Fire Policies
Policies are the foundation for all operations in the fire service. From apparatus backing to anti-retaliation, policies set expectations, provide guidance, and protect firefighters and fire departments. This section highlights how fire department policies play out in the real world, while also connecting you with best practices for drafting, updating and ensuring accountability with policies.
Areas of focus included preparing for wildfire and WUI events, managing lithium battery fires, and new approaches to firefighter health and wellness
The driver was fired, but the department’s culture may still be on a collision course
Understanding the origin, meaning and controversy related to the thin red line flags
Reviewing policies and best practices for public safety personnel wearing face masks on- and off-duty
Critical tips for new officers running incident command, including an acronym to help control the scene
The program should address sound policy, equipment preparation, scene size-up, program implementation and post-incident reviews
Providing alcohol in the firehouse can serve as a mechanism to encourage socialization, but this also creates liability issues
Now is the time to focus on inventory control, non-structural PPE, EMS PPE, and PPE policy and procedures
Risk management expert Gordon Graham details how to combat the five reasons mistakes are made in public safety
Two simple ways fire departments can help members understand proper actions related to taking and sharing incident photos
Understanding the difference between hazing, bullying and training in the academy setting
Applying risk management principles to reduce fire engineer driving risks
Learn about tools that can help determine your department’s risk, as well as how to use policies and safe culture practices to reduce firefighter injuries
How company officers can focus on training in a way that underscores risk management essentials
Effectively reducing the risks facing your department and your personnel requires embracing this unique role
The NFPA’s recent proposal to add recertification has reignited the recertification debate
Detailing the information to share in a press briefing and how to build trust with the public and media
The research suggests that some municipalities may be better served if agencies from other municipalities responded
Public safety professionals of all ranks and positions can learn to convey messages of hope and resiliency
Reviewing fire department response challenges and solutions to these unique calls
In a campaign ad, Jackson Hinkle posted photos of him wearing Orange County Fire Authority gear and posing in front of a fire truck
Aaron Zamzow explains the connection between hydration and heart attacks, how water can help improve your performance, and more
Fire departments were not able to reach a gas company official for several hours and company officials were slow to provide vital information to first responders
If you’re exercising just for the sake of exercising, you might be selling yourself short
Curt Varone outlines conditions that prevent fire departments from firing at-will or probationary firefighters without cause
Good policies support a fire department culture of trust, and a culture of trust supports successful execution of a fireground strategy
Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel’s efforts to align how fire and EMS responses are measured includes “pot of meat” fires, dispatch time
Virginia’s police chief wants to raise the retirement age, but survey results of about 1,000 public safety employees show first responders are against the idea
Fire Services Training Institute honors Lexipol co-founder for his commitment and dedication to the fire service and public safety community
Haverford Township officials shut down the Bon Air Fire Company after it refused to part ways with a firefighter with ties to Proud Boys group
Combat hurdles to social media training by focusing on the right topics
Risk management and policy are vital to protecting your crew, department and community
