Fire. It seems to appear out of nowhere, but the damage can be lasting. The worst time to think about fire safety is when you’re facing one. Do you know how to operate a fire extinguisher? At home or at work, do you know where your extinguisher is — right now? And if you don’t have one, do you know what type you need? If you ever find yourself needing to use a fire extinguisher, the best thing you can be is prepared. Small fires can still be a big deal. The difference between whether or not a small fire becomes…

Some of the most recognizable firefighter equipment includes our fire hoses, axes, and our protective gear. But have you ever heard of the Halligan tool? Created by New York Fire Department First Deputy Chief Hugh Halligan in 1948, his namesake tool has since become a multipurpose piece of standard firefighting equipment nationwide. The Halligan tool is used for striking down barriers, prying open windows and doors, breaking locks, and more to ensure that firefighters can rescue anyone trapped within a burning structure. 77 years after Deputy Chief Halligan’s original prototype, the Halligan tool is a standard piece of our department’s…