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...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Jun 19, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
🔥Behind The Alarm“I’ve been studying leadership my entire life, and I’m still not sure I can define it. But I know it when I see it.”— Chief Alan BrunaciniI wish I could say I was an extraordinary fire service professional. I wish I could say I’m exceptional in...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Jun 8, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
It’s storm season in America’s heartland. Tornadoes are already touching down. Flash floods are washing out roads. Hail, lightning, and high winds are becoming regular evening headlines. Now more than ever, reliable emergency alerts aren’t just helpful—they’re...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | Jun 6, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
***First some important statistics:🚗 Vehicle Submersion Statistics in the U.S.Incidence: Approximately 1,200 to 1,500 vehicle submersion incidents occur annually in the United States, resulting in 400 to 600 deaths each year.Fatalities: These incidents account for...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | May 30, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
These past few weeks in Stronach Township, the U.S. Forest Service conducted a series of prescribed burns—planned fires intentionally set under controlled conditions. And like clockwork, the smoke brought complaints. I heard from concerned residents worried that...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | May 27, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
The Call to Remember — TogetherMemorial Day has passed, but it must not be forgotten. The cookouts are over, the flags folded, the speeches quiet. But remembrance isn’t something we pack away with the decorations. If anything, the days after Memorial Day are when the...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | May 7, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
I watched a video this week that started like some conversations in firehouses do — with frustration. A fire service instructor appeared to initially berate Millennials and Gen Z firefighters for not knowing basic skill sets.But then, something happened:He pivoted.He...
by Fred R. LaPoint, Fire Chief Paramedic | May 6, 2025 | Behind The Alarm
Long before the tones drop, the driver engineer is already two steps ahead. While the rest of the crew is checking gear or catching a prepping for the next training, the engineer is reviewing weather conditions, road closures, hydrant maps, and mental notes from...
