Managing Director @ First Responder Center for Excellence - Retired @FDNY Staff Chief - Be the salt not the slug - 40+ Year Volunteer in EFFD || @npsCHDS Grad
Today marks 9 years since we lost Firefighter Raymond J. Pfeifer of Engine 40, known to so many as “The Caveman.”
Ray battled a 9/11-related cancer while never stopping his fight for other first responders, becoming a powerful voice for the WTC Health Program, the Zadroga Act,
🛫🚗 Traveling to Iowa City soon?
Important arrival, check-in, hotel, and event details have been sent to all registered attendees. Be sure to check your email so you’re ready for an incredible week focused on first responder mental wellness.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Iowa City!
👉 Additional event information:
https://t.co/SePzlcNcbb
Together we are Stronger 💪
2) No department wants to take those types on for 30+ years. We'll train you but come in with an attitude that you care about the job. From the Hazard Class podcast, Episode 60, posted on 3-18-26. @Firefrank76
Retired FDNY Chief of Department Tom Richardson with some advice for Chief Officers (listen to the troops) & other advice that applies to all ranks (this job will humble you, be a student of the job). From Firehouse Vigilance's Weekly Scrap #343. @FHVigilance@Firefrank76
🚨 SOME STORIES NEVER STOP MATTERING. 🚨
This summer, CRACKYL Issue No. 22 looks back at the stories that shaped generations of firefighters — and the moments that still shape us today.
Featuring a special look at EMERGENCY! with Randolph Mantooth (Johnny Gage), honoring the television series that inspired countless firefighters and paramedics to answer the call.
We’re also proud to feature a powerful “Look for the Helpers” 9/11 tribute — a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there are always people willing to run toward the chaos to help others.
This issue is nostalgia, culture, health, sacrifice, and humanity all wrapped into one.
📬 Subscribe by June 22 to receive the Summer 2026 print issue.
#Firefighter #FireService #EMS #Emergency #JohnnyGage #RandolphMantooth #911Tribute #LookForTheHelpers #FirefighterHealth #ShiftWork #FirefighterWellness #CRACKYL #FirefighterLifestyle #FirstResponders #Paramedic #FireCulture #Firehouse #FirefighterMentalHealth
🚨 LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! 🚨
Time is running out to join us in Iowa City for the 2026 Mental Wellness Symposium hosted by the First Responder Center for Excellence and the University of Iowa.
📅 May 31 – June 3, 2026
📍 Iowa City, Iowa
This symposium brings together first responders, clinicians, researchers, and leaders from across the country for meaningful conversations and practical solutions focused on mental wellness in the fire service and first responder community.
✔️ Expert-led sessions
✔️ Networking opportunities
✔️ Actionable wellness strategies
✔️ Peer support & connection
⏰ Registration closes May 22nd — don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this important event.
👉 Register today:
2026 Mental Wellness Symposium Registration
Together we are Stronger 💪
🚒 Are You Attending @FDICevent This Week?
If you are, this powerful cartoon by the legendary Paul Combs says it all—sharing knowledge matters.
From new ideas and teamwork to leadership, safety, and tradition, FDIC is where the fire service comes together to learn, grow, and push each other forward.
As you take it all in this week, don’t keep it to yourself—bring it back to your department, your crew, and your community. That’s how we all get better.
👀 Be sure to follow us on social media to see where our Managing Director, Chief Frank Leeb, and Program Manager for Behavioral Health, Chief Dena Ali, will be throughout the week.
💪 Together we are stronger.
Batteries are changing the grid. But are they safe for firefighters and communities? NY’s updated fire code answers that — with data, planning, and real lessons learned. ⚡
https://t.co/N09NNvtiHB via @CrackylM#FireSafety#BESS@fireengineering#VolunteerFirefighter
🚨 Sponsor the 2026 Mental Wellness Symposium 🚨
Stand with those who protect our communities every day by sponsoring the 2026 Mental Wellness Symposium, a national event presented by the First Responder Center for Excellence in partnership with the University of Iowa.
Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to support critical education, research, and real-world solutions for first responder mental wellness—while gaining valuable national exposure for your organization.
✨ Make an impact. Elevate your brand. Support first responders.
🔗 Become a sponsor today:
https://t.co/SePzlcMElD
🚨 Help Reopen the National Fire Academy 🚨
Our affiliate, the @NFFF_News, needs your voice. With Memorial Weekend approaching this May, we must ensure the National Fire Academy is reopened in time to support the fire service and honor those we’ve lost.
We’re grateful to the @NFSAorg for stepping up and using their platform to help reach policymakers and drive this important effort forward.
Now we need YOU.
📖 Learn more:
👉 https://t.co/P9ONldBnp2
📣 Take action and support the campaign:
👉 https://t.co/2tDc2cryZt
Together, we can make sure this critical institution is open and serving those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Craig Carton & Chris McMonigle break down the unbelievable moment that saved a man's life at Citifield yesterday. The guys speak with the real-life heroes, Dr. Alyssa Lorenzana, Jordan Baltimore, NYPD Officer Bellomo, and the fan who lived to tell the story, Martin.
Thank you @craigcartonlive for spotlighting not only the hero’s that saved a life-but also the importance of early CPR
Before I retired from #FDNY I attended the @npsCHDS Naval Postgraduate school & wrote my thesis on this very topic- Saving the savable
https://t.co/jsO4UgNK2F
For those of you who missed our show yesterday or are just now reading about what happened at the Mets opener and are amazingly nitpicking and criticizing my initial post. Please see below. Many heroes played a role and we spoke to them all both on and off air as some couldn’t join us live.
Also today on Capitol Hill, our Managing Director, Chief Frank Leeb, connected with our partners from Kidneys for Communities — including former @NFFF_News CEO, Chief Ron Siarnicki.
Strong partnerships like these help drive meaningful change in firefighter health and wellness.
And speaking of Kidneys for Communities — did you know we now offer a FREE online training course: Diabetes in the Fire Service?
This is a critical topic for first responders, and taking a few minutes to learn more can make a real difference in your long-term health.
If you haven’t taken it yet… what are you waiting for?
👉 Access the course (and many more) here:
https://t.co/rLy2u7KzZh
Together, we are stronger. 💪🚒
🔥 NEW READ:
New ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines send a clear message to firefighters: lower LDL = lower risk.
Chief Frank Leeb shares a candid story about his own wake‑up call, and why early screening must be part of every firefighter’s routine. Read his article here:
https://t.co/2c8haMNcwW
What’s your department doing to make heart health a priority?
#FireServiceLeadership #FirefighterHealth #CardiacWellness #LDL #HeartHealth
🚒 We love seeing our signature green gear bag at work!
This time it was spotted with the Bethany Fire Department, a combination fire department in Rockingham County, North Carolina. These photos were taken during a recent training burn, where firefighters were sharpening their skills and preparing for the real calls that matter most.
It’s always great to see departments putting in the work to train hard, stay ready, and take care of their crews.
Stay safe out there, Bethany Fire Department—and thanks for putting the green gear bag to work! 💪🚒
⚾ 2026 Mental Wellness Symposium Attendees — Don’t Miss This!
Have you ever wanted to play catch on the Field of Dreams field? As part of the 2026 Mental Wellness Symposium, you can join our optional tour of the Field of Dreams Movie Site. Learn about the history of the iconic field and even throw the ball around on the field itself.
👉 Get your tickets here:
https://t.co/SePzlcMElD
Registration is filling quickly, and the 2026 Mental Wellness Symposium is approaching fast.
Don’t miss your chance! Secure your spot today to be part of this national conversation on first responder mental wellness.
Register today:
https://t.co/j8OUyNIYKx
@1stresponderctr
The Mental Wellness Symposium, a joint initiative of the @1stresponderctr and the @uiowa is bringing together leading experts, fire service professionals, and mental health specialists to discuss mental wellness.
Event: 5/31 – 6/3/26
Learn more here: https://t.co/j8OUyNIqUZ