When Ray McCormack gave his enthusiastic speech at FDIC it didn't make everyone happy. That it didn't shows the power of the message being sent. The FDNY lieutenant discussed the issue of safety as it relates to the accepted dangers of the job and it sent more than a few mavens to their corners.

Months later, not a day goes by when this author or someone writing to him doesn't reference the speech. For all the critics there were legions who understood exactly what the Loo meant and were grateful for his candid speech.

For some old timers it re-lit a fire. For those who advocate an approach of surrounding the block to put out a mattress fire the speech became an enemy of all that looks good on paper. New firefighters were witness to a new way of thinking for them but one battle tested over the past century.

McCormack took heat over his comments about needing a culture of extinguishment but in a sense he reminded us the fire service is not a peace time Army. There are no timeouts in a mayday situation. Citizens have called, firefighters respond, what can be said of it but that it is war.

McCormack didn't stand up and advocate ignoring all safety items. In fact he told everyone what is already known - put the fire out and you increase the chances of going home. He had the courage to say it at a conference.

 

FirefighterHourly.com thanks Ray for his comments in support of safety and extinguishment.