Pro- Active R.I.T

By: Billy Rector

Rapid Intervention often has a negative connotation associated with the function and responsibilities because it often does not involve firefighting or direct involvement with fire ground operations.  I could not disagree more; Rapid Intervention can and should be taken as the most serious of jobs on the fire ground, ensuring that all of the firefighters operating make it safely out and return to service.  Too often do you see RIT companies "staged" in the front yard with their ceiling hooks jammed in the ground, coats half open, bottles thrown all around, and a stokes basket over-loaded with useless equipment not ready to make an impact.

Click "Read More" to right to continue

Never Forget

On September 11th, 2001, our world changed forever. 343 firefighters that do the same job that we do died doing what we love to do, due to terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center buildings. Every year on this day Capitol Fire Training LLC likes to recognize the 343 firefighters that made the ultimate sacrifice. May they never be forgotten. The list below stands as a memorial, and will remain for years to come, in honor of all the firefighters, who passed away on September 11th, 2001. They are alphabetized by lasts names as well as the company they are from highlighted.

Click "Read More" to right to continue

Taking the Tools to the Job #4

By: Robert James

K-12 Saw & Pro-Bar Compliment

This trick is great for the roof or outside vent-man position. This is a great way to transport your Pro-bar and the K-12 saw at the same time allowing you to free up an extra hand to carry another tool. Simply take the bar and turn it sideways passing it under the handle of the saw. Slide the bar down so that the shaft is resting next to the motor of the saw, wedging itself in between the motor and the handle. Rest the “adz” of the bar on the top of the depth guard, with the pick facing down for safe travels up and down the ladder.

(Note: Do not do this while the saw is running, and before climbing any height with the tools in this position assure that the Pro-bar is secured tightly before climbing a ladder.)

Click "Read More" to right to continue

Radio Maintenance

By: Sam Villani

For most Firefighters, changing the battery in an assigned portable radio at the start of the shift is a part of a ritual of transition as the rig and personal gear are checked and deemed fit for duty. This battery change is all most departments require their personnel to do for their portables, assuming that the radio will do it’s job so long as it has a ‘fresh’ battery. For the most used piece of equipment we have, we make an awful lot of assumptions- that this radio will work when we press the PTT button, will change channels, and has a battery that isn’t over cycled despite being ‘fresh’ from the charger. The portable radio deserves better. It deserves a proper check. It requires the same scrutiny we give our SCBA and other vital pieces of equipment we reply upon. I will share with you a good checkout for your portable radio, leaving you with increased confidence in this crucial piece of equipment. I will also share with you a comprehensive maintenance program used by one fire department.

Click "Read More" to right to continue