Lexipol
Lexipol provides fully developed, state-specific fire department policies researched and written by subject matter experts and vetted by attorneys. Our policies are based on nationwide standards and best practices while also incorporating state and federal laws and regulations where appropriate. Best of all, we keep your policies updated for you, saving you time and money.
With Lexipol, you will enhance personnel accountability, reduce liability, save time and money on policy management AND rest easy knowing your department is protected.
As a leader, you have a responsibility to calm the turbulence
Departments must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the potential for violence on scene
Today, most agencies have reduced or eliminated pensions; that means it’s on you to financially plan for retirement
Recognizing when to seek help is crucial yet often obscured by the stigma against mental health treatment
Gordon Graham: Today’s first responders need more than a transactional relationship with their superiors
You can’t help anyone if you don’t get there safely; always practice defensive driving, especially when you’re responding to an emergency call
Let’s aspire to build a future where ego takes a backseat to compassion and accountability
There are few things firefighters do that put the public at risk, but responding to calls is one of them
In times of stress, your sympathetic nervous system is on high alert; box breathing can help
With careful planning and administrative support, an agency wellness program can save careers, marriages and even lives
Leaving the occupation you love is hard to do
The fire service must embrace a culture of operating safely and managing risk appropriately
Gordon Graham says the time to think about hydration is now, not when you are immersed in an exhausting activity
Regular training helps agencies ensure their personnel are not only compliant but also prepared to handle the complexities of their roles
If you’re looking for a powerful lesson for all ranks in your agency, it might be time to consider a staff ride
Every little thing counts, whether related to equipment, operations, or communication
Without good policies to provide guidance, your department will never be fully effective as an organization
The uncertainty of complex problems requires flexibility when crafting responses
In this tip, Gordon Graham reminds first responders not to go on autopilot when it comes to completing training requirements, because “lives depend on it”
As the Greek physician and philosopher Hippocrates said, “If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.”
It’s up to each of us to do the work and ensure we’re complementing each other’s missions
Make sure your department’s traditions, behaviors and practices aren’t putting a damper on member retention or recruitment
Simple gestures, like checking in after difficult calls or noticing changes in behavior, can make a significant difference
These five strategies are designed to help you overcome exhaustion and maintain momentum toward your fitness goals
Incident reports can be helpful, but do you recall the date and address of every incident you ever responded to? You need something more.
Take steps to prioritize your wellness so you can better serve your community, your colleagues and your family
Departments that fail to engage the family in firefighter wellness are missing a powerful tool
While it can be useful and effective, social media is not always simple
