--- title: Fire-Dex Blog | Firefighting History and Culture (2) description: Firefighting History and Culture | The Fire-Dex blog is the destination for the latest fire industry innovations, product news, and much more. (2) --- - [ABOUT](https://www.firedex.com/about) - [About](https://www.firedex.com/about/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.firedex.com/about/meet-the-team) - [Employment](https://www.firedex.com/employment/) - [Now Hiring](https://www.firedex.com/employment/#hiringnow) - [Resources](https://www.firedex.com/education-resources/) - [Fire-Dex PPE Rentals](https://www.firedex.com/fire-dex-ppe-rentals/) - [NFPA Performance Requirements](https://www.firedex.com/education-resources/nfpa-performance-requirements/) - [Drag Rescue Device Installation Guide](https://www.firedex.com/drd-installment-guide/) - [Heat Stress E-Book](https://landingpage.firedex.com/ret-e-book) - [Blog](https://blog.firedex.com/blog) - [Shop Online](https://firedex.com/shop) - [My Account](https://firedex.com/my-account) - [View Orders](https://www.firedex.com/my-account/view-order/) - [Edit Account](https://www.firedex.com/my-account/edit-account/) - [Edit Address](https://www.firedex.com/my-account/edit-address/) - [Log Out](https://www.firedex.com/my-account/customer-logout/) [![FireDex Logo\_Full Color\_White\_300](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Fire-Dex%20Logos/FireDex%20Logo_Full%20Color_White_300.png?width=264&height=58&name=FireDex%20Logo_Full%20Color_White_300.png)](https://www.firedex.com/) - 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[Request a Quote](https://www.firedex.com/find-a-distributor/) - [Procurement Contracts](https://www.firedex.com/fire-department-procurement-contracts/) - [Shop Now](http://firedex.com/shop) - [Now Hiring](https://www.firedex.com/employment/#hiringnow) - Products - [AeroFlex™ Turnouts](https://firedex.com/aeroflex) - [TECGEN71](https://www.firedex.com/product/tecgen71/) - [Turnouts](https://www.firedex.com/turnouts/) - [TECGEN51+ Fabric](https://www.firedex.com/tecgen51-fabric/) - [Alternative PPE](https://www.firedex.com/alternative-ppe) - [PPE Packages](https://firedex.com/ppe-packages) - [Boots](https://www.firedex.com/boots/) - [Gloves](https://www.firedex.com/products/gloves/) - [Hoods](https://www.firedex.com/hoods/) - [Helmets](https://www.firedex.com/helmets/) - [Suspenders](https://www.firedex.com/catalog/fire-dex-suspenders/) - [Egress Bailout Systems](https://www.firedex.com/egress-bailout-systems/) - [Laundry Solutions & Disinfectants](https://www.firedex.com/laundry-solutions-disinfectants/) - [About Fire-Dex](https://www.firedex.com/about) - [Employment](https://www.firedex.com/employment/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.firedex.com/about/) - [Blog](https://www.firedex.com/blog/) [Cart](https://www.firedex.com/cart/) # Fire-Dex Blog [![Blog banner](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ambassador%20Blog%20Series%20_%20VES.png?width=885&name=Ambassador%20Blog%20Series%20_%20VES.png)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/truck-company-operations-for-every-firefighter) ## [Truck Company Operations for Every Firefighter](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/truck-company-operations-for-every-firefighter) [Sep](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/09/) [23](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/09/23/), [2025](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/) [VentEnterSearch,](https://www.vententersearch.com/) a training group out of Florida, has carved out a reputation for delivering high-impact, hands-on instruction centered around truck company operations. But as co-founder Eric Wheaton explains, their training is useful for every firefighter. [Read More](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/truck-company-operations-for-every-firefighter) [![Blog Banner](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ambassador%20Blog%20Series%20_%20PUP.png?width=885&name=Ambassador%20Blog%20Series%20_%20PUP.png)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/the-importance-of-training-fundamentals) ## [The Importance of Training Fundamentals](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/the-importance-of-training-fundamentals) [Sep](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/09/) [22](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/09/22/), [2025](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/) In a world where flashy techniques and viral training videos often steal the spotlight, Derek Currao and the team at [MissionCIT](https://missioncit.com/) are on a mission to bring firefighter training back to its roots. Their philosophy is simple but powerful: focus on reality, emphasize the basics, and train firefighters [Read More](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/the-importance-of-training-fundamentals) [![](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Header_Why%20Turnout%20Breathability%20Matters.png?width=885&name=Blog%20Header_Why%20Turnout%20Breathability%20Matters.png)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/why-turnout-breathability-matters) ## [Why Turnout Breathability Matters](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/why-turnout-breathability-matters) [Aug](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/08/) [20](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/08/20/), [2025](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/) In the last few decades, turnouts have evolved from rubber coats to modern three-layer composites. Advances in materials and fit mean that gear performs at a higher level than it did previously. [Read More](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/why-turnout-breathability-matters) [![Blog Banner](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/My%20Journey%20with%20Fire-Dex%20Rackley.png?width=885&name=My%20Journey%20with%20Fire-Dex%20Rackley.png)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/my-journey-with-fire-dex-exciting) ## [My Journey with Fire-Dex: Exciting](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/my-journey-with-fire-dex-exciting) [Aug](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/08/) [13](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/08/13/), [2025](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/) Misty Rackley, warehouse manager of Fire-Dex’s production plant in Pelham, Georgia, has spent 20 years working in the same building.  [Read More](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/my-journey-with-fire-dex-exciting) [![Blog Banner](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/My%20Journey%20with%20Fire-Dex%20Petrie.png?width=885&name=My%20Journey%20with%20Fire-Dex%20Petrie.png)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-dynamic-and-family-oriented) ## [My Journey with Fire-Dex: Dynamic](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-dynamic-and-family-oriented) [Jul](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/07/) [29](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/07/29/), [2025](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/) “Dynamic,” says Michelle Petrie. Of all the words that could be used to describe her time at Fire-Dex, this one felt the most accurate. “We're always hopping. We’re always full of energy, very family oriented.” [Read More](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-dynamic-and-family-oriented) [![Blog Banner](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Grueling%20World%20Of%20Shift%20Work.png?width=885&name=The%20Grueling%20World%20Of%20Shift%20Work.png)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/the-grueling-world-of-shift-work-for-firefighters-24s-48s-and-everything-that-happens-in-between) ## [The Grueling World of Shift Work for Firefighters: 24s, 48s, and Everything that Happens in Between](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/the-grueling-world-of-shift-work-for-firefighters-24s-48s-and-everything-that-happens-in-between) [Jul](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/07/) [28](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/07/28/), [2025](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/) In the fire world, there’s no such thing as a 9 to 5.  [Read More](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/the-grueling-world-of-shift-work-for-firefighters-24s-48s-and-everything-that-happens-in-between) [![Blog Banner](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Banners%20(21).png?width=885&name=Blog%20Banners%20(21).png)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-welcomes-new-cio) ## [Fire-Dex Welcomes New CIO](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-welcomes-new-cio) [Jun](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/06/) [10](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/06/10/), [2025](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/) [Fire-Dex](https://www.firedex.com/), North America’s fastest-growing manufacturer of head-to-toe PPE for first responders, announces the appointment of **Ben Pfahl as its Chief Information Officer (CIO)**. With this leadership expansion, Fire-Dex is putting weight behind its promise to lead with tech, execute with excellence and [Read More](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-welcomes-new-cio) [![Blog Banner](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Banners%20(20).png?width=885&name=Blog%20Banners%20(20).png)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-promotes-lauren-burke-devere-to-ceo-john-karban-to-president-in-planned-leadership-move) ## [Fire-Dex Promotes Lauren Burke DeVere to CEO, John Karban to President, in Planned Leadership Move](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-promotes-lauren-burke-devere-to-ceo-john-karban-to-president-in-planned-leadership-move) [May](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/05/) [15](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/05/15/), [2025](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/) [Fire-Dex](https://www.firedex.com/), a global leader in PPE for first responders, is gearing up for its next chapter, announcing a leadership succession as CEO Steve Allison looks toward retirement in early 2027. **Effective at the start of 2026, Lauren Burke DeVere, Fire-Dex’s current President, will move into the CEO position** [Read More](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-promotes-lauren-burke-devere-to-ceo-john-karban-to-president-in-planned-leadership-move) [![Blog Banner](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/My%20Journey%20with%20Fire-Dex%20Foster%20.png?width=885&name=My%20Journey%20with%20Fire-Dex%20Foster%20.png)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/my-journey-with-fire-dex-a-whirlwind) ## [My Journey With Fire-Dex: A Whirlwind](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/my-journey-with-fire-dex-a-whirlwind) [May](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/05/) [07](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/05/07/), [2025](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/) “Fire-Dex Family” is more than just a catchy saying—it’s a way of operating business and life. Just ask Stacy Foster, a Fire-Dex employee who has been with the company for nearly three decades.  [Read More](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/my-journey-with-fire-dex-a-whirlwind) [![](https://blog.firedex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Find-Your-Fit_Female-Fit_Blog_1120x630.png?width=885&name=Find-Your-Fit_Female-Fit_Blog_1120x630.png)](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-is-committed-to-female-firefighters) ## [Fire-Dex Is Committed to Female Firefighters](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-is-committed-to-female-firefighters) [Mar](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/03/) [07](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/03/07/), [2025](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/archive/2025/) While [International Women’s Day](https://www.internationalwomensday.com/) is a great time to celebrate the accomplishments of female firefighters, Fire-Dex remains committed to serving women all year.  [Read More](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/fire-dex-is-committed-to-female-firefighters) [Newer Posts](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighting-history-and-culture/page/1) [1](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighting-history-and-culture/page/1) [2](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighting-history-and-culture/page/2) [3](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighting-history-and-culture/page/3) [4](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighting-history-and-culture/page/4) [5](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighting-history-and-culture/page/5) [...](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighting-history-and-culture/page/7) [27](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighting-history-and-culture/page/27) [Older Posts](https://blog.firedex.com/blog/tag/firefighting-history-and-culture/page/3) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.firedex.com%2Fblog%2Ftag%2Ffirefighting-history-and-culture%2Fpage%2F2%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.firedex.com%2Fblog%2Ftag%2Ffirefighting-history-and-culture%2Fpage%2F2%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.firedex.com%2Fblog%2Ftag%2Ffirefighting-history-and-culture%2Fpage%2F2%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.firedex.com%2Fblog%2Ftag%2Ffirefighting-history-and-culture%2Fpage%2F2%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Leave a Reply ### Recent Posts ### CATEGORIES - 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