John R Kowalski

Lighting it up at Smoky Mountain

8THIRTYFOUR on June 3, 2019

As I prep for my first time at Smoky Mountain Weekend in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, I am comforted that I will be joined by some instructors and classmates from my firefighter I class as well as my chief from Lone Oak Volunteer Fire Department. Based on the class offering I felt that at this stage in my career I’d be better suited to take more classes to be on the generalist side of things similar to my marketing expertise. Here’s a look at my class schedule:

Recognizing elder abuse – in my district we have an aging population so figured this could help
Residential concerns: Old house, small house, large house
Reading smoke
Modern single family dwelling fire attack

So based on these I’ll have a good sampling to expand my knowledge, training and skills.

Another objective is to connect with other departments to learn best practices in terms of public information, recruitment and retention, grant writing, fundraising and to share my knowledge of marketing. It’s making these contacts that are necessary to expand my learnings and to help others. I’ll pass out cards and perhaps gain some contacts that could be potentially bring me in to help them with their marketing efforts. It’s going to be a great opportunity on several fronts and I look forward to it!

Stay tuned as I’ll post an update to this post next week which will cover the event and post-event.

Volunteerism & Service – FF1 Complete

8THIRTYFOUR on May 28, 2019

Good morning. As I reflect on this past week of a training coming to an end and a celebration of Firefighter I certification I keep coming back to the terms volunteerism and service. That is what it’s all about for volunteer firefighters. Serving and protecting your community. Helping people in need on their worst days.

Here is the text of my speech (part of it a repeat from my departments 2018 award dinner):

What a long road this has been. We started in August and I feel we could’ve spent a month on every topic. But this is the beginning. This was about foundations that we can build upon moving forward through ongoing learning and training.

As far as this speech… I keep coming back to one I made at my departments awards dinner as I think it fits this event as well.

——–

This is our fire hall. This is our fire family.

We are members of a unique and special brother and sister-hood that goes back centuries to ancient Rome and even before that in ancient Egypt.

In 1666 the Great Fire of London helped standardize firefighting. In America, George Washington, the future President was a volunteer firefighter in Alexandria, Virginia as a member of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Company. Benjamin Franklin was also a volunteer firefighter helping to create the first fire department in Philadelphia in 1736.

The first known female firefighter Molly Williams took her place with the men on the drag ropes during the blizzard of 1818 and pulled the fire water pump to the fire through deep snow.

The first organized municipal fire brigade in the world was established in Edinburgh, Scotland, when the Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment was formed in 1824. London was formed 9 years later in 1833.

The fire service is rich with history.

Firefighters have been helping communities and engaging in charitable causes through generations. An early example is firefighter Royal Tunbridge Wells. He helped raise money for widows and orphans. He used his dog ‘Jack’ and cat ‘Arthur’ to help encourage donations.

Signal Mountain, TN 2016

Speaking personally, I joined after the Gatlinburg fires… after our mountain, Signal Mountain was on fire. I still remember driving with my family on Highway 153 towards the mountain and seeing the plumes of smoke. Our mountain was on fire. At that moment I had to help. Not just something to do but a deeper calling from within. To help my family, to help my community. To protect us all. I am a protector. Maybe 6 or 8 months after that… I remember Lt. Clift say to me, “You’ve got the fire bug. I see it.” He was right. And that bug burns hotter now than ever. I’ve taken many classes, received certifications and completed the Firefighter I program. I plan to attend training, conferences and seminars. I’m also working on transitioning my career to help fire service organizations (but that’s another story for another time). I am a protector and part of the fire service and part of the Lone Oak Volunteer Fire Department.

Why are you here? Why are you part of the fire service?

Regardless of the fire service history and changes through the years and the reasons on why we are here. There is one constant thing that will never change. Courage, Compassion and Community.

This is our fire hall. This is our fire family. We are here to help our community. We are here to be an integral part of our community. And when I talk of this, I don’t mean just the members. I’m talking about everyone in this room – our families. They give to and help our community. They share us. When the call comes in the middle of the night or when we’re just sitting down to dinner, they share us and give to our community too. Thank you to my wife Brynne and daughter Sofia, and all of our families from the bottom of my heart.

This is our fire hall. This is our fire family.

——–

So here I am with my new brothers and sisters. Our fire family. We made it to this point. We are here. Together. We have learned from the skills, knowledge and mistakes of our instructors. We learned that Fire is Hot. We studied, laughed, argued. All the things that brothers and sisters do. But we came together… eventually… as a team. We made it together and are now standing here in the proud tradition of the fire service.

I want to thank Rip, Jody and Nick. For their instruction, direction… patience… head-shaking… eye-rolling… all of it… Thank you sincerely from all of us.

A big thank you to Director Adams for his leadership, expertise and assistance. And to all the adjunct instructors who came down and gave their time to help us learn.

And the biggest thank you goes to our families. They have shared us. For the time away training and studying. For coming home exhausted with no energy for anything. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know it hasn’t been easy, so thank you.

