Predicting the future of our noble profession is both challenging and an opportunity to start a broad, kitchen-table dialogue among today’s and tomorrow’s fire service leaders. So, what does the future hold for the women and men that answer the fire bell? How can individual members shape or at least influence our direction? Will the changing direction be a benefit or a bust? All will be revealed to us in good time. If you don’t like the way things are, just stay put for a little while and watch us evolve at a pace never experienced before the social media and Internet communications revolution.

This installment discusses what the future of firefighter accountability in the hazard zone might look like in the digital age.

The mishaps that have ended up in firefighter line-of-duty deaths associated with failing to have accurate and reliable firefighter accountability could fill pages. To drive home the need for and the reality of failing to have an effective hazard zone accountability plan, here is one of the most egregious systemic accountability failures.

ACCOUNTABILITY CASE STUDY
In October 1986, two firefighters were assigned to search above the fire floor at a two-story wood frame home. During this very difficult firefight, the fire was oddly continuously reigniting after knocked down. Couple the unexplained fire reignition along with a complicated operation, a fire alarm activation at the local hospital was dispatched. With city fire response resources depleted operating at a stubborn house fire, the decision was made to send a response from the on-scene companies. One engine and one ladder truck were released to take in the hospital fire alarm. As a result of the confusion (sometimes best described as the “fog of war”), the two members assigned to search the second floor were forgotten. They were not accounted for and not even thought of until shift change.

• What Might Our Future Hold: Fire Apparatus
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• What Might Our Future Hold: The Can and the Hoseline

The fire continued to flare up after each application of water, which made this response an extended operation. When the oncoming shift arrived at the house fire to relieve the operating crews, there were two members who did not answer the return-to-quarters radio request to start their well-deserved day off. Once it was determined that the two were inside the building, a search team was launched to the second floor. The search was quickly over with the two members being located. Both members were unresponsive and unconscious. Their bodies were found under a wall-mounted air conditioning unit. Apparently, the two men tried unsuccessfully to remove the obstruction to make an exit path to fresh air. The fire investigation revealed that the burning home continued to flash back to flames because the home was set up to steal electricity from the next-door neighbor. The electrical system was installed below ground and stole 90% of its needed electric power for many years and was unable to be disconnected by on-scene fire personnel. The hospital fire alarm was false, and the companies returned to the burning building. Not accounting for members operating in the hazard zone is unacceptable and fraught with extreme danger.

HAZARD ZONE ACCOUNTABILITY
There have been continuous and significant policy and

Two years ago, a devastating tornado tore through Little Rock, destroying homes, businesses, and the Little Rock Fire Department Station 9, the city said in a Facebook post Monday, March 31.

“Today, we break ground on its rebuilding—honoring the resilience of our firefighters, who, despite their own danger, immediately helped their neighbors,” the post said.

Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Fire Chief Delphone Hubbard, along side Vice Mayor BJ Wyrick, City Director’s Capi Peck, Lance Hines, Andrea Lewis, and Joan Adcock joined community members to mark this moment, not just as a step toward rebuilding, but as a testament to Little Rock’s unwavering strength, the post said.

“Today, we took the first step toward an exciting new future with the groundbreaking ceremony for Fire Station 9,” the fire department said in a separate Facebook post. “The level of bravery and professionalism the firefighters displayed March 31, 2023, amidst the crisis that led to the destruction of their station, shows just how dedicated they are to the community.”

This milestone symbolizes the start of something truly impactful, made possible by the hard work, collaboration, and vision of our community and supporters, the fire department said. A special shout out to Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Ward 4 Director Capi Peck, LRFD Personnel, Architect Bunny Brown, Wagner Construction, and Walnut Valley Neighborhood Association.

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EVERETT, Washington – The Everett Fire Department (EFD) is pleased to announce that it has received a grant of more than $56,000 from the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) and Amazon.com to replace its aging Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) packs, the department said in a news release. This funding will standardize RIT gear on all Everett Fire engines, enhancing the department’s firefighter rescue capabilities.

The GSF states, “The grant comes from the ongoing three-year partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation and Amazon to support heroes across the nation.”

Rapid Intervention Packs (RIT) are vital tools firefighters use during emergencies involving rescuing a fellow firefighter trapped or incapacitated inside a burning structure. Each RIT pack includes a pressurized air bottle, SCBA mask, various fittings for providing additional breathing air, and a 200-foot rescue rope, all designed to facilitate a swift and effective rescue. This equipment is intended to assist downed firefighters immediately and enable their safe exit from dangerous situations.

All firefighters within the Everett Fire Department receive annual training on using RIT equipment and practice simulated firefighter rescues in conjunction with SCBA drills. Quarterly training sessions further reinforce these vital skills, ensuring that all firefighters are always prepared for these types of high-pressure situations.

Assistant Fire Chief Mike Calvert highlighted the importance of the upgrade, saying, “Updating our RIT tools is essential for our firefighters’ safety in emergencies. This new gear enhances our interoperability with neighboring fire agencies by moving us to the same standards they are using.”

“At Amazon, we’re incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received from the Everett community,” said Dean Allsopp, Manager of Amazon Community Engagement. “As we continue to deepen our roots here, this grant is our way of acknowledging the dedication and bravery of Everett’s local firefighters and reflects our ongoing commitment to Everett’s well-being. We’re deeply thankful for their service and look forward to continuing our partnership with this wonderful community.”

The grant from the GSF, which supports veterans and first responders, underscores the commitment to enhancing safety and operational readiness in the community. The Everett Fire Department thanks the Foundation for its generous support in bolstering the department’s rescue capabilities.

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The Valdosta Fire Department (VFD) celebrated a time-honored fire service tradition March 25, 2025, with a push-in ceremony for its new Engine 1, the department said in a news release. The event, held at VFD’s Station 1, marked the official transition of the department’s older Engine 1 into reserve status and welcomed the new engine into service.

The push-in ceremony dates back to the era of horse-drawn fire wagons. In those days, after returning from a call, firefighters would unhitch their horses and physically push the wagon into the station’s bay. Over the years, this practice evolved into a symbolic tradition to commemorate the arrival of new apparatus. In keeping with another longstanding tradition, before the new engine was pushed into the bay, it was washed down—a ritual that represents a fresh start and readiness for service.

This year, the Valdosta Fire Department introduced a new element to the tradition by pumping water from the reserve Engine 1 into the new Engine 1 before the push-in. This symbolic act represented the continuation of service, strength, and dedication to protecting the community.

Before the ceremony began, Fire Chief Brian Boutwell spoke about the history and significance of these traditions. Battalion Chief John Herpin then led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Deputy Chief Marcus Haynes offered a prayer over the new engine. During the prayer, those in attendance circled the apparatus and laid hands on it, blessing the truck and the firefighters who will use it to protect Valdosta’s residents.

Adding to the special occasion, children from the Boys & Girls Club participated in the ceremony, witnessing firsthand the importance of community and fire service traditions.

One of the standout features of the new engine is its traditional bell mounted on the front bumper. This bell, which can be rung from the Lieutenant’s seat, pays homage to historic fire apparatus and serves as a symbol of duty, service, and honor.

Now officially in service, the new Sutphen Fire Engine 1 will respond to emergencies and serve the Valdosta community.

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