NEWS

Firefighters 'shaken' after car crashes into station, feet from where crew was seated

_{INDEPENDENCE, Kan. (KAKE) - One person was injured after a crash behind a Fire and EMS station in Independence on Sunday morning.}

The Independence Fire/EMS Department says crews responded to a motor vehicle accident behind the Fire-EMS station at 11:17 a.m. Sunday. On-duty staff reported via radio a loud explosion sound at the station and found a full-sized pickup had struck the back of the station.

The department says crews responded quickly and began treating a person who was entrapped. Medflight was requested to the scene to transport the patient, the department said. Crews were able to extricate and move the patient to the helipad for transport.

Bollards, a dumpster, and fencing stopped the vehicle from entering the station, where firefighters were seated at a table with only a window separating them from the truck, officials said. A tire was found lying on the patio furniture next to the building along with car parts and debris.

Independence Police Department is investigating the accident to determine what happened.

Firefighters reported seeing the dumpster fly into the air and above the canopy before striking the canopy roof and falling back to the ground.

 "It was a loud explosion, we thought the energy center for the hospital building had blown up", one firefighter commented.

Another stated, "I saw the dumpster fly above the canopy roof, I couldn't figure out what could have exploded".

 Firefighters were a little shaken to realize they were just feet from where the vehicle came to a stop. 

Large fire at Rock Island Livestock Auction barn

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The former Rock Island Livestock Auction Barn had multiple buildings burn to the ground on Saturday, Feb. 24, but crews were able to save 22 cows and millions of dollars worth of surrounding homes and businesses.

Video link

Rock Island Fire Department crews were called out at 5:37 p.m. to 534 34th Ave. According to Rock Island Fire Marshal Greg Marty, crews arrived within three to four minutes of the call and found a large fire already burning on the backside of a barn along the railroad tracks.

HIRING
Phoenix Fire Departmetn is Currently Hiring

The Phoenix Fire Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety services to our community. We protect lives and property through fire suppression, emergency medical and transportation services, disaster services, fire prevention and public education. 

Join the Phoenix Fire Department and be part of a diverse team of lifesaving professionals​​. In this document you will find all the information that you will need to know about our Department, ​​​​​​​​​​your role as a Phoenix Firefighter. ​​​​​​how to apply, the hiring process, tests, FAQ's and more.​

Clich here to learn more!

Albuquerque Fire Rescue is now accepting Application for Firefighter

Close Date is March 15th.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue has an obligation to maintain a highly effective and disciplined workforce that reflects the diverse character of our community. Our success depends on a hiring process that reflects high organizational standards, has a high level of professional integrity, and is absent of political influences.

View the process for applying and preparing by clicking here

HEALTH AND FITNESS
Embrace the Chill: The 6 Benefits to Cold Plunge Therapy for Firefighters

In the realm of fitness and wellness, there's a timeless truth: sometimes, the path to improved health lies in embracing the cold. Cold plunge therapy, also sometimes referred to as ice bath therapy, has emerged as a popular technique among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those seeking holistic well-being. But what exactly is cold plunge therapy, and why are more and more people turning to it? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the essence of cold plunge therapy, its myriad benefits, and how to safely integrate it into your daily routine.

First, are Cold Plunge Therapy and Ice Bath Therapy the same thing?

Yes, cold plunge therapy and ice bath therapy generally refer to the same practice. Both involve immersing the body in cold water for a set period, typically ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. The terms "cold plunge therapy" and "ice bath therapy" are often used interchangeably to describe this method of exposing the body to cold temperatures for therapeutic purposes.

Cold plunge therapy or ice bath therapy is commonly used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to promote muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall well-being. While the terms may vary slightly, they generally describe the same technique and its associated benefits.

Benefits of Cold Plunge Therapy for Firefighters

Cold plunge therapy can offer benefits for firefighters, both in terms of physical recovery and mental resilience. Firefighting is a physically demanding and often high-stress occupation, requiring firefighters to perform strenuous tasks in challenging environments. Incorporating cold plunge therapy into their wellness routines can provide several advantages:

1. Muscle Recovery

 Firefighters frequently engage in physically demanding activities, such as carrying heavy equipment, climbing ladders, and rescuing individuals from hazardous situations. Cold plunge therapy can help expedite muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and flushing out metabolic waste products. This can help firefighters recover more quickly from intense workouts or on-the-job exertion, allowing them to maintain peak physical performance.

2. Pain Relief

Firefighters are at risk of musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain due to the physically demanding nature of their work. Cold plunge therapy acts as a natural analgesic, numbing nerve endings and alleviating soreness and discomfort. Regular cold immersion can help manage pain associated with injuries, strains, or overuse, allowing firefighters to maintain mobility and function.

3. Stress Reduction

Firefighting is inherently stressful, with firefighters often facing life-threatening situations, unpredictable emergencies, and long hours. Cold plunge therapy triggers the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation and stress relief. By incorporating cold immersion into their wellness routines, firefighters can better manage stress, improve mental resilience, and enhance overall well-being.

4. Improved Circulation and Cardiovascular Health

Cold water immersion promotes vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation, enhancing blood circulation and cardiovascular function. This can be particularly beneficial for firefighters, as optimal circulation is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles during physical exertion. Improved cardiovascular health can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which firefighters may be at higher risk for due to occupational stressors.

5. Enhanced Immune Function

Firefighters often work in environments with exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants, which can weaken the immune system over time. Cold plunge therapy stimulates the production of white blood cells and boosts immune function, helping firefighters resist infections and illnesses. By supporting immune health, cold immersion can contribute to overall resilience and well-being.

