Hiring for Character and Competency in the Fire Service
Fire service leaders must ensure firefighters are sufficiently talented with technical skills and abilities while also having strong values and a service-oriented mindset.
Emergency Response in Developing Countries: The Case of Guatemala
In this podcast episode, AMU's Drs. Kate Brannum and Michelle Watts discuss their research examining how a mostly volunteer fire service in Guatemala responded to the catastrophic eruption of Volcan de Fuego in 2018 with minimal financial support from the government.
Managing Community Risk Reduction in the Fire Service
By Dr. Randall Hanifen
One of the movements in the fire service over the past two decades is the movement towards community risk reduction as opposed to fire prevention. Learn more about how this change in philosophy lowers the overall risk to the community while helping to save lives and improve the local economy.
Fire Service Education: The Past, Present and Future
By Dr. Randall Hanifen
About 40 years ago, educational degrees related to the fire service were nonexistent. While much progress has been made, continuing education must become the norm. Here are some ideas about how to standardize company officer requirements, improve reciprocity qualifications, and enhance training and educational standards across the country.
Motivating Firefighters to Maintain Physical Fitness
By Dr. Randall Hanifen
Cardiac-related events make up the highest percentage of on-duty deaths among firefighters, pointing to the need for better fitness and lifestyle choices. Find out how departments can encourage firefighters to make better choices.
Choosing the Right Performance Metrics for Fire Services
By Dr. Randall Hanifen
Performance metrics like response time and volunteer turnout can be important for fire departments seeking to improve their services. However, every department is different and must understand the needs of their communities when choosing what metrics to measure.
Why There Is a Leadership Vacuum in Many Fire Departments
By Dr. Randall Hanifen
Many qualified firefighters are passing up on leadership roles because of other obligations such as juggling a second job to support their family. Find out how fire departments can take steps to avoid this leadership vacuum.