by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Nov 14, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
I’m standing in what used to be a living room. The hurricane came through a week ago. The family is here – exhausted, shell-shocked, but grateful they survived. They’re already talking about rebuilding, about insurance covering it, about how they’ll get through...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Nov 3, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
Saturday, I stood in full turnout gear, watching smoke pour from the second-story windows of a donated home in Mason County. My pulse quickened—not from fear, but from anticipation. After more than 40 years in the fire service, I was about to step into something that...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Sep 23, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
Not long ago, I stopped at a service station outside my jurisdiction to fuel up my personal vehicle. I was in full uniform as I had just come from a function, when I noticed an older gentleman on the opposite side of the pump island fueling his large motorhome—with...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Aug 5, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
“When the smoke comes for you, remember: it started with flames you chose to ignore.”As of August 3, 2025, Canada is facing one of the most devastating wildfire crises in recorded history:742 active wildfires210 are out of control and being fought with everything...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Jul 29, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
It’s one of those tools that seems too good to be true: fast, clean, simple electrical connections with no twisting, taping, or wire nuts required. WAGO-style push-in and lever-lock connectors have become incredibly popular in the DIY world, and increasingly in...