6. Mental Wellness

Beyond its physical benefits, cold plunge therapy offers profound mental health advantages. The shock of cold water triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin—neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation and stress relief. Many practitioners report feeling invigorated, refreshed, and mentally sharp after a cold plunge session, making it an excellent tool for managing stress and anxiety.

In summary, while cold plunge therapy can offer significant benefits for physical and mental well-being, it's not without risks. Practitioners should approach this practice with caution, understanding their personal limitations and consulting with healthcare professionals as needed. By adhering to safety guidelines and monitoring for warning signs, individuals can safely incorporate cold plunge therapy into their wellness routines.

Click here it read the entire article.

Bub Naturals The Best Supplements on the Planet.

Feel Great! Do Good

20% off Your Order!

Use Promo code Fire73 to get 20% off!

BUBS Naturals is a tribute to former Navy SEAL Glen Doherty, call sign “BUB.” He was a national hero who laid down his life saving Americans in Benghazi Libya in 2012. Glen was a best friend to hundreds and the BUBS ethos centers around the passionate and adventure-seeking life that Glen lived.
The mission is simple: feel great, do good. We are a collective of people who believe in helping our community live a fuller and more meaningful life through sport, adventure, travel, and aging well. As Glen liked to say, “die young as late as possible.”

NEW HIRE TESTING SUPPORT

Writing a Great Firefighter Resume

The firefighter resume is the most important first impression. Relevant content that is accurate and varifible is vital. I have viewed hundreds of Firefighter candidate resumes. I have seen some of the best, and worst. I will share with you what made great resumes standout.

A good resume is important when applying for a job. What’s important for you as a potential firefighter candidates is to know how to create a great firefighter job resume. We all know that a well structured and well organized resume is important . Where many fall short is on the details that are specific to the fire service. Make sure you include not only education and work history, but also career related certifications as well as community organizations your are apart of. It’s also very important to have accurate and up to date personal information such as contact information, work history and education.

Accurate Information

Having accurate and up to date information seems obvious, however, during every hiring process I have seen candidates miss out on the career opportunity before the test even starts. This is often due to not following the application process directions or not attaching required materials. Read the position posting several times making sure you meet all the requirements and have submitted everything.

Worse, I’ve see candidates passed over for a new position offer simply because their contact information isn’t up to date and there is no way to contact the individual. Have all possible contact information on your resume. This includes mobile telephone number, work phone number, mailing address and email. It’s very important that this information is accurate. It is also important to keep this information update with the department. The testing and hiring process can be very long. It is common for fire department to keep their hiring list for up to two years! Any change in your contact information needs to be provided to the department’s Human Resources department.

Education

Education has become more of a factor in the fire service. I have see some departments requiring a 2-year associate degree to apply. Now don’t panic, if you don’t have additional education above high school do worry. Most department don’t require college degrees, however, many do give preference points for additional education.

Many 2 year colleges offer Fire Science degree programs. This is a great opportunity to further your education while learning more about all aspects of the fire service.

Career and Community Service Experience

Experience for any career is important. The difference with the fire service is it is often a challenge to get any actual experience prior to be hired for a career position. Many candidates will gain experience from a volunteer fire department, being an EMT on an ambulance, from being a wild land firefighter, or on a search and rescue team. It’s important to include any of these in your resume.

With all that being said, the fire service is one of the few careers where most candidates get hired with little to no experience. This is done because once you are hired you will typically be sent to a fire training academy to gain the training and education necessary to become a firefighter.

Don’t forget your Candidate Physical Ability Test, CPAT Certificate! If you have completed your CPAT test within the last year add this to your list of career accomplishments even if it’s not required for the department. This will show your commitment. If you don’t know what the CPAT test is or would like more information on the test click this link:

The firefighter CPAT testing process

Do you have non fire service related experience that could be relevant? Think about what a firefighter does from day to day. It’s not all fighting fires, in reality, thats only 10 percent of the job. For example, firefighters respond to medical emergencies and rescue emergencies. Some departments have hazardous materials response teams and dive rescue teams. Most departments also do public safety events and complete business inspection. Think through all your life experiences you have find any that may be relivent and list them as well.

For example, if you have worked in the construction trade add that to your resume. Having building and construction knowledge is very important to firefighting. It you have taught classes or been an instructor add this as well. Public teaching and fire service training is also a daily activity that this can be very helpful for.

References

Quality references are important. When applying for a firefighter position a complete background check is always completed. Part of that background check is to contact people from your reference list. You obviously want references that will say positive things about you howeve, a good reverence should be move that “hes a great guy or gal”. Your personal reference should be someone that knows your work ethic and your character. Having your buddy from highschool is probably not your best reference.

Suggestions for good references are former supervisors, teachers that know you well, fellow workers that will speak highly of you, or organizational leaders that you work with. You will want to contact each of your potential references asking them to be placed on your reference list so they won’t be surprised when they receive a call asking about you.

Additional Suggestions

It’s important for your resume to stand out. This doesn’t me you need a masters degree and you are the president of a community organization. As much as these types of items help its also good to have a resumes that stands out visually.

First, search google for resume templates. Find one that you find visually appealing select it for your new resume. Some items I would suggest looking for are:

• The ability to add a headshot photo of you. Putting a face to a resume after the initial interview is important. For most positions there can be dozensif not hundreds of applicants. It’s important for the interview team to put your face to your resume later in the interview process. This needs to be a professional style photo of you.

• Contact area easily visible near the top of the first page.

• A space for you to add a couple of sentences about why you are seeking this position with this departments.

• An area for your to add reference contact information.

• An area to add additional information like listing community programs and volunteer organizations you are involved with.

A great resume is important. Keep it neat, organized, and detailed. I would suggest that you keep a electronic version on your computer and update it regularly. Remember to update any department you’ve applied for on any changes to your resume as well.