Letter from the Director
As we close out the year, let us dedicate this December Bugle Echo to the memory of McNally, Bitting, Tuck, and the three children they so bravely tried to save. Their sacrifice calls us to reflect, to recommit, and to act.
May we honor them not just with a moment of silence, but with a renewed focus on safety, training, and the bond that unites us in service. Their legacy lives in every life we save, in every door we force, in every breath we protect.
This is a very dangerous job, and the Keokuk tragedy shows how quickly things can go wrong. Maine could face the same, so train and prepare yourselves to be ready, willing, and able to do what’s required.
As your State Fire Training Director, I wish I could do more, but the hard truth is this: it starts with you. Nobody will prepare you better than you prepare yourself. Lift weights. Eat right. Take care of your mental health. Drill hard and teach those around you so when the alarm sounds you are ready to perform with skill and discipline.
When I worked in Waterville we were often shorthanded. After this incident and the report came out I spent time studying this fire.
Here is the link to review the mathematical fire growth model. NIST SIMULATION TRAINING OF THE 1999 KEOKUK, IOWA DUPLEX FIRE | Firefighter Close Calls
I’ve asked myself how we’d handle that kind of rapid deterioration. You need to ask the same question and answer it with training, planning, and honest assessment of your resources. Think how your department would respond to a similar event. Prepare, communicate, and practice until it’s second nature. Make us all proud when the bell rings.
In honor of those who gave everything, train like their lives depend on it. I for one, will forever remember these three brave firefighters and wish I had the opportunity to serve with such brave souls.
With the highest respect,
Jim Graves, State Fire Training Director