extraordinary impact.

About the Author

 NICK BASKERVILLE has had the honor of serving in the United States Air Force for 10 years, followed by 4 years in the United States Air Force Reserves. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6). Nick also has 16 years of fire service time, with 13 years of that being in a career department in Northern Virginia. Nick has had the opportunity to hold positions in the Company Officer's section of the Virginia Fire Chief's Association (VFCA), The Virginia Fire Officer's Academy (VFOA) staff, and in the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF) as a chapter president, a Health and Wellness committee member, and one of the IABPFF representatives to the Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance.