Chuck Manafee

Fire Investigator-PSBT

[Happy Captain @EODHappyCaptain]

This is not a story I’ve ever told here, but I think it’s worth telling.

A little over a decade ago, I was the NCO in charge of quarters in the barracks at EOD school. Due to their initial entry status in the Army, the Soldiers had nightly bed checks to ensure they were accounted for.

That night, there was a suicide in the barracks. I found him hanging in his closet, cut him down, and started performing CPR. I yelled for all the students who knew CPR to come out of their rooms. Three joined me. While they took turns, I called 911 and then the command.

We traded off for nearly 20 minutes until EMS arrived. Although we kept him alive, he later passed at the hospital.

In the aftermath, I submitted the three Soldiers who helped me for Achievement Awards; I was a SSG at the time. The Battalion Commander pulled me aside and asked if it was truly appropriate to give awards when the Soldier didn’t survive.

I told him the awards were for young Soldiers who stepped up when others didn’t: those are the type of people I want around in this career field. people who give it their all, regardless of the outcome. He agreed.

We don’t get to decide the circumstances, but we do get to decide how we react. A decade later, I’m still proud of those Soldiers for stepping up.

If you need help, reach out and get it.

[SGM Mike Vining @ Blasting Through Official @BlastingThrough]

Many podcasters ask me what Delta's number one selection criterion is for a candidate. I think, more than anything, they look for people who do not know the meaning of the word "quit." Whether you’re looking to join Delta or seeking success in any life choice, refusing to quit will take you very far.
The photo is of me coming into the last point on the last day of Delta's Selection and Assessment. I just did 40 miles, carrying 58 pounds in my pack. It took me 15 hours and 15 minutes. I had no idea this was the last day, the finish. I no longer felt that I was connected with my body. I was just moving forward. I didn’t know the meaning of the word “quit.”

[Happy Captain @EODHappyCaptain]

There are few aspects of the military that are safe.

There is no aspect of working with explosives that is safe.

Never forget that there are always service members in harms way, both at home and abroad.

Praying for the families, friends, and colleagues of all those involved.

[Happy Captain @EODHappyCaptain]

You gotta trust your equipment…but you should also test it throughly before use.

Right before heading out to deploy, we were giving these carbon fiber poles which were supposed to be super strong. We use them to hook on to items from a safe distance. I had been using a painters pole, which I had great luck with, but I figured I would try this new one.

Sure enough, while working on an IED, I had the opportunity to try it out. After removing the item from the side of the side of the road, I lifted up the pole.

It immediately snapped in half and the IED slammed on the ground, with me only a couple feet away.

I learned a valuable lesson that day. I also yelled at the person who said they were gonna be a great purchase for the unit.

I went back to the cheap painters pole and it never let me down.

(This photo isn’t Ai, but it was enhanced with Ai. The original was taken through a dirty window. Yes, that’s me)

[Happy Captain @EODHappyCaptain]

This thing was way better. Beat up a lot of IEDs with this painters pole.

[Frank @FireSafetyNYC]

https://t.co/qjcfsvg1lG

[CDC @CDCgov]

The CDC issued this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and health departments about the hantavirus disease cases caused by infection with Andes virus. The risk to the public's health in the United States is considered extremely low at this time. As a precaution, CDC is working to increase awareness of the outbreak among travelers, public health agencies, laboratories, and healthcare professionals nationwide. https://t.co/DV7S2yQXs4

[Happy Captain @EODHappyCaptain]

Less than 24 hours from their email, and my uniform is ready for the EOD memorial.

That’s a level of customer service that simply doesn’t exist anymore, anywhere else.

[International Association of Fire Fighters @IAFFofficial]

🔥 #Firefighters face nearly twice the risk of #ALS.

During #ALSAwarenessMonth, the #IAFF and @MDAorg are raising awareness and supporting research.

➡️ NEW STUDY: https://t.co/7qZPbKagCY

➡️ MDA ALS TOOLKIT: https://t.co/H9s5PfRYuQ

#EndALSwithMDA

[U.S. Marshals Service @USMarshalsHQ]

The way you navigate a space affects your safety. Situational awareness means observing not just where people are, but how they’re acting. Everyone gives off cues - body language, tone, movement. Learning to read those signals helps you make better decisions in situations.

[U.S. Marshals Service @USMarshalsHQ]

When it comes to your safety, you are the ultimate advocate.

#USMarshals

[Frank @FireSafetyNYC]

https://t.co/oQlr4Xx9vg

[FirefighterCloseCall @TheSecretList]

Latest Update: 3 IDAHO FIREFIGHTERS SHOT, 2 MURDERED. “THOSE FIREFIGHTERS NEVER HAD A CHANCE”: @KootenaiSheriff
https://t.co/vqzhWn1ojV @CDAFirefighters @IAFFofficial @7thdistrictIAFF #Idaho #couerdalene #firefighter #ambush #murder #RestInPeace

[Alertpage, Inc @alertpage]

OVERNIGHT - CHICAGO,IL **OFFICER DOWN** EAST 82ND STREET & SOUTH DREXEL AVENUE (INT) | SHOTS FIRED AT THE POLICE - 1 OFFICER DOWN W/ GSW, OFFICER TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL

[GEN. Xavier Brunson @CDRUNCCFCUSFK]

On this solemn occasion, we celebrate, not only the Republic of Korea's Memorial Day, we're also reminded of the 75th anniversary of the UNC and all the nations brought to bear that Koreans might live with freedom & prosperity. I'm thankful for all the veterans of the Korean War

[J&L Historical @Jason_R_Burt]

81 years ago today, paratroopers bound for Normandy. 🇺🇸

[FDNY UFA @UFANYC]

It is with deep regret the UFA announces the passing of Firefighter Robert S. Okorn, Ladder Company 158, who succumbed to his WTC related illness on Sunday, April 20, 2025. FF Okorn served our department for 18 years.

The following arrangements have been confirmed:

[International Association of Fire Fighters @IAFFofficial]

💛💙🔥 Support @MDAorg research by donating to #FilltheBoot and help people with ALS live longer, more independent lives.

https://t.co/FYsG2Qc0Gw

[NYC EMS Watch @NYCEMSwatch]

FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker today announced the release of the Department's 2025 Strategic Plan. The plan will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for the future of the Department.
https://t.co/3GEsGFxyDB

[FirefighterCloseCall @TheSecretList]

TRUCK CARRYING FIREWORKS TODAY in DeMotte, Indiana on I-65 #indiana #firefighter #firefighters #hazmat #hazardousmaterials #explosion #fireworks