One of the worst kept secrets in the fire service and in municipal government is the reduction of staffing on engines, ladders and rescues. The reduction of firefighters to less than four per rig is responsible for killing firefighters and civilians because there are too many tasks to accomplish with too few people.

2009 saw cities and counties cutting the number of firefighters for fiscal reasons. What politicians were saying, and companies that recommend the practice, is the lives of citizens and firefighters don't matter. "We will gamble" seems to be tone. Well, the gamble brings tragic results.

This year firefighters must work hand in hand with the insurance industry to punish those who operate below NFPA 1710 staffing levels. Imaging the public having to hear no one will go inside because too few people are on scene. Insurance companies will act accordingly and residents will remove those who are responsible.