John R Kowalski

Be the Rhino

8THIRTYFOUR on March 5, 2019

In 2017, 50 out of 87 US firefighters (that’s 58%) died from heart attacks. Though there’s no way to tell from the reports my guess is that the majority of these fatalities could have been prevented. As firefighters we need to rely on our mind, body and spirt to optimally perform and stay healthy. We all see terrible things and are under tremendous amounts of stress and all manage things in our own ways. Unfortunately, a lot of those ways include harmful things – fast food, alcohol and smoking just to name a few. And while it may seem to help with the stress it’s really only short-term and the longer-term effects are far worse on overall health.

And believe me, I’m no saint. Growing up in the Midwest it was meat and cheese. And since living in the south fried chicken is definitely one of my favorites (visit Champy’s if you get to Chattanooga). And at my age (pushing 50) my body is a bit squishy in the middle, recovery time takes a bit more and those daily aches and pains are gradually increasing.

I recently watched a documentary on Netflix called “What the Health.” See the trailer here. And it completely blew me away. What the hell have I been putting into my body and is now the time to do something different? At least try something new for better health and improved performance on the training or fire ground. Sooo… Mr. barbecue-loving, fried chicken-eating, cheese-dripping me decided to give it a try… a plant-based diet – going vegan.

That means and for over a week now I’ve been successful… eating nothing that comes from an animal. Not even my beloved cheese/spinach/artichoke dip.

But think about it. What are some of the biggest and strongest animals on the planet? Rhino, elephant, hippo, gorilla. They eat over 95% plants (the rest is bugs).

And I kid you not, just after a week of this my daily aches and pains have lessened, and I have more energy. Even doing some hardcore training drills I felt great and my recovery time was a fraction of what it used to be eating meat, cheese, eggs, etc. I feel lighter and more flexible.

I feel better. Physically and mentally.

And because of that I’m going to keep riding the vegan train. Not promising I won’t fall off here and there but at least for the next month I’m into it hardcore. I challenge you to give it a try too. For a week or two. What do you have to lose besides a few pounds and a sluggish feeling?

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.

TED: A Life Lesson From a Volunteer Firefighter

8THIRTYFOUR on February 21, 2019

Another brilliant TED talk. Volunteer firefighter and activist, Mark Bezos tells a story of an act of heroism that didn’t go quite as expected — but that taught him a big lesson: Don’t wait to be a hero.

Check it out.

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.

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 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.

Cancer Awareness & Prevention

8THIRTYFOUR on December 19, 2018

This is some great information from Firehouse Magazine to help keep yourself, your department and your families safe.

A new supplement in Firehouse magazine looks at cancer in the fire service and provides tips and information to help firefighters protect themselves and their crew. The NVFC served as a cornerstone sponsor for the project. View supplement. You can also learn the 11 best practices for preventing firefighter cancer in the Lavender Ribbon Report; download here.