We did some training with the pickets on our rig the other day. Picket systems used for anchors are limited by the soil type you are dealing with.

A couple pictures of Portland's rescue tiller.

I share these pictures to show some of the mounting options available, and to suggest looking at many rigs when organizing your new rig. Plan them out so they work for your department's operations.

It's a elevator rescue in a blind shaft with heavy rigging (griphoist), metal cutting on rope (plasma cutter and saw), and a pick-off.

For those that have a grip hoist you know the box it comes in is very tight. We had a new box made to prevent the jack-in-the-box effect. The box can easily be used to move other equipment as well.

Sometimes we get caught up in all the fancy and extensive tools on our rigs. This is a reminder that we can do great work with simple tools.

Yesterday was a great morning for a run in Sandusky, OH. A few of us ran in the Stein Hospice 5k that was basically an out and back course along the Sandusky Bay and downtown. Many of us know the value Stein Hospice provides to people and their families in times of grieving. We were glad to be a part of the run in memory of those that have gone before us.

We started setting up for the HOT extrication class and it was raining. We finished the classes Friday evening and it was still raining.

Last week at the NY State Fire Chiefs Association HOT extrication class we had a chance to use Milwaukee's new M18 Fuel Band Saw.

We remember a historic day in world history today. D-Day, June 6, 1944. There are many opportunities to learn about the events of the past and how we can exercise leadership in ways those before us did.