An Oshkosh firefighter died following a crash on an Indiana highway while traveling for work. Two other colleagues from the Oshkosh Fire Department were injured in the incident. The department is mourning the loss.
Volunteer fire departments across the United States, which comprise 85 percent of the roughly 30,000 departments nationwide, face increasing financial pressures. Private equity firms have entered the market for software solutions used by these departments. Fire chiefs report sharp price increases after investors acquired providers of these previously affordable tools.
NYT: Private Equity Finds a New Source of Profit: Volunteer Fire Departments – Rural departments have long relied on cheap software solutions. But fire chiefs report sharp price increases as investors have entered the market https://t.co/oaCPZdBssz
— Aaron M. Renn 🇺🇸 (@aaron_renn) December 15, 2025
Volunteer fire departments, which make up 85 percent of the roughly 30,000 departments in the country, have been particularly strained.
Private Equity Finds a New Source of Profit: Volunteer Fire Departments https://t.co/fbBk6EguVf
— Dr. Mike (@DrMike73248055) December 15, 2025
In Upper Arlington, the fire department marked a milestone with a push-in ceremony for Ladder 72 and the swearing-in of three new firefighter/paramedics. The event highlighted tradition and community support.
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the moments that defined the year. The Ladder 72 push-in ceremony and the swearing-in of three new firefighter/paramedics was a proud milestone — full of tradition, service, and community support. 🚒 ❤️ #UpperArlington https://t.co/9jvB8v87J4
— City of Upper Arlington (@CityofUA) December 15, 2025
Discussions within the fire service emphasize the importance of asking better questions to achieve excellence and save lives. High achievers in the field face challenges but persist despite potential conflicts.
High achievers in the fire service don’t just work harder.
They ask better questions.
That can save lives.
It can also make enemies.If excellence has ever put you in the crossfire, this one’s for you.
Full Editor’s Opinion:
https://t.co/ewxw2ua89C— Fire Engineering (@fireengineering) December 15, 2025
In California, fire chiefs demonstrated coordination by engaging on a collective letter addressing forest-related issues, showcasing unusual unity among typically siloed leaders.
@HotshotWake That is interesting- my experience informs me that most of the fire chiefs in California do not engage on anything relevant to outside of their forest. To get 14 to engage on a letter is impressive. Who is in the ringleader? I know the answer..
— josh mathiesen (@JoshMathiesen) December 15, 2025
