We had a great time filming the Firefighter Combat Challenge Video over the weekend. Thanks to Dr. Paul Davis and Mike Word (The Voice of the Combat Challenge) for arranging a video for us to shoot. My brother Josh Hinkle and I were able to shoot all weekend and we are working on producing a few videos from the event. Here is the first one, The Highlight Reel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmgQoxm87uE
New Shirts are Here!
The new shirts are here! We now have 3 shirts in our online store and each purchase helps support our mission of providing free training resources to firefighters. We even have one shirt created to help fund men's cancer research and awareness. To see more info about the new shirts you can check them out by clicking here.
You can also see the shirts below with a short description:
Tactics on Tap!
The first Mississippi Tactics on Tap is coming up this Saturday, July 25th! We will be there discussing the latest fire attack research and tactical recommendations. If you are interested in joining us you can RSVP for the event on the North Mississippi Emerald Society Facebook page. We will start at 5:00pm at the Blind Pig Pub in Oxford, MS. Hope to see you there!
Firefighter Combat Challenge - Mississippi
If you are nearby come join us on July 31st for the Firefighter Combat Challenge in Brandon, MS. We have produced a promo video for the event and you can check it out below. For more info you can click here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AktYvlr46r4
FD Leatherworks Review
I recently purchased an FD Leatherworks chinstrap and decided to shoot a quick review of it. FD Leatherworks makes a ton of different leather products for firefighters like: Radio Straps, Suspenders, Truckman's Belts and Chinstraps. You can check out the review below and you can also visit their website at www.fdleatherworks.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GleY6fXVI14
Why are we here?
As “one of those firefighter Social Media pages” I feel like I should share with all of you why Box Alarm Training even exists. It is pretty amazing to see the sheer volume of Facebook pages now dedicated to firefighting, training, and overall firemanship. I know things can become very cloudy and hard to sort through with this infinitely larger network of firefighter social media. Let me start by saying I believe the vast majority of the members in this network are doing amazing things. They are creating so many opportunities and opening the line of communication to share ideas, research and tradition.
So, why are we here? I know it sounds cliche but I grew up with a desire to become a firefighter. You can ask anyone that knew me when I was a kid, my dream never grew out of me. When I graduated high school I knew I wanted to join a volunteer department and I found an incredible department in Oxford, MS while attending Ole Miss “THE University of Mississippi”. I was a member of the Ole Miss Rebel football team and had some incredible opportunities to meet with amazing athletes and leaders including; Eli Manning, David Cutcliffe, Hugh Freeze, Robert Kayat, Jason Cook, Mike Espy, Michael Oher and many more. I learned a lot of life lessons while at Ole Miss and one simple phrase that Head Coach David Cutcliffe used to say on a daily basis was “leave this place better than you found it”. I continue to believe that our mission in the fire service is to leave this place better than we found it.
In 2010 I created a YouTube channel with the idea of shooting some simple training videos to help out some local volunteer departments that needed more training resources and couldn’t afford some $1,000 dvd package… So, I shot a few videos and before I knew it I was receiving messages from all over the world asking for more. It completely blew my mind and to this day I am amazed at the ability for some form of technology to change the way generations learn about firemanship. The absolute number one goal of Box Alarm Training is to provide training resources to all firefighters regardless of their budget, level of experience, or whether they are career or volunteer. After running the YouTube channel for awhile I decided to expand the channel to an actual training company so that we could grow. We have added a new website with more resources, a Facebook Page, and have several guys that have helped contribute on the site. In no way, shape or form do we claim to be the experts in all things fire and rescue. However, I firmly believe we can find the guys that are. I have been working hard at finding some other guys to contribute with more material and I believe I have some really good ones lined up. I thank you for all of the support you have given us. Every time you like, share or comment not only gives us confirmation that we are doing the right things but also allows us to reach more firefighters and that makes a difference. I thank you for the support and feel free to shoot us a message or recommend a new training video. We are always open to new ideas. Let’s leave this place better than we found it.