In addition to the certifications I was awarded the prestigious Shane Daughette Award. Since firefighter Shane Daughettee’s death, this award is given to a fire graduate who demonstrates great leadership, attitude and dedication throughout the duration of Firefighter I class. This is truly an honor.

Here is a video presentation that the training team PIO put together showing some of our training moments. Enjoy!

U.S. House Bill Improves Benefits for Injured Firefighters

8THIRTYFOUR on May 24, 2019

The bipartisan measure—the Protecting America’s First Responders Act—would eliminate delays and help secure financial support for first responders hurt in the line of duty.

This is a big win for all of us. Take note of the article as published by Firehouse:

The Protecting America’s First Responders Act—a measure introduced last week by Reps. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-NJ), Peter King (R-NY), Joe Courtney (D-CT), John Rutherford (R-FL), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ) and Brian Fitzpatrick—updates regulations in the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program to reduce delays in receiving for those who suffering disabling injuries and also closes a loop in that program to allow fire police to receive support. A companion Senate bill introduced by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) was passed last week.

“The brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe and their families must have the utmost support from the federal government—especially those who have made drastic sacrifices in the line of duty,” said Pascrell, who co-chairs the Congressional Law Enforcement and Fire Services Caucuses. “First responders constitute both our first and last lines of defense. This much we know. What many don’t know, however, are the struggles many first responders and their families deal with after sustaining serious injuries or loss of life on the job. This legislation will directly assist those brave individuals struggling with lasting impacts of service. I am committed to seeing it fully passed into law.”

The full bill can be seen here.

State Testing, Ongoing Learning

8THIRTYFOUR on May 17, 2019

Well… tomorrow’s the day I have my state practicals and exam for FF1 certification. It’s been a long road for me (and my family) that began in August. It seems long but the sheer volume of information and training was concentrated. We could’ve spent a month easily on any of the areas we covered. That’s why ongoing learning is always going to be a part of me and should be for every firefighter out there. To keep not only themselves safe but also their team and communities.

We had some ups and downs as a team but came together. We learned, sweated, laughed and crammed our heads with as much knowledge as humanly possible. So on this day just before testing I’m feeling confident. Casually reviewing my study notes, tying my knots and flipping through my workbook.

Here we go!

Cancer Awareness & Prevention 2018

8THIRTYFOUR on April 22, 2019

A topic extremely important to all of us.

From Firehouse the 2018 Cancer Awareness & Prevention supplement reviews various efforts to decrease firefighter exposure to carcinogens.

The 2018 Cancer Awareness & Prevention supplement reviews gear-cleaning to remove toxins, ways to reduce exposure to carcinogens in and around apparatus, international efforts to mitigate cancer risks, and some product-based methods for skin-cleansing. Firehouse thanks our Keystone Sponsor, MSA, as well as our Cornerstone Sponsors, for their support of this critical project.

You can download the supplement here. Be sure to read through it and share it with all your brothers and sisters. We all need to stay safe!

Saunas Help Firefighter Detox

8THIRTYFOUR on April 11, 2019

I came across some great information on helping to detoxify us specifically with us working in LDH environments.

Some of the detox benefits an infrared sauna will help with:

Remove Toxic Chemicals – Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, & Mercury-Prevent Chronic Illness
Boost Immune System
Reduce Stress/Anxiety/DepressionRelieve
Muscle/Joint Pain
Promote Weight Loss
Increase Metabolism
Improve Blood Pressure
Reduce Skin Conditions

Check out Jenerate Wellness and be sure to download the guide. Lots of great information and another tool we can use to help keep us safe.

Your Actions Represent the Brotherhood

8THIRTYFOUR on April 1, 2019

Just this morning my wife had an unfortunate incident on a road near our home. The W Road down the mountain is a winding road with a good incline. She was following a truck loaded with stuff going slower than the speed limit. She remained about 3 car-lengths behind through the narrow curves. On one of the few straight-aways the truck put on his blinker and pulled to the shoulder as much as he could and slowed down even more as if he were wanting her to pass. She hesitated to make sure, he slowed even more so that’s what she believed he wanted her to do, so then she passed safely.

Upon reaching the truck and ready to wave a “thank you,” she was greeted with an angry man rolled down his window and started yelling obscenities. As much as he didn’t understand what she was doing or his actions miscommunicated to her to pass is there any real reason for this anger at a total stranger? What if she had been going to the hospital with a sick or injured child? My wife is the kindest, most loving and caring person you would ever meet. My response, upon first hearing this and to know that she was shaken from this event was to first lash out. “What an asshole! What’s his fuckin’ problem?” How hard must it be to go through life at that…. such anger at 10am. To live in that anger must be hell. But that’s not the end of the story, not the end of this incident.

She then said to me, “You know your firefighter license plate? The one on your car?” I replied, “yes.” She then continued, “He had that same plate. The same firefighter plate as you.” Then my heart sunk. This was one of my brothers acting like this. Representing all of us brothers and sisters bound together in the fire service. This action is a stain on all of us. We are better than this. We represent our departments, our brotherhood and the Maltese cross we bear.

