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Journey to IFO: TOAC-WE PASSED!
Didn't think that I could do it but managed to pull that out of somewhere. Many thanks to our amazing instructors, EMT's, three medics...
Catherine Best
Jun 22, 20241 min read


Journey to IFO: Update on Training-TOAC
Keeping it brief today. First let me say that this is not for the faint of heart. As if I didn't have enough respect and admiration for...
Catherine Best
Jun 20, 20241 min read


Journey to IFO- And So it Begins....
Apologies for the late post! We are already on our way to Day 2 of IFO. Other than introducing myself to the 2024 Spring IFO Cohort, and...
Catherine Best
Jun 3, 20241 min read


Journey to IFO-T-Minus Ten Days and Counting-Confined Space Training
Jumping in here for a quick update, and yes, it's been a while. It's been rough jet-setting through England and Ireland visiting the...
Catherine Best
May 22, 20242 min read


Journey to IFO: Manikins, Mask Confidence and More!
It's been a few weeks since my last post, but fear not, I am still after this with a vengeance. Strength and cardio training continue,...
Catherine Best
Apr 23, 20243 min read


Journey to IFO: Tactical Ventilation
Tactical Ventilation is the removal of hot air, smoke and toxic gases that become airborne during a structure fire. It's used to help...
Catherine Best
Mar 30, 20242 min read


Journey to IFO: Tie a Knot, Try Alot
Yes, my faithful readers, I've been missing in action but for many good reasons. I will spare you the gory details and get right down to...
Catherine Best
Mar 28, 20242 min read


Celebrating Women in Construction
It's hard to believe that I've been working in the construction industry for more than thirty years. For those of you unfamiliar with...
Catherine Best
Mar 8, 20241 min read


The Green Bloods-Resurgence-Teaser-Meet Aiden Sweeney
The Green Bloods series is a multi-generational saga that follows the fortunes and the failings of the Nolan's and the O'Leary's from the...
Catherine Best
Mar 6, 20244 min read


Journey to IFO: Flying Solo
What an amazing weekend packed with killer workouts, productive IFO training, Tech'ing at the Farm and yes..... my first Standby at a...
Catherine Best
Mar 4, 20242 min read


Celebrating Women's History Month: Firefighter Sisters
Girls can do anything. Read that again. Girls can do anything. Repeat it, until it resonates. We are mothers, sisters, wives,...
Catherine Best
Mar 1, 20242 min read


Poem: Unapologetically Me
A dark cauldron of emotions. Turbulent and overflowing. Cursed by others. Burdened by another’s indiscretions. Misjudgments. Lies and...
Catherine Best
Feb 21, 20241 min read


Journey to IFO: Mask Confidence-Change of Scenery
Desperate for some variety, the workout routine was temporarily relocated to the gym at the CFFD Station late Sunday Morning. We started...
Catherine Best
Feb 18, 20243 min read


New Featured Poem: You Made Her That Way.
She’s resilient. Because someone made her that way. She’s courageous and brave. Because she had to survive. She’s guarded. Because...
Catherine Best
Feb 17, 20241 min read


Journey to IFO: It's Hammer Time...
No, I don't mean a water hammer.... Get it? Get it? ;) Ok, bad inside joke. All Fire Personnel, please take a moment to finish...
Catherine Best
Feb 12, 20242 min read


Journey to IFO: Gen X Throwback Wednesday Night Trainer
The Wednesday Night CFFD Trainer Posse advanced through another cardio pumping strength training workout with Princess DJ H on the mic...
Catherine Best
Feb 8, 20241 min read


The Little Book of Big Ideas for Construction Professionals.
Mike Riegel, ACC-PMP is a longtime mentor, colleague and friend. The Little Book of Big Ideas for Construction Professionals is the...
Catherine Best
Feb 8, 20241 min read


Momma has a brand-new pair of....... Fire boots?
For those of you who aren't aware.... earning your 'new' turn out gear is kind of like a rite of passage. It's typically issued after...
Catherine Best
Jan 30, 20241 min read


Hot Off The Presses from Guardians Wellness Coordinator Audra Sichler....
Received firsthand from my first responder sister Audra Sichler; Guardian Revival's Wellness Coordinator, please take note of these...
Catherine Best
Jan 26, 20241 min read


Journey to IFO with a Russian Twist?
The Croton Falls Fire Department work-out posse pulled through another heart pumping Wednesday Night Trainer led by personal trainer...
Catherine Best
Jan 25, 20241 min read
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