Third due on a taxpayer fire last night. Forcible entry on a roll-down took us 90 seconds longer than it should have — running the drill again this shift until the crew can do it in the dark.

Two years on the irons and I still check my tools twice before roll call. The halligan and the flathead don't leave my hands. Marry them, mark them, know them.

Reminder from the medic side: hydrate before the tones drop, not after. Rehab on scene is not optional in August.