The Worcester Cold Storage Fire: The Night the Fire Service Learned When to Stop Every firefighter carries a few fires they never rode to. Fires that happened to someone else, in another city, maybe before they were born — but that live in the back of the rig anyway, in […]
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CPAT 2026 Changes: What’s New and How to Train for It
CPAT 2026 Changes: What’s New and How to Train for It If you’re testing this year, listen up. The IAFF rolled out a set of CPAT addendums that took effect January 1, 2026. None of them change the eight events or the clock. But a few of them change how […]
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The Tech Gap in the Fire Service Is a Leadership Gap — and Your Next Tech Leader Is Already on the Roster
Walk into almost any firehouse in the country and you’ll find two kinds of technology sitting side by side. There’s the gear that works because it has to — SCBA, thermal imaging cameras, the apparatus itself. And then there’s everything else: the records management system nobody trusts, the scheduling software […]
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Firefighter Hiring in 2026: What’s Changed & How to Stay Competitive
The Grind If you’re applying right now, you’ve probably felt it: the process can be confusing, slow, and emotionally draining. People grind for months (sometimes years), stack certifications, apply everywhere… and still get silence. Others feel one small mistake on a background packet could sink them for years. And plenty […]
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Firefighter Testing & Hiring in 2026: Why Preparation Is No Longer Optional
The Fire Service Is Changing — Are You Ready for 2026? Every year, thousands of motivated candidates apply to become firefighters. Many believe hard work alone will be enough to get hired. But after more than 20 years involved in firefighter hiring, testing, and training, one truth stands out: Preparation—not […]
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The Guide to Becoming a Career Firefighter
To pursue a career as a firefighter, it is essential to meet specific education and training requirements. While a high school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry-level education, additional post secondary instruction and certifications are often necessary for aspiring firefighters
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