Chris DelBello

Training & Tactics

Chris DelBello is a 31-year veteran of the fire service. He currently holds the rank of senior captain with the Houston Fire Department, working in the Midtown District. He is also the district training officer, which encompasses all the stations in downtown and midtown, and holds a Training Officer II certification. DelBello also serves as a captain with the Fort Bend County (Texas) Emergency Service District. Connect with DelBello via email.

LATEST ARTICLES

Firefighter command training drill

Fire Command Ready

Command drills for every IC

Focusing on command post location, VES tactics, high-rise incidents and mayday events

April 16, 2024 03:47 PM

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Safety

How to survive: Entanglement scenarios

Use the swim method, grab your wire cutters and get help from other crewmembers

April 07, 2024 10:58 PM

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The Ultimate Guide to Ventilation

Vertical ventilation: The officer’s responsibilities

First things first: You do not get to cut holes anymore!

February 26, 2024 11:10 AM

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The Ultimate Guide to Ventilation

Where to cut: The building construction impact on vertical ventilation

Know the construction methods, decking types and design approach that could impact your rooftop operations

February 26, 2024 10:59 AM

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Ventilation

Vertical ventilation: Proposing a new way to cut a big hole

This simple method for a quick cut on a pitched roof allows for fewer cuts and safer operations

February 25, 2024 11:18 AM

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Ventilation

Horizontal ventilation and PPV: Back-to-basics tactics

While not the preferred method of ventilation in the modern era, horizontal ventilation remains a valid option in some circumstances

February 24, 2024 11:20 AM

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Ventilation

Vertical ventilation: A firefighter’s ladder-to-roof guide

Back to basics – sounding and walking on the roof, using roof ladders, working from an aerial, cutting the hole and punching through

February 23, 2024 11:22 AM

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Making the cut: The definitive guide to firefighting tools

Get inside your forcible entry and search tools

Your go-to options include a Halligan, roof hook, flathead ax, force wedge, thermal imager and flashlight

November 13, 2023 05:15 PM

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Fire Attack

The leader line: When you need fast water

While not a replacement for the gated wye, the leader line is a great option at fires that require longer stretches

July 20, 2023 11:10 AM

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Level Up Your Mayday Training

Advanced RIT training: Remix your drills

This unique mayday drill is highly realistic and physically demanding

July 17, 2023 10:27 AM

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