"Your expertise in Advanced Fire Streams has helped our recruits gain confidence and trust in equipment they will be using for a lifetime. The knowledge and skills learned by our recruits will make them assets to their communities. Simply put, thank you." — Deputy Chief O’Connell, Brookline Fire Department
"I really appreciate you taking your time to give us this training. I got a lot out of it, as I’m sure the troops did. Looking forward to seeing you again." — Chief Philip McGouldrick, Cape Elizabeth Fire Department
"I would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the excellent training class you provided…. Many of those in attendance have already expressed their comments on the superb and interesting manner in which you shared so much information. We are sure that this experience will enhance the ability of our departments to do a better job for many years in the future. Again, our many thanks for all you have done to make our departments more proficient." — Charlie Fowler, Lovell and Saco Valley Fire Departments
"Don provided the OFD with excellent training and education. His presentation to the upper echelon of the Dept. was a key component to the success of (our) project aimed at improving Oakland FD engine company operations through upgrading hose and nozzles. Don was mainly promoting concepts that would make engine company operations more efficient and the fireground ultimately much more safe for both Members and victims." — Lt. Jay Comella, Oakland Fire Department
"Your…legacy with the Rochester Fire Department will be your role as guest instructor for our recruit classes. Your ability to communicate with fire recruits on their level and unlock the mystery of friction loss is amazing." — Captain David Kaltenbach, RFD
"No one in the fire service likes change, but you make a compelling case for change in how we operate, based on the obvious (at least to some of us) changes that have occurred on the fireground since most SOPs were written. And you do it with a great mixture of humor and authority and experience…. You will always be welcome in the Stoughton Fire Department as a brother and trainer." —
Deputy Chief Mark Dolloff, Stoughton Fire Department"It was precisely because of your insider’s understanding of engine company operations and your outspoken advocacy for change when it is called for that I recommended you to our chief of the Training Division to assist us in the review of our standard operating procedures for our engine companies. I can state with confidence that our people are safer today because of your willingness to address our specific concerns and your no-nonsense teaching style." —
Lt. John Plofkin, Westport Fire DepartmentPhoto below: Don Chambers with Ahrens-Fox.
