FireRescue1 Top Stories

Pa. bill aims to strengthen volunteer firefighter staffing through job training credits
Senate Bill 466, passed by the House, would allow job training credits to count toward Firefighter I Certification and grant EMS agencies a grace period for state reporting

When in command, be in command: Owning the IC role
Effective incident command requires decisiveness, adaptability and a commitment to both operational outcomes and personnel well-being

Va. firefighter's appeal over medical marijuana use denied by grievance panel
A Norfolk grievance panel upheld the firing of firefighter Brandon Beltaine over medical marijuana use, despite state law now protecting such use, citing the city's substance abuse policy and concerns over federal compliance

‘Like being picked last for kickball’: Some women report feeling excluded on the job
Study finds female firefighters often lack the same group identity and support that male colleagues enjoy.

15 must-watch firefighter documentaries
The top firefighter documentary films about wildfires, training, 9/11 and many other topics, available to view on Netflix, Amazon and other streaming services

Top firefighter TV shows every rookie should watch
Discover the top firefighter TV shows recommended for rookie firefighters. These series offer a blend of realism and entertainment, providing insights into firehouse culture and the firefighting profession

‘I saw you on TikTok’: The fire service recruitment strategy no one is talking about
Sacramento Fire Captain Keith Wade, once a TikTok skeptic, is now on a mission to show fire service leaders how the app’s reach could be the answer to staffing woes

Drones proved vital in St. Louis tornado response as USAR team led multi-agency effort
After an EF-3 tornado struck St. Louis in May 2025, Missouri Task Force 1 deployed advanced drone technology to assist with search and rescue, assess damage, and support real-time decision-making

Purpose, balance, and resilience: Lessons from Chief Richard Kelly
Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard Kelly distills crisis-forged insights on purpose-driven leadership and building resilient teams ready for tomorrow’s tech-driven challenges

Va. county fire department gets creative to recruit the next generation
Facing a nationwide shortage of volunteer firefighters, departments like Botetourt County are using camps, community outreach and flexible roles to raise awareness and inspire new recruits