The FF Wedge™
Many firefighters have asked us about the FF Wedge™ and where to find them. We have put together a short video below and have also provided Dale Pekel's in depth video of the wedges. If you are looking for them you can find them in our website store just Click Here. Check them out below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CU2GNrFf-k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h5f24dbq9g
Nozzle Series - Automatic Nozzles
We are continuing our Nozzle Series with Automatic Nozzles. The Automatic Nozzle was originally designed on a napkin and since then has been widely used throughout the country. The goal of the automatic nozzle is to provide relatively consistent nozzle pressure throughout a wide range of flows. So, you will see automatic nozzles used in many different applications including foam operations and standpipe operations. You need to thoroughly evaluate the use of an automatic nozzle in certain applications prior to using them. While the nozzle can offer several advantages like the ability to provide the pump operator with an in-line pressure regulator it can also conceal hidden flow issues because of the nozzles abilities to maintain good nozzle pressure. Adequate nozzle pressure does not necessarily equate to adequate nozzle flow. When a hose line is kinked or something happens to inhibit the amount of water moving through the line you will see no major indications on the nozzle except for a drop in nozzle reaction. You need to get out and flow these nozzles to feel the difference in adequate flow and poor flow. Check out the video below for an overview of the Automatic Nozzle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzYmWeUPruk
Black Smoke Shields - Product Review
I just recently received my new helmet shield from Black Smoke Shields. I was very pleased with the results! These shields are hand made in Georgia and you can tell they take pride in their product. In the past I have purchased custom shields and it seems like you always have to wait an eternity to find a good one. Right now Black Smoke Shields is around a 6-8 week turn around on orders. That is really quick for a custom shield. Check out our product review video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehE1lcXitf0
For more information you can visit their website and Facebook Page:
Sutphen at FDIC 2015
You cannot help but stop when you walk by a nice low hose bed at FDIC 2015. Sutphen has worked with Columbus Ohio and put together a very functional spec for a pumper that is built to work. You will also see a gallery below of several of their other trucks seen at FDIC 2015 including a pair of aerials that have incredibly low hose beds and carry 500 gallons of water. Take a look at the gallery below:
[flagallery gid=11]
Roof Bail - Videos
Our friends at Search and Destroy Training have put out a couple great videos showing you a couple roof bail options using the new Badaxx and the 6' NY Roof Hook from Fire Hooks Unlimited. You can check out the video below and you can also visit their YouTube channel by Clicking Here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPYv73r3Km0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC2hEMh-RM4
Boston MAYDAY Training Video
This is a great MAYDAY training video from Boston Fire Department. Very well put together and even if your MAYDAY procedures differ from Boston you will still get tremendous benefits watching this video with your crew: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=461&v=oCvkRLtk-_w
Nozzle Series - Adjustable Fog Nozzles
The adjustable fog nozzle is a very popular type of nozzle seen on many apparatus. You will see this type of nozzle used in a wide variety of applications. The adjustable gallonage nozzle offers a lot of versatility because of it's ability to not only change patterns but also to increase and decrease the flow through the nozzle. However, it is very important for firefighters to understand that turning the gallonage adjustment does not necessarily equate to flowing what the actual setting is showing. As you turn the gallonage adjustment on this type of nozzle you are essentially making the orifice larger or smaller and as this adjustment is made the pump operator must compensate on the pump panel to deliver the appropriate nozzle pressure in order to flow the selected gallonage. This nozzle can offer advantages and disadvantages including the flexibility of adjusting the flow but disadvantages like the potential for accidental flow decrease if you bump the gallonage adjustment in the dark or smoke. Take a look at the video below covering Adjustable Gallonage Fog Nozzles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS3m5B8Bh9E
Harrisonburg Heavy Rescue at FDIC 2015
Typically it appears as if the normal process for spec’ing fire apparatus is to design a vehicle and then place the tools and equipment on it the best way possible. Every now and then however, you come across an apparatus that was designed around the tools and equipment it’s going to carry along with its overall mission. Such is the case of the new 2015 Harrisonburg Heavy Rescue built by Pierce.
The vehicle is well equipped on a Pierce Velocity Chassis with features including:
- A 70” cab with 20” raised roof section
- TAK-4 independent front suspension
- Detroit Diesel DD13 500 hp motor with 1650#’s of torque
- A wheel base of 255.5”
- Seating for 5
- Side roll and frontal impact airbag protection
- 26” extended front bumper with a raised tool tray that holds extrication reels and a 25k lb Warn winch
- Advanced electronic Command Zone
- 250 gallons of water. 10 gallons of foam
- 250 gpm hydraulic driven pump
- An overall height of 11’ 6”
- Overall length of 41’ 9”
[flagallery gid=9]
The true beauty and art however is the thought process and engineering that went into the rescue style body. Every item carried has a place and there is virtually no wasted space which allows the apparatus to carry all of the above in addition to a extrication equipment, air bags, an air cascade system and compressor, a full set of hand and mechanic tools, an ample amount of cribbing, and the standard compliment of firefighting tools including pike poles, axes, etc. The body also incorporates both high and low 9000 lb rated anchor points for rope operations.
