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...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Jul 21, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
Imagine this: You’re trying to reach a stranded hiker who says they’re “off the blue trail near the big hill.” Or someone panicked in a mobile home park where all the units look the same, and they don’t know the lot number. Now imagine the difference if they...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Jun 30, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
Every year, from June 30 through July 6, the fire service community pauses for what we call the Week of Remembrance—a solemn time to reflect on those we’ve lost in wildland fire operations, and to renew our commitment to safety, readiness, and each other.This week...
