Writings that provide a point of critical thought about firefighter fatality data and education, line of duty deaths, and risk. Encouraging less risk aversion and better knowledge on the subject of firefighter fatalities in firefighters, fire departments, and fire service organizations.
“To achieve zero firefighter deaths and injuries, you must have zero firefighters on the fireground.”
Andy Fredericks
Bill Carey
Bill Carey is the new Manager of Fire/EMS Content Marketing for First Arriving. He was recently the Online News Manager with Clarion Fire & Rescue Group, specifically FirefighterNation.com and FireRescue Magazine. Bill served as a volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant at Hyattsville in Prince George’s County, Maryland. His writing has been in Fire Engineering, FireRescue Magazine, FirefighterNation, and other sites. His work on firefighter behavioral health was nominated for a 2014 Neal Award for Best Subject-Related Series. Bill’s work on line of duty death data is often seen or referenced in articles, presentations, and training.
Dave LeBlanc
Dave LeBlanc is currently a fire chief for a fire department in the Northeast, Dave’s fire service experience spans three decades including having worked as a call firefighter, a volunteer firefighter, a career fire alarm operator, fire fighter and company officer. Dave currently teaches as an adjunct instructor for a local community college, has worked as a fire academy instructor and presented at the New England FOOLs Northeast Fire Summit. Dave is married and the father of two daughters.
Bill Schnaekel
Bill Schnaekel was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, Bill is a fifth generation firefighter who has had eight other relatives in the fire service since 1898. He served as a volunteer for six years prior to getting hired in 1998 by the Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department, one hundred years after his great-great grandfather had joined the service. In addition to his full time career as a Lieutenant in the bustling 4th Battalion, Bill works part time as a firefighter / chauffeur with the West York Fire Department and as a State Suppression Instructor in Pennsylvania. In the past, he has served as a Battalion Training Officer and assisted in training both recruits and field personnel at the Fire and Rescue Academy. Currently, he is working on a degree in fire science through Tidewater Community College. In February of 2013, he created the Facebook Page Holding 1&1, a resource to discuss fireground operations and firefighter interests with his friend, Lt. Mike Dowling.
Mike Dowling
Mike Dowling has been involved in emergency services since the mid -90s He started as an EMT, Paramedic and Public Safety Dispatcher in the Greater Waterbury, Connecticut area. Mike followed his father’s footsteps to serve his community by becoming a firefighter, lieutenant, captain and training officer for the Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect, Connecticut. In 2003 Mike achieved his goal of becoming a career firefighter when he was hired by the Prince Georges County Fire and EMS Department. Mike was promoted to Fire Lieutenant in 2010 is currently assigned to Paramedic Engine 842 in the Oxon Hill community. He recently returned to his small town roots serving as a Fire Fighter for the Goodwill Fire Co. No. 1 of Jacobus, Pennsylvania. In February of 2013, he created the Facebook Page “Holding 1&1″, a resource to discuss fireground operations and firefighter interests with his friend, Bill Schnaekel.
Data Not Drama 