Irving FD’s dedicated blocker program is saving lives.

Over five years in the mid-2010s, nine Irving Fire Department apparatus were struck by civilian vehicles while working roadway incidents in Texas. Two apparatus were totaled. Several firefighters were injured. One driver was killed. When Irving Fire Chief Victor Conley was tasked with a community risk reduction research project as part of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer program, he knew exactly what he wanted to address. He believed there must be a better way to block off a scene than putting millions of dollars in equipment between Irving firefighters and oncoming traffic. He was right.

Ten years later, Chief Conley joins us on a new episode of the ResponderSafety.com podcast to tell us about the success of the Irving FD’s blocker equipment that turns reserve apparatus into dedicated blocking vehicles for about $3500 each. Tune in to hear the blueprint for the refit, how to staff the blockers, and what should be in your blocking SOP. Listen now to Chief Victor Conley on the ResponderSafety.com podcast.

Stay safe,

The ResponderSafety.com Team