Mutual Aid

Control your tech before it controls you

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:22:00 +0000

As a fire chief, the need to communicate with your officers and personnel is critical, but have you reached a point of communication overload?

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Chief of the Year Awards present opportunities to share good news

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:56:00 +0000

Bad news spreads faster than good news — and thanks to social media, it spreads in nano seconds. Whether a fire chief is accused of altering drug prescriptions, driving teens to prom on a fire truck or failing to perform during crisis response, millions know about it in the blink of an eye. But the fire and emergency service also is filled with good news and inspirational stories that I wish more people heard.

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No-confidence vote in Boston fire chief shows cultural divide

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:15:00 +0000

Is it better to promote within to meet the cultural demands of a fire department, or should cities feel free to bring in outside people for new ideas?

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Successful succession is no accident

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:07:00 +0000

Business literature has numerous examples of successful businesses built on the model of visionary chief executive officer who drove the organization to high performance but neglected succession as part of his or her vision and responsibilities. These companies often floundered if not outright failed.

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Top 5 warning signs of firefighter depression, suicide

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:53:00 +0000

By Jeff Dill -- FBHA workshops encourage fire departments to “Challenge with Compassion." Here are the five most-common warning signs of depression. If you see firefighters who display these five signs, step in to help.

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Wish you were here

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:03:00 +0000

A sea of navy-and-gold uniforms filled the lobby of the Washington Hilton. Fire chiefs and officers gathered small groups to prepare for their meetings on the Hill with congressional leaders. There was an amazing buzz, as chiefs checked their notes and schedules before departing in taxis or shuttles.

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Are you ready for a mass-casualty incident?

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:51:00 +0000

The fire chief -- especially those whose departments handle EMS, rescue and hazmat response -- owns most mass casualty-incidents (MCIs).

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Applying fire-prevention strategies to public-health initiatives

Wed, 08 May 2013 20:56:00 +0000

The fire service successfully has mitigated community risk through fire prevention effors and suppression systems. These efforts have made significant inroads at reduction of community fire loss over time. Applying similar prevention strategies could transform our nation’s public health from an obesity epidemic to one of community wellness.

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How is America Burning 40 years later?

Fri, 03 May 2013 15:35:00 +0000

America Burning provided a pathway for a federal role in overcoming the American indifference to fire protection and prevention.

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Evidence of need for a stronger voice in Washington is in the absences

Thu, 02 May 2013 17:01:00 +0000

Congressional leaders need to see you and hear from you, and the best way to do that is to go to Washington, D.C., next week for the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s 25th annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars.

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