David Rhodes

Georgia

Editor in Chief at FirefighterNation.com

Editor in Chief at Fire Rescue Magazine

Editor in Chief at Fire Engineering

Editor in Chief Fire Engineering 38-year fire service veteran (Ret)

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Articles

The Mission Is Service and Service Is Purpose

1 week ago | fireengineering.com | David Rhodes

Editor’s OpinionWE CONDUCT a readership survey every year to gauge from members at every level what they perceive to be the pressing issues in the fire service. The feedback is always interesting: Firefighters seek more training in tactics. Mid-level managers need research and resources for managing personnel. And chief officers, alongside others, are increasingly concerned with recruitment and retention.
The Search Is Still On!

1 month ago | fireengineering.com | David Rhodes

DATA CONTINUES TO POUR in that overwhelmingly supports a quick, early, and efficient primary search. Based on massive data collection and analysis, many fire service leaders estimate that the United States fire service is making 10 rescues a day! While reporting systems are being updated and improved for more definitive tracking, the current system is lacking in data on this critical mission-focused detail.
In the Books: 30 Fires You Must Know

1 month ago | fireengineering.com | David Rhodes

Host David Rhodes speaks with Billy Goldfeder and Frank Leeb, the authors of the acclaimed book 30 Fires You Must Know. They talk about the critical lessons learned from historic fire incidents. They also offer firsthand accounts that have shaped the modern fire service. The conversation includes a discussion of why understanding past events is vital for preventing future tragedies and enhancing firefighter safety.
FDIC Service Award Presented to Brendan Harnett

2 months ago | fireengineering.com | David Rhodes

The relationship between Brendan Harnett and FDIC Indianapolis began long before he was hired on at the Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department (IFD). The 21-year veteran firefighter, currently serving as a Division Chief with IFD, began helping with FDIC as a student with Ivy Tech State College through its Fire Science program. He had just attained his Paramedic Science Degree at IUPUI and was working as a firefighter/paramedic with the Buck Creek Township Fire Department.
In The Books: High-Rise Buildings: Understanding the Vertical Challenges

Jan 20, 2025 | fireengineering.com | David Rhodes

Join host David Rhodes on In the Books as he discusses the comprehensive book High-Rise Buildings: Understanding the Vertical Challenges with authors Gerald Tracy and Jack Murphy. During this episode, they delve into the complexities of high-rise firefighting, including history, building construction, fire protection systems, and tactical operations. Listeners will learn about the unique challenges faced by firefighters, the importance of preincident planning, and the future of smart firefighting.
Life Lesson from Baseball: When Your Hero Lets You Down

Jan 15, 2025 | fireengineering.com | David Rhodes

Editor’s OpinionWHEN I WAS A KID, everything revolved around baseball. I was swinging a bat as soon as I could walk and, despite being a small, skinny little fella, I had some pretty good hand-eye coordination-good enough that my dad fibbed a little on my birthday to get me signed up for little league while I was still five years old playing in the six- to eight-year-old division. We didn’t have the sports networks, internet, or many television stations.
Social Security Fairness Act Would Benefit Firefighters - News

Nov 26, 2024 | fireengineering.com | David Rhodes

Many firefighters are in defined benefit pension plans and do not pay into Social Security through their department, but some work other part-time or full-time jobs on their off days and do contribute to Social Security. For years, firefighters have been penalized substantially and not allowed to collect the full amount for what they have contributed.
A Seat at the Table Keeps You Off the Menu

Nov 1, 2024 | fireengineering.com | David Rhodes

Editor’s OpinionTHANKSGIVING is one of those special times of the year. The weather is great, football is in full swing, and there are lots of family gatherings that center around the table. The table holds spectacular culinary delights in which we overindulge, putting ourselves into food comas! If you don’t make it to the table, it’s a given that you’re going to be talked about.
The Unexpected Influence of a Renaissance Man

Oct 1, 2024 | fireengineering.com | David Rhodes

Editor’s OpinionEARLY IN MY CAREER, I gravitated toward more senior, experienced members of the department. I wanted to learn everything about the fire service, and I was lucky to have a great cast of characters to set me on the right path. Most of these mentors were the salty instructor types who would take me along as a helper for live fire training. They were the cool kids and the “in” crowd in our culture. One of the guys who wasn’t in that crowd was Tom Hudgens, who was 19 years older than me.
The Lack of Search Training Is Appalling

Sep 1, 2024 | fireengineering.com | David Rhodes

Editor’s OpinionSHOULD WE do a left-hand or a right-hand search? Well, frankly, the answer is often neither, yet the majority of search training still only incorporates these two choices. These techniques were developed before breathing apparatus and decades before thermal imaging. They were also developed during the era of legacy fuel loads.