This is the second part of the keynote speech that Chief Ali delivered to the 13th Graduating Class of the Wake County (N.C.) Fire Academy.
Read More »Tag Archives: firefighters
What you know—or don’t know—about Millennials and Generation Z
By: Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer, with Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell In a recent post on FireRescue1, Rachel Engel, associate editor of FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com, wrote “While many fire service leaders still consider millennials to be the latest department newbies, it’s those in Generation Z (aka, Zeds) that are peak-rookie age.” She went on to ask, “What should fire service leaders know ...
Read More »Firefighters: Always be Humble and Kind, Especially to Each Other
By: Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer Humble and kind. Firefighters are known and respected for their caring and compassionate nature whether dealing with human tragedy on a call or standing outside in the rain to “Fill the Boot” for MDA (the Muscular Dystrophy Association) over Labor Day Weekend. So, why can we be so unkind to each other? A couple ...
Read More »Firefighters and Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems
Many people, especially those outside the fire service, believe that residential sprinkler systems cause more damage than the fire because we continue to let the builders and developers control the residential sprinkler agenda. Those same people do not know that sprinkler systems keep the fire from rapidly growing to the point that it can trap occupants or inflict substantial damage on the structure.
Read More »PTSD: My New “Friend”
By: Nathalie Michaud After I received the diagnosis of my PTSD in late Summer 2014, I was partly relieved because now I knew why I felt and thought the way I did. It didn’t make it any easier to accept, but now that there was a name for it, a bit of the “ET” syndrome went away. I had choices: ...
Read More »5 People Die for Lack of Residential Fire Sprinkler System
Without a residential fire sprinkler system, this fire quickly grew to a size and magnitude that engulfed the majority of the structure before the first firefighters even arrived on scene. Those firefighters were faced with an overwhelming situation from the very beginning.
Read More »Watch the 2014 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Live
Each year on the weekend that closes National Fire Prevention Week in the United States, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation conducts activities and ceremonies that honor the brave men and women who lost their lives in the fight against fire in the 365 days since last year's ceremonies. This year both the Candlelight Vigil and the Memorial Ceremony will be live streamed across the Internet and available for satellite download by cable TV providers in local communities.
Read More »Thoughts on Changing Fire Service Culture
Changing our culture? I saw this piece from Chief Robert Avsec on LinkedIn and I couldn't help myself so I posted my comments on the LinkedIn Group. Chief Avsec (the author) contacted me and asked me to use my comments as a Guest Blogger, so here I am.
Read More »