Kevin O’Connor evaluates the opportunities and challenges ahead in 2019. As we are only newly into 2019, it’s a good time to review some of the opportunities and challenges facing the fire service in the new year. Embracing FirstNet It has been nearly eight years since the fire service secured bandwidth 14 (D-Block) and the

Kevin O’Connor explains why firefighters can’t ignore the dangers posed by certain building materials—and the lobbyists pushing for them. When firefighters think of politics and advocacy, they envision Congressional debates on fire service grant programs, training, regulations, or battles at the state and local levels on budgeting, funding priorities, and staffing. They don’t realize that

Kevin O’Connor underscores the need to manage pension plans for the firefighter, not political correctness. When someone raises their hand and takes an oath to become a firefighter or EMS professional, they knowingly assume the risks associated with one of the nation’s most dangerous professions. Very few young firefighters think about the future in terms

Kevin O’Connor shares that Fire Service Caucus members have had great success—but the work continues. The recent 30th annual Congressional Fire Services Caucus dinner provided an opportunity to reflect on the collective success of the American fire service. Then and now As a young firefighter, I attended the very first dinner. At that time, I honestly

Kevin O’Connor underscores that fire safety must remain a top priority as organizations try to align themselves with firefighters. The imagery of firefighters is a valuable commodity for anyone trying to sell a product, advance an issue or even influence politicians. We are coveted coalition partners with interests ranging from climate change to wireless carriers.

Kevin O’Connor explains why unnecessary Congressional maneuvering left the fire service in a state of uncertainty for six months. The continuing pit of partisan politics, the arcane rules governing Congress, and schoolyard-style feuds between the House and Senate condemn Washington to continued dysfunction. Last year the “Nine Sisters”—an Inside-the-Beltway colloquialism for the major fire service

Kevin O’Connor encourages departments to evaluate their communications options. Communications—both mission-critical voice and data—are crucial components for fireground safety and efficient operations. For decades, we have lobbied, begged and cajoled to secure inter- and intra-operability. And now a moment of choice is upon us. This summer, FirstNet selected AT&T as its partner to build out

KEVIN BOGARDUS – 01/26/09 05:59 PM EST Kevin O’Connor represents more than 290,000 firefighters in Washington. And while he wears a suit and tie on Capitol Hill — like most lobbyists — when he makes his case to lawmakers, he speaks from experience. A former Baltimore County firefighter and the son of a fire chief,

Kevin O’Connor says we are facing an epic battle to protect a program that has benefited so many fire departments. An iconic commercial aired in the aftermath of 9/11 that portrayed a group of soot-stained firefighters running a legislative body. The theme was that the firefighter-legislators made decisions predicated solely on doing what was right.

Kevin O’Connor reviews how our new leaders are prioritizing the fire service. It’s been six months since the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump and the start of the 115th Congress. It’s time to evaluate how our new leaders are treating the fire service. Funding review The president began his term promising to eliminate or cut