🚨 A dramatic three-alarm blaze erupted on November 12, 2024, at the Mansion Apartments in Pine Hill, New Jersey, leaving 16 units destroyed and 13 families displaced. The fire, which ignited on a second-floor balcony around 6 p.m., quickly spread, causing chaos as five police officers and a firefighter rushed to the scene and were injured—mainly from smoke inhalation—but luckily, no residents were harmed.

The heroic first responders worked tirelessly, finally getting the flames under control by 8:20 p.m., but not before the fire left a massive mark on the community. The New Jersey Red Cross swooped in, offering temporary shelter, food, and clothes to the affected families. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, the blaze serves as a reminder of the dangerous, unpredictable nature of fire emergencies—and the bravery of those who rush to save others.

Check out the full article and videos here - FireRescue1 News

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Fuel

👨‍🍳 Craving creamy pasta? TRY THIS! This creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo offers a rich, satisfying dish with a protein-packed twist thanks to the addition of chicken and cottage cheese, making it a quick and delicious meal that won’t leave you feeling guilty!

📸 You can watch the recipe video here and download the printable PDF with the instructions and grocery list below.

Grind

Mondays hit HARD

… the guilt of one too many drinks or late-night snacks kicks in as you drag yourself to the gym. You promise to "sweat it all out," fueled by regret and the hope that a brutal workout can undo two days of excess. It's not easy, but hey—balance is key, right?

🔴 Warm-Up – 3 rounds

• 30 sec wall sit

• 30 sec elbow plank

• 30 sec dead hang

• 30 sec arm circles

🟢 Main Workout  - BAR CRAWL

Set up your barbell with adequate weight to perform the following workout:

Perform 2 rounds

• 10 RDLs

• 10 bench press

• 10 ab rollouts

• 10 high pulls

• 10 hang cleans

• 10 overhead press

• 10 thrusters

• 10 front squats

• 10 good mornings

• 10 lunges (each leg)

• 10 triceps extension

• 10 bicep curls

Lead

"Progress happens when we embrace change, not fear it"

🔥 In Is Pride Killing Your Fire Department?, John Velez delivers a powerful message about how pride, when unbalanced, can quietly undermine the very foundation of our fire service. While pride is a natural and essential force that drives us to be the best, Velez challenges us to examine the dangers of excessive pride and how it can hinder our growth as individuals and as a department.

At the heart of the article is the reminder that pride should never make us complacent. The famous "we’ve always done it this way" mentality is a barrier to progress, locking us into old habits and preventing us from exploring new, better ways of serving the community. Velez uses a vivid example of firefighters once battling blazes with horse-drawn buggies, making it clear that innovation is born from a willingness to adapt and evolve. Progress happens when we embrace change, not fear it.

The article also sheds light on the transformative power of feedback. As firefighters, we strive for excellence, but no one is perfect. Velez encourages us to embrace feedback—not as criticism, but as an opportunity to grow. Whether from a rookie or a seasoned Chief, each piece of advice helps shape us into stronger, more capable leaders. Pride should never make us so defensive that we close ourselves off from this invaluable resource.

Finally, Velez calls us to remember the power of collaboration. Healthy competition drives excellence, but when it becomes divisive, it erodes trust, communication, and morale. Our greatest strength lies in our unity. As firefighters, our duty is to share knowledge, lift each other up, and work together toward a common goal—saving lives and serving our communities.

The fire service is built on brotherhood, courage, and an unwavering commitment to improving. Velez’s article reminds us that while pride can inspire greatness, it must be tempered with humility. When we remain open to change, accept feedback with grace, and foster a spirit of collaboration, we unlock our true potential—both as individuals and as a department. Let’s rise together, with pride in our hearts, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Trivia

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