In this week’s Chief Chat, Fire Chief Jason Caughey emphasizes the importance of attending to small details. He discusses how wearing proper gear and effective radio communication can significantly impact broader performance and safety. Caughey highlights that many line-of-duty deaths are linked to poor communication, an area often neglected. He urges fire service members to avoid complacency, maintain closed-loop communication, and adhere to standard vocabularies and protocols. Caughey concludes by urging organizations and individuals to periodically reset and refocus on competence and safety without sacrificing performance.
More from Chief Jason Caughey
Lessons from one station build help drive a second design
It’s essential to establish clear rules, expectations and training for all command functions
Crews should also practice “playing in context” to keep skills sharp and relevant for real-world incidents
From technology to mental health, here are the key factors to consider when planning a station that will stand the test of time
The kind of footage worth studying — and replicating