When we wear a shirt, jacket, hat or vehicle decal, we represent something larger than us. A higher set of standards that meets our calling to help. Our actions speak to the public and our communities whether on or off duty. Be the high standard the public expects. Be the high standard that honors the brotherhood.

BabaFire platform launches to improve fire service marketing

8THIRTYFOUR on March 12, 2019

Chattanooga, Tennessee – March 12, 2019 – Babacita, a fire and emergency service marketing agency, announced BabaFire, an online learning platform to assist volunteer fire and emergency service organizations with their marketing components.

BabaFire brings value and experience to any organization. Learning modules include videos, written instructions and commentary along with tips, tricks and downloadable templates. The goal of BabaFire is to bring a positive learning experience to arm departments with the knowledge and tools necessary to elevate them to the next level and to empower them for marketing success.

“My experience includes my rural volunteer fire department to help raise the level of public perception, interaction and overall department marketing. Foundational marketing aspects can be incorporated into a planned program to not only improve the image, but also the fundraising and recruitment activities to help a department on a variety of levels,” states John Kowalski of Babacita.

Learning modules of BabaFire include

Department Image & Priorities
Developing an Effective Marketing Program
Recruitment – Now and the Future
Developing a Public Education Program
Raising Funds & Grant Writing
Event Planning with Purpose
Chain of Command, Teamwork & Conflict Resolution

A firefighter wearing a hat and coat smiles at the camera.

The BabaFire program is backed by a guarantee of success through personal consultation to ensure department satisfaction. “I believe in this program and through the feedback I have received with senior-level fire and emergency service personnel,” Kowalski continues. “This is the beginning of BabaFire and as additional modules are added, those purchasing the Complete program will get those with no extra expense.”

“Having served in two combination fire departments back in the ‘70’s & 80’s, we never even thought of marketing/branding the department. Today, there are sound opportunities to cultivate a strong, positive image for your department; both for the public and members. With John’s experience in both marketing and the fire service, he is able to provide you with the guidance necessary, to help market your department,” states Steve Greene, founder of Dalmatian Productions and the host of 5-Alarm Task Force podcast.

Individual modules cost $15.99 with the complete offering at $99.99.

About Babacita:

A consultancy incorporating empowerment and improvement for fire and emergency service organizations. As a volunteer firefighter and professional marketers, we understand the challenges that face volunteer organizations and work with departments to guide solutions to all marketing programs and community engagement. Visit http://babacita.com for more information.

TED-Ed: Is fire a solid, liquid, or gas?

8THIRTYFOUR on February 21, 2019

Taken from TED-Ed, a bit of education on fire science that you may know, may not know or just need a quick refresher.

From Elizabeth Cox, Educator:

Sitting around a campfire, you can feel its heat, smell the woody smoke, and hear it crackle. If you get too close, it burns your eyes and stings your nostrils. You could stare at the bright flames forever as they twist and flicker in endless incarnations… But what exactly are you looking at? Elizabeth Cox illuminates the science behind fire.

Watch the TED Talk here.

This is our fire hall. This is our fire family.

8THIRTYFOUR on February 21, 2019

NOTE: This is a speech I gave at my fire hall’s annual awards banquet and felt it was worth sharing.

This is our fire hall. This is our fire family.

We are members of a unique and special brother and sister-hood that goes back centuries to ancient Rome and even before that in ancient Egypt.

The first known female firefighter Molly Williams took her place with the men on the drag ropes during the blizzard of 1818 and pulled the fire water pump to the fire through deep snow.

The fire service is deep in rich history.

Firefighters have been helping in the community and engaging in charitable causes through generations. An early example is firefighter Royal Tunbridge Wells helping to raise money for widows and orphans. He used his dog ‘Jack’ and cat ‘Arthur’ to help encourage donations.

Speaking personally, I joined after the Gatlinburg fires… after our mountain, Signal Mountain was on fire. I still remember driving with my family on 153 towards the mountain and seeing the plumes of smoke. Our mountain was on fire. At that moment I had to help. Not just something to do but a deeper calling from within. To help my

family, to help my community. To protect us all. I am a protector. Maybe 6 or 8 months after that… I remember Captain Jody Clift out at one of our trainings and he said to me, “You’ve got the fire bug. I see it.” He was right. And that bug burns hotter now than ever. I’ve taken many classes, gotten certifications and am in rookie school. I’m planning on attending many conferences and seminars to continue to learn. I’m also working on transitioning my career to help fire service organizations (but that’s another story for another time). I am a protector and part of the fire service and part of the Lone Oak Volunteer Fire Department.

Why are you here? Why are you part of the fire service?

Regardless of the fire service history and changes through the years. And the reasons on why we are here. There is one constant thing that will never change. Courage, Compassion and Community.

This is our fire hall. This is our fire family. We are here to help the community in which we live. We are here to be an integral part of our community. And when I talk of this, I don’t mean just the members. I’m talking about everyone in this room – our families. They give to and help our community. They share us. When the call comes in the middle of the night or when we’re just sitting down to dinner. They share us and give to our community too. Thank you to my wife and kids, and all of our families from the bottom of my heart.

This is our fire hall. This is our fire family.