Thinking back on my 14 years with the Las Vegas Fire Department as a Firefighter/EMT-I, I realize that it was one of the most challenging, strength finding, and courageous things I’ve ever done in my life. I am a proud retiree and feel truly blessed. A good and wise friend told me, “that was another life; we all have many other lives.” I think I really understand that now and will cherish it.

The aerial apparatus has come a long way since it was first introduced in the early 20th century. That evolution has left fire departments with serious choices: rear-mount or mid-ship-mounted aerial device, ladder or platform — or ladder platform.

Any truckie worth his salt will be happy to tell you that truckies are LOVERS, but not in the romantic sense of the word. Instructors have used the mnemonic acronym LOVERS for years to assist firefighters in learning the six prime tactical functions of a truck company: ladders, overhaul, ventilation, entry, rescue, and salvage.

One of the most critical systems on today's aerial apparatus, regardless of type, is the vehicle's stabilization system. You know, the jacks or outriggers that keep the truck in its proper position, that is, vertical while we use the aerial device to accomplish emergency tasks.

If your apparatus pump freezes, so too does your ability to fight fire; take these steps to keep your rig ready when the thermometer falls.

Was wondering if you could do me a favor and list what you believe to be the most significant changes/trends in the past 10 years of the fire service.

Continued improvements in storage battery technology, and the advent of light-emitting diodes as a powerful general lighting source, have hastened the development of lightweight and portable lighting equipment.

Not so fast! Are you still telling your stakeholders what YOU need or are you telling them what THEY need? In his best seller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the late Stephen Covey calls this “seeing the issue from the other person’s frame of reference and crafting your message so that it comes back to them through their frame of reference.”

So I did, and the CEO of the company picks up my call! Great customer service and I’m not even a “buying customer”! I can only imagine what you folks do for the people who buy your products!

The leaders of most U.S. fire department are struggling to make ends meet these days. Smaller departments, and particularly volunteer fire departments, are facing real challenges when it comes to having apparatus that's ready for duty.