This is my nozzle. There are many like it but this one is mine.
Many of you have heard the "Rifleman's Creed". A creed made famous by the United States Marine Corps. A creed that instills in Marines the sense of purpose and commitment to know your weapon and master it. As firefighters we should have the same sense of pride when identifying with our nozzle. In the truest sense it is all that stands between us and the fire."My nozzle, without me, is useless. Without my nozzle, I am useless."
All too often, during training sessions or courses, I ask firefighters what type of nozzle they are using and they cannot tell me any specifics. If I posed the same question to a law enforcement officer about his weapon, he would most likely respond with not only the caliber of his weapon but also all of the ballistics associated with his weapon and the situations it is best suited for.
- "My nozzle and I know that what counts in war is not the water we flow, the noise of our bail, nor the pattern we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit..."
I am not asking for firefighters to simply tell me the make and model of their nozzle... I am asking them to tell me the characteristics of their nozzles; what is the reach and penetration of your nozzle, what does the nozzle reaction feel like, and what happens to your nozzle if it becomes clogged with debris?
"I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its flow and its reach. I will keep my nozzle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will..."
We all know that your nozzle selection may not be entirely within your control but knowing your issued nozzle is just as important. I encourage you all to spend time learning your nozzles and teaching others how to properly use the nozzles. Learn the flows, learn the pressures and learn what the nozzle reaction feels like. Over the next month we will be releasing a nozzle video series on our YouTube channel going over nozzle types and their characteristics. Until then get out and flow some water!