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🚨 In a tale of resilience and survival, 41-year-old Brieonna Cassell from Wheatfield, Indiana, endured six harrowing days trapped in her wrecked car after veering off the road in Newton County. On March 6, Cassell fell asleep at the wheel, causing her vehicle to plunge into a concealed ditch, rendering it invisible to passing motorists. ​

With her phone out of reach and severe injuries immobilizing her, Cassell faced a dire situation. Ingeniously, she sustained herself by dipping her hoodie into a nearby creek and sucking the moisture from it to stay hydrated. This resourceful method kept her alive until March 11, when Johnny Martinez, operating drainage equipment, spotted her vehicle and alerted authorities. ​

Rescue teams arrived promptly, extricating Cassell and airlifting her to a Chicago hospital. She suffered multiple injuries, including broken legs, ribs, and a wrist, but remained conscious and communicative throughout the ordeal. Her family, who had been tirelessly searching during her absence, expressed immense relief and gratitude for her survival. ​

Watch the full news video from CBS Chicago.

The Latest

• 💪 ‘Completely beat down': 19 out of 42 firefighters pass latest Okla. smoke diver training - FireRescue1

• 🚁 Gluckstadt firefighters first to arrive at helicopter crash scene - 16 WAPT News Jackson

• 🛻 Indiana fire chief arrested for crashing fire pickup truck while intoxicated on call - WTHR

• 💧 Tesla Cybertruck completely submerged underwater in Ventura Harbor - ABC7

• 🔥 Dozens Killed in North Macedonia Nightclub Blaze - Firehouse.com

• 🚑️ Fern Creek firefighter saves boy's life - WLKY News Louisville

📣 What’s for dinner this week? Let me help!

🔥 NOW LIVE!

👨‍🚒 Fuel your crew, your family, and yourself with healthy, high-protein recipes designed for first responders and busy families.

✅ Easy search options to find exactly what you need
✅ Adjustable servings - feed one or the whole station
✅ New recipes added weekly!

📢 Check it out now and get cooking! ⬇️
👉 www.thestationchef.com

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

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Fuel

🔥 I’ve been seeing all the buzz around Marry Me Chicken recipes and couldn’t help but wonder, what’s the deal with the name? If you’re as intrigued as I was, you can check out the full story behind the name, along with the original recipe from Delish, right here.

I created my own healthier version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and if you’re tracking your macros, you’ll be impressed. With 572 calories and 48g of protein per serving, this version delivers tender, juicy chicken, a creamy, tangy sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all packed with indulgent Italian-inspired flavors. Follow along with me in this video and I’ll show you how quick and easy this is!

Nutrition Myths: Fact or Fiction

“Pasta is bad for you and will make you gain weight”

❌ FICTION

Pasta gets a bad rap, but it’s not the villain people make it out to be. The truth is, pasta on its own won’t cause weight gain - overeating and poor portion control are the real culprits. Pasta is actually a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide long-lasting energy, perfect for first responders on long shifts.

🍗 Want good protein delivered straight to your door? 👇️ These are my fav!

Grind: Smarter Not Harder

🧠 I'm shaking things up in the "Grind" section this week based on your feedback! Instead of the usual, we're going to give our brains a workout with kitchen tips, tricks, and hacks to level up your cooking game. Get ready to sharpen your skills and make everything in the kitchen easier, tastier, and more efficient!

🔴 Don’t Skip The Salt!

If you’re cooking pasta at the firehouse, don’t skip the salt in your water. It’s the easiest way to boost flavor before you even add sauce. Think of it like not seasoning a steak before you grill it; who does that? …exactly, no one.

💡 Why It Matters:
✅ Flavor Boost – Salt penetrates the pasta as it cooks, making every bite taste better.
✅ No More Bland Bites – Unsalted pasta dilutes your sauce instead of complementing it.
✅ The Rule of Thumb – Water should be salty like the sea (about 1-2 tablespoons per gallon).

🔥 Firehouse Hack: If a call drops mid-boil, no worries - leave the pasta in the hot salted water (off heat) and it’ll finish cooking without turning into mush.

Lead

"If you cannot be trusted with a simple task, how will you be trusted for a more complicated one?" – Glynn Novak

🚽 The article Toilet Paper Roll Call by Glynn Novak kicks off with a seemingly mundane task, replacing a toilet paper roll, yet quickly reveals a deeper, more profound lesson about responsibility and leadership. In the world of firefighting, it’s the little things that often speak the loudest. Replacing that roll, keeping the station stocked, and making sure everything is in its place isn’t just about convenience - it’s about showing up, stepping up, and setting a standard of excellence that will echo throughout the crew.

Think about it: every time you take the extra minute to get it right, whether it’s swapping out a roll or ensuring the firehouse is clean, you’re not just showing that you’re reliable, you’re making a statement. It’s about ownership, accountability, and being a role model. The small tasks reflect your attitude toward the bigger challenges. So, when the call comes in, you’ll be ready, not just because you’ve honed your skills, but because you’ve shown you can handle the responsibility of even the most “insignificant” details.

In a world where some might slack off or pass the blame, the real challenge is in choosing to rise above. Novak pushes you to think of these moments as opportunities, not to be overlooked but to shine. It's not just about making sure the toilet paper is stocked, it’s about creating a culture of trust, support, and high standards. Every time you handle the little things, you’re proving you're ready for the big ones. So, the next time you’re in the firehouse, remember: it’s not about the roll, it’s about the leadership you demonstrate in every small act. And that’s what truly makes you an unstoppable force in the firehouse and beyond.

Read the full article by Glynn Novak from FireFighter Nation.

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