by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Apr 22, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
It’s a question we hear often at the Stronach Township Fire Department, and it’s a good one:Why does a fire engine or rescue truck show up when someone calls for an ambulance?The short answer: We’re committed to getting the highest level of care to you in the shortest...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Apr 18, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
There’s something broken in the fire service — and I’m not talking about an old rig or a cracked piece of fire gear. I’m talking about the state of the apparatus market in America: a system so lopsided, so consolidated, and so slow that fire chiefs now wait years for...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Apr 14, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
Behind The Alarm: It’s Not a Personnel Problem—It’s a Leadership ProblemWelcome back to Behind the Alarm, where we dig into the challenges, culture, and realities of the fire service—especially the parts most people outside the station don’t always see. This week,...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Mar 16, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
Behind The Alarm: The Invisible Killer—Understanding and Preventing Carbon Monoxide PoisoningWelcome to this week’s installment of Behind The Alarm, where we dive into the complexities and dangers of firefighting operations. Today’s topic, however, is a...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Mar 3, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
🔥 10 Firefighting Truisms 🔥Pearls of Wisdom from Behind The Alarm1️⃣ The fire doesn’t care who you are — only what you do.🔥 Your title, seniority, or reputation means nothing to the flames. When the moment comes, action is the only language the job understands.2️⃣...
