What Happened?
A few weeks ago, a couple of fellow firefighters and I were doing a public service project for several groups of kids varying in ages from 8-15. We dressed several of them in different pieces of our structural gear and explained how it protects us. Then told them how much it costs. “WOW…”
The question was asked, “Is it hard to become a firefighter?” And, “How much training do we have to do to become a firefighter?
I said how many hours it is and compared it to days of school. I explained that one of the basic things we have to do is get all our gear on in 60 seconds.
I was not anticipating what happened next.
As if it was planned, in unison, several of them said, “Can you do it!?!”
Of course, my fellow firefighters laughed and joined in, “Yeah, Charlie! Can you do it!?!”
I have more grey hairs than years since I was timed doing this. But, of course, I had to accept the challenge. Magically, someone had a stopwatch available on their phone.
I placed my gear on the ground in front of me. They agreed to let me take my shoes off. And with a loud “GO!” from the kids, I was off!
Slipped my hood on; stepped into my boots (I almost tipped over); pants up; suspenders over the shoulders; waistline secured (belly slightly in the way); swung my coat around and slid my arms in; buckled up; left glove on; right glove on; helmet on, clipped and snugged; Done!
They all looked at the timer…:46 seconds!
The kids cheered, the adults laughed, and I didn’t bring it up again with the other groups. I was just glad it was less than my age.
Now, this was all in fun. But it was a good reminder of getting back to the basics and what is needed for your department. There are plenty of tasks and duties at an incident.
Not everyone needs to be on a handline and nozzle. Not everyone needs to climb ladders and put on SCBA. Not everyone needs to carry extrication tools and cut apart a vehicle.
You do need a safe driver and good pump operator. You need traffic control. You need someone to keep watch over the incident to make sure it is as safe as can be.
You also need to document what went on during the call. The importance of incident reports.
We’ve all heard, “If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.”
Dispatch will have the initial incident as it was called into them and times. But do you have a local report with more information and details while responding and on scene?
Did you notice anything while responding? Cars or people in the area?
What did you notice when you arrived? Smoke color? Did conditions change? Was there evidence or something suspicious? Where did that grass fire seem to start?
Weather conditions? Were there skid marks? Did you unhook a seatbelt?
You may have to have everyone write down what they did and what they saw. After you calm down, you may remember more details. Gather that information and tabulate it.
If an investigation takes place, you may need to provide more information. Your incident report might have clues. Perhaps an investigator will point out something and have questions for your crew.
Insurance companies may request information on how many responders were on scene, equipment used, and time on scene to provide payment to a department.
If you had to go to court, would your report have enough information to help your department or an investigation? As mentioned, some incidents may require more detail.
The 2025 SDFA Membership dues letter will be coming out soon. Keep a watch for it in your department mail and email. We will be having a few changes and updated information you will want to keep on hand coming out.
I like to think of Thanksgiving as a time to review the year. To give thanks for what we were given, enjoyed, and endured. For the moments and memories of who we have, and of those we had.
Although, I thank God on a more frequent basis than once a year for keeping me safe, healthy, and fulfilled with what I need, I always enjoy getting together with family and the beauty of this time of year. Then end my thoughts with a smile and an Amen.
I hope you can do this, as well.
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
Charlie Kludt,
SDFA President