Invariably, someone is going to ask, “Why water on the heavy rescue?” Harrisonburg fills the box with multiple surrounding jurisdictions for both fires and auto accidents. Because of that, they decided they wanted at least a minimal amount of water in case they were to arrive on the scene of either prior to the arrival of an engine company. Due to their thinking outside the box, they were able to do so without compromising compartment space or having to reduce their standard rescue compliment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqV6Efp7CZE
Nozzle Series - Fixed Flow Fog Nozzles
Fixed flow fog nozzles are a very popular type of nozzle seen all over the country. The nozzle offers several advantages including an adjustable pattern and simplicity of pump operations. You can find fixed flow fog nozzles in several different configurations. You will commonly see this type of nozzle offered in there different pressures; 100 psi, 75 psi and 50 psi. You will also see this type of nozzle offered in a breakaway version which is fairly popular for high-rise and hose packs. You will see many break away versions of this nozzle with a smoothbore integrated into the breakaway. Take a look at the video below for an overview of the Fixed Flow Fog Nozzle:
https://youtu.be/xfMI7rB-r9o
The Cross and the Maltese
In this age of separation of church and state, church and school, and separation of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus from pretty much anything these days; I began thinking of the two crosses in my life. The first and most important Cross, where all of our salvation started, and the Maltese cross which has been a part of my life for the last 25 years.
I, like most of society, chose not to mix these two crosses early in my career but as of late I've realized the mission field that was available to me. Being able to go on a mission trip is an amazing opportunity for any Christian that has the chance, but there are so many people we can witness to on a daily basis. Starting with our brothers in our station house, our department as a whole, and lastly the citizens that we serve. I am a staunch believer that our lives are our biggest witness tool by far. People remember what they see more than what they read or hear. If you're a firefighter & profess to be a Christian, people will be watching and that's a great thing providing we handle ourselves properly & professionally. So many times we as Christians (especially myself at times) try and thump people with our Bibles or quote scriptures in a chastising manner that really turns people away from the very thing we're trying to draw them to, which is Jesus. As a Christian, the way we live our life can speak volumes to our brother firefighters. Something as simple as blessing our food if we are in the public eye will go a long way with the citizens in our communities. Here are just a few scriptures to reference:
Mark 16:15 - He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
2 Timothy 4:5 - But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
In all there are so many things that we can do to reach people for the Lord & these are just a few things that I've been thinking on lately. I hope this will be something you guys can talk about at the station. Be safe, may God bless you
Ferrara at FDIC 2015
We saw a lot of good trucks and specs at FDIC 2015. Ferrara has been churning out some very good looking trucks lately and we have a photo album below for you to check them out. The FDNY 150th Anniversary truck was definitely a crowd pleaser. You can see a video of the FDNY 150 Truck below. [flagallery gid=10]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0LCNPghth4
Nozzle Series - Smoothbores
The Smoothbore Nozzle
We are continuing our video series on nozzles with the Smoothbore. This nozzle remains a powerhouse in the American Fire Service. With the increase in heat release rates due to changes in products and materials our ability to throw serious water on the fire is of the utmost importance. The smoothbore nozzle offers several advantages for firefighters. Some of strongest advantages come with the simplistic design of the nozzle. The smoothbore has the ability to perform under extreme conditions with good flow at a low nozzle reaction. The nozzle is very difficult to clog with debris and if a hose line becomes kinked it will maintain fairly good flow compared to a high pressure fog nozzle (100 psi). Even though the fog/combination nozzle has the ability to absorb more heat energy at the same flow, the smoothbore has the ability to penetrate without steaming off when attacking the fire. Once the stream enters the room on fire we can bounce the stream off of walls and ceilings to break up the stream and increase its heat absorption capabilities. The video below will provide you with an overview of the smoothbore nozzle and will cover a few topics in detail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgzHmYZ3BUo
Box Alarm Training on YouTube - 700,000 Views
THANK YOU!
Box Alarm Training started as a YouTube channel that evolved into a full network of training resources and courses. We greatly appreciate all of the support you all have given us over the last few years. We have a lot planned for upcoming videos and product reviews and can't wait to get them on the channel. Thanks again for helping us reach 700,000 views!
If you have never seen our YouTube Channel you can visit it by CLICKING HERE! You will see several different playlists we have put together including our newest playlist the Nozzle Video Series. We have several more videos that are being added to the new video series and will be released soon. Here is our introduction video that explains Box Alarm Training and our resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tqFF7cUMC8
Brownsburg Ladder Co. 131 - FDIC 2015
I have to say when we came across the new Brownsburg Ladder Co. 131 we were very surprised. This truck looks very different than many of the E-One's we have seen in the past. We were lucky enough to speak with one of the truck company members who went through the entire apparatus with us and explained the spec's they developed. This truck has some really nice features including: recessed water can mounts in the compartments, shores in the front bumper with other rigging equipment, tons of LED scene lighting and much more. We have provided a gallery below as well as a video on the Blow Hard Battery powered fans. [flagallery gid=8]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO1NQx8cwz0