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    1. Operations & Training

    Today on Firehouse – Ep. 10: Chief Brian Helmick Discusses No Interior Attack Policy

    Aug. 3, 2020
    Chief Brian Helmick shares why he instituted the policy that East Contra Costa firefighters would limit interior attacks operations at structure fires.
    East Contra Costa Fire Chief Brian Helmick

    Peter Matthews talks with East Contra Costa, CA, Fire Protection District Fire Chief Brian Helmick about the recent policy of limited interior fire attacks at structure fires. Helmick called the policy the toughest decision in his 20-plus year career, stating the district's funding model, which has not changed since the 1970s, only allows for three engines to over 250 square miles and creates long response times. Find out what led to the decision and how Helmick is working to improve the district's budget and future plans.

    About the Author

    Peter Matthews | Editor-in-Chief/Conference Director

    Peter Matthews is the conference director and editor-in-chief of Firehouse. He has worked at Firehouse since 1999, serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, NY, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, NY, and Laurel, MD, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood, NY. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department.        

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