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038-A Talk with the Firefighter Who Created Many of the Tools You Use.
Posted On 20 May 2014
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About Firefighter Toolbox Episode 38:
In this firefighter training episode, I talk with Capt Bob Farrell about the creation of the Halligan bar, Pro Bar, Shove Knife, Saws, Maxximus Halligan, and many more that Capt Farrell created or knows the story behind it.
We also talk about awesome stories throughout his career, 9/11, how the coffin cut, trench cut and so much more was created and named. This is a once in a lifetime interview and it’s one of my favorites.
Capt Farrell’s career spans the times in the 60’s & 70’s known as “The War Years”
Captain Farrell’s tenure at Engine 82 / Ladder 31 was considered the “The War Years” (1960’s
-1970’s) and was arguably the busiest firehouse in the world! The conditions in the Bronx
during these times were conditions similar to war zones. Companies would respond to fire
after fire, most times non-stop. And Bob was in the thick of the action for many years.
Topics include:
- How the ProBar was created
- How the coffin cutt was created and named
- How the Hydra Ram was designed
- How the Shove Knife was created
- How the circular saw was chosen to outfit FDNY and his ingenuity in testing the saws to know which one to go with.
- How the Face piece was designed
- What Capt Bob did during 9/11
- and so much more!
Intro by Frank Viscuso- Author of Step Up & Lead
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- The Maximmus
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- Capt Bob Farrell Receiving Award
Capt Bob Farrell
About Capt Bob Farrell (FDNY Ret.)
Capt Farrell has a historic career as a firefighter and officer with the FDNY and also as a firefighter who has made an incredible impact on the fire service as a whole. There is a very good chance that you have use a tool that Capt Farrell created. From the hydraram to the shove knife. It’s simply amazing all of the tools Capt. Farrell has designed or created and how he continues to do so today.
Once a firefighter always a firefighter.
What’s even more amazing is how Capt Farrell is a firefighter’s firefighter. It doesn’t take long to really appreciate Capt Farrell when you get to have a conversation with him. He is such a humble and like-able person who has a pure love for firefighting and the brotherhood.
Capt Farrell is also the founder and owner of Fire Hooks Unlimited.
Capt Farrell and FIRE HOOKS UNLIMITED products are standard issue in the largest and busiest fire
departments in the United States.
About the Firefighter Toolbox Podcast/Internet Radio Show
The Firefighter Toolbox Podcast/Internet Radio Show is an audio program for up and coming firefighters and leaders who want to become better at the ever evolving skill of firefighting and to continue growing into a better leader. We interview great firefighters, officers, and other authorities inside and outside of the fire service who bring great ideas, insights, and information to share with us so we can take our skills to the next level.
About The Game “Are You Smarter Than A Probie?”
David Soler and Firefighter Toolbox are also the creators of the “Are You Smarter Than A Probie?” game show. Listen in weekly as brave firefighters compete to answer 5 FFI/FFII questions on the hot seat and prove they are smarter than a probie.
New episodes every Tuesday. (Most listen to it on the commute to work, working out, doing chores or as a company training.)
To learn more about the show– Click Here
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Mentions On The Show
The Maximmus
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Additional Resources
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Thanks so much for this. It’s a public service to the entire fire service to share the experience, knowledge, and wisdom of Bob Farrell. Talking to Bob is one of my very favorite things in the world. I never hang up the phone without having learned a lot and having new things to think about. I’ll be sharing this conversation far and wide. Thanks!
Sean Wilson
Search & Destroy Fire Training, LLC
It’s important to know where the tools came from and and how they came to be. Bob seems to be pushing the envelope even when retired. He has asked guys for their input on his newer designs. Guys that use this stuff day in and day out. The knowledge and stories that come from him would make you want to sit all day and just listen. As a younger guy in the fire service I can’t thank Bob enough for what he’s done for the fire service. I can’t wait to see what he has on the drawing board.
Ron Burgess Jr
Truck Floor Training
Sean – Thanks for listening. I agree with you, it’s truly a treasure when the greats like Bob Farrell pass it on. Keep up the good work over at Search & Destroy Fire Training LLC.
Ron- I agree and also I feel Bob set an example for all of us that now matter how many years or accolades we have, we can always learn something from our fellow brother & sister firefighter. He is an inspiring guy.
Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work over at Truck Floor Training.
I would like to commend you on your website. You are truly doing a service for the fire service. We are very proud of Captain Farrell, and he is the benchmark of the FDNY. He is truly a legend, he is always willing to share his experience.
Thank You,
Lt. Paul Mastronardi
President
FDNY Honor Legion